Last week I went to see The Killers at Massey Hall in downtown Toronto, and it was simply an EPIC performance! It was kind of short clocking at just under 1.5 hours, and the merch stock was very low (there was this amazing tee that quickly sold out), but the concert was unforgettable and lots of fun.

I managed to take several videos of songs (I only recorded my favourite songs), but about halfway through security started cracking down on those recording so unfortunately I had to hide my camera often and pretend that I was taking pics when really I was recording a video.

The Killers came about an hour late, but when they did the crowd went wild (of course) and they opened with the first single from their new album Day & Age, “Human:”

The next track was “Somebody Told Me,” the very single that propelled The Killers to initial stardom, and I think the crowd was wildest for this song:

A few more brand new songs were played, then Brandon Flowers settled down to perform a beautiful piano and violin rendition of “Smile Like You Mean It,” accompanied by a subtle bass and soft drums:

Immediately after, Flowers began playing a slow version of the Abbey Road version of “Sam’s Town,” and being a violinist myself I enjoyed the inclusion of violin (though it’s hard to hear):

“Shadowplay” was next, and I was enjoying one of my favourite Killers’ songs until security stopped me from recording, which was a big shame because I had to stop right at the beginning of the guitar solo!

At this point, security was really eying the crowd for potential video recorders; like I said, I had to record sneakily (hence the constant view of backs and the back of heads) but I couldn’t pass a chance to get “Mr. Brightside:”

Following that, The Killers played a long and climatic version of “All These Things That I’ve Done” (which is already climatic enough as it is on the CD) then left the stage.

They came back to the loud cheers and demands of the crowd, played a couple more songs and ended with a spectacular performance of “When We Were Young:”

All in all, I loved every single moment of the concert, but I wished it was longer and had a little more substance (e.g. introducing themselves and their backup players/singers). I would definitely NOT pass up a chance to see them again!

P.S. We got a bonus in the form of a free download of Day & Age when it comes out, too!

I see this at least once almost everytime I drive.

A police/fire/paramedic vehicle siren rings in the distance from who knows where; and sometimes clearly from a certain direction. Cars on the road gradually slow down and pull over to the side. Except for that one douche bag.

He can be a she. S/he can be of any race and social class, and a fast or slow driver (but almost always a stupid one).

This driver is the SOLE reason why the incoming emergency vehicle must blast their horn/siren and slow down instead of racing down the road or through the intersection. Honesty, if you’re one of these aforementioned good people, go to hell.

There is NO excuse for not getting out of the way because A) the flashing lights are dizzyingly clear to notice; B) the sirens are loud and annoying; and C) do you really stay exactly in the path of a car rushing at high speeds towards you? Dumbass.

For those who say “well, cops always put on their lights and sirens just so they can run through red lights and/or pass traffic!”, well life ain’t fair so suck it up, and unless you illegally tune into the police radio channel you don’t know when they’re actually rushing to an emergency situation.

(Speaking of, I witnessed a cop that came out of nowhere that was doing about 160-180km/h…on the SHOULDER of the 407. The car in the fast lane, which was hitting about 140km/h, didn’t even stand a chance to move out of the way.)

It’s been a while since I’ve written a grammar lesson, let alone write anything (not that I haven’t been thinking about it, though). And so, since I still have not completely stepped out of the haze of laziness, I’ll get straight to the point.

ITS = possessive term, like “The car locked its doors after the driver walked away,” or “The machine turned itself off.”

IT’S = contraction of IT IS. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”

Don’t be an idiot and write something like, “The rat ate it’s cheese,” because that translates into, “The rate ate it is cheese.” It makes NO sense whatsoever…that erroneous phrase is a run-on sentence and does not describe the cheese as belonging to the rat. If you for some stupid reason have issues differentiating between the two, then avoid writing the contraction IT’S completely and use instead “IT IS.”

To the asshat driving a silver Honda Civic Hybrid and talking on his Bluetooth:

MOVE THE F— OVER IF YOU’RE ONLY GOING 115-120km/h!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

People have places to go, you know, especially people who pay money to take the 407 that has less traffic so they CAN GO FAST AND GET TO THEIR DESTINATIONS IN PROMPTER TIME!!!

Holy sh–, are you so dumb that you didn’t notice that you were PERFECTLY PARALLEL to the two Chevys on your right lanes? Did not you not notice me flashing my lights repeatedly at you? Honking? Tailing you like mad?

And you STILL didn’t take the hint after I managed to slip through a break on the right side then flew left across three lanes to cut RIGHT in front of you…you still stayed on the left f—ing lane.

I hate you. F—ing dumbass.

P.S. Oh yah and thanks to you, I lost the race to the BMW 535i during that stretch of the road.

[Excuse le Français, calisse!]

Is this guy full of political satire, or am I just over-analyzing? (click for full image)

An ardent supporter of the once-mighty Union of Soviet Socialist Republics driving an SUV, symbol of free-market, “I-get-money” capitalism. At least the driver — who seemed like one of those Diesel- or Armani-wearing types — has class, driving a Toyota, but it would’ve been much more shocking if he decided to feature a GM sport ute on Commie My Ride.

I’m still scratching my head at this peculiar sight.

P.S. He drove friggin slow though, like a Russian in a Lada, so I passed him. And kept the pedal to the floor until I hit 150km/h. The speed limit (Altona Rd. in Ajax) was 60 or 80km/h…fun times.

It’s sad to see that “liberals” enforce their fascist agendas all around the world, especially in top-notch countries. Unfortunately, many don’t hear or care about it, but the time has come for the evidence to be exposed.

Exhibit A: In Sweden, a school deems a child a “violator” of his peers’ rights by inviting all but two classmates to a birthday party. The school administration (especially the teacher who confiscated the invitations and probably initiated the complaints to the Swedish Parliament) are most likely the losers who were never well-liked or respected, and are long overdue for some schoolyard beatings.

Exhibit B: Right here at home in Canada, we have “human rights” commissions that enforce “politically-correct” (and, ironically, morally incorrect) views. Unsatisfied with simply shutting up neo-Nazis, these commissions — lavishly paid for by you and me to the tune of $200 million a year — are fuelling the desires of outspoken (and very anti-Semetic) Muslims who come to this country expecting everyone to shine their shoes and the desires of anti-Christians who wish to even silence priests and bishops from preaching THEIR VERY OWN BELIEFS to the choir.

There’s endless discussion and “exposure” to the sham of Canada’s HRCs, but I summed it up in a nutshell because awareness is only the beginning. What’s truly important is real activism (yeah, that’s not exclusively a leftist concept!) against such self-hating Canadians wishing to crumble the very foundation of our beloved, 141-year-old country (Happy belated Canada Day, by the way!). And it’s not hard at all to combat our attackers:

1. Read up on the trial that’s caused a riot amongst Canadians of all political stripes, where Maclean’s played defendant to ignorant Islamic plaintiffs for publishing a section of Mark Steyn’s (whom I wasn’t even a fan of until he began writing weekly about this issue) book, America Alone, on the Maclean’s site and at Ezra Levant (who covers humiliates not only HRCs, but all opponents of free speech — Muslim, Jew, Christian, or any haters of such). In fact, Mr. Levant himself is facing HRC trouble for publishing those Danish cartoons that sent countless Muslims on effigy-burning rampages.
2. Subscribe to Maclean’s, offer subscriptions to your friends and family (those you care about  — be patriotic and be at the front lines of defending our rights and freedoms!), and donate to Ezra’s legal defense fund.
3. Write to your MPs and those in power. Write to papers. Write in blogs. Raise further awareness about what’s arguably the most pressing issue (more than carbon taxes and copyright laws, though they are of high importance as well) concerning every single one of us 32 million Canadians.

Without freedom of speech, we’re nothing. No personal beliefs. No opinions. It doesn’t matter if you’re apolitical or apathetic; surely, even the most ignorant of us would feel the effects of being silenced. You might not sneeze at what happens in Sweden, but don’t accept seeing your country reduced to tatters.

On a brighter note, I really want that birthday cake shown in the BBC News article!!!

I was just browsing through Forbes Auto’s “Top 10 Cars Teens Want Most,” when I came across a peculiar listing:

7. (tie) Chevrolet Impala

Aspiring teen buyers: 1.76 percent*
MSRP: $22,400 – $29,780
Miles per gallon: 13-18 city/24-29 hwy (gasoline); 13-14 city/20-21 hwy (E85)

A shift in focus torward a level of utility beyond that of small cars helps explain why the large and seemingly staid Chevrolet Impala might resonate with young drivers, TRU’s Wood says. Though it’s not a standout, the Impala has a lot going for it, including a slew of standard tech options like an auxiliary input jack and a three-month trial subscription to XM satellite radio. It also includes a number of safety and convenience features, including anti-lock brakes, remote keyless entry and an oil life monitoring system, which alerts owners when it’s time to change the oil.

What? Chevrolet Impala? You’ve got to be kidding me. The research done by TRU (not sure what that is, let me know) has got to be flawed. Even listings like the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord are sketchy, because although they’re great family vehicles I really don’t think teens would be overwhelmed by Mom and Dad handing them the keys to such vehicles that aren’t as small or as efficient or as fast as compacts.

Anyway, the Chevrolet Impala is more well-known amongst security and police forces and the elderly generation; do teens really want to be associated with these groups, especially since they’re young drivers who are stereotypically known for being reckless and fast on the road? Doubts.

Youths are, well, poor of course, but also “eco-conscious”, “anti-establishment”, and energetic. The Impala is anything but. It’s bulky, slow, and not very good in any aspect, unless you’re a fan of driving American bricks. And how is it that a total “eco-hippie” car like the Toyota Prius didn’t make the list, if even a cop car can?

Not that Forbes Auto really needs (or wants) the help, but I’ve made additions (replacements?) to the list to be more accurate of what cars teens want (being one myself):

• BMW Mini Cooper - Classic and iconic, but would require Dad’s financial assistance.
• Any GM compact - How did the list not manage to include Cobalts, Vibes, or Astras? I swear, I see teens driving these cars the most of any.
• Dodge Caliber - Rental car = teen car, it’s nice and cheap. But it’s got aggressive looks.
• Volkswagen City Golf/Rabbit - Cheaper, more compact, and has a better reputation amongst youth than the Jetta.
• smart fortwo - It may be ultra-small, but hey it’s very efficient and spacious. Though pricey.
• Toyota Matrix - Um, Toyota advertising like mad in movie previews HAS to equate to something?!
• Nissan Versa - Same goes for the Versa.
• Mazda3 - AND the Mazda. In fact, I see lots of youths zipping around in the 3, too.

I will admit that some of my list “revisions” may not reflect what teens want, but what they actually get. Still, though, I can’t imagine teens wanting a cop car more than a Prius or a Mini, or frankly any of the cars I listed above.

And sidenote, I think there is a significant percentage of male teenagers who would go for a car that can be modded.

(click on the pic above for an interesting link)

BITCH…WATCH DEEZ VIDEO! DUN MAKE ME ASK U AGIN!

…unforgivable!

Are you kidding me, CBC?!

Last play for Hockey Night in Canada theme song?
Company says CBC isn’t renewing licence

One of this country’s most familiar tunes may have been heard on CBC-TV for the last time Wednesday night when the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins and won the 2008 Stanley Cup.

The Toronto agency representing the composer of the theme tune for Hockey Night in Canada says the CBC has declined to enter into a new licensing agreement for the song for next NHL season.

A news release posted on the website of Copyright Music & Visuals quotes company president John Ciccone as saying the CBC’s licence agreement for the hockey theme song ended with the Stanley Cup final.

The CBC “has advised the composer, owner and administrator of the musical composition that it is not prepared to enter into a new licence agreement with respect to the use of the theme,” the release says.

The CBC had no immediate comment Thursday.

The familiar theme music for Hockey Night in Canada was written in 1968 by Dolores Claman, who was raised in Vancouver.

In the news release, Claman expresses her disappointment that her song will no longer be heard in homes across Canada during hockey season.

“I am saddened by the decision of the CBC to drop the Hockey Night in Canada theme after our lengthy history together. I nevertheless respect its right to move in a new direction,” she says.

Copyright Music & Visuals says it had offered the CBC a chance to renew its licence to use her song on terms that were “virtually identical to those that have existed for the past decade.” Each use of the song in the past has cost the broadcaster about $500, the company says.

A lawsuit filed against the CBC in late 2004 by Claman alleging that the broadcaster was overusing the Hockey Night in Canada theme has not been settled.

Copyright Music & Visuals says the litigation hasn’t interfered with the CBC’s use of music, nor was settlement of the suit a condition for the proposed new licensing agreement.

I am shocked and appalled…hurt and betrayed. As a hockey fan(and not even a die-hard). As a fan of one of the most iconic tunes of one of the most iconic shows on TV. As a full-blooded Canadian. But apparently, several hours later CBC “clarified” that they haven’t completely pulled the plug. (Yet.) It’s been thirty-nine great years of Hockey Night In Canada, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and us Canadian are just about unanimous on renewing the contract. Don’t do this do us.

FORWARD YOUR CONCERNS DIRECTLY TO CBC!

• Toll-free phone (Canada only): 1-866-306-4636
• TTY/Teletypewriter (Hearing impaired only): 1-866-220-6045
• Mail: Audience Relations, CBC, P.O. Box 500 Station A, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5W 1E6
• Or send them a message directly on their website like I did, CBC.ca/contact!

And if you still have time, sign the online petition, too!

P.S. Don Cherry? Ron MacLean? Where are you guys on this?

Messed up title, ain’t it? Just as messed up as them folk who berate Canadians for buying “foreign vehicles” like Toyota and Honda.

Reality Check #1: The American Big Three may have had plants in Canada much longer than any other automaker, but the money still flows down south of the border. Domestic (Canadian) labour, foreign (American) profits. And yes; American is considered “foreign.”

Reality Check #2: Toyota and Honda both have plants in Canada. And guess what? The Honda Civic, Canada’s best-selling (and most-stolen) car is built right here in Alliston, Ontario. I don’t recall ever hearing a Big Three employee ever admitting that out loud.

For most of you who follow the news are aware (especially Ontarians), General Motors is planning to cut 1,000 (but actually 2,600) jobs at its Oshawa, Ontario plant. Tempers have flared, not that GM really cares. And do you know I think?

IT’S ABOUT DAMN TIME.

Don’t blame the “foreigners;” no, the finger-pointers should look closer to home (no pun intended). We live in a capitalist society, which essentially means that the free markets dictate what sells and what doesn’t. Toyota coming over to North American shores 40 years ago shook up domestic automakers not only because they were new competition from halfway across the world, but also because they introduced unrivaled quality for the money. GM, Ford, and Chrysler never really bothered to heed the tides of change, though, save for a few forced improvements here and there. After all, why should they? They were still the biggest and had the biggest wallets.

Then came the 90’s and the new millennium…safety recalls, bankruptcies, lost profits, combined with Toyota nudging out Ford and Chrysler and giving GM a serious run for its money, whatever was left. And eventually, even GM was beat out from the Number One position of automakers.

Fast forward to 2008, and we have GM (whose CEO makes eight-digits) announcing more labour cuts and the CAW holding strikes. Unfortunately, it’s already too late; millions of fed-up Canadians such as myself have flocked to the “foreigners” and don’t look back for a second.

Full disclosure: my family owned “domestic” vehicles for over a decade and have had to fork out thousands and thousands for transmissions and this and that. Now we own an “import” that we’ve cruised to well over 200,000kms with no serious problems whatsoever. Despite what the pro-”domestic” would like to have you believe, why should we buy supposed Canadian if it’s just going to bite us in the ass right where our wallet is, when we can buy supposed non-Canadian that lasts three times as long? Besides, like I said before “Canadian domestic” can a) apply to any automaker anywhere in the world now and b) still mean that the profits are given back to headquarters in the U.S., so that whole argument crumbles. (For you die-hards who still believe supporting American is better than Jap or German or whatever…well I guess you help a lot to keep mechanics employed.) If anything, I’d like to see American vehicles wiped out completely so the “average quality” automakers would have to work twice as hard to survive, boosting production quality standard even higher.

*         *         *

Unions = workers^screwed. The Canadian Auto Workers’ Union (CAW), in particular. Actually, they should be called the American Automakers’ Canadian Workers Union (AACWU), and I’m going to refer them as such from now on. For decades, the AACWU has given its workers everything on a silver platter, undermining work motivation and success. Hefty pay and benefits from the company in return for building crap vehicles suitable only for rental and taxi companies. Well, the far-prolonged honeymoon is finally over, and workers only have their several-hundred-thousand-dollar earning union bosses to blame for the loss of “job security.” Toyota and Honda don’t have unions, and no one hears any complaints. To be fair, unions ARE important…in theory. Or during the Industrial Revolution. But, like Communism, humans are humans and manage to corrupt any shred of decency — if any — in the idea.

Frankly, I have always been of the opinion that Canada, once the world’s best and still a solid first-world country, should improve from blue-collared to white-collared industries. It’s a natural process proven by history: when a country develops, it upgrades from agriculture to manufacturing to information industries. We can’t, and shouldn’t, compete with the likes of fast-developing China, India, and Brazil. Instead, we should foster closer trade with them and provide them with the management and technological/economic expertise we’d have developed while they give us the goods we need. Obviously, I’m not saying that trades should be completely ignored, especially since Canada is so abundant in various forms of natural resources, but rather we should focus more on a more advanced economy. Prime example: “greenism.” We totally have the capacity and ability to lead the rest of the world in creating a sustainable environmentally-conscious economy that works. Especially with inevitable energy crises to come, our country can truly promote innovative solutions that minimize negative impacts to the environment while maximizing wealth from the environment (through green jobs, green industries, etc.). Maybe I’m talking too much like a politician, but the fact is that we need to go green (and make green) or go home losers.

And if that means taking a step in the winning direction by slashing jobs that produce gas-guzzling vehicles, so be it. But hey, the lamplighters were never content with revolutionary changes resulting in the electric light bulb, right?