I had Star reporter Kevin Donovan on the show last week telling how he and a colleague met with men who wanted to sell them the incriminating video of Ford alledidly smoking from a crack pipe. In it Ford apparently also makes derogatory statements against members of society that would, along with this criminal offense, no doubt end his political career.

I understand Donovan is a well respected investigative reporter and I have no reason not to believe what he says.

But until a video of this incident is produced, don't expect this to go any further than the alleged arse grabbing episode or being kicked out of the Garrison Ball a few months back.

Reason? No proof!

Until the video is produced this is nothing more than another thorn in the side of the city,(of which there have been many) and more titillating fodder for the media.

Stay tuned.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Should Toronto Mayor Rob Ford step down before we have seen video?

However to separates in Quebec, its National Patriots Day which commemorates the uprising against British rule back in 1837.
Huh? I know, when's the BBQ ???

Because of this, young patriots thought it would be a good time to put the Queens picture on a dart board and fire some spears at her majesty.
No doubt while scoffing back a few of those big quart bottles of Molson, a proud Canadian company now ruled by the U.S.

This is what happens when hate is spread from generation to generation.

I really couldn't care less, because unlike Quebec, Canada is free country.
I'm proud of our history but I don't let it dictate my life.

I feel sorry for them, for not feeling a part of this great country that is home to so many cultures, including theirs.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-A good friend of Tim Bosma speaks out

This is the time of year when Canadians break out the patio furintiatre, open pools, trailers and cottages, pitch the tent and celebrate the return of Ontario's limited summer.

One of my most vivid memories of the May 24 weekend was firecracker day, as we called it.

I grew up in the sticks so we rarely went to a real fireworks display, instead Kenny (my Dad) would buy the family pack from Woolco and spark up his cigar.
We would go to my grandmother's house and out in the back 40 he'd take a few puffs then lean in with squinted eyes and fire them off, with the burning school house being last.

Those were the good old days when you could buy little firecrackers called cherry bombs and lady fingers.
They were like miniature sticks of dynamite you could use to blow up everything from toy cars and little green soldiers, to frogs.
No I never did that but I knew a freak that did. Oddly enough, he's in jail now.

Thanks goodness days like that have gone the way of cars without seat belts and mettle dash boards.

Leave it to the pros and check out Dundas Driving Park on Sunday at 9:30pm or be sure to investigate the city, police or fire dept websites if you're attempting your own pyro show.

Play safe!

I'm Scott Thompson.

-----

Friday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-No LCBO strike. Surprised? I'm not.
http://www.900chml.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocalGeneral/story.aspx?ID=1963502

This boat has sailed and we have what those two parties have left us, and they should both be ashamed.
Yes we should be, at every step, making sure the city gets the most bang for its buck.

But to now stand up and complain about what they have after THEY let the opportunity of a generation fall from their grasp due to nothing more than petty politics and the inability to build relationships, I find exasperating.

Perhaps it's time for city council to sit down, shut up, and enjoy the crow they will be eating for a lifetime, instead of trying to save their political bacon by whining now.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson show!

-First 'framing' now 'thrill kill' latest speculations in Tim Bosma murder case

And my guess is, they won't now, and here's why....

In 2005 the LCBO got a 12% raise over 4 years.
In 2009, during the height of the recession, they got another 7 ¾% over the same period.

This while most of us faced cutbacks, if we even had a job.

Also, I don't think the public buys into their claim that just because you applied for a part time job, and got the part time job, that it entitles you to a full time job.

I love the LCBO because it generates a lot of money for the province that we'd lose if we sold it.
I also think unions serve a positive purpose.

But I think both are out of touch with today's reality, and are at risk, if they don't modernize.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Charges formally laid in Tim Bosma murder

He is the Ancaster man, who went for test drive with two potential buyers of his truck a week ago Monday night, and never came back.

The community (and city) was praying for a positive outcome.

The rest of the country quietly standing by hoping for the same, that did not happen .

Tim had a beautiful family, just like yours and mine, including a wife and little girl who wants her Daddy back.

What has captivated the nation is this was (as far as we know) an average family man doing what lots do every day, sell something privately.

Have we fallen into a society where we can't even do that anymore?

Or perhaps the rules of engagement have not kept up with technology.

I'm starting to sound like my parents when I say, you can't trust anyone anymore.

Perhaps we never could, and are naïve to think so.

But we can help. Call Hamilton Police or Crime Stoppers if you can.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-The search for Tim Bosma ends tragically.

I won't bore you with the details but when I asked them what the best part of vacation was I expected something different than what I heard.

I thought I would hear about beaches, boat rides, waterslides, and snorkeling.

Instead, one said it was when it poured rain for an hour during dinner and we had to have pizza on our balcony.

The other said, the best part was sitting at breakfast with everyone at the table and not being rushed out the door.
And Daddy not having to write a newspaper column or commentary after work.

That one hit close to home.

Maybe the best part of vacation isn't the destination, but taking what you've learned while on it and applying it to everyday life.
...And trying to keep the vacation spirit all year long.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Does Bosma case make you think twice about selling privately. Not only for fraud, but safety.
http://www.900chml.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocalGeneral/story.aspx?ID=1959667

That's over a half a billion dollars of wasted tax payer money when the Liberals swore to us it was about $ 40 million for each plant.

I'm not sure what part of this I'm most disgusted in

The fact that the Liberals lied about the cost.

The fact the Liberals have absolutely no idea what they are doing with your money.

Or the fact that the companies that are hosing us for this are also building the new plants.

Kathleen Wynne says she only knew of the $40 million figure.
That's not much help to us now is it?

No wonder citizens and businesses can't afford their electricity bills.
And you thought it was all to pay for nice Green energy....
What a load of bunk!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Hamilton's Boris Brott plays for the Pope, again!
http://www.900chml.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocalGeneral/story.aspx?ID=1950067

What I can't believe is Canadians reaction to it.
You'd think there had been a terrorist attack.

The CBC released a statement saying the views on Don Cherry don't represent the network.
When have they ever? But are still enjoying the ratings gold.

Then the public demanded he be fired. Why? For trending on Twitter? For doing what he gets paid big bucks to do?
He's an hockey commentator, not a politician, and the CBC is giddy.

And last time I checked, you don't have a say, other than turning off the box.

It's like it's now hip to bash Don Cherry for having the views of his generation.
He's a senior citizen, he's entitled, that doesn't mean you have to agree with him.

Now imagine the country we could have if citizens were this engaged in voting during a general election.?

Game on!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Tax day! Nooooooo!
Are yours done? Refund or owe?
---
Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/926235--thompson-terror-in-the-name-of-god

What was predictable was Don MacLean's obvious roll of the eyes when Cherry tried to make his point.

MacLean immediately played the political correct, equal opportunity card, which wasn't Cherry's point,
Cherry said women are not equal, they are 'above men' and for that reason should not be exposed the goings on between different rates of undress in a male dressing room.

How come you don't see men reporting from women's dressing rooms he quizzed MacLean?
Perhaps the same reason no males, including fathers, are not allowed in the dressing room of my daughters minor team.

Perhaps thereason we all don't use the same public washrooms?

Is it really about equal opportunity or creating titillating TV?!

I'm Scott Thompson.

Video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuJHHuX5iX8

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Women in men's dressing rooms; an equal opportunity or titillating TV??

I quote:
In response to the breakdown of the decorum at last night's Hamilton city council meeting, council has drafted a resolution which will limit counselors to only using BlackBerry chat to conduct its meetings.
'We believe that using BlackBerry group chat would serve as a better medium than actually speaking to each other face-to-face. Councillors will still be able to express emotions within the group chat by utilizing emoticons,' said an unnamed city clerk.
It's a health and safety issue that caused concern amongst councillors and staff that sparked the idea of finding new ways to conduct council meetings.
'We were afraid that if another meeting is conducted face-to-face, someone is going to get hurt.'
Council will have to decide on this idea in person before the new policy can take effect. There is talk of having a police presence or possibly a UFC referee attend the meeting to ratify this resolution.
Says Hammer in the News.

Nuff said.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Is crime worth the risk with so many carrying smart phones or other surveillance?
http://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2013/04/26/bank_robbers_why_do_they_even_bother_anymore.html

Wouldn't you wait at least a week just to avoid doing exactly what the opposition said?
Nope! Might was well just go with the tried and true. After all, it worked against Dion and Ignatieff.

Trudeau's new ad shows him in a classroom like he is the teacher and you are the kid sitting in a small desk.
He then turns off a TV behind him that is playing the PC's attack ad.

He says he feels we're tired of negative politics and Canadians are looking for something more,,,,,fluffy!

I think what Canadians are tired of is politicians who will take whatever platform to deliver their message and then when they get it, the time is spent doing everything but answering the needs of Canadians with solid policy.

Harper may be attacking, Trudeau may be playing nice.

Whatever the strategy, both are avoiding the issues of the day.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Is the Mayor adding to the confusion at City Hall on LRT file?

The two are currently being held without bail until trial.

It has lead to many questions, especially in the wake of the Boston marathon bombings.
Could it happen here? Is it a matter of when, not if?

Is it already here? Are we naïve to think since there has not been an event like Boston it doesn't exist here?
How deep are terrorist organization already woven into our society?

What is it that drives people to kill others in the name of religion or anti-western cultures?

Here's one that really hits close to home....
How will this affect Hamilton, and even Toronto, in hosting the Pan Am Games in 2015?

Should we practice a lock down?

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on the Scott Thompson Show!

-Have Boston and VIA train issues changed Pan Am Games security?

In a coordinated effort from the RCMP, Toronto and Montreal police plus the FBI, 2 suspects were arrested, they are not Canadian citizens but reside in the for mentioned Canadian cities.

At this time it is not thought to be related to the Boston attacks, but comes on the heels of London Ontario high school friends leading a suicide attack on a gas plant in Algeria killing 37 hostages.

So in answer to those questions.
Terrorism is here and yes it can happen to us...

Just because there hasn't been a bombing here, doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Terrorists were to blow up VIA train.
Should we be examining immigrants more closely?

Then I thought why am I spending anytime on getting their names correct?
As a matter of fact why would I even want to mention their names?
'The Boston marathon bombers who killed and maimed' would suffice.

I would rather recognized Krystle Campbell 29 of Medford, Lu Lingzi a graduate student in mathematics from China, little 8 year old Martin Richard of Dorchester who there to watch his Dad cross the finish line and MIT police officer Sean Collier 26. They are the victims here that should be mentioned.

Not two selfish losers who thought society was going to hell in a hand basket because people smoked or drank alcohol...
Their reaction was to ammo up and terrorize a city because they had a hard time figuiring it out.

After they spend a fortune getting the lone survivor healthy and interrogating him they should set him back in that boat they found him in and let the neighbourhood deal with him.

But then we're a much more civilized and less primitive culture than that aren't we?
Too bad they weren't.

I'm Scott Thompson

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-What happens to Boston marathon bomber now?

It started with the auditor general releasing information on the cancelation of the Mississauga gas power plant that we will see us getting one plant but paying for two, due to lack of due diligence on the energy file by the provincial government.

Then came the Boston marathon bombings and the death of 3, including an 8 year old boy.
Memories of 9/11 came rushing back as Boston, and the rest of the country, waited for someone to claim responsibility and possibly another attack.

Then late Wednesday we saw the horrifying destruction left behind when a fertilizer factory exploded in West Texas.
Everything within a 4 block area was incinerated, many including firefighters, are still missing.

It's been a week of audio/video overload. Experts say too much exposure can an can leave one traumatized even though not physically there.
Something to think about if you have young kids watching.

The weekend is coming, might be time to 'power down', detune for a couple of days and appreciate life.
As the world continues to spin...

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Boston marathon bombing update live from city.
Do you feel safe?

We tell our youth to use common when posting pictures and point to many examples of those who haven't.

Here's an example when having 'someone always watching you' has paid dividends.

Soon after the Boston Marathon explosion police asked the public to send any images or video of the event.
Send they did.

It was only a matter of time before a crime with no suspects started to gain traction.
Suddenly those indulgent personal images are key evidence in a terrorist attack.

Almost everyone has some sort of device that captures a moment in time.
Therefore it is only a matter of time, before someone is brought to justice.

It's simply the new world we now live in.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show!

- 'Oh God, please don't let it be a Muslim' says prof on Boston bombings?
Are we convicting before a trial?

From 14% financing costs ( what he called a 'criminal rate') , millions in unverified labour costs since 2004, millions in fees for suppliers, consultants, engineers, and money spent on land we never got; the auditor general said he had to, 'give his head a shake' at the lack of due diligence by the government.

He was convinced the company 'pressed their advantage' knowing how bad the government wanted out of the deal to win an election.

Prepare for more, this does not include the cost of cancelling the Oakville power plant.

Here's the real hoof to the hoolies,,,the company that hosed us, is building the replacement plant near Sarnia.

...and you think you're electricity bill is high now....

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Did you know you could make a bomb out of a pressure cooker?
http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/how-pressure-cooker-bombs-boost-the-deadliness-of-low-explosives-1.1241516

Nevertheless it was hard not to hark back to September 11, 2001 when terror struck the U.S. that was felt around the world.
The fact that there were two explosions, (not to mention a third not related) and two other bombs that had not gone off, confirmed our worst fears.

Obviously the death toll was much lower than that of 9/11 but the fear and terror inflicted on the citizenry equally as traumatic no matter the scope.

I remember my mother telling stories of living through WWII as a kid and thinking how lucky we were to have never felt that terror.
It seems almost primitive that generations later, people are still living it.

Except now it's not the old country, it's right here at home.

I'm Scott Thompson.

------

Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show!
-Boston Marathon bombings. Is it a case of when, not if, for us?

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/918918--thompson-when-the-unions-get-between-us-and-our-booze-it-has-gone-too-far

The point is, now the Liberals have a starting to point to the future, there is only one direction to go, and anything is better than living in the basement of the House of Commons.

In his speech, Trudeau played to the obvious positive political message of unity and change but also took control of his own party when saying the era of divisive Liberal politics 'ends now!'

He also tapped into the younger generation (and perhaps all) when he said It was less about him and how it was up to them to set the tone of the country.

While everyone is examining him deeply looking for substance maybe we're missing his view that finding policy that is good for Canada is easy, maybe what needs changing, is the way we do politics.

...and maybe monkeys might fly out of my butt!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Federal Liberals get a new leader, NDP'ers a softer stance on socialism.
Do you care?

What the heck has got Mr. black leisure suit in a bind?

Seems every so often North Korea has to jack up the rhetoric convincing its people the rest of the world is out to get them so they don't notice they're all repressed while South Korea makes a fortune selling big screen TV's.

They sell that America is out to blow them off the face of the earth to justify nuclear testing despite crippling sanctions that keep the people hungry.

Even the south blows it off as ordinary fair.
Experts say the North is still smart enough to know any misfire could cause an incinerating response from the rest of the world.

What amazes me is, with today's technology you wonder how much longer North Korea can keep the wool pulled over the eyes of its people.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Anti-Circumcision group piggybacks on Oprah appearance.
Should they get a life?
http://www.900chml.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocalGeneral/story.aspx?ID=1933942

The L.C.B.O. have voted 95% in favour of going on strike.
They are looking for higher wages and benefits, improved health care and job security. Who isn't?

The big issue here is 60% are part time and the want wage parity.

I guess in this day of governments preaching austerity and then going back on their word we can only expect others to ask for special treatment too.
We're all working more, for less. That's simply a reality.

However, the truth is if companies treated employees fairly unions wouldn't need to exist and we have all reaped the benefits.

But I'm tired of being held hostage by unions who have a monopoly on a service at the taxpayers' expense...Whether its teaching our kids or buying a bottle of booze.

That's not fair either.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Do countdown clocks on pedestrian signs entice motorists to 'floor it' through intersections?
http://www.wheels.ca/news/countdown-signals-safer-for-pedestrians-but-risky-for-impatient-drivers/

The Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba says traffic to their services has increased 25% in the past week.

They normally rent out about 60 special lamps for people with seasonal affective disorder.
This year they're up to 240 and none have been returned.
Look for the well tanned or those suspected of running a grow op.

They're snowed under with people calling ready to snap under the weight of more winter.
No not just because its Winnipeg, but because their temps have yet to climb above 0 this spring.

Feel better?

If comparing us to Winnipeg for joy isn't depressing enough, there's a winter storm warning in the cards for Thursday.
I wouldn't be taking off the snow tires yet.

Hey its Canada! Look there's a Tim Horton's, and the driv-thru is empty!

Feel better?

I'm Scott Thompson.

She's at the age where she doesn't really care to celebrate birthdays anymore.
Or perhaps better said; enjoys the celebration, but would rather forget the number.

I remember I hit that age a couple of years ago.

It's the point where you realize you're pretty much past the half way mark in life. Half way around the bay, per say.
It's when you ask yourself what could possibly be next that's better than the past?
Once at the top of the hill there is only one way left to go.

Of course every day is a blessing and we must cherish each and everyone, but it's a lot easier when you're south of middle age.

So to take her mind off things I went to Parkdale Vac and got her a new deluxe head and hose complete with stair cleaner and ceiling doohickey.

You should have seen the look on her face.

And you can't even tell I'm doing this commentary from the garage can you???

I'm Scott Thompson.

p.s. The vacuum was merely coincidental (ours broke) I thought why not wrap it up for fun anyway. (dinner Friday)

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Are universities and colleges doing enough to prepare our kids for work?
http://www.thespec.com/news/ontario/article/915660--ontario-should-force-colleges-universities-to-specialize-says-expert-panel

The trucks are BIG, the tires are BIG, the personalities are BIG!
The sound is even bigger, much BIGGER!

The stink is also BIG but if you like burnt rubber and racing' fuel, it's like heroine.

The wheelies are BIG, the bounces are BIG, the crashes are BIG!

The souvenirs are also BIG. The hats are BIG, the beer and popcorn is BIG and some BIG bellies too!

The loops the free style motocross boys do are HUGE!

As is the pride when Northern Nightmare makes its runs as the only Canadian in a field of Vegas Grave Diggers and Oklahoma El Toro Locos!

The only think bigger is the eyes and smiles of the little boys watching their toys come to life....

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Former Brit PM Margaret Thatcher dies. How will she be remembered?
http://www.900chml.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocalGeneral/story.aspx?ID=1930775

The executroid was fired yesterday.

No reason was giving but it may have had something to do with the massive recall that followed returning 17% of the pants made and costing $67 million.

Board of directors don't like that kind of jam.

Every part of this was handled incorrectly.

Firstly, ever seen these on a woman doing the downward facing dog?

(Don't laugh apparently the position was the litmus test for sheerness.)

Now imagine that with the see through option?

I would have used this gaff as a great selling feature saying there are only a limited number left at these prices!

Come get them while they last!

Every boyfriend and husband would have been lining up to buy early birthday presents.

Instead, $67 million is lost and a short sighted executroid sees her butt out the door.

Yes, it was a woman who ordered the sheer delight.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Is Hamilton pharmacy really to blame for chemo drug mix up?
http://www.900chml.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocalGeneral/story.aspx?ID=1929018

The union said progress has been made on a number of key issues including maternity leave benefits, sick leave and retirement gratuities.
The biggest gain being in a better payout for younger teachers who lost sick days.

Who can you trust?

Apparently all this and it's not going to cost us anymore money.
Remember they said it wasn't 'about the money' either when banking sick days that could be taken as a payout?.

Anything that helps move along this tax funded, archaic union system, is welcome news to students and parents.
Nobody wants to see anyone treated unfairly, but let's not forget.

It was nothing short of shear greed on both the union and the Liberal government that got us into this mess by handing out raises during the height of a recession.

And with all the flip flopping, it seems the love affair is on again, but at what cost?

I'm Scott Thompson.

The Big Move regional transportation plan comes with many options to pay. Find the one that best fits your budget.
Sounds simple doesn't it?

The new taxes could include development charges, employer payroll tax, gas tax, paid access to HOV lanes, highway tolls, land-value capture, parking space levy, property tax increase, regional sales tax, transit fare increase, and charges for distance travelled by car.

Once again I think government is focusing on their needs instead of yours.
Taxpayers really don't care how you collect the money. Governments tend to find the most efficient way of hosing taxpayers anyway.
That's not the point.

All Ontarians want, is to know that money raised will actually go towards solving the problem, and not just filling Liberal re-election coffers .

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on the Scott Thompson Show!

-The cell phone turns 40 today. Have you ever met a 40 year old that looked so good?
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2013/04/influential-cellphones/

When did we start getting gifts for Easter?
It's not like I'm being a Scrooge because, well, its Easter.

The way my kids were unwrapping I wasn't sure what season it was....
And don't you old people start whining it's the parents of today...know why?

It's the grandparents, aunts and uncles, buying the crap!

My best memory of Easter had nothing do with gifts....it was when our dog Peppy spent the night eating the all the chocolate eggs the Easter Bunny left behind.

Then you should have seen what Peppy was leaving behind....some still in foil wrapping...Now that was memorable.

It doesn't matter what your faith is, if you even have one, or what holiday you celebrate; as long as it was an excuse to bring us all together.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-How do you want to pay for much needed new transit?

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/911514--thompson-old-leader-new-leader-i-still-don-t-trust-the-liberals-with-my-money

Understandably many wanted a verdict of guilty.

Immediately the debate started as to whether justice had been served, and will go on indefinitely.
Clearly there are no winners here but many are asking who the victim is.

One thing is certain, what Canadians don't want to see is a mentally ill person who kills, back on the street after doctors reassure us they are fine as long as they take their medication, only to find the person stopped taking their medication and wreaks havoc on society again.

And in a land where most never complete their sentence, or get adequate treatment, only to reoffend; it's not surprising the public is questioning the decision.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on the Scott Thompson Show!

-BlackBerry surprises with 4th quarter profit. Are they back?
http://www.thespec.com/news/business/article/909782--blackberry-surprises-with-fourth-quarter-profit-co-founder-lazaridis-to-retire

I'm not sure how many vehicles she is keeping off the road seeing her kids are too young to drive but I'll follow that minivan if its faster; why not?

But wait a minute wasn't this all part of the Liberals Green Plan?
I thought the idea here was to save the environment by encouraging car pooling, not keep traffic and suck more money out of the taxpayer?

You mean this whole green thing is just a money grab?
Oh you can pollute, just pay us. Was that the idea?

And if so, how much is being sucked out of us with smart metres, wind turbines and cancelled power plants only in the 'name' of Green.

And I thought it was all optics, how silly of me.
It's optics, and revenue.

Next party please???

I'm Scott Thompson.

------

More here:

http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/03/26/ontario-motorists-could-pay-extra-fee-to-drive-solo-in-hov-lanes-finance- minister/

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Elementary school union says now teachers can resume extracurricular activities. Why now? What happened?
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/909093--extracurriculars-to-return-to-ontario-elementary-schools

Women are more likely to consider the rights of others and to take a cooperative approach to decision making which can translate into better performance of their companies.

Males like to make decisions using rules , regulations and traditional methods of doing business or getting along.
Female executroids, in contrast, are less constrained by these parameters and are more prepared to rock the boat.
And who doesn't love a good boat rockin' ?

Not hard to believe, although some men may just see more flowers and throw pillows in the reception area.

A message to all guys,,,,It's time to accept women may be better decision makers than men.
After all husbands, they did make the decision to marry us...

Huh? Nuff said!

I'm Scott Thompson

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

Why is Tiger Woods back on top? Good coaching or good lovin'?
http://www.thespec.com/sports/article/908596--tiger-woods-back-on-top

That, and of course winning the Conveners Cup, the celebrator cup for staying one spot above the basement; her team struggled this year.

The game started with my wife having to do a last minute tape job on her stick, after she chipped the end off, Dad's aren't allowed in the dressing room.
Too much stick banging last game I'm thinking, or jamming it in the trunk. It looked more like weapon.

Turns out the awkwardly taped stick with chewed off end were just the balance the girl needed.
Not only did she get # 10, she also got #11, and 12, for the hat trick and in a shoot out bagged another for a game total of 4!.

There was a parent two rows up with a nice Leaf hat, I yelled at him to throw it on the rink, he just laughed and waved at me.

They capped the season off with a close win and great effort on all around.
And let's not forget the coaches and helper parents who give that extra bit of time so everyone's kid has a good time.
Thank you !

Till next season.

I'm Scott Thompson

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Women make better leaders than men? Do you agree?
http://www.900chml.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocalGeneral/story.aspx?ID=1920243

The construction industry, as more resources are poured into updating aging infrastructure.

Manufacturing industries, as business are giving tax relief on state of the art equipment.

Aboriginals, with $155 million on new infrastructure in First Nations communities over ten years.

Unemployed and underemployed, with $500 million towards training and matching skills with employers.

Parents and sports enthusiasts, will see reduction on tariffs reducing prices on everything from baby clothes to active gear.

Big losers are:

Tax cheats, who will lose loopholes.

Public servants, who will see reductions and pressed to keep costs in line.

Environmentalists, who feel more should be spent.

This in hopes of having the country in the black by 2015-16.
Just in time to have another party elected to run it back up again.

I'm Scott Thompson

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Your thoughts on the Federal budget? Do you care?

Imagine the millions of kilometers of road way across North America and the price of repaving that aging infrastructure.
Now imagine if instead of asphalt you built a roadway of solar panels strong enough to withstand the harshest weather and the weight of traffic.

We all know the heat roadways generate from the sun, even in winter. Now imagine that energy being stored then available to every household.
The power for your home generated by the street right out in front of it.

Apparently the technology is already there it's just a case of bringing it all together.

You can see the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep4L18zOEYI

Chances are we'll never see this project on the streets of the Hammer, but it sure is nice to see some innovative thinking.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Council climbs on bike sharing program for city. Will you ride?
http://www.900chml.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocalGeneral/story.aspx?ID=1916840

SCOTT THOMPSON
The Hamilton Spectator
Tuesday, March 19, 2013

What will Hamilton's Hard Rock Hotel/Casino (or other option) hopefully do that Toronto's MGM Exhibition Place proposal will not? It will 'city-build.'

One of the prospects hoping for a chance at a Toronto casino recently ran a double-page ad in Toronto newspapers outlining its vision of what its resort/complex would encompass on the lakefront grounds of Exhibition Place, home of the venerable Canadian National Exhibition.

MGM/Cadillac Fairview laid out pretty plans that would refurbish the grounds of the grand lady, with a resort hotel/casino complex, transforming parking lots into park playgrounds, and promising to rejuvenate the CNE by moving it to the patch of land between Lakeshore Boulevard and Ontario Place. (Which will also be redeveloped in the future.)

What makes Hamilton's Hard Rock proposal ' along with others that will almost certainly come along ' so exciting is that they can be used to enhance, expand and be a part of a downtown renewal by reclaiming an unproductive block or brownfield with a design that fits with the new Hamilton.
MGM's proposal is nothing more than a redevelopment of an already extremely valuable piece of property in Toronto on Lake Ontario. What's in it for that city?

This piece of land, along with Ontario Place, has massive potential to be anything and I'm sure hosts a long list of investors who would like a piece of the pie. Why would you put a casino there? All the CNE grounds needs is a good idea. It's an easy sell.

Like Hamilton, Toronto should use the casino to stimulate an area that is in need of redevelopment. Use it to city-build. If a suitor wants to get the city on board, make a contribution to its future.

If a suitor is interested in Toronto's waterfront, why not send them a little to the east to the vacant polluted port lands that are badly in need of a plan. Design a resort complex to compliment Toronto's waterfront and stimulate development in an area that was once heavy industry.

That was the intention when Ontario Place was built more than 40 years ago. To help transform a largely industrial waterfront into a place people would come for leisure. In its day, it worked. That vision has to continue with its new purpose.

Shortly after presenting its proposal, MGM/ Cadillac Fairview received a cease-and-desist order from the Canadian National Exhibition Association (which run the CNE) saying not only does it not want its name and images affiliated with the project, but it does not support a casino on the grounds, no doubt partially for reasons mentioned above.

Others at the Toronto table include another big Vegas player Wynne Resorts, which wants a downtown luxury location, but is also eyeing the CNE grounds.

Caesars Entertainment has identified The Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Front Street as its preferred site and Oxford Properties (a developer owned by pension giant OMERS) is looking for that cash to subsidize the centre's refurbishing and expansion. It's not quite reclaiming a brownfield but at least it is redevelopment of an existing aging facility.

These are all merely discussion points until Toronto council votes whether it wants a casino or not, which is not expected until May. Last week, Tim Hudak's Conservatives said they would scrap the entire Liberal casino plan if elected.

What Toronto has now that Hamilton doesn't is more money and with that, more options. That's not going to change anytime soon but the balance is shifting. Because Hamilton works with less, it has become more inventive in its approach. Opportunities, although increasing, are not as profitable as down the QEW. But that can work in our favour.

It is essential to make our opportunities work for us, which is why engaged citizens with differing opinions need to come together, not always with a common vision, but at least the common goal of building a better city.

The Scott Thompson Show airs weekdays noon-3 p.m. on News/Talk 900CHML. www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

How about dental surgery?
Would you look for a bargain basement dentist before getting that molar yanked?

Then why on earth would you go to an unlicensed tattoo artist who works out of someone's home?
That's why Hamilton Health is warning anyone who obtained such services at 932 King St. East and 307 Barton East to see a doctor.

Reason being, they have evidence the equipment was not sterilized between customers, fearing the spread of Hepatitis or HIV.

Personally I lost interest tattoos when everyone and their mother started getting one. It's hardly unique anymore.
I also lost interest as my friends got older and their 30 year tattoos started to look like the moles I get removed at the skin doctor due to over exposure to the sun.

Oh that's a butterfly? I thought it was Gilbert Gottfried with a severe burn.
Nice!!!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-How do we create a common goal for Hamilton with so many different visions?
This may help. http://www.democravise.com/organizations/1/decisions/10

The girl was out with family and friends enjoying an ice cream when she fell ill.

This is just another painful example of how serious these reactions can be and why we all should be extra diligent in preventing this.

I remember taking my daughter to school for the first time and seeing the 'no peanuts' sign on the door and thought, how can you make a school lunch without peanut butter?

I quickly found out, when both my kids were tested for allergies, and were found positive.

Now both of them have to wear an epi-pen at school. Some kids make fun of them, despite the risk of not wearing it.

I thought it was over kill making by them wear it.

But after hearing stories similar to this one, and there have been many, I don't feel that way anymore.

I'm Scott Thompson

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Would you like a 'street view' of your colon? We can do that...
http://www.900chml.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocalGeneral/Story.aspx?ID=1915179

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/904659--thompson-casino-payof

The details are irrelevant, the act is barbaric and cowardice; and has divided the small town .
There are no winners here, the victim or the two who will start their adult life in jail.

Why others stood around to video such an act as oppose to help is beyond my comprehension and almost as bad as the act itself.

How ironoc once again, the text and video they took, was used as evidence against them all.
Proving with technology, evening in a small town, you really don't know your neighbour.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Social media leads to rape conviction for star high school athletes.

http://www.thespec.com/news/world/article/904033--2-ohio-football-players-found-guilty-of-rape-to-be-jailed-at-least-1-year

They say they favour keeping things the way they are and that includes subsidizing the horse racing industry and the 60,000 jobs they say goes along with it.

Where I need confirmation, which I tried to get yesterday from P.C. MPP Monte McNaughton, is the P.C.'s go on to say they would take the industry out of public hands and put it into the private sector.

Isn't that what the OLG is doing with this new plan. The new casinos are all privately owned and funded.

Will Hudak simply kill the Liberal plan only to replace it with his own P.C. casino plan? Otherwise, what's to privatize?

After all governments still need the money.

Unless this is just more politics where the objective is to oppose any idea simply because it belongs to the other party.

Not only is that bad governance, the public can see through it.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

Is displaying the Confederate Flag a hate crime?
http://www.900chml.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocalGeneral/story.aspx?ID=1911377

You know what's going to happen, you just don't get a countdown.

I haven't spent that much time watching a chimney since the sweep did our annual up at the cottage.

The crowd was like watching a really polite soccer game, flags waving, people singing; when the white smoke finally appeared.

Then all eyes and cameras focused on the balcony with drawn curtains as we waited for the identity of the new Pope.

...and waited and waited.

After staring at the balcony for what seemed like eternity I thought wouldn't it be funny if Will & Kate popped out and give us a big kiss.

Or perhaps one of the helpers on the other side would pushed a buddy out the door for fun!

Or open the doors quickly and then slam them shut...

No such fun when watching pomp, tradition and history in the making.

BTW

Will we ever know why the last Pope was the first to retire in 600 years?

Should we?

I'm Scott Thompson

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Did you watch the closed balcony door eagerly awaiting the new Pope?

We got half of that right, and we are accomplishing much more. But the extra time that technology has afforded us has not moved to imporved the quality of our life as much as it has made us more productive in the eyes of our employers.

So productive that most are now doing the job that used to take two.
However instead of everyone having more time, that second person has just been fired.

Most are not prudes and do realize that is progress, and it is.
But can we change our priorities back to the worker bee, the majority of us?

If 2 people can now do the job of three, instead of firing two and dumping the load on one while reducing pay and adding stress????
Can't we shed one, keep two and perhaps offer those now doing the extra work at least a little more?

If for no other reason than to create incentive to want to improve?
And isn't that the idea here?

Just saying..

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Are you comfortable getting blood from someone who was paid to give it?

It's hard not to notice when the title of their latest scandal is , 'Ass-gate'!
In this case, I'm not sure if they're are referring to the part of the anatomy or the dozy animal.

It seems former mayoral candidate Sarah Thomson and Mayor Rob Ford are in disagreement on what transpired at a gala last week.
Plain and simply she said he grabbed her arse and made comments about going to Florida with him.

Ford denies anything ever happened, but if you were to ever have found a picture that could go with that caption, Sarah got one and loaded up her Facebook page. Mayor Ford Complete with glassy eyes and wet spot on the shirt, I'm sure you saw it.

What has happened since is nothing short of an embarrassing three ring circus.
The Mayor isn't talking and when asked why she didn't press charges Thomson says she had no proof.

The only thing we do know for sure is....?
One of them is lying.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Can breakfast cereal really improve your sex life?
http://www.torontosun.com/2013/03/11/sex-cereal-formulated-for-sexual-health-2

We managed to snag Pittsburgh tickets again like last year.
But unlike last year, Sidney Crosby played.
Yes he is that good in person too.

One of the many memories from the night was eating in the Real Sports bar across from the ACC.
Oddly enough we were talking about fighting in hockey and how it was the only sport where it was permitted.

At that point the place erupted as a Mexican pitcher grazed a Canadian batter in the World Baseball Championships live on the giant screen.
All of a sudden a bench clearing brawl had life size baseball players whacking the bageebers out of each other right in front of my burger and beer.

So much for my fighting observations.
In hind sight the hockey game was much more civil, and exciting.

Good times all around!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Flamboro slots back on the table. What does that mean for casino?
http://www.900chml.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocalGeneral/Story.aspx?ID=1908490

That's the excuse box tanners use for barbecuing themselves into a nice bronze base hue before they hit the beach.
That, and it will help you from burning when you get there.

That's just a load of bunk says the Canadian Medical Association and the Ontario Medical Association.
They are applauding the government of Ontario for banning sun tanning beds for those under 18.

The sun tanning industry says theirs research shows the governments research is fried.
This is turning into a my research vs. your research.

But common sense would tell you if too much sun is bad for you why wouldn't a high concentration be as well?
Even the industry, some who manufacture their own bulbs say, it's almost like natural sunlight.

Isn't that the problem?

But maybe I'm biased, because I have to go twice a year to get my skin checked.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Should Supercrawl get $125,000. from city for festival?
http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/899648--suburban-councillors-sour-on-bid-for-supercrawl-funding-boost

When you complain about how hard you work both at home and on the job.
How now you are working more for less and the stress it brings.
If you have kids, the responsibility stretches to their future and well being.

Then I saw a picture of the horrific wreck involving a cement truck that took the life of a 37 year old woman near Pt Dover yesterday.
Immediately I forgot my piddely issues and thought My God what that woman's family must be dealing with now.

Not much different than the pics we saw the day before of the truck that plunged off the 401 and into a river killing the driver and passenger.

It's too bad it sometimes takes incidents like this to put things into perspective in our own fast pace life.

A reminder life is fleeting, and be thankful of what we have, when we have it.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-NASCAR fans are rednecks who watch only for the wrecks, what about hockey fans and fights?

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/897168--thompson-teacher-unions-are-busting-themselves

All we hear about is how the kids are bombarded by junk food, unhealthy choices and lifestyle.

I'm not going to dispute life is different now. Kids are exercising less and eating more.
But do we need laws for this stuff?

What about the parent? Last time I checked it was parents who did the grocery shopping and generally made the rules in the house.
If you instill good eating and exercise habits in them as kids they will take them through life.

So with one word I am about to save you and our government lots of money.

The one word is 'No!' No kids you can't have junk for lunch. No kids you can't have junk food for dinner.

And be prepared to say it over and over again. It's called parenting.
It can solve a myriad of problems, not just obesity.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Are women still being paid less than men for the same job?

http://www.thespec.com/news/business/local/article/897787--workplace-gains-not-paying-off-for-women

As soon as news broke water cooler talk immediately turned to 'what you would do if you won $30 million?'
Quit my job, pay off debts, go on a vacation, give to charity, are all common answers.

Which goes to show you just how unprepared winners are for such wealth. With $30 million you could do that several times over.
Spending is the easy part.

The hard part is everything else, like living an everyday life.
It would change overnight.

You may not but lots, including those around you, will.
From where you live to the security you'll now need for your kids. They're an asset now to some.

When dreaming of vast wealth let's not forget what David Lee Roth told us....

Money won't buy you happiness, just a yacht big enough so you can sail right up next to it.
Good luck!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Will more restrictions on junk food keep your kids slim?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/editorials/childhood-obesity-report-blames-everything-but-parents/article9296018/

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/897168--thompson-teacher-unions-are-busting-themselves

You may remember the southern BBQ pit caused quite a stir when they opened their mountain location decked out with the southern confederate flag.
You know the one on the roof of the General Lee in the old Dukes of Hazard TV show?

Seems they're stirring the grit bin again by using the same signage to open their new downtown location at King and Walnut.
Apparently what's okay on the mountain isn't good with the internal village downtown.

Can we really compare the confederate flag to the swastika as some critics have?

Shouldn't we be applauding anyone whose willing to invest into the downtown as long as they're within the law?

The great thing about living in Canada is we have the freedom to let the market decide if it's tasteless, not someone who is trying to force their opinion on others.

And BTW ,,,you're making this place way more popular than it ever would have been, if you had not noticed.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

He who raises the most money wins Liberal leadership race?

http://www.thespec.com/news/article/896957--trudeau-s-leadership-bid-draws-150-000-supporters-to-liberals

Premier Kathleen Wynne has made it publicly known she has no plans on reversing the deal in place and it would be political suicide if she did.

So what now?

Will the public sit back and let teachers dictate their own job description?

Will Kathleen Wynne demand changes and enlist the help of the Conservatives to do so? Don't think so.

Does the union have the power they feel they do in Ontario to boot out the Liberals and elect the NDP, again?
And can the NDP give the teachers anymore than the Liberals already have without bankrupting the province?

Will the rest of Ontario let that happen and the unions to continue to dictate the education policy of their kids?

Even in boring old Ontario politics, the next election is shaping up to be a doozy.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-You'll never guess WHO Pete Townshend apologized to?

http://www.torontosun.com/2013/02/28/the-whos-pete-townshend-says-sorry-for-swearing-incident

Hadfield was on the show just before Christmas from Russia where he blast off for a rendezvous with the International Space Station.
He is there for 5 months and in charge of the station as its commander.

What makes this voyage interesting for us on earth is he is tweeting every hour or two after taking pictures of the planet.
His Twitter account is like a diary or roadmap of his journey as we follow him every step of the way.

He recently showed us a picture that included Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford, Guelph, and Kitchener-Waterloo from space at night.
It's a very recognizable shot where you can even see the Burlington Skyway over Lake Ontario.

It's hard to imagine what it must feel like to be so close and yet so far.

What a long we've come since the grainy green shots some of us saw as kids on TV when Neil Armstrong first walked on the moon.
It's an interesting follow for you and 450,000 of his closest friends.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on the Scott Thompson Show!

Can Dennis Rodman save the world from North Korea?
http://www.thespec.com/news/world/article/894986--rodman-tells-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-you-have-a-friend-for-life

Oh sure we all love a white Christmas, and for those who enjoy winter sports it's been a great winter so far, but do we really need more snow?
How many more ski runs do you need to take? How many more times do you have to shovel and salt?

For skaters and hockey lovers its irrelevant because it's been too inconsistent for outdoor rinks; besides the NHL is back and the LA Z BOY has a heater.
That leaves only owners of new snow blowers who want more snow, and you must remember it's a lifetime investment, there's always next year.

Unless you are going on a spring break vacation, or are returning from one, the only hope we have is that we get another March break like we had last year to melt us into spring.

The weather man says don't count on it.
Has anyone seen that ground hog?

This will warm you up, March arrives Friday.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Extra curricula's not back? Shouldn't parents have a say in teachers job description?

Then yesterday the union announced that some teachers may not go back to extracurriculars because they are still upset with McGuinty's Liberals, most of which are still in government.

Don't you find it interesting that when the teachers stole those extra curricula's from your kids last summer for the good of their personal gain, they made it mandatory.
They dictated to the teachers to halt everything or face fine along with personal ridicule and intimidation.

However now when they finally give permission for sports and clubs to be reinstated, nothings mandatory, as some may chose not to play.
And elementary kids are still suffering.

I think it's time the taxpayer had a say in a teachers job description, not the teacher or their union.
Did you dictate your job description to your employer?

More annoying, monopolizing, politics from self serving adults whose mission is their personal success, and not your kids.

Who wants to be a 'real' teacher? Any takers?

I'm Scott Thompson.

That was obvious this past Friday when the secondary school teachers union announced they were letting their teachers resume extracurricular activities for our kids without penalty.

Who knows what kind of backroom deal was cooked up between your new premier and the same old teachers union that was different from what Dalton McGuinty had penned few months ago.
But after Andrea Horwath started putting the boots to Kathleen Wynne last week over more newly discovered cancelled power plant papers clearly the honeymoon was only a one niter.

No doubt Wynne told the teachers unions, you got me or Hudak, and I need your help now.
Thus, we have a deal.

Some will say but the teachers union is not a political party, I would say, really?
That's pretty hard to say, especially after what our kids have been through this past year.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-High school teachers union allows teachers to resume extracurriculars. Why now?

His comments were interesting in the wake of some who are upset RT has replaced LRT has the official name on our project.

The reason for the change reflects what Mr. Bhatti was saying that Light Rail Transit (LRT) is only one component of a RT or rapid transit system.
He stressed it important to plan, along with city growth predictions, in establishing everything from route to type of vehicle used; and each city is different.

The goal here is to find a solution to our transit issues across the city and link Hamilton with the outside world.

The last thing we need is to create two sides, one that supports LRT and one that does not.
We need one team that finds a solution using all and every available option.

The objective here is to move Hamilton into the future, not pick a team.

I'm Scott Thompson.

SCOTT THOMPSON
The Hamilton Spectator
Tuesday, February 19, 2013

My biggest fear in the great Hamilton casino debate is that it will end the same way as the great Hamilton stadium debate did. With no winners, only losers and a half-assed version of what the original plan was supposed to be, creating yet another embarrassment this city doesn't need.

It's obvious, with an issue such as this, there will be plenty of healthy (and sometimes heated) discussion from both ends of the debate.

But at what point does it become such a distraction you can't see the forest for the trees. Or in this case ... the roulette wheel for the slots and horses?

As with the stadium, what I'm afraid of is that the whinnying naysayers and the odd 'stick a fork in it, it's done' politician will never be successful in stopping the project, only successful in wrecking the original plan for everyone else in Hamilton. Then they can stand back and claim, 'See, it was a bad idea,' all the while never coming up with a feasible concept of their own.

Remember in the dying hours of the stadium debate when city council was scouring the countryside looking for a potential site that was never to be? Calling everyone and their uncle trying to nail down a deal that should have been consummated a year earlier, then having to settle for a rebuild in the same location everyone wanted out of?

And now late last week, a councillor was talking about introducing a motion stating that Flamboro Downs would be the city's 'only' choice for a new casino complex. Here we are still talking about turning our backs on a $200 million downtown private investment hoping someone will change the rules of the game yet again and put Flamboro Downs back on the table. Remember, Flamboro Downs sits on the province's Greenbelt, and is therefore not expandable.

Why is it when Hamilton is offered a choice of 'A' or 'B', it picks 'C'? Thinking somehow if we target a goal that has already been deemed unfeasible, it will ruin the original project while making it look like we're at least doing something. One step forward, two steps back.

To add fuel to the fire, the councillor then flip-flopped, revising the motion adding other sites will now be considered if Flamboro isn't feasible, and made it look as if there was some sort of compromise to 'satisfy both sides'. It was a moot point. The only reason we're talking about a downtown casino in the first place is because Flamboro doesn't fit with the government's plan that includes ceasing to subsidize the horse racing industry. Here we go again!

The same bunch is asking for a costly referendum. To me, a referendum only confirms what the public already knows: A number of elected officials in this city are simply not qualified or willing to make a decision on their own for fear of losing their jobs.

If you have a stand, take it, but don't slow the process with unnecessary distractions designed only to delay a decision until the project passes us by. Inaction is not an option.

With the stadium, we trusted city council and the Ticats to work together and bring Hamilton the prize that comes with hosting a Pan Am Games. Instead of working together for a common cause, they both played their cards as if they were the only ones in the game, refusing to see eye to eye.

The end result is millions of your dollars will be spent and we have exactly what we started with, only newer and with more corporate boxes. The same problems that started the entire discussion are still there. Why? Because two parties couldn't agree and do what was best for the city.

How many times does that have to happen before a change in direction is demanded by Hamiltonians?

We're at a crossroads again Hamilton. Time to grow up and be the big city that history (and the rest of the country) expects us to be.

The Scott Thompson Show airs weekdays noon ' 3 p.m. on News/Talk 900 CHML. www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Why is LRT good or bad, for Hamilton? Do you know?

The first Juno was given out back in 1970 at St. Lawrence Hall in Toronto about 250 were there and resembled more of a bowling banquet.
Even less knew about it, as it was not broadcast, that didn't happen until 1975 when Paul Anka was the host.

Big winners that first year included Andy Kim for best male vocalist, an award Gordon Lightfoot steal for the next several years.
Best female vocalist was Ginette Reno ( I don't know either), an award that would go to Anne Murray for the next several years.
Anne would avoid later events because she always won and the open bar in hotels left it unruly.

Best group The Guess Who, Tommy Hunter won the country category, Gordon Lightfoot best folk artist.
The best produced single was 'Which way you going Billy? The Poppy Family which also won best middle of the road album.

This year nominees include the Arkells, Monster Truck, Walk off the Earth, and Steve Strongman, and that's only the Hamilton contingent.
We've come a long way since then, and the mandatory 30% Canadian content rule that was first enforced on this countries radio stations to play home grown talent.

Turn it up, eh!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

Chamber of Commerce survey says majority of downtown business wants casino/entertainment complex. Are you in?

I spent my family day replacing light bulbs, unclogging drains, chalking bath tubs, fixing faucets, the laundry vent, then did laundry, cleaned up after a quaint Valentine's party on Thursday, and sawed a wood board for my kids bed after someone broke it jumping on it.

Somewhere in there we went rock n' bowling and the aunt and uncle came over to watch the kids hockey and Kurt scored a goal.
And finished the weekend by writing and voicing this commentary!

Now I need another day to rest.

At least the casino debate never came up....!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

Kathleen Wynne re-opens the legislature after 4 months. Will anything change?

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/888819--thompson-time-to-grow-up-and-be-a-big-city

He proudly stated no they weren't happy with anyone treading on their turf. (Remember when we couldn't find investors...now they're tripping over each other)

PJ Mercanti with the Hard Rock Hotel group countered with a clarified response.
They were not interested in building any large venue that competes with Copps, Hamilton Place or even the Studio theatre.
Their plan was always for a 100-200 seat (club size) room that features local Hamilton talent.

Therefore will have no impact on those venues therefore another moot point. Unless Live Nation plans on controlling the Hamilton club scene too.

I have certainly not seen the email the councilor claims he has or the question that was put to Global Spectrum by the councilor.

Which raises the question from one listener, why was the councilor speaking for Global Spectrum and why wouldn't they call their own press conference? And do you really think with the resources Global Spectrum has it wasn't aware of the Hamilton casino debate when they just signed a deal with the city, really?

It's turning into another stadium debacle.....

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Councilor wrong in speaking for Live Nation. Another moot point?

The whinny nay sayers and the 'stick a fork in it, it's done' politicians will never be successful in killing a project, just successful in wrecking it for everybody else so they can point to it afterwards and say 'see it was a bad idea'. All while never coming up with a feasible realistic concept of their own.

Just like in the dying hours of the stadium debate when city councilor was scowering the countryside looking for a last minute location that was to never be, here we are talking about turning our backs on a $200 million dollar downtown investment hoping someone will change the rules of the game yet again and put Flamboro back on the table.

It's like when Hamilton is asked if it wants 'A' or 'B' it answers 'C' thinking somehow if we target a goal that has already been deemed unfeasible it will ruin the original project all while making it look like we're at least doing something. One step forward, two steps back.

And a referendum only confirms what the public already feels, their elected officials are simply not qualified to make these decisions on their own.

Time to grow up Hamilton and be the big boy city the rest of the country expects.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Will the great Hamilton casino debate end the same as the great Hamilton stadium debate?
No winners and only losers?

However don't give up make the call.
There 's only one thing a woman hates more than a loser, that's a loser who can't make reservations.

Can't get into a restaurant, or simply too cheap? You can always try to whip up your own.
This always impresses the chicks but only if you are capable of more than hamburger helper or KD.

There's always lingerie, but if you've left it this late you may be stuck with leftovers and wrong sizes.
And really, if you've missed out on the nice dinner do you really have the guts to throw a nipple less bra and panties into the mix?

There's always the stand by roses, and lots of places have good deals, but when they're dead in a day is there really such a thing?

Just more pressure for us guys, who honestly believe, a bucket of chicken and a little chesterfield wrestling would be the perfect night.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Timmy power: Can I have a double double, glazed donut and electric car charging to go?

Our new premier Kathleen Wynne put a new coat of paint on the party yesterday and told us to forget the past; introducing,

Charles Sousa, a former bank executive, is the new finance minister who inherits the same old $11 billion plus deficit.

Former Ontario School Boards Association president, Liz Sandals is the new education minister charged with smoothing out the sand box and trying to get our kids extracurricular activities returned.
.
Bob Chiarelli will head up energy while deflecting the gas power plants cancellation screw up, from last election.

Is that enough for Ontarians to forget their dismal performance on eHealth, Ornge helicopters, power plants, unhealthy wind turbines, Caledonia's two tier justice system, escalating cost and raises in public service and then teachers while the rest of us faced cut backs?

...and as I speak, our kids are still being neglected a vital part of their education by calculating adults.

What has changed?

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-OLG says Hamilton has final say on casino. Are you in yet?

Far cry from just 48 hours ago when we digging out of a record snow fall.
Kids off school, cites at a standstill, and rotating shoveling shifts.

I'm not sure if I'm sore from digging or pushing cars on our street.
Like many, I managed to make it all the way home on Friday without an issue until trying to make the corner at the end of our street.

Trying to dodge others who had stalled I simply couldn't keep up momentum.
I finally did make it to the end of my drive where I buried it until I could get the snow blower fired up.

Now rain?

Well I guess the farmers won't be worried about a drought this spring?
Now hopefully this quick thaw will unveil on my front lawn where the snow plow punted my garbage can and recycle bins.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

Kathleen Wynne becomes premier today. Will it make a difference?

We were informed of a walk out staged after lunch by the grade 6,7 and 8's at our local school via email from the principal.

The kids had just lost their musical due the teachers refusing to take part.

Add to that, sports, clubs and countless other activities; it's just another beating for the kids at the hands of calculating adults who couldn't care less they have been practicing all year. The same people who couldn't care less you have had to endure cuts backs during the last recession, while they got raises.

My daughter asked me what I would do if she skipped class to protest. (She is in grade 5 so not involved)

I asked her why she would protest. She said because 'we're losing the play and the teachers are doing it'.

I told her I would expect her to go to class and, if she chose to protest, do it on her lunch break or own time.

That way she does the work but still gets her point across.

Deep down I'm thinking, I also don't want her stooping to their level or tactics?

I'm Scott Thompson.

I'm not sure if it's a guy thing, or just me.

I also feel incredibly guilty if I have to take a day off work because it means several of my colleagues will have to alter their day to pick up the slack, inconveniencing everyone.

I find myself waiting until the absolute last minute to call in sick not sure if I can't really, somehow go in, despite spewing germs and feeling like crap.

What is the threshold that says,,,'That's it, I'm out?!'

Non-stop sneezing? Hacking cough? Fever? Aching body? Sore throat? Constant sweating? Under eye circles and baggage? Red rings on your arse from sitting on the can all day? Stomach cramps and enough gas to launch a space shuttle?

All reason enough to stay home, or is it?

Unlike the barf!... When that happens the decision is pretty much made for you.

That's it! I'm staying home! I can't go! I just barfed!

But there is so much space between here and there...

It's unfair to have to make tough decisions like that, when you're sick!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Will the big snow be enough to cool off Hamilton casino debate?

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:

http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/880866--thompson-the-right-casino-complex-could-be-good-for-hamilton-s-core

My main concern was city building and the Hard Rock plan (just one of the proposals) has addressed that.

This is a street level, open concept that is designed to enhance other city entrepreneurs, not block them out.
Only 15-20 % of complex is gambling. The rest, hotel, shopping, restaurants, and Hamilton centric attractions.

On problem gambling, stats including Brantford's, don't see an increase in social service use or crime due to gaming.
Jobs are plenty and most well paying. The average higher than usual for the job.

Some will even say gambling has run its course in Ontario.

Private investors say they are wrong.
And they're willing to spend 200 million of their own dollars to prove it ,,,not yours.

This is not a stadium in a residential area all paid for by you the taxpayer.
This is private money that gives half of its profits back to the community, if it fails, it's the investors problem.
Not ours.

We still need hotels.

I'm Scott Thompson.

I'm all for the show but aren't you tired of puffy people talking about themselves?
When the pregame starts before church you know you have a full day ahead of you.

I love the personal stories behind the Superbowl like the rags to riches player or parents who have two kids coaching in the big game.
But a bunch of guys to big for their suits whipping up tailgate treats with Rachel Rae?
Now is that must see TV?

And then there was Beyonce's half time show, which looked more like an aerobics video with better hair.

But who would have thunk that after all that money spent what it really took to make the event exciting?
A power outage?

When in doubt throw the switch.!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-PJ Mercanti unveils Hard Rock Hotel & Casino entertainment complex to you.
Are you in?

It's also the height of flu season.
Most of us know someone who's been cut off at the knees with the bug.

We stay low sneaking through life trying to avoid the hacking cougher, gooey handshake, or sweaty hug.
Washing our hands at every tap, pumping the hand sanitizer between visits, you do your best to avoid the floating crossfire!

Until you have kids,,,their germ magnets.!

I know I have two home sick now and have been all week, yes all week.
As a parent, It's great to hugged and snuggled but you know it's coming at a high price.

The same bug that took them out for a week will have you feeling like crap for two.

Washing my hands again.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Buffalo wings have landed in Hamilton as Anchor Bar opens in Jackson Square.
Will you indulge?

From all reports not only was it cordial but it was downright positive and constructive.
A far cry from only a few weeks ago when a simple meeting at the table was up there with moving mountains.

My first question is, what has changed?

The two year deals are still in place.
And our kids are still being denied their extra curricula's. What has changed?

And what about the kids and their parents who had to endure that Friday from hell.
When we went to bed told to find alternate arrangements for our kids.
Then union lawyers finally realized their strike was illegal, only after a judge ruled so, then the a.m. phone call telling you schools on again?

What about the kids???

Clearly the relationship between the unions and Liberals has changed, too bad once again, the kids seem to be forgotten.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-If the Liberals and Teachers Unions are so buddy buddy now, where are extracurriculars?
What about the kids?

Over these 24 hours temperatures are expected to rise, and fall by about 20 degrees, then a deep freeze will be in full affect by tonight.
I feel like I'm in Calgary again and it's time for a Chinook!

Problem is the already saturated, now thawed ground, will freeze quickly before much of the moisture has time to dry up.

That could lead to flash freezing of roads and sidewalks or anywhere water accumulates.

The good news is if you are planning to uncover the patio furniture and get out the turtle pool, you won't need to pack the skates away as you will be using those again soon.

However if you dislike migraines or heaving pavement and pot holes, you may want to stay inside.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Teachers unions meet with Kathleen Wynne. No extracurricular yet?

29 employees were fired in Public Works for everything from stealing to general loafing off.

First we must stress it is important not to paint the all city employees with the same brush but the number is high for one department.
The City says the investigation is not over and will now focus on managers and supervisors who were at the helm.

Considering the numbers here you got to think someone must have known this was going on.
As one listener put it, the rot starts at the top and those in command should pay as the employee has.

That being said, just because some are cheating, isn't reason for the rest to.
All of a sudden this saga is sounding like Lance Armstrong on Oprah.

One thing is certain.
It sends a strong message to the rest, that organized mediocrity is no longer acceptable status quo and cheaters are out.

And it sounds like it's about time.

I'm Scott Thompson.

That means the vast majority of Canadians are now governed by women.
That ain't your grand daddy's Canada, my how far we have come!

I can feel the calming affect already! Can't you?
It's like the comfort of your mother's hug when you're sick or after a boo boo, embracing the whole province.
Who needs their favourite blankie or plo-plo?

Kathleen Wynne even called her new opponents by their first names, Tim and Andrea, as if they were neighbours coming over for a BBQ.
Is that love, or are the helmets and elbow pads still on order?

I heard one pundit call her 'Ontario's new therapist'.

That's going to be one crowed couch!!!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-29 city workers fired for stealing to loafing off. Do they get severance?

Although considering you and I don't get a say in who our new premier is right now, it's more like after boxing day when everybody is trying to take back or exchange something for something better?

Front runners are Kathleen Wynne and Sandra Pupatello, one heavy on policy, the other on personality and presence.
Predicting the outcome of a leadership race is like predicting the winner of the Daytona 500.

You may have front runners but you never know who's going to be left after the big wreck takes out half the field.
That's when the Gerard Kennedy's , Joe Clark's , Stephan Dion's or Dalton McGuinty's can steal the race.

The big question is, will the new leader undo what Dalton has already done just to win votes in the next election?
Or stay the course hoping they can win support of the centre who aren't sure about the Conservatives.

It's amazing how quiet it has been on both sides this week, leading up to the race.
The calm before the storm, which will no doubt start next week, when everyone knows who the premier is.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Who do you think the next Premier will be after Liberal leadership race this w/e?

With the leaders, a 13 point declaration of the Chiefs concerns was presented.
They include everything from;

An immediate meeting between the Crown, governments, and all First Nations to discuss relationships.
A review of Bill C-38 and C-45 to ensure consultation with aboriginal peoples.
Resource revenue sharing.
A solution to the housing crisis.
An inquiry into violence against indigenous women
Reforming and modifying land-claims policy.

Prime Minister Harper stressed the need for aboriginal people to be able to participate in the economy.
'Those opportunities exist with resource development in remote areas with the shortage of labour the Canadian economy's going to be experiencing and I want to see aboriginal people, particularly young aboriginal people, take full advantage of those opportunities,' said Harper.

Here's hoping this is a fresh start, with a better outcome.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Chief Theresa Spence ends her hunger strike. Did it help?

I agree it is cold, really cold, especially with the wind but really people it is Canada, global warming or not.

Last year I was griping I only used my snow blower once all year, and I've already used it twice, albeit between Christmas and New Years.
I certainly can't complain now and neither should you.

Here's a sign of the times. My kids school sent a note home reminding parents it is winter and to dress the chitlens in winter gear including warms coats, hats, boots and gloves. Even with no snow, it's still -10.

I don't fault the school, I applaud them, clearly they felt the need for such a note in January.
But what's with the parents? (or kids) We now have to tell them how to dress for their own safety?

I remember living in Calgary at -40 and the sound snow would make when you stepped on it at that temperature.
Ice fog that would form when you exhaled and ongoing jokes about easterners constantly picking their nose because the air was so dry.

That's cold....!
Hot toddy anyone?

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

Should unions intimidate members by imposing fines or shaming for not following directives, such as not participating in extra curricula's?

Ontario education minister Laurel Broten said now that the job is complete there is no need for the bill. The deals are done.
But, is so the Liberal government?

The unions have been unusually quiet since retreating after having their snoots slapped for attempting a strike which was illegal, not to mention pissing off parents.

Clearly they are taking a wait and see approach until after the Liberal leadership race this weekend, hoping our next premier will undo what ever Dalton has done.

If that doesn't prove profitable watch the union buses change from Liberal red to NDP orange in a matter of hours.
Rae Days, Shmay Days, what other options are there???!!!

And where is the NDP on all of this? All I'm hearing is crickets.

No plan, other than to love one another, and we know how that worked out for the Liberals and teachers.
Like all bitter, ugly divorces; hard on the kids!

Simply for no reason other than to see the collateral damage and how the dominos fall; this could be the most interesting, 'dull' leadership race we've seen.

I'm Scott Thompson

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Rudi Spallacci talks about the new Royal Connaught Hotel!
Will it happen this time?

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/873125--are-we-in-a-new-age-of-cheating

What does that mean,,,?

Well...Officially they'll be no more 'Saturday nite at the movies' date nights, effective immediately.
Unless we can squeeze in a quick afternoon matinee. Otherwise it's mid week movies and be mindful of mid week games, please check TV listings.

Saturday night charades and card games have also come to a grinding halt, unless activities scan be done in front of someone's big screen.
And limited to between periods.

Saturday night is now officially off the social calendar for relatives and non hockey friends. Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, weddings, births and deaths will now have to be rescheduled around the 48 game schedule.

Dinner must be served before pregame; unless a buffet style and can be ingested while watching, preferably on a TV tray table.

Sex is always served on Saturdays because it is game day everywhere.
However due to time and attention restraints is restricted to after the game; unless game is dull or between periods and mission can be accomplished before Zamboni cleans ice, and only after Don Cherry.

Game on!
Enjoy!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

Have you thrown out a new mercury light bulb yet? Where?

My personal position has always been to wait and see the proposals before passing judgment.
The dialogue generated lots of healthy debate until one Hamilton city councilor lowered the bar by tweeting this:

'ScottTalkCHML is a carpetbagger from Oakville? Trying to tell #hamont what will be a game changer for downtown?'

To which I replied;
'I have worked & or lived here for 18 of the last 29 years. Also lived in Ottawa, Calgary and Toronto. Where have you been?

The Hamilton city councilor replied;
'Avoiding anything that is hazardous to our intelligence! Hence you! What part of the city do you reside?'

How can we possibly have an intelligent conversation let alone debate when that is coming out of elected officials who you trust to govern the city?
It's embarrassing.

By the way a 'carpetbagger' is a derogatory term U.S. Southerners gave to Northerners who moved to the south during the reconstruction era between 1865 and 1877.

Perhaps the same era this particular city councilor is still living in.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Hamilton city councilor calls me a 'carpetbagger'. Are you impressed?

But can you have too much of the same information, thinking you have heard it all?
The police, OLG, medical health, the gaming association, Flamborough Downs horse racing, and McMaster will be in attendance at these meetings, one of which was in Waterdown last night.

I'm not sure how anyone, no matter what their position now, can possibly make a decision without hearing what the plan is and what it all involves.
That won't happen until all of the applicants proposals have been delivered.

The Carmen's group has announced plans to unveil their proposal to city council on February 6th.
Until we see what theirs and others proposals are, any decision made now is simply done without all of the facts.

As I have said many times here, information is good, but making a decision before hearing it all, not so.
For me it all comes down to city building.

I'm reserving my judgment until I see what the plan is.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Do think a Hard Rock Hotel & Casino entertainment complex will add to Hamilton's downtown?

No bodies perfect and I certainly don't profess to be so.

But cheating seems to rub people the wrong way, perhaps because it involves sacrificing rules or rights of others for one's personal gain.

Just this past week alone we heard of Toronto Education Board director (and once Hamilton's) Chris Spence plagiarizing several columns he had written for which he could lose his degree over. He educates kids!

What kind of message does that send to students in an era where they see some obtain degrees without doing the work?

Is it any different than Lance Armstrong, who is still worth millions, crying on Oprah because finally he has accepted no one believes his claims he was not doping. Think of all the athletes who may have lost out because others had an unfair, illegal, advantage.

Parents have failed to teach their kids honesty and ethics over personal gain, and its catching up to us.

If we don't have honesty in our life, courts, and economy, what do we have; short of anarchy?

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Why do you think we are hearing so much about cheaters and liars lately?

Most Canadians appreciate the First Nations and are aware of our lands history, despite what some natives may think.
After all Canadians are immigrants, some arriving here with very little, and within a generation have provided a stable life for their family while preserving their own culture.

A life that every Canadian should be able to obtain, so why not natives?

I believe all Canadians are looking for is accountability and proof things are getting better for First Nations. If not, make changes.

We can't ignore treaties or traditions. But as we must respect history, we must also forge ahead as a being, if ANY culture is to survive.
That's evolution. And in today's world, it's also the economic reality.

With today's rapid growing natural recourse industries, don't we need workers?

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Gaming stats, as other side of casino debate speaks up.
In or out?

What was the answer when you asked a friend or co-worker what they did this weekend?
My guess it had something to do with the great outdoors!.....

Barbequing, road hockey, walking, jogging, even bike riding, taking down the Christmas lights or finally putting away the patio furniture, all on a January weekend.
Hard to believe we brought in the new year after shoveling out of two snow storms and the kids were tobogganing.

My 5 year old asked me, 'Is that it Dad, is it spring?'
Not out east or west.

Matter of fact it kind of reminds me of my time in Calgary when a Chinook would increase temps 20 degrees in a matter of hours.
Don't open the pool yet, cool weather fills this week.

Good news for those like my neighbours who started ski lessons this weekend at Glen Eden.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-PJ Mercanti talks with us about unveiling new casino to Hamilton.

-Did the teachers unions not check with a lawyer before breaking the law and striking?
How did it affect you this morning?

Leaving us all wondering what is going to happen by Friday.

Are there really 92% of teachers who really believe this, or like Dalton said will they resist these orders from their union?

Whatever the outcome, this will only lead to two things.

#1 - The voting public ( the majority of who are nonunionized by choice) will never let any government sign another deal like this one or those in the past.

#2 - A Right to Work law similar to what just passed in the auto capital of North America, Michigan, will come to Ontario.

Years of solidarity down the drain because old school union officials refuse to modernize their game and respect the majority of workers in this province who chose not to be members and pay their wages.

They may win their court case, but they'll lose in the court of public opinion, who are the majority and ultimately decide everything, with their right to vote.

I believe things are about to change.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Are Chief Theresa Spence's financial issues detracting from Idle No More cause?
-Teachers union may win in court, but will it lose in court of public opinion?
-NASCAR coming to Mosport Labour Day.

-----

So that's the problem. Not banked sick days or pay grids.
And they call me ignorant?

Remember that when sitting in your SUV sipping your Starbucks.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-How has Hamilton weathered recession?
-Have you had the flu yet?
-NASCAR comes to Mosport on Labour Day!

I find equally amazing that despite federal and provincial aid at astonishing levels we are still hearing of First Nations people struggling to survive.

I also refuse to keep blaming the government of the day by insisting they are refusing to help.
I don't think there has been a government since the Indian Act was established that hasn't tried to help.

Even Residential Schools were (at the time) thought of as a solution, a way forward.
Obviously that wasn't the case.

We are doing something terribly wrong here and have been for an awfully long time, or perhaps, are they?
I have no idea what the answer is but it is certainly not encouraging isolation on reserves and signing blank cheques.

Attawapiskat is more proof of that.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Of course teacher's deal is about the money!
-How do we finally solve First Nations issues.
-Actor David Sutcliffe here

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/article/866025--thompson-of-course-it-s-about-the-money

We spent our Sunday afternoon after hockey tearing down The Thompson Christmas 2012 edition.

The tree is down. Yes both, my wife's fake Martha Stewart tree in the living room with the stupid giant butterfly and my real Canadian, traditional great smelling, complete with tacky light up decorations tree in the den. Did I say NASCAR decorations?

The lights are down both inside and out, real tree out the back, needles all swept up.
The fake tree still standing naked in the living room because you need a masters in engineering to figure out how it collapses.

Wreaths are down, garland too, even those jingle bell things on the door knobs, oh boo hoo....

What took weeks to set up is down in an hour, if sober.
However getting it all put away in its proper pace could take until hell freezes over.

Welcome back.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-NHL back. Will Canada see more teams due to non interest in U.S.?
-Removal of Bill 115 counterproductive or cunning politics?
-Attawapiskat chief & hubby earn $270,000/year?

This deal has 3 elements:
1/ a two year pay freeze
2/ cutting back paid sick days from 20 to 10 and removing the ability to bank and cash out at retirement in a lump sum.
That sounds like money to me. What does lump sum mean to you?
3/ No strikes, negotiations or disruptions for 2 years.

If you are fine with the pay freeze, what's left to negotiate?

The real hidden issue here, purposely left out of their ads is, 20 days of bankable paid sick leave.
Yes, that's equitant to and extra working month every year you can carry over!

The majority of workers in Ontario (who are also non union by choice) feel the Teachers Unions have done just fine under McGuinty.
Which is why Ontarians are not concerned over, what some view as, the loss of democratic rights.

After all, it is Ontario, not Afghanistan.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Does anyone really know why Natives are protesting?
-Does where you live play a role in accidents?
-Teacher battle in holding pattern

Why are we even having this discussion?
Don't we already do this in many small Ontario towns (like cottage country)that may not have the population to host a LCBO Taj Mahal like we see in suburbia?

What's the big deal?

Either do something that will make life easier for Ontarians and be profitable or don't do anything at all?

What's the sense in paying an LCBO employee to stand in a roped off area selling booze, outside the grocery stores cash registers?
Although we may save another car trip, (I'm all for one outlet shopping) but what's the attraction in lining up twice in the same store?

The cashier can sell tobacco, yet not alcohol?
That's just silly.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on the Scott Thompson Show!

-Teachers unions and government in school yard brawl, who will blink?
-Team Canada blasted by USA!
-Ticats hire new defensive coach

The new year is a time to put the past behind you and look ahead to a healthy and prosperous future.
A time to make any changes, adjustments or improvements to your life, hence the new year's resolution.

It's this time of the year many make promises they simply can't keep, but do so because you have to do something to celebrate a new era.

Quitting smoking, losing weight, exercising, eat healthy, spending more time with family and friends, cleaning out the garage or closets, taking up a new sport or activity and generally having more fun.

But I've never heard anyone say they plan to work more.
Obviously most of us feel we do more than enough of that.....

Which is perhaps why we never seem to keep our New Year's resolutions.
We simply don't have the time.

Something to considering when making yours this year.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-LCBO talk. Can an election be far off?
-Did US fall off Fiscal Cliff? I didn't hear screaming!
-Another new year and strike continues....

Power, politics, greed and tragedy doesn't come to mind when we think of good will toward man.
As we look back at the past week perhaps the positive we can take from it comes in looking forward to next week, and what lies ahead over the holiday.

A chance to reconnect with family and friends and what is really important in life.

Then maybe when we do return, with the new year under our belt, it will give us a renewed faith in mankind.
A faith that reflects, it is better to give than receive.

We shouldn't require 'headlines' as a blast of reality, to appreciate what we have.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Should face covering be allowed in court?
-Dogs helping in Connecticut
-Top movies & music of 2012

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Hells Angels taking at Christmas?
-Concerned the world will end Friday?
-Does loss of Camaro mean loss of jobs?

America has a big problem and it will take each and every citizens commitment to solve it.
Which is why most think it can't be done.

But if for one minute you think it can't happen here, you're nuts.

Perhaps our laws prevent certain weapons or require more training or identification checks to buy, but that doesn't change the capabilities of each in the wrong hands.

Yes this man had more fire power than allowed here, yes he had easy access to that fire power.

But so did the thugs who shot up the Toronto Eaton's Centre food court while innocent shoppers were caught in the crossfire.
As did those at a neighbourhood barbeque that erupted in a fire fight.

If any of these scenarios were to unfold in an easily accessible Ontario school, the outcome could be just as tragic, if not more.

It's not just about guns and mental health.
It's our attitude towards them that has to change.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Will leadership hopefuls just undo what McGuintys done?
-Do you want your Facebook pics in ads?
-When will the Harbour be clean?

The Teachers union commercials say it's not about 'money' they agreed to a wage freeze months ago.
It about losing their right to 'negotiate'. It's about 'democracy'!

Lets step back.
The Premier is stepping down, the government is prorogued, there is a union case before the courts, soon there will be a new leader and eventually election.

If the teachers were willing to take a pay freeze, what are we debating?
Why are they bringing Ontario kids lives to a grinding halt?

Because they lost the right to negotiate? It's for two years.

And what's to 'negotiate' if you're okay with the deal?
Why would you need to 'negotiate' if you'll take the pay freeze?

Don't you always get the feeling there is something they're not telling
us?

It's like listening to two political parties battle for election.
The only problem here is, both sides are ruling the people, and no one asked you or I.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on the Scott Thompson Show

-Chris Hadfield leaves earth today
-Had sex at office party?
-Dogs helping in Connecticut

You arrive at their Discovery Centre, deep in the bush, to homemade cookies and hot chocolate.
There you board a horse drawn wagon that takes you a few minutes into Christmas Town.

A retreat, marked with a 'temporary' North Pole, reveals Santa's woodland cottage hideaway complete with toy work shop, mail room, stables, and reindeer flight simulator, to explore.

Soon Mrs. Claus opens the door to Santa's Christmas cottage and calls the families in, one by one.
Santa stands behind her, greeting each by name into his home as if your grand parents were welcoming you.

Santa dressed in flannel, as opposed to his formal mall attire, invites you in to sit on the couch by the fire.
Over the course of ten minutes he has a conversation with the kids and even throws in the odd life lesson.

It's a great Christmas experience they will never forget.
Book early.

I'm Scott Thompson.

------

Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Is it time for America to put down the gun?
-Is it even possible?
-It can happen here too.

Wrong!
Who would have thought so many little kids could get dressed up so quickly.
I thought I'd have plenty of time to do that, and get a tree. No luck, that's another commentary.

My 5 year old was peering through the fake white trees trying to get a glimpse of Santa.
My 10 year old was hoping none of her friends would see her.
No, not the case, but you can see it coming.

Eventually Santa saw Kurt peering and gave him a big wave, you could have pushed Kurt over with a feather.

A sugar plum fairy named 'Mistletoe', as I pointed out, took them from there; to which Alicia said, 'That's not her real name'.
By the time they sat on the big man's knee they were both caught up in the magic.

When it was over Kurt yelled, 'He knew my name!'
To which Alicia said, 'Maybe Mistletoe told him'.

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Are you buying into teacher union claims, this is not about money?
-What union does to rogue teachers who disagree w/ tactics
-Had sex at office party?
-RIM sneak preview?

Most of the time when people get a ticket it's because they broke the law, and rightly so.
But every soften you hear of one of those situations where you raise your eyebrow and ask, 'Really?'

This person was parked on a Westdale side street, having lunch, and upon returning was surprised to find a yellow ticket on the windshield.
Surprised, because they were sure they had left enough money in the metre, which they had.

It turned out the ticket was not for parking, but for having the right wheels more than 30cm from the curb.
They insist they were maybe 35cm, surely not noticeably far out, and not impeding traffic.
I have no reason not to believe the story.

In the end, this person is guilty and will pay the fine simply because they don't have the time to defend themselves in court for $26.

But what does this do for the town, other than leave customers with bad taste in their mouth, no matter how good the meal.

I'm Scott Thompson.

------

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Do the Ticats have a new GM & Coach?
-Halton cops have an eye in the sky
-Do you want a staff Christmas party?

I guess no one wants to make the trek to Cleveland.

For fans of the band it's been a long uphill journey to get the trio the recognition they deserve.

Pound for pound, or kilogram for kilogram, you'd have a hard time coming up with another band of their era that is still producing relevant music for their fans.
This is a band that , to this day, has never stopped selling out arenas and stadiums around the world.

When you look at the rest of this year's inductees, with the exception of maybe Quincy Jones, you certainly won't find an act that is more worthy.

So congrats to 3 great Canadians who helped us get 'Closer to the Heart' and tell the world to 'Take off eh, to the great white north!'

I'm Scott Thompson.

------

Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-When do you pull the plug on terminal illness?
-Experienced holiday party sex?
-Sexy seniors calendar tasteless?

Firstly, having known someone who has taken their own life and a little a bit about suicide, I can tell you right now.
People do not kill themselves because of a crank phone call, no matter how horrific, they kill themselves because they are suffering from mental illness.

It is terrible that this happened. But the media personalities are no more responsible for her death than anyone who came in contact with her that day or in those that followed.

I would suggest radio hosts or any media, try to deliver what their particular audience wants and therefore will gain ratings.
In other words, we give them what they want.
If the audience didn't want it....we wouldn't do.

Social media has put the control of media into the users or publics hands and we have all seen the damage that can cause.

So to suggest it's the media's fault, is simply shoving blame away from the guilty audience, that really craves it.

I'm Scott Thompson.

------

Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Crank calls don't make you take your life
-Montreal's mafia history
-Big winners & losers for 2012

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/851423---tis-the-season-to-discuss-lcbo-future

For many in Hamilton, including me, it's the lighting of the CHML Christmas Tree of Hope.
Last Friday Gore Park was jammed with holiday revelers eager to throw the switch and get the party started.

This signals the official start of our largest fund raising campaign of the year to fuel the ongoing CHML Children's Fund.
The Children's Fund supports countless children's charities throughout the GHA.

I met a small portion of them this past weekend at the Tree and when Sam and I hosted Sunday afternoon from Limeridge Mall.

I can tell you these people are indebted to you for what you do for them through the CHML Christmas Tree of Hope Campaign and the CHML Children's Fund.

It also helps us raise more by showing you exactly where your money is going, right here.

Help us, help the kids this holiday!
All the details at www.900chml.com

I'm Scott Thompson.

-------

Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Are you tired of phone contracts?
-Students walk out!
-Are you buying booze in record amounts?

The Kevin Maclean Band, Bill Kelly and mayor Bob Bratina flip the switch.

Please help us help the kids this holiday season by making a donation to the CHML Christmas Tree of Hope or drop off a new unwrapped toy for the late Jimmy Lomax's Operation Santa Claus. All the details at www.900CHML.com.

See you this afternoon in Gore Park, Merry Christmas, and thank you!

I'm Scott Thompson.

Seems the folk at the city aren't ready for what they feel will be the onslaught of complaints that will result if back yard chicken coops are permitted.
If the calls into the show yesterday are any indication, they may be right.

Whether its smell, noise, or the fear of attracting other animals who may hunt them, most feel farm animals should be left on the farm.
Hamilton Chickens, a local advocacy group interested in producing their own food, feel they are being 'pecked on' and not taken seriously.

They say we spend a fortune on our dogs or cats only to annoy neighbours by allowing them to bark or crap on lawns or gardens.

What's the difference?

After all isn't a chicken more useful to us than a dog?
Or is that like asking what came first the chicken or the egg?

By the way an aviphile is a lover of birds. Your welcome!

I'm Scott Thompson.

------

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Who takes care of you after hospital?
-Canada haven for human trafficking?
-Non traditional family at holidays.
-Game on or off?

www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

The truth is Ontario has had a monopoly since 1927 and is lagging way behind other provinces on this issue.

Yes it brings in tons of tax dollars but it also costs a fortune to run.
We can still raise the same revenue, if not more, by controlling the licensing and save on the many inefficient outlets across the province.

Believe me, I swear at Mike Harris every time I drive the 407 saying 'at least if we owned it my money would be going back to my own country'.

But with the booze biz we would still control it through issuing of licenses and regulations.
Simply put the government would have the final say, without the overhead cost.

Another reason for the update is almost all of the Beer Store is owned by Molson and Labatt with a small percentage owned by Sleemans.
None of these companies are even Canadian owned anymore, so why the monopoly for a selected few??

There is no reason why ALL concerns could not be address when we design a brand new modern system that benefits both the province and consumers.
It's time...

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Options for LCBO
-Chickens in the Hammer?
-Kreskin conversation
-What's all the Pam Am stadium fuss?

However I hark back to our own experience and I'm thinking Will and Kate's will be a lot different than us commoners.

For example, will there be baby showers and what do you get for the kid that will be king or queen?
Can you see Will in a crowded room of ladies eating little sandwiches with the crusts cut off and wearing a hat made out paper plates and bows?
(actually I can too!)

Will they be taking their birthing classes in a community centre, bent over a gym mat, breathing in and out and in and out?

Will Will be front and centre cutting the cord, or perhaps like ol' Chuck standing back with arms folded saying 'oh how delightful'....

Will they be stumbling for change at the machine trying to get the minivan out of the hospital parking lot?

Perhaps not.
But unlike the generation before them; in the end, just like everybody else, they will have to be parents.

It's just they don't have to worry about the little things like who is taking them to hockey and paying for their university.

I'm Scott Thompson.

----------

Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Royal baby. Do you care?
-Stadium not up to city snuff?
-Big wine year!
-Parking cop on sunshine list

www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Alicia: There were three opening acts, The Wanted, Cody Simpson and Carly Rae Jepsen.
Each played three songs each and Cody sang a duet, Good Time, with Carly.

(What was the Bieb like?)

He came out floating through the air with wings!

(Like Tinkerbelle?)

No!...There were lots of fireworks and he played the guitar, drums and piano.
He introduced his band members and one had a Canadian flag guitar.

(Did they show any video?)

Yes they showed video of him as a kid. He said when he grows up he wanted to be a crossing guard.

(Did he reach his dreams?)

Yes!

(Sign off!)

I'm Alicia Thompson and that is my concert review....

-------

Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Should K.C. have played football after an NFL'er kills girl friend and then himself?
-How old is too old, and did anyone tell Hugh Hefner?
-Research shows hockey fan loyalty waning

www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Tickets were selling at an average of 130,000 a minute.
The odds of winning were about the same as having a monkey fly out of your butt, then start knitting you a new Lincoln.

But that didn't stop the water cooler conversation on what you would do if won that kind of money.
Which to me is the key to what I would do, if I won that kind of money.

Since everyone wants it, why would you just not give it away?

Of course you would keep enough to fulfill your dreams, but then what?
I'd set up a trust and spend the rest of my life being a philanthropist.

Can you think of a better life than living well and helping others?

Unfortunately that'll never happen, as I'm far too cheap to buy lottery tickets.

I'm Scott Thompson.

-------

Friday on the Scott Thompson Show!!!

-LRT in the Hammer
-A Palestinian state
-Wii U
-Real vs fake tree
-BLOG - Powerball!
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Ontario elementary teachers say they plan to strike in December.

The great news is since they only have your child's concern in mind they will give you 72 hours before they lie down on the job after getting raises for 9 years during a recession, while you got a pay freeze or even cut back, if you still have a job.

This seems odd since the second they do strike, they will be legislated back to work.

Round and round we go again, won't you join me on the floor for another time wasting dance?!

Why they can't make it happen when others can baffles the mind and questions the logic.

Union activists have said signing on to any deals could weaken their court challenge of Bill 115.

Wouldn't want that would you?

Further proof the teachers unions do not give a rats rear end about your kid...

Just another sweet heart deal for themselves, no matter what it costs you.

Have we figured it out yet????

I'm Scott Thompson.

Yes what Rob Ford did was wrong and yes he should be punished but if you think this is about the money he was asked to pay back, you're nuts.

Ford is in a conflict of interest for using company letter head to raise $3150, for CHARITY.....Not himself or a developer...... for charity.

People who hate him and want him out have used this to do so,,,,

Yes he broke the rules and yes they are entitled to go after him....but this has NOTHING to do with the money or the offense.
It was simply the avenue they needed to finally oust him...

It was extremely short sighted and simply stupid of Ford not to cover his ass.....but it is dirty politics and extreme leftism that pulled the trigger.

What really concerns me is, if he was stupid enough to let this happen what other hand book has he not read and with the other side using such tactics to bring someone down, are they really any better.

I'm Scott Thompson.

-------

Wednesday on the Scott Thompson Show

-Mayor Bob Bratina on budget
-Marc Garneau runs for Liberals
-Quebecers want Cdn flag
-BLOG - Dirty Filthy Game...

He refused numerous chances to put out this fire, instead choosing to stick to his principals.
Actions that resonated with the judge leaving him little wiggle room in his verdict.

Simply put, you can't plead ignorance as a defense and for this Rob Ford should pay a strong penalty.

But to kick out a leader who was overwhelmingly elected by the majority of citizens is a punishment that does not fit the crime.
He used city letter head as a councilor to solicit funds for a charity, hardly what's making news in Montreal and Quebec City lately, or even London.

It just seems wrong that a man loses his job for using company letterhead to raise funds for charity, while a monster who beheads a young man aboard a Grey Hound bus is free on day passes.

I think the world needs some adjustment....

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

Does T.O. Mayor Rob Ford punishment fit the crime? Could Kreskin have predicted Ford's fate? We find out what is now being built with your Pan Am money.

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/843751--waiting-to-inhale

It started with Burton Cummings singing the national anthem.
Who doesn't appreciate Burton Cummings but what was with the shopping mall organ?
I was waiting for a rousing rendition of Chattanooga Choo Choo to break out!

The game was mediocre at best which made me think, there should be way more Canadians on the team.
Why not all?

Who want s to watch a bunch of Americans who played before bigger crowds in college, and seem barley interested in our game?

Then it was the much anticipates half time show.

Gordon Lightfoot sounded great considering it wasn't that long ago rumour had it, he was dead.
But the young at heart were waiting for Justin Beiber and that was just good marketing for the league's future.

Although my first reaction was 'how long before Vanilla Ice calls the 'Beib' and wants his hair back???'
My daughter replied , 'I like his new hair!'

....And in the end, that just may the most memorable moment of the whole event.

I'm Scott Thompson.

-----------

Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

Was Justin Bieber Grey Cup half time fair, or too slick hair? How come Black Friday started on Thursday and ran until Sunday? Ever considered adoption?

Early in my career I spent 3 years in Calgary and have lots of great memories from a very short period of time there.

One was attending my first Stampeder game. I'll never forget standing in amazement after a home team touchdown watching the white horse with red rider take off in full stride the entire length of the field.
The crowds went nuts!

Fast forward to the Grey Cup in Hamilton. I was broadcasting from the lobby of the Royal Cannaught Hotel for Grey Cup festivities and in trots the horse and rider followed by Calgary fans and pancakes for everyone.

Yesterday finally a lowering of the shoulders when the Royal York Hotel let the horse in only after the party was initially tuned away....
So much for tradition and that priceless photo op? Someone get the commissioner on the phone!

And it looks like a horse will run during a Stamps touchdown on Sunday but it is a rental and it might be around in circles in a pen...
Make it happen.!

After all, isn't this all about the fans?

I'm Scott Thompson.

----

Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

Would you rather watch the Bulldogs or the Otters? Was 'nut lady' really cyber bullied or finally educated? Is Toronto taking the fun out of the Grey Cup?

A new study reports 65% of Canadians are ready for decriminalization of marijuana and or legalization with taxation.

I don't want to kill the party but before you twist one up, this debate will require a lot more Q & A.

Questions like, if legalized.

Who grows it? Where? Can consumers grow at home? How much? Can they sell it?

Will private industry get in on it, like the big brewers, distillers and wineries?
Or will it be government grown and graded?

What age is legal for consumption or selling? How will prices be regulated and taxed?
Will it be more expensive or cheaper for consumers?

Will there be warning labels and pictures of rotted lungs on packaging? Will it be sold like booze at the L.C.B.O. or behind covered counters like cigarettes and dirty magazines?

Questions I don't think either side will ever see eye to (red) eye on any time soon, while sober anyway.

I'm Scott Thompson.

After confusing me with her terminology and the names of products which sounded entirely different to what they actually were, we had a frank discussion about business.

Seems the whole 50 Shades thing has even hit their biz, and why not, bringing even more out of the closet and right onto the kitchen table.
Before I could catch my breath the fully informed advisor had given us the latest in potions, lotions and notions, plus whips and handcuffs!

I wasn't sure if I should blush or tilt my head like a confused wayward retriever.

I then remembered the reason I called, and that was to ask her if it was true that such shops have seen an increase in traffic since the hockey lockout.
She said yes, the belly slapping is up 12 %, or at least the gear that will help you get there.

So drop the puck and see what happens!
I'm sure you'll hear the whistle when hockey starts.

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

Meet the manager who survived the 1977 Lynryd Skynyrd plane crash and still feels the guilt. The majority of Canadians want a relaxing of the pot laws, do you? We know where the toilet is from the Gardens Leaf dressing room. Noon-3pm.

Column had biased view against teachers
Don't take it out on our children; How does providing 'teacher lite' help the fight with the province? (Column, Nov. 13)

When it comes to Scott Thompson's column on the situation with the teachers, my main question is: How can an individual believe one with such a biased opinion?

Thompson has no difficulty attacking the subjects with his hostile language, but does he know all the details of the problem? At no point in this article does he even acknowledge the other side of the story, so allow me to clear the air.

Last week, the negotiators from the teacher's federation and the government had developed a deal, but the Minister of Education declined it. Because of this, teachers chose to withdraw the following services: doing preliminary report cards, attending staff and department meetings, EQAO testing, supervisions and coverages.

However, teachers will continue to volunteer taking part in sports teams, clubs, and dances. As you can see, all the services that directly affect the students are being kept as is.

Although Thompson presents his ideas clearly, it's the lack of knowledge that makes this article difficult to side with.

Autumn XXXXX, Hamilton
----

So the 'knowledge' I'm continually missing is the fact it only affects reports cards and not sports?
Explain that to the kid who has yet to see sports at his school this year?

Clearly indicating the punishment, or protest, is different depending on the location.
Further proof this action is anything BUT united!

Do the right thing teachers!!!

I'm Scott Thompson.

------

Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Kathleen Wynne tells us why she's a good leader. The Mayor of Guelph welcomes Ticats. Toronto health board says 'no casino'. Saying Santa is fake gets you thrown in jail!

Energy drinks are not targeting athletes, like the Gatorades of the world, who are trying to replenish after a workout.
Energy drinks are quick blasts of caffeine designed for those looking for a temporary boost to get through the day.

Problem is, the young are pile driving these things a few at time as an added buzz.
Things get jittery when you realize they have 2-3 times the caffeine of a pop and rival espresso when mass consumed.

Some are even enjoying as mix, in a cocktail, for the added buzz.

The problem is people are dying from arrhythmic death syndrome.
The result of too much caffeine at once.

Of course there is no real study linking any death to the drinks, but you know it's going on.

Remember Jolt cola? Is this any different, other than the marketing?

Maybe just a nap is a better option....

I'm Scott Thompson.

----

Monday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Teacher deal?
-Sexy seniors
-Grey Cup
-Unfriend Day
-BLOG - How 'bout a nap?

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Ron Eckerman was their tour manager and responsible for getting them from gig to gig, city to city, on time, and safely.
He was on the show Thursday to promote his new book Turn it Up! (Nov. 15) and told how the night before their tour plane had backfired so loudly it scared all on board.

Eckerman asked Ronnie Van Zandt, their lead singer who died in the crash, if he wanted to fly that night.
He told me Van Zandt said we can die from a bus crash the same as a plane crash and they took off.

The pilots radioed back to prepare for a crash landing, Eckerman only remembers the trees hitting the wings of the plane and then the fuselage opening up.

After a year in hospital he was sued by everyone on the plane.

The plane ran out of gas due to ill tuned engines and waiting for an hour on the runway for a band member to board.

The veteran rock manager said friends told him writing the book would be cathartic.
Unfortunately, he said, the opposite has happened and it has opened old wounds that had taken decades to heal.

You can hear the full interview at www.900chml.com on the Scott Thompson Show page.

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Friday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Liona Boyd
-McDonald's porn?
-Padded classrooms?
-Twinkie down!
-BLOG - Turn it Up!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

I try to help out as much as I can, but not being much of a stick and ball guy, I'm more of a hindrance than help on the ice.
So I thought I would volunteer to help behind the bench.

Help them on and off, make sure they get water and are not choking on their mouth guards. The important stuff.

The coach said 'I love the help' you do have all the clearance papers don't you?

What? The police check, sexual predicator check, coaching certificate right? No.

So my wife and I both go to the police station, pay the fee, show I.D. and start the process.

Yesterday the police call me and tell me my name matches some ones on the sexual predator list and could I come down to be finger printed for clarification.

Having never been finger printed before, it doesn't bother me, but it's more work we have to do just to volunteer.

I'm not complaining as it is my kid that is protected too...
But it certainly is an eye opener into the world we now life in.

I'm Scott Thompson.

------

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Religion vs gender

-Lynyrd Skynyrd's manager

-Charity up!

-Oldster erotica?

-BLOG - Police check?

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

But once the dust settled, there is no shortage of individuals lining up to solidify their pension, and why wouldn't they?

So how many Liberals do you have to throw under the bus to get your party re-elected?

That's not a joke. That's a question! And it depends who you ask.

Kennedy said yesterday if he were premier he wouldn't be proroguing government and he wouldn't need legislation to solve the teachers issues.
Bumpity Bump! There goes two more!

Truth is, in order for the next Liberal leader to stand a chance in a provincial election they have to distance themselves as far away as possible from the current batch.

Proving if you really want to find out how bad off the Liberals are, just ask another Liberal.

Their biggest positive?
The public doesn't see much of an alternative right now.

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Kids & nuts
-Your Bulldogs!
-Toy time!
-Teacher 'lite'
-BLOG - How many Liberals.....

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/835145--don-t-take-it-out-on-our-children

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com

Kurtis my 5 year old is in his first year of hockey and is still learning which way is up.
It's more like watching a pack of dogs chase a beach ball at a leash free park, than hockey.

There was a mad scramble in front of the net when a lane opened up and Kurt found himself in it, with the puck.
One hard whack and in it went. I was 3 meters away on the bench and had a great view of it all.

He looked right at me when it went in. You'd think he had won the Gold!

Big sister Alicia was on the ice a couple of hours later and wasn't about to be trumped by her brother.
I didn't want to put any pressure on her to match her brothers play but I could tell she was hungry.

Alicia came off her wing bringing the puck behind her and fired a wrist shot and beat the goalie on the far side.
The first place she looked after the goal was straight up at the stands for our reaction.

Both kids with their first goal of the season on the same day!

It was priceless...and the reason they want you there.

I'm Scott Thompson.

------

Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Gerard Kennedy
-Teacher job action?
-RIM BB Jan.30
-Radley sports
-BLOG - 2 goals for Thompsons

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com

I don't have the radar on yet, but clearly the kids do, and sure enough as I look to my left in the cul de sac is a house decorated with strings of bright red and green lights.

I roll my eyes and like a Dad say, 'it's not even Remembrance Day yet!'
My kids remind me it's this Sunday and by the time we make the corner they yell out, 'Another one!'

Wasn't it just recently Shoppers Drug Mart got slapped in the snoot for playing Christmas carols to early?
They quickly retreated, apologized and said they'll back off for a couple of weeks.

Matt Holmes even talked about it last night on his show.
Now I'm terribly distraught as well as confused and don't know whether to drink a eggnog or a hot toddy.

So I have rested the responsibility souly on the shoulders of my neighbour, putting the pressure on him to react first.

I promise I will not put up my Christmas Lights until after he takes down his Halloween lights, and tombstones, pumpkins, yellow tape, spider web, keep out sign, etc.

That has to buy me at least another couple of weeks.

I'm Scott Thompson.

They both preach how they are doing what's best for the kids until push comes to shove and then it's your kid getting the dirty end of the stick.

The Liberals made it clear where they stand, then McGuinty stepped down and prorogued the government effectively putting not only the teacher's business but everybody's business on hold.

Not good enough for the teachers, they want their business handled now. Handled first.
They don't want to wait for a new leader or election. They want their blood now...

Even if they have to get it from your kid...
Yesterday they backed down from their work to rule demands and instead talked.

Shame on teachers for even considering anything else...
The Teachers unions should be aware, Ontario is just as sick of your games, as they are McGuinty's!

I'm Scott Thompson

------

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Jim Breuer
-Cheating
-Hammer services
-Hammer update
-BLOG - Shame on unions for considering it...

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com

Whether you're talking about the election of a president or a supersize buffet at the Golden Coral they both take too long, leave you tired, and are bad for your heart.

Why does everything there have to be like watching a Superbowl pregame show and take just as long?
Only thing missing is a half time show!

Every network was filled with the latest gadgets, screens and graphs giving NO information because there is nothing to tell, until the end.
So they must stretch it out with more stats than a World Series game.

Do we really need to know how many voters in Florida have pets?

One network even went live to Times Square in New York City like it was Rockin' New Years Eve.
I was waiting for Ryan Seacrest to read out results while the ball dropped!

Technology seems to making everything smaller and more efficient, except Americans.
We can learn from that.

I'm Scott Thompson.

------

Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-U.S. election
-Plastic money
-Deadly allergy
-Hump day sex talk
-BLOG - Supersize election!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Like pre game football on a Sunday afternoon they stretch it out far beyond anyone's ability to stay interested, let alone in formed.
Maybe that's the idea. To daze constituents into a Zombie like state until they do whatever asked to, just to make it stop.

It seemed the campaign had been going on for years before the Republicans had even found a neck that was less red then Rudolph's nose to run.
Then came Mitt.

Who would have 'thunk' back then Obama would not only have a fight on his hands but a good ol' fashioned red neck and neck race?
As they head into today's election experts say it could go either way.

Personally, I think people go with the devil they know in times of uncertainty.
And would be surprised if the incumbent didn't win.

Either way it will make for good Tuesday night viewing.
And if you're a junkie like me, even a little sad it's over.

I'm Scott Thompson.

------

Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show!

-Cdn Motor Speedway
-U.S. Presidential race
-Transportation minds
-Hamilton Hive
-BLOG - U.S. Election Day

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Starting with:
Realizing the clocks go back one hour the night before.
Arriving at Tim Horton's only to find the drive thru is empty.

Finding a parking spot at the rink less than 5 rows from the door.
Following a kid with the same colour jerseys as yours who knows what rink they're on and dressing room they're in.

Discovering not only is the snack bar open at that hour but they can sharpen skates too!

And of course, your team getting a breakaway with your kid pocketing the winning goal.

But there is nothing that will make a parent cheer more at a 7am game, than arriving in the stands and realizing the heaters are on!
That's something to really cheer about!

I'm Scott Thompson.

Others like Halloween. It's my wife's favourite time of year and its pretty high on the kid's list as well.
If Halloween came with presents instead of candy I'm sure it would be their favourite too.

Some prefer Christmas and Thanksgiving because it's a great excuse to get everyone together and celebrate life.
How about April Fool's Day or Victoria Day signaling the unofficial start of summer

When I lived out west it was the first day of ski season no matter what date it fell on, others feel the same about golf.

But now as a parent my priorities have changed drastically.
No longer am I thinking of things as superficial as Valentine's Day, Groundhog Day or even the standard holiday fare.

No, now for me, the best day of the year is coming up this very weekend.
The best day of the year is Sunday November 4.

That is when Daylight Savings time ends and the clocks go back one hour giving us all one more extra hour of sleep.

What a glorious day!

I'm Scot Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Ticats done
-Clocks back!
-Lottery hell?
-Live from L.A.
-BLOG - Daylite Savings Time

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com

The Canadian Press says;
The bill provides a penalty of up to 10 years in prison for anyone convicted of covering their face during a riot or other unlawful assembly.

The bill, which won't apply to those attending peaceful protests or demonstrations, passed with government support and the NDP and Liberals opposed.

It seems like common sense to me in a world where it's too easy to anonymously attack someone and be free from challenge or accountability.

There are those who say this is a violation of someone's right to protest anonymously. No you can still do that peacefully.

What you can't do is destroy someone else's property and hide under a blanket.

It wouldn't work in a voting booth, why should it on the street?

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on the Scott Thompson Show

-Hammer in China

-Dog bits wrong ball!

-Gas prices

-China crisis

-BLOG - Masked men

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

The sad thing is when using phrases like 'never seen before storm' you'd be a fool to ignore the obvious.
However, some see U.S. media and assume it's also happening here.

The way it has been presented you'd think it was Armageddon, not a category 1 hurricane that hit the eastern U.S.
That still means dangerous and damaging winds for us but nowhere near a hurricane.

That will bring trees down, power outages, and local flooding in low lying areas that normally suffer in storms like this.
I don't think it's anything we haven't seen before.

Use some common sense and be prepared for the obvious.
But I don't think there is a need to start filling the cold cellar with bottled water and non perishables.

Nothing that a bungee a cord over the patio furniture and removing some Halloween decorations won't cure.
Unless, of course, you like chasing them down the street...

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on the Scott Thompson Show

-Sandy's gone
-Fire!
-Hamilton terrorists?
-Halloween hunger
-BLOG - Frankenstorm?

Read the latest Hamilton Spec column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/826754--we-can-and-should-fight-obesity-but-not-with-gross-pictures-on-food

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Frankenstorm???
-Hammer development
-Ivor Wynne
-Bagel heads?
-BLOG - Pumpkin time!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Funeral of Lincoln Alexander

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

The Ontario Medical Association unveiled 'aggressive new measures' to combat an 'epidemic in the province' of overweight and obese kids.

The OMA will present the province with several recommendations including warning labels on foods deemed fatty and lacking nutritional value, more tax on those items, less tax on healthy foods, restrictions on marketing to kids and offering them in schools and rec centres.

All these have merit and are worth discussing however they also suggested following cigarette packaging and even include pictures of diseased body parts on junk food wrappers.

Hang on!

Do you want to open up that bag of burgers and see a picture of the stomach of someone who has eaten them for life?

Smoking is a bad habit. Eating is not.
Education on what to eat, and life style, is the key.

And making physical education mandatory throughout high school wouldn't hurt either.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Fighting poverty

-Socialist kids

-Home care

-Bulldogs!

-BLOG - Obese body parts pics

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

The table next to us at dinner had two couples from out of town here for the show. They told how last time they were in Hamilton they had to leave the restaurant before their meal had even arrived to make the show because the establishment was packed and understaffed.

Little did they know the same was unfolding again and they would have to wait 2 hours past their arrival to be served. They called ahead making sure to leave enough time to enjoy their meal, they were assured they were fine.
Good thing Bruce started an hour late.

At Copp's the lack of preparedness continued.

As soon as the show started all their ATM's and debit machines went down.
Didn't bring enough cash? Too bad. No food, drink or souvenirs for you.

Can you imagine how much revenue was lost?

One emailer wrote 'Copps Coliseum concession stands were the most ill-prepared, clueless, complete disaster I have ever had the displeasure to experience. No food, no snacks, 35-minute lines for beer at every stage of the concert. They re-wrote the standard for the notion of the anti-service industry.'

Here's hoping that changes when the new operators take over.

Lesson to be learned?
If you're going to have several thousand visitors in, you've got to be ready.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Live from Limeridge Mall
Hamilton Police Drive Wise Simulator

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com

What has stood out for me, other than virtually everyone admired him and respected him, was how personable he was.
Many have spoke how Linc made himself so accessible, going out of his way to encourage and make you feel welcome.

How he would speak to them on the street or in Jackson Square and remember who they were.

One caller said Linc made him feel as if he was proud of him, like a father would to his own son.

I had seen Linc on a couple of occasions at functions however I was hesitant to introduce myself as he was always holding court with those much more important than I. I know that's ironic considering what I just said and is a regret I have thought a lot about this past weekend.

But in the true spirit of Linc I have learned from my mistake and will try hard not let another opportunity slip away.
Thanks for the lesson Linc!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Bruuuuuce!
-Mayor Bob Bratina
-Foster parents
-Sugar makes you stupid
-BLOG - Linc lesson

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

------

Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Lincoln Alexander dies
-Bullying girls
-Reports cards
-Mum sweats
-BLOG - Teachers, leave the kids out of it

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com

One Calgary mother, who wished to leave her condolences on the page, was horrified with some of the negative comments about the deceased 15 year old.
She wondered who could say such heinous things about a person and did some checking.

She found the posters homepage and where he worked. Easy to do on social media.

The champion citizen then wrote a letter to Grafton-Frasier who owns the big and tall store chain and told them what she thought of their employee.
The company then fired the man saying he doesn't represent their values.

This could be done to everyone who made such posts.

Rumour has it the man's response was, he was conducting a social experiment.
I guess he now knows the end result which hopeful educates other lowlifes.

It's just as easy to turn someone in, as it is to cyber bully.
Duh?

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Ron Sexsmith

-1 system or fund all

-Is Lance done?

-Binders full of women!

-BLOG - How stupid do you have to be?

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Lots are talking legacy, it may be too early for that, I'm still winded from the announcement. Imagine how the Conservatives and NDP are feeling.

Surprised?
In retrospect, no.

Who wants to head back into the batting cage with the teachers and civil servants unions, Ornge helicopters, eHealth, wind turbines and power plant contempt charges, let alone try to bring down a budget? Pass!

Surprised at the timing? Yes.

If he thought he was going to bolt anyway, why not hang on and continue business, rather than put the government on hold while we all wait for the Liberals to pick a new leader. I'm not sure the public will be too quick to forget the past especially when fueled by angry teachers unions.

Good luck to the poor slob that has to go in and try to pull this tractor out of the mud.
Shouldn't Dalton have taken the tar & feathers instead of the new leader?

Perhaps he's simply to fried for that....

Get ready for the 'Tim & Andrea two step', or would that be the 'Horwath & Hudak hop?

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Amanda Todd FB poster loses job
-U.S. debate
-Catholic school funding
-BLOG - Dalton out!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com

Some had heard the hype, most had not, about daredevil, extreme sporter, or even test pilot,(what ever you want to call him,,,Nuts!) Felix Baumgartner, and his recording breaking skydive from the edge of space. By now there are very few who have not heard of him or seen the video.

After that ride I'd be spending the next few minutes checking my underwear, followed by vital organs, limbs and digits!

No one could anticipate what we saw when staring down at the earth, or the feeling when Felix fell forward off his perch.
That was TV this generation has never seen before.

The suspense watching him descend, I'm sure, was reminiscent for those who watched the early Apollo missions.
The difference now is we can all watch it happen live, where ever we are, no matter the time of day.

The obvious feat worth celebrating?

Once again man is stretching himself beyond his limits to research the future, while drawing us all closer together by capturing the planets attention .
That's gotta' be good!

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-McGuinty out
-U.S. Debate II
-Amanda's hackers
-Joe Avati
-BLOG - Space dive

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/818033--trudeau-trudeau-trudeau

scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

I'm Scott Thompson.

It was impressive to say the least. I'm sure no matter what side of this debate you're on you'll be happy with the stadium itself.

It's no Cadillac, more of an Impala, but certainly looks like it will do the job and keep the family comfortable.
But you're bound to get that in a town where the mayor boasts 'ours is way cheaper than Ottawa's', forgetting theirs will likely be way nicer too.

At this point, we have what we have and there is nothing left to do but learn from the location debate embarrassment and move on.
What other choice do we have?

The city already has more momentum now that it ever did during the debate debacle and would move forward with or without a new stadium.
Having it, is just another feather in our cap.

Onward and upward Hamilton.

I'm Scott Thompson.

----

It's a chance for Good Shepherd to thank the many people who contribute to the cause which enables Good Shepherd to provide the many programs they do.

As we walk through life we are, sometimes, so consumed with our day to day responsibilities we forget about those who need our help.

With kids, work responsibilities, and financial commitments it's tough to keep all the balls in the air let alone help someone else.

But imagine having no job or opportunity, no place to stay or no idea where your next meal is going to come from.

All of a sudden our menial problems become trivial.

These are the daily challenges for those who rely on the Good Shepherd.

Help them out if you can.

And thank you!

I'm Scott Thompson

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Rick Zamperin co-hosts for unveiling of new Pam Am Stadium at Ivor Wynne.

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com

I'm certainly not a card carrying NDP'er, and don't plan to be for this or any other party, but you have to admire her leadership.

One minute we're talking about summer vacation the next we're discussing a Casino?
When did this all happen? Oh yes when the Liberals realized they were out of money and have nowhere else to turn?

Whether you are for, or against, a casino how can you possibly make a decision like this without even consulting on location, design, what cost and or benefit to the city? And all before Christmas?

I'm not sure a referendum is the answer, there is no need for 'stadium like' dysfunction here, but how about a happy medium rather than a rush to judgment that could affect the city for years.

If that's the race we're in, why even have the debate?
Politicians will simply take the path of least resistance and it will just end up at Flamborough Downs.

No complaints, everyone's happy, and the money is still there.

There's your deficit control!

I'm Scott Thompson.

No, it's Justin Trudeau, son of the late Prime Minister Pierre; here in the Hammer....
But to some in that generation you'd think so.

That would be the Beatles generation because, those in Justin's, are too young to remember the band or his Dad.
To the average young voter he's another politician, except with a famous father.

Is that enough to get the video game generation out to the polls?

If the way he has generased funds for the Liberal Party is any indication, they are off to a great start before the man has really said a word other than an up lifting leadership speech and a few swear words in the house.

What else do we know? He can box?

That's what tonite is for...

We all have a vision for Canada and surprisingly its very similar; education, healthcare, opportunity, survival of the middle class.
Canadians have heard it all.

But how do we get there and where's the map?

Hopefully, if anything, Trudeau has generated interest in a topic most Canadians have become syndical of.

I'm Scott Thompson

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Trudeau in Hammer
-Construction cams
-Mac hack
-Casino
-BLOG - Trudeau 1 nite only!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

The holiday unofficially signals the end of the summer season and, for me, the retiring of shorts and move into long pants.
As if cold weather wasn't enough to get you cranky.

It also means the closing down of things like the cottage or trailer, or swimming pool, or blow up pool.
We put away the summer toys, bikes and trikes, patio furniture, the hose and sprinkler, grandmas old bird bath and planters made of cement.

We pull out our weeds and our plants, some even dig up their veggies and move them inside.
We re-seed and fertilize, store the lawn mower and dig out the snow shovel, look for the ice scraper. and prepare for natures long winter nap.

Now you can relax, you have until Halloween before being summoned to dig out the Christmas decorations.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Sandusky 30-60 years
-Trudeau coming!
-Supersonic skydive
-Construction junkies
-BLOG - Summers over...

Remember when progress was supposed to free up our time and make life easier?
That free time is now just spent doing more work, not leisure.

That's why holidays like Thanksgiving are all the more important.
It doesn't matter what your faith or if any at all.

It about spending time with family and friends and being thankful for what we have and sharing with others.

If you don't feel you really have anything to be thankful for, you can try volunteering at one of the many missions and great care centres we have in the Hammer.

I'm sure after helping, you'll feel thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Arnie's cab
-Got a lemon?
-Seasonal girth
-Live from L.A.
-BLOG - Happy Thanksgiving!

Like most, I thought that ship had long sailed along with any real city building opportunity; and also like most ,I still feel the same way.

Then along comes Councilor Lloyd Ferguson who says he can't sleep at night because all he keeps hearing from his constituents is, bad choice.
When asked why now, he said because things have changed and 'it's wrong'.

I remember talking to Mayor Bob Bratina on the show months ago when it was announced it would not be an Ivor Wynne reno but a complete stadium rebuild. My question to him at that time was, we've got a new stadium now, why not look for a new location?

Let's just say, he wasn't impressed.

Why the councilor didn't bring it up then or why he's losing sleep now, is unknown to me.
That being said you have to give him credit for having the 'kahoonies' for relaying what Hamiltonians are complaining to him about, if in fact that is what's happening.

Stay tuned!

I'm Scott Thompson.

How can we possibly learn enough about a green politician in a leadership speech?
We can't, but that won't stop Canada from falling in love with him, his name, or his love for Canada approach.

Don't we all love Canada? Isn't that why we're here?

Unfortunately the 'love in' didn't really provide us with an idea on how we're supposed to get there.
Frankly, I thought it sounded more like one of those 'Up with People' presentations we used to get in high school than a bid for leadership.

Whatever your thoughts were, last night certainly signaled the start of what is going to be a very interesting year for the Liberals.

He ended his presentation by bringing his family on stage while his kids danced to 'Moves Like Jagger' from Maroon 5.
Proving he certainly does have the right moves (and hair) but does he have the depth needed for when after the dancing is over.

Time will tell.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Stadium, again?
-Trudeau!!!
-Target-ing shoppers
-Hammer living
-BLOG - Is it Trudeau or the Beatles?

The basic idea is to try to convince someone they're not gay, just misguided.

The therapies 'have no basis in science or medicine and they will now be relegated to the dustbin of quackery,' Brown said in a statement.

Some organizations and ministries continue to use counseling and prayer to try to help conflicted Christians rid themselves of unwanted homosexual inclinations.

I believe we all have the right to practice what ever faith we chose but where's the tipping point at which scientific common sense prevails.

This is a question we are all going to have to ask ourselves sooner, rather than later, in the world we now live in.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Liberals in contempt?
-Zoo sale
-Trudeau or the Beatles?
-Buying followers
-BLOG - Religion vs. science

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/810085--casino-location-location-location

Friday night I was too tired to much more than cheer for the Ticats! That's exhausting enough lately.
Saturday morning my wife took my daughter to hockey, while I'll took Jr.

They were just close enough together that if we left one arena for the other, we could still catch a bit of the others game.
Are you following me?

By the time they are dressed and undressed , there and back home again, that's the day shot; then Alicia's off to a birthday party and that's not fair so Kurt had to have a friend over.

On Sunday we repeated the above hockey schedule and then had both set sof grand parents over for Sunday dinner.
Always good times for all but....

By the time they left and we got the chitlens to bed that was pretty much the weekend....
Where the heck did that go!!!

So much for the lawn, light bulb, and car.

Maybe next weekend!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Born gay or choice?
-Obama 2nd term?
-Bieber barf!
-Hammer update
-BLOG - Where did the w/e go?

Management giant Global Spectrum have teamed up with mega concert promoter Live Nation to take over operation of Copp's Coliseum and Hamilton Place.
The pie was sliced up with Carmen's Mercanti family serving up the Hamilton Convention Centre.

I can't think of a better outcome.
We have two world class operators running a city facility and Hamilton family with skin in the game getting their kick at the downtown can.

Too bad all this good karma didn't rise to the surface during the Pam Am Stadium debate.

But, I guess, to use an old sport analogy.
You have to lose a few before you can learn how to win.

And if this doesn't work. We let it run its course and try again.

After all, we still own the whole block, for now.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-RIM up!
-Hammer real estate
-Healthy minds
-Feeding Fido
-BLOG - Kudos for Hammer!

I can certainly see the business opportunities, but personally, I'm not a gambler, I'm far too cheap for that.

The one thing I am convinced of. If there is going to be a casino in Hamilton, it has to be built downtown.
Why? Downtown = entertainment. Not some strip mall or industrial complex, I don't think we're talking rub & tugs here!
It should be part of a bigger entertainment type vision.

If Hamilton is serious about getting into the convention game it would certainly be an asset.

With the addition of more hotels in the downtown core and the momentum in the arts industry it's a no brainer.

In the end, if we're going to do it, we have to do it right.
Not pointing any fingers but I'll look towards the new stadium and whistle.

Do we need another great idea stalled in a bad location?

Just sayin'...

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Casino or not?
-Kidnapped!
-Hump Day Sex Talk
-The Bachelor
-BLOG - Casino must be downtown

Even more surprising is this data was collected over the last 8 years and included the 2008 recession.

Canadian teens are the most satisfied at 96% and least are seniors but they are still at 89%.

Rural folk are happier then big city folk, that may have something to do with the commute.

The happiest province is Quebec and the least is Ontario although these numbers are very close.

The province with the largest increase in satisfaction level between 2003 and 2011? Again Quebec.

Plus Quebec is home to four of the five happiest cities including Montreal and Quebec City.

Who would have thought $ 7 a day daycare, free university, crumbling infrastructure, corruption, sky high taxes, and a separatist dictatorship that wants to divide the country would make people so happy?

Maybe it's the rest of Canada that doesn't get it?

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Live Nation @ Copp's
-Hollywood Hamilton
-Hump Day Sex Talk
-Over the Falls!
-BLOG - Quebec happiest in Canada?

First it was Alicia back at it; this past weekend it was Kurt's turn.

At 5, this is his first year in a league, playing with 6 year olds.
Sunday was about running the kids through some drills to gauge their ability to evenly spread across the teams.

I told Kurt, although he has skated for two years, this is different and may take some time to enjoy.

I said you're going to fall down a lot but so will everybody else, well half anyway.(The 6 year olds were like little Sidney Crosby's.)
You have to just pick up your stick and move on, fearing he would be the crier that lasted 5 minutes before the coaches remove them.

And move on he did, several times. No wonder he was sweating like a banshee in the dressing room after.
In full hockey gear it's like watching a baby turtle or snail manage its shell for the first time.

Just standing back up is like climbing a mountain!

At the end he was all smiles which is what it is all about.
Another mile stone.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Burlington's needles
-Power plant cost
-Bikini hockey?
-Brits eye topless Kate
-BLOG - Game on!

They want to hear jack pot bells ringing by then.

The city started having stadium flashbacks watching a divided council and another flip flop.

But not so fast...Look down the QEW and Toronto is having the same discussion while having their feet held to the fire.
OLG telling them no time for debate it's an opportunity that only comes around once in a lifetime.

Well why is that, if the idea is so good?

The real reason, they don't have time to wait until 2014 is because McGuinty will be gone by then and the whole deal is dead.

The Liberals gamblers? Since when?
The only reason it's even on the table now is the same reason McGuinty's putting the boots to teachers and public servants.

He has finally wasted all of your money and he simply sees this as a quick way to print some more.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Butt up!
-Hammer movie biz
-Casino?
-Ticats predictable?
-BLOG - Liberal gamblers?

Kurtis was eager to show us his kindergarten room complete with tour of his bunk area and their washroom.
Not much has changed over the years except for the computer in the room and those little desks are impossible to get in and out of now.

We saw his art work, where everybody sits, and let's not forget the pencil sharpener that is mounted on the wall on the way out.

Alicia's grade 5 class room was a little different.

There we found on each kids desk a science project which was a human cell make out of food.
The nucleus was a gum ball, the membrane marsh mellow and a few kidney beans and carrot strings in a bed of jello completed the cell.

It looked like desert, and was, for some who couldn't wait to get home to consume it.

We've been to a few of these now my wife and I thought.
My daughter reminded us there weren't many left, she would be out of the school in 3 years and off to high school.

Where did that time go?

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-New iPhone,so?
-Skater sabotage?
-Iron Chef
-Live from L.A.
-BLOG - Open House!

Nowadays, June is no more likely to be staying home with the kids then Ward was at getting up off his arse to fix dinner.

Today, June is working like Ward and quite possibly Ward is staying home in the apron.
That is if Ward is even there at all.

He may have left years ago leaving June to look after Wally and the Beav by herself.
That is if she even had the Beav as most families are getting smaller, except when the grand parents move in.

Ward may have flown the coup with his secretary by 2012.
And his secretary may be a man.

Ward and Stan may have a family of there own some day.

A new TV show?

Nope, just life in Canada now.

I'm Scott Thompson.

This past weekend Alicia hit the ice sporting new skates and stick.
Memories priceless, reality expensive.

Back to the rink, coffee shop, skate sharpener and early morning practices.

It was funny running into a lot of the same parents, coaches and kids this year, as we did last.
It was as if there was never a summer.

As always, waiting to the last minute to check the bag to see if all the equipment is there and fits.
After removing the sweaty crap she forgot to take out last year, you realize the pants are a little short but will do for today.

We get to do it all again next weekend when Kurtis makes his debut.

The only drag...I had to put on long pants for the first time since spring.

I'm Scott Thompson.

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

One of them is the Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research.
Lot's of us remember his Marathon of Hope as Terry attempted to run across the country back in 1980.

Fred Fox, his brother, said by the time the one legged runner hit the Ontario border people were lining hiways 5 deep to cheer him on.
At that time he was averaging a marathon a day for 143 days before his dream came to a sudden end just out side Thunder Bay when his cancer returned.

I remember his tears as he was carried back to hospital on a stretcher.
We all know the rest of the story because his is told every year in schools across the land as an example of courage and determination.

Millions are raised every year.

Terry's family is very proud of that and they say Terry would be too.
And so should you.

www.TerryFox.org for an event near you this Sunday.

I'm Scott Thompson.

-------

Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Gas prices down?
-RHLI's royalty
-Supercrawl!
-NHL or not?
-BLOG - Terry Fox Run

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
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She is also a PR coordinator at a clothing optional resort with locations in Florida and the Caribbean.
So she knows her nakedness.

The website showed a beautiful resort much like you would see at any high end couples only retreat, good looking couples swimming at the beach, playing volleyball, having romantic dinners.
Lots of emphasis on the beautiful, except, they're naked!

She acknowledged they were models but how do you stand across the tiki bar when the ladies on the other side are butt naked and beautiful?

How do you not get excited?
At least you'd have a place to hang your towel. But wouldn't you be knocking over trays of drinks.

She insisted there was none of that and you'd feel out of place if you're not naked.
Like wearing a tuxedo to the beach.

When I asked what she was wearing right now she said a wrap,,,, saran wrap.
I don't think she really was.

I'm Scott Thompson.

------

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Elvis Stojko
-Terry Fox's brother Fred
-Hammer app
-Rocky @ Spec
-BLOG - Do you like being naked?

The Scott Thompson Show
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In some cases people don't even speak to each other, they just nod their heads and point to the screen.
We have become so wrapped up in our screens we have fallen down sewer holes, walked into stationary items, drove off the road, at our own peril.

We have to be extra vigilant that our kids aren't turning into diabetic coach potatoes by spending too much time on devices instead of getting some kind of physical exercise.
That can be a chore when they are begging and little Jimmy next door has one.

So you can imagine my surprise when my wife said to me 'I have made an impact as a mother'.

How? I asked. She answered, 'remember the board game I brought home and you said no way?'

The kids are playing it now and have been for most of the afternoon.

Sure enough I walked into a room filled with talking, laughter, movement, and personality.
The kids were having a great time.

What was the game?

Charades. Really!
Sometimes life just takes a little imagination.

I'm Scott Thompson

-------

Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Toronto gangs
-Gas up!
-Get naked!
-Soccer fixed?
-BLOG - Charades?

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
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www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

The Avro Aero was a slick fighter jet designed and built in Canada capable reaching Mach 2 and 50,000 feet.
There were several proto types built but the program was cancelled amongst political controversy in 1959.

The remaining planes were sawed up and brilliant staff let go.
Many say the R & D was way ahead of its time.

Fast forward to today and the current governments controversial and very expensive want for F-35's.

Some have said we should scrap the F-35's and rebuild the Avro Arrow providing thousands of jobs.
That sounds great to nostalgists but seems impossible in today's age of the import.

We may have an easier time of bringing back the 8 track, CB radio, pet rock or mood ring.

But I like the entrepreneurial thinking!

I'm Scott Thompson.

-------

Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-9/11 remembered
-Suicide
-Riding underwater
-Enjoy nudity?
-BLOG - Avro Arrow?

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This was supposed to be their year. The rebuilding complete.
New coaching staff, invigorated players, last year at Ivor Wynne...and at this point, it's more of 'the same ol' same old'.

What coulda', shoulda', hasn't, and some are wondering if it will.
I'll leave that talk to the Rick Zamperins and Ted Michaels of the world.

In the wake of all the stadium crap this was supposed to be a send off year for the Cats, a year to remember, a year to bridge the gap while construction rebuilds Ivor Wynne.
A winning year would drive season's ticket sales for the new barn and help take the sting out of the multi million dollar stadium debacle.
So far, no such distraction.

Maybe this is more about bad karma then bad football!
And of it is, will a new stadium in the same old location help or make it worse?

Forget the coaching staff, I'd call Ghostbusters!

The only positive in any of this is, pretty near everybody makes the playoffs.
Here's hoping!!!

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Andrea Horwath
-Avro Arrow?
-Suicide Prevention Day
-TIFF
-BLOG - What's happened to Cats?

The Scott Thompson Show
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You may remember the Liberal leader offered veteran Tory Elizabeth Witmer a $188,000. job to head up the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.

The idea being he could win the KW by-election after giving the Tory a high priced gig then replacing her with a Liberal giving him an instant majority.

Finally, the voters saw this coming right down the 401.

Clearly the teachers and publics service unions have delivered a shot right across the bow of the good ship McGuinty stopping him in his wake.
It's unfortunate it has taken them this long to realize this governments true colours.

But I guess when you've spent the last decade on the inside looking out, the view is nicer.
Obviously that ride is over.

It will be interesting to see what colour of bed they climb into next.
One with a big, warm, comfy 'orange' blanket I'll bet.

After all, it is the only one left.

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-No McGuinty majority
-Chamber party
-Breast cancer
-Live from L.A.
-BLOG - Dalton fading fast

The Scott Thompson Show
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He knows 'no one' will object to him reigning in public service sector contracts because it's long over due and the private sector has been dealing with it for years.

The teachers unions accuse McGuinty of banging this drum to deflect attention from the rest of his over spending and the inefficiencies of his Liberal government.
And that is bang on.

But does that give you the right to do the same?

Yes there is a lot of waste in this government that could be better spent on education, but that does mean union deals?
Does it mean banking sick days and taking cash at retirement?

Who gets that?

Some may think our politicians are thieves. Do we have to be the same?
How about fairness and balance? Are we not stealing from ourselves?

We don't have to stoop to their level; we just have to vote them out.

I'm Scott Thompson.

The Scott Thompson Show
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Are you kidding me?

You got up at the crack of dawn to straighten your curly hair, perfectly match your pink and black outfit, pack your nap sack, for 'nothing'?

She rolled her eyes at me first but then, for the rest of night, proceeded to tell me about;

-Forms that she had to fill out.

-Filling her locker with magnets, white board and mirror?

- A nap sack filled with enough supplies for most for the class. (My wife packed it like she was going on holiday)

-Her new teacher's Australian accent and a corner classroom they call the 'condo'.

-They can sit where ever they want for the first week, (or until they cause trouble)

-Two boys, who I can't name, are in her class. (I'm not sure that's a good thing)

Did you do any work today I asked?

No, she said....Too busy!

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Quebec elects PQ
-Lucene Charles
-New buses!
-Devil weed!
-BLOG - First day back...

Read latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/792000--we-ve-reached-a-tipping-point-on-what-the-public-sector-can-demand

The Scott Thompson Show
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We've had hot weather, Olympics, Para Olympics, holidays, forest fires, guns, body parts and a Royal Jubilee.

I could sound like my Dad and say 'where did it go?'...

I could sound like my mom and say 'it's all over now!'....

I could sound like the retail commercials and say 'fall has arrived'.

I could sound like the weather man and say, 'it's going to be a mild autumn.'

I could sound like my smart phone and go 'dong!'

Or I could just kick back, shut it all off, take a deep breath, appreciate what I have and cherish the moment.
I hope you do the same.

Enjoy your long w/e!

I'm Scott Thompson.

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
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I thought they were days you could take off while you were sick, and still get paid, while you get better.
I think that is a perk we have all come to expect and grateful to have.

But when did sick days start becoming pay or bonus or retirement savings?

I can understand all however we must be clear, of not only terminology, but also definition.

Sick days are to be used for intended purpose, not a last minute deal in order to get more from the government during 'negotiations'.
This simply leads to the abuse of a benefit which it was not intended for.

You want a pay raise? Negotiate one in plain site we can all see.
Don't hide it and then pretend you're losing out.

That's like claiming your life insurance before your dead because you never got sick.

Sick days are there for your well being. Not for your profit.
Back to reality...

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Teachers debate
-Ribs!
-Roller coasters to spacecraft
-BLOG - What are 'sick days'?

The Scott Thompson Show
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#2
'Booze, drugs and cigarettes are expensive.'
Why not spend your money on things that you can use to make your life easier and without problems, like school.
School = money.

#3
'Life is not fair.'
Things don't always work out the way you would like.
Don't stress. Learn from mistakes and improve.

If life was fair John Lennon would still be alive and we would have never heard of the Kardashians.
Their words not mine but you get the point. Hit their website for more.

I'm Scott Thompson.

The Scott Thompson Show
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Both should be given Oscars for their performances on the public stage in the last few weeks.

Each doing their best to state only facts which support their interests while ignoring points of economic reality.

All we're hearing about is, feeling betrayed by government, education will suffer, it's an attack on teachers.

No, it's an attack on a $15 billion deficit and a reality which the private sector has been living with since the recession back in 2008.

The Liberal government is still inefficient with your money.

The reality is, the government wants to stop a series of raises that will automatically kick in in September, cut benefits to teachers, and ban lockouts or strikes for two years.

How does that hurt the kids?

Sound familiar? The model is broken.

The recession was back in 2008. These deals should have NEVER been signed in the first place.

We didn't have the money then, and we certainly don't have it now.

That's Reality 101, 2012 edition.

Now let's move on.

I'm Scott Thompson.

----------

Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Shot bears in Burlington
-Bruce's girl singer
-Creationism vs. Science
-Isaac coming?
-BLOG - Teachers union vs. Liberals

The Scott Thompson Show
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I don't want to say there was a lot of hot air but, I had to bring in extra fans, despite the A/C being cranked.
That's a lot of talk about old times, great memories, births and deaths, and the town's rapid expansion!

Did you know there are now 3 pharmacy's in Binbrook? Thanks Leonard!

The greatest moment was the surprised look on their faces when the happy couple walked up the front step.
That despite Kurtis being unable to restrain his excitement, pulling the door open and yelling SURPRISE! before they were even in the house.

We all say we don't want a party or fuss, but when it's all over, everyone says 'we should do it more often'.

And we should.

Happy 50th Peggy & Ken!

I'm Scott Thompson.

The Scott Thompson Show
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Soon it was impossible to keep the lid on the fact that the new restaurant they were alluding to would be Buffalo's infamous Anchor Bar.
Anyone who has consumed their own weight in wings knows the establishment well.

What a great fit for the entertainment area and the captive audience that Copp's, the Convention Centre, and Hamilton Place brings to the mix not to mention the hotel expansion downtown.

Any restaurateur will tell you once one starts the block rolling; more will join in, raising the bar with every step.

And to those in border towns, you can now rejoice, and thank Hamilton.

Forget political intervention...this is the best way to stop cross border shopping.
Because now, there is simply no reason to go.

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Lance lost all
-New Blackberry
-Marineland
-Ice cream!
-BLOG - Anchor Bar

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
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Before I left yesterday I took the ride up the old Stelco Tower to the vacant 21st floor which Philip Environmental once occupied to the 24th.
Martinus Geleynse, whose company helped put on the festivities, encouraged management to open it up for the day for public viewing.

The floor is completely gutted so you can get a perfect 360 degree view of the city.

On one side you can see the city meet the harbour and then skyway.
On the other, it's as if you are as high as the escarpment and can see right up it.

It's amazing,

The first thing I thought of was the TD Centre in Toronto where the infamous Canoe restaurant gives you a breath taking view of their waterfront.
This space, which once stood for past Hamilton success, is thriving again.

When I went up after 3pm, almost 400 people had already been up to see what most working on the street never does.
Business is following.

Hold that Hammer head high!

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Vested jail guards
-Dogs on Broadway
-Arkell's Cats song
-Gore Park
-BLOG - Hold your Hammerhead high!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
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www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

There was great debate then, and still is now, on whether it should've ever been built.
That's irrelevant now because, it's here.

When I was at the grand opening of the new Lister Block it was amazing to see how all of these little pockets of downtown had re-invented themselves.
The Lister was the hub to bring it all together.

When I looked across the road at that block that included the old Eaton Centre building I thought, 'Wow'.
What was once considered progress is now in need of a re-invention it self.

That is exactly what that block is doing from the library and farmers market right to Jackson Square and beyond.
When talk of a grocery store downtown was floated it seemed like a perfect fit and catalyst to merge old and new again.

Another piece of the puzzle is complete.

Kudos for all involved.

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

Live from Jackson Square 40th anniversary.

We spent the early part of the summer discussing gun crimes and how brazen criminals have become.

Shootings that once only happened in a few neighbourhoods were now occurring in broad daylight, in crowded shopping malls, and even back yard barbecues.
Was it another summer of the gun?

Then the murder and dismemberment case involving Luka Magnotta captured the countries fears.
But what happens when what is considered a 'freak' occurrence starts becoming the norm?

Fast forward to this past week when more body parts were found in serval locations at two different parks in Toronto and Mississauga.
These two incidents are related although no evidence suggests a relation to the Magnotta case so this is, at this time, another separate occurrence.

A copy cat killing? Police aren't saying much.

But it does make you wonder, what is next?

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Senior theft
-Hammer investment
-Binge drinking
-BLOG - What's next?

Read the latest Hamilton Spec column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/article/783996--hadfield-makes-russian-space-connection

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
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scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

She completed her 27 hour 52 km swim across Lake Ontario last night just before 9pm after leaving Niagara on the Lake on Saturday.
Annaleise touched the break wall at Toronto's Marilyn Bell Park, a park named in honour of the first person to complete the feat back in 1954.

Many have done it since.

A crowd was on hand to welcome her although certainly not the 300,000 who gathered back in 1954.
Marilyn Bell was given a $10,000. prize from the C.N.E. for the challenge plus a car, TV, clothing, and furniture.
Annaleise, nothing, but has raised over $80,000. for Camp Trillium.

Carr is youngest to swim Lake Ontario.
To have the dedication, perseverance and guts to attempt the journey at any age is remarkable but to be successful at 14 is truly inspiring.

And when I think of my kids, seems impossible without some sort of portable waterproof video gaming device dangling in front of them.

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Pay raise?
-Smartphone use down?
-Jack Layton letter
-Jeff Rubin 'End of Growth'
-BLOG - Swim the lake

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
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Clearly he is stuck in the last millennium thinking he can weasel his way around this after the horses have already left the barn.

Now the Liberal premire is claiming he is going to investigate the way these bonuses are handed out even saying. 'It's not performance pay if everyone is getting it'
No kidding! But what took you so long. It's easy to play the tough guy after the opponent has what he wants.

Haven't you been premiere for a few years now?
Didn't this happen on your watch?

The tough talk continued yesterday when he threatened to freeze teacher's salaries for two years.

If this load of crap is anything like the load he tried to feed us on bonuses, or eHealth or staggering electricity rates, the teachers have nothing to worry about....

Too bad we can't say the same for the province.

I'm Scott Thompson.

-------

Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Downtown grocery
-Body parts
-Back to school?
-BLOG - McGuinty! Where's the freeze???

The Scott Thompson Show
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That's thousands of employees.

After you finish blowing your gasket and your face returns to a whiter shade of pale, think about this.
You only have to look to the left or right to find somebody who has been down sized in some way.

Pay freezes, pay cuts, longer hours, more work, that is if you're lucky enough to have work at all.
If the Ontario government is going to keep jacking up our electricity rates, taxes or wasting our money on fiascos like eHealth and power plants; they're going to have to be more accountable than that.

Ontario is broke. We need a new model, not just a band aid.

But you'll have to get involved and vote to fix it.
Or better yet, run!

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Woman beer?
-Victim speaks
-Lets go to the Ex!
-Hammer news
-BLOG - More bonuses in public sector

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
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We decided to take two weeks in a row this year after splitting our vacation into week segments last year.

It seemed with a week it takes until Wednesday of vacation just to catch up on your sleep and feel like you want to do more than vegetate, by then it's almost over.
If you have plans that involve travel, you can easily burn up 2 days just going to and fro leaving only 5 for leisure.

We needed two weeks!

But even with great weather a family of four, and of course the odd family visiting, can easily become militant after an extended period of time in close quarters.
You can transition from 'I just want to spend time with the kids' to 'Oh my God are the kids still here?' in a matter of days.

Moral of the story two weeks are great but you may want to have an escape route after 10 days just to keep your sanity.

Escape routes can include everything from golf to bike ride to dinner without the kids.
Or you can just do like we did, and just tie them to a tree for a while. I'm kidding, really.

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Chris Hadfield astronaut
-Public sector bonuses
-Cdn brands
-Horshack dead
-BLOG - 2 weeks vs. one week

The Scott Thompson Show
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I understand it usually gets awarded in recognition of excellence, character and Olympic commitment over time.
For that reason I suppose soccer's Christine Sinclair should have carried our flag.

But in light of the 'Own the podium' commitment, and rightly so, shouldn't we be acknowledging those who actually accomplished their goals and won gold?
Remember there was only one! Not 5 or 10.

Instead of honouring the name Rosie MacLennan gold medalist, we're dwelling on bad refereeing and those who had the courage to over come it.
Big deal, that's the game!

Again, nothing against the deserving athlete who carried the flag but when a program only delivers only one gold medal, shouldn't we honour that?

Perhaps it's time we question the criteria for such an honour and focus more on the real goal.

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Tanning
-Topless again?
-Locals on Letterman
-Bruce Springsteen tix.
-BLOG - Honour the GOLD!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
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www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

A large number of you tuned into at least some part of yesterdays 3 hour plus closing ceremonies for the London Olympics.
It was spectacular show to say the least.

However, if you start liking the closing ceremonies of Olympic Games does that mean you're getting old?
Really, I think it's the best such event I have seen, on a Sunday afternoon while unpacking and barbecuing with the NASCAR race pre-empted.

It was more of a concert musical with some Olympic stuff woven through out.
And why not? London certainly has a rich history of culture.

There will be lots of water cooler stories over the next few days whether it's the great Cdn flag bearer debate or the poor soul that stepped on the line during the relay costing Canada a medal.

My contribution to the discussion will be...I thought for sure the Rolling Stones would appear!

And on a side bar, we'll see if the new Charlie Sheen comedy flies!

Enjoy the Olympic hangover!

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Olympics
-Summer politics
-Kids meals & toys
-Euro crisis
-BLOG - Olympics hangover...

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
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I got goose bumps when the torch was lowered and the Olympic cauldron in Hyde Park was lit by a very excited 19 year old.

I remember so vividly covering the Olympic Torch arrival in Calgary during the 1988 Winter Games when I lived there.

One of the best memories was tagging alone with a TV crew standing on a roof top in Olympic Plaza watching alpine skier Karen Percy being awarded one of her two medals.
There were thousands of people below us for blocks as far as the eye could see.

As they raised our flag and played our national anthem everybody sang alone.
There wasn't a dry eye on the street.

What a great event this is for our country, our youth and sport.
It unites us all!

Enjoy!

I'm Scott Thompson

--------

Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Olympics
-Zellers down
-Ticats
-No bugs!
-BLOG - Olympic fever!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Part of every tourney is a Pro Am where amateurs can pay to play in a foursome with a professional on the tour with the money going to charity.
It's a great way for the players to give back and for weekend warriors to get the opportunity of a lifetime to play on a tournament ready course.

If you have every swung a club you know how tough it can be to be consistent.
Add the pressure of playing with a pro in front of a crowd at the Canadian Open many would tense up and shank them into the woods.

That was not a problem for Anthony Guagliano who grew up in the Hammer but now lives in California.

He grabbed his 6 iron and blasted a ball 236 yards that dropped nicely acing the lucky 13th hole.
A hole in one!

It was a first for him while his father, brother and some friends watched.
However, not a first for the Canadian Open, a pro shot one on the same hole back in 2003.

Anthony's palms may have been sweaty but now his teeth are dry from a constant smile.

If I were him I'd put that signed, sunk ball in my pocket and run to the closest lottery terminal to buy a ticket.
Or maybe he should just play on Sunday....

I'm Scott Thompson.

The Scott Thompson Show
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That means anything over 16 ounces or 450 ml or about a tin and a half of pop.

He says over 5800 New Yorkers will die from obesity related issues this year at a cost of $ 4 billion a year.

He went toe to toe, or belly to belly, with the soft drink and restaurant business yesterday trying to defend his plan.

Among the crowd some who wore shirts that read, 'I'm old enough to choose my own beverage' and 'I picked out my beverage all by myself' complaining of a 'nanny state'.

Most experts say a ban such as this does little to help those who need it, if you want more, you'll simply buy another.

The problem is the business is catering to the publics weakness for a deal who think they are getting more value.

You're getting more alright, but that could end up costing you in the end with less of a life.

Here's a good rule of thumb.

If the portion you are consuming is bigger than your head, chances are, it's too much.

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Crime down, guns up
-Colorado guns up
-Organ donations down
-Kids & reading
-BLOG - Supersize me!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
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scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

A $60 million fine, some say it should've been 100, no bowl games for four years, and the complete erasing of a once proud football record as if it were never there.

The final piece of this tragic puzzle came with the removal of the Joe Paterno statue that most worshiped.

It was a bizarre maneuver that involved securing the area behind a blanket as it were a murder scene.
Then covering the head of the statue, as if preparing a person to be put to death.
Very odd, it's a statue!

I guess it could've been even stranger; someone could have shot it up or cut it down at the knees with a pick up truck, kind of like the U.S. did with that statue of Saddam Hussein in Iraq.

A bizarre end to an even more bizarre scandal that shows what can happen, when our impression of winning becomes clouded.

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Drink ban
-Cdn Open
-LCBO ID?
-My head's on fire!
-BLOG - Penn State falls

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/766321--gangs-and-guns-we-can-t-expect-a-community-to-care-if-we-don-t

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

The family and I were driving home this weekend and we stopped for gas at a busy road side station.
Cars were lined up 3 deep to get to the islands.

My wife, who was driving, pulled up behind a woman in her mid 20s in a mini van.
The lady was parked at the pump talking on the phone outside her vehicle as if she was having issues fueling.

After waiting for several minutes my wife asked her, are you getting gas? Is there a problem?

The woman waves her hand and gets into her car and leaves.

It turns out there was no problem and, in fact, the woman had already pumped her gas but was just yakking at the pump while the rest of us idled.

It would be impossible not to notice there were people waiting, unless you were blind.

I can understand this young ladies sense of entitlement but what I fail to understand is why she feels know one else has the same right.
Good luck Mam!

I'm Scott Thompson.

-------

Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Penn State
-Big rain
-Waterfront hopes
-Cdn Open
-BLOG - Entitlement...

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

It turns out Aussie sharp shooters Russell and Lauryn Mark, yes a husband and wife on the same team, wanted to bunk together.
But officials say they must follow the rules meaning athletes are separated by gender and he bunks with a team mate of the same sex in a different section of the dorm.

The 48 year old gold medalist made headlines when he said he doesn't want to cuddle up to his room mate and will have to sneak out after lights out for some married fun.

To settle the flock Mark commented he is in London to shoot clay targets not argue who he is going to sleep beside every night.
Being expert 'marks people' I'm sure they'll hit their target somewhere on the Olympic grounds at some point in the games.

But until then, inside the athlete's village, the Marks will be shooting blanks.

I'm Scott Thompson.

-------

Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Denver theatre shooting
-Teens not driving
-Live from L.A.
-Cool vacations
-BLOG - Olympics sex!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

They would always talk about how you could buy stuff cheaper there and they had stuff there that we didn't have here.
Because life is about stuff, like little cans of Coke, not that it matters.

They are older than Canada and much bigger by population.
Like the big brother that had more years under his belt you always aspired to be.

For years we're heard of the brain drain and how many of Canada's biggest and brightest were heading south for more opportunity and ultimately more money.
It's amazing how a recession and housing crash can change all that.

A recent study showed for the first time in history Canadians are wealthier than Americans, by as much as $40,000. on average.
So much for the phrase, 'there's no money in Canada' apparently there is less down south.

Imagine what that may do to the Canadian psyche?

Before you fire up the ski doo and start doing dry donuts remember, it can all change at the drop of a cowboy hat.

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Your debt
-HECFI
-Who's coming?
-Where's the cat?
-BLOG - Cdns richer than U.S.

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

We are already hearing cries for stiffer laws and penalties when it comes to gun crimes and their criminals.
Citizens are demanding the police and politicians do something, although exactly what is open for debate.

However the solution doesn't lie within the police community or government but in all of our communities.

We often ask how a person can open fire in a crowded space or even kill another.

Perhaps we should be asking ourselves why this person thinks they can get away with it without being identified; after all there are plenty of witnesses.
Why not just walk right to jail?

The answer is one of two things...

Either they don't fear prosecution in our justice system or they don't think anyone will identify them even in a crowed party.
It's like the kid who keeps acting up because there are no repercussions.

We all have to 'speak up' when it comes to crime.
Don't forget there are more good guys than bad guys.

Until every one in the community does their part to solve this problem, it will never be fixed.

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Toronto shootings
-50 Shades of dating
-Hot Olympians
-Just For Laughs
BLOG - It takes a community...

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

At the top of that list of barriers is the baby bust.

If Canadians are to continue to flourish we need a strong, growing and diverse work force.
If we're not having babies how can we possibly expect to fill the need?

Even with Canada's healthy immigration status we're still going to fall short in more ways than one.

Canadians are quick to get up on the wheel when it comes to chasing their careers but slow to get up on each other to chase the big O.
The end result is we are reproducing much less than we did even 20 years ago.
Remember families of 3, 4 and 5 kids?

We're marrying later, due to education and other opportunities, pushing back the process even further.
And when we are there we're too damned tired or can't afford them.

It seems to eliminate those barriers holding us back we will have to eliminate the very characteristics that got us where we are.
Perhaps life was better when there was nothing else to do except have sex.

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Border technology
-Olympian Reid Coolsaet
-Ticat wedding
-Driving record
-BLOG - More sex please!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

This was one of those weekends where I had a million things to catch upon that I normally don't have time to do.
You know the list...lawn, garden, fixing a drain, etc. Maybe work out??

When Kurtis, my 4 year old, says 'Dad we're home this weekend can you take off my training wheels?'
Not that I was looking for any reason to get out of the 'honey do' list but this was one of those memorable moments you have to jump at.

For some reason I thought chasing my kid on a two wheeler down a side walk would be less of a work out then pulling weeds.
Wrong, especially when the mercury is topping 30 plus.

It only took a few spills and bail outs onto the grass, and that was just me, before he was off and running.

Man what a temper, though, when he fell the first few times.
It's hard to correct your kids on the bad traits they have inherited from YOU.

Lessons and milestones all around,,,, and of course that work out.

I'm Scott Thompson

---------

Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-You Tube news?
-Ticat wedding?
-16 & no license
-Ball record
-BLOG - Another family milestone

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

It was a tradition that started in the early 80's when bikers looked a little different then what they do now.

How often have you heard that loud rumble coming up behind you being lead by a guy in a bandana and sleeveless shirt that says 'loud pipes save lives'?
When you dare look over the Eric Von Zipper in the leather has whiter hair than your grand dad.

I had the same thing happen recently coming up on a gang of Harley's riding two by two, 4 deep down the highway, complete with a 3 wheeler holding down the rear.

You'd swear it was scene out of Easy Rider except they all had blue hair and we're driving 10 k under the limit with their left blinker on.

Imagine how odd it felt when after 20 minutes I finally I had to pull out and pass them, in the mini van!

Proving once again you could have been 'born to be wild' in any decade!

I'm Scott Thompson.

------

Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Pt. Dover!
-Calgary Stampede
-London security
-50 Shades of dating?
-BLOG - Friday the 13th!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Seems officials tried a new version of the national anthem this year, both old and new were bilingual, it was not well received.
They replaced it with another version, but to expedite things, it was English only.

Things got even hotter under the summer prairie sun and brought out French speaking Albertans wondering what was going on?

Quickly the Stampede apologized for offending anyone and said they were going back to the old tried, true and accepted version.

I think this has less to do with the lack of political correctness in the west and more about just how many Canadians from Quebec have moved there.

As many have said in the past, Quebec must do something to stop the mass exodus out of that province, while there still is one.
Then ask themselves how and why it started in the first place.

I'm Scott Thompson

---------

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Gore Park!
-Stones @ 50!
-Olympic security
-Twilight star in Hammer
-BLOG - Quebec in the West

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Yesterday the story broke that Health Canada along with Stats Canada will conduct a research study into the health affects of living near the giant propeller like structures.
Great idea, but why now?

Hasn't this debate, which started quietly in community centres across the province, been around for a few years now?

Shouldn't we have been asking these questions before billion$ of tax payers dollars were invested in the many projects dotting the landscape.
Shouldn't we have asked these questions before our electricity rates went through the windmill filled heavens?

Some will say it's because Harper is supported by big oil that couldn't care less about wind energy and if health studies show it does cause harm it kills the Ontario Liberals.

But at the end of the day, after health concerns, cash is king.

And, at this point, wind is costing more than it is delivering.
Eventually that will be the tipping point.

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Wind turbines
-Waterfront idea
-NDP Attack ads
-Workplace love?
-BLOG - Anti-wind turbiners get their study

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

It turns out alcohol was a factor when the party goer walked off the beaten path and fell down a ridge he couldn't get back up.
Rescuers had to repel down to retrieve the boy who was uninjured in the momentary lapse of reason, until Dad got a hold of him after the ride home.

This drew a flood of calls to the show yesterday when we asked if the teen should be sent a bill for the rescue.
After all if you burn without a permit and EMS is called you could end up with a bill.

Other callers told of being billed for an ambulances ride or how the kid was breaking the law at the time by drinking therefore should pay.
Every year we hear of skiers being rescued in B.C. after taking too many chances.

But what if it was you or I out walking our dog and we fell while out of bounds? Should we have to pay too?

As one caller put it, people make mistakes and accidents happen.

If they didn't, we wouldn't need Emergency Services...
Thank goodness, for the challenged, we have them.

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-HSR attacks
-RIM reports
-City living
-Helping victims
-BLOG - Teen falls & can't get up!

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/757728--great-meal-thanks-for-the-mammaries

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

I have only been married for 12 so those early days differ from what is now reality.
All good fun, just a different kind of organized chaos.

This year was filled was more firsts, as it usually is, with kids.

Alicia mastered the wake board and Kurtis caught some killer fish.
Some so big, in fact, it kept him out of the lake for a couple of days.

Other high lights include lots of tube rides, kayak trips to the islands, inflating the water trampoline, even golf!

No matter what the activity I think the reason the kids love it so much is because they have us all to themselves in close quarters.

No wonder my wife and I are exhausted.
But it's a good tired.

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Cancer robot
-P.C. down?
-Mortgage hurdles
-Teen rescue
-BLOG - Family vacation

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Some say the summer vacation is obsolete and should move over for efficiencies and, the better learning model that all year school provides.

I disagree.

With all the structure that is in a kids life nowadays isn't it healthy to let them just relax?
Certainly I'm not condoning a season of video games and the more activity the better, but they'll be working for the rest of their lives.

Don't we say they grow up too fast?
Then why take away one of the last great bastions about being a kid.

Soon we may not have a choice simply due to cost and someone wanting a leg up on the rest.
Soon the summer vacation may go the way of the VCR and 'closed on Sundays'!

So why rush it.

It won't be long before it's all over and all we're hearing is 'Dad I'm bored!'

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Live from the Waterdown Rotary Rib Fest

The show returns July 9/12.

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

The town held a virgule for days outside the mall waiting for some sign from those feared trapped inside.

All of a sudden the search has been called off and deemed unsafe, residents react with anger.
A group assembles to continue the rescue themselves when the government steps in and says the search will continue.

Confusion, lack of organization, or simply waiting for the right equipment to arrive?

These are all questions to be answered when the mourning is over.
For now the removal of the bodies has started to bring closure for this close knit town.

But some of the most important questions still wait to be asked.

Like what could have been accomplished during the delay, if anything.

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-School fund raising
-Elliot Lake
-Ribfest!
-Penn state now
-BLOG - Trip or Slip?

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

It was not surprising what I saw, simply because, one would have to be living under a rock to not see the transformation that is happening in the core.
It warms your heart to see these once boarded up, deemed hopeless areas, now thriving once again.

It's hip to be downtown again.

I remember looking across the street at the old Eaton's Centre now City Centre and thinking, WOW what was once considered the future of downtown is now the underdog.
It shows you how times change and change is what the current owners of the new City Centre are doing.

They are embracing the exciting development of James St. North and are inviting the small entrepreneurs who are at the heart of the revitalization into their space.
What a great idea to create a synergy between these two groups and will hopefully result in a hybrid version of the mall or space.

Whether you agreed with it or not Jackson Square is a reality and we have to figure out a way to include a new vision for it to compliment the rest.

How about a grocery store, the likes we have never seen before, complimenting the Lister Block, Farmers Market, and Library at James?
One created perfectly for this new residential and business based environment.

Isn't that what's needed?

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Elliot Lake
-Ont. Wine vs. LCBO
-New car sales up
-Next for Penn State?
-BLOG - City embraces James St. North

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/749741--we-need-to-talk-we-need-to-ask

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

While we were driving down restaurant row buddy and I noticed a Hooters to which my friend commented, 'They're all like Hooters now!'

I never reallied paid much attention to him, as I rarely do.
But over the course of the night, and a few roadhouses, I made the connection.

Every place has its skimpy outfit of some sort, not just Hooters.
They're just the only ones slobbering over themselves.

Fast forward to yesterdays show and restaurant experts saying one of the fastest growing segments of the biz is 'breastaurants'
PG-13 versions of the Hooters that are more tastefully refined but just as exposed.

Twin Peaks, Tilted Kilts and various other higher end English pubs try to create a family atmosphere pushing boobs up through white tied down shirts and plaid skirts rather than an owls eyes.
You can see why it would work. Right guys?

Hey honey, dinner? I've got a place.
Just be careful when you say, 'We'll have two of those!'

I'm Scott Thompson

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

For parents it's easy to remember if your kid is like mine you usually get a running count down from about 7 days out.

Last week my ten year old commented she was downsizing her locker for the year.
Getting ready for the purge at the end of the week.

After all you don't want to be hauling all that junk home on the last day.

Grade 5 for her should be interesting, to say the least, I'm expecting to see less pink.

For my boy not much changes from junior kindergarten to senior other than you get first choice of your bunk, I understand.
He'll spend the summer weighing his options.

Until then its 2 months off that will either drag or fly by but either way we will have all aged a couple of years in a very short period of time.

Watch for the chit lens!

I'm Scott Thompson

-------

Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Supercrawl
-Breastaurants
-Where's Karla?
-EURO 2012
-BLOG - Schools out! Almost.

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

When I first saw the video of the elderly female school bus monitor being verbally assaulted by the students she was supposed to be monitoring, I felt awful for what the woman had to endure.

But after watching more of the video I watched my view of the situation change.

What kind of kid does this?
And what environment do they come from where this behaviour is considered normal?

Fun is fun but this is primitively sick. What was next? We're they going to peck out her eyes?

The only explanation for this diatribe is the kid doing the talking has had it done to him.

Shame all around!

Further proving the lack of respect for oneself and those around him, the young abuser is now recorded for the entire world to witness for a life time.
Good luck finding a job now!

What we've really witnessed is the end of a young opportunity, until someone helps this misguided slob and his so-called friends.

Otherwise the next YouTube we may see is one of him beside the likes of other misguided we've seen recently, like Luka Magnotta.

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Bus monitor support
-Booze free proms
-Pixar kid
-Canoe flotilla
-BLOG - Bus monitor HELL!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Are you kidding me?
It's the first day of summer, the temperature is already north of 30 and people are speaking as if the planet is about to burst into flames! Please!

Could it get any better?

So I guess we'd be happier if it were 15 and raining?
Snap out of it!

Instead we're hearing about heat days, smog days, recess indoors days, can't have soccer tonight days, end of the world days.
Not including anyone who suffers in this heat, you are the exception, please stay indoors.

But...Doesn't anyone remember 90 degree Fahrenheit days back in the Beaver Clever Days? That's north of 30!
We're getting an early blast of summer and we should be enjoying it not complaining because it's not like it used to be.

In fact many ways it is, if you just look back far enough.

Now if we start getting this on New Years Eve I'll be the first to sound the alarm; after I try to buy up waterfront property.

I'm Scott Thompson.

---

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Luring groceries downtown
-Wild Water Works
-Cdn car factories
-City sick days
-BLOG - Do you believe this video???

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Although we have made great strides when comes to bullying we still have a huge stigma around mental illness.

Some still say its best to hide these incidents when they happen as not to create copy cats.
Since when has not talking about a problem ever helped to solve it?

If a person decides to end their life they will find the means to do it. That's not the issue.
The issue is to get them help.

From what I know about those who have taken their life they are thinking of nothing else other than a way out.
Not their family members, friends, sons or daughters. Just a way out of the pain.

A healthy person does not take their own life.

How can you tell if a person isn't healthy if we don't talk about it???

I'm Scott Thompson.

------

Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-School closings
-Food truck peace
-Strippers get all the chicks?
-Learn to parallel park
-BLOG - Talk about suicide

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

I'm not quite sure why?
Perhaps it's the perceived expense? I guess there are many cheaper alternatives, but would that have kept the public happy, or even safe?

When you're returning from vacation, do you want a suspected killer sitting behind you?

'Honey order me another Caesar, hey isn't that the guy who dismembered the student and sent the body parts through the mail?'
I don't think I'd feel much like a reclining nap...

Maybe a cruise? On the poop deck, volleyball, followed by seaside yoga and confessions of a guy who uploads footage on the internet of him killing!

A military plane is the perfect fit for this alleged animal.

The only way it would be more fitting is if the trip involved a crate, an open door at 10,000 feet and no mention of a parachute.

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Tuesday on The Scott Thompson show

-Teen suicide
-Smoke packaging
-New tablet
-CMS
-BLOG - Fly Luka Magnotta...

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Not only because your kids make a fuss, but it also takes you back to past Fathers Days.

I remember my sisters and I would pile into Dads back seat on the Sunday morning and drive to my grand parents to give my Grand Dad his cartoon of cigars. EL Producto?
We'd sit around the kitchen wallowing in the stink of cigars and bacon and eggs.

With my Dad, after the drawn pictures, ties, and socks, it was beer.
And then during the stressful times it was rye.

My kids are very ,,,well,,,,,let's just say they're better at everything than I ever was.

Kurt made me a BBQ apron complete with his hand prints in yellow and #1 Dad on the front.
Alicia made me a picture of our home,,,not on paper,,,on canvas.

It's incredible. I just looked at her as if to say, 'how did you do that?'
She just smiled, and shrugged.

It doesn't get any better than that

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Betting
-Beach open?
-Trudeau?
-Fest of Friends
-BLOG - Happy Father's Day

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

It seems the Left Party in the Swedish province of Sormland want men who work for their county council to sit down when they have a pee.
Reason?

There are two.
One is for sanitary concerns. Have you ever peed in shorts or with no shoes and wondered what that sprinkling was?

And two, not to be confused with number two,,,
Apparently men who sit, more efficiently empty their bladders, so says medical research.

As a start, this will apply for county office restrooms where they are trying to institute genderless restrooms.
Good luck with that.

They'll have to weld the toilet seats down to prevent cheaters and if their toilets are anything like ours here at the station, I'm sure the women will love the skid marks guys tend to leave behind.

But after further thought, as a man with an over active bladder at age 50 and who has a 5 year old boy with a stronger stream then me, I can see the point.

I'd sit down, not for the above reasons; I just simply need the rest!

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Tim Hudak
-Tightrope walk
-Hammer air show
-City sick days
-BLOG - Men sitting down to pee?

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

There is no greater proof of their ignorance, for not only Canada but the rest of the world, when protestors insist on giving the Nazi hand salute while demonstrating.
Excuse me, but comparing their tuition dispute or policing to the Holocaust is not only a gross exaggeration but insulting to the 8 million who perished.

Do they really believe they have it as bad as Nazi Germany?
This is so disgusting I not sure how anyone can give these people any more attention or credibility what so ever.

I say arrest anyone who commits a crime and leave the rest to find something or somewhere better.
I'm sure come September there will be no shortage of appreciative students to take their place once class begins.

That's presuming what we're seeing are really students rather than anarchist separatist thugs who are looking for another free ride.

And where would they all be today if it were, in fact, Nazi Germany?
Nuff said. They're nothing more than spoiled, entitled cowards!

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Legalize ecstasy?
-Snuff video @ school
-Who's tipping who?
-Student brewer
-BLOG - Quebec sinks to new low

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Just ask former UFC fighter and Hamiltonian Jeff Joslin.
Jeff has had a great career not only fighting but also mentoring many young people who have come to train at his family owned gym.

One of those who was influenced by Jeff went on to pursue a career in film making. His name is Anthony Tullo of Oakville.

Anthony's film, the psychological thriller 'A Secret Cross' won the prestigious 'award of excellence' at the Los Angeles Movie Awards out of 60 entrants from all over the world..
He convinced Jeff to take a minor role in the movie of a deranged killer.

Jeff threw himself into the project and despite never acting before, did such a good job they added more scenes for him.

As a result Jeff won the award for 'best supporting actor' for his role in the international category.
The film is currently being shopped around to various North American film festivals including TIFF in Toronto.

Further proof no matter what ring you are used to climbing into, there are always opportunities for those who stretch their limits and are not afraid to fail.

Kudos to you both and continue inspiring!

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-CHML golf tourney auction
-Euro 2012
-Ft. Erie speedway
-Lightning strikes
-BLOG - Jeff Joslin, actor

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

You would think they would have a little more knowledge of pets since it is obviously a big part of their lives.
Further proof even stupid people are allowed to have dogs.

Adding fuel to this fire is the fact that the next day it happened again, twice.
One culprit got away while the other received a fine and her dog back, this time alive.

Perhaps we should be licensing the owners, not the pets.

We demand licensing for things like selling liquor and lottery tickets, boating, even fishing, but nothing for dog owners.
Now I don't want to pretend I'm putting pets ahead of people here, but where's simple common sense?

The really sad part is....they let stupid people have kids too.

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Dogs in hot cars
-Jeff Joslin actor?
-Gender selection
-Fathers & daughters
-BLOG - Stupid pet people

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/741244--what-s-that-your-wife-is-reading

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

In the haste of city council to tar and feather a political opponent rather than do what's best for the city, they passed a motion to get rid of the grocery bags all together.

This may be a very noble gesture for those behind such a cause but this has absolutely nothing to do with the environment.
What this is about is a split, dysfunctional city council that will do anything to kill their opponent.

Everybody wants to be green but this motion was passed without any consultation or study into the legal or financial ramifications or if it will even work.
Due to this lack of process its unlikely this action will ever see the light of day.

Too bad, it may have been a good idea, but that's clouded by the lack of common sense and an abundance of pettiness.

Sound familiar?

Shouldn't they be discussing why the Eaton Centre shooter was employed by the city to work with kids despite being on house arrest for an alleged sexual assault, instead of grocery bags?
Remember the killer who fell through the cracks.....

Perhaps in those cracks, is where the councilors should be shoving those bags?

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Friday on the Scott Thompson Show

-Game 5
-Summer holidays
-Eramosa Karst
-Turtles crossing
-BLOG - Petty politicians

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
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scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

What adds fuel to the fire is the fact this is a man obsessed with his own headlines.
He appears to love the attention.

He is known on the internet for his porno exploits, allegedly killing kittens and now humans.
When spotted at an internet caf in Berlin before capture, he was reading his own news stories.

Magnotta is a psycho path, and like most that kill, commands and craves the attention his crime brings.
Simply put, he's enjoying his 15 minutes of fame.

And from that stand point, is he any different than those who do the same every day in the shallow waters of social media?
Whether it's posting a riot or demonstration they're participating in, a good old fashion Vancouver playoff celebration, or even someone barfing at a party, it's all about recognition for those who rarely get any.

Remove the killing, and is Magnotta any different?

He's just another 21st century man looking for his 15 minutes.
Just so happens, very sadly, he had to kill a guy to get his.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Downtown summit
-Inactive Cdns
-No bags in T.O.
-China interest rates
-BLOG - Magnotta gets his 15 minutes

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
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scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

It was 58 years ago yesterday, on June 5th 1954, Margaret Mackie and Kenneth Bruce Thompson were married in St. Andrews Presbyterian Church on Main St. in Markham.
I understand it rained that day but that is supposed to be good luck.
Obviously for them, it was.

Growing up our house was just like anyone else's, full of ups and downs, but some how we got through.
As I look back now a great sense of humour helps, which both my Mom and Dad have.

They both worked, my Dad nights and my Mom days, to give us what they could which was plenty.
Neither finished high school due to family commitments and the war but made sure we had all the opportunity.

As I look at my own life and wonder where the time goes I now know what they were talking about back then.

Time are tough now, jobs are scarce and don't always pay what they used to.
But all we have to do is look to our parents to know, it's always been tough.

Happy 58th you love birds. Enjoy the camper!

I'm Scott Thompson.

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
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scottthompson@900chml.com
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I'm not surprised you may not know his name, after all he is a victim, and they seldom make the news.

Connor is one of the 6 innocent people caught in the cross-fire between two thugs who don't appreciate life the way the rest of us do.
He was with his family eating in the food court at the Toronto Eaton centre after seeing a movie.
Something many of us do all the time.

Gunfire breaks out, innocent are hurt, Connor shot in the head...

One thug is dead the other back in police custody, both are career criminals.
Gun criminals should get one chance, then gone for good.

It's not about rehabilitation; it's about keeping the rest of us safe.
Get rid of the bad guys, and you'll get rid of the guns!

How would I feel today if I were the parent of Connor Stevenson?

I, at the very least, would want the shooter to never see the light of day.
Sadly, even that, isn't reality.

I'm Scott Thompson.

------

Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Kids & guns
-Playoffs
-Gender selection
-BLOG - Guns = Jail

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
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scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Horse races, concerts, boat parades down the River Thames and lots of waving.
Add a long weekend, which Brits will need to recover, and you've got party.

Speaking of that 1000 boat flotilla tribute, the HMCS Haida which is docked right here in Hamilton, was mentioned during the national broadcast as the precession passed by her sister ship.

Watching the Royals float by I realized the pubic perception has modernized over the years.
I bet it would be fun to sit down with the elder Prince Phillip at 91 and young Prince Harry for a pint.

Lots ponder if the Monarchy still has relevance to today's Canada.
Why not appreciated your history? Quebec does, why not the rest of Canada?

Is it still relevant?
In my mind all you have to do is look at Princess Kate in her red form fitting dress and little hat to say...Yes!

Oh Yeah!

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Monday on the Scott Thompson Show

-Royal hangover?
-Playoff hangover?
-City small biz
-Shopper down
-BLOG - Royals relevant?

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Bill via email suggested having those who live there inviting the fans up onto their porch for a beer.

In Bill's cynicism I saw a vision.

How do draw the businesses and revenue that a stadium can bring within the staggering limitations of the Ivor Wynne site.

Here it comes.

Expropriate all the homes immediately circling Ivor Wynne. Those that their front porch looks at stadium.

Turn all of those homes into a series of small business such as cafes, bars, delis, restaurants, galleries what ever.

As soon as you leave any exit of the stadium you walk onto a pedestrian street that takes you onto to someone's former front lawn up the porch to a caf.

If one is busy you simply walk to the next.

You market the area as the neighborhood.

If we can do it with Lock, James North and Hess why not there?

That way you get the business a stadium needs to survive and the neighbourhood is revitalized.

You're welcome.

I'm Scott Thompson,

------

Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Mark Kelley on bullying
-Body parts
-Brioux on Kathy Lee
-More Facebook
-BLOG - Stadium vision

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

What will happen around the stadium to city build is just as important as the stadium itself.

The last thing you want any Ivor Wynne customer to do is run to their car and get the hell out of dodge after a game leaving no money behind other than to buy their Ticat ticket, such as we have now.
In order for this stadium to be able to sustain itself financially and benefit the city there must be strict attention paid to the blocks immediately surrounding it.

Fitness, rec centres and pools for the community are great but what is going to keep money coming in and staying there after it arrives?

A West Harbour or Confederation Park area would have been great venues to spark entertainment growth such as, restaurants, cafes, galleries, conventions, concerts.
Can we make this happen in the old location?

All you have to do is look at areas such as James St., Lock and Hess to know anything's possible.
But they don't have to draw in enough revenue to sustain a stadium.

Could we one day see a Balsam Street Art Crawl?

I prey both the Ticats and city councilors have more in their plans than just a big shiny stadium in the middle of the same old problems.
Let's see what they both can do with their second chance.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Ivor Wynne reno
-Ticats training camp
-Body parts
-O.T. win
-BLOG - Last chance for Ticats & City

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
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scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

He talked about Hamilton's plan of the mid 1950's to get the traffic into and out of the downtown core ASAP.
This was accomplished with one way streets, specifically King and Main, whisking workers from the downtown core home to the suburbs.

A lot has changed since then including the industrial numbers dropping substantially.

I found it odd when I came to this city in 1990 and drove down Main I could almost make it to Stoney Creek never shifting below 4th gear if you timed the lights right.
Where is every body going, I thought, and what's the speed limit?

It's hard to do business because you're going too fast to stop and if you miss your destination you're doubling back around the block.

Obviously I wasn't here when it was done to see the need but I can see the need to study it now.
I'm not endorsing removing lanes, but like Ryan, I think its time to get moving on two way streets downtown and design a system for this millennium.

Then maybe, if we're lucky, the skeptics can look at it again years from now once business is booming again.

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Arlene Dickinson
-RIM down
-Cdn Tire closures
-Kid jobs
-BLOG - City should go both ways...

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

My wife and I found the same when we were away recently in Negril.
They're loud, seem obnoxious at times, often dominating things like swim up bars,,,which is fine!
And the southern accent doesn't help.

But after spending the Memorial Day weekend in Charlotte North Carolina for a little NASCAR, I came away with a better understanding.
And it doesn't get much more Americana than that.

I think most of us just don't understand how hospitable they really are.
Yes they have confidence and swagger but you don't get 'shirt of your back' hospitality without that.

Truth is, I can't remember when I was in a place with friendlier people.
Whether it was a hotel employee, policeman, store clerk or washroom attendant; yes they still have them at the airport, you were always greeted with a pleasant 'hello how are you today?'

With all the faults we may think they seem to have, there is one thing we could learn from the south.

It never hurts to simply be nice.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-School closing debate
-How old are we?
-Kid jobs
-Better streets
-BLOG - Southern hospitality

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/732619--vince-li-is-well-now-will-he-stay-that-way

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Hey boys if the wife doesn't seem to be as responsive to your old outdated predicable moves as she used to be, here's an idea once you have done all you can, like turning off the TV..

Sexologist Dr. Trina Read brought to my attention the book 50 Shades of Grey a few months ago but since it didn't have any pictures, I couldn't see the point.

Soon after, my wife starts reading me these erotic passages, of which there are many, from this novel from her book club. Same book.
A little bizarre, but really no big deal if you're a guy, however the chicks love this stuff.

Fast forward to our glorious beach vacation where my wife pointed out almost every other woman on a lounge chair was reading it. And who knows how many secretly on their Kindle.

The good Dr. razzed me about being the luckiest guy on the planet at a Caribbean couple's only resort and my wife is finishing off the 3rd in the series.
And I was...but obviously one of many there.

So if she's complaining of being tired, worried about the kids, or generally just pre-occupied, might want to slip her a copy just before bed.
Then bolt the door, slip into your grey tie and hang on.

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-School closures
-RIM guy quits
-Girl leaders
-Playboy cars!
-BLOG - 50 Shades of Grey!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

A supporter from the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society who treated him says Li thought he was attacking an alien.

He said the murderer has been treated unfairly by the public and media and as long as Li is on medication he is fine.

Fast forward to yesterday when two Scarborough women were stabbed to death outside an Atlantic City casino by a 'deranged women'.

The woman attacked the tourists with a foot long butcher knife. They died from their wounds despite being a block from hospital.

The stabbers mother said her daughter is schizophrenic and may not have been taking her medication.

How many times do we have to go over this?

I'm all for helping those challenged with issues, most are, but not at the cost of innocent lives because a case worker says so.

Unless we can guarantee these severe cases are medicated and will not reoffend we cannot let them out.

The consequences are simply too great.

I'm Scott Thompson

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-What if Vince Li forgets his meds?
-Girl leaders
-50 Shades of Grey
-TV
-BLOG - Protecting the public job # 1

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

I never really thought much about birthdays, until this one.
It's just a number...20, 30, 40, didn't bother me.

Not that 50 doe's, but I seem to be thinking about it more.

Maybe because I remember my Dad's 50th birthday like it was yesterday.
I would have been 20 then, and we threw him a party.

The family did the same for us over the weekend loading up to celebrate my 50th and his 80th.
Any excuse to get the whole family together is always a good one.

I just hope the time between his 80th and mine goes slower than it took for 50 to arrive.

But I doubt...

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Tight rope w/ harness?
-Facebook down?
-Rocket up!
-Picnic time
-BLOG - Happy 50th & 80th!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
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scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Especially thanks to a lady named Joanne who was courageous enough to tell her story.

A story of any typical family with three kids, enjoying life in their home.

Suddenly a tragic accident changes Joanne's life and her families.
An accident that left her unable to work for years, not to mention medication and rehab.

Over time husband is laid off, long story short this family who only a short while ago was living the life, is now using a food bank to get by and in fear of losing their home.

I truly believe their luck changed yesterday when after bravely telling her story Joanne was brought a bike from a listener for her son who had just had his stolen to add pain to misery.
I'll never forget seeing Joanne in tears and Sharon, who brought the bike, saying 'it's going to get better'!

Hamilton is a great city!

You can still help by making a donation.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Gore Park reno
-Canada the good?
-Crossing border?
-Facebook IPO
-BLOG - Thanks for the help!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
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scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

His point was when unemployed we can't be too picky and thinking we're going to pick up exactly where we left off?
What planet are you on to think that? I'm guessing planet union or planet public sector.

The reality is most of us have had a wage freeze, loss of pay, or downsized at some point of our life.
I have done internships, moved across the country and even worked for free.

You may fall a couple of rungs on the ladder but if making wise use of your time, like education, you could end up better off.
It's not the end. It's a new beginning.

Who said life wasn't tough?

Ask your parents, grand parents or even great grand parents how tough life can be.
Then stop whining and get to work.

There is a reason this country has always been a jewel for immigrants.
It's a land of opportunity.

Opportunity some of us already living here, take for granted.

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Corus Feeds Kids!
Join us at CHML 875 Main St. W.
For a BBQ in support of Hamilton Food Share
www.900chml.com for details

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Aren't we still in hockey? No wonder no one was at the rink last weekend?

Kurt my 4 year old scored two goals the first night,,,if you can really call them that, especially when the goalie was busy chasing butterflies.

He made sure everyone got a high five.

Alicia at 9, is coming back after a year hiatus.

She loves hockey more than soccer.

Reason? More equipment. She hates getting hoofed in the shins.

Yes she has guards.

Either way it's great to be out on the sidelines again in the folding chairs, trying not to play with your smart phone, while your kids chase around a ball like a pack of dogs in a leash free park..

But shouldn't soccer wait until after the playoffs are over?

...and raking, mowing lawns, and planting gardens for that matter.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Food trucks
-LCBO makes billions
-Hammer's Got Talent
-Bruce Trail 50
-BLOG - Soccer Nite in Canada

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

We're all aware of the Trayvon Martin case in Florida where an unarmed black youth was killed by an over zealous neighborhood watch dog while returning to his Dad's girlfriend's condo.

Now we learn of an on-line sale of shooting targets depicting a likeness to young Trayvon.
The paper silhouettes show an outline of a hooded man holding Skittles and a can of ice tea.

The same items Trayvon was holding when he was killed.

The sale has been stopped after wide spread outcry from everyone including both attorneys and the boy's mother.

The entrepreneur said he was just trying to make money off the issue...
How about just trying to help your fellow man?

It may not pay off at first but in the end it's a little more ethical than profiting from a dead teen.

That has to be good business,,,,,

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Rafferty sentenced
-Grocery co-op
-Florida gun laws
-Toronto Indy
-BLOG - A new low?

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/editorial/article/724270--you-defend-yourself-you-go-to-jail

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

That being said we must have watched 3 weddings a day happening on the beach right over our balcony.

We had debating long and hard, as you may have heard, on whether we should take the kids.
In the end not taking them allowed us to stay at a couple's only resort.

Guilt then, feelings now?
Every couple should do this!

We would all do anything for our kids, and do, every day.

But reconnecting with the person you made them with is the key to success in every family.
My wife was simply excited she didn't have to prepare lunches every night, for the family the next day.

And in case you do feel guilty for any special occasion that doesn't include your kids....
You are quickly blasted back into reality the second you return home and open the front door!...

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Health care Hell!
-Fighting Dr.s
-Marini's city update
-Summer toys
-BLOG - Every couple should do this...

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
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scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Sounds romantic doesn't it?
I just can't wait to sleep!

The kids are not going; there'll be a family celebration later.
Aunt and Uncle are coming in to man the fort, God help them.

At first, my wife felt guilty and wanted to take the kids.
I said no way! And thankfully many who she respects agreed.

Now I feel guilty for not bringing them and my wife can't wait.
Damned if you do, or don't.

No sense asking the kids, they are more excited about us going away than we are!
Nice to feel the love...

By the time we finished loading the house with food and goodies I'm starting to wonder where the real celebrations will be.
It may have been cheaper to just take them.... NAWWWW!!!.

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

The Scott Thompson Show returns May 14/12.

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Nadia the manager was working on her 14th.

In case you live under a rock, and not near a golden arches, that's where $1. from the sale of every Big Mac, Happy Meal and drink go to help Ronald McDonald House children's charities.
The one day fund raiser has earned over $35 million for local children's charities across Canada since its inception.

Every day 10 cents from every McHappy Meal goes to the charity, totaling $34 million so far.

This is a charity close to my heart.
Back in the 90's I raised over $50,000 for the Hamilton Ronald McDonald House when I was Frozen Alive in a block of ice for 48 hours.
Long story...
'
My kids love the idea I was behind the counter and steal my complimentary apron as soon as I walk in the door, right after they ask me 'where's the food?'

Thank you if you participated!

I'm Scott Thompson

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-407 lawsuit
-Food trucks!
-Falling birds
-Cell phone relief?
-BLOG - McHappy Day

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Cell phone footage shows a shouting match turning ugly as the group starts attacking the cab by throwing debris, beating and kicking in the doors.

Eventually the driver tries to turn around and leave but someone climbs onto the trunk and then stomps on the roof of the cab.
At that point another guy starts beating and climbing up the hood.

As the cab driver accelerates the guy on the hood slides off and is run over by the cab, who then takes off.

The weird part is it's the cabbie that's in jail, without bail until a hearing, for running away from an attack!

If he had stopped windows would've have been smashed and injury sustained.
Who is the real victim here?

Thank goodness the goof stomping on the cab was charged but what about the brainiac who decided to jump on the hood?
It's very unfortunate his chin is hanging off after his antics, but really this angry, immature idiot should be thanking his lucky stars after this Darwinian bone head play.

It could be his head hanging off instead of just his droopy chin.

Good thing it's on the internet for his future kids to see!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Soldier suicide
-407 rip off !
-DEA
-Facebook goes public
-BLOG - Cabbie jailed?

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/715214--a-few-words-that-can-leave-you-reeling

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

But how does this change the way we do things or live our lives?

A recent business survey showed just how buying habits are changing for our young adults.

Take driving for example.
It used to be a right of passage for every 16 year old, we couldn't wait.
Back in the late 90's over 64% of 19 year olds had a driver's license. By 2008 that rate had dropped to 46%in the U.S.

Meaning they aren't buying cars. What else are they NOT buying into?

Add email, regular beer (they'd rather have lite), newspapers, landline phones, cigarettes, desk top computers, and TV.
There seems to be a huge paradigm shift in what's important to youth.

However what this new paradigm has also revealed is generation Y enjoys living in their parent's basement with free food and laundry for life, because they didn't quite get what they thought they were entitled too.
So much for saving the plant.

I'm Scott Thompson.

View the article here:
http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/29/11289904-products-that-gen-y-just-will-not-buy?lite

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Tuesday on the Scott Thompson Show

-You Tube taxi ride
-Military suicide
-Wacky teens
-Steve Strongman blues!
-BLOG - Generation Y

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Don't worry I didn't get them anything either!
Completely forgot, not even a card!!

We've all had anniversaries but have you ever wondered how the Royal's celebrate theirs?

I bet Will ain't running around last minute looking for a card and some posies!
Bet he's not doing the family diner at Swiss Chalet!

He'd have a staff look after everything from the gift to the reservations.
Hell even us guys could pull off a great night if we had a staff and family credit card!

Maybe it wasn't a night at the theatre, posh restaurant, or swanky schmooze?
Maybe they curled up on the couch and watched a movie? You know they must have great cable!

How ever they did celebrate one thing is certain...

There must be a commemorative plate and salt & pepper shakers to mark the occasion...

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Taxes due
-Do not call!
-Kid camps
-BLOG - Royal anniversary

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

It's described as 'A harmonious blend of Eastern and Western acrobatic prowess' with really tight costumes, I might add!

It's a night of spectacular acrobatics, dazzling costumes, live music, colour and comedy.

My 10 year old loved it and I was concerned my 5 year old, who has the attention span of a nat, would be climbing the walls after a two plus hour performance.
Quite the opposite both were glued to the edge of their seat with saucer round eyes.

Quite frankly with people flying all over the place, how could you not.

We are very lucky to have a facility and city to host these global spectacles.

Bravo Cirque du Soleil!

Finally something positive coming out of Quebec the rest of Canada can be proud of!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Josh Cassidy/Boston Marathon
-Dralion
-JR Diggs
-Live from L.A.
-BLOG - Cirque du Hammer

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

After having the same glasses for four years, the glasses people keep track of these things; I finally decided it was time to get my eyes checked.

So on a blustery day before Christmas I went to my optometrist
Low and behold I needed a new pair, as if reading at an extended arms length while wearing glasses, wasn't a large enough clue.

Finally this past week I got the prescription filled and picked up the new pair. Yes over 4 months later.

What can I say, I have kids!...

Speaking of them, I took them with me to pick up the new pair.

Inside, Kurtis wanted to know if the mints were free and Alicia thought my new glasses were girls.
But at least she noticed.

Unlike her mother who never said a word even after I commented on 'her' new hair do while I was wearing them!...

Every so often Daddy wins one, even if it hurts!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Police radios silent
-Violent DNA
-Robots
-Wheelchair marathoner
-BLOG - New glasses

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

As Ontarians, we may find ourselves going through election withdrawal this summer, shaking and sweating in the fetal position dreaming of the next campaign.

Seems the Liberals and NDP have saved us all by agreeing on taxing the rich, those 1% bastards, rather then succumb to another election.
Oh thank the bubbling heavens of above!

Andrea Horwath and Mcguinty battled it out like the Hulk and Haystack Calhoon and with every bit of conviction.
But after a stiff sleeper hold McGuinty finally fainted in Horwaths arms and said uncle.

By the way, where was Stompin' Tim Hudak in this smack down!?

By throwing in the towel before the budget was even released he sort of took himself out of the fight, and media attention, from the first bell.
No flailing fists, no folding chairs across the back of the head,,,nothing.

Even though McGuinty still holds the belt, I think Horwath won the round.

But let's not forget, like wrestling, politics is fake.

I'm Scott Thompson

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-No election
-Hammer's Got Talent
-New food
-Robots
-BLOG - No election

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
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www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

So the following are my obvious observations after spending 24 hours in Buffalo.

Here we go...

Big food! Bigger citizens! Better cable!

Their toll roads cost $1. Ours can cost a tank of gas.

Ugly stop lights! They look like recycled steel piñatas hanging from the sky!

Timmy's vs. Dunkin Donuts... Timmy's is winning!

Heavy industry & outlet malls vs. nice bridges and water.

Lots of places to buy liquor and perfume, Target rivals Wal-Mart!

U.S customs officers are nicer than Canadian.

Best about Buffalo?

Cheap beer! How come 24 Coors Lite here is over $35, yet there you can 30 for $20?
That's at least $15 cheaper and you get another 6 pack!

God bless the USA!!!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Monday in The Scott Thompson Show

-Snow?
-Budget tomorrow
-ER online
-BLOG - Buffalo observations

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
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www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

I know that really doesn't mean anything to you unless of course your anniversary is tomorrow and I just reminded you.
Then I'm a life saver!

It was 12 years ago today my wife and I, along with a secret contingent, were in Negril Jamaica for the special occasion.

At 5:27 in the afternoon, on the beach, as the sun was setting over the ocean we tied the knot.
It was the best thing I ever did, although to look back at the video as we did with the kids last night, you wouldn't know it!

I looked scared to death!
Like I was on the bridge of the Titanic full speed ahead into an iceberg, meanwhile my wife's acting like it was New Years Eve.
What's with that?

Whys does the groom always look like a zombie in every wedding video?

I'll leave that answer up to you. I want relations tonight!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-CHCH Live porn?
-Electricity rates up!
-Bernie Finkelstein
-Live from L.A.
-BLOG - Happy Anniversary!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
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scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

For those who don't know, Dick Clark hosted American Bandstand starting in the 1950's and continuing to the end of the 80's.

He was responsible for bringing Rock n' Roll music to the mainstream when the parents and the state didn't want any part of it.
Soon after Ed Sullivan was showing Elvis from the waist up, Dick had teens twisting in front of the TV after school.

He was also instrumental in exposing black acts to a white audience at a time when segregation and civil rights were an issue.

Soon after came New Years Rockin' Eve and host of his own game shows, then producing award shows, movies, and TV specials.
He also takes credit for introducing Johnny Carson to Ed McMahon.

Some, mistakenly, compare Clark to a modern day Carson Daily or Ryan Seacrest. They are hosts of other people's shows.
Dick was the show. Writer, booker, producer, promoter, visionary and host.

On his contribution to American culture Clark once said, 'I don't make culture, I sell it.'
That and, 'It's got a good beat and it's easy to dance to!'

I'm Scott Thompson

-------

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-LRT
-Ontario speed limits
-Warplane plane
-Dick's dead

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
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scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

The Timmy app is out! Called TimmyRun and why not because, that's what everyone calls it!

No more running around work collecting orders and offers.

The TimmyRun is exactly what you think it should be.

It's an app for your smart phone that allows you to keep a list of favourites to buy their favourites from Tim's.
You can find out when someone is doing a run or let your peeps in on when you are.

No need to ask how they take it, all the pertinent info is there.
Obviously a nice little ad on for those of you already sporting the mug, have the coffee at home for when not in the driv thru and know the lunch menu by heart.

Pretty soon you'll just have to hold your device to your head and go 'donut' and it will land right in your pants.

That way as it's deducted from your back account, it's applied directly to your belly and thighs.

MMmmm.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Dog napping
-Speed limits raised?
-Early puberty
-Bad roads
-BLOG - Hi tech TimmyRun

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

It's yesterday in the Hammer.
What happened?

We could ask the weather people but who cares?

It didn't matter winds were so gusty small children, dogs and the elderly were whisked away with out warning.
We haven't basked in temperatures this warm since,,,,,the second week of March.

We were spoiled back then thinking not only were we in for a warm summer but an early one at that.
The afternoon sun filled patios and vacated work places early for a Monday.

The forecast said nothing about 25 degree temperatures this week.
In fact the highest is 17 on Wednesday.

So until the real summer arrives, you'll just have to dream about last March break, in the Hammer.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Hammer has talent
-More gas?
-More salt?
-More hockey?
-BLOG - Sunny & 25!

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/editorial/article/706140--did-vigilantism-or-racism-spark-the-shooting-of-trayvon-martin

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
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scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Hey I'm all for remembering and paying tribute to history but its not like we don't know what happened here.

Over the last several weeks we have seen the re-launch of the James Cameron movie in 3-D to cruises that re-trace the path of the ill fated liner, except the last part of course.
There were memorials at the site of sinking; the port she left from, the port she was supposed to arrive at, and in Halifax where many were recovered.

There were dinners that served the last meal on board to film festivals that documented the stories told.
There were even sances to try to contact those who perished.

The only thing that has been left to the imagination is what it must have really been like that night to climb over a cold railing and into a lifeboat, if you were so fortunate.
Or to be left behind to slip into the frigid Atlantic in the middle of the night.

Screaming one minute, silence the next.

If we're lucky, we'll never know.

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-God ad
-Cirque de Sole
-Steve Sinnicks
-Oprah report
-BLOG - Titanic'ed out???

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
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www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

That being said some are literally rendered useless when the day appears on their calendar.
Millions of dollars are lost on Friday the 13th as some refuse to fly, while other won't even set foot outside their home.

Apparently dopamine is the culprit.

It's the chemical in our brain that allows us to see patterns.
Those who have more in the body are more likely to be superstitious.

Bad things happen every day but if we're more attune to Friday the 13th we may only recognize the bad on this day.
Much the same way an athlete may have the same ritual before a game.

Something you might want to bring up when you're having a cocktail with friends today, unless of course, you're in Pt. Dover.

I'm Scott Thompson

--------

Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Live from the new Lister Block!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
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scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

It was then a 17 year old unarmed Afro-American youth, Trayvon Martin, was gunned down at his father's fiances townhouse complex in Sanford, Florida.
George Zimmerman, the neighbourhood watch organizer and licensed gun owner who pulled the trigger, claimed self defense under Florida's 'stand your ground' law.
He was not arrested.

The stand your ground law says a person may use force in self defense when there is a reasonable belief of threat, without an obligation to retreat first.

It took over 6 weeks, and many protests, for Florida officials to finally charge Zimmerman for killing an unarmed person.
Some are calling Florida's 'stand your ground' law a legal no mans land only adding to the confusion.

One thing is certain. It should be a court of law that decides this case, not local authorities.
That will happen now that Zimmerman has been finally charged.

Further proof the more we take the law into our own hands the cloudier the world becomes.

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Nursing homes safe?
-Racin' in Charlotte
-How's the swing?
-Going coinless
-BLOG - Zimmerman finally charged...

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Watching this partys candidates come and go has more resembled a season of Celebrity Apprentice then a presidential nominee campaign.
Compared to the rest of rag tag candidates, Mitt Romney is the Republicans only choice if they want to appeal to a wide base and that's not saying much.

The fact that this race has taken this long only confirms the weakness of all running and the reason Obama is always smiling.

Keeping the circus in town is Ron Paul and former House speaker and author of his own scandals, Newt Gingrich.
Oddly enough despite Santorum's exit, they are still in the running.

Further proof that no matter what their convictions, they still do believe Hell could freeze over.

I'm Scott Thompson

---------

Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Titanic 100th
-Titanic insurance
-Harlem Globe Trotters
-Life decisions
-BLOG - Santorum exits freak show

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
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scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Although an interesting new survey from the Government of Nunavut says there are actually more polar bears then they originally thought and the 25,000 cross the Arctic is probably the highest number ever.
That's leaving many wondering about all those images of starving polar bears floating on shrinking ice flows we've seen.

Who do you believe?

Forget the special interest groups.
If you really want to know when spring has officially arrived simply follow a Toronto sports team.

The weekend the Easter Bunny leaves eggs, the Leafs leave the rink, and the Blues Jays leave Florida, is more accurate than any calendar, scientist or floating polar bear.

Swing!

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Hammer Sports Hall of Fame
-Roller coasters
-Living longer
-BLOG - Spring is here

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
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scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Have you seen this woman? She's beautiful. Nice job!
Can I get them to paint our main floor???

The Donald could never be attracted to a girl who used to be a guy, that's not very Republican.
What would Mitt Romney say?
So how could that work? Nope. She's out.

All of a sudden a wave of backlash, bigger than the Donald's pompadour, from humane rights advocates comes washing in; he doesn't flinch.

Then the Donald's shallow but brilliant promotional mind starts spinning a web of hype.
He realizes his goofy pageants haven't had this much chatter since the days of Bert Parks or Vanessa Williams nude.

To hell with Romney and the southern Christians, she's in!
If not there's always Celebrity Apprentice...

Barnum and Bailey would be proud!!!

I'm Scott Thompson.

--------

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Hammer's Got Talent
-Cdn living standard
-Gas price coaster
-Flying cars!
-BLOG - Mr or Miss Canada

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
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scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

So much so it has left the budgets, the final four, and fading penny in last week.
This week, it's rising gas prices.

How did this happen? Who can we blame? How do we fix it now? Don't we have oil?

Plain and simply it's still cheaper to buy gas off shore then to refine ours here.
Problem is we're subject to world markets and their issues including conflict.

Who do we blame?

Ourselves, for not becoming involved and demanding change in policy.

If we exploit our natural resources we should at least be using funds generated to further research renewable energy industries that can sustain future generations without bankrupting us..

It's easy to say it takes real leadership. What it really takes is a vote for that leader, when we do find them.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Hammer's Got Talent
-The Homework Trap
-Hump Day Sex Talk
-Sugar Daddy's
-BLOG - Spec column/Gas prices

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

As soon as they announced they were shelving the penny you knew things were changing again and stuff would start going up.
That's my Dad talking, but he was right.

This week Bell announced it wants to increase the price of a local phone booth call from 50 cents to a loonie.
The company says without the increase pay phones will slowly go the way of the doh doh bird and the penny.

Okay so neither of these two really has anything to do with the other but something stinks almost as much as the receiver in a phone booth.
Here's a long distance connection. It's all part of the Royal Canadian Mint revamping things.

It not only involves discontinuing the penny but also changing the loonie.
Apparently the new technology coins are not recognized by standard phones so upgrades are needed.

MMmm wonder if that pay phone upgrade might include a sand blasting, boiling and general disinfecting of the hand set?
If it does, I say go for it!

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Martin Short
-Stalker app
-Canada's Got Talent
-Wine law
-BLOG - Talk ain't cheap...

Read the latest Hamilton Spectator column here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/697910--shame-for-everyone-in-this-affair

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

For us, as I'm sure it was for a lot in the A.C.C.this time of year, a chance to snag some tickets from season ticket holders that can't be bothered anymore.
That being said it was full to see Buffalo, with a smattering of Sabre fans in the house, and what ended up being a great game with the Leafs ending their home losing streak.
It's the small battles if you're a Toronto fan!

We started the day off with a giant burger at the Real Sports bar right across the road from the A.C.C. and it is 'everything' you heard it was.
The biggest TV you will ever see surrounded by banks of others.

A DJ in the house has the place rockin' before walking across to the game.

And strategically placed between the two, a kick arse Maple Leaf store that has everything in your size.
The bold print on your VISA receipt clearly points out, that after chowing down, you get a 15% discount!

It ain't the cheapest night out but it is still one of the greatest spectacles on the planet!
And memories that are priceless!

I'm Scott Thompson.

-------

Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Gore Park reno
-Titanic
-Hockey girl
-Juno recap
-BLOG - Our hockey nite in Canada

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Yes! Apparently, eliminating the penny will save us $11 million a year alone.
My Dad would say,' Easy, in the cost of pant pocket repair!' Well if you'd stop jiggling your hands in your pockets!

Immediately my memories of the penny, or copper as my grand parents used to call it, came flooding back.

You used to get pennies back when you returned pop bottle. I remember when you could still get bubble gum for pennies?

What are we going to throw in fountains now?

And what about prices? Does this mean they will now be rounded up to the next 5? My guess is they won't lower it to the closest 5.

And what about the gas station where the price is always 'something .9'?

I remember collecting pennies in a glass jar then sitting at the kitchen table twisting them into brown paper rolls to take to the bank.

What I remembered most about the penny is how everyone always thought it was a nuisance and should be eliminated.

And now it will be.

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Friday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Another Budget!
-RIM job-less
-Penny's leaving
-Live @ Junos
-BLOG - Penny gone!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
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scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

To hell with the poor asthma kid weasing from allergies.

Here's another story about those little rodent dogs and their wacky owners.
Someone I know dropped the equivalent of a sunny vacation or small reno job on one of these collared hamsters because it blew out its ACL.
'Like an athlete'! they said..

No you mean like a 'dog' that is so small if I fart it flies across the room like a cow T-boned by a Texas twister.
Seems subject rat was, given 'er, chasing her bunny and ball out back when she dropped like pop cycle stick display.

Too bad they couldn't have used a little super glue to make the repair instead of a vet, as one observer put it.
Certainly that would have been a lot cheaper than a sunny vacation.

Perhaps these pets should be kept in a cage with a little wheel, on the coffee table, rather than your big bad back yard, or train.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Thursday on The Scott Thompson

-Gas station HELL!
-Pot with that?
-Snow???
-Over the falls!?
-BLOG - Rodent dogs & happy owners

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

The public service took the brunt of the blow this time but the rest of us, the 2/3rds who don't have tax payer subsidized pensions, aren't likely to complain.
In the end there is no tax increase.

The province no doubt used the release of the Drummond report to soften the blow while critics are quick to say it didn't go far enough.
There is also nothing to create jobs and hope for those in dire straits.

But to most, I'm guessing, as long as beer, smokes and cable didn't go up, they're fine with it.

Have the Liberals done enough to ward off another ugly election? Time will tell.
But a shot across the bow of the teachers, health care, and others on the public dole may go a long way in the private sector.

Now if we can just get the politicians to look the same way at their own pensions and inefficiencies, we may be getting somewhere.

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Wednesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Budget breakdown
-Jet Blues
-Hump Day Sex Talk
-Miss or Mr. Canada?
BLOG - Budget belly ache???

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

The young Dynamite started the season strong but then had trouble down the stretch and didn't make the playoffs.

It was a great season for Alicia despite competing with some players who were a whole head taller than her.
Learning to skate backwards and quite fast in the other direction were high lights along with attending a camp with members of the Olympic team..

Her shot is improving too, even hitting the odd top corner, whether that was the intention or not.

As one father put it, every week there was a full bench, even at practice, which means they loved to be there.
The smiling faces through cages and coloured mouth guards confirmed that.

She says she would rather play hockey through the summer instead of soccer.
I remember Walter Gretzky telling me a well rounded kid is best.

Car !!!

I'm Scott Thompson

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Tuesday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Budget Day Ontario
-New $50
-Got Talent?
-BLOG - To the golf course

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Take for example my album collection.

Sure we've had the iPods and Smart Phones for a while but this weekend, for some reason, I started uploading my entire collection to my, thing.
Everything!...Well I didn't.
For this I am paying my 9 year old daughter because she has the time, prowess and newly earned respect for commerce.

I'm all over this. It's something I have been meaning to do forever but never have the time.

Remember in the old days when a friend would impress you with a wall full of red Sealtest milk crates on their side full of vinyl?
'How smelly!' my daughter said when I tried to explain.

Now that stack of milk crates is in the palm if your hand.
They don't skip and no plastic cases to snap in half.

All you have to do is bribe a kid with cash!
Daddy's dream has come true!

I'm Scott Thompson

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Monday on The Scott Thompson Show

-Tomi Swick
-NDP up!
-Miss or Mr. Canada?
-Can we spank?
-BLOG - The milk crate

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

I must admit after making the comment to my wife late this week, 'honeys it's like we're away on a southern vacation except you still have to cook', I realized records or not this is just plain weird.
I also dodged a pretty lively left hook.

Remember when some would go on a ski vacation for March break? Or we had to drive at least 24 hours to put the top down?
Now people from Phoenix are coming here for heat. That's sun, not guns.

With my daughter preaching The Lorax all day I'm becoming concerned.

Not because of global warming, because so far, I kind of like it.
I'm simply worried we may get snow in July.

That's not good for boating...

I'm Scott Thompson.

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Friday on the Scott Thompson Show

-Social media costs
-Top Cdn universities
-City taxes up?
-Campea in L.A. on Hunger Games
-BLOG - How 'bout the weather???

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com

Every time we look up at one of the helicopters over head we breathe a sigh of relieve, easing fear, knowing we have such services in Ontario.

Unfortunately it's that same fear the leaches of the world use on your emotions to drain your pockets daily without being held accountable for any money spent.
Welcome to the slop trough of the Liberal Government.

The culture is now; we can't question spending on health or anything in fear of being chastised as some sort of self servicing capitalist.

The point is, you have been handing over cash to this government for so called health, education and renewable energy projects without even batting an eye let alone asking for a little accountability.
Why? Because this government is looking out for you?

No! Fear!
If you don't elect us you'll lose your free health, education, and planet.

They're simply preying on those fears to get re-elected.

I'm Scott Thompson.

---------

Thursday on The Scott Thompson Show

-More James fallout
-G20 fallout
-Dirty hospitals
-Dr. tax?
-BLOG - More Liberal waste!

The Scott Thompson Show
News/Talk 900 CHML
Hamilton, Ont. CAN.
905.521.9900x42205
scottthompson@900chml.com
www.ScottThompsonTalk.com