Oh Canada!!!

So I read today that CTV has pulled off the biggest cue of the week by buying the rights away from CBC for the use of the Hockey Night in Canada theme. What the hell is this country coming to? The Hockey Night in Canada Theme Song is an iconic symbol of what is great about Canada. It's synonymous with CBC, with Hockey Night In Canada (tm - CBC) and synonymous with a great tradition that is truly Canadian.

This is the song that meant it was time for families across this country to put down their feeble and petty pursuits and cheer their home team on to victory. This is the song that, for over forty years, has signaled the end of bad family conversations and watching uncle Bob and aunty May squabble over the price of bread and sent families scrambling to turn the boob tube to channel three.

CTV says it will use the song for all things hockey including its coverage of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Some say nice I say blah blah blah. This is not an olympic hockey song or a Monday night hockey song - it's a Saturday night, CBC blarring, Hockey Night in Canada Song. Delores Clamon claims that this song is like her child and she just wanted something fair for its use. Delores - the song is bigger than you!!! You've sold out and in the process ended something great.

CBC did the right thing. Given the state of the public broadcaster, I don't think it should have paid the reported price of $2.5 million. I do think however the government of Canada has spent more on less and could make a cultural case for buying the rights of the song for what it was intended. HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA!!!

The More Things Change....

First I will apologize to those who follow this column. Getting into a new work routine has taken a while and I have neglected this important outlet in my life. So here I am at 5 am waiting for a cab to take me to the airport as I head out for a week of client activity in Ottawa and Vancouver. It's been 4 years since I last was in this position and the butterflies are definately there. Will I still have it? Will I be able to deliver?

For anyone who goes through lifecycles these are normal questions.

The real key is to trust yourself and believe in you.

Hello world - Mike Randall Communications is on the move!! Watch out here I come!!
Mike Randall Communications
A Leader in Risk and Reputation Management
(506)878-3025

Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Election Fever (More like the heat from a brisk walk)

So on Monday residents across New Brunswick will head to the polls to elect our municipal politicians for another 4 year term. It begs the question - what relevance does municipal politics have on our lives - or any level of government for that matter.

For our municipal politicians in this region of the country - it's like a glorified volunteer position with little money, perks or acknowledgement. On the flip side municipal politicians are the ones that deal with the BS that erks us day in and day out. "My street has pot holes." "My neighbor's property is unsightly." "You can't allow that company to build that business there!" "The kids in my neighborhood are too loud." "Who will fix my lawn after the plow ripped it up this winter?"

Perhaps its the most day to day level of politics there is and yet we take it for granted. We will be lucky if we can get 30% of the population out to vote.

I have become so apathetic I have not met any of the politicians running in my ward. My Mayor is winning by acclamation (I think) so I don't even have to think about that one.

Come on people - start to realize the importance municipal politics has on our day to day lives and take it more seriously.

I for one will find out if I should be voting for Ian or Bill and....

I will find out before Monday!!!

When Thanks Is Not Enough

To an amazing team.... You know who you are.

I got home this evening and reflected on today and each of the days over
the past 2 years and realized just how fortunate I have been to have
been able to work with a team of such passionate and talented
individuals. Each one of you has touched my life in a dramatic,
profound and lasting way.

The beautiful gifts, the amazing team photo, julie's care package, the
wine, the cards and Erin's amazing poem were all way too much on top of
the joy each of you has brought to my life. I got home and read Erin's
poem to Ben and he and I cried together. He said " daddy they love you"
and I replied that love is what makes a group of people a team.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The words are not enough but they come with an enormous amount of love
and admiration. They come from one member of the SR and C family who is
better off for having spent time with each and every one of you!!!

Mike

--------------------------
Sent using BlackBerry

The Best Part of Travel Is Coming Home

Returning home after being away for a while is perhaps one of the single greatest feelings one can get. I was in Ottawa for a week participating in great conferences and also looking for new opportunities for the future. It was a week filled with high points and has given me even greater optimism that my recent decision to launch Mike Randall Communications is the right one. Great week and very worthwhile, but there was nothing like the feeling when I arrived home on Friday night and sunk into my own bed. It's everything good and safe. that's what your home should be.

Last night we took Max to a Kennel to enjoy yet another great night of food and friends. Okay place, but no love and care like he gets at home. The reaction when we picked him up today was like a giant sigh of relief. Now he's lying in the hallway - not wanting to ever move from his home, his safety net.

I guess that sometimes its important to go away so you know how good it is at home.

Welcome Home