Mike Holmes and MJ on The Rush

Yesterday, Mike and MJ had a VERY busy day! Part of their very busy day included an appearance on the Canadian show The Rush. While I get the recap on Mike and MJ's day done, enjoy watching this great interview with Mike and MJ. It's obvious that although Mike and MJ were "up and down like a toilet seat" (a direct quote from Mike) they were in high spirits.

PART I



PART II




I have to say, I just finished watching part 1 and part 2, and these people interviewing Mike and MJ seem very nice and well intentioned, but they were so clueless. I mean that in the nicest way possible, but there's no way around it. Throughout the interview, they kept interrupting Mike with silly comments, bordering on rude. The most egregious case was when Mike Holmes was telling his story about how he fell into doing TV. He was giving the most detailed and descriptive account I have ever heard of how he was brought on at extremely low pay to build sets for HGTV. I was absolutely riveted by his account -- and I mean that! Having heard and read the story hundreds of times, the account gets a little monotonous, but this telling was truly different. Right as he was getting into the meat of the story, they cut him off and changed the subject. Mike, the consummate professional, took it in stride and didn't give it a second thought. Again, I don't wish to be rude to the hosts, but perhaps they should have done a little bit of research into Mike before having him on, and it's such a pity they didn't pick up on what a gem they had and inadvertently lost by not allowing Mike to tell his story. All in all though, it was a great and very relaxed conversation.

Another thing I caught on to is that this interview was a little bit of a therapy session for Mike and MJ, who both made several comments throughout the interview indicating that when MJ was younger, he didn't spend a whole lot of time with his dad. I've heard Mike say in previous interviews that he wasn't the greatest dad to his kids in the past because he worked too much. But the hurt and regret they both expressed had a positive uptick in the sense that although Mike wasn't the most attentive dad when MJ was younger, they're making up for lost time now, and the lessons that MJ missed out on as a kid are being taught and learned now as an adult. There are so many people who can relate to that, and it would be great if Mike and MJ would be open in telling that part of their story more often. I think it would help a lot of people who are in similar situations.

Mike and MJ Taking Vancouver By Storm - Part 2

Updates, updates UPDATES!!! So many updates! Several weeks ago, the Holmes Spot was bellyaching on how Mike wasn't communicating enough with his fans or taking any pictures at his public events... well, ask and you shall receive! We're swimming in a sea of updates about Mike and MJ's trip to Vancouver, BC for the Skills Canada competition via Mike's Facebook page. And you know what? It's great! Makes me feel like I'm right there in the thick of it, and I'm sure it's the same for everybody else following along.

As far as updating everybody about Mike's "vacation" (Does Mike Holmes ever really take a vacation?) we're going to pick up where we left off yesterday. Yesterday, the Holmes Spot signed off right as Mike was finishing his segment on the Fanny Kiefer Show. As a thank you gift, she gave Mike a bottle of Crown (Canadian whiskey). I'll bring the Coke!

Mike and MJ's next stop? Off to give a pep talk to Team Saskatchewan! Interesting, I see a camera and a cameraman with a Holmes on Homes style "CREW" shirt on. Wonder where the video is going to end up??? Posted yesterday around 10:15AM PST:


Onto the next one. Off to meet Team Saskatchewan.

While with Team Saskatchewan, Mike Tweeted this yesterday around 11:30AM PST:


@Skills_Canada It's all about teaching the next generation of trades #sccVancouver2013 #teamsaskatchewan

After meeting and greeting Skills Canada competitors, Mike and MJ were off once again, this time to appear on the Canadian entertainment show The Rush. Posted yeserday around 12PM PST:

About to go on The Rush--what a rush! shaw.ca/therush




After The Rush, there was no time to rest! Mike headed off to the rehearsal for the Skills Canada Opening Ceremony. Mike Tweeted this around 4:30PM PST:

@Skills_Canada The rehearsal before the big show tonight. It's GO GO GO #sccVancouver2013



Posted last night around 5:15PM PST:

Going over some last minute details @Skills_Canada. I'm ready. Bring it. #sccVancouver2013

Mike was impressed by a cameraman on rollerblades. Apparently he's never seen that kind of thing before. (Living in Vegas, and being a photographer at many large events such as the World Series of Poker Finals held on 7/7/07, I've seen photographers and cameramen doing much more innovative things to get that perfect shot! Rollerblades are practically standard fare for huge events!) Posted last night 8PM PST:

Reels on wheels. Love it @Skills_Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ah, finally Mike and MJ got the chance to sit down and enjoy the show! Posted last night around 9PM PST:

 

Now MJ knows what I'm talking about. I think he's hooked. @Skills_Canada

What a busy night. I'm sure after that the guys were off to bed, only to wake up this morning and do it all over again. Posted this morning at 8AM PST:


This is your wake-up call, Vancouver. About to go on CTV Morning Live with MJ.







Mike Tweeted this at 8:10AM PST:

Rise and shine #ctvmorninglive


Tweeted around 9:45AM PST:

Talk about morning glory @CTVMorningLive



After the Morning Show, Mike was off again to the competition. Again, another camera(wo)man with a "CREW" shirt. Is there a video update coming soon? Exciting stuff!  Posted around 10:45AM PST:

Burn baby, burn @Skills_Canada





Judging by the trend of the blow by blow account of Mike and MJ's day for the past couple of days, more updates and pictures to come! I can't wait!

Mike Holmes Partners With Effect Home Builders

In April of this year, Mike Holmes announced that he was partnering with Effect Home Builders in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. In this video, released today by Effect Homes, Mike explains the reasons for the partnership in his own words. One, Effect Homes are Canada's top green home builder, and two, they share Mike's values for quality and sustainability. He also goes into detail about the rigorous standards that a Holmes approved home builder must meet.




Pictures:

 

 

 

UPDATE: 6/6/13

 

Mike Holmes will be meeting and greeting people in Edmonton tomorrow June 7 to tour Effect Home Builders' Net Zero House.

 

From Mike's Facebook page:

 

Heading to Edmonton for the day tomorrow (June 7) to tour Effect Home Builders Ltd.'s Net Zero House. If you're in the area come out and visit! For more details check out: http://www.effecthomes.ca/

 

From EffectHomes:

News

Meet Mike Holmes!

June 02, 2013

You can meet Mike Holmes in person at the Belgravia Green Net Zero Energy Home on Friday June 7th from noon to 1pm. The home is located at 11536 - 74 Avenue, Edmonton.

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.
“I partnered with Effect Home Builders for two reasons,” states Mike Holmes. “First, when it comes to building green homes they are leaders. And two, they share my same values for quality construction and build above industry standards.”
The Holmes Approved Homes program emphasizes customized quality and energy efficiency, incorporating industry-leading products that help protect both the home and homeowner.
“I have my own fully-trained inspectors inspect every home at least six times documenting everything they see,” added Holmes. “They make sure every unit meets what I think will be tomorrow’s new standards for homebuilding. No other certification does that.”
Effect Home Builders was recently awarded the 2012 CHBA National Green Home Award for their Belgravia Net Zero Energy Home—a home that produces as much energy as it consumes. As the only builder in Canada to receive this award, they are recognized as one of Canada’s Top Green Home Builders. This show home is located at 11536 – 74 Avenue, Edmonton.
You can meet Mike Holmes himself, who will be touring the home while open to the public for viewing on June 7th from noon to 1pm.
“I had to come see this project for myself”, Mike states, ”I have heard some really great things about what Effect Home Builders accomplished here and I look forward to joining forces and building together”.
Every Holmes Approved Home built by Effect Home Builders will be EnerGuide rated to verify the high level of energy efficiency.
For additional information on Effect Home Builders or a virtual tour of the Net Zero Energy show home click here.



And by the way, here's the home where Mike will be tomorrow:

 

Mike and MJ Taking Vancouver By Storm - Part 1

Mike Holmes and his son, MJ (Mike, Jr.) are out west in Vancouver, BC for the Skills Canada competition which started yesterday, June 4, and will culminate on June 8 with a pomp-filled closing ceremony. He's been documenting their trip on his Facebook page.

Yesterday, Mike posted this photo from the airport, stating that he hoped to show his son what Skills Canada was "all about."

Shortly thereafter, Mike Holmes changed his profile picture and his cover photo on his Facebook page. He changed the cover to a picture of a boot print in the dirt. Not sure if this has anything to do with his trip to Vancouver, but it was interesting nevertheless. Since there's no description, one is left to assume that it is indeed Mike's boot print, and judging from the boot print, Mike has small feet!

 

 

 

After he and MJ touched down, about 2PM PST, Mike updated the world about his plane trip from heck (not quite hell, more like heck, which is hell's slightly less offensive second cousin twice removed). Turns out the guy in front of him should have been more focused on saying it rather than spraying it.

 





I thought I was going to have to fix the plumbing on the plane. Turns out it was the guy in front of me. It's great to finally breathe the fresh mountain air.



Mike and MJ then took some time to check out the arena in which the opening and presumably the closing ceremony will take place.

Just checked out BC Place. It's massive! The opening ceremony tmw night is going to be huge!

About an hour ago from the time I'm typing these words, Mike and MJ were standing in front of Shaw Studio 4, getting ready to go in for an 9AM appearance on the Fanny Kiefer Show, which is probably wrapping up about now.

Good morning, Vancouver! Going to be on the Fanny Kiefer Show @ 9am PT with MJ. Don't miss it. @FannyKiefer

 

 

In Mike's last update, about 15 minutes ago, Mike stated he was just wrapping up. Notice from the photo that MJ doesn't appear to be with him on camera. Looks like Mike is going to have a busy night tonight with the gift that Fanny gave him...

Just wrapped with Fanny Kiefer. What a doll! She even gave me a bottle of Crown.

 

Mike Holmes and Mike Jr. off to Vancouver for Skills Canada

Today, June 4, is the Skills Canada National Competition in Vancouver, British Columbia. As an official spokesman and self proclaimed mascot for Skills Canada, Mike Holmes is flying out west with his son, Mike Jr., to attend the competition and the closing ceremony. The Closing Ceremonies, with Mike Holmes can be viewed live on June 8 at 5:00 Atlantic Standard Time at www.skillscanada.com.

From Mike's Facebook page:

Taking off to Vancouver for Skills Canada! Can't wait to show MJ w hat it's all about!

 

On Set with Mike Holmes and Steven and Chris

Steven and Chris is a Canadian daytime TV talk show hosted by the very well coiffed duo Steven and Chris. Although we don't have this show in the states, they frequently put their episodes online for all to see, especially when then have prominent guests on their show, such as Mike Holmes! In April of this year, Mike made an appearance on the show to quiz the audience about spring home maintenance. They apparently wanted to relive his appearance a week or two ago on their show's blog.

From StevenAndChris.com:

On Set with Mike Holmes May 22, 2013
Look who stopped by the studio! The one and only Mike Holmes

Mike Holmes Birthday Surprise 2013

Happy first day of June everybody! Wasn't Christmas like 2 or 3 weeks ago or something? I can't remember anymore. I hope for the majority of you, you get to take some time to kick back and relax this summer. Unfortunately for me, I get none of that this year. That's right, just like last year, the next two months of my life will consist of frantically trying to complete Mike's BIG birthday surprise 2013. The surprise is big, but Mike's birthday is equally as big, for as many of you know, Mike will be turning the big 5-0 this year! Wow! To help Mike celebrate half a century of life, the Holmes Spot has been busy these last few months concocting something special. And just like last year, you'll have to wait till August to find out exactly what it is, but in the meantime, enjoy these teasers from Mike's big birthday surprise! And visit the Holmes Spot blog on August 3, 2013 at Midnight PST to see the premiere of "Canadian Rhapsody!" (If you're savvy enough, you just might be able to figure out a little bit what it's about from the title and the pictures below. Good luck guessing!)

Some new news regarding Holmes Approved Holmes in the Meaford area. Mike Holmes is working with Meaford based builders Third Line Homes to "[build] healthier homes that last." Both Mike and Third Line Homes use Durisol block in the construction of the home, which cuts down on the transmission of sound. "Don't you think they should be used in all condos?" says Mike in an accompanying audio clip in which he touts the benefits of using Durisol block, which has an STC (Sound Transmission Class)  rating of 62. According to the article below, the program will be launching in a few weeks.


From BayShoreBroadcasting.ca:

Holmes Works with Meaford Builder

Wednesday, May 29, 2013 5:34 AM by Jon Meyer

Third Line homes is partnering with popular TV host on new construction in the area.

click to open MP3 version or click the play button to listen now.

(Meaford) - Canada's most popular contractor is about to "make it right" with local builders Third Line Homes.

Mike Holmes and the Meaford based builders are partnering up to take construction to the next level.

Holmes tells Bayshore Broadcasting News he knew he had to create his own minimum code and team up with similar minded builders to redefine the way homes are built.

That's exactly what Holmes Approved Homes and Third Line Homes plan to do.

He says their builds won't have mould or fall apart because they are using better materials.

His Holmes Inspections company will go through each home a minimum of six times during construction.

Holmes loves the fact that Third Line Homes use the same Durisol block that he does.

Durisol is R21 and is the same material that's used on the side of highways to cut down on noise.

Holmes says they are building healthier homes that last.

The Third Line Holmes Approved Homes program is launching over the next few weeks.

So you want to be a tradesman (or tradeswoman). Now what? What are the attributes you need to succeed in the skilled trades? Not too long ago, pretty much all you needed in many people's minds was a warm body and a strong back, but for the last decade Mike Holmes has been working to change that perception. As Mike points out in the article below, everything around you was created by someone in the trades, from the bed you sleep in, to the car that drives you to and from work every day. Shouldn't something so vital to the way we live our lives every day be treated with much more respect? What does it take to join the skilled trades according to Mike Holmes? It takes more than just the ability to swing a hammer, although that is important. If you think you've got what it takes, read the article below about the five basics Mike feels you need to become a successful tradesman or tradeswoman.

 

 

 

 From the Vancouver Sun:

Five basics you need to join the skilled trades

Opinion: We'll be short about one million tradespeople by 2020

By Mike Holmes, Special to The Vancouver Sun May 29, 2013

 

We need the right people to do vital skilled trades jobs correctly, says noted home show TV host Mike Holmes.

 

Skilled trades are important. Not just for me, but for everyone. Why? Because they shape our world. That’s a huge responsibility.
Think about it. How many times a day do you depend on the work of skilled trades? From your roads, cars, house, electricity, plumbing, food, clothes — even your bed! Everything around you was made by someone who works in the trades. When you understand that, you start thinking about the trades a little differently.
If these people are building your world, wouldn’t you want them to be good at what they do? You want them to care. You want them to be passionate about their work. And you want them to not only do a good job, but always do their best. That’s who I want building my house, making my car, my food, taking care of me at the hospital, constructing the bridges I use.
They don’t call them skilled trades for nothing. You need skill to do the job. Not anyone can do this work. But the old idea is that if you can’t do anything else, you get into the trades. And that’s what I’ve been seeing. A lot of people doing important jobs they don’t know how to do — and they don’t want to do. It’s also why we’re in the situation we’re in. We’re going to be short about one million tradespeople by 2020.
We need the right people to do the job right. But that can’t happen if working in the trades isn’t seen as something positive, something to respect and be proud of.
Luckily, that’s changing. The kids I see coming into the trades are proud of what they do. They put in the time to push their skills to the limit. And when the job gets tough, so do they.
If you’re thinking about joining the trades, there are five basic things you need.
One: Passion for what you do. If there’s no passion, there’s no respect. And if there’s no respect, there’s no point.
Two: Drive. Working in the trades isn’t easy. It’s long hours, a lot of training, and sometimes there isn’t room for mistakes. Why? Because some mistakes can kill people.
Let’s say you work in sales and you come up with the wrong sales strategy. The worst that can happen is that you don’t sell anything. But if you rewire an electrical panel the wrong way, people can get hurt. The stakes are high and the real pros respect that. They take their job seriously because people get hurt when they don’t.
Three: You need the right skill. Let me give you an example. My son Mike Jr. has been working with me since he was 14. I remember his first day he stuck a nail through his thumb. He didn’t say anything, just held it in. All I said was, “It hurts, doesn’t it?” Nine years later, he’s a full-time crew member and even supervising jobs. But he’s also in school, getting the proper training. He didn’t have to. He wanted to. He wanted to invest in his skills, his know-how, and his abilities to do a job right the first time.
Four: You need the right attitude. It’s tough work and expectations are high. And it’s tougher for women. Women have to work twice as hard to get the same respect as the guys they work with. Is it fair? No. But it makes them better. I always say women in the trades make the men more honest. They raise the bar and everyone else has to meet it.
If you’re working on a crew or a team, and there’s pressure to get a job done on time, people don’t always have a lot of patience — especially when you’re learning. Don’t be discouraged if you get some flak — or what some like to call “constructive criticism.” You need a thick skin. Don’t take things personally. The best in the industry didn’t start out as the best. It takes time.
Finally, No. 5: You need to be safe. Be aware of your surroundings. Know what equipment you will be using, what environment you’ll be working in, and all the gear you need to stay safe. No job is too small. Remember: It’s not just about making things work. It’s about making them work safely.
The new generation of tradespeople are picking up the slack. They’ve got a big job on their hands. But I think they’re up for the challenge.
‘Olympics’ of skilled trades
• The Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) remains the only event of its kind in Canada. It is the only national, Olympic-style, multi-trade and technology competition for young students and apprentices in the country.
The main goals of this event are to provide competitors with hands-on work experience and to raise awareness for the general population of the value of and challenge in skilled trades and technology careers. The SCNC showcases the talent and the expertise of young competitors from across Canada. It will be held this year in Vancouver at BC Place Stadium from June 5 to 8.
The SCNC is the main step in selecting the members of Team Canada for the WorldSkills Competition that is held every two years. The next WorldSkills Competition was awarded to Leipzig, Germany and will be held this July.

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

Mike Holmes, Skills Canada and Canada's Economic Action Plan

For several years now, Mike Holmes has been an official spokesperson for Skills Canada. Skills Canada is part of WorldSkills International, a world-wide body which promotes vocational education and training to individuals in their perspective countries. Every other year, WorldSkills (formerly known as the "Skill Olympics") holds a competition in which the best and brightest young tradesmen and women gather to showcase their skills in various trades. As the self proclaimed mascot for Team Canada, Mike Holmes is proud to promote the skilled trades to Canada's youth, and has said in the past that he would like to see the WorldSkills competition gain Olympic-like status amongst spectators around the globe.

Today, Canada's Economic Action Plan put out a video featuring Mike Holmes talking about Skills Canada and how it entices young Canadians to enter the trades.





And just for kicks, here's the video in French:





For more information about this video and Skills Canada, visit the Canada's Economic Action Plan website, where Mike's handsome mug is prominently featured, along with a transcript of the video.