Vladamir Putin the President of Russia has hired a US PR firm to work on its image while it is the G8 leader this year. The country has more recently been building a perception of being more authoritarian – although Jon Higgins, CEO of the PR firm Ketchum gives it a different spin, blaming competing countries; "Russia is reviving as a very strong and independent state in taking decisions. Its… Read More »Back in the U.S.S.R.
This weekend saw two politicians thousands of miles apart in the in the news who are recognised for one thing – believing their values and standing up for them to the point of resignation. Robin Cooke (who died this weekend) may go down in history as arguably the greatest English politician never to have been Prime Minister – he resigned from the government on the eve of the UK's war… Read More »Do You Value Your Values?
Apparently – Culture! This was a play on a joke recently told on a New York radio station when comparing Toronto. But a survey released this week called the Anholt-GMI Nation Brands Index placed Canada in second spot behind Australia in terms of brand power – but only ranked 18th in terms of culture and heritage – something the surveys owner says is not unusual for Western nations. See the… Read More »Whats The Difference Between Canada and Yogurt?
Initially I was astounded and disappointed to see that Toronto had failed to secure the venue for the 2nd July Live 8 concert – if Canada needed to make a global impression and show we are on board with this initiative surely one the worlds most culturally diverse would have been the perfect backdrop – Barrie was not it. Then I saw all the complaining, whining, moaning about location, line… Read More »Branding A City
I was quite amazed by the news earlier today of Belinda Stronach crossing the floor of the house of commons to join the Liberal party and be appointed immediately to cabinet. "Power intoxicates men (and I assume women!). It is never voluntarily surrendered. It must be taken from them" – James Byrnes, US politician I am sure the speculation will continue for days, and even weeks if the Liberals survive… Read More »Belinda..Belinda..Where Fore Art Though Belinda!
This past weekend was a time to say thanks. Firstly to my Dad and the many thousands of veterans who served during the 2nd World War and were able to see the end of that war on VE Day and also to take a moment to remember those that unfortunately never lived to see that day. Secondly to all the Mums of the world and especially to Keri, my wife,… Read More »A Weekend of Thanks
"Lest we forget……" At my Rotary meeting this week we had a talk from a reverend who had previously spent 20+ years in the military, like his father before him and his father before that – even his son had followed suit. You wondered why – when he shared the story of a boy soldier wounded several times at Dieppe you understood – it was his father. I do not… Read More »Remembrance Day
'If the human race wishes to have a prolonged and indefinite period of material prosperity, they have only got to behave in a peaceful and helpful way toward one another ' – Winston Churchill Recent surveys both locally and nationally have highlighted the divide that is growing between those that have and the have nots. This is not just from a point of possessions and money, but it runs more… Read More »The importance of giving and community involvement
'We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.' – Sir Winston Churchill This weekend saw me celebrate another tradition that was new to me when I arrived in Canada – Thanksgiving, the closest tradition would probably have been Harvest Festival in the UK – a celebration for the harvest and the hope that winter was kind – I always hope that here!… Read More »Thanksgiving – Giving Thanks
"Politics would be a helluva good business if it weren't for the goddamned people." – Richard M. Nixon Firstly, yesterday was Canada Day and also the eighth anniversary of my arrival in Canada, I trust that a good day was had by all Canadians around the world. This is the first Canada day for me that I celebrated it as an actual Canadian citizen which gave me just a little… Read More »Oh Canada!