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That thing that makes us stand out amongst the crowd

Now also published on the local media outlet, Raise the Hammer, here. As artists, athletes, business people, as employees and even as lovers, we spend our lives trying to stand out amongst the crowd. In our search for love, what is it about us that will make that person of our dreams take notice? As prospective employees, what is it within our skill set that will make an employer choose us amongst hundreds or thousands of applicants? Surely there are athletes who are talented enough to play in the big leagues but perhaps the right scout never sees them showcase their talents or the one time they had a chance to shine, was the very rare occasion they were off their game. As artists, we plug away each and every day at … Read entire article »

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A Home For Buddy – Sad Goodbyes and Happily Ever Afters

It’s been two years since I first introduced you to Buddy. After two stories, a bitter cold winter and the early days of a second bone-chilling season, there is finally a happily ever after. As it turns out, Buddy had a bit of a secret advocator unbeknownst to me until a couple of weeks ago. It makes sense actually. After all, it is from him that my true love and appreciation for animals stems. Every Tuesday for the past couple of years, he and my mom have come over to watch my children while their mother goes to school. While he is at my house, he also ensures the animals are fed before I get home later … Read entire article »

Steel Roots live at Homegrown Hamilton

  Tonight, our band is taking the stage at a great new downtown Hamilton hotspot, Homegrown Hamilton. 5 guys, 4 guitars, and way too many harps. Our band is Jeremy Lane on 12-string and vocals, Brad Pipe on 6-string and vocals, Brian Conte on bass, Spencer LeClair on electric, and myself on harp. All ‘homegrown’, steel town boys. Come join us for a few local/micro-brew pints, a fair-trade/organic/roasted-on-site coffee, some great eats, and hopefully a little dancing. Details: When: Friday November 4th, 2011 Time:  9-12pm Where: Homegrown Hamilton – 27 King William St (east of James, north of King) Event Page (includes directions from London, Toronto, and Niagara Band Page with some pics of us. … Read entire article »

War and Prejudice

It’s sad to think that here we are in 2011 – the 21st century, and yet war and prejudice still exists. Haven’t we learned anything? A young couple were recently enjoying a coffee together outside a Tim Horton’s coffee shop in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. Steeling a kiss. An arm around a waist. Public displays of affection that remind those of us longing for love, that it still exists. Personally, with all of the hatred, sadness, and signs all around us on television and the real life faces we come across throughout our day that symbolize these negative emotions, couples expressing their love – whether it’s holding hands or a long passionate (nobody else exists in those moments) … Read entire article »

The Mother’s of Nature

The Hamilton Spectator recently published a seemingly harmless article titled Mother Nature turns on the heat in record weekend. The Canadian Thanksgiving had been uncharacteristically warm. Locals took advantage of the weather to enjoy the great outdoors; fall fairs, a walk along the beach, soaking in the rays. For one reader however, offence was taken in the use of the term Mother Nature where she felt the word God should have been used in it’s place. ‘Mother Nature’ headline offensive, was how the letter to the editor was titled. Each of us is entitled to their opinions but for me, the headline Mother Nature headline offensive, is offensive. It has nothing to do with the letter writer … Read entire article »

Variance Requests for Properties Within the Centre on Barton Property

Also published on Raise the Hammer Redcliff Reality Inc. through John D. Rogers & Associates Inc (Tyler Grinyer) Owner of Kenilworth Avenue Investment Inc., is seeking an amendment to the current allowable lease terms for properties within the Centre on Barton grounds. Most notably, is 1085 Barton Street east which Redcliff would like to lease to Walmart Canada. Monday, I stumbled across a variance request for 1085 & 1149 Barton Street E in Hamilton that will be before the Committee of Adjustment this afternoon. I did a Google search of the addresses, and one popped up at the City Furniture & Mattress building on the north/west corner of Barton and Ottawa Streets – I later confirmed that the … Read entire article »

Of Dreams, Coffee, Food, Art and Love

Homegrown will appetize a sense of family and community into our downtown, and will awaken every atom of your senses.     This Saturday September 10th, coinciding with the James Street North Supercrawl, my brother’s dreams will come true. Although I have known him all of my life, we were well into our twenties before I truly knew what brought out the passions from deep within his soul. By definition, Mike and I are not brothers. In fact we are second cousins. He is technically my dad’s cousin, but our mothers were very close when we were young kids so we spent a great deal of time together. We played Planet of the Apes and Star Wars in his Berko Avenue … Read entire article »

Light Rail Transit and Urban Sprawl

What does Hamilton want to be when it grows up? Original version of this story published on Raise the Hammer July 22, 2011   My grandfather is 96 years young. No one has seen this city evolve like these long-standing members of our community. He was eight when his family immigrated to Canada from Denmark in 1923, but outside of a tour of duty in Europe during World War II, Hamilton is the only home he has otherwise known. Both my parents were born, raised, and still reside in Hamilton. Although they are 30+ years younger than my grandfather, they have seen this city change quite drastically over their lifetime, including the fall of our once vibrant downtown core. To … Read entire article »

The Adventures of a One-Eyed Hampster

The Adventures of Missy Miss for Emma & Abby  Sandi and Missy   We found her on g-g-g. “Let’s get a Hamster for the girls”, mommy had said to daddy. It was agreed. We spotted an ad for a Hamster looking for a new home, and the family wasn’t too far away from where we lived. Mommy set a time to meet her, and we all packed into the van with glee and anticipation. The girls were all giggles. “This is Hammy”, the lady who answered the door said. “She only has one eye because her cat got a little too friendly with her, but she still likes to play and be held.” “Ah. She still needs a home”, daddy pleaded. “Look at her. She’s so … Read entire article »

Dads Are – Happy Father’s Day

I wrote this on the train ride into work yesterday. A part of it was inspired as my dad and I watched our favorite team win the Stanley Cup the other day for the first time in my lifetime. I have included a link or two at the bottom of this post to some touching stories about dads. Happy Father’s Day everyone. ~   Dads Are Dads are proud in their own way. Dads hold the stories of the past. Dads are our love for animals. Our love for classic cars. The reason we love The Beatles, The Three Stooges, and John Candy movies. Dads are the reasons why we are a little old-fashioned ourselves. They are our love for cutting the grass or washing the car. They … Read entire article »