Pete's Hit and Run Notes

6 May..... 

Avril Lavigne hit a small speed bump in her latest tour schedule, she's got no voice.  She was stricken with laryngitis on the weekend forcing cancellation of concerts in Anaheim and Los Angeles as well as 6 other dates on her "Best Damn Tour". Looks like she's got the "best reason" for not being on stage.

It would seem Amy Winehouse won't be one of the voices on the theme song for the latest James Bond movie "Quantum of Solace".            Her producer says she's stopped work and is not ready to record any music.  He says it would take a "miracle of science" to finish the two tracks for the film.  She's had issues with drugs and a brush with police when she slapped a man at a bar a couple of weeks back.

Two public information sessions are being held this week  here in Hamilton, part of the Rapid Transit Feasibility Study which will help choose between light rail and bus rapid.  First one is tonight at Sackville Center on Upper Wentworth, the second is at the Education Centre downtown on Main West this Thursday. Both will run 6:30 to 8:30 with presentations at 7PM.

A year after Rosie O'Donnell left ABC's "The View" on bad terms, she's still rationalizing what happened. Yesterday on the "Today" show she said it was because too passionate about her opinions, and she made Barbara Walters more emotional than she was comfortable with. Jeez, and all this time I thought it was because she was a nasty loud bully.

Barbara Walters will chat with Oprah today about her alleged affair with U.S. Senator Edward Brooke she's written about in her new memoir. She'll also give her thoughts on Rosie's departure from the View.  ABC will take a closer look at Barbara's career tomorrow night in an hour long special "Audition- Barbara Walters' Journey". Sounds a lot like a 60 minute commercial for the book.

Look for some deals to start showing up in Las Vegas to lure you and your money to the city of sin.  Vegas is hurting as a result of the economic downturn and because of the price of gasoline and jet fuel. Bottom line, a lot of people can't even afford to get there, let alone finance a game of Blackjack.  Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino have also seen quieter patron levels in recent weeks in Niagara falls.

Britney Spears is expected in court today for another child custody hearing which could have a different outcome from previous legal sessions.  Now that she's gotten work, stopped partying, spent time with family and complied with court orders, she may just get her boys back.  A psychiatrist's evaluation of Britney will also be discussed during the court appearance today, and she's expected to show up.

The new Ottawa Street Farmer's Market may be in line for a $40,000  grant from the city of Hamilton for infrastructure and lighting. The Market incorporated as non-profit recently to qualify for such money after it was forced to move from Centre Mall. The market is open with fresh produce every Friday and Saturday year-round.