Suicide - My Thoughts on Recent Events

I realize I have multiple posts (they're coming!) to catch up on and am falling a little behind, but there's something that I need to discuss with you guys as I feel that it's become super important in light of recent events. A week ago now the city of Mississauga, and more specifically my community was struck with a huge tragedy. On the morning of September 16th, the police were called to the scene of an apparent suicide attempt by a 16-year-old boy who jumped over the Mavis-401 overpass and was then struck by an oncoming car. Not even two hours later they discovered the body of a 17-year-old girl in a near by park, strangled to death. The boy died two days later; They were best friends.

Although nothing has been confirmed by officials, it's been said that this had been a murder-suicide. The boy had been struggling for months with depression and was at an all time low. His best friend was trying to help him by telling her parents and school officials at Mississauga Secondary, but in the end it cost her her life. It was said he loved her as more than friends, but she didn't feel the same (only as friends), and maybe that's what pushed him over the edge.

I may not have known these two students of Mississauga Secondary School, it was tough finding out what had happened and having it happen so close to where I live, work and walk every day. It saddened me completely that this young teen felt that he had no escape from his life and therefore decided to end  his life and that of his best friend's.  I can't say I personally know what he felt, but I do understand bullying was a part of his life and it was most definitely a part of mine. It's crazy at how other people can justify bullying as a part of kids growing up, but never do they realize the implications of what these kids are going through. Yes, most grow up, have kids and have a normal life, but then there are some who don't want to live to see another day.

I realize this post is a little morbid but I want whatever readers I have out there to understand that there are others who have gone through what they're going through now. There are people out there who want to listen to you and help you in whatever way they can. Go to your best friend, your best friend's parent, even a stranger. Heck, I'll listen and lend a shoulder if you need somebody to talk to. Life sucks a lot of the time but you just have to make do with what you got, hold your head high and take the high road. Life is precious, YOUR life is precious and I don't want to see more kids end it because they don't think it will get better. It will, your childhood is just a moment in time. A time to look back and say to yourself "I overcame that".

I woke up this morning to find that an 11-year-old in Pickering took his life a few weeks ago (Sept 6). All because he was bullied and mugged last year while at school. A child, not even a teenager, who felt that it was better to give up than to face people who bullied him at school every day. On top of other tragedies in his life and suffering from Muscle Dystrophy. Two days later a 17-year-old boy killed himself in Hamilton also due to being bullied. I'm at a loss for words right now. I guess the only thing I can say is this: To the bullies, are you happy now? Are you satisfied that the kid you picked on so often felt so low that the only choice he felt he had was to kill himself?

So I ask you this, if you or someone you know is being bullied, PLEASE seek help. Talk to somebody, school officials, the parents, other friends etc. If your a kid or teen and feel that there is nobody who can understand you, call the Kids help line, they're there to listen.

This happens more than you think. Teen suicide isn't preventable but it can be avoided. First thing to do is stop the bullying.

If you're feeling sad, depressed, thinking about ending it, call. There are people out there who will listen to you without conviction. They want to help you.

Kids Help Line: 1-800-668-6868

Toronto Distress Line: 416-408-4357

Survivor Support Program: 416-595-1716

Taryn


**The information about the murder-suicide, and the 11-year-old from Pickering came from The Toronto Star articles as well as the the two phone numbers**

http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1059479--disabled-pickering-boy-took-his-own-life-after-he-was-mugged-and-bullied?bn=1

http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1056471--the-other-student-in-mississauga-murder-suicide

Let's Go to the Ex! Food, Fun and Marianas Trench

I always look forward to August because I know that the Canadian National Exhibition is once again holding up fort at the Exhibition grounds in Toronto. The Ex is virtually a staple of Ontario summers and a family tradition to many. There is always something for everyone and everyone has fun no matter what age you are. I've long grown out of the rides (...well, I will go on them, I just can't find anybody else who wants to go with me - heh), but I thoroughly enjoy walking the grounds, taking in the sound, the music, the shopping and the overall atmosphere.

We all know that the CNE is technically just an over-zealous version of your typical small-town small fall fair, but we also know that it`s so much more than that. It's a multi-cultural, family oriented gathering for people all over Ontario and Canada to get together to share memories and create more.  I enjoy the time spent with friends, remembering our childhoods, eating deliciously bad food (aka deep fried "cola") that we'd never get away with on a regular day and listening to great music at the bandshell.

One of the main things I love about the Ex is the talent they schedule every year. Whoever is in charge of scheduling has a great mind and knows that in order to please a large variety of people, you need to be able to have a wide variety of talent on stage. They also are smart enough to know that kids, teens and young adults will also be the majority of the attendees when it comes to these events. I for one love the shows, the outdoor atmosphere and the fact that the stage isn't too big or gaudy.

Marianas Trench has been around for ages. I first heard of them when I was nearing the end of my high school career...and yes, that has been awhile ago now - thanks for reminding me. I remember hearing them sing a capella and I was floored. Their vocals were incredible, in tune and pleasing to the ear. Lead vocalist Josh Ramsay showed power and range that you really don't see in many singers these days. When Myspace was popular, I remember spending hours talking back and forth with Mike, their guitarist and having the most random conversations.  And as much as I love who they've become, and how successful they've been when it comes to their music and song-writing, I miss those times. I miss being able to talk to them at a show for a half hour, I miss them recognizing you instantly and giving you a hug.

As you have probably guessed, I've seen Mtrench in concert quite a few times. And ever since I saw them play at the Commodore during Juno weekend in 2009, I've kind of been comparing their shows ever since. Their show in Vancouver was beyond amazing. The vocals were perfect, their stage presence was impeccable and their overall performance was beyond what most bands do. I will admit that mtrench hasn't had some great performances, but then again, no band is ever perfect - that's life. And with Josh having vocal troubles sometimes, it's completely understandable. The show at the Ex on August 21st, wasn't as good as the show in Vancouver but it was pretty darn close. I was able to remember those times in the past and just have fun. They were fun, the music was catchy and their new music was inspiring. I know for a fact they work their asses off to get the fans what they want and I am proud that they are able to do so still. Even though their new music is becoming more mainstream, I am still an avid fan and I hope they stick around for more great music.

The lone issue I seem to have lately with the band is that Josh never seems to come out and greet the fans after their shows. I can't pinpoint one time I've witnessed this because I've seen it numerous times. Maybe it's just my experiences but I've had a friend who's tried to meet him countless times and each time he's disappointed her as well as many others. Some see it as stand-offish and I see it as a little snobby. Again, maybe it was just my luck in the situations but I have heard other stories when he's been the most sincere person there is. I've seen that side of Josh and I love it, but I've also seen the side where he stands on the other side of the barriers smoking (...maybe THAT'S why you're having vocal troubles Josh? Just a thought...) and ignoring the adoring girls. The entire band is sweet natured and very humble so I just hope that what I've witnessed on numerous occasions was just flukes and because he was having bad days...Don't worry Josh, I still love you but I just had to say what was on my mind!

Taryn

P.S. Keep your eyes open, I have another review of the TDSB show at the bandshell and my second day at the Ex coming up soon!

Blink 182 Rocks Toronto August 17th

 Photos Courtesy of Savannah Miranda

It seems like Blink-182 has been around for as long as I can remember. I think the first time I'd ever heard of them was during a talent show in middle school when my fellow classmates stood up to perform "Adam's Song" in front of the entire school. I must admit, at the time I began listening to them because my girly crush at the time was in the band, but even today, 15 years later (yet another hint as to how old I am really getting - haha), they are still a band that I will occasionally fall back on.

The show itself was like no other that I've been to this year so far. A lot of the shows I've attended were geared towards the younger crowds as they either a) haven't been around long or b) are focused on that of a younger generation. Blink has been around for quite some time now and a lot of their "young" fans have grown up and are living their own lives. The average age at the Molson Amphatheatre on August 17th was 25 or older. There were of course people of all ages but when I looked around, everybody seemed to be in my generation.

Molson Amp, Aug 17, 2011. Photo Courtesy of Savannah Miranda

A friend approached me about going to the show with her as she couldn't find another companion who was able to go on such short notice. I can never say no to a concert (and I thank her endlessly for taking me with her) and so I agreed because we always have fun when we're together! To be honest though, when she mentioned the show I was more excited to be seeing My Chemical Romance more than Blink 182. MCR was probably one of the first "punk" bands (if you want to call them that) that I ever listened to. I was a country girl growing up and then I was all about the Boy Bands for the longest time. They were the opening to more music and a wider variety than I was used to.

Now I know this is supposed to be a review of the show but since I only knew about 10 per cent of all the songs that were performed, it's kind of pointless for me to go on about something that I don't know all about. So I guess I will talk about the vibe of the entire venue. This show at the Amp was probably the first one I'd been to there since 2005. I'd forgotten how much a huge venue like that could fill so easily and how much more fun it seemed than just going to a show at the Air Canada Centre. The open concept, the amphatheatre shape and the full crowd just made everything seem so much more intimate - even with 15,000 people in the sold out crowd. It was a full out rock show. Fist pumping, people smoking weed everywhere, and everybody singing to the music they knew so well. I know you see that at every concert you go to, but this time (to me at least) it was a little different than what I am used to.

Molson Amp, Aug 17, 2011. Photo Courtesy of Savannah Miranda

I guess my only complaint of the evening was the sound quality. The last show I went to at the Amp we were in the pit and I was a little tipsy (no use in denying), but I do remember it sounding better. I am going to put the blame on the placement of where we were sitting (great seats btw) but we were to the far left of the stage and the speakers were directed towards the front so the sound ended up being muffled. And being somebody who is hard of hearing to begin with, I just had to go with the flow and bob my head to the beat. The songs I did know the words to I sang along, but with most of the music, I just listened and enjoyed viewing people singing to their  favourite band.

Check out Blink-182's website on news of their album, which gets released on September 27th, 2011. 

Molson Amp, Aug 17, 2011. Photo Courtesy of Savannah Miranda

Mat McHugh to Play at the Drake Hotel Tonight Sept 06

photo courtesy of Mat McHugh

Okay ladies if you're willing to open your ears, you need to check out a very sexy Aussie man who goes by the name of Mat McHugh. When I was listening to his EP what came to mind was a mixture of Michael Buble and Maroon Five. I know it's a little bit of an odd mixture but with his smooth vocals and likable lyrics, it was hard not to put two and two together. *random thought* After I finished listening to more of his music, I also found that he sounded a little like 100 Monkeys when they did they're slower songs. Maybe I'm crazy, but maybe not.

The acoustic guitar is subtle but very well played and the vocals are nice. I like the nice, relaxed feeling I got when I was listening to the music...and after the stressful end of the day I had, that's saying something for sure!

He's also the front man of the Australian band The Beautiful Girls, which also has a similar sound to what he is doing with his solo work and tour. His EP "Go Don't Stop" was released in June of this year with the expected release of his full length album to follow.


“I want to contribute to the musical landscape in 2011 by making something more about feelings and
emotions than it is about musical cleverness,” McHugh says in his biography.

If you feel like learning more about Mat or his band Beautiful girls check out their websites:

http://www.matmchughmusic.com
http://www.thebeautifulgirls.com
http://www.facebook.com/matmchughmusic

Be sure you check Mat McHugh and The Beautiful Girls out!