Ro Knows

So unfortunately, being an amateur podcaster comes with some hard lessons - this week it was about having enough hard drive space! we lost a good 7 minutes of a conversation about declawing, and how painful it can be for your kitty. Essentially, no matter what way it is done (old-school, laser or scalpel), your cat can experience a lot of long-term and post-op pain from declawing including phantom limb syndrome. Think of it this way: it’s non-consensual cosmetic plastic surgery. If you’re concerned about your cat ruining your furniture, Karen recommends using a citrus spray (be wary of light fabrics which can react to the acidity) double-sided tape or tin foil. Or the friendliest and most fun way is to cover your cats scratching posts or toys with catnip, they will love that and forget about your couch. Karen is proud that her clinic doesn’t do declawing procedures and she has never performed one, they do not teach them in veterinary school and that should be your first hint that it could be done poorly and permanently harm your feline friends. Some great resources Karen mentioned: www.indoorcatiniative.com https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control https://indoorpet.osu.edu/ http://www.roncyvillagevetclinic.com/team/dr-karen-okeefe-dvm/ music by soundcloud.com/gregmcgovern

This week we get a little serious about a really important topic -- the youth crime happening in Toronto. Rarely reported on or talked about, Dylan and I spoke with Rizwan who helps rehabilitate minors in the criminal justice system. If you want to learn more and volunteer with at-risk youth check out http://thepeerproject.com/ music by soundcloud.com/gregmcgovern

Once upon a time Sean, Sam, Hirsh, Clarissa and Ro went to a Regional Arts program high school together called Cawthra Park. Cawthra students have 'majors' including music, drama, dance and visual arts. So did it impact their lives in the long run? Did high school even matter? http://schools.peelschools.org/sec/cawthrapark/regionalarts/Pages/default.aspx music by soundcloud.com/gregmcgovern

Sommelier and pal Adrienne Friesen challenge Ro and her sister Mel to buy a bottle of wine they think is "good" - lots of surprises and lots of giggles ensue. Music by https://soundcloud.com/gregmcgovern Wines we drank: 1. http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo/product/villa-maria-private-bin-sauvignon-blanc-marlborough/426601#.WMwJpRLytE4 2. http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo/product/inception-deep-layered-red/369967#.WMwJxRLytE4 3. http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo/product/willm-reserve-riesling/11452#.WMwJ7xLytE4

We hung out with great pal and great cook Blair Hammond to talk food trends, chef stereotypes, and Toronto's fine-dining scene. Music by https://soundcloud.com/gregmcgovern Restaurants we mentioned: www.daisho.momofuku.com www.actinoliterestaurant.com www.silobrighton.com www.alorestaurant.com www.labanane.ca www.amassrestaurant.com