Quality Meat Packers Has Finally Closed It's Doors!

Quality Meat Packers has shut it's doors! Quality Meat Packers has been around since 1914 and handled one quarter of Ontario's pork production killing 6000 pigs each day. This closure is a victory for any of us who have stood in the hot melting sun, the pouring rain and the cold snow in support of the Toronto and Hamilton/Burlington Pig Save groups at Maple Leaf/Fearmans slaughterhouse in Burlington or Quality Meat Packers in Toronto creating awareness surrounding the cruelties of Factory Farming while the pigs endure those same harsh elements. Our reason for being present is to bring peace to the animals in the horrible transporting conditions in which they await their death. For the first time in their lives they are given a sense of what love is before they are murdered for someone's meal.

To all of the volunteers who would meet many of the thirty trucks that would pull in there daily to give water and words of compassion to the pigs and who looked them directly in their innocent eyes, I say there is a sense of peace in the air for all those beings in knowing that there's one local slaughterhouse down. What we do, we do out of compassion. And what we do does matter.

The $155 Ontario Money Grab

The majority of us have our lives stored on our cell phones. Our music, our email, our contacts, our photos, grocery lists, access to the internet.. everything we need is at our fingertips. We are so connected by technology these days that it has become to norm to communicate and conduct much of our days happenings electronically. For me personally its marvelous. The convenience of using SMS is probably my most favourite part having a cell phone, but never while I'm driving. The stories we've heard about texting and driving are horrific. Studies show that texting is more dangerous than drunk driving and while driving intoxicated is not at all acceptable either it is eye opening to read some of the comparison reports. Car And Driver conducted a study on the subject; the results can be found here. So we know this (or should know this) which makes hands free calling the lesser of the two evils when we need to communicate. It's legal and less of a distraction than many of the other reasons why we shift our eyes from the road here and there. We drink our coffee on our commute, change radio stations, adjust the heat and a/c, glance at our GPS screen while following the directions, look at the clock ..we've all done it. We've all taken our eyes or one hand away from the wheel for a split second to do all of these things ..but does it make us irresponsible drivers?? We're not drunk. We're not texting. We don't get penalized for it.

A friend of mine, a law abiding citizen who works in a field where safety and security are of the utmost importance got a $155 ticket for using a handheld device while driving. She was on the 400 near Vaughan last Thursday after work and had to take a call on her Hands Free Headset. To hang up the call she lifted her iPhone from the cup holder, glanced down to press 'END' and placed it back in the cup holder. Upon being issued the ticket she showed the officer her ear piece, explained she had been using her device hands free and that this ticket was not justified. His response was simply 'fight it in court'.. She asked what the alternative to doing what she did was and he told her she should have 'pulled over to the shoulder to end the call' ..!

So.. let's look at this, Ontario. That officer told her the lawful way to end her handsfree conversation would have been to weave across three lanes of highway traffic on the 400, during bumper to bumper rush hour chaos, to pull onto the shoulder where she risks not only her life but everyone around her as well, to hit 'END' on her iPhone. This Ontario Provincial Police Officer coached her to do that! And expects her to do that from now on to avoid getting a ticket. His advice is to put herself and everyone on the road around her in more danger than what it would take to simply push the end call button on her phone ..does that make any sense at all??! Through the process of her spreading the word to friends and family to protect them from also being slapped with a hefty fine, conversations are being generated about the fact that this law has become a huge money grab for police.

I've heard too many stories now where it seems to be just that. Another friend of mine was at a drive through window, waiting for his order, car completely stopped, and picked up his phone to respond to a text he had ignored on the road for the purpose of safety and the law. A cop who was dining in his cruiser in that same parking lot witnessed his actions. As my friend pulled away from the window, phone set down already, the cop gave him a ticket. Money grab. Someone else I know was at a red light. A reminder alert came up on her phone that was in her cup holder. She lifted it to hit snooze, put it down and got a ticket. Money grab. A coworker of mine was also at a red light when he got his $155 ding by lifting his phone out of the holder to skip the song that was playing. No different than changing the song on our car's CD player. Money grab. These people clearly were not texting while driving. They were not making a call without using a hands free set. And they were not emailing. They weren't doing anything differently than what we do everyday in our vehicles and have been doing for decades. I understand the importance of enforcing a law that prevents people from texting or emailing while driving. It's been put in place as a result of a series of sad and unfortunate events worldwide. That law is necessary. However it's too grey and some officers might be taking it too far. Is it a money grab? So they can hit quotas quickly and be recognized among their colleagues? They do it too. One of our dear friends is a police officer; I've peeked inside the window of her cruiser before. They have all kinds of little buttons, computers, radios and distractions in those cars; more than the average vehicle. They are just as guilty as anyone else for taking a hand off the wheel here and there. In fact I've witnessed an officer with her iPhone at her ear while travelling down the QEW ..and if I'd have had a passenger with me I would have pulled mine out and snapped a photo as we passed by!! Where's her penalty? Or in this province do we just turn a blind eye when it's a law enforcer breaking the law? ..oh wait, thats a whole other topic. Let's not go there.

So Ontario drivers, going forward be sure to do as they say and not as they do. Be sure to weave across the busy lanes of rush hour traffic to end your hands free call just as the Ontario Provincial Police Officer advised my friend she should have done. Do not change the music in your car, even at a red light unless you are listening to a CD, a tape, an 8 track, satellite or the regular radio stations. Those are all ok and you will not be fined for doing so. But if your music is stored on your iPhone then you'll feel the sting of a ticket. Also, if your phone alarm is going off, you must listen to the noise until you can pull over however unsafe that may be to do to make it stop. Unless of course you can't pull over. Then  you may lose your mind from the distracting alarm sounding through your brain over and over and over again, causing road rage, which then causes an accident because you're so pissed off you just want to ram into the guy driving beside you to try to get him out of the way so you can get over to the side of the road and stop that irritating noise. Because a quick push of one button on your handheld device is against the law in our province. A little exaggerated I know, however if you do find yourself in a similar situation as those mentioned above, in all seriousness you'd better NOT (seriously, do NOT!) press that one button ..or you'll be out a hefty hundred and fifty bucks ;) Drive safe everyone!

Veggielicious 2013

If you've never taken part before, it's only fair to share with my fellow veg-heads this little thing called Veggielicious, powered by The Toronto Vegetarian Association. It's a two week celebration of compassionate cuisine where a number of local vegetarian restaurants participate; thirty locations were featured in the 2012 event. Veggielicious is almost here, meaning the opportunity to try some amazing Vegan eats in and around the GTA. Check out the site http://www.veggielicious.ca/ to find out which restaurants will be offering prix-fixe meals and other great deals then set yourself up for a few Date Nights between November 15th and November 30th 2013 to give a few of them a try.

ps Kelly & Erinn of Kindfood in Burlington will be featuring their Happy Buddha Bowl and Green Smoothie for $15, Dine In or Take Out!

Winnipeg City Hall Will Vote To Ban Circuses!!

Yes, Winnipeg! Although it hasn't yet been decided, Winnipeg City Hall will vote next Wednesday on banning exotic animal circuses in their area. Read the Global News article here, write your MP, tweet about about it, share it on Facebook ..and maybe, just maybe one day this will have a Canada-Wide (better yet World-Wide) effect!

Blackfish Documentary

This documentary looks amazing and I'm hoping to get out with my friends from HALT to see it in Toronto. Check the TIFF website here for showtimes.

Niagara VegFest 2013

omigosh so much going on this summer in the community this summer and I want to be a part of it all! Unfortunately there will be a number of things I'll have to miss out on and the Niagara VegFest is one of them. It's happening Sunday June 2, 2013 if you can make it out and there will be lots to see and do; speakers, vendors, exhibitors from all over as well activities to take part in. Have a read at what literature and info is being offered while you're there as some really rad people I'm in contact with through animal welfare groups are setting up tables at this event and they are a wealth of knowledge. FYI many of the local Niagara wineries are Vegan friendly and will offer wine tastings ..!! Have some for me! Also good luck trying to decide which Vegetarian eateries you'll dine at because there are a number of options in the area; refer to the Niagara VegFest Dining Guide for ideas.
Enjoy!!

All Heated Up For Cinco de Mayo!

I've posted about Che's Burrito Lounge in Hamilton's Hess Village before but in the spirit of Cinco de Mayo I'm adding some new pics. If you still haven't been I'm telling you you're missing out on some super fresh, made from scratch, full of flavour eats. And if you'd like to heat it up habanero style be sure to ask for the Super Hot Sauce; it's made with love!

  

Love.. The secret ingredient in the Super Hot Sauce Saney made for me :)

'Sew Hungry' ~Ottawa Street May 3rd 2013

I'm a believer in supporting the little guys, the independent business in our community but when thirty-nine Food Trucks from Hamilton and our surrounding area line up along Ottawa Street it makes it really difficult to choose just who you're gonna buy from. I'm drawn to The Portobello Burger in particular as they offer all Vegetarian/Vegan grub but so many of the other guys have Veggie Tacos, Gourmet Grilled Cheese and Veggie Sandwiches that cater to vegheads like me as well as a ton of deserts to choose from various trucks. Here you'll see my Eggplant Parm and Kale Salad. I left there feeling 'Sew' full that I couldn't manage to fit in that cupcake I had my heart set on devouring from Sweetness Bakery; maybe because I had stuffed my face with Tiny Toms Donuts after hoovering back my lunch! To read more about the event see The Spec's article with a description of each vendor and if you're from the local area and didn't get out to this one you might want to check it out next time!

Kale Salad and Eggplant Parm from The Portobello Burger

Tiny Tom's Donuts

Homemade Cleaners Using Essential Oils

I was reading the Momstown Hamilton Blog and saw this post for the Tea For Three Blog. I'm on a mission now for more recipes and will update this post when I come across them! For now, give this a read: Tea For Thre

Burrito Brothers ..on TV!

Pretty cool stuff! My friend Saney and her co-owners of Burrito Brothers in Brantford were spotted in this OLG commercial today; she's famous now!!

If you're in the Brantford/Ancaster/Hamilton area this restaurant is definitely worth making time for. There are a number of Vegan/Vegetarian options and everything is made with LOVE. I ate my food so quickly when I was there that I forgot to take a picture to blog about! ..so another post about this fantastic little gem will follow sometime soon. Check them out on Twitter @BurrittoBrobrant or 'Like' their Facebook page to learn more about them ..but first watch this commercial then go in and ask them for their autograph! Sooo proud!!

Organically Grown Success

Clifford Myers (left) Javier Enrique (right)

There used to be a free regular open mic comedy show that I'd go to every week after work with my buddy Javier who would often go up to do a set. I'd watch the same people do their thing week after week yet it never became dull to me. I was always amazed at the courage these comics had to stand up and take that risk where they might be laughed at instead of the actual jokes. I'd sit really quietly in the audience, off to the side, out of the way and almost hold my breath for each one as they went up. Once they'd start making the room laugh I could feel their anxiety fade and their confidence rise as they continued on; a pretty awesome transition to watch. After The Staircase weekly shows came to a halt due to lack of support from the local community (shame on us Hamilton!) the group of guys continued to set up other gigs at bars across the city, acquired spots on college radio shows and did out of town work in the Toronto and Niagara regions.

Clifford Myers (click on that link and 'Like' his page before you read any further!) was one of the guys I'd find myself silently cheering on from the audience; he shows his passion for his work and I admire that. And even though I had heard many of his same jokes on several occasions, it was a different show at each venue I saw him at. He gets a read on his audience and adapts to them. He can sense the vibes in the room and goes with that flow. This boy is intuitive that way! Outside of his many in-city performances, I saw him also at The Central, Crown & Tiger and Second City in Toronto as well as Club 54 in Burlington. This Friday night I'll be there to cheer him on as he opens again (for a second year!) in Toronto for Craig Gass at the Panasonic Theatre. I feel so proud of this guy and it's not so I can say 'I knew him when' when he becomes rich and famous one day (well.. I might brag about that later in life but it's not what makes me feel how I do for him) I feel proud to know of a guy who over the past few years has been so dedicated to his passion in life and is seeing success because of it. I feel proud that he was organically grown by the love and support of his fans and fellow comics in my hometown. Nothing at all tainted about his success; pure natural talent and devotion is what put him where he is today. I feel pride because I know someone who has the drive in him to set goals and is achieving them. Have a look online at his videos and pages regardless of where you're reading from because one day he might just make an appearance in your own city and you won't want to miss it.  'Like' him on Facebook, Follow him on Twitter @Cliffalus or have a look at his (seldom updated) website to learn more about him. As for you Hamilton, watch for his show listings and go check him out in real life to see what you've been missing.

And Clifford if you read this on Twitter, (which you will because you're a tweet-aholic) know I will sit in the audience with your fans and friends this Friday not-so-silently cheering you on as you continue to grow in the organic success of your comic career; hope you'll feel the energy of those good vibes from way up on stage that we'll be sending your way!
I'd wish you luck as well buddy ..but you won't need it :)

I'm In Love With My City

I believe in supporting my local community as best I can. I shop at local stores, I buy from farmers markets, I eat out at family owned restaurants and drink at establishments operated by people of the city who have invested in their business. I buy tickets for charity groups in our area, go out to Art Crawls and watch comedy shows and bands play at local venues. Hamilton gets a bad rap from so many who focus only on the industrial end of which many of our residents livelihoods are dependant upon. This city is full of culture and diversity and if you truly take the time to appreciate the really great things about it you'll see those things reflected throughout.
I play an active role in the animal rights organizations within the city, my kids play sports at the many beautiful parks and arenas nearby, we visit the AGH and the Royal Botanical Gardens etc but theres so much more to be a part of here; there's a place of interest for everyone, you just have to source it out. There's a new game lounge open downtown, you can roller skate in the outdoor rink at Bayfront Park in the nicer weather or hang out at a Vegan Community Potluck if thats your thing! I could spend hours posting what is going on these days but instead I suggest you check out sites such as Beaux Mondes Jamie Gunner Smith Tourism Hamilton and ihearthamilton or search the hashtag #HamOnt on Twitter. You'll see all that Hamilton has to offer this way AND you'll always be in the know for where the Food Trucks are!!

Thinking of Dealing with Rokbar? Beware.

The note below was posted by my cousin @mcunclebuck on Facebook and he has asked his friends & family to spread the word about his dealings with Rokbar to save anyone else from the aggravation he's been through with them, so.... here it is and it's worth the read!

I'm writing this note as a cautionary tale to those of you who are thinking about working for Rokbar in Hamilton's Hess Village. After two months of being owed a month's worth of pay for my old weekly slot, I feel the time has come to warn all of you of the types of things that have happened to me and my dealings with that club.

I was hired by Rehan Mirza (i.e 'Rayz' .. their resident Dj/Promtions guy) two summers ago to MC and promote special events. It was he that negotiated my wage, and it was him that I was to submit my weekly payment invoice to. You see, the accounting department (Headed by John Nedelko) had requested that instead of being paid at the end of the night, I submit invoices that would be due in thirty days. It should be noted that In the two years I had worked there I was rarely paid on time in accordance with the payment schedule I had worked out with both Rehan (the one who hired me and negotiated my rate) and John (the accountant who prepares the pay cheques)...but I did eventually end up with the money owed. I was told by John that the owner (Denis Vranich) was required to sign off on my cheques. John would inform him of the invoices that were due to be paid, and Denis would direct to him which invoices to pay.

That brings us to now. I am one in a long list of people owed money by this club. Luckily, I am not one of those owed thousands of dollars...but some are, which makes this even more troubling. I have tried countless times to collect what is owed to me. Rehan Mirza has told me countless times that I am 'Not to worry and I will be paid'...but when I questioned John (the accountant) about a previous bounced cheque issue, I was told that Rehan has no information or say on the accounting or payment dealings of the business. I find this very disturbing as Rehan is:

A) the one hiring people and negotiating their wage

and

B) Telling those owed that they are one of the top people on the list to be paid next..and other things of that nature.

I went to the offices of the bar and spoke to John and Joanne (another worker in the office) about my concerns and was told that my only recourse is to speak directly to Denis (the club's owner) about it. An idea that I would love to pursue, however not one person is willing to give me his contact information. When I told both of them that I had only met Denis once, moments before he was carried out of his club from intoxication. I was met with laughter, and again told they weren't able to help me. As the accountant (John) explained, he has informed Denis that this money is owed, but Denis will not give the authorization to prepare a cheque.

I have continued to try and contact John to inquire about a possible timeline for payment, but he now refuses to reply to my emails, and it looks as though I will have to take legal action.

So to those that are being contacted by Rehan to work for that nightclub, beware. There are a laundry list of broken promises and owed money, and the club's own accounting head has told me (and others) that Rehan has absolutely no say on who gets paid and when. That sole decision falls at the discretion of the club's owner, and he refuses to sign off on payment for myself and others owed significant money.

Will this same saga happen to you? It's possible that it wont..but I felt it in the best interest of others to warn you of what many are dealing with.

Thanks for Reading.

Edit: I want to make a point of saying that this is no way directed at any of the other staff at the club. A great group of people work in security and behind the bar there, so please do not take the actions of those named above as a reflection of the rest of the employees.