Derek and I emceed a fundraising walk and run last Sunday: The Learning Disabilities Association of London’s Going the Distance 5K. The weather was perfect and even though the turnout wasn’t tremendous, an elf and his canine sidekick made it special. …
A big, clean, sparkling kitchen with the latest appliances and plenty of room to work – who doesn’t want that? On Friday night we got to wander through several different but equally stunning working kitchens in the new GCW showroom and plant in St. Thomas. …
Hope, Fun and Food Read More »
My friend Dan Brown is a journalist at the London Free Press and a Professor at Western. He’s also got one of the best laughs I’ve ever heard, has a bigger collection of Hawaiian shirts than most people have shirts, and his wife Amanda is equally wonderful.  His latest column in the Freeps is one worth sharing so, with Dan’s permission I give you: I’m an XL guy in a slim-fit world. …
Equal Time for Men’s Stupid Clothing Read More »
Some people don’t see stealing the creativity of others as a big deal. I call those people idiots. …
You have until Sunday to buy a Smile Cookie at Tim Hortons and help fund children’s health charities in your area. Your Smile Cookie dollars stay in the community where they’re spent and you can even order the treats by the dozen for your office or for home. I’m told they freeze well. Â And at only a buck a piece they’re quite a bargain. …
Cookies for Breakfast! Read More »
My love for fall fairs is well documented on these pages. As long as I can eat something on a stick, pet a goat or a bunny and see something I’ve never seen before, I’m happy. …
It’s certainly possible that Elvis is alive, JFK was shot by his own government, the moon landing was recorded on a soundstage and the twin towers were brought down by the US administration. Anything is possible. But I don’t believe that any of those things happened. …
Conspiracy Theories Read More »
The world stopped turning on Tuesday as Apple unveiled its new gizmos. Then U2 came out and performed, proving it’s no longer what rock and roll is all about. …
The Cult of Apple Read More »
There are social media members who do nothing but post and repost happy little sayings about staying positive and chasing success.  It can be a full-time job to weed through it all but eventually, you figure out who is a good curator and shares only things worth sharing. …
Success Explained Read More »
As I’ve mentioned before, I audition like a maniac for all sorts of voice gigs. And I only win a fraction of them but I consistently get a fraction and I’m told that makes me successful! Â …
Voicing My Concerns Read More »
I read an advisory from the Ontario government that just got my goat. Â Earlier this week, the province released its new Strategy to End Homelessness. They’ve said this before and whenever a government says they’re going to end something complex you know it’s just a whole lot of hope and a bunch of money. Â So I randted. Â …
Brandt’s Randt – Feed the Kids Read More »
Did you enjoy our one day of summer on Tuesday? I went back and checked and at 29.6C in London it was our hottest day of the season. We did top 30C twice in June but it was officially spring then, not summer yet. I’ve been gloating a little bit because I love the cooler weather and it gives me a sliver of revenge on those who go on and on about wanting it steamy and hot. Â …
Hot Dogs in Hot Cars Read More »
A study came out from Pew Research that claimed those on social media are less likely to give their opinions, especially when they’re pretty sure their friends will disagree. They say the perception that grumpy contradictory people flood Facebook, Twitter etc is flawed. I say perception is reality. So I randt. …
Brandt’s Randt – Social Media Debbie Downers Read More »
It looks like the country’s broadcast regulator is finally catching up with the wants of the people, at least in one regard. They’re getting down to the finer points of changing the way we subscribe to cable and satellite television channels. Â …
Cutting the Cable and Dish Read More »
That’s the title of the theme from M*A*S*H and I always wondered why it was appropriate for a TV show about a war, but that’s a topic for another day. Now that we’ve had time to absorb what Robin Williams has done, I’m really hoping the dialogue around suicide and mental health will change a bit. I hope Williams’ universal appeal is enough to make some people learn more about depression and how it differs from ordinary feelings of being down or sad. Â …
Suicide is Painless Read More »
It’s so COOL to be negative about something everybody loves. We saw it with Robin Williams. In every stream expressing understandable surprise and sadness about Williams’ death, there was at least one fly in the ointment. My favourite? The guy who wrote, “my uncle killed himself last year. Where was the worldwide outpouring for him?” That’s what the social media BLOCK feature is for.
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Hating on the Haters Read More »
On Monday we slathered a fresh coat of paint on the ol’ radio station. If you listen to radio, you know how often announcers say the call letters or slogan. Perhaps you can imagine how tricky it is to start saying something different all of a sudden. More on that in a moment. Â …
Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss Read More »
Bill Gates has done it.  So have Oprah, Ricky Gervais, Martha Stewart and a host of other internationally famous people. Finally, ALS – Lou Gehrig’s Disease – is getting some much-deserved attention and donations.  And it’s all through a bucket of cold, icy water that has gone viral, quickly. …
The Ice Bucket Challenge Read More »