John Berkovich

Rant No. 7: Do You Ever Stop Swearing?

I’m sitting here, trying to enjoy a quiet coffee and getting lots of work done, when, like a heat-seeking missile, he lands at the table across the coffee shop. He knows the people sitting there, but it’s obvious they’re not thrilled to see him. I know them too, and they have said they don’t likeContinue reading “Rant No. 7: Do You Ever Stop Swearing?”

Summer Is Not Over, People. Calm Down

Let me repeat that: It’s only July 16. And yet, if you listen closely—on patios, in lineups, even from your friend grumbling, you’d think we’re already packing away the sunscreen and hauling out the flannel. Apparently, summer is “half over.” Or worse, basically done. Why? Because the MLB All-Star Game just happened. Because the CanadianContinue reading “Summer Is Not Over, People. Calm Down”

Rant No. 6: The Let-Me-Tell-You-About-My-Diet Bore And Why You Should Try It Too

You know who grinds my gears? The Let-Me-Tell-You-About-My-Diet bore. You can’t sit through a coffee break, lunch, or a ten-minute conversation without hearing about keto, paleo, vegan, raw, low carb, intermittent fasting, carnivore, water fasting, lemon-cayenne detox, or whatever new thing they’re “doing this month.” It’s like they’ve found religion, but instead of saving yourContinue reading “Rant No. 6: The Let-Me-Tell-You-About-My-Diet Bore And Why You Should Try It Too”

The Perils of Living In A Basement Apartment

Many people, including me, have lived in basement apartments at one time or another. And with people seeking second incomes in these tough times, several people are renovating their basements to generate a few extra bucks. If you are looking for a place to stay, I can say from experience: avoid a basement, if possible,Continue reading “The Perils of Living In A Basement Apartment”

Rant No. 5: Why Are You Breathing On My Neck? The Checkout Line Invaders

Personal space matters. Especially in line. Especially when you’re at the grocery store, minding your own business, trying to keep it together in a world that already feels like it’s on fast-forward. In North America, personal space is considered 18 inches to four feet. So why do certain people feel the need to stand inchesContinue reading “Rant No. 5: Why Are You Breathing On My Neck? The Checkout Line Invaders”

When Being the “Go-To” Person Becomes a Trap

I’ve always taken pride in being the guy people could count on—Mr. Reliable, the calm in the storm, the one who didn’t flinch when a deadline loomed or something needed to be done on short notice. I never minded being that guy. I still don’t, at least when it comes to work assignments. I getContinue reading “When Being the “Go-To” Person Becomes a Trap”

The Wall Behind the Smile And Why I’m Friendly But Guarded

Most people would probably say I’m a nice guy, polite, friendly, easygoing, and good at conversation and meeting new people. I have been told I’m a good listener and approachable, with a good sense of humor, and I make myself easy to be around. And yet, if I dig deeper for a few minutes, there’sContinue reading “The Wall Behind the Smile And Why I’m Friendly But Guarded”

Rant Rant No. 4: The Tailgating Speed Demon Who Thinks They’re On The NASCAR Circuit

You’re driving a few miles over the speed limit, safe enough not to be a danger to anyone. You just passed the police with their radar out, but you don’t get pulled over because you’re driving responsibly, keeping up with traffic, and unless you are in a school zone, which you are not, they alwaysContinue reading “Rant Rant No. 4: The Tailgating Speed Demon Who Thinks They’re On The NASCAR Circuit”

Do Bands Get Bored Playing Their Biggest Hits?

Imagine being a chef and having to cook your signature dish, which made your restaurant famous every night for decades. While the applause and full plates are gratifying, wouldn’t a part of you yearn to experiment with new flavors, try out different cuisines, and push your culinary boundaries? For iconic bands who have been touringContinue reading “Do Bands Get Bored Playing Their Biggest Hits?”

Rant No. 3: When The Internet Can Teach You Anything … But Some Still Won’t Learn

We live in the most information-rich era in human history. You can learn anything with a few clicks — fix a leaky faucet, figure out spreadsheet formulas, speak Tagalog, or replace your brakes. There are step-by-step videos, forums, blog posts, Reddit threads, and entire communities built to help you solve problems for free. And yetContinue reading “Rant No. 3: When The Internet Can Teach You Anything … But Some Still Won’t Learn”