Get ready, Germany. I'm bringing Canada's best tradespeople for WorldSkills 2013 in Leipzig @WorldSkills
Perhaps Mike had a change of mind? Or perhaps a hankering for some sun and a Corona?
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Mike Holmes En Route to Leipzig Germany for World Skills
Actually, Mike is no longer en route to Germany, he should be already there in Leipzig to support Team Canada in the World Skills competition. Posted yesterday on Mike's Facebook page:
Get ready, Germany. I'm bringing Canada's best tradespeople for WorldSkills 2013 in Leipzig @WorldSkills
Perhaps Mike had a change of mind? Or perhaps a hankering for some sun and a Corona?
Get ready, Germany. I'm bringing Canada's best tradespeople for WorldSkills 2013 in Leipzig @WorldSkillsPerhaps Mike had a change of mind? Or perhaps a hankering for some sun and a Corona?
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Mike Holmes: A Soft Spot for Hardwood
Who doesn't love a beautiful hardwood floor? They're durable, easier to keep clean than carpet, and if properly selected and installed, they can last a long time. In this article from the Montreal Gazette, Mike discusses why he has a soft spot for hardwood floors. He also gives advice on how to select the best kind of hardwood floor for your particular living space. Got kids? Pets? A propensity to drop heavy objects on the floor? There's a grain for that! Choosing the right type of flooring and maintaining it will ensure beauty for years to come!
From the Montreal Gazette:
Mike Holmes: A soft spot for hardwood
These floors have to last a long time so avoid following passing fads
After a decade, Mike Holmes still cares because he knows the work he, his crew and others do makes a real difference to the people they help.
Photograph by: Alex Schuldt/The Holmes Group, Postmedia News
I’ve got a soft spot for hardwood floors. I think most of us do. The main reason is that it doesn’t hold dust and dirt the way carpet does. If you have allergies or respiratory problems hardwood is a better choice. But let’s not forget the obvious: hardwood looks good — and it brings up the value of your home.
What’s the best hardwood flooring? I get that question a lot, but many considerations go into answering it.
The first question any flooring pro will ask you is what’s your household like? Do you have a lot of traffic? Do you have kids or pets? All of this matters in finding the right hardwood for your home.
If your floors need to handle a lot of traffic, you have to look at grain, colour and texture before you make your final decision. Don’t fall in love with something from a magazine or TV show, and don’t base your entire decision on just colour.
Be informed. Think about maintenance. Think about your lifestyle. Then think about what you want your floors to look like in 10 years, and what you have to do to keep them that way.
Busy life, busy grain
If you have the kind of home where dogs or cats are running around, people are always coming through, kids bring their friends over to play, then you want a busy grain. A busier, grainier hardwood helps hide scratches. Oak, hickory and ash are among the best for this.
Lighter and more natural colours are also better options if you’re worried about scratches, which darker stains really highlight.
In terms of maintenance, red oak natural is a good option. It will look great for years — even with a million scratches — because of its grain.
Light colours, light maintenance
Next, they’ll ask you about your maintenance expectations. Does everything have to look perfect all the time or are you okay with a little dirt? Do you usually sweep the floors every two days or every two weeks?
Any type of hardwood you choose needs to be vacuumed every four to five days. That’s the commitment you make if you go with hardwood. You can also Swiffer or dry-mop it. But whatever you do, don’t wet-mop it as that can remove the finish and make the wood swell.
Darkly coloured floors show dirt easily, so they need cleaning more often. That’s why I’m seeing more people go for lighter colours — but not everywhere. What might be popular in a small town won’t be popular in a big city, and what works for a home might not work in a condo. You’re usually dealing with different light and space — and that affects what’s best.
More texture, more leeway
More homeowners are also buying textured hardwood, which comes in oak, hickory, maple or walnut. Part of its appeal is that it’s new and different. Yes, it costs more than smooth wood, but it will look better for longer.
There are two main types of textured hardwood: hand-scraped and wire-brushed. Wire-brushed is done by machines, whereas hand-scraped is done manually by a craftsperson, so every single board is different. The craftsperson even stamps the back of the hardwood board (done more for quality control than value). But it also makes the craftwork authentic, and might even be a nice selling point if you ever decide to sell.
What’s the best hardwood flooring? I get that question a lot, but many considerations go into answering it.
The first question any flooring pro will ask you is what’s your household like? Do you have a lot of traffic? Do you have kids or pets? All of this matters in finding the right hardwood for your home.
If your floors need to handle a lot of traffic, you have to look at grain, colour and texture before you make your final decision. Don’t fall in love with something from a magazine or TV show, and don’t base your entire decision on just colour.
Be informed. Think about maintenance. Think about your lifestyle. Then think about what you want your floors to look like in 10 years, and what you have to do to keep them that way.
Busy life, busy grain
If you have the kind of home where dogs or cats are running around, people are always coming through, kids bring their friends over to play, then you want a busy grain. A busier, grainier hardwood helps hide scratches. Oak, hickory and ash are among the best for this.
Lighter and more natural colours are also better options if you’re worried about scratches, which darker stains really highlight.
In terms of maintenance, red oak natural is a good option. It will look great for years — even with a million scratches — because of its grain.
Light colours, light maintenance
Next, they’ll ask you about your maintenance expectations. Does everything have to look perfect all the time or are you okay with a little dirt? Do you usually sweep the floors every two days or every two weeks?
Any type of hardwood you choose needs to be vacuumed every four to five days. That’s the commitment you make if you go with hardwood. You can also Swiffer or dry-mop it. But whatever you do, don’t wet-mop it as that can remove the finish and make the wood swell.
Darkly coloured floors show dirt easily, so they need cleaning more often. That’s why I’m seeing more people go for lighter colours — but not everywhere. What might be popular in a small town won’t be popular in a big city, and what works for a home might not work in a condo. You’re usually dealing with different light and space — and that affects what’s best.
More texture, more leeway
More homeowners are also buying textured hardwood, which comes in oak, hickory, maple or walnut. Part of its appeal is that it’s new and different. Yes, it costs more than smooth wood, but it will look better for longer.
There are two main types of textured hardwood: hand-scraped and wire-brushed. Wire-brushed is done by machines, whereas hand-scraped is done manually by a craftsperson, so every single board is different. The craftsperson even stamps the back of the hardwood board (done more for quality control than value). But it also makes the craftwork authentic, and might even be a nice selling point if you ever decide to sell.
The most important thing when choosing hardwood floor is to be realistic about your expectations.
If you don’t want to clean all the time but you want your floor looking perfect, then a darker hardwood isn’t your best bet — even if you love the look.
Also, talk to sales reps and ask a lot of questions. Like, how will the floor look in five years, 10 years, or 20?
To stain or not to stain?
A stained natural wood is a bad idea if your flooring has to stand up to a lot of traffic because any scratches will reveal the lighter wood underneath.
A good alternative to staining is fuming. That’s when the hardwood is treated to activate its natural tannins. The colour seeps all the way through the board, so if it gets scratched it still looks okay.
Remember, hardwood is expensive, so you don’t want to have to replace it just because you followed a trend for bold colours a few years back.
Most homeowners can’t afford to change their flooring every five years. Plus, it’s a pain to replace. In most cases, the hardwood flooring you choose today will be the same one in your home 15 to 20 years from now. It’s in for the long haul.
Catch Mike Holmes in his new series, Holmes Makes It Right Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HGTV. For more information, visit hgtv.ca. For more information on home renovations, visit makeitright.ca.
If you don’t want to clean all the time but you want your floor looking perfect, then a darker hardwood isn’t your best bet — even if you love the look.
Also, talk to sales reps and ask a lot of questions. Like, how will the floor look in five years, 10 years, or 20?
To stain or not to stain?
A stained natural wood is a bad idea if your flooring has to stand up to a lot of traffic because any scratches will reveal the lighter wood underneath.
A good alternative to staining is fuming. That’s when the hardwood is treated to activate its natural tannins. The colour seeps all the way through the board, so if it gets scratched it still looks okay.
Remember, hardwood is expensive, so you don’t want to have to replace it just because you followed a trend for bold colours a few years back.
Most homeowners can’t afford to change their flooring every five years. Plus, it’s a pain to replace. In most cases, the hardwood flooring you choose today will be the same one in your home 15 to 20 years from now. It’s in for the long haul.
Catch Mike Holmes in his new series, Holmes Makes It Right Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HGTV. For more information, visit hgtv.ca. For more information on home renovations, visit makeitright.ca.
© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette
Friday, June 28, 2013
Mike Holmes for Nescafé
We've all been enjoying the Allstate TV ads Mike did, and before that, there was the rather humorous commercial Mike did for Filtrete brand air filters. Mike is not afraid to put his stamp of approval on products he uses or personally endorses. But did you know Mike has been doing endorsement deals since 2006? It all started with Nescafé brand coffee's "Start your day out right (so it won't go wrong)" campaign. Mike did a series of hilarious ads in Canada, coffee mug in hand, stressing the importance of starting things right with Nescafé. According to the Shaw website, "the partnership between Holmes and Nescafé was successful enough that his deal was renewed three times."
After a bit of searching, I actually found the Mike Holmes Nescafé commercials posted on the portfolio website of an Ontario-based graphic artist who served as the art director for the commercials. In his portfolio he writes the following regarding the ads:
The commercials really are worth a watch and can be viewed here!
Pictures:
After a bit of searching, I actually found the Mike Holmes Nescafé commercials posted on the portfolio website of an Ontario-based graphic artist who served as the art director for the commercials. In his portfolio he writes the following regarding the ads:
"And how it can go wrong. In this T.V. campaign for Nescafé we engaged celebrity home renovator Mike Holmes because he represented the ideal of “doing things right, the first time”. As Mike illustrates, if you don’t start your day with Nescafé, things can go horribly wrong. The idea is bigger than even Mike himself, so once established, we were able to move creatively into different territories, such as the “Lottery” spot."
The commercials really are worth a watch and can be viewed here!
Pictures:
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Mike Holmes Promotes Solar Energy
It's no secret that Mike Holmes loves cleaner, greener energy. He doesn't like so-called "green" energy for the sake of being green, he likes it because it makes sense, saves people money, and is renewable. Harnessing the power of the sun has been a dream of men for years, but only recently has the potential of solar energy been fully realized.
Speaking from first hand experience, there are are a lot of benefits to using solar to power your house. The biggest drawback, though, is probably the initial investment. Case in point, my grandparents had a full-electric house, one story, around 1500 square feet which they converted to full solar using 1BOG, the company that Mike Holmes is partnering with to promote solar awareness. The cost? Around $50K, pre-tax credits. However, being that their house was fully electric (no gas), and given that summers here can reach 120 degrees F on a hot day (as is expected this week), they are saving massive money on their heating and cooling costs. How much? Before solar, their average summer electric bill was around $400. Their electric bill last month was $12. Those are some savings you can sink your teeth into!
The following articles discuss Mike's campaign to promote and educate people about the benefits of using solar energy. Mike has also put up a solar energy information page on his website, which explains the ins and outs of equipping your roof for solar.
From CleanEnergyAuthority.com:
Mike Holmes, of HGTV fame, has launched a residential solar power education campaign on his Make It Right website.
“The sun provides us with more energy than we could ever use,” Holmes writes in his introduction to the Solar Power 101 post on his website. “It’s free, clean, safe and renewable. Why not harness it to power our homes?”
Holmes goes on to discuss different types of solar panels and different options for installing them, from buying panels and paying for installation outright to making use of the newer solar panel leasing model offered by a variety of companies. Solar leasing allows homeowners to install solar panels with no upfront cost and buy the electricity they generate from the third party that owns the panels on their rooftops at a fixed and predictable rate.
Holmes partnered with One Block Off The Grid for his educational campaign.
The solar company, which goes by 1BOG for short, has tried to position itself as the Expedia or Travelocity of the solar industry, offering price estimates and connections for various solar installers in a homeowner’s area.
The company welcomes the endorsement from Holmes, who hosts the remodeling show “Holmes on Homes” for HGTV.
“Mike Holmes is an exceptionally trusted source of information for all things related to homebuilding and renovation,” said Chris Stern of 1BOG’s parent company, Pure Energies Group. “We are proud to help him educate the public on the benefits of solar power.”
One Block principals said they’re excited that someone so high-profile in the world of home improvement is offering comprehensive education and outreach promoting residential solar.
Holmes explains everything from how solar panels work and connect to the grid to offset electricity costs to the technical differences between polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar panels and the advantages and disadvantaged of building-integrated solar.
“I like solar power,” Holmes said. “It saves people money, it’s clean and it’s renewable. What’s not to like? It’s a no brainer.”
From PRWeb.com:
Mike Holmes Teams Up With PURE Energies to Educate People About Solar Power
In an effort to educate people across North America about the value of solar, popular HGTV personality, Mike Holmes, will feature residential solar power education provided by Pure Energies on his website, Make It Right (makeitright.ca/solarpower).
Mike Holmes will feature residential solar power education on his website Make It Right (makeitright.ca/solarpower) to encourage people across North America to learn how solar power can help lower their power bills, and possibly earn them extra money while doing something positive for the environment.
Visitors to the site will be directed to 1BOG.org to learn more about whether solar is a viable option for their home. 1BOG works with each potential solar customer carefully to advise them of the best possible way to go solar, taking into account factors such as location, energy usage, size of their house, and tax incentives available in their area. Thanks to 1BOG’s unique position as a one-stop shop for solar, homeowners can explore power purchase agreements (PPAs), leasing options, custom payments and pre-paid opportunities from the nation’s top solar brands.
“Pure and 1BOG give homeowners different options,” said Mike Holmes. “And I’m talking about from some of the biggest names in solar. So you know you’re getting quality. It’s a great service and it’s free. Only pluses here.”
“Mike Holmes is an exceptionally trusted source of information for all things related to homebuilding and renovation,” said Chris Stern of 1BOG’s parent company, Pure Energies Group. “We are proud to help him educate the public on the benefits of solar power.”
“I like solar power,” added Holmes. “It saves people money, it’s clean and it’s renewable. What’s not to like? It’s a no brainer.”
For more information on solar power and its benefits visit makeitright.ca/solarpower.
About Pure Energies Group
In 2012, Solar Pure Energies acquired One Block Off the Grid and Cooler Planet, forming Pure Energies Group (“Pure”). The company is based in Toronto, Ontario, and is backed by NEA and NGEN. For more information, please visit http://www.pure-energies.com.
For information on One Block Off the Grid, please visit http://www.1bog.org, and for Cooler Planet, visit http://www.coolerplanet.com.
Speaking from first hand experience, there are are a lot of benefits to using solar to power your house. The biggest drawback, though, is probably the initial investment. Case in point, my grandparents had a full-electric house, one story, around 1500 square feet which they converted to full solar using 1BOG, the company that Mike Holmes is partnering with to promote solar awareness. The cost? Around $50K, pre-tax credits. However, being that their house was fully electric (no gas), and given that summers here can reach 120 degrees F on a hot day (as is expected this week), they are saving massive money on their heating and cooling costs. How much? Before solar, their average summer electric bill was around $400. Their electric bill last month was $12. Those are some savings you can sink your teeth into!
The following articles discuss Mike's campaign to promote and educate people about the benefits of using solar energy. Mike has also put up a solar energy information page on his website, which explains the ins and outs of equipping your roof for solar.
From CleanEnergyAuthority.com:
HGTV star Mike Holmes promoting solar
Mike Holmes, of HGTV fame, has launched a residential solar power education campaign on his Make It Right website.“The sun provides us with more energy than we could ever use,” Holmes writes in his introduction to the Solar Power 101 post on his website. “It’s free, clean, safe and renewable. Why not harness it to power our homes?”
Holmes goes on to discuss different types of solar panels and different options for installing them, from buying panels and paying for installation outright to making use of the newer solar panel leasing model offered by a variety of companies. Solar leasing allows homeowners to install solar panels with no upfront cost and buy the electricity they generate from the third party that owns the panels on their rooftops at a fixed and predictable rate.
Holmes partnered with One Block Off The Grid for his educational campaign.
The solar company, which goes by 1BOG for short, has tried to position itself as the Expedia or Travelocity of the solar industry, offering price estimates and connections for various solar installers in a homeowner’s area.
The company welcomes the endorsement from Holmes, who hosts the remodeling show “Holmes on Homes” for HGTV.
“Mike Holmes is an exceptionally trusted source of information for all things related to homebuilding and renovation,” said Chris Stern of 1BOG’s parent company, Pure Energies Group. “We are proud to help him educate the public on the benefits of solar power.”
One Block principals said they’re excited that someone so high-profile in the world of home improvement is offering comprehensive education and outreach promoting residential solar.
Holmes explains everything from how solar panels work and connect to the grid to offset electricity costs to the technical differences between polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar panels and the advantages and disadvantaged of building-integrated solar.
“I like solar power,” Holmes said. “It saves people money, it’s clean and it’s renewable. What’s not to like? It’s a no brainer.”
From PRWeb.com:
Mike Holmes Teams Up With PURE Energies to Educate People About Solar Power
In an effort to educate people across North America about the value of solar, popular HGTV personality, Mike Holmes, will feature residential solar power education provided by Pure Energies on his website, Make It Right (makeitright.ca/solarpower).
Toronto, Ontario (PRWEB) June 21, 2013
Pure Energies Group (“Pure”) and its US subsidiary One Block Off the Grid (“1BOG”) are celebrating the longest day of the year, June 21, by announcing a new solar power educational partnership with trusted contractor, Mike Holmes, best known for his television show, Holmes on Homes, on HGTV.Mike Holmes will feature residential solar power education on his website Make It Right (makeitright.ca/solarpower) to encourage people across North America to learn how solar power can help lower their power bills, and possibly earn them extra money while doing something positive for the environment.
Visitors to the site will be directed to 1BOG.org to learn more about whether solar is a viable option for their home. 1BOG works with each potential solar customer carefully to advise them of the best possible way to go solar, taking into account factors such as location, energy usage, size of their house, and tax incentives available in their area. Thanks to 1BOG’s unique position as a one-stop shop for solar, homeowners can explore power purchase agreements (PPAs), leasing options, custom payments and pre-paid opportunities from the nation’s top solar brands.
“Pure and 1BOG give homeowners different options,” said Mike Holmes. “And I’m talking about from some of the biggest names in solar. So you know you’re getting quality. It’s a great service and it’s free. Only pluses here.”
“Mike Holmes is an exceptionally trusted source of information for all things related to homebuilding and renovation,” said Chris Stern of 1BOG’s parent company, Pure Energies Group. “We are proud to help him educate the public on the benefits of solar power.”
“I like solar power,” added Holmes. “It saves people money, it’s clean and it’s renewable. What’s not to like? It’s a no brainer.”
For more information on solar power and its benefits visit makeitright.ca/solarpower.
About Pure Energies Group
In 2012, Solar Pure Energies acquired One Block Off the Grid and Cooler Planet, forming Pure Energies Group (“Pure”). The company is based in Toronto, Ontario, and is backed by NEA and NGEN. For more information, please visit http://www.pure-energies.com.
For information on One Block Off the Grid, please visit http://www.1bog.org, and for Cooler Planet, visit http://www.coolerplanet.com.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Mike Holmes Comments on the Flooding in Alberta
Last week, the province of Alberta in Canada was hit bit torrential flood waters, doing billions of dollars in damage and pretty much shutting down the capital city of Calgary. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who suffered damage and loss!
It's unclear if Mike Holmes has plans to lend his support to the recovery effort, however, he did take some time to comment on floods via a local Edmonton news show, comparing the carnage to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. He also offered some valuable advice to homeowners whose homes suffered water damage.
It's unclear if Mike Holmes has plans to lend his support to the recovery effort, however, he did take some time to comment on floods via a local Edmonton news show, comparing the carnage to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. He also offered some valuable advice to homeowners whose homes suffered water damage.
Mike Holmes Allstate Commercial - "Nightmare"
So if I get Allstate insurance, will I wake up with Mike Holmes in my bed? I love it! In this commercial, part of the "Good Life from Allstate" campaign, homeowners fret over insurance fears only to be consoled by Mike Holmes, who magically appears and assures them that they have the right coverage with Allstate. For more information about Allstate's Good Life campaign and Mike's involvement in it, refer to Holmes Spot blog entry Mike Holmes Part of the "Good Life from Allstate" Campaign. You can also visit the Good Life from Allstate web page, and read this news release about the campaign, which explains Allstate's use of home expert celebrities to promote the brand.
Pictures:
Pictures:
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Mike Holmes Part of the "Good Life from Allstate" Campaign
Mike Holmes announced in a recent interview on a morning show in Vancouver that he was featured in a commercial for the Allstate Insurance company as part of the "Good Life from Allstate" campaign. According to Mike, in the commercial, he does some character acting, portraying "Ike" the handy husband. Although I have yet to see the actual commercial, Allstate released this video of Mike Holmes demonstrating how to properly change your furnace filter.
One curious thing I noted was that Mike has his tattoos on full display. Usually when Mike does these kinds of things, he's all covered up. He also had his arms exposed in the video for Eaton, where Mike talked about electrical safety and surge protection. I think it really says a lot about the target audience for these commercials, and whom Allstate is trying to appeal to with these ads. Of course, as I've observed from Mike's various public appearances, Mike's target audience is pretty much 9 to 90!
Pictures:
One curious thing I noted was that Mike has his tattoos on full display. Usually when Mike does these kinds of things, he's all covered up. He also had his arms exposed in the video for Eaton, where Mike talked about electrical safety and surge protection. I think it really says a lot about the target audience for these commercials, and whom Allstate is trying to appeal to with these ads. Of course, as I've observed from Mike's various public appearances, Mike's target audience is pretty much 9 to 90!
Pictures:
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Just a Quick Update!
The Holmes Spot has been on hiatus, but will be returning this coming Tuesday! I can't wait to get back to my regular posting duties.
FYI - my great grandfather passed away peacefully on June 20 at 3:30PM. He was surrounded by family, and the last words he heard as he took his final breath were "I love you, Dad. Just rest." He was 100 years young, and he loved every minute of life, all the way to the end.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Mike Holmes "Power Hour" With Eaton Corporation Employees
Whole house surge protection is something near and dear to Mike Holmes. As he has recounted on several episodes of Holmes on Homes, Mike's house was hit by lightning a number of years back, blowing out all of his electrical appliances, from his TV all the way down to his toaster. Everything that was plugged into the wall was fried. From that moment on, Mike became a champion for whole house surge protection, landing an endorsement deal with industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation, a trusted name in home surge protectors. (See previous Holmes Spot blog entry “Holmes Approved” Surge Protectors for more information.)
Mike Holmes spoke today in an "Power Hour" Q&A session at the Eaton Center in Cleveland with Eaton employees. According to the article below, Mike spoke about energy, sustainability, and safety, as well as about surge protection.
The Eaton Corporation in Canada also released this video, featuring Mike speaking about the importance of not only protecting computers and televisions with surge strips, but also the importance of protecting larger appliances such as stoves and furnaces with whole home surge protection.
From Eaton.com:
Eaton Corporation PLC : Mike Holmes, Host of Holmes on Homes, Holds “Power Hour” Q&A at Eaton Center in Cleveland
06/20/2013 | 01:30pm US/Eastern
Mike Holmes, Host of Holmes on Homes, Holds "Power Hour" Q&A at Eaton Center in Cleveland
PITTSBURGH … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton announced that Mike Holmes, residential contractor, author and host of Holmes on Homes and Holmes Makes It Right, addressed Eaton employees and select customers at Eaton Center in Cleveland today. During a "Power Hour" question and answer session (Q&A), Holmes discussed issues concerning safety, energy and sustainability, as well as surge protection.
"Surge protection is an important issue that too many homeowners forget about," said Holmes. "Eaton is dedicated to quality and reliability and that's something I can stand behind. I protect my home electronics and all of the Holmes projects with Eaton's Complete Home Surge Protection."
The Q&A is part of an ongoing collaboration between Eaton and Holmes to increase awareness of home surge protection. Mike Holmes endorses Eaton's initiatives with his Signature Edition of Eaton's Complete Home Surge Protection Type 2 Devices (CHSPT2 Series).
"As one of America and Canada's most trusted contractors, Mike Holmes is a respected name in home improvement and contracting and we are proud of our collaboration with him," said Joanne Edwards, senior vice president and general manager, Residential Division, Eaton. "Over the past decade, he has succeeded with a no-nonsense approach and a focus on quality, reliability and credibility."
For more information on Eaton's complete line of surge protection solutions, visit www.eaton.com/surgetrap.
Eaton's electrical business is a global leader with expertise in power distribution and circuit protection; backup power protection; control and automation; lighting and security; structural solutions and wiring devices; solutions for harsh and hazardous environments; and engineering services. Eaton is positioned through its global solutions to answer today's most critical electrical power management challenges.
Eaton is a diversified power management company providing energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power. A global technology leader, Eaton acquired Cooper Industries plc in November 2012. The 2012 revenue of the combined companies was $21.8 billion on a pro forma basis.Eaton has approximately 103,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.
The Holmes Spot is still on leave due to a death in the family, but I'll try to update whenever I get the chance. The Holmes Spot will be back up to full speed by next Tuesday. See you all when I get back home!
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Mike Holmes on Painting
Painting is probably one of my favorite projects to undertake. Every room in my house is a different color! But one thing I've learned from years of painting my own home is that painting is more than just picking out a color and smearing it on the walls. Well, I guess you can do that, if you don't mind getting paint all over the floor, baseboards, and ceilings. Painting is definitely a skill, and if you don't have the skill or patience to do the job right, it's important you hire a pro.
Craig Lowe is a name familiar to most Holmes fans, because Craig has been Mike's painter for years. Together, they started the Holmes Referred program to help connect people with the pros they need to get the job done right. (For more information, refer to previous Holmes Spot blog entry Holmes Referred Services Launched.) On Craig's website, he posts a short snippet about the program, as well as a video of Mike talking about his relationship with Craig:
It's important that if you do choose to hire a professional to paint your home, you choose someone who cares about the job they're doing and has the knowledge to do the job right, the first time!
Please remember that the Holmes Spot is still on leave, as I am out of town and with family, but I will try to get an entry or two in when I get the chance! Looking forward to returning home on Monday (?) Take care until then!
Craig Lowe is a name familiar to most Holmes fans, because Craig has been Mike's painter for years. Together, they started the Holmes Referred program to help connect people with the pros they need to get the job done right. (For more information, refer to previous Holmes Spot blog entry Holmes Referred Services Launched.) On Craig's website, he posts a short snippet about the program, as well as a video of Mike talking about his relationship with Craig:
Holmes Referred Partnership
Craig Lowe is the director of the Holmes Referred program developed with Mike Holmes. Holmes Referred can help you find reputable local contractors that get the job done right - the first time. The Holmes Referred program helps you hire a pro with the right skills for your specific project. These are the good guys who meet Mike Holmes' personal standards.
It's important that if you do choose to hire a professional to paint your home, you choose someone who cares about the job they're doing and has the knowledge to do the job right, the first time!
Please remember that the Holmes Spot is still on leave, as I am out of town and with family, but I will try to get an entry or two in when I get the chance! Looking forward to returning home on Monday (?) Take care until then!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Happy Father's Day
Yesterday I spent Father's Day with my 100 year old Great Grandfather who's dying of cancer and fighting ferociously for every breath.
I wanted to wish every strong father out there a happy Father's Day. I'd especially like to wish Mike a happy Father's Day.
Mike reminds me a lot of this old farmer who sits in front of me in the hospital as I write...Tough as nails, strong as an ox, and a heart as pure as gold. He wasn't very educated, but he was smart and sharp as a tack. His work ethic knew no bounds, driving him to work out in the fields until he was 90 years old. He rarely took a vacation, but when he did, he often cut it short to get back to work. He didn't have to work, but he wanted to because he loved what he did. He loved being a farmer, and he was proud of what he did. He was rough around the edges, but he was also very gentle and kind to everyone who knew him. He's the strongest person I've ever known and probably will ever know.
See you all when I get back home.
Friday, June 14, 2013
The Holmes Spot Is On Leave...
I got a call from my Grandmother this morning, asking if I could accompany her the 1100 mile drive to be with her father, my Great Grandfather, as he leaves this world. He turned 100 years old this year and is dying of cancer. I don't know how long I'm going to be gone... anywhere from a few days to a week. I don't know if I'll have access to a computer or to wifi, and if I do, blogging from my iPhone is always a challenge.
So as for now, the Holmes Spot blog is on bereavement leave. I'm sure the most amazing things will happen while I'm gone (they always do!). I'll see you all when I get back, and please keep me and my grandmother in your prayers as we travel up and back!
So as for now, the Holmes Spot blog is on bereavement leave. I'm sure the most amazing things will happen while I'm gone (they always do!). I'll see you all when I get back, and please keep me and my grandmother in your prayers as we travel up and back!
Mike Holmes on the Fanny Kiefer Show
I have been waiting for this ever since I heard he appeared on the show a week ago during Mike and MJ's stint in Vancouver, BC for Skills Canada. On June 5 of this year, Mike Holmes appeared on the Fanny Kiefer show for an intimate sit-down. I'm still watching it. Afterwards, I'll comment on it... so far, one of the best and most intimate interviews I've seen! Definitely worth watching!
PART I
PART II
This is probably my favorite Mike Holmes interview by far! In part one, we learn that Mike Holmes is the straightest guy in the world and doesn't even look at the other window sill! (LOL!) During the course of the interview, Mike Holmes talked about his background, his kids, and the story behind his earrings. He also discusses his future plans to create a green community, and a little bit about his parents. I was surprised to learn just how simple Mike Holmes lives, and how much he loves Crown!
As I'm watching this video for about the third or forth time, I noticed something rather...familiar!
LOL!!!! I can't believe I didn't see it before! They listed the address to this blog on the interview!!! FYI, this website is UNOFFICIAL, and Mike's website is www.makeitright.ca. But I'm totally flattered!!!
PART I
PART II
This is probably my favorite Mike Holmes interview by far! In part one, we learn that Mike Holmes is the straightest guy in the world and doesn't even look at the other window sill! (LOL!) During the course of the interview, Mike Holmes talked about his background, his kids, and the story behind his earrings. He also discusses his future plans to create a green community, and a little bit about his parents. I was surprised to learn just how simple Mike Holmes lives, and how much he loves Crown!
As I'm watching this video for about the third or forth time, I noticed something rather...familiar!
LOL!!!! I can't believe I didn't see it before! They listed the address to this blog on the interview!!! FYI, this website is UNOFFICIAL, and Mike's website is www.makeitright.ca. But I'm totally flattered!!!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Why Canadians Should Support Skills Canada
Mike Holmes is a Skills Canada fanatic! He believes the future of his country depends on organizations such as Skills Canada, which are inspiring "busloads" of young people to become tradesmen and tradeswomen. With next year being the 20th anniversary of Skills Canada, Mike Holmes has his mind set on increasing people's awareness of it, and making it as big as the Olympics. "I want Skills Canada and World Skills to be recognized like the Olympics. They’re that big," he states, referring to the magnitude of the competition. In this article, Mike shares his love for Skills Canada, and his desire for it to be televised for others to see it and be inspired by it.
From the Ottawa Citizen:
Support Skills Canada
Our future economy depends on it
Competitions like Skills Canada help promote careers in skilled trades.
I just got back from Skills/Competences Canada in Vancouver, our country’s nationals when it comes to skilled trades. Imagine: 44 trades, 10 provinces, three territories and hundreds of young competitors from across the country giving everything they’ve got to be the best at what they do.
And I’m not just talking construction. Skills Canada includes everything from baking, restaurant service and fashion technology to CNC machining, robotics, website development, aircraft maintenance and TV and video production.
Winners from Skills Canada go on to compete in WorldSkills, which is like the Olympics for trades. It includes more than 60 countries and more than 1,000 competitors. It’s not just about winning the gold; it’s about being part of the event.
I’ve been working with Skills Canada for eight years and with WorldSkills for six years. This year I brought my son, Mike Jr., with me to see it. I’m also taking him to WorldSkills 2013 in Leipzig, Germany, in July. Why? Because you have to see it to believe it — the passion in these young kids’ eyes, their commitment and integrity. Everybody should be watching. Unfortunately, it’s not televised.
Every time I talk about Skills Canada or WorldSkills, I always hear the same thing: How come it’s not televised? Why don’t more people know about it? The truth is I’m asking the same questions. But that’s changing. And I’m telling you, it has to.
Skills Canada is about building and supporting tomorrow’s trades professionals — and from what I saw last week, Canada’s in good hands. The problem is that there aren’t enough of these pros.
It’s estimated that by 2016 there will be 1.5 million skilled job vacancies, and 2.6 million by 2021. Not to mention, Canada will be short at least one million tradespeople by 2020.
This competition doesn’t just inspire the right people to get into the right trades; it inspires everybody who watches them. Every year, I’m inspired by the non-stop push and determination of these competitors. They leave everything on the competition floor. And they love it.
For me it’s really important we have competitions like Skills Canada that entice busloads of kids. They’re realizing it’s cool to be in the trades. You walk around the competition and it’s not about, “I don’t want to be here.” It’s all about, “I love being here.”
Now more than ever Canada needs the right people to join the trades. If we want to compete as a country in the global economy we need to move fast and push hard — and we need to do it now. What we do today will have a direct impact on tomorrow’s economy.
Skills Canada is being recognized more and more every year. This year was the biggest yet, but we need to do better. And we all need to get behind this competition and support our trades. We’ve built so much crap in the last 30 years that we need to fix, so we’ll need to have the right people doing the right jobs.
And I’m not just talking construction. Skills Canada includes everything from baking, restaurant service and fashion technology to CNC machining, robotics, website development, aircraft maintenance and TV and video production.
Winners from Skills Canada go on to compete in WorldSkills, which is like the Olympics for trades. It includes more than 60 countries and more than 1,000 competitors. It’s not just about winning the gold; it’s about being part of the event.
I’ve been working with Skills Canada for eight years and with WorldSkills for six years. This year I brought my son, Mike Jr., with me to see it. I’m also taking him to WorldSkills 2013 in Leipzig, Germany, in July. Why? Because you have to see it to believe it — the passion in these young kids’ eyes, their commitment and integrity. Everybody should be watching. Unfortunately, it’s not televised.
Every time I talk about Skills Canada or WorldSkills, I always hear the same thing: How come it’s not televised? Why don’t more people know about it? The truth is I’m asking the same questions. But that’s changing. And I’m telling you, it has to.
Skills Canada is about building and supporting tomorrow’s trades professionals — and from what I saw last week, Canada’s in good hands. The problem is that there aren’t enough of these pros.
It’s estimated that by 2016 there will be 1.5 million skilled job vacancies, and 2.6 million by 2021. Not to mention, Canada will be short at least one million tradespeople by 2020.
This competition doesn’t just inspire the right people to get into the right trades; it inspires everybody who watches them. Every year, I’m inspired by the non-stop push and determination of these competitors. They leave everything on the competition floor. And they love it.
For me it’s really important we have competitions like Skills Canada that entice busloads of kids. They’re realizing it’s cool to be in the trades. You walk around the competition and it’s not about, “I don’t want to be here.” It’s all about, “I love being here.”
Now more than ever Canada needs the right people to join the trades. If we want to compete as a country in the global economy we need to move fast and push hard — and we need to do it now. What we do today will have a direct impact on tomorrow’s economy.
Skills Canada is being recognized more and more every year. This year was the biggest yet, but we need to do better. And we all need to get behind this competition and support our trades. We’ve built so much crap in the last 30 years that we need to fix, so we’ll need to have the right people doing the right jobs.
There’s a female welder that just recently kicked everyone’s butt at Skills Canada. And she’s got her eyes set on WorldSkills 2015 in Brazil. I love that determination. That’s the kind of people we need in the trades.
Next year Skills Canada will be celebrating it’s 20th anniversary. I want to see it televised. I want to see organizations and governments show their support and make it the biggest Skills Canada competition in history. I want to see top Canadian talent get involved, starting with the competitors themselves.
I want Skills Canada and WorldSkills to be recognized like the Olympics. They’re that big.
Catch Mike Holmes in Holmes Makes It Right, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HGTV. For more information, visit hgtv.ca. For more information on home renovations, visit makeitright.ca.
Next year Skills Canada will be celebrating it’s 20th anniversary. I want to see it televised. I want to see organizations and governments show their support and make it the biggest Skills Canada competition in history. I want to see top Canadian talent get involved, starting with the competitors themselves.
I want Skills Canada and WorldSkills to be recognized like the Olympics. They’re that big.
Catch Mike Holmes in Holmes Makes It Right, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on HGTV. For more information, visit hgtv.ca. For more information on home renovations, visit makeitright.ca.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Canada's Perfect Supermodel
Mike Holmes is a very handsome man, but he's no supermodel... or is he? While taking a small detour from the Skills Canada festivities, Mike Holmes made an appearance at the Effect Home Builders Green Net Zero Energy Home in Edmonton on June7. During the opening, he ran into Alexandria, the reigning Perfect Supermodel North America 2013, and former Perfect Supermodel Canada 2012. All I have to say is, it's a good thing she didn't wear her tiara!
From the Canada's Perfect Pagent blog:
From the Canada's Perfect Pagent blog:
Canada’s Perfect Supermodel 2012 – Alexandria – Passes Her Title on to Mike Holmes?!
Today our gorgeous Canada’s Perfect Supermodel 2012 Alexandria (reigning North America’s Perfect Supermodel 2013) was at the Effect Home Builders Green Net Zero Energy Home where she met television celebrity and contractor Mike Holmes.
Mike Holmes is flexing his muscles in Edmonton with a new minimum code for home building that he says will set a higher standard for the housing industry. In partnership with Effect Home Builders, Mike is set to launch the Holmes Approved Homes program in Edmonton. For more details, check out the article here: http://www.effecthomes.ca/?section_name=news&news_id=11
Mike Holmes graciously posed for photos with Alexandria… Notice the sash? I guess this means he is our new Canada’s Perfect Supermodel?? We like that!!
Mike Holmes is flexing his muscles in Edmonton with a new minimum code for home building that he says will set a higher standard for the housing industry. In partnership with Effect Home Builders, Mike is set to launch the Holmes Approved Homes program in Edmonton. For more details, check out the article here: http://www.effecthomes.ca/?section_name=news&news_id=11
Mike Holmes graciously posed for photos with Alexandria… Notice the sash? I guess this means he is our new Canada’s Perfect Supermodel?? We like that!!
Alexandria and Mike Holmes…
Our newest addition to the Canada’s Perfect Pageant Family?!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Holmes Approved Homes: Third Line Homes
A couple weeks ago, the Holmes Spot reported that Mike Holmes was working with Meaford based builders Third Line Homes to build Holmes Approved Homes in Ontario, Canada. Last month, Third Line Homes released this video detailing the partnership, and detailing the stringent standards that Mike Holmes Approved Homes must meet:
Pictures:
The video, which was pointed out to me my a Holmes Spot reader, is very similar to the Effect Homes video which was released by Effect Home Builders earlier this month.
Pictures:
Monday, June 10, 2013
Holmes Destruction
It's always interesting to see people do parodies of Mike's shows. Parodies aren't always totally accurate, but they're a good mirror into how people actually perceive things! In this parody of Holmes Inspection entitled "Holmes Destruction," the Mike character prescribes a whole lot of work for a tiny little problem. I mean, that's what Mike does in real life, right?
As glorious as the last couple of days have been with Skills Canada, I thought we'd take a little break and enjoy something different. Happy Monday!
As glorious as the last couple of days have been with Skills Canada, I thought we'd take a little break and enjoy something different. Happy Monday!
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Skills Canada Closing Ceremony
I'm sitting in front of my computer getting ready to watch the Skills Canada Closing Ceremony live online. Mike Holmes will be part of the ceremony, and will be putting the medals around each competitor's neck. I'll be blogging my comments as I watch. You can watch the webcast here.
1:03PM The live stream just started!
1:05PM Mike is obviously very excited about Skills Canada and promoting the trades! He's such a great spokesman for competition!
1:08PM What a bunch of talented people! Mike makes a great "cheerleader!" He's responsible for a lot of people wanting to get involved with the skilled trades.
From Mike's Facebook:
The energy here is unbelievable!!! These are tomorrow's pros. You're in good hands, Canada. @Skills_Canada
1:32PM Nunavut just won the Spirit Award! Mike posted their spirit video on his Facebook:
1:41PM I see Mike Holmes sitting in the front row in the isle. He's impossible to miss!
1:42PM Wow, I didn't know that photography was considered a "trade!" Awesome, I love it!
1:44PM Medal presentations are about to begin. Mike Holmes will be presenting some of the medals!
2:15PM Wow, what a great ceremony so far! I've been really enjoying it!
2:21PM Ontario just took the gold in welding. I bet Mike is excited!
2:23PM Ontario just took gold in sheet metal work! Again, I bet Mike is excited!
2:26PM Wow, Ontario is laying waste to this portion of the award ceremony! Good for them!
2:32PM Mike's turn to present the medals!!!
2:35PM Mike looks so proud to be presenting the medals to all those hardworking people!
2:36PM Carpentry... this is Mike's field! Ontario takes the silver!
2:43PM Perhaps I wasn't paying attention, but I think we have our first female gold winner in the trades!!! Awesome Becky! I'm sure Mike is very proud!
3:00PM The awards for cooking got me hungry for a snack!
3:15PM
I love my job @Skills_Canada
3:30PM Closing ceremony is coming to a close. What a fantastic energy filled event! Congrats to the winners! Very inspiring! I can see why Mike likes it so much!
3:36PM Ladies and gentlemen... MIKE HOLMES! Go Mike, you wave that flag!
3:37PM Short but sweet speech. Mike just passed the flag proudly!
3:40PM It was just announced that Toronto, Ontario will host next year's Skills Canada. Bet Mike is happy! He won't have to travel far! June 4-7 2014! Looking forward to it!
1:03PM The live stream just started!
1:05PM Mike is obviously very excited about Skills Canada and promoting the trades! He's such a great spokesman for competition!
1:08PM What a bunch of talented people! Mike makes a great "cheerleader!" He's responsible for a lot of people wanting to get involved with the skilled trades.
From Mike's Facebook:
The energy here is unbelievable!!! These are tomorrow's pros. You're in good hands, Canada. @Skills_Canada1:32PM Nunavut just won the Spirit Award! Mike posted their spirit video on his Facebook:
1:41PM I see Mike Holmes sitting in the front row in the isle. He's impossible to miss!
1:42PM Wow, I didn't know that photography was considered a "trade!" Awesome, I love it!
1:44PM Medal presentations are about to begin. Mike Holmes will be presenting some of the medals!
2:15PM Wow, what a great ceremony so far! I've been really enjoying it!
2:21PM Ontario just took the gold in welding. I bet Mike is excited!
2:23PM Ontario just took gold in sheet metal work! Again, I bet Mike is excited!
2:26PM Wow, Ontario is laying waste to this portion of the award ceremony! Good for them!
2:32PM Mike's turn to present the medals!!!
2:35PM Mike looks so proud to be presenting the medals to all those hardworking people!
2:36PM Carpentry... this is Mike's field! Ontario takes the silver!
2:43PM Perhaps I wasn't paying attention, but I think we have our first female gold winner in the trades!!! Awesome Becky! I'm sure Mike is very proud!
3:00PM The awards for cooking got me hungry for a snack!
3:15PM
I love my job @Skills_Canada3:30PM Closing ceremony is coming to a close. What a fantastic energy filled event! Congrats to the winners! Very inspiring! I can see why Mike likes it so much!
3:36PM Ladies and gentlemen... MIKE HOLMES! Go Mike, you wave that flag!
3:37PM Short but sweet speech. Mike just passed the flag proudly!
3:40PM It was just announced that Toronto, Ontario will host next year's Skills Canada. Bet Mike is happy! He won't have to travel far! June 4-7 2014! Looking forward to it!
Mike Holmes and Mike Jr. on CTV BC Morning Show Live
In the last couple of days, Mike and MJ have been traveling around Vancouver, doing interviews and appearances promoting Skills Canada. Slowly, the videos have been trickling in, and all of them have been very entertaining. Some have been far more entertaining than others, such as this news clip in which the morning crew from CTV BC sat down for a chat with Mike and MJ.
In this June 6 clip, Mike discusses a possible career as an...actor? He recently did some commercials for Allstate Insurance where he played "Ike" the handy husband. Oh boy, I can't wait to see those wind up on YouTube! (I did some Googling and found this related news release about Mike and the Allstate ad campaign.) He also discusses his fear of tarantulas crawling on his face.
View the video here.
Pictures:
In this June 6 clip, Mike discusses a possible career as an...actor? He recently did some commercials for Allstate Insurance where he played "Ike" the handy husband. Oh boy, I can't wait to see those wind up on YouTube! (I did some Googling and found this related news release about Mike and the Allstate ad campaign.) He also discusses his fear of tarantulas crawling on his face.
View the video here.
Pictures:
Later that hour, Mike and MJ made another appearance on the CTV Morning Show. This time, it was a more formal sit down where they discussed the trades, Skills Canada, and striking a balance between TV and life. It was a little calmer than their previous interview, but still very entertaining and interesting.
View the video here.
Pictures:
Friday, June 7, 2013
Mike and MJ Taking Vancouver By Storm - Part 3
Yesterday, Mike and MJ had a busy, busy, busy day in Vancouver, BC promoting Skills Canada. When the Holmes Spot left off yesterday, Mike was getting ready to attend a book signing, where a sea of humanity waited anxiously to meet Canada's most handsome trusted contractor!
Somebody better call Air Canada. I might miss my flight. Boatloads of ppl at the book signing @Skills_Canada
The flight that Mike made reference to was of course the flight he later took to Edmonton, Alberta to appear today at the Belgravia Green Net Zero Energy Home. (See Mike Holmes Partners With Effect Home Builders for more information.) Mike posted this picture and humorous caption:
Off to Edmonton. Man, I'm up and down like a toilet seat.
As Mike headed off alone to Edmonton, one can only speculate what Mike Jr. did all by himself back in Vancouver. I'm thinking he took a looooong nap! Later that night, Mike took the time to post one more update, recapping us all on his day. Posted around 10:30PM PST last night:
MJ's holding down the fort @Skills_Canada. I'm here in Edmonton. Looking back at some pics from Opening Ceremony. Check out this pimped out ride.
Loving Mike's choice of words there! Especially in reference to a pink car. LOL. Loving the updates too! Keep 'em coming, we fans never grow tired of reading about your day!
Somebody better call Air Canada. I might miss my flight. Boatloads of ppl at the book signing @Skills_CanadaThe flight that Mike made reference to was of course the flight he later took to Edmonton, Alberta to appear today at the Belgravia Green Net Zero Energy Home. (See Mike Holmes Partners With Effect Home Builders for more information.) Mike posted this picture and humorous caption:
Off to Edmonton. Man, I'm up and down like a toilet seat.As Mike headed off alone to Edmonton, one can only speculate what Mike Jr. did all by himself back in Vancouver. I'm thinking he took a looooong nap! Later that night, Mike took the time to post one more update, recapping us all on his day. Posted around 10:30PM PST last night:
MJ's holding down the fort @Skills_Canada. I'm here in Edmonton. Looking back at some pics from Opening Ceremony. Check out this pimped out ride.Loving Mike's choice of words there! Especially in reference to a pink car. LOL. Loving the updates too! Keep 'em coming, we fans never grow tired of reading about your day!
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