If you saw concerts in the 1970s or early 1980s, you remember it: general-admission seats, camping out overnight, the rush when the doors opened. You didn’t walk to your spot – you ran. It was part of the experience and part of the risk. Today, that world is mostly gone. Modern concerts – especially atContinue reading “From Chaos to Control – How Concerts Grew Up”
Author Archives: John Berkovich
Don’t Tell Me How to Have Fun
The World Cup game was still on; Canada was losing 1-0 to Morocco (they eventually lost 3-0), and the restaurant had reached that familiar stage of sports-watching anxiety where logic starts quietly slipping out the side door. Nails are being bitten, people are playing armchair coach and player, and anxiety is building as Canada triesContinue reading “Don’t Tell Me How to Have Fun”
Life In The Facebook Group: The “Anywhere in the GTA” Travel Question
Travel Facebook groups can be incredibly helpful. People share great restaurants, hidden attractions, scenic drives, and places most visitors would never discover on their own. But every now and then a question appears that is so broad it becomes unintentionally hilarious. It usually goes something like this: “Looking for a good hotel in the GTA.”Continue reading “Life In The Facebook Group: The “Anywhere in the GTA” Travel Question”
The Bartender Wasn’t the Problem
I was at my usual hangout with friends yesterday, settling in to watch England take on Norway in the World Cup – which England won. We had arrived early enough to grab good seats at the bar, order some food, and enjoy the pre-match conversation that always seems to happen before a big game. ThereContinue reading “The Bartender Wasn’t the Problem”
Some Places Should Stay Dog-Free
I like dogs. In fact, I’ve had a dog and understand why so many people consider them part of the family. They’re loyal companions, they get us outside, and for many people, a vacation isn’t complete if they have to leave them behind. We took our dog (Shepherd/Lab mix) on camping trips, to the cottage,Continue reading “Some Places Should Stay Dog-Free”
Your Lack of Planning Isn’t the Restaurant’s Problem
I’ll say one thing about the local hangout (and being by water): it inspires a lot of slice-of-life blog posts and provides a seemingly bottomless pit of ideas – most of which come by sheer observation or letting my mind wander. Anyway, less than half an hour before Canada’s World Cup match against Morocco thisContinue reading “Your Lack of Planning Isn’t the Restaurant’s Problem “
When the Band Changes And Somehow Stays the Same
If you follow a band long enough, you eventually realize something uncomfortable: the band you fell in love with doesn’t quite exist anymore. And yet… it does. That tension between continuity and change is what has kept classic rock bands alive for decades. Perhaps no band illustrates that better than The Rolling Stones. When peopleContinue reading “When the Band Changes And Somehow Stays the Same”
Thanks, Captain Obvious – We’re Watching the Game Too
There is a sports fan who does not watch a World Cup game so much as narrate it for everyone within earshot. I’m not talking about analyzing it or providing an interesting observation. I’m talking narrating it. “Two minutes left in the first half!” Thank you. We noticed the clock on the screen and evenContinue reading “Thanks, Captain Obvious – We’re Watching the Game Too”
The Facebook Help Desk
Local Facebook groups were originally created so neighbors could share useful information. However, many of these groups have quietly evolved into what might best be described as an unofficial customer service department for the entire town. Instead of contacting the place that actually has the answer, people often ask the Facebook group. And the questionsContinue reading “The Facebook Help Desk”
The Post That Turns the Entire Facebook Group Into an Argument
Every local Facebook group has a certain type of post that reliably produces the same result. It starts calmly enough when someone asks a simple question: “Can anyone recommend a good electrical contractor?” Or maybe: “Does anyone know a reliable mechanic in town?” Within minutes, the first helpful replies appear. “Try Mike’s Auto.” “Try theContinue reading “The Post That Turns the Entire Facebook Group Into an Argument”
