Last July I started reading 'The Toronto Star' online every day. But instead of reading a current newspaper, I was reading the 1914 paper. I lasted about two and a half months before external circumstances caused me to stop. I'd like to start again. There will be an overlap of a couple of weeks between what I read last year and where I'm starting now, but that will hopefully be enough to get back into the swing of things before moving back to school. The big difference this time... I prefer 'The Globe and Mail', so I'll be trying to use that newspaper instead, though there might be some switching around as time, resources, and other factors permit.

Last year I found that it’s one thing to sit down and read a book, even a lengthy one, moving through the battles and personalities and divisive actions of the First World War. It’s something entirely different to live without knowing, without having a sense of completion. It’s impossible to truly live through the suspense and drama of a different time period, but I’m trying to step outside hindsight and cinematic vision into the daily progress of the war, the wondering and waiting… I want to understand, in as much as I can, what the men and women of the time went through, what it was like desperately waiting for news that wasn’t available instantly. I want to know what they were told and feel the spark of hope that the forts of Liege will continue to hold out.

The Belgians are unexpectedly holding out at Liege, and it's been one positive note as the Germans advance and fighting begins on French soil.