Green Bin City

I saw this quote in the View rants and letters, and thought it was worth posting.

Friday May 23, 12:49 p.m.
Reusable coffee cups are the best solution, but in Hamilton the paper cups can be put into the green bin and the lids go into the blue box containers.

Are public green bins around the city a good idea, or too hard to manage? I know one major deterrent would be the smell, especially in the summer. On the other hand, I don't know many people who bring their coffee cups home to separate and recycle. What do you think?

Time for Light Rail?

The Hamilton Spectator reported today that gas costs could climb as high as $1.40 per litre over the summer. So much for that cross-Canada roadtrip. With the costs of driving rising ever-higher, is it finally time to implement a new mass transit system in Hamilton? In April, Councillor Brian McHattie proposed to run a preliminary light rail line from McMaster to downtown, with extensions at Eastgate Square and on the mountain if the system fares well. Seems like a good idea to me, if the city can make it affordable for the average transit user. It will be interesting to see which message they project in the coming months: big savings in commuters' wallets, or a big change in city ideology. With any luck, it will be a little of both.

IIHF- Tragic Loss

One of the NHL's rising stars was killed early this morning in a tragic motorcycle accident. A rock-solid defenseman, Luc Bourdon delighted fans at the 2006 and 2007 World Junior Championships, winning gold in both contests. He was drafted 10th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2005.

You can check out his career stats at sportsnet.ca.

Hate Couture?

"Moonbats" responsible for Rachel Ray's keffiyeh in a Dunkin' Donuts ad. It's a good thing a threw my Blue Jays cap in the garbage last night, I certainly don't endorse crime in Toronto.
Give me a break.

NHL- Game 3

Physical, physical, physical. That's how Pittsburgh needs to play tonight if they want a shot at the Stanley Cup. Down 0-2 to a powerhouse Detroit team, the Penguins need to send a powerful message in their own building or it's over. If they can shut down the Wings in the neutral zone and make a little more room for Crosby and Malkin, they may be able to finally put one in the net. Forget the finesse; just close the Wings down in the middle, dump the puck, and crash the net. I like Chris Osgood, but he can't get away with this diving act forever. As Al Strachan so correctly pointed out, "he faces 80-90 mph shots on a regular basis and doesn't even flinch." Look for the refs to keep close tabs on Ozzy this evening.
Prediction: 3-2 Pittsburgh victory. Come on, they're due.

Monday Conference

On June 2, Harry Stinson will address the public regarding the Connaught redesign. You can catch the development magnate at the Chamber of Commerce (555 Bay St. N.) from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

World Federation of Great Towers

I found this to be quite interesting. If the Connaught project becomes a reality, the tower will land somewhere between the 10th and 15th tallest buildings in the entire world (depending on the final exact height). It would also become the fourth Canadian structure on the World Federation of Great Towers list, including the CN Tower (1), The Calgary Tower (21), and Olympic Stadium in Montreal (24).

Too big, or just what we need?

Stinson Update

On Friday morning, the Globe and Mail reported that Harry Stinson will open an off-site sales office for the proposed Connaught project. On June 7, a total of 300 units will be up for grabs, starting at $199,000. Regardless of Stinson's history in Toronto, I certainly admire his enthusiasm. One online reader noted that "the Royal Connaught Hotel [originally] closed in Hamilton because it had few customers." True, but the average customer may not have been so keen on Hamilton in the first place. Stinson's tower will be an attraction in itself, and will highlight other downtown gems that locals are already more than familiar with. Think about what the project could do for the AGH, Theatre Aquarius, Gore Park, Jackson Square, the Lister Block site and the entire core.

Are we moving too fast, or is this exactly what Hamilton needs?

CFL- Training Camp '08

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats recently released their spring training camp schedule. Once again, all of the practices will be held at McMaster University's Alumni Field (behind IWC) and the brand new Ronald V. Joyce Stadium. I toured most of the stadium during the East/West Bowl, and the facilities are amazing. Even if you're not a huge fan, the Ti-Cat camp offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a pro team. Definitely worth a look. Check out the Snooty Fox during May/June; you may see a few of the team's finest on hand.

The Rookie Camp kicks off this Wednesday, May 28 at 4:30 p.m. Check out the full schedule details online.

Gallagher's

A new addition to the Augusta strip, Gallagher's turned out to be a great pick last night. With good music (Motown/soul), a nice layout, and a relaxed atmosphere, this place seems perfect for dates, pre-drinking, or just hanging out. No pitchers, but there's a nice variety of beer on tap and a small but varied menu. Prices are in the mid-range, but not unreasonable. I'm pretty sure the address is 69 Augusta St. @ John St. S.
Check it out if you like: Bean Bar, Absinthe, Bar on Locke.

CFL- Breaking news, Armstead cut

Yet another seasoned receiver leaves Hamilton. Looks like Chris Bauman may need to step it up in a hurry, although it could be a good opportunity for some of the young guns to truly shine. Check out Ken Peters' review of the deal, is Obie making the right call here?

http://catchat.thespec.com/

Stinson Tower

Harry Stinson revealed his plans today for a 100-storey, 1,000-foot tower behind the old Connaught on King St. E. The project involves renovating the existing hotel over the next two years, before constructing the massive tower in the rear vacant lot. Check out the details in the Spectator, the artist's conception is pretty astounding.

http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/373122

At $180 million, is the project a step in the right direction or could the money be better distributed around the core? All I know is that Stinson is passionate about this city, and it's nice to see some truly bold thinking going on downtown. If the tower actually becomes a reality, I don't see other developers skipping out on the surrounding real estate.

King William St. makeover

The Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) is vowing to clean up properties on King William St. by clearing out broken windows and adding some landscaping to the empty lots. The same old debate has emerged: attempt to restore the aging buildings remaining on the street, or knock them down and make use of the space. For the time being, at least, I think adding a small parkette on the block would be a lot nicer than staring at the empty facades. Is it a quick fix solution? Perhaps. Pressure on LIUNA has been intense over the past few weeks, and it may be a move to silence the critics. On the plus side, at least something is finally in the works between James St. N. and Hughson St N.

Sports, sports, sports, sports

NBA- Another close series for the Celtics, but at least they came out on top. Sorry LeBron, you just can't do it all on your own. If Boston can start winning on the road again, they could make a solid run against the Pistons.
Lakers and Spurs: I don't think anybody wants to watch another basketball clinic in the NBA Finals, here's hoping LA can push through. Tough break for Chris Paul in the East, but he's got a long and (hopefully) successful future ahead of him.
NHL- A Pengiuns/Red Wings final should be one of the best in years. It's basically a gift-basket series for the NHL brass; you can spin it 100 different ways, Oilers/Islanders comparisons, etc. Normally I'd be cheering for Detroit, but the Pens are just too much fun to watch. Gill will need to keep Holmstrom out of the crease, or it's game over.
Prediction: ask me when the series is over.

East End block party

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are holding a meet-and-greet on Sunday, May 25 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Several players will be on hand at Ivor Wynne Stadium for a ticket pick-up party, barbeque, and charity field goal contest. Throw down $2 and try a 25-yard shot at IWS.

Check it out...

http://www.ticats.ca/index.php?module=newser&func=display&nid=23788

NBA- Game 7 in Boston

Another low-scoring affair, another Celtics loss in Cleveland. I’m not a huge LeBron fan, but who can dispute his 32-point, 12-rebound clutch performance last night? Boston can’t rely on their home court advantage forever, and Ray Allen really needs to take it up a notch (9.7 PPG over seven games). If Allen and Rondo can deliver on the same level as Pierce and KG, the Celtics may still have a chance on Sunday in the Garden.
Prediction: 81-77 Boston victory.

McMaster gossip

Rumour has it that Mila Kunis and Mark Wahlberg are currently filming part of a movie at McMaster University. Most likely a closed set, but you never know. If the back room of the Ceilidh House is closed this evening, you’ll know why.

NHL/NBA- Road battles

Much to my chagrin, the Penguins lost last night in Philadelphia. They made a game of it in the third period, but couldn’t quite go the distance. Tough loss, but I think it may be good for them in the long run. Nobody said a Stanley Cup run would be easy, and they could use a little adversity to prepare for Detroit in the finals. Philly may take one more, but they’re done for the year. Same goes for Dallas. Good showing, nonetheless.
Game 5 prediction: 4-2 Penguins victory. Beer-showered Flyers in the box: 1.

“A LeBron James team is never desperate.” True, but when you’re one loss away from being eliminated in the Eastern semifinal round, it may be time to stifle the swagger…if the Celtics can finally pull one out on the road. Here’s hoping.
Prediction: 94-87 Boston victory. Posterized Cav’s: 4.

NHL- Dallas makes it interesting; Philly on the ropes

But don’t worry; Detroit won’t let that happen in game five. Even without Franzen, the Wings are going to seal the deal on home ice. Much respect to Brendan Morrow, who is still playing with fire in his eyes after a grueling series with San Jose.
Prediction: 3-1 Detroit victory. Fight: Draper and Petersen.

The Pittsburg Penguins are going to sweep the Flyers in Philadelphia tonight. Quote me on that. Even though the East Final is wholly lopsided and not much of a contest on paper, it has been one of the most entertaining series of the entire playoffs. The Flyers may be able to outmuscle Pittsburgh, but a lack of offensive production (Briere) will ultimately seal their fate. I may not be a Flyers fan, but any team who can move from last place in 2007 to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2008 deserves a pat on the back. If only the Leafs could follow suit.
Prediction: 3-1 Pittsburgh victory. Breakaway slap shots: 2.

Balfour Building

I had a very small editorial printed in the Hamilton Spectator today. King William St. has become a hot topic lately, especially the 100(+)-year-old buildings between James St. N. and Hughson St. N. The neighbourhood has so much potential, and it's time to reach a general consensus as a city and move forward. The remaining businesses in the area deserve at least that much.

Check it out...

http://www.thespec.com/Opinions/LettertotheEditor/article/368599

Weekend Music

I recently saw Queens of the Stone Age at Copps Coliseum and Two Hours Traffic at the Pepperjack Cafe. Completely different scene at each venue, but they were both great shows. Props to the Abbreviations, Mardeen, and Mercy the Sexton for representing Hamilton (Westdale), Halifax, and St. John's. The new material from THT is solid, you can still check them out in Guelph, London, Brantford, and Toronto this week.

Good luck to Hamilton's native sons Arkells, who recently set out for the west coast.

Welcome

I started this blog to keep up with what's going on around Hamilton, or whatever else catches my eye. I hope you enjoy!