Category Archives: Lifestyle

For London to Thrive, Some Bubbles Need to Burst

By Jason Menard,

It turns out that, as we get older, those so-called bubbles don’t disappear. In fact, they grow more plentiful — and more insular. But for London to thrive, those bubbles need to burst.

In many cases, I consider myself an outsider on the inside. I believe it gives me a unique perspective, in both life and business, but by no means do I consider myself unique.

That statement may seem paradoxical, but it’s a perfect statement to explain why we, as a city, need to be aware not just of our experiences, but also of our self-imposed limitations. Continue reading

Volun-told? Volun-tell? I’d Rather Volunteer

By Jason Menard,

If you look at my social profiles or talk to me one-on-one, you might think that I’m not overly involved in my community. Some might suggest I’m not appropriately engaged.

I beg to differ. It’s just that I’d rather volun-teer than volun-tell. Continue reading

Canada’s London Has an Inferiority Complex

By Jason Menard

The eyes of the world will be on London in just a few short weeks — and it appears that our civic inferiority complex will be on full display.

Highlighted by a laser light show; edged with spray-painted trees, and bankrolled to the tune of $100,000, we’re going to take the opportunity to share with the figure-skating world that we are London — just not that one.

Sorry. Continue reading

The “C” Word (Relax, it’s Only Christmas!)

There’s a lyric in Sloan’s Underwhelmed which states, “The point is not the grammar, it’s
the feeling.” And for many companies, that sentiment makes it tough to get sentimental during this time of year.

Do they use the “C” word? If they show Santa, will it offend the Christians? Do I acknowledge Kwanzaa? What about Hanukkah? Diwali? Continue reading

Only One Answer for Newtown Questions: Evil Exists

By Jason Menard

I’ve always followed one key rule when I write a column — don’t just make a comment without offering a solution. But there are no answers to the tragedy that befell Newtown, Connecticut yesterday. Well, there is one — it’s just one we don’t want to face and try to obscure with justification, motivation, and explanations.

The headline on CNN.com asked, “Why? Why?” The sad truth is that there are no good answers to that question. Continue reading