KISS to Rock the JLC

It's True! Gene Simmons and KISS are coming to the London John Labatt Center for a concert of a lifetime. The Band is touring North America with there "KISS Alive 35" tour. A Celebration of 35 years Rocking the World.“Rock and Roll All Nite,” “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” and “Detroit Rock City,” are just a few of the Songs fans will be treated to. There will also be music played from the Bands new album "Sonic Boom" Tickets for this Once in a Lifetime Event will go on sale this Saturday the 29th and 10AM. I don't expect them to last long so if you want to go be ready right at 10.

To Purchase your KISS TICKETS at the John Labatt Center  click here .                                              

The Time Travellers Wife

Being Friday we decided to take in a movie and ended up seeing " The Time Travellers Wife" and I'll have to say it was really good.

Going into the movie I thought this would be a total "chick flick" but great acting along with a storyline to match kept me interested right to the end.

This was our first time going to the new Westmount Theater so we went to the VIP show. It was very nice and the reclining seat made watching the movie very enjoyable. Who would of thought you could sit, watch a movie and have a beer at the same time.

The Time Travellers wife may not be for the whole family but for a couple looking for a nice night out I would recommend it.

For more information on this and other movies playing right now just visit www.cineplexodeon.com and find out whats playing at a theater close to you.

Garbage Trucks Pose Highway Hazard

Again, another Toronto garbage truck heading to the US has flipped on the 402 Highway by Kerwood RD. Seems like this is becoming a regular occurrence. The question is, how do we stop this before someone gets seriously injured.

At first I though it may be a design flaw with the trucks they are hauling with. Later I found out that the Garbage Trucks are flipping both loaded and empty which means it;s the drivers.

The 400 series highways are becoming more and more dangerous and something has to be done. Allowing these trucks to roll through are area is one thing but causing a hazard on the road is another.

Drivers of these trucks need to be properly trained before doing this US run. I also think is a good idea to govern the top speed of the trucks, this would cut rollovers dramatically.

London Police Attacked for using Force

It seems like every time the London Police get into an altercation where force is required they become targets themselves. There are times when the Police may need to use guns, that's why they have them. Most Police Officers will tell you that the last thing they want to do is use their guns but sometimes there is no other option.

If an Officer feels that their life or the lives of others is in danger then they should have every right to use their weapon. There should be no nonsense afterwards about if they should or shouldn't have, we we not there to judge.

These people are just like you and I, they have families and enjoy living life. The job is stressful enough without all the accusations and media crap that goes on every time these instances happen. If you thing that Officers are not using there weapons properly then maybe leave your number and next time they are in a life threatening situation you can take over.

These men and women go through extensive training and know how to handle these situations. Stick to your jobs and just be thankful that the London Police are out there everyday looking after you!

Stafford Cycles for Victoria

Rodney Stafford Bike Ride



In memory of his Daughter Victoria, Rodney Stafford has set out to Cycle across Canada in her honour.


Total strangers can't help but feel for the man they have grown to know from the media coverage of this horrific event.

One woman was shaking after meeting Rodney "I feel for him. It must be tough." she said.


The money raised by this ride will go to child find. Along with money Rodney has also been offered kind words and in one case, lunch.


Stafford is grateful for every ones support in helping him deal with the loss of Victoria.

City Under Attack

City Under Attack

The public is still waiting for answers on a gun battle involving Police that rocked the Cities East End.

Unconfirmed reports are that a City Police Officer fired 19 shots at a suspect connected to a spree of robberies. Nobody was injured in the incident but there was damage to property from stray bullets.

Police Chief Murray Falconer has stated that results of this incident will be made public but may take a few weeks to sort out.

The Public seems to be mixed on this incident, some expressing concern over excessive force while others side with the Officer involved.

Paul Wayne O'Connell, 37, of London, is charged with four counts of robbery, three counts of wearing a disguise, dangerous driving, possession of stolen property, obstructing police and failing to stop for police.

He remains in custody, scheduled to return to court Aug. 25
It was the second shooting by London police officers this year. On Jan. 15, Joseph Barnes, 26, was shot twice by police at an Oakville Ave. apartment complex when he pointed a replica gun at police officers who'd gone there to arrest him for a violent robbery a week earlier. The officers were cleared of any wrongdoing.

As London grows so does the crime rate and intensity of these situations. In my opinion Officers are already out numbered and out powered by these thugs and they must do whatever they can to take care of themselves out there.

Wayne Scott Ray Arrested on Child Porn

Wayne Scott Ray, London Poet was arrested Thursday evening for making and distributing child pornography.


Scott, 58 appeared in court on the charges today after London Police received tips from the RCMP child-exploitation center.


Ray is the founder of HMS Press and also the co-founder of the Canadian Poetry Association. He is also credited with helping to establish the London Arts Council in the city.

Waldo's On King - Good Food

I know this is not a Restaurant Review Blog but I have always believed that good,hard work should get recognition and that's what I am going to do.

My wife and I went out on the weekend to Waldo's on King, it was about the third time we have been. For those who don't know Waldo's, it is located right in the London Market across from the John Labatt Center.

We go out to eat a lot and have tried most of the better Restaurants in the city. What my Wife and I like about Waldo's is knowing that no matter what we have there it will be excellent. Great Food, Great Staff combined with a nice peaceful atmosphere and you have Waldo's on King.

I think we would both agree that Waldo's is one of the finest London Restaurants if not the finest. The Steak is to die for and my wife just loves the seafood. You can tell that they take full advantage of being situated in the Market because everything and I mean EVERYTHING is fresh at Waldo's.

Next time you are out and looking for something new, try Waldo's on King and see for yourself what an amazing Restaurant it is.

One more tip for you!

Even though the appetizers and main courses are so good, leave room for dessert because it is also really, really good.

3 Cheers for Waldo's!!!

August Heats Up

Well, we didn't really get a good start on summer 2009 but things are about to change.

July was cool and very unseasonable that's for sure but they say you take the good with the bad. Well this summer we were kind of reverse, we've taken the bad and now it's finally time for some good.

Looking at the Environment Canada forecast it seems our prayers have been answered because warm weather is on its way. There is a little rain in the forecast but that's over shadowed by all the sunny skies!

Beach Bums, Sun Tanners get ready because the heat is finally coming.

Just a reminder to block up when you are out in the sun, it only takes a few minutes to burn out there.

City Sick Days are Crazy

I just can't believe the average sick days these city workers are taking off. The crazy thing is that they are allowed to take more sick days in a year than I have in the last 12 years!

If I had an employee that averaged 15-20 days a year off sick I would be looking for someone more reliable. Come on Mayor DeCicco, surly you can't support this nonsense in London. Some of these workers should be put into real everyday jobs and see what it's like out there.



These systems have been so abused for way to long and it's time for a positive change. As for the Unions, in time will we all find out that they are doing more damage then good.



Sick days are for days you are sick, not for fishing,drinking,parties and so on. If you are not serious about the job you are doing then leave and let one of the other hundred people who need work do it.



The day will come when people will have to work to keep there jobs, no guardian angles (Unions) to look over them. Employees will need to represent themselves and make the employers want to keep them. Until then, I really hope the city employees look at this as a new start and quit milking the taxpayers.

London, A Growing City

Driving through London is sure a lot different than it was 20 years ago. I remember going to the old market with my Grandmother to buy fresh meats and bread.

The old CN Building where my Parents both worked is now a smaller train station. The core area now boasts big buildings like the John Labatt Center, One London Place and more.

With all the change it is still nice to see some places that bring back good memories like Victoria Park and all the winter skating we use to do, the big hill across from St. Josephs that we enjoyed tobogganing on.

London is big big city now, like it or not. It's grow and is still growing. The corn field that was at the end of our street in the east end is now a huge subdivision.

Do you think London will someday look and operate just like Toronto? There are already signs that it may. Look at the gangs that hang out in the malls, and the increase in violence.

There is also substantial growth in the ethnic community as is in Toronto, not a bad thing it's just an observation.

Is London ready to deal with this though? Toronto have the police, workers and manpower to handle it but does London? I already see there streets falling apart, the neglected sewer systems etc.

Growing up I really loved the city as I do now. The only difference now is that I love it from an outside view.

H1N1 Spreads Through London

H1N1 circulating in London

There has now been 18 lab-confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus in the London area according to London-Middlesex Health Unit. On top of that are 14 cases confirmed of the influenza Abut are not thought to be the same virus.

With school being out for the summer it is hard to get exact totals on the H1N1 situation but officals are asking camps and other community gatherings to keep an eye on there attendance.

So far here are the H1N1 Totals around the world
s of July 13, 2009, the new H1N1 influenza virus has been identified in approximately 120 countries.

Number of laboratory confirmed cases of new H1N1 virus

Worldwide- 94,512
United States 37,246
Canada 9,855
Ontario 3,636

With back to school approaching soon health officials are worried the virus will spread at an alarming rate. Some suggest school not convene in September until the virus is under control.
For more information on the H1N1 virus you can contact the London-Middlesex Health Unit.

Couple Charged with Counterfeit Money

Couple charged with counterfeit money
Police have charged a man and woman after seizing more than $2,000 in counterfeit money last week.
London police arrested the two suspects, Darryl Shoebottom, 36, and Barbara Crafts, 35, on outstanding warrants, July 20.
"As a result of this arrest they are both being charged jointly with possession of counterfeit money under Section 450(b) of the Criminal Code," police said, adding the $2,000-plus dollars in counterfeit money seized was in various denominations.
"While the incidents of counterfeit money in the London area have declined merchants are reminded to be vigilant," police said.
Shoebottom is additionally facing four drug charges in relation to drugs obtained using fake prescriptions, police said.

Party Leads to Stabbings

Large Party Turns Violent

Things got out of hand as a large party turned violent on Saturday.

London Police Officers were called to the Cities Northwest at about 10:30pm after a fight between a group of males started to get out of hand and ended up with 2 people being stabbed.

One of the victims was stabbed in the back twice with a broken beer bottle and the other stabbed in the head with a knife. Injuries are reported to be non-life threatening according to London Police.

Charged with assault is 19 year old Carlos Platero of London along with a youth who can not be identified. The youth is also charged with assault with a weapon and possession of a dangerous weapon and possession of marijuana.

Officer Lucio's Father Wants Answers

Doug Lucio Wants Answers in Son's Death

With 2 years gone by Doug Lucio, Father of murdered Police officer Dave is looking for answers.
Dave Lucio was killed in a murder-suicide by fellow officer Kelly Johnson. "People have a right to know and my wife and I have a right to know what happened here," said Doug Lucio, 83. "I'm going to continue to live until I get something done -- not for my sake, but for my son. It's just eating away at my heart."

A spokesperson for the Ontario chief coroner's office says the information, including a report prepared by an expert panel that was then reviewed by the Ontario Domestic Violence Death Review Committee, is being reviewed by a supervising regional coroner from outside London.
That official will decide if an inquest is to be held.

Lucio was shot by Johnson as he pulled up to her Picton St. condominium building. Johnson then used her 9-mm service pistol on herself.

A police investigation revealed Lucio had broken off a two-year relationship with Johnson three days before the shooting and a day after Johnson was promoted to acting inspector.
Police Chief Murray Faulkner called in a panel of experts to review the murder-suicide to determine if it could have been predicted or prevented and promised their report would be released to the public.

On May 29, 2008, the three-member panel released an 11-page report, an executive summary, that concluded the murder-suicide was "neither predictable nor preventable" -- a conclusion based on four key findings:
Although Johnson was in counselling and seeing a doctor, she was "non-compliant" and rejected medication.

Johnson was diagnosed as depressed, but not viewed by doctors as a threat to herself or others.
Lucio, a "highly skilled" retired senior officer, suspected nothing, despite the recent breakup.
Johnson continued to get positive evaluations from superiors and peers and was promoted to acting inspector four days before the shooting.

During its review, the panel amassed hundreds of pages of information, including interviews that have not been released due to concerns about patient confidentiality and privacy issues.

A 60-page report was prepared for police, but only the executive summary was released to the public.

It's that information Doug Lucio hopes will be revealed at an inquest to determine if there are systemic problems in the police force and who knew what and when.

Lucio has repeatedly suggested the investigation and panel report were a "cover-up."
"Something screwy is going on," he said, referring to cases in recent years in which police are repeatedly exonerated for their actions, even when later inquiries raise questions.

He pointed to the case of Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski, who died at Vancouver's airport in October 2007 after being shot five times with a Taser stun gun and wrestled to the ground by four RCMP officers, who said they felt threatened by Dziekanski when he picked up a stapler.
Prosecutors in B.C. in December said the officers wouldn't face criminal charges, saying their use of force was justified in the circumstances.

But during the inquiry, that evidence was disputed by a witness video of Dziekanski's dying moments.

"There's something definitely wrong with policing in Ontario and Canada," said Lucio. "And unless something is done, nothing is going to get straightened up in this city or Ontario. It's still going on."

The panel said although Kelly Johnson hid or "masked" her deteriorating mental condition, there were symptoms and issues pointing to trouble. These included alcohol abuse, could not sleep, an inability to cope with the dealth of her three years earlier, job stress, including the recent promotion, and the breakup with officer Lucio.