Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
An African Female Heroine and Racism
I studied Kinesiology at UCLA. I graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor in Science. I like science and I have studied science my whole life. Unfortunatly, not everyone studies science, grows up in Southern California, or takes the time to question the constant propaganda being put in front of them by media, corporations and especially political groups mainly for power and profit.
By John Charles Harman5 years ago in Viva
What Lipstick Suits Me?
We once knew someone who held the opinion that lipstick is what brings a look together. If she was going out with friends then lipstick was that final element that gave the whole outfit that finishing touch. You can see why. When someone talks to you it’s common to look at their mouth. Having beautiful lips draws the eye to the centre of the face and makes you more engaging. People want to look at you. You attract more attention...
By Cheap Stuff 4 All5 years ago in Viva
You Don't Speak for Me
When I graduated from University in the summer of 1999, my very middle-class roommate told me that now I had a University degree, I was no longer working class. I turned to her and said, "I will always be working class". At the same University, my older boyfriend told me that I should lose my Essex accent if I ever wanted to get a good job. On graduation, I was 23 years old and already 2 years behind my peers. Class is not straightforward to define in the UK. On household income alone, I earn less than ÂŁ47,000 per annum, which was the average middle-class income in the UK in 2011. In the UK, a child is two-and-a-half times as likely to have a managerial job if their grandparents were of a higher class. On a personal level, it is about identity, community, ethics, beliefs, values, family background, education, access to healthcare, among other things.
By JoJoBonetto5 years ago in Viva
A Glass of Merlot
It all started with a glass of merlot… I was actually looking forward to tonight. My first date in four years since my husband of 25 years had died unexpectedly from a heart attack while at work. I was a little nervous as it was our first meeting, but then, we had been communicating via text and email and then phone for the past month so I felt I knew him pretty well already. Yes, we met on one of those dating apps which I’m a little embarrassed to admit. Having married my high school sweetheart and had a wonderful marriage for 25 years, I never thought I’d be out there dating again, let alone looking online to meet my potential next great love. To say I was apprehensive about online dating would be an understatement but in today’s electronic age and with the new COVID pandemic guidelines in place, how else are you supposed to meet somebody? So, despite my apprehensive, my loneliness took me out of my comfort zone and I decided to give it a shot.
By Jennifer L Hensley5 years ago in Viva
Come What May
Come What May Today is the day. The date. The one with the handsome banker, who was so savvy and well spoken. I take a seat at the bar, 8pm sharp! I have been looking forward to this since we met. The waiter comes by and I hesitate, should I order or wait. I toss my options back and forth in a quick race of my mind and my breath lifts; “Merlot please,” I decide. “Six oz or nine oz,” the waiter continues. Of course, more questions, should I, argh, answer the questions! “Six oz,” I decide. Better less for now. I don't want to get too tipsy I think to myself. A few minutes go by and a napkin is placed in front of me with a glass of ruby red delight. I bring the glass to my nose and smell its sweet bouquet notes of cherry and plum as I swirl the wine to the rim of the glass. I wonder if he likes wine, I thought as the wine danced around my palette and the last notes of brassy Merlot left me wanting another sip. I look around the restaurant watching happy patrons laughing and carrying on munching on chef’s latest creations. My nose is tickled by buttery scallops as the dish passes from the kitchen. “May I live another day for just one bite” my hungry mind growls as I realize I haven’t eaten since morning. Why do I do this to myself I think, subdued. What is it about the busy day that takes me to such a preoccupied state? I take another sip of my Merlot and my thoughts soon dim.
By Yvonne Van der Male5 years ago in Viva
Estee Lauder
We know the name from the adverts on television and know that Estee Lauder is associated with beauty --- apart from this --- I didn’t even know that Estee Lauder was actually a woman who started a beauty empire. Who was she as a person? How did she become so popular? How did Estee Lauder become one of the 20 most influential business geniuses of the 20th Century?
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff5 years ago in Viva
