I have been out of Ontario for about six years and quite disconnected from left wing culture under the Harris autocracy. As a result, I was quite happy when this magazine dropped into my lap. I used to be a big fan of High Grader editor Chuck Angus’ band “The Grievous Angels” and had lost track of what they were up to. It articulates the same concerns for people and community that can be found in the band’s music. It is also a voice from Northern Ontario that I am sure doesn’t get heard all that often down here in the south. The letters to the editor and other correspondence highlight what an important role this magazine plays. I read it from cover to cover, and found the articles fascinating. At first glance, the stories may seem regional, even localized, but the one on the importance of outdoor rinks in northern communities had me waxing nostalgic for my own Ottawa childhood. I spent the better part of a day reminiscing about the old outdoor rink where we used to play. This is a well laid-out magazine with in-depth coverage of social issues. A pretty brave venture in the world of the sound bite. A must-read is Linda Pannozzo’s article on the Genuine Progress Index. It is a whole new way of looking at progress and wealth in a society. While possibly not everyone’s cup of tea, this magazine combines social critique with humour and underlines the value of community in our atomized world. (Jeffrey Mackie)
magazine, 40 pages, Mar-Apr 2001, $3, Chuck Angus (Ed.), Box 714 Cobalt, Northern Ontario, P0J 1CO