“Heart disease and stroke take 1 in 3 Canadians before their time, and it is the #1 killer of women.” February is dedicated to taking on a disease that has one of the most prominent impacts on the Canadian population, taking more women’s lives than all forms of cancer combined. Children, youth, and adults hit the streets to canvass together, raise funds amongst their peers and within their communities, and donate their time and efforts alongside their collected donations to fueling research, advocacy and education on the issue.

Join the movement this February: sign-up to volunteer with the Heart and Stroke Foundation and leave your mark on many that are affected by the disease across the country and your global community at large. The following is a link to sign-up to serve as a volunteer for the campaign:

http://heartmonth.heartandstroke.ca/site/c.jhLOKYPDLqF/b.5203909/k.BEF8/Home.htm.

Make change happen: all you need to do is put your heart into it!

this photo is courtesy of one of the many Ryan Gosling tumblr blogs that is emerging. This one specifically is from "Hamilton Ryan Gosling"-http://hamiltonryangosling.tumblr.com/

creativity locked within Hamilton’s artists is unleashed in a plethora of displays lining James St N.

Happening the second Friday of every month, Art Crawl happens as previously mentioned on James St N. On the night of Art Crawl all of the beautiful galleries along James St N have their new exhibits open to the public.

The atmosphere is also a mixture of laid back and refreshing- energizing and relaxing. It makes for a great night out with friends at a very low cost. Overall, Art Crawl has made me have a greater appreciation for the talented artists we have here in Hamilton and is a perfect way to get more engaged with the city.

http://hamilton.kijiji.ca/c-community-activities-groups-Flash-Mob-any-one-W0QQAdIdZ345084734

Keep in mind that this is not a “Pop the Bubble” planned event – we are just suggesting it as a potential fun idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzFYevAOVH4

And you should be too. All students are members of this union, and have the right to vote on important matters within the university. And that’s why this presidential election is so important. As students, we have the power to get engaged in our community, and decide who we want representing our collective body to the administration.

I’m not here to tell who which candidate you should vote for, but I insist that, if you are a student, take a minute and vote. It’s an online ballot, so it’s even better. Voting runs Feb 1st and 2nd from 9am to 5pm. During a boring lecture, get civically engaged. While surfing facebook, get civically engaged. While negging trolls, get civically engaged. Find out more here.

This is a great way to start being more engaged as a student… First its voting for an MSU candidate, then it’s checking out Art Crawl, and before you know it you’re totally engaged in your community and getting the most out of your university experience. Don’t let your time here go to waste. Make an impact. Vote.

The Locke St Bakery is a bake shop close to downtown that specializes in traditional New York style bagels and gourmet cream cheeses. A family owned business from 1996, Locke St Bakery is a definite must visit. Be sure to follow them on Twitter @LockeStBakery for updates.

Chuck’s Burger Bar is a really trendy spot downtown, that favours the quality of their burger over everything… The food is fantastic, the atmosphere is cool, and you’ll be sure to stay plugged into what’s “happening” in the city with frequent visits. Keep Chuck’s trending by following them @ChucksBurgerBar.

To finish this post off, I’ll go for something sweet; what’s sweeter than a cupcake in your neighborhood? The Cupcake Diner is Canada’s first mobile cupcake bakery and they’re located right in Hamilton. Much like Gorilla Cheese, you’ll definitely have to follow them to be updated on their whereabouts, as the diner will move daily. Follow them @CupcakeDiner and satisfy your sweet tooth frequently. #yummy

For more updates about how to be engaged in the city and tips on how to get the most from your experience at McMaster and in the city, Subscribe to us and follow our office @MacSSC!

1)      Kampai, (905) 777-8744; 236 King St. W – For one of the city’s top rated restaurants, Kampai is surprisingly cheap. The fish is fresh and thickly cut, and the rice is well seasoned enough to ground the meal. As far as décor, Kampai sets a very high standard for authenticity and comfort; with attentive service and a calming aesthetic, it’s definitely worth checking out. Why not bring a friend or a date and make an evening of it… There’s lots more to do once you’re downtown!

2)      Kasa Sushi, (905) 527-5272; 1686 Main St. W  - Close to University Plaza, Kasa sushi is a relatively new sushi joint, but they have quickly risen to the top of some people’s list of favourites. Kasa sushi provides “All-You-Can-Eat” menus for those who want to go nuts, but you can also order from a “per-item” menu. Regardless of the route you choose, though, the food is carefully and quickly put together. Keep an eye out for their fusion dishes and more eccentric combinations – a favourite of mine is their inclusion of mango to kick up a more traditional roll.

3)      Sapporo, (905) 527-1668; 96 Main Street E – Another “All-You-Can-Eat” place, Sapporo is a staple destination for most Mac students heading for sushi downtown. Only a few blocks east of James St. it is a great destination after an art crawl (every 2^nd Friday of the month, if you had forgotten). The food is traditional and well prepared, and their quality emanates through much of the restaurant’s experience. The décor is comfortable with authentic elements, and the service is friendly and attentive. Expect a good time when you head to Sapporo.

4)      August 8, (905) 524-3838; 1 Wilson St – A personal favourite of mine, August 8 has great sushi and quick service for an “All-You-Can-Eat” restaurant. Their menu is diverse enough to have lots of vegetarian options and non-sushi dishes from Japanese cuisine. Even a variety of desserts are included on the menu. Their meals are delicious and delicately presented, and going to August 8 makes for a great event.  However be sure to bring a group – the more the merrier when it comes to “All-You-Can-Eat” sushi!

5)      Joya Sushi, (905) 525-1114; 1630 Main St. W – Only a quick bus trip from campus, Joya sushi is actually closer to campus than University Plaza! The food itself is surprisingly good, and the servings are generous. With tea and salad included with most meals, too, Joya really stretches your budget to give an even more satisfying experience for those of us with budgets to consider. While you can’t have unlimited sushi, the dishes are more elaborate and you can even indulge in some Korean BBQ options, in case you want a bit of a different flavoured experience.

6)      Sushistar, (905) 522-5093; 127 King St E – Great for desserts, Sushistar is another “All-You-Can-Eat” place that is favoured by students at the university. They offer a wide variety of cuisine types, including Chinese cuisine, so their diverse menu is sure to please. Having recently renovated too, their atmosphere is indulgent and comfortable. While their service is well-intentioned, some suggest to come on less popular evenings, as the staff can sometimes be overwhelmed… Tuesday night sushi, anyone?!

Take advantage of this opportunity to branch out into the Hamilton community and enjoy some work produced by your peers. You can check out the gallery on facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/337-Sketch-Gallery/214506261926943. The gallery is on 337 Ottawa St N. a few blocks North of Main. To get there just take an eastbound bus on main from campus (the 5 or 52) and get off at Ottawa St.

Further, there is an official event marking the show January 27th in the evening. If you’re feeling a taste of high society then mark your calendar!

This January there are a bunch of cultural events going on. As always, be sure to check out the James St N. Art Crawl every 2nd Friday night, and watch the street come alive with art installations, impromptu galleries, merchant booths, and street entertainment.

From January 21st to February 25th the Royal Botanical Gardens is displaying glass ornaments and other glass creations around the grounds. Check out works by local artists, and you can even purchase a work if you are so inclined.

Every Sunday at the Art Gallery of Hamilton is tour day. With your student card you can get free admission (thanks to the Get Cultured program), and during the tour you will be led through the gallery by a resident expert. It’s a great way to learn more about the works in the collection, and be ready for high society conversation!