Your old phone is calling, seriously
Morning from the Wheat City — here's what's driving Brandon today.
I saw a story this morning that just made me shake my head and then, honestly, nod a bit in understanding. Apparently, "retro" landline phones are making a comeback. We're talking about those big, clunky things with a cord you plug into the wall. Kids are using them to avoid screens, and adults are looking for a break from their smartphones. It might seem strange, especially with how connected we all are, but it's a real trend.
### What This Means for Brandon
This isn't just some big city thing. Think about it:
* **A break from the digital grind:** I know plenty of folks here in Brandon, especially after a long shift at the Maple Leaf Foods plant or Behlen Industries, who just want to disconnect. Maybe they want to avoid the constant notifications and just have a simple conversation. * **The nostalgia factor is real:** A lot of us remember having a landline. We grew up with them. There's a certain comfort in that familiarity, especially when the world feels like it's moving at a hundred miles an hour. It reminds me of the simple days of calling up a friend to meet at the Keystone Centre for a Wheat Kings game without a dozen texts coordinating every detail. * **A quiet corner:** Maybe it's about carving out a specific space for calls, away from the chaos of a smartphone that’s always pulling you in different directions. Imagine putting one in your sunroom in the South End or even out at your cabin near the Assiniboine River.
It’s easy to dismiss this as a quirky trend, but it speaks to a deeper need for simplicity and connection that isn’t dictated by algorithms. For a city like Brandon, which prides itself on steady growth and a grounded approach, I think there’s something to be said for embracing a bit of that analog charm. Our economy is pushing $2.9 billion, and we’re adding thousands of new residents — sometimes it’s good to slow down the pace, even if it’s just for a phone call.
Marcus Fehr, Morning Wire, Brandon.
The crew on the morning show probably has some strong opinions on this — catch them live at mornings.live.