In Print: The Stories, People and Issues That Defined 2022 in Zoomer Magazine

Tara Losinski and Peter Muggeridge | December 29th, 2022

Irving, surrounded by memorabilia and family photos in his bunkie-turned-writing shack, complete with modern tech and old-school pen and paper. Photo: Paul Alexander

As the year comes to a close, we revisit some of the most noteworthy and insightful Zoomer magazine stories from the past 12 months.

From the staying power of stars and centenarians to evoking the past and the future to predicting food trends and battling food affordability, here’s a look back at 2022 in print.

Greedflation, Aisle Four (Dec. 2022/Jan. 2023)

In a timely article that tries to make sense of the “affordability crisis” that emptied our pocketbooks through in 2022, economist Armine Yalnizyan looks at the many factors that contribute to food inflation and investigates whether our grocery chains are profiting unduly off of rising grocery prices.

Quote: “The court of public opinion has entered the charge of greedflation — in other words, excessive profits made by companies riding the big wave of inflation. Guilty, or not guilty?” —Armine Yalnizyan

Dyeing to Fit In (Oct./Nov. 2022)

The ousting of 58-year-old, and recently gone-grey broadcaster Lisa LaFlame earlier this year by CTV News highlighted a double standard still in play in today’s workplace: gendered ageism. And as freelance writer Elizabeth Renzetti reports, working women who refuse to conform to age-defying beauty standards have not only gainful employment to lose but also imperil how much gain they get for their employment.

Quote: “I’d like to go grey. If I win the lottery or become extremely courageous, I might. But while I still live — and work — in this imperfect, sexist, ageist world, it’s the gloves and the brush for me.” —Elizabeth Renzetti

A Good Run (Oct./Nov. 2022)

With his books (and his books made into movies) topping favourite lists of readers and critics alike, we were excited for The Last Chairlift, the latest novel from John Irving. And more excited still that the author. now 80, granted Zoomer an interview about the book. Travelling to his cottage on Ontario’s Georgian Bay. Deputy Editor Kim Honey goes “behind the pages” with Irving — even getting a tour of his bunkie-turned-writing shack.

Quote: “The emotional impact of a story has always mattered more to me than the intellectual reasons for writing it.” —John Irving

Sick of the Drink (Aug./Sept. 2022)

We’re drinking more. Thanks, COVID! But, as writer Anne O’Hagan explores, we’re also seeing more about living without the drink, from mindful drinking apps to mocktail bars to Saturday Night Live monologues.

Quote: “Millennials gleefully proclaim their sobriety-day counts on TikTok – in keeping with their share-everything ethos. We can credit them for driving the sober-curious movement into the mainstream, but the question is whether this wave of wokeness about the negative effects of alcohol is hitting boomer shores.” —Anne O’Hagan

Classic Cronenberg (Aug./Sept. 2022)

Legendary Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg tells a veteran film critic why he keeps making movies, even at the age of 79. Brian D. Johnson screens Cronenberg’s latest gorefest, Crimes of the Future, and explains how the director continues to live up to his reputation as “Master of the Macabre.”

Quote: “Despite some graphic scenes of squishy gore, I found there was something oddly comforting about Crimes of the Future. Like the best of Cronenberg’s work, it cocoons us in a lush netherworld of exquisite disturbance, where horrors of the flesh are delivered with panache, and underscored by a sardonic wit.” —Brian D. Johnson

The Metaverse Decoded (Aug./Sept. 2022)

Tech writer Rob Csneryik takes us on a wild ride into the future as he speculates on what a full day spent in the virtual realm known as metaverse might look like. It’s a strange world, for sure, and even though you might not be visiting anytime soon, this article provides a fascinating look at how tech continues to reshape our world.

Quote: “In the metaverse, which is expected to define the next internet era — also known as Web 3.0 — users have immersive, often virtual-reality aided experiences, from hanging out with friends and playing games to attending concerts and buying virtual real estate.” —Rob Csneryik

Travelling Back in Time (June/July 2022)

Finding no roadmap for travelling with a loved one with dementia, writer Diana Ballon forges her own for a mother-daughter trip back to New Brunswick. She discovers that, with thoughtful planning and a flexible itinerary, the visit offered them the chance to make new memories and reconnect with old ones.

Quote: “For many of us, COVID-19 flattened our experiences and limited our options. In some way, I think dementia does the same. With isolation and lack of stimulation, minds can become dulled and turn in on themselves. But travel opens us all to new worlds and experiences.” —Diana Ballon

Diana Ballon with her mum, at Kingsbrae Garden, Saint Andrews. Photo: Courtesy of Diana Ballon

Constant Cravings (April/May 2022)

Leanne Delap helps die-hard foodies keep abreast of what’s hot in the ever-changing culinary world. From exotic fruits and vegetables to the latest trends in preparation, this feature (which ran as part of Zoomer’s annual Food Issue) includes mouthwatering images that seem to pop right off the printed page.

Quote: “We are cooking more, growing our own food, and reckoning with the food waste we generate. We are embracing old-fashioned homesteading tips and tricks to preserve food, out of respect for what we have, and fear of what we might not be able to get on the shelves. We are more conscious of eating locally and seasonally, yet yearn for rare and exotic fruit and vegetables.” —Leanne Delap

Dollyverse (Feb./March 2022)

She’s been recognized with the Jeff Bezos Courage and Civility award of $100 million for charities of her choosing (we have her own $1 million to thank, in part, for Moderna’s COVID vaccine). She’s been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — one in a very short list of country artists who have. And she’s confirmed a new (her 53rd!) studio album is forthcoming — a rock ‘n’ roll record, because why not jump genres at 76? And that’s just the news since November. Let’s be honest, it’s Dolly Parton’s world and we’re lucky just to be in it — and also to get 20 minutes with her, as writer Rosemary Counter did for our cover story of the megastar-humanitarian.

Quote: “It’s all a great compliment any time I get honoured for anything. But I don’t think I’m all that.” —Dolly Parton

Edible Art: A Treat for the Eye (as Well as the Tongue), That Can Also Convey Deeper Meaning

Inflation vs. Greedflation: Why Canadian Grocers Should Pass Their Profits on to Consumers