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Monday 5 September 2011
Wednesday 17 August 2011
Coffee Is Black Gold in Switzerland
Swiss coffee giant Nespresso (a division of Nescafe) sold about $4 billion worth of coffee in 2010, according to the Wall Street Journal. Most coffee is served in single portions as espresso or 'cafe creme...' The pot of coffee is rare, and less profitable. The WSJ article reports that while single-portion coffee makes up about 8% of all coffee produced, it brews into 25% of the sales.
Nespresso is in a dispute with discount store Denner, about the unique capsules that serve 'Nespresso'. Denner produced a compatible capsule for a lower price (12 for 4 CHF at Denner vs. 10 for 5 CHF for Nespresso). A court in St. Gallen ruled that Nespresso was in their rights to block sales of the coffee knock-off capsules sold by Denner. This ruling resulted in empty shelves at Denner and a promise to resolve the dispute.
Wednesday 20 July 2011
Beer and Wine - No Big Deal in Switzerland
The Swiss don't automatically make the connection between bad behavior and drinking alcohol. Beer and wine are just two more beverages. They are available just about everywhere drinks are sold including a few vending machines.
Beer and wine are also two of the cheapest things in the country if you look in the right places.
You can buy 12 Heineken (330 cl) cans for 11.95 Swiss Francs (about $15 CDN). One German beer was "Aktion Preis" at 13.95 Swiss Francs for 24 500 cl cans! You can also snap one open on the way home and drink it at the bus stop and nobody will care. While it's not uncommon to see people sipping a beer on a train, it's also not done as often as you would think.
The Swiss are tougher on drinking drivers. The country recently lowered the acceptable blood alcohol level to .05 for drivers, compared to Ontario's .08. The outstanding public transit system in Switzerland helps keep drunk drivers off the road.
The more relaxed rules also don't eliminate problems. There will be alcohol related issues on a Friday or Saturday night in downtown Zurich. Rowdiness due to drinking is just not as closely associated with ease of access. "Stupid is as stupid does..." as Forrest Gump would say.
It is no big shock to see people drinking a beer mid-morning at an outdoor cafe. It wouldn't be assumed that person has a problem. They may just want a beer at 10:00 am. and it might be less expensive than the coffee, which is a whole other story.
Wine is sold alongside beer in most grocery stores. A wide selection of deep discounts are offered each day for both beer and wine. A major change from Ontario's controlled pricing. The Swiss produce excellent wines but little is exported. Wines from neighbouring countries seem to be more popular. A decent 500 cl. bottle of French wine sold today for 2.75 Swiss Francs or about $3.50 Canadian.
I'm not sure what system of delivering booze is better. Somehow, I don't think we're going to allow beer at a city bus stop anytime soon.
Beer and wine are also two of the cheapest things in the country if you look in the right places.
You can buy 12 Heineken (330 cl) cans for 11.95 Swiss Francs (about $15 CDN). One German beer was "Aktion Preis" at 13.95 Swiss Francs for 24 500 cl cans! You can also snap one open on the way home and drink it at the bus stop and nobody will care. While it's not uncommon to see people sipping a beer on a train, it's also not done as often as you would think.
 |
| Swiss commuter enjoys a Carlsberg on the way home from work. |
The more relaxed rules also don't eliminate problems. There will be alcohol related issues on a Friday or Saturday night in downtown Zurich. Rowdiness due to drinking is just not as closely associated with ease of access. "Stupid is as stupid does..." as Forrest Gump would say.
It is no big shock to see people drinking a beer mid-morning at an outdoor cafe. It wouldn't be assumed that person has a problem. They may just want a beer at 10:00 am. and it might be less expensive than the coffee, which is a whole other story.
Wine is sold alongside beer in most grocery stores. A wide selection of deep discounts are offered each day for both beer and wine. A major change from Ontario's controlled pricing. The Swiss produce excellent wines but little is exported. Wines from neighbouring countries seem to be more popular. A decent 500 cl. bottle of French wine sold today for 2.75 Swiss Francs or about $3.50 Canadian.
I'm not sure what system of delivering booze is better. Somehow, I don't think we're going to allow beer at a city bus stop anytime soon.
 |
| Two women chat over a beer at 10:30 AM in Winterthur, Switzerland |
Sunday 17 July 2011
Smoking Rates Almost 10% Higher in Switzerland.
In a country almost obsessed with environmental and personal health, it's odd that smoking still is so popular in Switzerland.
Although rates have declined since the peak in the mid-70's, 32% of males and 26% of females still smoke in Switzerland. The numbers for Canada, based on the latest Statistics Canada figure are 23% for males and 18% for females. While those percentage increases are 9 and 8 per cent, it seems like it's even higher.
Restaurants have only recently instituted smoking and non-smoking sections. A Canadian realizes how fruitless that exercise is after years of non-smoking in eating areas.
Buses and trains are smoke free. Airports now have smoking rooms.
The loose smoking restrictions are a contrast to rules on other things Swiss put into their bodies. There are much more strict restrictions on what is fed to animals that become meat.
Although rates have declined since the peak in the mid-70's, 32% of males and 26% of females still smoke in Switzerland. The numbers for Canada, based on the latest Statistics Canada figure are 23% for males and 18% for females. While those percentage increases are 9 and 8 per cent, it seems like it's even higher.
Restaurants have only recently instituted smoking and non-smoking sections. A Canadian realizes how fruitless that exercise is after years of non-smoking in eating areas.
Buses and trains are smoke free. Airports now have smoking rooms.
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| Smokers outside a restaurant in Winterthur, Switzerland. |
Friday 15 July 2011
SWISS DOGS
Dogs in Switzerland get royal treatment, but they have to work for it. On a Monday evening behind the train station in Winterthur, we observed a dog training class with ten 'students'. The instructor was strict and the dogs mostly obedient.
It is an adjustment to see dogs in stores in this tidy, tiny country. Dog owners take their pets just about everywhere with few problems. Animal behaviour is taken seriously and it seems every dog owner has put their pet in school. There are strict rules of behaviour for dogs and cantonal vets have significant powers.
But most of the better dog behaviour seems to be a commitment by owners to make life easier for their pet as well as the public. I have yet to see a confrontation between dogs on the street in Switzerland. It's refreshing to walk by any dog and not worry about temperament.
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| A dog waits patiently behind owner on a bus in Winterthur, Switzerland |
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| Two dogs barely take notice of each other in Switzerland. |
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| Take your dog to work day? |
Tuesday 5 July 2011
All Aboard Canada
Chocolate, cheese and clocks are old news.
The Swiss are still masters at their traditional items. But the best thing they do now is move people. The transportation system in Switzerland is a model for the world and WILL be coming to a bus/train stop near you. It has to eventually. Why not now? High speed rail isn't getting any cheaper.
The chicken/egg question about which comes first, the service or the demand, has been obliterated in this country of about 7 million tidy people. Admittedly, the perfect combination of density of population and high gas prices (about $2 Canadian per litre) prompted the move to the rail life. That it works perfectly here doesn't mean it can't work, or isn't the right thing for Canada.
The Swiss transportation system works for two reasons:
- it's unfailingly reliable
- public transit is option one for most people, not a compromise to owning a car.
TIMING
You can truly set your watch to the train schedules. If the train is scheduled to leave at 7:12, it will do so. Connections are easily made and you can dance around the country by train easier than you can drive in many cases.
DEMOCRATIC
Even the smallest villages get service in this country that often governs by referendum. Trains stop in even the smallest towns regularly. Hourly buses (more often during peak times) pick up the slack for any of the others and with good planning you can be dropped off a few steps from any door in Switzerland.
HOW TO REPLACE AUTO JOBS?
28,143 Swiss are employed by the SBB, the national train/bus service. This sophisticated network not only helps tourists, it has created it's own economy. It takes a large network of people to maintain the kind of service levels offered here and the SBB is a source of pride and jobs to many in Switzerland.
SELF POLICING.
On many commuter trains tickets are not even checked. You will get a quizzical look from the Swiss when asked if there is abuse of this. It's almost unthinkable to get on a train without a paid ticket. Most people would purchase monthly, yearly passes. That's not to say it doesn't ever happen, but too rarely to bother with. On inter city routes, tickets will always be checked.
Switzerland is not the only country way ahead of Canada on public transit. It's time we got onboard.
The Swiss are still masters at their traditional items. But the best thing they do now is move people. The transportation system in Switzerland is a model for the world and WILL be coming to a bus/train stop near you. It has to eventually. Why not now? High speed rail isn't getting any cheaper.
 |
| Train Station - Winterthur, Switzerland |
The Swiss transportation system works for two reasons:
- it's unfailingly reliable
- public transit is option one for most people, not a compromise to owning a car.
TIMING
You can truly set your watch to the train schedules. If the train is scheduled to leave at 7:12, it will do so. Connections are easily made and you can dance around the country by train easier than you can drive in many cases.
DEMOCRATIC
 |
| Geneva Train Station - Switzerland |
HOW TO REPLACE AUTO JOBS?
28,143 Swiss are employed by the SBB, the national train/bus service. This sophisticated network not only helps tourists, it has created it's own economy. It takes a large network of people to maintain the kind of service levels offered here and the SBB is a source of pride and jobs to many in Switzerland.
SELF POLICING.
On many commuter trains tickets are not even checked. You will get a quizzical look from the Swiss when asked if there is abuse of this. It's almost unthinkable to get on a train without a paid ticket. Most people would purchase monthly, yearly passes. That's not to say it doesn't ever happen, but too rarely to bother with. On inter city routes, tickets will always be checked.
Switzerland is not the only country way ahead of Canada on public transit. It's time we got onboard.
Sunday 26 June 2011
40 Years - Two Voices.
The mathematics are staggering for any organization. 40 years and just two "CEO's".
Fanshawe College Broadcast Journalism has seen a lot of changes. The program has switched locations from 'D' block to 'M' building. The Sony 110B tape recorder has been replaced by IPhones and Edirol digital recording devices. Each year, new students weave a new - and slightly different - square on the quilt.
But through it all, it's been Warren and Bob. Just two men have held the position of Program Coordinator at Fanshawe - in 40 years. Warren Michaels and Bob Collins made sure the one constant has been a high standard and a real-world environment.
"When I came in 1971 it was primarily a print program," said Michaels at the recent RTNDA convention in Halifax. "I said at the time we were going to change to an all broadcast program and quite a few people didn't like it."
Since then, Fanshawe BRJR has gone beyond the original mandate of community colleges and become a nationally recognized source of talent. Collins became program coordinator in 1980, after being hired in 1974
The steady hands of Michaels and Collins kept fundamentals locked into the curriculum. Those fundamentals taught in the classroom are immediately put into practice on the College radio/TV/web platforms - over and over again. The repetition goes back to Michaels' early philosophy that total reliance on classroom teaching wasn't good enough to prepare a broadcast journalist. Students had to get out and do it. Student reporters scour the city for news stories as part of their required learning. By the time they graduate, each of them will have prepared about 200 newscasts and covered dozens of stories. It's not the easy way, but it's always been Warren's and Bob's way.
Fanshawe students come radio-ready," says Bob Layton, award winning News Director of 630 CHED (Corus) in Edmonton.
Fanshawe graduates made up a good percentage of those in the audience at the RTNDA National Conference in Halifax. Some attended the school together, others know each other from daily news competition. All are connected through Warren and Bob.
After a picture of Warren and Bob was tweeted, a graduate from 1978 reacted with a tweet of his own about fond memories. Former students won many awards as professionals in Halifax and four current students won RTNDF scholarships. All are connected through just two men, Warren and Bob.
Fanshawe College Broadcast Journalism has seen a lot of changes. The program has switched locations from 'D' block to 'M' building. The Sony 110B tape recorder has been replaced by IPhones and Edirol digital recording devices. Each year, new students weave a new - and slightly different - square on the quilt.
But through it all, it's been Warren and Bob. Just two men have held the position of Program Coordinator at Fanshawe - in 40 years. Warren Michaels and Bob Collins made sure the one constant has been a high standard and a real-world environment.
 |
| Warren Michaels (L) and Bob Collins at RTNDA 2011 in Halifax |
"When I came in 1971 it was primarily a print program," said Michaels at the recent RTNDA convention in Halifax. "I said at the time we were going to change to an all broadcast program and quite a few people didn't like it."
Since then, Fanshawe BRJR has gone beyond the original mandate of community colleges and become a nationally recognized source of talent. Collins became program coordinator in 1980, after being hired in 1974
The steady hands of Michaels and Collins kept fundamentals locked into the curriculum. Those fundamentals taught in the classroom are immediately put into practice on the College radio/TV/web platforms - over and over again. The repetition goes back to Michaels' early philosophy that total reliance on classroom teaching wasn't good enough to prepare a broadcast journalist. Students had to get out and do it. Student reporters scour the city for news stories as part of their required learning. By the time they graduate, each of them will have prepared about 200 newscasts and covered dozens of stories. It's not the easy way, but it's always been Warren's and Bob's way.
Fanshawe students come radio-ready," says Bob Layton, award winning News Director of 630 CHED (Corus) in Edmonton.
Fanshawe graduates made up a good percentage of those in the audience at the RTNDA National Conference in Halifax. Some attended the school together, others know each other from daily news competition. All are connected through Warren and Bob.
 |
| Scott Metcalfe 680 News ND (L) and RTDNA President Andy Leblanc both graduated from Fanshawe College |
Saturday 18 June 2011
Western Fair Market
It's only an apple fritter, but to me it's a piece of art. It's also an example of why I've given up chain stores for purchasing almost anything. It's not a political statement, but a victory for passion over profit. I love food. Good food. It's just so much more fun to buy things that are made by people right in front of you. Food is important enough for us to care where it came from. Our favourite market is the Western Fair Market (each Saturday) in London.
THE APPLE FRITTER AS A METAPHOR
A chain store, which needs no publicity, claims to make an apple fritter. They should not be allowed to use the same name as the little pieces of art sculpted by Jacques van Rijn of the Dutch Bakery (296 Wellington Street in St.Thomas). van Rijn's constant smile and internationally renowned recipe for apple fritters are the first thing you smell as you approach the front door of the Western Fair market.
There is a fresh slice of apple in each fritter surrounded by custard. Usually, they are warm and you can buy 13 for $13.00. What the chain store calls an apple fritter is .95 cents. It's like comparing your mothers homemade soup to something from a red and white can. The chain store fritter could be a widget. It's simply part of the quarterly dividend formula. In fact, that's a better name for them - apple widgets.
Jacques heart goes into his fritters and at each booth at the Western Fair market there is the same kind of story. If it's fresh meat you are looking for, you can bet it has a different taste than chain store meat. Cheese - same thing. Coffee - ditto. Fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh cut flowers - the same passionate approach.
You get stories, smiles and recipe suggestions. Oh, did I mention better taste and better for you?
"If it has more than five ingredients, you should be questioning it," said one vendor. "We need to change from eating to live, to living to eat." If that is to be true, why not turn food purchasing, preparation and eating into a more enjoyable experience?
We still go to the chains for some things. There was a great deal on toilet paper today.
This is not to be overly critical of chain stores. I'm sure they are necessary and provide lots of jobs.
To be fair, many are trying to improve service, but let's just say the chains can learn a lot from the heart that Western Fair market vendors put into their work. To these merchants fresh food isn't just a way to make a living, it's a way to make a living - while doing something you love. The moment it becomes just a business and artistry is forgotten - your business structure is in peril.
A good life lesson. Put your heart into your fritters.
THE APPLE FRITTER AS A METAPHOR
A chain store, which needs no publicity, claims to make an apple fritter. They should not be allowed to use the same name as the little pieces of art sculpted by Jacques van Rijn of the Dutch Bakery (296 Wellington Street in St.Thomas). van Rijn's constant smile and internationally renowned recipe for apple fritters are the first thing you smell as you approach the front door of the Western Fair market.
 |
| Jacques van Rijn has a passion for apple fritters |
Jacques heart goes into his fritters and at each booth at the Western Fair market there is the same kind of story. If it's fresh meat you are looking for, you can bet it has a different taste than chain store meat. Cheese - same thing. Coffee - ditto. Fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh cut flowers - the same passionate approach. 
You get stories, smiles and recipe suggestions. Oh, did I mention better taste and better for you?
"If it has more than five ingredients, you should be questioning it," said one vendor. "We need to change from eating to live, to living to eat." If that is to be true, why not turn food purchasing, preparation and eating into a more enjoyable experience?
We still go to the chains for some things. There was a great deal on toilet paper today.
This is not to be overly critical of chain stores. I'm sure they are necessary and provide lots of jobs.
To be fair, many are trying to improve service, but let's just say the chains can learn a lot from the heart that Western Fair market vendors put into their work. To these merchants fresh food isn't just a way to make a living, it's a way to make a living - while doing something you love. The moment it becomes just a business and artistry is forgotten - your business structure is in peril.
A good life lesson. Put your heart into your fritters.
Tuesday 14 June 2011
Looking Forward - Looking Back
It's nice when the pleasant past shows up at the event for the future. Commencement means beginning, not an end. Our Fanshawe College graduates have so much to look forward to as the electronic journalism business takes a turn for the better. They got their diplomas today (June 14th).
In the audience, welcoming the grads to the real world were many supportive parents and friends. Among them was a great childhood friend - my cousin - Randy Debeck, who now lives in Dresden. Randy's step-daughter, Amberli Sullivan, is a graduate of our Radio Broadcasting program. I haven't seen Randy, except on Facebook, for about 30 years. The same jokes started flying immediately. We talked about the Miami Heat losing to Dallas, just like we would have in high school. The moment I saw him, I instinctively blurted "Neely.." That was Randy's nickname in high school - after the former Leaf defenseman that hardly anyone would or should remember.
At a tender age, just after the separation of my parents, Randy became my rock. I never thanked him but I know he knows how it was. Our similar interests included sports of all kinds - especially hockey,
baseball - and music. A lot of Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadians and ABBA, something I don't mind admitting 34 years later.
We won a bantam softball title together in Kent Bridge under coaches Lloyd Conliffe and John Cunningham. Randy was the power hitting star and I was a pain in the butt to the coaches in the early going. Living out some teen angst, I guess. Randy's good nature and loyalty helped me through what I thought were difficult years. They weren't so tough looking back but you don't know it at the time.
It was great to share warm memories with an old friend and to see new friends begin their lives as professionals. That one of those young professionals is the daughter of a childhood friend/relative only stings a bit. A great day overall.
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| Fanshawe BRJR 2011 |
At a tender age, just after the separation of my parents, Randy became my rock. I never thanked him but I know he knows how it was. Our similar interests included sports of all kinds - especially hockey,
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| Cousin Randy DeBeck (L) one of the greatest guys ever |
We won a bantam softball title together in Kent Bridge under coaches Lloyd Conliffe and John Cunningham. Randy was the power hitting star and I was a pain in the butt to the coaches in the early going. Living out some teen angst, I guess. Randy's good nature and loyalty helped me through what I thought were difficult years. They weren't so tough looking back but you don't know it at the time.
It was great to share warm memories with an old friend and to see new friends begin their lives as professionals. That one of those young professionals is the daughter of a childhood friend/relative only stings a bit. A great day overall.
 |
| The platform party applauds 2011 Fanshawe graduates |
Sunday 12 June 2011
Athletes and the Media
Some members of the Detroit sports media have been critical of Lions franchise DT Ndamukong Suh and his media relations.
Suh showed up Friday at the Lions player-organized training session. It was the last day of the spring workouts and one Detroit News columnist thought it was more than coincidence that NFL network cameras were also in attendance.
How much do fans want to hear from athletes?
In the NBA finals, Lebron James has faced difficult questions about his play, which include just 11 points in the 4th quarter of the first 5 games. These exchanges have been full of tension and an interesting subplot to the series. They do give fans insight into James personality and character.
Certain moments during interviews can have an effect on the series. The mocking of Dirk Nowitzki's illness by Lebron James and Duane Wade should be motivation for the big German-born forward heading to Miami for game 6.
The NHL and MLB have given access to reporters during games. Interviews done on the bench and in the dugout rarely offer dramatic insights. But an interview with an emotional golfer just off the 18th hole can be very memorable and great television.
I would love to hear comments from sports fans about what they want to see/hear from athletes. Should reporters focus on analysis and commentary and forget quotes? Is the viewer/listener/reader better served if the reporters don't have to face the athletes? Traditionally, that has been the role of the columnists who act more like a movie reviewer.
What is your preference?
Suh showed up Friday at the Lions player-organized training session. It was the last day of the spring workouts and one Detroit News columnist thought it was more than coincidence that NFL network cameras were also in attendance.
In the NBA finals, Lebron James has faced difficult questions about his play, which include just 11 points in the 4th quarter of the first 5 games. These exchanges have been full of tension and an interesting subplot to the series. They do give fans insight into James personality and character.
Certain moments during interviews can have an effect on the series. The mocking of Dirk Nowitzki's illness by Lebron James and Duane Wade should be motivation for the big German-born forward heading to Miami for game 6.
The NHL and MLB have given access to reporters during games. Interviews done on the bench and in the dugout rarely offer dramatic insights. But an interview with an emotional golfer just off the 18th hole can be very memorable and great television.
I would love to hear comments from sports fans about what they want to see/hear from athletes. Should reporters focus on analysis and commentary and forget quotes? Is the viewer/listener/reader better served if the reporters don't have to face the athletes? Traditionally, that has been the role of the columnists who act more like a movie reviewer.
What is your preference?
Saturday 11 June 2011
London Markets
Londoners love fresh food markets. To meet the need for locally produced food, even traditional retail outlets are freshening their approach.
Masonville Mall at the corner of Fanshawe Park Road and Richmond Street rents a corner of their parking lot to vendors each Friday morning. The Masonville Market is a nice attempt, but lacks the atmosphere of the cities other popular markets. The selection is also more limited. However, those who are selling fresh produce and crafts still bring their passion and product information that makes these experiences worthwhile.
"People really ask a lot of questions about where we grew this and what ingredients are in that," said one vendor.
On this Friday morning, the first fresh strawberries of the season are available. The heavy rain early in the spring didn't hurt the crop too much. The planting was done early enough and the recent warm temperatures made for berries with good size and flavour. The early local crop seem a bit pricey at $5 per quart but the price will likely come down.
The Masonville Market serves those in North London who like a closer connection to what they eat. Residents in South London will soon have a place to pick over the best fresh produce. A fresh food market is planned for the corner of Adelaide and Southdale.
Even the Covent Garden Market in downtown London, supplying fresh food since the mid-1800's had to react to the demand. They added an outdoor market to supplement their indoor service. The atmosphere is outstanding with live music and free samples that give a warmer feel to the whole experience. The downtown location also helps create energy. Free parking on Saturday (2 hours) helps, as well.
The Covent Garden Market has certainly responded to all the competition. The Grandfather of all markets has a bright future with the building of the two Renaissance apartments/condos bringing hundreds of customers just steps away.
NEXT BLOG: The Western Fair Farmers Market. Open each Saturday from 8:00 until 3:00pm.
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| Masonville Market, London |
"People really ask a lot of questions about where we grew this and what ingredients are in that," said one vendor.
On this Friday morning, the first fresh strawberries of the season are available. The heavy rain early in the spring didn't hurt the crop too much. The planting was done early enough and the recent warm temperatures made for berries with good size and flavour. The early local crop seem a bit pricey at $5 per quart but the price will likely come down. |
| Masonville Market |
The Masonville Market serves those in North London who like a closer connection to what they eat. Residents in South London will soon have a place to pick over the best fresh produce. A fresh food market is planned for the corner of Adelaide and Southdale.
Even the Covent Garden Market in downtown London, supplying fresh food since the mid-1800's had to react to the demand. They added an outdoor market to supplement their indoor service. The atmosphere is outstanding with live music and free samples that give a warmer feel to the whole experience. The downtown location also helps create energy. Free parking on Saturday (2 hours) helps, as well.
 |
| 20 month-old Emmett enjoying the sounds of the Covent outdoor market |
NEXT BLOG: The Western Fair Farmers Market. Open each Saturday from 8:00 until 3:00pm.
Tuesday 7 June 2011
Bright Future for News
You may have noticed several job ads posted by CTV for Western Canada. Stations from Winnipeg to Vancouver are expanding their morning news programming by up to 3 hours per day.
Western Canadian viewers seem to think Canada AM is a Toronto morning show and the ratings aren't where CTV would like. Morning news has become a real battle ground in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver and the network is revamping. At the upcoming RTNDA convention in Halifax (June 23-26) one of the sessions will examine the growth in morning television news.
That means jobs. Jobs like we haven't seen in many years. 18 hours of news programming will be added to the CTV western Canadian lineup with Canada AM moving over to CTV Newsnet in the fall (on Western stations).
It's great news for budding journalists as CTV is looking for chase producers, writers, reporters and anchors in all Western Canadian markets. Many of these jobs are being filled by those in smaller markets and the trickle down effect is great for our students in Broadcast Journalism.
In addition, Rogers posted several job ads for their new all-news TV station in Toronto to compete with CP24. Global has also committed to a new mornings news program philosophy. CHCH-TV in Hamilton has just announced their morning news will begin at 4:00am.
It's probably not a coincidence these jobs are coming available the same week the CRTC releases a report that conventional television revenues are increasing.
Regardless of how it happens, we're happy at Fanshawe College that our students will have new opportunities. Polish those resumes and demos and send them to:
Paul Rogers, Senior Vice President CTV News | t 416.384.7120
paul.rogers@bellmedia.ca
9 Channel Nine Court Scarborough, ON M1S 4B5
Western Canadian viewers seem to think Canada AM is a Toronto morning show and the ratings aren't where CTV would like. Morning news has become a real battle ground in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver and the network is revamping. At the upcoming RTNDA convention in Halifax (June 23-26) one of the sessions will examine the growth in morning television news.
That means jobs. Jobs like we haven't seen in many years. 18 hours of news programming will be added to the CTV western Canadian lineup with Canada AM moving over to CTV Newsnet in the fall (on Western stations).
It's great news for budding journalists as CTV is looking for chase producers, writers, reporters and anchors in all Western Canadian markets. Many of these jobs are being filled by those in smaller markets and the trickle down effect is great for our students in Broadcast Journalism.
In addition, Rogers posted several job ads for their new all-news TV station in Toronto to compete with CP24. Global has also committed to a new mornings news program philosophy. CHCH-TV in Hamilton has just announced their morning news will begin at 4:00am.
It's probably not a coincidence these jobs are coming available the same week the CRTC releases a report that conventional television revenues are increasing.
Regardless of how it happens, we're happy at Fanshawe College that our students will have new opportunities. Polish those resumes and demos and send them to:
Paul Rogers, Senior Vice President CTV News | t 416.384.7120
paul.rogers@bellmedia.ca
9 Channel Nine Court Scarborough, ON M1S 4B5
Saturday 4 June 2011
The Great Blue Heron of Promenade
We have a new 'tenant' in our neighbourhood. It doesn't pay rent or condo fees.
A Great Blue Heron is entertaining to watch on a warm June Saturday afternoon. These amazing hunters love the ponds in our area for their plentiful small fish and frogs and there are plenty nearby.
I'm thinking this must have been a younger bird as it was quite uncomfortable with an audience. My wife, Dani, and I saw this majestic bird, which had to have a six foot wing span, fly over our house.
We grabbed the camera (Pentax X70) and headed for the water. The first sighting was from a distance of about 100 feet but before we could get the camera ready, away it went. After chasing the heron to three different ponds, the bird either got comfortable with us in the area or was just too hungry to fly away again.
What a fascinating bird to watch hunt. Patience combines with powerful striking ability that rarely misses.
The heron, it is said, hunts using keen eyesight. The recent rains made the water slightly grey/green. It seemed to favour the more shallow areas although did wade into water up to it's body.
It is interesting to watch the distinct shape of the neck just before the strike. When standing fully erect, the bird seems to be about four feet high.
We could watch this bird feed all day. The colour mixes in with the surrounding reeds and mud.
Wikipedia tells me the bird has few natural predators because of it's size. Occasionally eagles, hawks or horned owls will take down a heron, but it is rare.
The slow movements disturb nothing and it's amazing that a bird this big can move so quickly.
When it decided to leave each of the ponds you could hear the power of the wings.
It was quite a show.
Sunday 29 May 2011
Detroit
It was a little surprising topic for a tribute. The city of Detroit.
The city that's having as tough a time of any in North America right now was the subject of a downtown London festival on May 28th.
"Even people in Detroit don't like Detroit," laughed a merchant at the nearby Covent Garden Market. I guess there is some evidence that is true. Michigan was the only U.S. state to lose population in the latest census.
But, there is still something about the city of Detroit that many admire. There is a spirit and honesty in the Motor City that other cities would do well to emulate. Cities with more going for them. If you are from the area you are used to all the criticisms. Detroit residents are under no illusions they are beautiful to the rest of the world. But there is something to admire in their self awareness. If you know your weaknesses, there is always hope.
"Pure Michigan" is the promotional slogan of the state with radio and TV commercials voiced by actor Tim Allen, a Michigan native. The promotional push by Michigan has been helped by the recent value of the Canadian dollar.
The salute to Detroit day was part of an entire week of connecting with the Motor City. Bob Seger and Kid Rock made appearances at the John Labatt Centre during the week. The JLC also announced the Detroit Red Wings would play the Philadelphia Flyers in an NHL pre-season game in September.
Detroit has a lot to offer Londoners. For some reason those who think nothing of driving two hours to Toronto for an attraction don't think of heading west.
Conversely, a 2006 Statistics Canada study shows visits to Ontario from U.S. tourists has steadily declined since 2002.
It might be a good idea for both Southern Ontario and Detroit to start appreciating each other. Perhaps this weekend is a start.
The city that's having as tough a time of any in North America right now was the subject of a downtown London festival on May 28th.
"Even people in Detroit don't like Detroit," laughed a merchant at the nearby Covent Garden Market. I guess there is some evidence that is true. Michigan was the only U.S. state to lose population in the latest census.
But, there is still something about the city of Detroit that many admire. There is a spirit and honesty in the Motor City that other cities would do well to emulate. Cities with more going for them. If you are from the area you are used to all the criticisms. Detroit residents are under no illusions they are beautiful to the rest of the world. But there is something to admire in their self awareness. If you know your weaknesses, there is always hope.
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| Salute to Detroit Day, May 28 in London. |
The salute to Detroit day was part of an entire week of connecting with the Motor City. Bob Seger and Kid Rock made appearances at the John Labatt Centre during the week. The JLC also announced the Detroit Red Wings would play the Philadelphia Flyers in an NHL pre-season game in September.
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| The soulful sounds of Motown in London, May 28 |
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| Classic Chrysler |
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| Lions fan at Tribute to Detroit Day in London, May 28 |
Conversely, a 2006 Statistics Canada study shows visits to Ontario from U.S. tourists has steadily declined since 2002.
It might be a good idea for both Southern Ontario and Detroit to start appreciating each other. Perhaps this weekend is a start.
Wednesday 25 May 2011
Month of May
It's been a great month to celebrate the accomplishments of Fanshawe College Broadcast Journalism graduates. Fans of two of the four CHL teams at this years Memorial Cup in Mississauga hear the exploits of their team from Fanshawe voices. Tim Roszell (BRJR class of '04) calls play-by-play for the Saint John Seadogs on News 88.9 (Rogers). Roszell, a Chatham native, came to Fanshawe College in 2002 with one goal in mind - to make a career out of sports broadcasting and specifically play-by-play. When I see Tim hold the Presidents Trophy aloft, I think of all hard work he put into perfecting his broadcasting skills.
Tim took every volunteer opportunity he could find during his time at Fanshawe. He started doing play-by-play for the Strathroy Rockets junior B team with a single mic plugged into the team video camera. The games were viewed by coaches and players. While attending Fanshawe Tim did play-by-play basketball and hockey but also volunteered for Rogers Television. This month, he got a chance to call a rare championship winning, overtime goal as the Seadogs beat Gatineau in the QMJHL final.
The month of May continued to rain compliments on our students when the Radio and Television News Directors Foundation (RTNDF) announced the winners of their national scholarships.
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| Stefanie Masotti (L) Bernadette Lee |
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| Fadi working the phones in the X-FM newsroom with Sydonie Eggett Fadi Didi won the BNN Jim O'Connell scholarship for business reporting. Fadi prepared a documentary on private coffee and donut shops trying to compete against Tim Hortons. Fadi came to our program after graduating from the University of Western Ontario with an English degree. Fadi has a great future in our business and he lives in London, Ontario. |
Emmett Murphy was named the winner of the RTNDF scholarship for graduating students. He did a piece on singer Justin Corriveau, who is confined to a wheelchair but loves to sing in public. Emmett is from Ajax and has just been hired by NEWCAP Television in Lloydminster, Alberta/Saskatchewan.
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| Emmett (right) in studio at 106.9 CIXX-FM with Kate Roberts |
Two other students were awarded scholarships. Micah Iman of Regina, Saskatchewan has just completed her first year of studies. Micah won the CBC Barbara Frum scholarship for excellence in interviewing. Micah has secured a summer job at Regina country radio station Big Dog 92.7 (Astral). Micah will return for her second year of studies in the Broadcast Journalism program in September.
Zachary Currie won the 2011 Marketwire scholarship for 1st year students. The documentary he submitted was called Living With the Animals about a families difficulties dealing with students living in the same neighbourhood. Zachary is enrolled in our collaborative program with the University of Western Ontario.
There certainly is pride in sharing these achievements with the students in your program. Moreover, it feels great that their hard work is recognized in such a tangible way. Congratulations.
Zachary Currie won the 2011 Marketwire scholarship for 1st year students. The documentary he submitted was called Living With the Animals about a families difficulties dealing with students living in the same neighbourhood. Zachary is enrolled in our collaborative program with the University of Western Ontario.
There certainly is pride in sharing these achievements with the students in your program. Moreover, it feels great that their hard work is recognized in such a tangible way. Congratulations.
Tuesday 17 May 2011
Vin Scully - Catch Him While You Can
Few things can keep me up until almost 2:00am on a weeknight. 83 year-old Vin Scully broadcasting a baseball game will do it.
As Vin Scully might say, "it is the true artist who can wrestle through a crowded day and turn a mid-May baseball game into a symphony."
That's just what he did.
There was nothing special about the Milwaukee Brewers against the Dodgers on Monday, May 16th. But in his 62nd season of calling Dodgers baseball - every game Vin Scully broadcast is special. It's hard to imagine the game without him, but we'll have to deal with that next year.
"It's a mere moment in a man's life between the All-Star game and the old-timers game." - Vin Scully, 1980.
This game featured one of my favourite pitchers, Sean Marcum. A poor man's Greg Maddux who's clever, subtle pitching style was perfect for Scully's prose honed over thousands of games. Scully broadcast his first Dodger game in 1950. On this night, it's impossible to imagine he couldn't go on for years. He used statistics perfectly - when it was relevant to the game. His voice is still silky smooth and soothing. He missed nothing on the field but also used the monitor beautifully to talk to the viewers. I'm sure Vin Scully could have been a manager but I'm also sure Mozart could have sold tickets to the opera. Why waste great art on such mundane things?
Vin gives life to any game with beautiful words.
"That Marcum change-up just died of exhaustion on the way to the plate."
As Vin Scully might say, "it is the true artist who can wrestle through a crowded day and turn a mid-May baseball game into a symphony."
There was nothing special about the Milwaukee Brewers against the Dodgers on Monday, May 16th. But in his 62nd season of calling Dodgers baseball - every game Vin Scully broadcast is special. It's hard to imagine the game without him, but we'll have to deal with that next year.
"It's a mere moment in a man's life between the All-Star game and the old-timers game." - Vin Scully, 1980.
This game featured one of my favourite pitchers, Sean Marcum. A poor man's Greg Maddux who's clever, subtle pitching style was perfect for Scully's prose honed over thousands of games. Scully broadcast his first Dodger game in 1950. On this night, it's impossible to imagine he couldn't go on for years. He used statistics perfectly - when it was relevant to the game. His voice is still silky smooth and soothing. He missed nothing on the field but also used the monitor beautifully to talk to the viewers. I'm sure Vin Scully could have been a manager but I'm also sure Mozart could have sold tickets to the opera. Why waste great art on such mundane things?
Vin gives life to any game with beautiful words.
"That Marcum change-up just died of exhaustion on the way to the plate."
Great stories.
"At the age of one, Prince Fielder weighed 50 pounds."
..and just a little bit of baseball experience.
"The infield shift is common now, but it was big news in the 40's when Lou Broudreau first used it against Ted Williams."
The game was not a work of art as the Brewers stranded 14 runners but held on to a 2-1 win. The broadcast, which Scully still does without a colour analyst, was another masterpiece. The great Dodger pitcher Sandy Koufax once said, "this might sound corny, but I'd rather listen to Vin Scully broadcast a game, than play in one." So true.
Catch him while you can and make sure you have a chance to really listen. You will know baseball a lot better and love it more.
"At the age of one, Prince Fielder weighed 50 pounds."
..and just a little bit of baseball experience.
"The infield shift is common now, but it was big news in the 40's when Lou Broudreau first used it against Ted Williams."
The game was not a work of art as the Brewers stranded 14 runners but held on to a 2-1 win. The broadcast, which Scully still does without a colour analyst, was another masterpiece. The great Dodger pitcher Sandy Koufax once said, "this might sound corny, but I'd rather listen to Vin Scully broadcast a game, than play in one." So true.
Catch him while you can and make sure you have a chance to really listen. You will know baseball a lot better and love it more.
Saturday 14 May 2011
Ilderton Gem
The King Edward Restaurant and Pub is located in Ilderton, Ontario. It's just a ten-minute drive (north) from the corner of Fanshawe Park Road and Hyde Park Road.
Proprietors Rich and Deb Hunter deliver on their 'charming' English style pub with excellent food and a wide selection of beers. In this case, English cuisine is not an oxymoron. The Hunter's destroy any notion that English food is bland and lacks imagination.
The King Edward got off to a great start by having a favourite beer on tap. Fuller's London Pride was one of ten interesting offerings. The beer was served at a bit warmer temperature than I prefer but I was happy to defer to the English in this case.
My wife ordered the regular Sunday prime rib special with fresh vegetables, mashed potatoes and Yorkshire pudding. The price of $17.95 was reasonable for the quality of the food. The prime rib was about perfect for tenderness and taste. The big difference was the real carrots and potatoes.
Can I pause here to say something about carrots. Few food items lose their quality more than carrots when they are frozen. They are usually tasteless and mushy. However, roasted, fresh carrots are like an entirely different food item. The carrots at the King Edward were fresh that morning and we really appreciated the difference. The meal is not won or lost on the quality of the carrots. In fact, few would order them if given a choice. However, the way the humble carrot is treated is a barometer of how much care is taken in the rest of the offerings.
Before ordering the lamb special I did ask if it was a shank. After being assured that it was not the shank but a loin cut, I felt better. I wasn't disappointed. Lots of meat along with the carrots and real mashed potatoes and Yorkshire pudding. The gravy was a little starchy and I would have preferred some mint sauce with the lamb, but overall the meal was very tasty with generous servings.
I ordered the 3-course meal so I got salad and dessert with the meal. The salad was quickly served and fresh and basic. The soup was another option. Be careful on the dessert when ordering the 3-course meal. The dessert special of the day was pecan pie with ice cream and that's what I had to have. The board listed the dessert special at $4.45. We were charged the full price of that dessert on the upgrade, which was disappointing. The pecan pie soothed any hard feelings as it was delicious.
The King Edward also boasts a separate menu of chicken wings (50 flavours), burgers and fish and chips. There are also dishes from the colonial lands featuring curry and more exotic flavours. In summary, there are plenty of reasons to return and we will.
KING EDWARD RESTAURANT AND PUB
13239 Ilderton Road (Main Street)
Ilderton, Ontario
519-666-1991
www.thekingedward.com
Proprietors Rich and Deb Hunter deliver on their 'charming' English style pub with excellent food and a wide selection of beers. In this case, English cuisine is not an oxymoron. The Hunter's destroy any notion that English food is bland and lacks imagination.
The King Edward got off to a great start by having a favourite beer on tap. Fuller's London Pride was one of ten interesting offerings. The beer was served at a bit warmer temperature than I prefer but I was happy to defer to the English in this case.
My wife ordered the regular Sunday prime rib special with fresh vegetables, mashed potatoes and Yorkshire pudding. The price of $17.95 was reasonable for the quality of the food. The prime rib was about perfect for tenderness and taste. The big difference was the real carrots and potatoes.
Can I pause here to say something about carrots. Few food items lose their quality more than carrots when they are frozen. They are usually tasteless and mushy. However, roasted, fresh carrots are like an entirely different food item. The carrots at the King Edward were fresh that morning and we really appreciated the difference. The meal is not won or lost on the quality of the carrots. In fact, few would order them if given a choice. However, the way the humble carrot is treated is a barometer of how much care is taken in the rest of the offerings.
Before ordering the lamb special I did ask if it was a shank. After being assured that it was not the shank but a loin cut, I felt better. I wasn't disappointed. Lots of meat along with the carrots and real mashed potatoes and Yorkshire pudding. The gravy was a little starchy and I would have preferred some mint sauce with the lamb, but overall the meal was very tasty with generous servings.
I ordered the 3-course meal so I got salad and dessert with the meal. The salad was quickly served and fresh and basic. The soup was another option. Be careful on the dessert when ordering the 3-course meal. The dessert special of the day was pecan pie with ice cream and that's what I had to have. The board listed the dessert special at $4.45. We were charged the full price of that dessert on the upgrade, which was disappointing. The pecan pie soothed any hard feelings as it was delicious.
The King Edward also boasts a separate menu of chicken wings (50 flavours), burgers and fish and chips. There are also dishes from the colonial lands featuring curry and more exotic flavours. In summary, there are plenty of reasons to return and we will.
KING EDWARD RESTAURANT AND PUB
13239 Ilderton Road (Main Street)
Ilderton, Ontario
519-666-1991
www.thekingedward.com
Wednesday 11 May 2011
Whatever Happened To....
Whatever Happened To... The movie host?
One of the great pleasures watching movies on television used to be the movie host. Aside from making commercials bearable, they used to add funny skits, movie trivia and even pizza eating contests. No matter how bad the movie, or what time a day it was airing you felt an intimacy to the medium that today seems to forget there is a viewer on the other side of the screen.
Here are my three favourites:
1. Bill Kennedy. Kennedy was your frustrated actor/Hollywood insider who seemed to be 'slumming it..' as a movie host. Kennedy was born in Ohio, but after his acting career fizzled, he started hosting 'Bill Kennedy at the Movies" on CKLW-TV (Windsor) and later WKBD-TV in Detroit. He would always have a lit cigarette on the set and weave yarns about the movies being shown. He had bit roles in many films in the 40's and 50's including being the person to set Ingrid Bergman on fire in Joan of Arc. He was honest about the movie being shown and he balanced his encyclopedic knowledge with just enough bitterness about his average career to make him entertaining. He would sometimes take calls from viewers - which seemed to pain him. It was low-key, but you always learned something about the actors or the movies.
2. Hoolihan and Big Chuck. These two appeared on late night movies on Channel 8 (WJW-TV) in Cleveland, Ohio. They would occasionally reference the movie, but were best known for zany skits such as pizza eating contests, spoofs of Ben Casey and anything else politically incorrect. Bob "Hoolian' Wells was the station weatherman and "Big Chuck" was a station engineer. Hard to imagine that happening today. These two were legends in Northern Ohio.
3. Sir Graves Ghastly aka Lawson Deming appeared on Detroit television from 1967 to 1982. He was a native of Cleveland but made his biggest impact on WJBK-TV in Detroit, hosting Saturday afternoon horror movies. His show often started with him pulling a can of film out of a grave - great shtick. He occasionally made prime-time appearances and even did a stint in Washington. His jokes often contained adult material even though his show was packaged for kids. He was taken off the air in 1982 when college football took over Saturday afternoons. Deming died in 2007 at age 94.
Bring back the movie host, I say and the quirkier the better. There isn't a video game today that can compete with these characters. Television needs to go retro for some renewal.
One of the great pleasures watching movies on television used to be the movie host. Aside from making commercials bearable, they used to add funny skits, movie trivia and even pizza eating contests. No matter how bad the movie, or what time a day it was airing you felt an intimacy to the medium that today seems to forget there is a viewer on the other side of the screen.
Here are my three favourites:
1. Bill Kennedy. Kennedy was your frustrated actor/Hollywood insider who seemed to be 'slumming it..' as a movie host. Kennedy was born in Ohio, but after his acting career fizzled, he started hosting 'Bill Kennedy at the Movies" on CKLW-TV (Windsor) and later WKBD-TV in Detroit. He would always have a lit cigarette on the set and weave yarns about the movies being shown. He had bit roles in many films in the 40's and 50's including being the person to set Ingrid Bergman on fire in Joan of Arc. He was honest about the movie being shown and he balanced his encyclopedic knowledge with just enough bitterness about his average career to make him entertaining. He would sometimes take calls from viewers - which seemed to pain him. It was low-key, but you always learned something about the actors or the movies.
2. Hoolihan and Big Chuck. These two appeared on late night movies on Channel 8 (WJW-TV) in Cleveland, Ohio. They would occasionally reference the movie, but were best known for zany skits such as pizza eating contests, spoofs of Ben Casey and anything else politically incorrect. Bob "Hoolian' Wells was the station weatherman and "Big Chuck" was a station engineer. Hard to imagine that happening today. These two were legends in Northern Ohio.
3. Sir Graves Ghastly aka Lawson Deming appeared on Detroit television from 1967 to 1982. He was a native of Cleveland but made his biggest impact on WJBK-TV in Detroit, hosting Saturday afternoon horror movies. His show often started with him pulling a can of film out of a grave - great shtick. He occasionally made prime-time appearances and even did a stint in Washington. His jokes often contained adult material even though his show was packaged for kids. He was taken off the air in 1982 when college football took over Saturday afternoons. Deming died in 2007 at age 94.
Bring back the movie host, I say and the quirkier the better. There isn't a video game today that can compete with these characters. Television needs to go retro for some renewal.
Friday 22 April 2011
SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE
I just cleaned out some followers from my Facebook and Twitter accounts. We are close to a federal election in Canada and the 'noise' on two of my favouite social media websites is too much. It's like the worst of talk radio constantly playing. One side playing gotcha, then the other, then a third, fourth and fifth. Rarely do these comments have anything to do with policy or ideas. It's usually petty, shrill and full of vitriol. All sides using fear, all sides chiding. Turn it off.
Recently I watched the Nixon - Kennedy debate of 1960 on another of my favourite websites, YouTube. It was fascinating. What was striking was the civility. The media questions were thoughtful and well researched. The answers from both candidates were excellent. Kennedy was smooth and well rehearsed but not as much of an actor or a television natural as later accounts suggested. He did have great hair, even in black and white. Nixon was a bit awkward but also well-expressed and not nearly as outclassed as I thought he would be. In fairness, our recent debate was quite enjoyable and for that I give credit to the format and to Steve Paikin, one of the best journalists in Canada.
Yes, sorry to any of those who are offended that I no longer follow you. I think Twitter and Facebook are excellent vehicles for the exchange of ideas. But it would be nice if the discourse was elevated. We are lucky to live in London, Ontario where three quality people represent the three main parties. It would be easy to vote for any of them, regardless of the party affiliations. It's not that they aren't critical of each other, but it's easy to see that all three are intelligent and put their hearts in their work. We should follow their lead when we head into the social media world.
Recently I watched the Nixon - Kennedy debate of 1960 on another of my favourite websites, YouTube. It was fascinating. What was striking was the civility. The media questions were thoughtful and well researched. The answers from both candidates were excellent. Kennedy was smooth and well rehearsed but not as much of an actor or a television natural as later accounts suggested. He did have great hair, even in black and white. Nixon was a bit awkward but also well-expressed and not nearly as outclassed as I thought he would be. In fairness, our recent debate was quite enjoyable and for that I give credit to the format and to Steve Paikin, one of the best journalists in Canada.
Yes, sorry to any of those who are offended that I no longer follow you. I think Twitter and Facebook are excellent vehicles for the exchange of ideas. But it would be nice if the discourse was elevated. We are lucky to live in London, Ontario where three quality people represent the three main parties. It would be easy to vote for any of them, regardless of the party affiliations. It's not that they aren't critical of each other, but it's easy to see that all three are intelligent and put their hearts in their work. We should follow their lead when we head into the social media world.
Wednesday 6 April 2011
Green Better Off
While the Green Party of Canada fights "justice denied", they shouldn't fight too hard.
The recent court decision to deny leader Elizabeth May a spot at the debate table could be turned into the best thing for the party.
It seems many Canadians are fed up with politics as its being conducted in Ottawa. Why does Elizabeth May want to be at that table of discontent?
"Just like the rest," they would say. She sounded a lot like the rest of the leaders when she got a chance to join the debate before the last election. A lot of yelling is what I remember.
What Elizabeth May needs to do is distance herself from business as usual politics. Use the evening of the debate to do something creative like a town hall critique of all of the other party leaders. Use a live internet feed and promote it heavily. The mainstream media would do that if the Green Party approached it right.
The courts did Elizabeth May a favour. The Green Party needs an elected MP. They won't get that by joining a crowd that many Canadians seem ready to reject with an all-time low voter turnout.
The Greens should also use the debate denial to appeal to the youth constituency, where their momentum seems to have stalled. May finished a close second in a London, Ontario bye election in a riding heavily populated by students.
W.C. Fields said he'd never join any club that would have him as a member. A solid philosophy for Elizabeth May and the Green Party right now.
The recent court decision to deny leader Elizabeth May a spot at the debate table could be turned into the best thing for the party.
It seems many Canadians are fed up with politics as its being conducted in Ottawa. Why does Elizabeth May want to be at that table of discontent?
"Just like the rest," they would say. She sounded a lot like the rest of the leaders when she got a chance to join the debate before the last election. A lot of yelling is what I remember.
What Elizabeth May needs to do is distance herself from business as usual politics. Use the evening of the debate to do something creative like a town hall critique of all of the other party leaders. Use a live internet feed and promote it heavily. The mainstream media would do that if the Green Party approached it right.
The courts did Elizabeth May a favour. The Green Party needs an elected MP. They won't get that by joining a crowd that many Canadians seem ready to reject with an all-time low voter turnout.
The Greens should also use the debate denial to appeal to the youth constituency, where their momentum seems to have stalled. May finished a close second in a London, Ontario bye election in a riding heavily populated by students.
W.C. Fields said he'd never join any club that would have him as a member. A solid philosophy for Elizabeth May and the Green Party right now.
Friday 1 April 2011
Scott Metcalfe on the Fanshawe College Wall of Fame
Scott Metcalfe is the News Director of 680 News in Toronto. Scott is the newest member of the Fanshawe College School of Contemporary Media Wall of Fame. He'll be so honoured on April 16th at the London Convention Centre.
Scott is a great choice for this honour. Despite running the single largest radio newsroom in the country, he has always had time to mentor students and give advice to educators. While talking to Scott at various conventions, he'll ask about student prospects and I'm happy to oblige. As I describe the student, Scott will tap away at the ever-present Blackberry and a record is kept. This is not a token gesture but a genuine interest in the future.
He is calm. He is measured and thoughtful about covering news. I trust that all issues are fairly dealt with in his newsroom. And what a job that must be. 680 News, that unstoppable force and journalism's hungriest monster, is one of the highest billing radio stations in Canada. The pressure must be enormous, but Scott has the perfect personality to handle it. He's also helped set up the news 'wheel' in other Rogers radio stations.
Congratulations Scott. Well deserved.
Scott is a great choice for this honour. Despite running the single largest radio newsroom in the country, he has always had time to mentor students and give advice to educators. While talking to Scott at various conventions, he'll ask about student prospects and I'm happy to oblige. As I describe the student, Scott will tap away at the ever-present Blackberry and a record is kept. This is not a token gesture but a genuine interest in the future.
He is calm. He is measured and thoughtful about covering news. I trust that all issues are fairly dealt with in his newsroom. And what a job that must be. 680 News, that unstoppable force and journalism's hungriest monster, is one of the highest billing radio stations in Canada. The pressure must be enormous, but Scott has the perfect personality to handle it. He's also helped set up the news 'wheel' in other Rogers radio stations.
Congratulations Scott. Well deserved.
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