Aftermath of "Sandy."

I'm pleased to report that Hurricane Sandy which over the last few days has devastated parts of the U.S. eastern seabord had virtually no effect on the Klein household whatsoever (in case you were worried) even though other parts of downtown Toronto were affected.

In the past, this neighborhood seemed particularly prone to power blackouts, but we didn't have even a temporary blip without electricity. No flooding either.

My sympathies to others facing more difficult challenges due to the storm.

And tonight is Halloween. Here's hoping it stays dry long enough to let my sons collect their candy in comfort!

Don't lie

One key rule of crisis communications/media relations is - never lie. The public will forgive honest (and even occasionally dishonest) mistakes. But they will not be so forgiving of a lie that's meant to cover up a mistake.

That applies to you too, Lance Armstrong.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/more-sports/international-cycling-union-strips-armstrong-of-seven-tour-titles/article4627896/

My Home, My Castle?

Update - Today (October 22) Toronto police have just announced the arrest of a suspect in the recent spate of sexual assaults in the neighborhood. Apparently the suspect is fifteen (15) years old. OMG.

http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/newsreleases/pdfs/24794.pdf

I live in a "good" neighborhood in downtown Toronto. By "good," I mean that it's considered a desirable neighborhood to live in for those seeking a "downtown lifestyle." Housing prices start upwards from about $600,000 and a lot of urban professionals (young and not so young) choose to live and raise families here - if they can afford it.

Nonetheless - bad things also happen in "good" neighborhoods. Media are reporting that a sexual predator is making the rounds, attacking women in and around nearby Christie Pits park. Houses, garages and cars are being broken into with increasing frequency. Just the other day from my living room window, I personally witnessed an old woman walk into my backyard, into my garage, where she helped herself to the empty beer bottles that were in there. I have no problem donating my beer empties to those who are less fortunate, but it creeped me out to discover that my family's personal space could be violated so easily, and apparently so regularly.

The moral of the story? Bad things happen these days, even in "good" neighborhoods. And to my neighbors in Seaton Village, be mindful and take care of your possessions and of your loved ones.

"Work-Life Balance"?

A lot of people talk about it, but how many actually can find it in their daily lives? I'm a full-time hands-on father of two beautiful kids (ages 8 and 9) and have struggled with attempting to maintain a career along with active child rearing. Right now my focus is on finding a new job, but my summer was filled with early evening baseball games and practices, mid-afternoon summer camp pick-ups, birthday parties and other things that seriously eat in to one's "leisure time."

When I think about it, I don't know a lot of parents who can maintain successful careers, successful marriages (or relationships) and be great parents and role models at the same time. Are you one of them? I'm interested in hearing your stories. And if you have any leads on communications, PR or media relations projects, feel free to send them my way!