Q107 Bill Hayes Blog

The Leafs... what can I say?

Bill Hayes — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

The Leafs season so far has been nothing short of a disaster. Here we are at the quarter point of the season and they are the last place team in the NHL. GM Brian Burke has already traded away the next two number one draft picks(as well as a second rounder). Last night may have been the worst loss yet. The Leafs had a 3-0 lead, lost it but then went ahead on an Ian White goal with less than 30 seconds left. Carolina tied it with less than two seconds left and then won the shootout. So, what should Burke do?

First Signs?

Bill Hayes — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

I have to confess I don't feel particularly festive yet. I know Christmas is coming, but I'm not there yet. What is it that gets you in to the spirit? The first Christmas song you hear? And when is the right time to start playing Christmas songs? Then there's all the houses with their lights and decorations. And let's not forget the Santa Claus Parade. Are you there yet? And if not, when?

CRTC Hearings

Bill Hayes — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

I don't usually like to talk about the CRTC. It's the Federal commission in charge of radio, television, cable phones, etc. The cable companies and the TV networks are involved in hearings in front of them regarding funding for TV stations. The thing is, part of your cable bill goes to pay specialty channels every month, but the so-called over the air stations (the local ones) don't get any money. And they want some. The cable companies are calling it a tax. Whoever wins, cable costs will likely rise. Which side do you think is right?

Almost Through the Oughts

Bill Hayes — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

I find it really hard to believe how time flies. Here we are, 6 weeks away from the end of the oughts. Remember 10 years ago? How we were so worried about the new millenium and what it might do to computers. The whole world was going to stop! Now it's ten years later, and everything has changed. I think we can all agree that the biggest event in the last 10 years was the terrorist attacks on 9/11. But what about you personally? Just how did the last 10 years go?

Santa Claus Parade... and shopping

Bill Hayes — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:39:00 GMT

This Sunday the Santa Claus Parade once again rolls through the streets of Toronto. I've been to a bunch of them over the years, and I remember the ones where I froze watchingmore than the ones I didn't. Human nature I guess. This year looks like the weather will cooperate. Some clouds and a high of 13. One of the things about the parade is it's the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season.

It's been a tough year for so many people, but retailers are counting on a good season to get them through. Will you be spending the same amount on gifts as usual? More? Less?

I Need A Hobby

Bill Hayes — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

We were sitting around the house last night and my daughter said she needed to find a hobby... and it was strongly suggested I should find one too. A different one. YUopu know how that works! But I can't think of any hobby I want to take up. Got any ideas?

A Simple Thank You

Bill Hayes — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

I've been seeing them for a little while. Well dressed gentlemen offering poppies for sale. I've seen them on TV too, being honoured for their service. Today's the day we stop to remember those who served, but I'd like to go a little further and thank them. My generation has been remarkably lucky, not having to go someplace we've never heard of to fight for our way of life. we had people who did it for us, and people who are still doing it for us. So buy a poppy, wear it with pride, and say thanks to someone who sacrificed for all of us.

Traffic Problems

Bill Hayes — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

A new study says traffic is costing us a lot of money in lost productivity. The number is about $3.3 billion in the city and $6 billion in the GTA. we spend too much time in our cars, and too many of us count on our cars to get to and from work. The study says about 7 in 10 people count on their cars for work. They're talking about adding a gas surtax, or a new tax on parking. And maybe they'll add tolls to some roads. All to make it more expensive to drive and park in the city. Maybe more people will take transit instead, but of course that's going up in price too. What do you think of about all this? Are there too many cars downtown? Do we need more and better highways? More tolls? Or Taxes?

And the wall came tumblin' down

Bill Hayes — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:48:00 GMT

Boy time flies. Can you believe it was 20 years ago today that the Berlin Wall came down? The world has changed so much since then, and a lot of that can be seen everyday here in Toronto. Russians, Czechs, Slovaks and countless others who lived behind the Iron Curtain now call Toronto home. Europe is one big (mostly) happy family. Take a minute and think about all the changes in the world since this day 20 years ago. Amazing!

Hockey Hall Of Fame Weekend

Bill Hayes — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

This weekend is Hockey Hall Of Fame weekend in Toronto. Brett Hull, Steve Yzerman, Luc Robitaille and Brian Leetch will be inducted along with Lou Lamoriello. Leetch played with the Leafs for a short time. One guy not going in is Doug Gilmour, and he has the numbers needed for induction. What do you think? Should Dougie be there?