By Jason Menard
Amidst the lament of shopkeeps in the downtown area and discussions of empty seats at early events, some are question what the World Figure Skating Championships mean to London, Ontario.
The simple answer? Potential. Hope. A future.
And, most importantly, opportunity — to both build upon the foundation set by successfully staging a global event and to learn from our mistakes. Continue reading
By Jason Menard
He said it to us in confidence — a half-whispered commiseration designed to contextualize our sadness. “If we knew how this day would feel,” he said. “Nobody would ever have a pet.”
These words were uttered by our vet as we found ourselves in tears awaiting the end of our cat Chloe’s suffering. It was a gentle sentiment, but one that’s not exactly correct.
It’s a half truth, and I’ll get to the other half by sharing our story. Continue reading
By Jay Menard
Name-calling, questioning people’s intellectual capabilities, mocking, snide supercilious comments, mean-spirited personal attacks? It’s somewhat sad that the very behaviour that we discourage amongst our children has become the culture of choice for on-line discourse in London, ON.
I learned very early on that you don’t have to like someone and you don’t have to agree with them. But you have to be respectful of everyone and their perspective. And, most importantly, you have to value their efforts and ideas.
Sadly, it’s a lesson lost on many of those who purport to work for a better London, Ontario. Continue reading
By Jason Menard
When did diversity become a bad word in this city? At least when it comes to differing perspectives.
The other day, I spoke of bubbles that needed to be burst. Yet the continued rhetoric of this city seems to indicate that those bubbles are, in fact, growing more solid — and more divisive.
It seems some have forgotten that “differently informed” does not equal “uninformed.” Continue reading
By Jason Menard
It’s true that you’re never going to please everyone. But the day that you stop trying — or, even worse — stop listening — is the day that go from working to make things better to only making things better for yourself.
I’m not one of those who genuflects before the altar of Seth Godin, but I appreciate his insight and respect his experience, abilities, and intelligence. But as with anyone who engenders such a devoted following, the potential negative impact of his posts can have far-reaching effects.
Especially amongst those who use his gravitas as justifications for a misinterpreted message. Continue reading
The M-Dash by Jason Menard 