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Rob Mckenzie

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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About Rob
Rob McKenzie is a versatile and quick writer, editor and researcher based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. His work has appeared in publications including South China Morning Post, The Globe and Mail, Orlando Sentinel, The National, National Post, Canadian Business and Bark magazine.
Languages
English
Services
Feature Stories Content Writing Corporate Content
+3
Skills
Business Current Affairs Science & Environment
+7
Portfolio

Pluto Press

04 Apr 2024  |  plutobooks.com
The article is a notification about an update to the website's Privacy Policy. It informs users that the policy outlines the methods and reasons behind the collection, storage, and use of personal data by the website. Additionally, it mentions the use of cookies, which are employed to enhance the service and user experience. The update encourages users to review the new Privacy Policy to understand the specifics of cookies usage and data handling practices.

Golden age or wasteland? A love letter to 1970s TV

04 Apr 2024  |  ottawacitizen.com
Rob McKenzie reflects on the era of 1970s television, particularly the impact of shows like 'Fernwood 2 Night' and their cultural significance. He reminisces about the catchphrases that dominated schoolyard conversations and the shared experience television provided when there were fewer channels and a more concentrated audience. McKenzie contrasts the high ratings of popular 1970s shows with today's fragmented viewership and notes the importance of local content in creating a sense of community. He acknowledges the simplicity of the era's TV content but also its profound impact on viewers. The article also mentions the passing of Fred Willard and the influence of 'Fernwood 2 Night' on later shows. McKenzie, who has a background as a television critic and is currently based in Abu Dhabi, offers a nostalgic look at the television landscape of his youth in Winnipeg.

The Fatima Al Ali story is so sweet, it's like the Ministry of Happiness scripted it.

04 Apr 2024  |  thenationalnews.com
The article tells the heartwarming story of Fatima Al Ali, who developed an interest in ice hockey while running the website for the UAE men's national team. Her passion led her to be noticed by Washington Capitals alumnus Petr Bondra, resulting in an invitation to the United States to watch a Capitals game. During her visit, she not only attended a game where the Capitals won against the Carolina Hurricanes but also got to practice with the team and meet her idol, Alex Ovechkin. Her visit coincides with the NHL's Hockey Is For Everyone month, and she is scheduled to participate in the ceremonial puck drop at a game between the Washington Capitals and the Detroit Red Wings.

If 2020 was an email, it would go to spam. Sorry, too soon?

04 Apr 2024  |  nationalpost.com
The article humorously discusses the challenges comedians face in making jokes about the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, which is described as a 'tide of events' rather than a single event. It highlights the difficulty in timing humor appropriately during a prolonged crisis. The piece is structured around a hypothetical interview with a comedian who shares '20 jokes about 2020,' touching on various topics such as the economy, historical comparisons, and political satire, particularly aimed at the Trump White House. The article also serves as an advertisement for the National Post, promoting its subscription service with benefits like exclusive articles, ePaper, and puzzles.

El Golpe

04 Apr 2024  |  plutobooks.com
The article discusses the investigation into a violent incident that occurred at the Mexican Ford Assembly plant on January 8, 1990, where nine employees were reportedly shot by thugs. The event was initially reported as an act of political repression and had significant implications for workers' rights in Mexico and the US. Rob McKenzie, an employee at the Ford Twin Cities Assembly plant in Minnesota, doubted the official narrative and embarked on an extensive investigation to discover the truth. His research led him to suspect involvement by the CIA. The incident, known as 'El Golpe' or 'The Coup', remains a significant yet largely untold story of political intrigue affecting labor relations between the US and Mexico.

Walking the walk in Sri Lanka

04 Apr 2024  |  thenationalnews.com
The article recounts the author's three-day hike through the Knuckles Mountain Range in central Sri Lanka, arranged by Moonstone Expeditions. The author describes the lush greenery, the wildlife encountered, and the interactions with local people. The guide, Asela, is a 19-year-old with extensive knowledge of the area's flora and fauna. The author also experiences challenges such as leeches and the physical demands of the hike, but finds solace in the natural beauty and cultural experiences, such as having tea with a local Tamil family. Despite feeling unwell, the author is aided by Ayurvedic tea and ginger tea provided by locals. The journey is not just about the physical trek but also about the immersive experience in nature and the simplicity of life in the mountains.

Golden age or wasteland? A Winnipeg native’s love letter to 1970s TV

04 Apr 2024  |  calgaryherald.com
Rob McKenzie reflects on the era of 1970s television, particularly the impact of shows like 'Fernwood 2 Night' and their cultural significance. He reminisces about the catchphrases that dominated schoolyard conversations and the shared experience television provided during a time of limited channels. McKenzie contrasts the high ratings of popular 1970s shows with today's fragmented viewership and notes the importance of local content in creating a sense of community. He acknowledges the simplicity of the era's TV content but celebrates its unabashed shallowness. The article also pays tribute to Fred Willard and his role in 'Fernwood 2 Night,' highlighting the show's ahead-of-its-time humor and satirical take on local television.

NHL stars like Ovechkin and Kessel judged by postseason performance

10 Apr 2023  |  thenationalnews.com
The article discusses the reputation of NHL players, focusing on Alexander Ovechkin, captain of the Washington Capitals, and his need to perform in the postseason to alter his image. Ovechkin, despite being a three-time MVP and leading the league in goals, is seen as a reference for underperforming talents. The article also touches on other players like Phil Kessel, the Sedin twins, Sidney Crosby, and PK Subban, who all have reputations at stake in the upcoming Stanley Cup playoffs. The author suggests that postseason performance is crucial for these players to either improve or worsen their standing in the eyes of fans and critics.

What the year 1010 tells us about the year 2020

01 Apr 2023  |  scmp.com
The article by Rob McKenzie reflects on the year 1010, drawing parallels and contrasts with the present day. It covers four main stories from 1010: the rare freezing of the Nile River during the Medieval Warm Period, the Viking exploration of North America and their violent encounters with the locals, the tall stature of men in the early Middle Ages attributed to agrarian lifestyles, and the completion of the Shahnameh, a Persian epic comparable to modern fantasy literature like 'Game of Thrones'. The article suggests that while our physical world and knowledge have vastly changed since 1010, human aspirations, fears, and love for stories remain constant. It concludes that considering the past can provide a calming perspective and a sense of community across time, as exemplified by the social unity in health care during eleventh-century China.

Growing strength of independent Mexican labor movement today draws on legacy of striking Ford workers.

11 Feb 2023  |  covertactionmagazine.com
The article discusses the historical context and the impact of the independent labor movement in Mexico, particularly focusing on the events surrounding the Ford Cuautitlán Assembly Plant in 1990. It describes the violent attack on workers by thugs hired by government union officials and gangsters, which led to a worker's death, a plant occupation, and a prolonged strike. The article also covers Mexico's economic challenges in the 1980s, the 1985 earthquake, and the political upheaval that challenged the PRI's dominance. It highlights the role of the CIA and the U.S. in Mexican politics, including the 1988 election fraud. The article concludes by mentioning the recent victory of the independent union SINTTIA at the GM facility in Silao, Mexico, and credits the legacy of the Ford workers' struggle for inspiring the current labor movement.

The enduring significance of the seven-day week

18 May 2020  |  theglobeandmail.com
Rob McKenzie, a freelance writer based in Abu Dhabi, reflects on the significance of the seven-day week in our lives, especially during times when the distinction between months has become less noticeable. He discusses the historical origins of the week, tracing it back to the Middle East and the influence of Babylonian astronomy. McKenzie also mentions failed attempts to change the weekly cycle, such as the 10-day week introduced after the French Revolution and the Soviet Union's five- or six-day continuous work weeks. He suggests that our preference for a seven-day week may be linked to our cognitive abilities to organize and remember, citing studies that support the idea that we can more easily manage and differentiate between groups of five to seven items. McKenzie concludes that the seven-day week aligns well with our mental capacities, making it a practical and enduring time structure.

Executive Travel: Efficiency is key at Kuala Lumpur business hotel

16 Apr 2020  |  The National
The article reviews the Element Kuala Lumpur, focusing on its efficiency and suitability for business travelers. The hotel, which opened in May 2017, is part of the Marriott brand and is located in the Malaysian capital's central area. The author describes a seamless late-night arrival experience, from the airport pickup to the room amenities, which cater to both short and extended stays. Despite the impact of coronavirus on occupancy rates, the hotel's general manager, Nikie Mok, is using the period to improve services and maintain standards. The hotel emphasizes ecology, forgoing plastic water bottles for filtered tap water, and has a hefty cleaning fee for consuming durian or mangosteen in the rooms due to their strong smell. The review also mentions the hotel's facilities, including meeting rooms, a gym, and an upcoming ballroom. The cost of a stay and airport pickup is provided, with the hotel's location offering proximity to dining and coffee spots near the Petronas Towers.

11 cabbie-recommended restaurants and dishes to try in Abu Dhabi

16 Apr 2020  |  The National
The article explores various restaurants in Abu Dhabi that are popular among the city's taxi drivers, focusing on the authentic and affordable meals they offer from different cuisines. The drivers, who hail from various countries, often seek out the comfort of food from their homeland. The journalist visits several eateries, including Iqbal Restaurant for Pakistani cuisine, Pinky Food Restaurant for Ugandan dishes, and Tasty Zone for Nepalese food, detailing the dishes and the ambiance of each place. The article also touches on the drivers' lifestyles, their long working hours, and the importance of easy parking and low-cost meals. The narrative weaves through the drivers' recommendations and the journalist's personal dining experiences, offering a glimpse into the drivers' lives and the culinary diversity of Abu Dhabi.

What my coronavirus tour taught me: Hong Kong is stoic, Italy laughs, Abu Dhabi swabs and Malaysia lags

17 Mar 2020  |  South China Morning Post
The author recounts their experiences with the evolving public perception and response to the COVID-19 pandemic during travels to Italy, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and the UAE. Initially skeptical, the author observes the transition from skepticism to acceptance and compliance with health measures. In Italy, the virus was initially dismissed, but attitudes shifted as the situation worsened. Hong Kong's strict measures impressed the author, while Malaysia seemed more relaxed. Upon returning to Abu Dhabi, the author experienced thorough health checks and decided to self-impose social distancing measures, despite not being required to quarantine. The author reflects on the importance of compliance and personal responsibility in mitigating the spread of the virus, noting the collective efforts in Italy and advocating for reduced social activity.

The very modern lesson the NHL can learn from the old-school WHA: How to go green

22 Mar 2019  |  The Globe and Mail
The article discusses the environmental impact of the National Hockey League's (NHL) travel schedule and suggests a 'play-and-stay' model to reduce carbon emissions. This model, inspired by the World Hockey Association (WHA), would have teams play multiple games in the same location before moving on, thus reducing the number of flights and associated carbon emissions. The author cites the International Air Transport Association and the International Civil Aviation Organization's efforts to offset carbon emissions but notes these do not cover total emissions. The article also references the Worldwatch Institute's data on fuel usage during flights. The author argues that the NHL could adopt this model, which is already used in minor leagues and Major League Baseball, to not only benefit the environment but also reduce costs and player fatigue while building stronger team rivalries.

q&a hoary but hanging in

31 Dec 2014  |  thenationalnews.com
The article reviews the Nokia 100, highlighting its durability, simplicity, and low maintenance, particularly its long battery life and resistance to damage. The author notes the phone's affordability and the trade-offs of not having smartphone features like a camera and apps. The article also includes insights from Nabila Popal of IDC, discussing the feature phone market in the UAE, Nokia's market share, and the popularity of various phone models. It is mentioned that Microsoft has acquired Nokia's handset operations and is phasing out the Nokia brand for Lumia smartphones.
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