CBC HAMILTON - (November 23, 2012)

Laura Babcock, president of Powergroup Communications, helped come up with the idea for the campaign.

“Canadians talk about ‘how’s the weather?’ all day long; it’s what we do,” Babcock said.

“I want them then to think about how that question would affect them if they were a homeless woman in Hamilton.”

The aim, Babcock explained, is to increase awareness and action from the Hamilton community. Whether that means lobbying their city councilor to make a bid for increased funding or donating their time to a local shelter, Babcock said the goal is simply to get people thinking about how they can help...

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Come join us for this FREE event. Presenters will discuss issues regarding housing for women, newcomers, street-involved and Aboriginal youth. Light breakfast, refreshments, and lunch provided, as well as a Housing Services Marketplace.

REGISTER ONLINE http://nationalhousingdayhamilton2012.eventbrite.com 

DATE: Thursday, November 22, 2012 

REGISTRATION: 8:30 a.m.—9:00 a.m. 

EVENT TIME: 9:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. 

LOCATION: Waterfront Banquet Centre 

555 Bay Street North 

Hamilton, ON L8L 1H1

INQUIRIES: (905) 522-1148 Ext. 0 sprc@sprc.hamilton.on.ca 

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

Laura Babcock 

President & Owner of POWERGROUP Communications Inc. and T.V. Personality 

Dr. Sean Kidd 

Head of the Psychology Service in the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health's Schizophrenia Division 

and Youth Panel 

DOWNLOAD THE PDF 

NationalHousingDay2012flyer (452 KB)

READ THE ARTICLE IN THE SPECTATOR

Chelsea Rothwell is a university student, a painter, a volunteer, a world traveller and an award-winning peace activist.

She’s also a former resident of Charlton Hall.

Over the past several months, the 24-year-old has been watching the showdown between the city and Charlton Hall, the home for teenagers struggling with mental health issues — most recently from India, where she’s co-ordinating an internship program for McMaster University.

Live coverage : Municipal Board hearing 

Last month, just after Rothwell left for India, her mother accepted an award on her behalf at the Gandhi Peace Festival. It was presented by Mayor Bob Bratina, one of the 12 members of council who voted against allowing the women living at Charlton Hall to move into the Corktown neighbourhood.

On the eve of an Ontario Municipal Board hearing about the group home, Rothwell says she wants to put a human face on an inflammatory and divisive debate.

“I don’t feel like I’m too undesirable. I feel like I’m doing pretty well for myself,” she said. “I feel like if the Corktown neighbourhood could shake my hand and get to know me, it wouldn’t be so bad.”

At issue is the Lynwood Charlton Centre, the amalgamated children’s mental health facility that includes Charlton Hall. Lynwood Charlton staff want to relocate their overnight program for eight teenage girls from Charlton Avenue to a building that already houses some day programs on Augusta Street.

Councillors initially based their opposition to the move on the city’s controversial radial separation bylaw, which requires residential care facilities to be at least 300 metres apart.

However, several weeks ago, city staff announced that the building on Augusta should be classified as a “comprehensive institution” rather than a “residential care facility” because it would house both day and overnight programs. This classification denotes an even greater effect on the neighbourhood.

Throughout the debate, council has maintained that its opposition was about defending the bylaws — not about discriminating against the children being served by the Lynwood Charlton Centre.

Both sides will meet Tuesday for a pretrial hearing at the municipal board.

Several years ago, Rothwell — who grew up in what she calls a “rich suburb in Stoney Creek” — was one of the girls at Charlton Hall.

When she was 13, she started having behavioural issues that landed her in the St. Joseph’s Hospital emergency room. She spent some time in foster care before being told one day that she was being transferred to Charlton Hall.

“They handed me a garbage bag of my wet laundry and said, ‘You’re moving,’” she recalls.

At Charlton Hall, Rothwell’s social worker helped her reconnect with her family and gain acceptance into Westmount Secondary School.

“She changed my entire life. She was the first person I can recall who treated me as an equal,” Rothwell said. “She deeply cared for me, and we’re still in contact to this day.”

With the help of her social worker, at 16, Rothwell was able to return home to her parents. She graduated from high school, spent a year travelling with the Katimavik youth program and began her university studies.

Rothwell is planning to do her master’s degree at the University of Toronto and pursue a doctorate at Cornell. She’s hoping to work as an activist and academic pursuing social justice and food security.

“It single-handedly altered the course of my entire life,” she said of her time at Charlton Hall.

A grassroots campaign has sprung up in Hamilton to raise support for Charlton Hall’s young residents. Local media personality Laura Babcock, who is the president of a communications firm, has created T-shirts reading “S O S” — short for “Stomp Out Stigma” — that are being sold to show support for Charlton Hall residents. They are available from Babcock for $10 at laura@powergroup.ca, or at Hamilton HIStory + HERitage Gallery on James Street North from Thursday to Saturday.

Babcock created the shirts in collaboration with Lynwood Charlton after the idea was crowdsourced on social media.

“I didn’t like the message council was sending to the girls and the people with mental illness in our community,” Babcock said.

Rothwell also has a message for the girls at Charlton Hall.

“I think they need to be confident in their abilities and confident in the fact that they can be contributing members of society — and excel beyond what they can even imagine right now,” she said.

“It happened to me. People might say I’m an exception, but I don’t have to be.”

ereilly@thespec.com

905-526-2452 | @EmmaatTheSpec

READ THE ARTICLE IN THE SPECTATOR

In the world of New York City real estate law, George Ross was king of an empire that included 180 lawyers toiling in a firm where he was senior partner with a client list holding some of the most celebrated names in a celebrated city.

One of those clients had a brash 27-year-old son with degrees from Fordham and the University of Pennsylvania, and a plan to turn a derelict hotel near Grand Central Station into a new landmark.
Ross liked what he saw in young Donald Trump.

That project - turning the old Commodore Hotel into the Grand Hyatt - was the first of a long string of real estate ventures that has made both men the kind of wealthy celebrities others will pay $125 a plate to hear speak.

Local people with that yen will get their chance June 12 when Ross, now executive vice-president and senior counsel to the Trump Organization, appears at a charity fundraiser at LIUNA Station.

Money raised by the event will support local food banks and Ross's charitable foundation for sick and terminally ill children.

That kind of philanthropy, Ross said in an interview, is an obligation more of the ultra-wealthy should take on.

"I do this out of compassion for people and families. I've been very fortunate that it hasn't entered into my family at all, but I can't visualize anything more traumatic to a family than to have a really terribly sick child," he said. "Having seen the effects of cancer on young children and then seeing them enjoying themselves as best they can with what you're providing makes you feel good.

"In my business, I deal with very wealthy individuals that to me don't contribute nearly as much as I think they would easily be able to if they were so charity-minded," he added. "It's a question of what values you have and to what extent."

The sense of charity, Ross said, can be expressed in many ways. He's impressed, for example, by the celebrities who appear on Trump's Celebrity Apprentice show, pouring their energy into demanding business tasks to raise money for good works.

"These celebrities really work very hard and spend a lot of time and effort in these various tasks, all for charities, and that to me is really commendable. They're raising good money for charities. I think that's wonderful," said Ross, who became a familiar face offering advice to Trump on the show. "I think it's commendable that these celebrities will go on television to face hard tasks where they can easily be embarrassed."

Ross's Hamilton presentation will be built around the themes of his two books - Trump Strategies For Real Estate: Billionaire Lessons for the Small Investor and Trump Style Negotiation.

"We'll talk about whatever subjects the audience is interested in," Ross said. "If they want to get involved in real estate, I'll show them how."

Ross's Hamilton appearance was arranged by Shawn Maher of the Stoney Creek office of Queensbury Securities Inc.

Tickets are available by calling 905-522-7442 ext. 10 or by email at frontdesk@imlaw.ca sarnold@thespec.com

905-526-3496

Friday, November 4, 2011 - HAMILTON: Massage therapists will be invited to become Members of the global progressive health community at ONE Concept's Canadian Massage Conference this weekend at the Burlington Hotel and Conference Center. 

Started by a small group of environmentally conscious Massage Therapists, ONE Concept is a growing global community of Progressive Health Practitioners and suppliers interested in developing their business and protecting our ONE Planet.

"As a Progressive Health Practitioner who cares deeply about my clients and our planet, I sometimes felt like I was out there on my own, said Dr. Andria Hoda, Meadowlands Chiropractic. "When I learned that the ONE Concept Membership Community was created to support people like me, I joined immediately and it as been awesome!"

ONE Concept offers their Members extensive green education and training, marketing and network support, and access to the most environmentally conscious products on the market. Businesses from any progressive health field (practitioners and suppliers) can join ONE Concept by visiting www.oneconcept.com. 

"We started ONE Concept because we believe that by educating other practitioners and suppliers on the benefits of operating an environmentally conscious business, and by providing quality green products, ONE Concept can help us grow our businesses and preserve our ONE planet for future generations," explains ONE Concept Co-Founder, Monica Pasinato-Forchielli.

Practitioners and suppliers can join the ONE Concept community this weekend at the Canadian Massage Conference November 4-6, 2011 in Burlington, Ontario. ONE Concept. ONE Planet. ONE Solution.

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For information and interviews contact:

Monica Pasinato-Forchielli, ONE Concept Co-Founder
CELL 905-978-7112 www.oneconcept.com

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 – HAMILTON: In this week’s Laircast, Hamilton Spectator Columnist and social development consultant Evelyn Myrie discusses the gender biases associated with public leadership and the challenges of being a female advocate.  

To listen to the interview: http://bit.ly/nHj3Hy

Chats from the Lair is a weekly not-for-profit podcast featuring no-holds-barred interviews with interesting people on the local and national level from a secret location (The Lair) downtown Hamilton.  CFTL is available on MP3, iTunes, YouTube and www.laircast.com. It is also promoted through Twitter and Facebook.

Upcoming CFTL chat guests will include fitness guru Matt Greene, strategist Sandy Shaw and more…

Past Laircast guests have included communications guru Dr. Alex Sevigny,  Hamilton Airport CEO Richard Koroscil,  former Cabinet Minister Marie Bountrogianni, Hamilton Councilors Jason Farr and Lloyd Ferguson , Editor of Raise the Hammer Ryan McGreal, Chef and Author Jeff Crump, Mayor Larry Di Ianni, young business leader PJ Mercanti, YWCA CEO Denise Doyle, Festival of Friends GM Loren Lieberman, activist Matt Jelly, former lingerie football player and model Andria Marie,  environmental wellness expert Monica Pasinato-Forchielli, Entrepreneur Jay Higgins, and national social conservative pundit Andrew Lawton, citizen journalist Joey Coleman, and former Conservative candidate and TV pundit Tara Crugnale.

For info, blogs, archives, and to join the chat visit www.laircast.com – Chats from the Lair: Where interesting people you may know tell you things you didn’t.

Laura Babcock  
Phone: (905) 387-7580
Cell: (905) 577-5248
Fax: (905) 575-0975
email: laura@powergroup.ca 
www.powergroup.ca

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 – HAMILTON: In this week’s Laircast, McMaster University Communications professor, Dr. Alex Sévigny, discusses the changing face of newspapers and how it compares to the age of citizen journalism, social media and twitter, as a source of legitimate information.

To listen to the interview: http://laircast.com/2011/10/12/alex-sevigny-laircast/  

Chats from the Lair is a weekly podcast featuring no-holds-barred interviews with interesting people on the local and national level from a secret location downtown Hamilton.  CFTL is available on MP3, iTunes, YouTube and www.laircast.com. It is also promoted through Twitter and Facebook.

Upcoming CFTL chat guests will include social justice advocate Evelyn Myrie, fitness guru Matt Greene, and strategist Sandy Shaw

and more…

Past Laircast guests have included, Hamilton Airport CEO Richard Koroscil,  former Cabinet Minister Marie Bountrogianni, Hamilton Councilors Jason Farr and Lloyd Ferguson, Editor of Raise the Hammer Ryan McGreal, Chef and Author Jeff Crump, Mayor Larry Di Ianni, young business leaderPJ Mercanti, YWCA CEO Denise Doyle, Festival of Friends GM Loren Lieberman, activist Matt Jelly, former lingerie football player and model Andria Marie, environmental wellness expert Monica Pasinato-Forchielli, Entrepreneur Jay Higgins, and national social conservative pundit Andrew Lawton, citizen journalist Joey Coleman, and former Conservative candidate and TV pundit Tara Crugnale.

For info, blogs, archives, and to join the chat visit www.laircast.com – Chats from the Lair: Where interesting people you may know tell you things you didn’t.

Info & Interviews

Laura Babcock – Host

905-977-0023

Twitter @laurababcock

Wednesday, October 5,  2011 – HAMILTON: In this week’s Laircast, CEO and President of the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, Richard Koroscil, shares what is really like running Hamilton’s airport and discusses the potential for stronger support for the airport from what he calls the “silent majority”.

Audience member and Cable 14 alternative health expert, Monica Pasinato-Forchielli, offers her opinion on the airport.

To listen to the interview: http://bit.ly/ow5QAi

Chats from the Lair is a weekly podcast featuring no-holds-barred interviews with interesting people on the local and national level from a secret location downtown Hamilton.  CFTL is available on MP3, iTunes, YouTube and www.laircast.com. It is also promoted through Twitter and Facebook.

Upcoming CFTL chat guests will include social justice advocate, Evelyn Myrie; fitness guru, Matt Greene; strategist, Sandy Shaw; and communications professor, Dr. Alex Sévigny.

and more… 

Past Laircast guests have included former Cabinet Minister Marie Bountrogianni; Hamilton Councilors, Jason Farr and Lloyd Ferguson; Editor of Raise the Hammer, Ryan McGreal; Chef and Author Jeff Crump; Mayor Larry Di Ianni; young business leader, PJ Mercanti; YWCA CEO, Denise Doyle; Festival of Friends GM, Loren Lieberman; activist Matt Jelly; former lingerie football player and model, Andria Marie; environmental wellness expert, Monica Pasinato-Forchielli; Entrepreneur Jay Higgins; and national social conservative pundit, Andrew Lawton; citizen journalist, Joey Coleman; and former Conservative candidate and TV pundit, Tara Crugnale.

For info, blogs, archives, and to join the chat visit www.laircast.com – Chats from the Lair: Where interesting people you may know tell you things you didn’t. 

Info & Interviews

Laura Babcock – Host

905-977-0023

Twitter @laurababcock

Winner of BRIGHT Run Video Contest Splits $10,000 Prize With Second Place Finisher

September 13, 2011 – The fourth annual Juravinski Cancer Centre’s Bright Run (Breast Cancer Research in Greater Hamilton Today) took place this past Saturday, September 10^th at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. The day included the announcement of the winning team in the  “How BRIGHT Are You?” video contest in partnership with The Hamilton Spectator.

Eight teams submitted videos on why they ran and how they planned to be the BRIGHTEST team participating. When the winning team Making the Mark beat out second place finisher Bust-A-Move by such a slim margin, Making the Mark graciously opted to split sponsor Pfizer’s $10,000 donation.

“The high level of participation in the video contest and at the run itself has made a big impact on raising funds and awareness in Hamilton” Dr. Bindi Dhesy, Medical Oncologist and BRIGHT Run Executive Committee Member. “We want to thank every one who helped make this year’s event such a success.”

Background

The BRIGHT Run began in September 2008 and to date there have been 3 Runs, each supported by over 1000 participants. Over $1 million has been raised in support of Breast Cancer Research in the Greater Hamilton Area.

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For information and interviews
Gabriella Pirraglia, VP Communications, POWERGROUP
CELL 905-703-0888

4^th Annual JCC Breast Cancer Research

BRIGHT Run Tomorrow

September 9, 2011 – The fourth annual Juravinski Cancer Centre’s Bright Run (Breast Cancer Research in Greater Hamilton Today) is taking place tomorrow, September 10^th at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. Participants in the run are both Breast Cancer Survivors and individuals who want to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Research in Hamilton. The day will include a 1 km or 5 km run or walk.

There will also be an interactive Media tent where people can learn about the new features on the BRIGHT Run site, and record a video message of hope to be featured on www.brightrun.ca.

Throughout the summer people have been voting in the “How BRIGHT Are You?” video contest in partnership with The Hamilton Spectator. At the event, the winner will be announced and Pfizer will be generously matching the winning team’s donation up to a certain amount.

“Approximately 1 in 9 women will develop breast cancer, so many of us are touched in some way by the disease” Dr. Bindi Dhesy, Medical Oncologist and BRIGHT Run Executive Committee Member. “The BRIGHT Run is a chance for people to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Research in the Greater Hamilton Area.”

Registration for the BRIGHT Run opens at 9 a.m. tomorrow, September 10^th at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. MEDIA WELCOME.

Background

The BRIGHT Run began in September 2008 and to date there have been 3 Runs, each supported by over 1000 participants. Over $1 million has been raised in support of Breast Cancer Research in the Greater Hamilton Area.

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For information and interviews
Gabriella Pirraglia, VP Communications, POWERGROUP
CELL 905-703-0888

Final Days for Voting in JCC BRIGHT Run Video Contest

August 30, 2011 – Voting is drawing to a close for the Juravinski Cancer Centre’s BRIGHT Run (Breast Cancer Research in Greater Hamilton Today) “How BRIGHT Are You?” video contest presented in partnership with the Hamilton Spectator.

With over 6,800 votes each, teams Bust-A-Move and Making the Mark are leading the field and in a heated race for the win. The voting ends this Thursday, September 1^st at 10 a.m. EST at www.brightrun.ca

Eight participating teams / individuals submitted 60 second videos on why they are running and how they plan to be the BRIGHTEST team. The public has been voting for their favourite video since July 1^st. The team / individual video that receives the most votes will have their donation matched up to a certain amount by a BRIGHT Run sponsor.  

“Approximately 1 in 9 women will develop breast cancer, so many of us are touched in some way by the disease” Dr. Bindi Dhesy, Medical Oncologist and BRIGHT Run Executive Committee Member. ““The How BRIGHT Are You?” video contest is a chance for participants to be creative and tell the community why Breast Cancer Research is to so important to the Greater Hamilton Area.”

The winner of the “How BRIGHT Are You?” video contest will be announced at the Fourth Annual BRIGHT Run on September 10^th, 2011 at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. 

Background

The BRIGHT Run began in September 2008 and to date there have been 3 Runs, each supported by over 1000 participants. Over $1 million has been raised in support of Breast Cancer Research in the Greater Hamilton Area.

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For information and interviews
Gabriella Pirraglia, VP Communications, POWERGROUP
CELL 905-703-0888

June 30 Deadline for Video Contest Submissions
for JCC Breast Cancer Research BRIGHT Run

Thursday, June 22, 2011 – The Juravinski Cancer Centre’s Bright Run (Breast Cancer Research in Greater Hamilton Today) has launched the “How BRIGHT Are You?” video contest in partnership with the Hamilton Spectator.

Participating teams and individuals have one week left to submit a 60 second video on why they are running and how they plan to be the BRIGHTEST team. Participants can upload their videos at www.brightrun.ca until June 30^th 2011.

The public can vote for their favourite video from July 1^st until September 1^st at  www.brightrun.ca. The team whose video receives the most votes from the public will have their donation matched up to a certain amount by a BRIGHT Run sponsor.

“Approximately 1 in 9 women will develop breast cancer, so many of us are touched in some way by the disease” Dr. Bindi Dhesy, Medical Oncologist and BRIGHT Run Executive Committee Member. ““The How BRIGHT Are You?” video contest is a chance for participants to be creative and tell the community why Breast Cancer Research is to so important to the Greater Hamilton Area.”

The winner of the “How BRIGHT Are You?” video contest will be announced at the fourth annual BRIGHT Run on September 10^th, 2011 at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. 

Background

The BRIGHT Run began in September 2008 and to date there have been 3 Runs, each supported by over 1000 participants. Over $1 million has been raised in support of Breast Cancer Research in the Greater Hamilton Area.

-30 -

For information and interviews
Gabriella Pirraglia, VP Communications, POWERGROUP
CELL 905-703-0888

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 30 Deadline for Video Contest Submissions
for JCC Breast Cancer Research BRIGHT Run

Thursday, June 9, 2011 – The Juravinski Cancer Centre’s Bright Run (Breast Cancer Research in Greater Hamilton Today) has launched the “How BRIGHT Are You?” video contest in partnership with the Hamilton Spectator.

Participating teams and individuals can submit a 60 second video on why they are running and how they plan to be the BRIGHTEST team participating. Participants can upload their videos at www.brightrun.ca until June 30^th 2011.

The public can vote for their favourite video from July 1^st until September 1^st at  www.brightrun.ca The team whose video receives the most votes from the public will have their donation matched up to a certain amount by a BRIGHT Run sponsor.

“Approximately 1 in 9 women will develop breast cancer, so many of us are touched in some way by the disease” Dr. Bindi Dhesy, Medical Oncologist and BRIGHT Run Executive Committee Member. “The How BRIGHT Are You?” video contest is a chance for participants to be creative and tell the community why Breast Cancer Research is to so important to the Greater Hamilton Area.”

The winner of the “How BRIGHT Are You?” video contest will be announced at the fourth annual BRIGHT Run on September 10^th, 2011 at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. 

Background

The BRIGHT Run began in September 2008 and to date there have been 3 Runs, each supported by over 1000 participants. Over $1 million has been raised in support of breast cancer research in Hamilton.

-30 -

For information and interviews
Gabriella Pirraglia, VP Communications, POWERGROUP
CELL 905-703-0888

Wednesday, September 28,  2011 – HAMILTON: In this week’s Laircast citizen journalist Joey Coleman holds the Mayor’s office to account over its recent handling of the media, and challenges Cable 14 producer, Mike Cameron, directly about the perception of bias in the station’s new call-in show with Mayor Bratina.  

Communications guru, Dr. Alex Sévigny from McMaster University was in the Laircast audience and offered his expert opinion on the issue.

To listen to the interview: http://bit.ly/qVp1Ko

Chats from the Lair is a weekly podcast featuring no-holds-barred interviews with interesting people on the local and national level from a secret location downtown Hamilton.  CFTL is available on MP3, iTunes, YouTube and www.laircast.com. It is also promoted through Twitter and Facebook.

Upcoming CFTL chat guests will include, Hamilton Airport CEO Richard Koroscil, social justice advocate Evelyn Myrie, fitness guru Matt Greene, strategist Sandy Shaw, communications professor Dr. Alex Sévigny

and more…

Past Laircast guests have included former Cabinet Minister Marie Bountrogianni, Hamilton Councilors Jason Farr and Lloyd Ferguson , Editor of Raise the Hammer Ryan McGreal, Chef and Author Jeff Crump, Mayor Larry Di Ianni, young business leader PJ Mercanti, YWCA CEO Denise Doyle, Festival of Friends GM Loren Lieberman, activist Matt Jelly, former lingerie football player and model Andria Marie,  environmental wellness expert Monica Pasinato-Forchielli, Entrepreneur Jay Higgins, and national social conservative pundit Andrew Lawton, and former Conservative candidate and TV pundit Tara Crugnale.

For info, blogs, archives, and to join the chat visit www.laircast.com – Chats from the Lair: Where interesting people you may know tell you things you didn’t.

Info & Interviews

Laura Babcock – Host

905-977-0023

Twitter @laurababcock

Tuesday, August 9,  2011 – HAMILTON: In this week’s Laircast Ward 12 Councillor Lloyd Ferguson discusses Mayor Bratina’s leadership and Council’s relationship with Ancaster.

In this informative chat Lloyd also breaks down the state of the city by the numbers including staffing levels, Pan Am, and development. He explains how he defends against developers wanting to use provincial policy on intensification: “Ancaster is a very special community and it is not going to get screwed up under my watch.”  

To listen to the interview   http://bit.ly/nmOEOj

Chats from the Lair is a weekly podcast featuring no-holds-barred interviews with interesting people on the local and national level from a secret location downtown Hamilton.  CFTL is available on MP3, iTunes, YouTube and www.laircast.com. It is also promoted through Twitter and Facebook.

Upcoming CFTL chat guests will include Hamilton Councilors Jason Farr, Hamilton Airport CEO Richard Koroscil, , young business leader PJ Mercanti, social justice advocate Evelyn Myrie, Entrepreneur Jay Higgins, strategist Sandy Shaw, and more…

Past Laircast guests have included former Cabinet Minister Marie Bountrogianni, Editor of Raise the Hammer Ryan McGreal, Chef and Author Jeff Crump, Mayor Larry Di Ianni, YWCA CEO Denise Doyle, Festival of Friends GM Loren Lieberman, activist Matt Jelly, former lingerie football player and model Andria Marie,  environmental wellness expert Monica Pasinato-Forchielli and national social conservative pundit Andrew Lawton.

For info, blogs, archives and to join the chat visit www.laircast.com

Info & Interviews

Laura Babcock – Host

905-977-0023

Twitter @laurababcock

Tuesday, July 19,  2011 – HAMILTON: In this week’s Laircast lingerie football player, business owner, actress and former CFL cheerleader Andria Marie rails about how “pissed off’ she is at Marvin Ryder’s assessment of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in last week’s podcast.

Chiropractor and business owner by day and actress, model by night, Andria Marie aka Dr. Andria Hoda defends her participation in the new lingerie football league against challenges by host Laura Babcock and Gabriella Pirraglia that it hurts the cause of women.   

To listen to this week’s chat http://bit.ly/oT0zaA

Chats from the Lair is a weekly podcast featuring no-holds-barred interviews with interesting people on the local and national level from a secret location downtown Hamilton.  CFTL is available on iTunes, YouTube and www.laircast.com. It is also promoted through Twitter and Facebook.

Upcoming CFTL chat guests will include Hamilton Councilors Jason Farr and Lloyd Ferguson, Hamilton Airport CEO Richard Koroscil, young business leader PJ Mercanti, social justice advocate Evelyn Myrie, Entrepreneur Jay Higgins, strategist Sandy Shaw, environmental health advocate Monica Pasinator Forchielli, and more…

Past Laircast guests have included former Cabinet Minister Marie Bountrogianni, McMaster professor and community leader Marvin Ryder, Raise the Hammer Editor Ryan McGreal, Chef and Author Jeff Crump, Mayor Larry Di Ianni, YWCA CEO Denise Doyle, Festival of Friends GM Loren Lieberman, activist Matt Jelly, national social conservative pundit Andrew Lawton and more…

For info, blogs, archives and to join the chat visit www.laircast.com

Info & Interviews

Laura Babcock – Host

905-977-0023

Twitter @laurababcock

Tuesday, July 12,  2011 – HAMILTON: In this week’s Laircast McMaster Professor and Pundit Marvin Ryder explains why he can’t “say enough bad about their [Tiger-Cats] role” in the Pan Am stadium saga and how the city got “dragged around by our nose.”  He predicts the city-wide debate around Pan Am has just started.

In this critical and informative chat Marvin talks about “Saviour” Bob Young’s lack of liquid cash, as well as past NHL bids, results of amalgamation and why Hamilton needs to be sceptical about projects such as the “Spire” introduced by developer Harry Stinson. 

Marvin explains the powerful “link to the past” that drives Hamilton and tells us the future of the Hamilton economy.  He also fields questions from the live audience in the Lair on the why the Bulldogs don’t get more support.

To listen to the interview  http://bit.ly/r0YZh3

Chats from the Lair is a weekly podcast featuring no-holds-barred interviews with interesting people on the local and national level from a secret location downtown Hamilton.  CFTL is available on MP3, iTunes, YouTube and www.laircast.com. It is also promoted through Twitter and Facebook.

Upcoming CFTL chat guests will include Hamilton Councilors Jason Farr and Lloyd Ferguson, Hamilton Airport CEO Richard Koroscil, former lingerie football player and model Andria Marie, young business leader PJ Mercanti, social justice advocate Evelyn Myrie, Entrepreneur Jay Higgins, strategist Sandy Shaw, environmental wellness expert Monica Pasinato-Forchielli and more…

Past Laircast guests have included former Cabinet Minister Marie Bountrogianni, Editor of Raise the Hammer Ryan McGreal, Chef and Author Jeff Crump, Mayor Larry Di Ianni, YWCA CEO Denise Doyle, Festival of Friends GM Loren Lieberman, activist Matt Jelly, and national social conservative pundit Andrew Lawton.

For info, blogs, archives and to join the chat visit www.laircast.com

Info & Interviews

Laura Babcock – Host

905-977-0023

Twitter @laurababcock

Tuesday, July 5,  2011 – HAMILTON: In this week’s Laircast Editor of Raise the Hammer Ryan McGreal talks about his ongoing situation with the Mayor’s office over media access, and other  important issues facing our city.

In this candid and informative chat Ryan discusses poverty, rapid transit, new media and ways to find the ‘overlap’ on tough issues.

For a preview http://bit.ly/kitRfQ The full chat will be posted at noon.  The un-edited extended version will also be posted.

Chats from the Lair is a weekly podcast featuring no-holds-barred interviews with interesting people on the local and national level from a secret location downtown Hamilton.  CFTL is available on iTunes, YouTube and www.laircast.com. It is also promoted through Twitter and Facebook.

Upcoming CFTL chat guests will include Hamilton Councilors Jason Farr and Lloyd Ferguson, Hamilton Airport CEO Richard Koroscil, McMaster professor and community leader Marvin Ryder, Actress and fitness model Andria Marie, Ancaster Mill Owner and celebrated Author Jeff Crump, young business leader PJ Mercanti, social justice advocate Evelyn Myrie, Entrepreneur Jay Higgins, strategist Sandy Shaw and more…

Past Laircast guests have included former Cabinet Minister Marie Bountrogianni, Chef and Author Jeff Crump, Mayor Larry Di Ianni, YWCA CEO Denise Doyle, Festival of Friends GM Loren Lieberman, activist Matt Jelly, and national social conservative pundit Andrew Lawton.

For info, blogs, archives and to join the chat visit www.laircast.com

Info & Interviews

Laura Babcock – Host

905-977-0023

Twitter @laurababcock

Tuesday, June 28, 2011 – HAMILTON: In this week’s Laircast former Cabinet Minister and psychologist Marie Bountrogianni tells host Laura Babcock how she was tired of defending Ignatieff and when she subconsciously started to preserve her own reputation in her failed federal campaign.

In this candid and surprising chat Marie weighs in on recent comments by Larry DiIanni about the people downtown, and discusses the possibility of running for mayor someday.  She also gives insight into what the Liberal party needs, her hopes for Hamilton and a passionate call for awareness of mental illness.

To listen to Marie’s interview http://t.co/ncx4uyr

Chats from the Lair is a weekly podcast featuring no-holds-barred interviews with interesting people on the local and national level from a secret location downtown Hamilton.  CFTL is available on iTunes, YouTube and www.laircast.com. It is also promoted through Twitter and Facebook and the Hamilton Spectator.

Upcoming CFTL chat guests will include Councillor Jason Farr, Hamilton Airport CEO Richard Koroscil, McMaster professor Marvin Ryder, Councillor Lloyd Ferguson, Actress and fitness model Andria Marie, young business leader PJ Mercanti, social justice advocate Evelyn Myrie, Entrepreneur Jay Higgins, Editor of Raise the Hammer Ryan McGreal and more…

Past Laircast guests have included former Mayor Larry Di Ianni, YWCA CEO Denise Doyle, Festival of Friends GM Loren Lieberman, and national social conservative pundit Andrew Lawtwon,  Ancaster Mill Owner and celebrated Author Jeff Crump, and Activist Matt Jelly.

For info, blogs, archives and to join the chat visit www.laircast.com

Info & Interviews

Laura Babcock – Host

905-977-0023

Twitter @laurababcock

Tuesday, June 21,  2011 – HAMILTON: In this week’s Laircast renowned Chef and Hamilton restaurateur Jeff Crump tells host Laura Babcock the real and down-to-earth reason why he is so passionate about eating food in season and shares hilarious behind-the-scenes tales from some of the industry’s biggest TV shows and honours.

In this interesting and tasty chat Jeff talks about his experience as one of only five Canadian chefs invited to cook at the acclaimed James Beard house in New York City and how his book “Earth to Table” became such a success.

Click http://bit.ly/leyJWR to preview the chat and check out the full Laircast which will be posted today at noon.

Chats from the Lair is a weekly podcast featuring no-holds-barred interviews with interesting people on the local and national level from a secret location downtown Hamilton.  CFTL is available on iTunes, YouTube and www.laircast.com. It is also promoted through Twitter and Facebook.

Upcoming CFTL chat guests will include former Cabinet Minister Marie Bountrogianni, Hamilton Councilor Lloyd Ferguson, Strategist Sandy Shaw, Hamilton Airport CEO Richard Koroscil, McMaster professor and community leader Marvin Ryder, actress and fitness model Andria Marie, young business leader PJ Mercanti, social justice advocate Evelyn Myrie, Entrepreneur Jay Higgins, Editor of Raise the Hammer Ryan McGreal and more…

Past Laircast guests have included former Mayor Larry Di Ianni, YWCA CEO Denise Doyle, Festival of Friends GM Loren Lieberman, national social conservative pundit Andrew Lawton, and activist Matt Jelly.

For info, blogs, archives, and to join the chat visit www.laircast.com

Info & Interviews

Laura Babcock – Host

905-977-0023

Twitter @laurababcock

Tuesday, June 14,  2011 – HAMILTON: In this week’s Laircast controversial activist and former Ward 2 candidate Matt Jelly tells host Laura Babcock “I don’t really trust you” and also gets real about his temper, past battles with other Hamilton leaders and what should be topping Council’s priority list today.

In this candid and sometimes contentious chat Matt discusses Pan Am, the Lister Block, the Red Hill, the arts scene, the environment, poverty, the declining years of the city and what he has learned about compromise.

For a preview http://t.co/50Omfmy The full chat will be posted at noon.

Chats from the Lair is a weekly podcast featuring no-holds-barred interviews with interesting people on the local and national level from a secret location downtown Hamilton.  CFTL is available on iTunes, YouTube and www.laircast.com. It is also promoted through Twitter and Facebook.

Upcoming CFTL chat guests will include Hamilton Airport CEO Richard Koroscil, McMaster professor and community leader Marvin Ryder, Actress and fitness model Andria Marie, Ancaster Mill Owner and celebrated Author Jeff Crump, young business leader PJ Mercanti, social justice advocate Evelyn Myrie, Entrepreneur Jay Higgins, Editor of Raise the Hammer Ryan McGreal and more…

Past Laircast guests have included former Mayor Larry Di Ianni, YWCA CEO Denise Doyle, Festival of Friends GM Loren Lieberman, and national social conservative pundit Andrew Lawtwon.

For info, blogs, archives and to join the chat visit www.laircast.com

Info & Interviews

Laura Babcock – Host

905-977-0023

Twitter @laurababcock

Tuesday, June 7,  2011 – HAMILTON: National  conservative pundit and Editor of the Landmark Report Andrew Lawton debates religion and social conservatism in this week’s intense verbal throw down in Chats from the Lair with Laura Babcock  http://bit.ly/lz5feb

Chats from the Lair is a weekly podcast featuring no-holds-barred interviews with interesting people on the local and national level from a secret location downtown Hamilton.  CFTL is available on iTunes, YouTube and www.laircast.com. It is also promoted through Twitter and Facebook.

Upcoming CFTL chat guests will include Ancaster Mill Owner and celebrated Author Jeff Crump, Activist Matt Jelly, young business leader PJ Mercanti, social justice advocate Evelyn Myrie, Entrepreneur Jay Higgins, Editor of Raise the Hammer Ryan McGreal and more…

Past Laircast guests have included former Mayor Larry Di Ianni, YWCA CEO Denise Doyle, Festival of Friends GM Loren Lieberman.

For info, blogs, archives and to join the chat visit www.laircast.com

Info & Interviews

Laura Babcock – Host

905-977-0023

Twitter @laurababcock

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 – HAMILTON: Festival of Friends GM and Cable 14 personality Loren Lieberman critiques artists in Hamilton and claims women cannot climb the corporate ladder while bearing children: “Too bad you’re not a man, too bad.”

Lieberman made the remarks on the arts, women, sex, politics and the LGBT community among other topics in a wide-ranging candid and entertaining interview during this week’s podcast of Chats from the Lair with Laura Babcock http://bit.ly/koeCJl

Chats from the Lair is a weekly podcast featuring no-holds-barred interviews with interesting people on the local and national level from a secret location downtown Hamilton.  CFTL is available on iTunes, YouTube and www.laircast.com. It is also promoted through Twitter and Facebook.

Upcoming Lair chat guests will include activist Matt Jelly, young business leader PJ Mercanti and more…

For info, blogs, archives and to join the chat visit www.laircast.com

Info & Interviews

Laura Babcock – Host

905-977-0023

Twitter @laurababcock

Tuesday, May 24, 2011 – HAMILTON: YWCA CEO Denise Doyle describes the lack of opportunity for women in Hamilton to participate in leadership roles in business and the challenges faced by immigrants coming to our community.

Doyle further asserts that women in Hamilton are not used enough as sources in local media, and that there should be quotas for women in high profile business events, panels etc.  Solutions to the issues are discussed.

Doyle made the remarks in a candid interview during this week’s podcast of Chats from the Lair with Laura Babcock.  For full interview http://bit.ly/lARcxe.

Chats from the Lair is a weekly podcast featuring no-holds-barred interviews with interesting people on the local and national level from a secret location downtown Hamilton.

For more visit www.laircast.com.

Info & Interviews

Co-Host Gabriella Pirraglia

Twitter @POWERGROUP