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”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
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”
Some Months You Don’t Win. You Just Get Through Them
June 2026 actually started off pretty good. Work was going well. My body and mind were crackling with energy and enthusiasm. It felt like I was finally getting into an even stronger groove after a long, cold, snowy winter and a cool spring. Then, somewhere around the middle of the month, it was like someoneContinue reading “Some Months You Don’t Win. You Just Get Through Them”
The Four Layers of Noise
I like small restaurants. Not so much the fancy ones with linen napkins and quiet lighting. I mean the little neighborhood places – the ones with eight tables and a bar that might seat four people if nobody breathes too deeply. You go there because it’s familiar and comfortable. A place to sit down, eatContinue reading “The Four Layers of Noise”
johnberkovich.com 