Whenever someone mentions Prince, the following story comes to mind. And yesterday, when news of his death at 57 started burning up social media, it came back in vivid purple colour. It was the time Prince came to London, Ontario. In 1984, I was working at CKSL and so was Derek when his purpleness was spotted in the Forest City. As my friend Dan Brown writes, this was long before he lived in Toronto or had any ties to Canada. …
Perhaps you’ve heard of the latest dumb thing to come out of my city. I love London, but sometimes we lead the country in idiotic ideas. …
For years, when we drove down Colonel Talbot Road toward Lambeth, we’d look at a large, grey-sided house set back in a generous yard and oooh and ahh over it. It came to symbolize a “dream home” for us. It had an attached double-garage and looked very stately and beautiful. …
The End of a Dream Read More »
My on-air partner, Mike Stubbs, has long been the voice of the London Knights. He’s known far and wide as one of the nicest guys in broadcasting and after working with him for seven months now, I can vouch for that. …
Getting to Know Mike Read More »
We have a Halloween tradition that’s been going on for six years. We unscrew the lightbulb in the garden lantern, keep all the lights off in the house and stay in the TV room at the back and watch a movie. This year’s selection: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, which Derek had never seen. …
My sister-in-law Barb started a monthly magazine for the part of London we call home: Byron. …
It’s Sunday shopping all over again. Convenience store owners versus the government, over expanding sales of beer outside of the Beer Store. Â …
Brandt’s Randt – Beer Sales in Convenience StoresRead More »
Brandt’s Randt – Beer Sales in Convenience Stores Read More »
These photos didn’t make the Twitterverse or even this blog, I don’t think. But each one brings back a delightful memory of the year. …
Some Favourite Moments of 2013 Read More »
Tomorrow afternoon 15 local authors will gather with a book-centred TV show host at the London South Chapters to sign books, offer cupcakes and give attendees chances to win prizes. …
Tomorrow: Book Signing and Cupcake Fiesta at Chapters!Read More »
Tomorrow: Book Signing and Cupcake Fiesta at Chapters! Read More »
I’m giddy at the thought of tonight. I’ve been very lucky to be able to meet so many of the musical heroes of my youth. Â And one of them is coming to London to perform at the 10th annual Rock the Park and because Free-FM is presenting tonight’s entertainment, there’s a very good chance I’ll get to spend a little time fumbling for words in front of him! Â …
So the sixth time was the charm! After five cancellations because of weather, my milestone birthday gift got off the ground on Saturday morning.
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One thing about buying a fixer-upper is that you can make it your own and make it better than you found it. There’s still a lot more to do here. Weeds are popping up in driveway cracks and most of the basement still looks like an episode of Hoarders: the Tool Edition. But we’re getting to it all in due time. …
The Grass Isn’t Always Greener Read More »
We mostly see them on foot out our Free-FM window but further down the track there are drivers who try to race the train.  They’re morons and I take aim at them in this edition of Brandt’s Randt. …
Brandt’s Randt – Playing Chicken with a Train Read More »
Checked out a new Canadian Target store this week. Â On a scale of skip-it to wow, it’s better than okay. Â Â …
Much Ado About Target Read More »
It was a quiet and low-key weekend around the house as hubby prepared to take on a marathon week. …
My Husband, The Thespian Read More »
I’ll do my best to give a Reader’s Digest version about what our Mayor and his cronies have done.  Again. …
This Week in London News Read More »
We are quick to criticize politicians when things aren’t going well. Â Today I want to commend one for doing something right. Â …
Inspiring a Love of Reading Read More »