Boiled. Fried. Baked.

AFTER spending most of my adult life on the east coast, you can only imagine my reaction to Calgary weather. It's the sunniest city in Canada. And it's dry. Not drink dry lol. Humidity dry. You can be hot in the sun. And very cool in the shade. Unlike Maritime weather where the higher humidity carries the heat into all crevices. This pic is from Tuesday afternoon around 4:00. It's only the 6th or 7th time I've spotted "dark" rain clouds in the sky during the last eight months. Oh yes, it's rained. But the clouds are usually light grey not dark or ominous. JB 

ADULTING is all about making good decisions. In my case. I'm at the grocery store and the spicy dill pickle chips are on sale. Two bags for five bucks. Or one bag for 2.99. I take two bags then put one back. As an adult I know if I take home two bags I'll eat both in one day. One bag in one day is enough. Right? 

Did you ever turn down a job that would have changed your life in unfathomable ways?  I did. And I'm glad I did. For all the right reasons. In the early 70's, Jim Keith offered me an on air position at the CHUM owned, CJCH Halifax. I had been recommended by Gary Crowell from Eastern Broadcasting in Moncton. Jim flew me down to Halifax from Sydney for the weekend. We met. Then the requisite tour of the facilities. Shook hands with staff etc. The offer was made. Jim called me on the Monday. I turned down the offer. He asked if I wanted more money or more vacation time. I said no. I told him I wanted to stay in Cape Breton. He was (obviously) quite surprised that I would turn down the opportunity to work at the biggest station east of Montreal. But he respected my decision.  And I retired in August 2020 after 52 years of radio. The bulk of my career spent on my beloved CB Island. 

Busy day? Need a calming break? Then I recommend Slim. I've been watching his videos for three years. His photography is actually superior to National Geographic. He has about 140,000 followers. I knew he is Canadian but only found out recently that he's from Calgary. His commentary is as gentle and as charming as his video work.  Here are a couple of links. His best stuff is before Covid when he traveled the southern US on a regular basis. Throw it up on the big screen in the living room. You won't be disappointed.  https://youtu.be/7Y8jnpoMF1U  https://youtu.be/ECBtxJYf00k  https://youtu.be/D0rwetsRvSc  https://youtu.be/iwBuL2jZSOs 

  I'm human. I react emotionally to the news stories I read. I am very much influenced by the tone of an article. My (virtual) rose coloured glasses allow me to remain positive and happy. But, I will delve into a serious and upsetting subject when I'm in the right mood or when I steel myself to my potential negative reaction. Around the time of the American election I succumbed to the great introductory Canadian rate promoted by the New York Times. I was already aware that the paper is perceived as slightly left of centre,  especially in their opinion section. But that was fine, I believe that my thinking is slightly left of centre. Well, I got my monies worth. I dove deeply into the digital version of the paper everyday before, during and after the election. Good for me. I was keeping abreast of the political, economic and health related aspects of our behemoth neighbour. But recently (mid February) I cancelled my subscription. Why? Reading about the attack on the Capitol Bui...

I've coined a phrase to describe the new norm in corporate radio -  Efficiency Branding . It has become a thing. Good example: the ten Bell stations recently re-branded as Move. To my old ears those stations really didn't change their format to any degree. Just the moniker. Why? Shared imaging. Shared visuals. Shared promotions. Shared voices. And most likely a shared playlist. I believe you'll see more of that in the future as radio income shrinks and profit margins narrow. Oh, it also allows for more networked (out of market)  programming. 

 I am so tired of advertisers and advertising agencies using lifestyle commercials for the wrong products and/or services. Yes, lifestyle advertising is very effective if you're promoting the cruise ship business. And due to government regulations, it’s one of the only ways to plug beer and liquor products in the media. But, don't show me dressed for success or drinking coffee unless it's an ad for clothing or coffee choices or espresso machines. Let’s take this one step further. Practical advertising versus emotional advertising. Or value versus feel good. I will ‘feel good’ behind the wheel of a Caddy or Mercedes. The Nissan Micra is the cheapest new car in Canada. So if you agree with this approach, the luxury models would benefit from lifestyle advertising. But the Micra is all about price and value for the money spent (practical). Another example: The safety features on a new SUV and the backseat entertainment unit for the kids (also practical).  But let’s get to the n...