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Check FAQAbout 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.
Portfolio
Pluto Press
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Golden age or wasteland? A love letter to 1970s TV
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.
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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