By Jason Menard
Should Shmuel Fahri take down the gaudy ‘For Sale’ and ‘For Rent’ signs that have papered the City of London’s downtown core? Yes – but only if he promises to put bigger and better ones up in their place.
In fact, if the noise caused by the flapping signs is an issue, I’d recommend Fahri simply repaint the entire exterior of his buildings with the words “Space for Rent/Sale.” And use big, garish, gaudy neon colours that will shine in the night. Continue reading
By Jason Menard
Apparently, without knowing it, I dressed up last night for Hallowe’en. My costume? A curmudgeon.
It didn’t start out that way. In fact, I inadvertently dressed up as something else Sunday evening – a popsicle. And apparently the cold had an impact on the trick or treaters, or lack thereof, on the evening.
As we were accompanying our eight-year-old daughter through the streets on her mad candy grab (she was determined to hit as many houses as possible), we noticed a marked lack of younger children on the streets. Only a handful of babies, a few toddlers, fewer still children my daughter’s age, and a smattering of pre-teens braved the sub-freezing temperatures.
But there was one group that seemed to be out in full force – the teenagers. Continue reading
By Jason Menard,
When it comes to assault with a deadly weapon, should we add paperbacks to the list?
I’m not talking about getting a serious infection thanks to a particularly nasty paper cut. Nor am I talking about the danger of walking into a really sturdy street sign whilst reading a particularly engaging novel (not that I’m speaking from personal experience or anything…)
No, I’m talking about being behind the wheel of a 2,300-kilogram vehicle hurtling down the highway at speeds exceeding 100 km/h, all the while deeply engaged in the latest bestseller. Would that qualify? Continue reading
By Jason Menard,
The wonderful thing about working in communications is that it’s an ever-changing gig. Just when you think you have things figured out, something else pops up – and the whole game changes.
With that in mind, how do you know what rules to follow so that you – and your company – can win? Continue reading
By Jason Menard
If I had to change career course mid-stream, you know what I wouldn’t want to be? A teacher.
Well, to be honest, I’m thinking being a postcard salesman would be number-one on my list – really, does anyone send postcards anymore? Even if you’re on vacation most people simply send an e-mail with digital photos that they’ve taken themselves – beats the bejeezus out of those cheesy “Wish You Were Here” photos.
But besides that and a few other jobs involving sewage treatment and other similar tasks, I think being a teacher would tax my sensibilities. That said, I already have a solid grasp of one of the fundamental philosophies of modern teaching techniques.
The lowest common denominator. Continue reading
The M-Dash by Jason Menard 