Here is my week in review. These are some of the stories that had us talking over the past few days. You can hear The 5 Things live every Friday afternoon at 5:20.

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The "5"

5. Andy Griffith - The beloved actor passed Tuesday at his North Carolina home at age 86. Though he acted in films and on Broadway it was television that made him a star. For 8 years he portrayed the kindly Sheriff Andy Taylor of Mayberry in the Andy Griffith Show and from 1986-1995 Benjamin Matlock, the kindly Atlanta lawyer. By his last wishes he was buried on his North Carolina farm within hours of his passing.

4. Catholic Teachers Sign Deal - The Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association came to an agreement with the McGuinty government that sees a 2 year wage freeze and 3 unpaid PD days. Separate school board trustees are angry they were not consulted beforehand and question whether the deal can be legislated. The government will try and reach deals with other teachers by the new school year in the fall.

3. Bev Oda - Embattled MP Bev Oda resigned both her cabinet post and her Durham seat in the House of Commons this week amid controversy over her lavish expenses. Despite many years in the Harper cabinet she will be remembered for hotel upgrades, limousines and a $16 glass of orange juice. Rumors of a major summer cabinet shuffle were put to rest when Julian Fantino was appointed to her International Co-operation portfolio while Bernard Valcourt took over Fantino's junior defence department position. The PMO said no other cabinet shuffling would take place.

2. God Particle - Scientists this week announced they had found a Higgs boson, the subatomic particle theorized as the beginning of the universe. 82 yr. old Peter Higgs was on hand to see the culmination of the theory he first proferred in the early 60's. Even Stephen Hawking doubted the existence of this particle and Higgs becomes a contender for the Nobel prize.

1. Heat Wave - Niagara along with most of Southern Ontario experienced another heat wave this week with humidex readings in the 40's. Though much of the humidity is expected to stay away for the weekend, temperatures will remain high. Across the eastern U.S. over one million suffered through without power after violent summer storms. Subsequent hot dry weather canceled many 4th of July fireworks celebrations.

...AND WHAT ELSE DID WE LEARN THIS WEEK - Remains found in a Montreal park near the former home of Luka Magnotta were confirmed to be the head of victim Jun Lin. Enrique Pena Nieto was elected as Mexico's new president after election improprieties were investigated. Yassir Arafat's body is to be exhumed to investigate his alleged poisoning. Colorado wildfires continue to ravage much of that state. Television reporter Anderson Cooper came out as gay, as did rapper Frank Ocean. After much speculation that Canadian NBA star Steve Nash would become a Raptor, Nash signed with the L.A. Lakers. The Calgary Stampede gets underway celebrating 100 years. Tim Horton's began offering free Wi-Fi.

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HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND !!