Chef Massimo Calovini @ Blu Ristorante

Massimo Calovini is one of Toronto's most renowned, celebrated and revered Chefs, and for good reason. Since arriving in Toronto more than 30 years ago, Calovini has worked in some of the best kitchens and with some of the best names.

In 1981, Calovini decided to venture out on his own, opening and operating the popular and successful "Cibo Ristorante" for 11 years. In the mid-90?s, he ventured back to his roots in the "Old Country" for a fresh perspective and renewed inspiration.

We're lucky to have him back in Toronto. Throughout, Chef Massimo has maintained and consistently implemented his time-honoured philosophy of keeping dishes simple, fresh and delicious. A tradition that has kept him at the top for nearly four generations!

Tommaso Lepore – Biagio Ristorante

As the Executive Chef of Biagio Ristorante, Tommaso Lepore has been a mainstay in the Toronto dining scene.  Hardworking and consistent, Lepore has been diligently and quietly become one of the most dependable Chefs in the city; those who know of him and his delectable dishes, make their way back to Biagio every chance they get. 

Add the fact that this King Street East trattoria has won the Wine Spectator Award for Excellence time and again, and patrons know that an exquisite meal will always pair well with an equally exquisite wine, always available on hand.  

Common Sense in Halifax!

Late November isn't exactly the most ideal time of year to travel to Halifax.  Sure, it's a nice little city but the snow/rain mixed weather makes sightseeing a bitch.

I didn't travel to Hali to sight see anyway.  I went for business.  In fact, it was the first time I landed a role that required me to travel.  And I'm not talking about traveling to the suburbs, but actually getting a flight and hotel set up for me to travel a time zone away to perform.

What a feeling!  Exhilarated and at the same time kinda freaked out.  After all, these good people have enough faith in me to invest time and money to fly me out and ensure the job is done right.  The part itself was enough to get the heart pumping and the adrenaline rushing.

I was cast as the Host of a Nova Scotia drinking and driving campaign called Common Sense.  Great cause and of course it would come with a twist.  My delivery style was intended and designed to somewhat emulate the Slap Chop guy and even the late, great Billy Mays.  Wearing my beige coloured khakis and aqua blue polo shirt tucked in tightly, I was required to use all the energy I had and throw in a touch of tacky humour with the ultimate goal was to obviously get the point across that drinking and driving definitely don't mix.

But you see the twist didn't come with the delivery or the wardrobe selection. The twist came with my supporting cast of characters.  I didn't find out until the very last minute that this beautifully organized infomercial spot was to include a couple of TV legends of the past.

For Canadian audiences, Ed the Sock is a mainstay, a character that many grew up watching on late night television.  Quick witted, sarcastic and often times intentionally crude, Ed is a sock puppet whose voice comes from the extremely intelligent and intellectual Steven Kerzner.  Great guy, Steven was a pleasure to meet and gain perspective on how the character came to be, how success quickly followed and the legacy he continues to track.

For North American and even international audiences, Jimmie Walker is considered to be a legend!  Best known for his role as J.J Evans on the 1970's hit show Good Times, and his characters' cacatchphrase, "Dy-no-mite", Jimmie has been on stage and in front of television screens for over 40 years!  His humble personality, energy and incredible sense of timing and humour continue to dominate any room he's in.  Stories about his stint on the Love Boat and even Good Times gave me a privileged glimpse as to what he's experienced and made me feel lucky to be given the opportunity to hear all about this crazy adventures on stage and screen.

The production team was in fact a dream team!  Coupled with a determined and motivated cast of characters in front of the camera and I would say the infomercial was a massive success. Although the final product will be seen widespread in Nova Scotia only, I'm sure it will also be published on YouTube in the near future.  When it goes live, it's coming straight to this post....so stay tuned...and don't drink and drive!

Use Common Sense!

D'Anise Marie, a consummate professional

I must been doing something right if D'Anise Marie invites me to be a guest co-Host on her radio show.  Ecstatic to get the invitation to come on down recently and be part of a program that not only gives young boys and girls a platform to perform and express their raging imaginations for a chance at a big time agency deal but also one that allows for a casual, laid-back and very comforting environment to exchange some laughs and share some stories.

The program itself is called the D'Anise Show is hosted by, you guessed it, D'Anise herself.  A consummate professional, D'Anise welcomes everyone with her smile, sense of humour and very engaging and personable personality.  Very knowledgeable, she is a master of improvisation which makes her an absolute pleasure to speak and work with!  

Thanks D'Anise and I hope this little write up has garnered enough brownie points for you to allow me to come back on your show soon.

Macallan Scotch Tasting Event

One of my good buddies recently became a father. His brother-in-law recently moved back to Canada after spending some time abroad. That being said, I happened to get an invitation to a Scotch tasting event in Toronto and decided what better way to unite everyone, learn a little something about Scotch and get a buzz going at the same time.

In other words, me + 3 friends (my buddy Sam came too) + Macallan Scotch = supreme guys night out!

Last year this event took place at the Hazelton Hotel in Toronto's pricey Yorkville. This years' edition went down on the west side: trendy and local hipsterish West Queen West. More industrial and down to earth than pretentious Yorkville, it didn't seem like the kind of area where one would find a scotch tasting event, much less one hosted by the prestigious Macallan.

But as it turned out, it was a pretty good venue (a lounge converted from what I assume used to be an old factory facility). Although it was a little too crowded at times and tough to navigate around the throngs of people, the overall feel was magnetic!

Appetizers and a glass of the some of the best 10 year old, single malt scotch greeted us at the door. On a freezing Toronto night, it was just what we needed to warm up. And we did. After some small talk we got ushered into another room and introduced to the Macallan Brand Ambassador Marc Laverdiere. An excellent and engaging public speaker, Marc knows how to add classic French Canadian inspired humour with professionalism and exceptional knowledge of the product he represents.

The only disappointing part of the night was the end. This time around, there were no gift bags, goodies to take home. No mini-Scotch, no Macallan commemorative box, no Macallan scotch glasses. Last year we walked out with what easily could have been wrapped and given as a Christmas gift. This year, we had left over baguette slices, olives and cheese. Not bad but I would have loved the goodies! Probably a budget issue but I could have easily exchanged the apps for the take home Macallan goodies. Everyone could have and would have.

Hopefully I get another invite to this event next year.  Hopefully I get the invite and Macallan brings back the goods.  Hopefully I get the invite and Macallan hands out the goods...and my buddies and I take the goods back home and put the goods to very good use!

Exec. Chef Eric Pless is everywhere!

He's one of the most intense Chefs in Toronto. And, when I say intense, I mean dedicated, driven and extremely passionate. So much so, he can't stop working! At last count, he was manning three kitchens in Toronto's beautiful Distillery District. How does he do it? I just told you. :) Still, you should watch the vid!

French in Toronto with Chef JC Dupoire

I first met Chef JC Dupoire at his restaurant on a rainy July day. My camera guy Rob and I arrived to film him for an upcoming Chef documentary. He's already a famed Chef but we wanted to bring him to centre stage, in video form.

Oddly enough, in a city filled with unique restaurants, finding a great French restaurant has always been a tricky adventure.

Not anymore.

Chef JC has taken his years of experience, including several years at the famed Fairmont Royal York hotel in downtown Toronto and opened up his own joint.The result is Loire, a restaurant that celebrates French cuisine and puts a modern, yet local Canadian twist to it.

Everybody meet or re-introduce yourself to legendary Chef JC Dupoire at Loire.

Thank You MS Society!

For the past couple of years, the good people at the MS Society of Canada have graciously invited me to be their Emcee for their annual Gala.

The Gala itself celebrates, honours and commemorates those who have made unthinkable sacrifices and for others who have illustrated an unfathomable amount of determination and perseverence over the past year and in some cases, decades!

I've been supporting the MS Society, raising funds for many years. I became involved when I learned that a close family member was diagnosed with the disease. This family member, who will remain nameless, is a tough, smart and tenacious person with a compassionate soul. We were heart-broken to learn of the news but we knew that if anyone could fight it, it would be this person.

I decided to take action. I began to collect funds from friends and colleagues and can proudly say I've raised a few thousand in hopes of finding an eventual cure for a disease that affects millions of people from all walks of life, from all countries. Hundreds of thousands affected are from Canada, as MS, in some circles, is considered to be 'Canada's disease'.

My commitment to the cause was renewed on a larger scale in 2006 when I became a morning Talk Show Host at a local television station just east of Toronto. It was there that I raised awareness of the importance of learning and doing more about MS via the Media. Television, it seems can play a huge role in gaining further awareness to this ailment and can certainly motivate people to give and share in the fight to end MS.

Of course, a word about MS wouldn't be complete without mentioning the work of Dr. Zamboni who recently announced a cure may be closer than we think, if not already upon us. Although his breakthrough has received mixed reactions, many are seeking his treatment and pushing for it to be implemented and more readily accessible sooner than later. Click this link to learn more about Dr. Zamboni and his breakthrough that's making many both excited and skeptical.

We hope a cure is very near. Many believe we're already on the cure's doorstep and that the door is about to be smashed in. Regardless, I feel honoured and thoroughly enjoy doing my part. I thank the MS Society for the opportunity to be part of a truly exciting and inspirational night each year and hope to be part of it again next year. By then, let's hope that a cure is acknowledged, implemented, accessible and affordable.

For more information about the MS Society and how you can give, please visit www.mssociety.ca.

Together, we will end MS!

Chef Steve Sandiford, great guy, very intense and committed to excellence!

I remember this day very well. It was a cold and miserable spring day. The kind of day where one would step into a bar, have a couple of drinks and make a few new friends. The kind of day where one would hit the Blockbuster, rent a couple of movies, and call it a day.

But get in my car and drive 30 minutes north of the City is what I had to do. So I went. And after meeting Chef Steve Sandiford and sampling some of his delicious food, I forgot all about the rain and the cold.

Great guy, fantastic Chef. He's been doing this for over 20 years and his plethora of experience is illustrated in every meal he prepares. Enjoy the video!!

Executive Carl Dahl makes it happen in two kitchens!

Bryan Burke, Wine Bar!

He’s young, dynamic and Canadian. So is his cooking. We’re talking of course about Wine Bar’s Co-Owner and Executive Chef Bryan Burke, who continues to garner respect from both patrons and colleagues around the City for his commitment to local, simple and flavourful dishes.

At 12, he was a dishwasher. By 20 he became a fully certified Chef, George Brown alum, worked with Canada’s first master Baker Marian Markowski and captured the attention of Jamie Kennedy who made him sous chef of the Wine Bar. After spending time in Europe, honing his skills at several Michelin-starred restaurants, Burke returned to Toronto in 2007 and picked up where he left off,

French and Italian influenced with a distinctive Canadian foundation, Bryan Burke continues to not only raise eyebrows with one taste of his fresh and seasonal dishes but also earning further attention and praise for his love of exceptionally prepared, seasonal masterpieces.

Atlantic Restaurant proves that you should never, EVER judge a place by its front sign!

Funny story about Atlantic restaurant.

I drove by the place a few months ago and joked with my girlfriend that work wouldn't possibly send me to this kinda place. In fact, I hoped to God I would never step foot in a place like this. You know the type of place I'm talking about. Grungy, dirty looking and old in a way that doesn't even make the adventurous venture in.

Don't get me wrong I like my old-school places and there's a difference. Those who know me know that I can't stop going to those funky, been-there-since-I-was-a-kid-and-the-decor-hasn't-changed-since-'73 joints that serve up big portions and where inflation doesn't exist.

I'm talking about the ones that look so old and broken down you wonder how they possibly stay in business. The ones that look like the outside of Atlantic restaurant looks like. It turns out, work would and did send me to a place like this. I braced myself and prayed to not get food poisoning.

In the end, Atlantic turned out to be awesome! So awesome in fact that it has now become one of my new faves and I wouldn't hesitate to suggest this place to anyone looking for a casual off-the-beaten track dining experience with prices that can't be beat.

Click the link. Enjoy the read.

Atlantic Restaurant truly proves that you should never, EVER judge a place by its front sign!

Executive Chef - Jason Carter at Centro, Toronto

Jason Carter has come a long way from his dishwashing days in Windsor, Ontario. After moving to Toronto to pursue his passion for cooking, he found himself learning from some of the best. Spending the past decade under the direction of Susur Lee in Toronto, Chef Carter felt ready for his next big challenge; he became the Executive Chef of Centro, one of the city's most iconic restaurants.

10,000 hits and counting!

Back in the Fall of 2009, my buddy Massimo invited me to go up on a Cessna with him and a Pilot he is training under.  It was a spontaneous adventure and so I thought to bring along my dinky Canon digi and film the experience.  I cut the video over the following months using only what I had.  And what I had was equally dinky Windows Movie Maker.  If you've dabbled in editing software, you know that Movie Maker isn't exactly top notch and is very limited as far as what you can and can't do.  Never-the-less, after a few days of editing and selecting the right music, I published it for the world to see.

After about 6 months, this little spontaneous video production has reached 10,000 hits on Lonely Planet TV!

It has surpassed everyone's expectations, especially my own.  More so because it was my first truly self-edited video.  Take a look and let me know what you think.  Enjoy!

Chef Jason Kirby at Olivia's

In 2002, Jason Kirby began his Chef Apprenticeship just outside Melbourne, Australia, training under his mentor Chef Jon Schirmer.  Since then, he’s traveled thousands of kilometers, learning more along the way and landing in the heart of College Street.                                                         

Two years at the Beach House Restaurant on Hamilton Island gave Jason a strong foundation of what it takes to be a top notch Chef.  It also allowed him to have the opportunity to work with and learn from renowned regional Chefs.  His travels took him to New Zealand where he worked at some of the most exclusive wineries in the Marlborough region, and then to Canada, settling in Whistler, BC for two years before coming to Toronto. 

After stints at George Restaurant and Earth, Chef Jason Kirby is the new Executive Chef at Olivia’s.  His extensive training and knowledge combined with his astute knowledge of current trends has allowed him to create a menu fit for those who love great food. 

Passionate Claudio Aprile - Owner and Executive Chef at Origin

Claudio Aprile has been called a food renegade, a mad scientist and a North American pioneer of molecular gastronomy. There's one thing for certain: Aprile is passionate about his craft and maintains an incredible sense of adventure many chefs have lost a long time ago.

Chef Aprile is intensely driven with an insatiable creative spirit and a low tolerance for inefficiency. Aprile's attention to detail combined with a tell-it-like-it-is personality is extremely well documented and can be perceived as both antagonistic and refreshing. 

For Chef Aprile, it's the food that matters most and it takes centre stage. By using fresh, always in-season ingredients, Aprile's simple yet intricate culinary creations range from Spanish and Thai to classic Canadian masterpieces which never compromise on quality or flavour. Claudio Aprile dazzles and impresses Origin patrons time and time again.

From Maury to Oz, daytime TV sucks!

Working from home has its benefits. Sometimes, it doesn't. Yes, it allows for a more relaxed working environment, consistent snack breaks and when the weather is nice enough a work-out session.


But come around 2 or 3pm one starts to get a bit more...exploratory. What I like to do is take a 5-10 minute break and catch up on world news, local weather and the like. I usually do it online because I refuse to get cable (see "Rogers Communications is a Joke", listed below).

But on this day, I decided to check out what the TV had to offer. As I'm flipping though the handful of static-infested channels available, I come across what seems to be an endless array of court-room "drama" shows. Judge Mathis, Judge Judy and this new one called Street Court.  


Yup, Street Court.  Here's the premise:  


Two neighbours dispute just about anything, in this case let's say a dog bite.  One guy accuses the other guy and so on.  No plaintiff or defense lawyers but instead standing in the middle of them both, is what appears to be NYC lawyer with a beautiful pin-striped suit and a rose colored tie.  As it turns out, he is the Judge and the Jury.  After a few minutes of hearing the street corner testimony and screaming to one guy to "shut up and stay quiet" and to the other guy to "shut up and stay quiet", a verdict is delivered and the law has spoken.  


Yup, that's it.  Welcome Street court to the roster, everyone.  A big round of applause for Street Court.  The newest shit programming to hit my retina.  Don't watch, trust me.  

I know all about Maury's early morning paternity test dramas, what with the "Bill, you ARE the father" repeating on a daily basis and I know all about the Oprah Block in the afternoons.  Oprah gets serious about the dangers of texting while Dr. Phil explains how we all have to love our wives and how are kids are destined to go down the devil's path if we don't save them NOW.  


And then there's Dr. Oz who will tell us what the leading cause of death is among the entire population and how we MUST STOP DOING IT RIGHT NOW......right after this short break.  The most entertaining part of Dr. Oz is watching the pathetic, sex-deprived middle-aged women who all of a sudden become hot soccer mom cougars, wearing a special number, hoping, nee yearning for the chance to be selected to come up on stage and take part in one of Oz's educational games.  When in reality, they wish they had 10 private minutes with the doctor, to play doctor, with the help of a web cam to record the entire encounter.  


And to think people actually watch on a daily basis, with zeal and anticipation, thinking that today will be different when in reality, it's the same thing.  I'm not judging.  It is what it is.  


Don't get me wrong, Oprah, Phil and Oz actually do have some useful tips and suggestions but I'm always amazed to witness the surrounding actions, reactions and behaviours of people who would only act that way when drunk and would probably judge others for acting in that way.

As for the other shows, I have to remember to keep my TV permanently off between 10-6.   

I still like checking in on my man Regis at 9!!  

Chef Vishal Ramsuchit has many good reasons for his longevity

In the span of 15 years from the early 80s to the mid-90s, Vishal Ramsuchit went from humble dishwasher to Owner and Chef of Trapper’s Restaurant in mid-town Toronto. How did he successfully climb the restaurant ladder? Hard work and perseverance.

A jack of all trades, Ramsuchit is involved in all areas of his restaurant and thus understands what it takes to run a successful business. He believes Trapper’s is celebrating 25 years largely because of its passion for consistently delivering creative quality dishes and exceptional service each time. Add the fact that Trapper’s also proudly serves dishes made with ingredients from all corners of Canada, and Owner/Chef Vishal surely promises to be around for many more years to come.

Cheesecake stuffed French Toast at Lola's

Therese DeGrace is living her dream with sprinkles on top. The past few years for Therese have been busy. This Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Lola's Commissary became an acclaimed Food Writer and TV Reporter. Therese was just named one of L'Oreal's Mille Femme Magnifique. Has she had time to manage her own consulting company (Kitchen Culture) on the side? You bet!



Chef Therese has come a long way from making tomato sauce with Grandma using ingredients grown in Grandpa's garden. She is an award-winning, internationally trained Chef who's not only passionate about her Italian and French-Canadian roots but illustrates her passions with every dish she creates.

Therese, along with Lola Commissary partner and pastry chef Karen Balcom, has a very environmentally conscious frame of mind when it comes to food. Her meals are full of down-home cooking goodness and feature eclectic delights from around the world.

BTW, don't be fooled by the look on her face in the freeze frame....she really liked me, I hope.

Luigi Spasiano - REAL Italian

He's been in Toronto for only one year, yet Luigi Spasiano has made his mark. The Executive Chef of Sorrento Ristorante, in uptown Toronto, has illustrated to loyal patrons and adventurous newbies alike, that Italian done his way is the right way.

A native of Sorrento, Italy, Luigi has spent many years traveling, studying and working throughout Europe and North America in some of the most prestigious restaurants. After arriving in Toronto to join long-time friends and owners of Sorrento, Nino and Dominika Cioffi, Luigi began his journey to educate Torontonians about the real Italian dining experience.

Luigi prides himself on preparing Italian classics with authenticity and a modern, yet original twist to every dish.

Dine.TO: Bruce Woods - Leading the way at beautiful Brassaii

What were you doing at age 25? Bruce Woods was busy becoming an Executive Chef.

There's no doubt, his hard work paid off early but his hard work and relatively young age also allows him to continue to perfect his craft. And we're lucky enough to sample his incredible culinary creations, hopefully for many more years to come. Enjoy the vid!

Dine.TO: Chef Massimo Capra of Sopra and Mistura Restaurant

Massimo Capra!

Legendary, charismatic and one hell of a Chef. He's been a force in Toronto's restaurant scene for over 30 years and his endearing personality has captivated his customers, both old and new. Massimo continues to inspire other Chefs and more importantly, himself. Always learning and always perfecting, Massimo Capra will continue to flex his culinary muscles for many more years to come. Enjoy!

Dine.TO: Chef Frank Romano of Far Niente Restaurant

Chef Frank Romano at Far Niente Restaurant is all class. Professional, personable and extremely talented in the kitchen, Frank is a fantastic on-air personality whose dishes speak for themselves. Great recipe and a great doc thanks in large part to Chef Frank. Enjoy!

First Video Production for Dine.TO

After a month of anticipation, the footage has been unleashed onto the international stage.

Yes, my very first food doc for Dine.TO is online and ready to be viewed.

In March 2010, I had the pleasure of meeting Master Chef Mario Vena. I took my tripod and JVC Everio and went up to Richmond Hill, Ontario to document the Owner and Operator of La Reserve restaurant.

Who is Mario Vena? An extremely personable family man with an insatiable passion for people and great food. He's been running his dream restaurant successfully for many years, and by all accounts, Mario Vena is not slowing down, not for a second!

This video gives you a glimpse of one of the best Master Chefs in Toronto!

Rogers Communications. What a JOKE!

I bet when Ted Rogers started up his company many years ago, he envisioned what he ended up developing:  A massive corporation providing every type of telecommunications service known to humankind.

Ted Rogers had the right idea.  But the people running the show today, are full of shit. From top to bottom.

How can an organization be this successful with so many idiots doing nothing and with so many more idiots supervising the idiots doing nothing?

I wasted 45 minutes of my life and at the same time, used up 45 minutes of my 100 free mobile minutes to speak to 3 Rogers Cable reps.

1 was ignorant and couldn't wait for the clock to hit 5pm.
The 2nd kept talking to her computer, telling it to "behave".

The 3rd was a Manager.
I vented to her in a calm, collected voice.  A rarity.  I must say I'm pretty proud of my accomplishment.  I was even bold enough to re-assure this Manager that I was in fact speaking in a calm fashion.  After all, someone had to get re-assured today.

To be honest, that's really tough for me to do.  Especially when I'm upset and fighting on principle.  I'm the paying customer, who did everything right, who pays the cable bill on time each month.  But Rogers failed to live up to their end of the deal, failing to live up to their commitment of delivering their product on time, every time.  But venting and directing your anger to a monopoly of a company that continuously over-charges and pays little, to no respect to its customers and offers shitty customer service, won't make a lick of difference.

I wonder how Gandhi would have approached this situation?  Would he have just gotten rid of his cable?  Switched to YouTube full time?  Would he have gotten an antenna?  Would he camp out on Jarvis street (Rogers Cable HQ) every day until someone came out to see what he wanted?  That's a legit question.  Think about it.

Ok, here's the background.

I called Rogers 2 weeks before I was about to move.  I gave them my new address.  They collected the information and stored it in their database.  At least, I thought they did.  But, I should have known better.  When I moved 3 years ago, it took Rogers 8 months to finally insert my new address into their system.  The optimist in me said no, this time, Rogers can do it right.  The realist in me once again came out victorious.
I was told that a smooth transition of my cable service would be imminent.  I was re-assured.

In reality, Rogers lied to me.

You see, that's the thing.  Rogers says one thing, does another.

Rogers employees are great Actors.  Character Actors who spend 5 minutes every day before starting their shifts, psyching themselves up, focused purely on how to screw with your day, how to waste your time.  Using one hand to twirl a pencil and the other to hold their Tim Horton's double-doubles, because after all, Rogers employees are a real working-man's employee, fighting for the people and assuring reliable, quality products to hard-working customers every time.  What a pile of garbage!

When you talk to Rogers employees, you're often talking to an over-paid douche bag of a customer service rep who doesn't believe in customer service at all.  In reality, doesn't believe in doing their jobs!   Just think of it.  An employee who gets full medical and dental benefits, holidays off and answers phones without giving a damn about whether you're getting the services you are paying a lot of money for.   I don't imagine Rogers employee resumes often have the words, Strong work ethic, exceptional multi-tasking abilities or customer service experience on them.

But, they do.  And that's what's so disconcerting.  Most of them probably go home after work, kiss their kids, wives, husbands and eat dinner, watch TV (unlike some customers), look at themselves in the mirror and with absolutely no conscious at all, convince themselves that they've done a good job for their boss.  


"I'm disappointed with Rogers.  This is unacceptable!  I was told it would be a seamless transition and it's not".   I told this to the equally inept, yet seemingly compassionate Manager.  
"Usually when employees don't do their jobs, much less don't do it correctly, it's customary for those employees to get fired, wouldn't you agree"?  


The Manager said nothing.

"Wouldn't you be disappointed and angry if you did everything right and were re-assured that everything you properly asked for would be delivered as promised"?

Again, the Manager said nothing.

"Do you think it's fair that millions of people are looking for work and building their resumes without realizing that a job at Rogers is available and the only prerequisite needed is the ability to a have bullshit careless attitude"?

Again, nothing.

In the end, I was given 100 Bonus minutes to my mobile account and a rebate for 10 days from my next cable bill.  But, no cable. I was also given a bunch of confirmation codes, blah blah blah.  In the end, I have to wait until April 9 for cable. Maybe even longer.  At this point I don't know.

What I do know is this:  Whether you're the type to do everything last minute or one to take initiative quickly and get a job done, it doesn't matter with Rogers.  Hundreds of thousands of people across Canada can relate to what I'm saying.  My story is not new but it won't get old either.  I'm not the only one going through this and I'm not the only one that will go through this again.

I just thought to express myself...in written form...on my blog, in hopes that you can share your experiences.

At the end of the day, it's only cable.  It's not a big deal.  But at the end of the day, it's also about rightfully getting what you pay for.

I have to thank...

Lonely Planet TV and Dine.TO for giving me a chance to contribute; a chance to re-enter the workforce; a chance to regain my dignity.  


A little history first.  


Working at The Score for ten years gave me a strong foundation of what it's like to work for a deadline-oriented, results-driven environment.  A television network does that. I couldn't have asked for a better first job coming out of University. A television network is usually full of ego and full of energy that's tough to bottle up.  There is so much creativity and talent around every corner that if you can't keep up with it and contribute some of your own, you may feel left out.  Relatively speaking, The Score did a great job bringing everyone into the fold and making even the new guys and girls feel part of the team.


But as it were, after spending ten years at The Score and doing everything from Live Sportscasting, to Interviewing Olympians and getting paid to watch Live sporting events, I had to move on.  It was time for a real change and a step I had to take.   


Unfortunately, months of instability, stress and a shitty economic situation was negatively affecting my sanity and my ability to make ends meet...much less eat.  Money was tough to come by.  


So like anyone in this situation of depleted savings, I hustled to find a job.  After being told I'm over-qualified from several places, I thought about it.  

I love traveling.  I love food.  First the travel thing.


In October 2008, Lonely Planet TV finally answered my hundreds of emails.  A glimmer.  A beacon of light in what seemed to be an endless, depressing desert....not to get overly dramatic or anything.  But it's kinda true.


I would be given a chance to Direct, Produce, Write and Host a Travel Doc about Toronto, for the Lonely Planet.  


A dream come true.  Lonely Planet!  The worldwide leader in travel. 


3 months later, Freezing Your Rocks Off, in Toronto was born.  


One year later, Painting the Nuit Blanche, in Toronto was also released.  


I have plenty more ideas, some have been pitched to Lonely Planet TV.  They are pending review.  Regardless, the opportunity to reach out and connect with LPTV, across 15 time zones and have them trust me to conceive, develop and complete 2 travel docs, is almost surreal.  I thank LPTV for the chance to show my skills and contribute to their archive.


Now onto Dine.TO.  The food thing.


I wrote the editor of this online-based Marketing and Hospitality company a sample restaurant review with the hopes that she would like it and invite me to be part of the food critic team.  It worked.  I got the interview and got the job.  Now it didn't pay much but I didn't complain. Eating for free and writing about it.  Not a bad gig.  


Then in the summer of 2009, things started getting very interesting.  I had never met the big boss of Dine.TO until August, more than 3 months after I started working for him.


I introduce myself and he's happy to meet me.  After a few minutes of small talk, he explains that his brother, who owns a restaurant in Florida and whom he recently visited, mentioned my name in conversation.  I'm taken aback.  I had never met his brother and as I mentioned, I hadn't met my new boss until today.  


How does my name come up in conversation between 2 guys I had never met?


Turns out my family, who live in Florida, frequent the restaurant his brother owns.  In fact, they eat there every time they're in Orlando. It's gotten to the point they're there so much they've developed a personal relationship with the Restaurateur/brother.  My uncle mentions that he has a nephew who recently became a restaurant Writer in Toronto.  I assume the Restaurateur mentions that his brother owns a restaurant review/hospitality company in Toronto.  Put them both together and word travels fast.  The culmination being that day in August.


Amazing how small the world can be sometimes.  Just amazing.  What are the odds of that?  


A few months have passed since and a new year has begun.  2010 brought a renewed sense of trust, belonging and motivation.  Dine.TO is trusts me to manage accounts and Direct/Produce/Host Chef Profile videos featuring top Chefs from around Toronto.  The first Chef Vid is set to be released in the coming days.  Stay tuned. 


I thank both Lonely Planet TV and Dine.TO for trusting me.  For allowing me to regain my confidence and continue to ignite my creative spirit.  Both have allowed me to illustrate my skills and renewed my motivation to keep doing well.
Most importantly, both have given me a chance... to contribute.

Flying over Toronto

Fall 2009.   A good friend of mine, Massimo, invited me up to Buttonville Airport, just north of Toronto for a chance at a fly-over in a tiny Cessna.   You see, Massimo is learning how to fly and Buttonville is one of the few airports around that offers lessons.

It’s funny because the thought of Massimo flying didn’t scare me.  After all, I went to his wedding.  I know his wife.  Bright future.  No risks.

What did make me nervous was the Pilot.  Yes, the Pilot.

Blake.  Young guy.  Too young.  I have to admit, I started sweating a bit. Should I kiss the tarmac before I put my belt on?  Should I call my mom and tell her I love her?  Naaaw, it’ll be fine.

My stomach on the other hand….not so much.  Take a look!

Transglobe is a disgrace!

Anyone in Canada reading this could probably relate to what I'm about to say.
Of course the opinions expressed by this blogger are solely mine.

You are obviously free to express your opinions. But I bet by the time you finish reading this post, you'll probably share some of my sentiments and put a couple of your two cents in the pot.

For 30 years, my mother and I lived in public housing in one of the most dangerous and obviously poorest neighbourhoods in the city. When I was younger, my friends would ask me where I lived. I would tell them and jokingly add that they'd probably already seen my area...in the news....crime news.

Yes indeed this was a neighbourhood that forced anyone entering it to fear for their safety. Except the drug dealers and gangsters who wondered the streets with money and guns. Those guys don't fear anything, except getting caught. Urine on the elevator floors was a daily occurrence. Security guards came and went, casually doing their jobs and giving only minimum effort of care and responsibility. In fact most of them were happy enough just to give parking tickets than patrol the stairwells, where some of the gang activity would go down. Thanks guys. Safe to say it was everyone for themselves. In many ways, Darwinian.

So that being said, the wise thing to do was to get out. We did. Into an area that wasn't dominated by subsidization. An affordable market-value unit to start a new, safer life. We thought we found it with Transglobe. We didn't.

Like any honeymoon, the beginning was great. Big unit. Pretty good price. Great neighbourhood. But when the vacation ended, the happiness quickly turned sour.

Problem #1: Bed Bugs! (I hear they're everywhere in Toronto)

Problem #2: Transglobe being alerted to a bed bug problem and doing only the minimum to alleviate it.

Problem #3: Promises to eliminate the source were bullshit!

IT"S BEEN OVER A YEAR AND THE BED-BUG PROBLEM IS STILL ON-GOING!

Believe it.

It's very hard to digest the fact that you pay all this money and get very little in return. I find it's a common theme these days as a whole.

But I'm not just talking about service. I'm talking about Trust. Customer appreciation. Respect!
With regards to Transglobe, I expect all three considering the rent is not cheap (especially in tough economic times).

I can safely say that I've been disappointed with Transglobe more times than I ever was in 30 years of living in public housing!

What does that tell you?

Now granted, there has been much debate and discussion about recent actions taken by the Toronto Housing Community (Toronto Star article). People are clearly not happy about what has happened. The late Al Gosling was evicted because of an apparent bureaucratic mix-up. He later died. I'll make it clear that I'm not defending or attacking the THC by any means. I only re-iterate that problems are everywhere and more often than not, it's those causing the least amount of trouble, if any, that get screwed over.

And that's my point!

I understand people aren't happy. There are problems everywhere. But I expect a certain level of satisfaction. When I call for a repair, I expect service. When I call for a bed bug complaint, I expect action! Don't get me wrong, my time spent in public housing was often riddled with shitty building conditions, fear, insecurity and expectations of failure in the system. I thought it would be different with Transglobe. As a public company, they would invest more money to take care of the tenants and the conditions of the building.

Geez was I ever naive. No such luck. Surely when you pay more, you should get more in return right? As it turns out, the problems persist....they just take on different forms.

I notified the Property Manager. Courteous enough guy, he ordered a spray. Still, bed bugs.

Notified him again. Ordered another spray. Still, bed bugs. Why?

You could say that the elimination of DDT has substantially affected the way pest control professionals deal with such problems. They don't go away as easily as they use to.

I mentioned to the Property Manager that the problem may be coming from a neighbour. Bed bugs tend to enter a unit in a variety of ways, one being through the electrical system.

He ignored me.

I mentioned again how he should investigate the surrounding tenants. Instead of wasting money contracting people to spray units, find the source of the problem and eliminate it. I get told the downstairs neighbour might be causing it. I mention it to the Property Manager.

That didn't seem to strike a chord.

Until one day I get word that a TEAM of Transglobe reps arrived at the building and headed straight to that very same downstairs neighbour in unit G1. It turns out, much has been made about that tenant. In fact, according to reports, 41 tenants within the building have signed a petition to evict the person living there. Furthermore, the unsanitary living conditions of that tenant have been very well documented! Management knows all about it. And nothing has been done? Incredible.

But this day promised action. A solution to the problem would be announced. The suffering would end. The Property Manager will see with his own eyes what a mess this has become.

Word comes down that an ultimatum was given to that tenant in G1: Clean it up or get out! This was in the autumn of 2009. We're now entering February 2010 and nothing has been done. The tenant is still living there. Bed bugs are still there too. No solution in sight. Disappointed and disgusted with Transglobe's lack of balls. Shameful.

You want to live in filth, do it. But when that filth spreads and starts affecting clean and innocent people, that's where I draw the line. It's the obligation of the Company to do something about it. If you have proof that a tenant is not living up to standards and breaking the rules, take action.

For the past year my mom, God bless her, has been suffering with bites, not to mention rheumatoid arthritis and now sciatica. The latter probably caused by having to move furniture out of the way multiple times for the spray to be effective. Duct tape has been used to seal up the cracks in the wall and plug outlets. The bedroom is virtually unused.

Transglobe is making excuses. Transglobe is ignoring the problem. Transglobe is showing no respect for the innocent, model tenants who respect the condition of their units and the health of their neighbours. In other words, obeying the rules of the signed lease.

Transglobe's inaction is unacceptable!

Transglobe is a disgrace!

Would this problem be solved quicker if it was in the Toronto Housing Community system? Who knows.

I can't compare as this problem didn't come up in the past.

What I do know is that I'm all for protecting tenants' rights...the model tenants...the ones that play by the rules and don't abuse the system. 

I've been told that tenants aren't easily evicted. So they say.

Tell that to those who knew Al Gosling.

Building Character

Hello all,

It's mid-January and it's pretty cold outside. 
Shouldn't complain.  After all there isn't any snow on the ground and the temperatures are pretty balmy (+2C, 35F).  By now, Toronto should be covered with snow and temps should range in the "wow honey, there's a bit of nip in the air" kinda cold.  But it isn't and depending on who you are, that's either good or bad.  But that's another topic altogether. 

It's been a couple of months since I wrapped up the Nuit Blanche travel video for Lonely Planet.  I'm looking forward to putting together another vid about Ice Wine in February. Hopefully there will be a good stock of ice wine this year.  It's been warmer.  Ice wine tends to work when it's colder outside but...well....re-read the first paragraph if you have to. 

In-between developing travel docs and writing restaurant reviews and going to the occasional audition, which are great opportunities by-the-way, I can't help but feel under-stimulated, if that's even a word. 

I'm inspired.  I'm motivated.  I'm ready to put together and work on any project presented to me. 
But there are days where that inspiration and feeling of failure consumes me.  I won't lie.  It sucks. 
Being in the Television industry really has been a roller coaster ride, especially since the Recession took hold and networks started to cut costs left and right.  That was September 2008.  It's now January 2010.  There are still good days and plenty of bad.  A ray of hope is followed by several days of feeling rejected and a failure.  It's tough.  Tough to pay my rent and tough to stay positive.  Although my savings are quickly being depleted and moving back home is probably the easiest solution, something tells me things will work out.

But for every bit of good news, there is bad news.  And as much as I hear that the economy is recovering and things are picking up again in the television industry, news comes down that City TV has just let-go dozens of people, including several prominent members of the on-air crew in Toronto.  Take a look at the article.

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/article/753004--anne-mroczkowski-among-citytv-layoffs

Anne in particular has been at the network for a very long time, Laura and Pam as well.  To think that a network would decide to make that kind of experience expendable is mind-boggling...to a point.  I understand it's a business.  I understand that costs have to be made and I'm sure the people doing the firing didn't want to do it.  I get it.  But what that also tells me is that credibility and merit don't mean very much.  You do your job.  You're supposed to love your job.  You're supposed to be passionate about the network that pays your bills.  You give your heart and everything else you have into a company that, when it comes down to it, decides to let you go anyway.  I guess it's like every relationship.  There has to be a time when the party ends.  I get that too.

But what do these constant layoffs and restructuring plans say about the future of Broadcasters?  What does that say to the student who's learning how to be an on-air personality, producer?  If people like Anne, Laura and Pam can get let go just like that, everyone is vulnerable.  That fact has always been prevalent.

I've been in the Media industry for just over ten years and I've had a great run.  I take pride in having the chance to learn and take part in some pretty amazing events and have unforgetable experiences.  But this type of news really forces me to look at other industries and learn more about getting OUT of the television industry.  I've always said that Broadcasting is like Acting but with a bit more consistency.  I'm re-thinking that theory. 

You have to adapt to the changes around you.  I've done that.  I've re-evaluated my strengths and weaknesses and proceeded from there.  I've learned how to do many things with my time off and hopefully one day in the near future, it will pay off somewhere.  I've had a few interviews and a few leads.  But still no job that pays me a consistent amount on a consistent basis. 

I call what I'm going through a constant erection.  There's always stimulation but very little release.  There are interviews and networking events, but no job...yet.

Someone once said:  "Failure builds Character.  I have enough Character". 

It's true in every way. I'm ready to work.  Now!