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1/27/2011

CRTC: Per Byte Billing

 Okay, being the internet fiend I am, this is something that is very upsetting to me. The CRTC just passed a bill that will allow internet companies such as Bell Canada the right to bill their customers per byte. So for all the downloaders, youtube users, and gamers, this isn't exactly the best news.

As well, although I am not a subscriber, what happens to those who use Netflix? Or those who use their Xbox or other gaming device to connect with people online? This per byte billing will be the death of them. Nobody will be able to afford to pay their internet let alone use their subscriptions. They say that the CRTC is "restricting our use of the internet" but honestly, it's 2011. We are smack dab in the middle of the digital age and A LOT of people rely on the internet for work, for fun, to connect with people and for entertainment.

I realize I may be biased seeing as I grew up with this stuff but honestly, who out there isn't annoyed about this call? Canada should  be a leader in technology...this is like taking a giant step back.

1/26/2011

American Idol: 2011 Edition


American Idol has been a show that you've either loved or hated for the past eight years or so. I've been one of those people who say they won't follow it because it's tired and boring every year and then I end up watching most if not all of it in the end. I'm a sucker for music and people who are amazing singers deserve to get attention.

Although American Idol is so cliché these days and people feel that it's fixed and it's not real, I still find myself being drawn into it. What I really love about this year's Idol is the change of the judges. With Paula leaving two seasons ago (Ellen Degeneres was her replacement) and Simon leaving after last season, I was sure Idol wouldn't be as great as it used to be. Well, I was 100 per cent wrong. I have never loved the judges more than I do now. Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez have made the season I've seen so far much more enjoyable and entertaining. Steven Tyler is amusing and knows how to have fun with the contestants but also knows how to be serious when needed. He is compassionate, gentle and really knows how to get what he's saying across without hurting their feelings. Jlo has the Paula vibe but without the crazy factor. She's sweet, honest and just has an overall genuine attitude! With the two of them paired with Randy Jackson, I feel that the three of them make a great team.

I am excited to hear more hopefuls and I look forward to seeing if my favourites (so far) will make it to the voting rounds in a few weeks! I'll definitely be keeping you updated so be sure to keep reading!

1/18/2011

JUNO 2011: Toronto

SO...the 2011 JUNO's are fast approaching at the end of March and it's extremely exciting to see them back in Toronto! The last time they were here (and by here I mean Hamilton) I was maybe 10 or so and participating wasn't an option!

While I was interning at The Metro in Vancouver in 2009 I had the amazing opportunity as a fan of music to participate in the events that took place during the JUNO week and I had a blast! I can't wait to give you all the updates and exciting news as the weeks go on and I'm sure you'll become just as excited if not MORE excited then I am!!

Stay tuned!!

1/13/2011

CMW 2011: Music Fest Line-Up!


**800 artists, 55 venues, 5 nights, 1 wristband**
A PART OF CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK 2011
 
A huge part of why CMW is so successful is the many shows that happens throughout the week that celebrates music and it's artists. CMW brings artists from all over the world from 25  different countries, to Toronto to perform, participate in conferences and have an overall great time!

Here's what you can look forward to! 


Adam Jones (Tool) / Saturday, March 12 / Trinity St. Paul's / 7:00pm 
- Tickets on sale Friday, January 14 at 10:00 a.m.
 
       The Indies w/ Janelle Monae, Shad, Hollerado, Bombay Bicycle Club, Hannah   Georgas & Desperate Union / Saturday, March 12 / Fairmont Royal York Hotel (Canadian Room) / 8:00 p.m
  
 The Indies Afterparty w/ Keys N Krates and more / Saturday, March 12 / The Mod Club Sennheiser Lounge / 11:00 p.m.

 (Tickets available at the door or free with your Indies ticket stub or wristband)


 J Mascis (of Dinosaur Jr) w/ Kurt Vile & more / Friday, March 11
/ The Great Hall / 9:00 p.m.*
 
Sirius Satellite Radio presents Land of Talk w/ Isis (of Thunderheist), Cadence Weapon & more / Thursday, March 10 / The Opera House / 7:30 p.m.*
 

Big Sugar (reunion) / Friday, March 11 / Sound Academy / 8:00 p.m.


 Mother Mother / Wednesday March 9 / The Phoenix  / 8:00 p.m.
 
 The Great Escape and Dine Alone Records present The Buzz Factor w/ Bombay Bicycle Club, Dinosaur Bones, The Jezabels & more/ Friday, March 11
/ Lee's Palace / 8:00 p.m.*
 
 CMF and Live Nation present Papa Roach w/ Buckcherry, My Darkest Days & more / Saturday, March 12 / Sound Academy / 7:00 p.m.*
 
 USS w/ Medi & more / Thursday, March 10 / The Phoenix / 8:00 p.m.


 Live Nation and CMF present Down With Webster & more / Saturday, March 12 / Massey Hall / 8:00 p.m.*
 
Live Nation and CMF present Melissa Etheridge & Serena Ryder / Friday, March 11 / Massey Hall / 8:00 p.m.*
 
CMF presents The Windish Agency Showcase w/ Yukon Blonde and friends / Thursday, March 10 / The Great Hall / 9:00 p.m.
 
CMF presents The Windish Agency Showcase w/ Ana Calvi & more / Friday, March 11 / Wrongbar / 8:00 p.m.
 
 Chateau Marmont and more / Thursday, March 10 / The Drake Hotel / 8:00 p.m.**

The Parlotones, The Reason & more / Thursday, March 10 / El Mocambo / 8:00 p.m.*

Embrace and CMF present Middle Brother (A revue with members of Deertick, Dawes and Delta Spirit) / Friday, March 11 / The Opera House / 9:00 p.m.+
 
Inertia and CMF present Steve Ignorant's Crass / Saturday, March 12 / The Opera House / 8:00 p.m.*
 
 DAWG FM and Toronto Blues Society present The Johnny Max Band & more /Saturday, March 12 / The Silver Dollar / 5:30 p.m.
 
CMF and The Union present MEN / Saturday, March 12 / Sneaky Dee's / 8:00 p.m.*


 
Proud FM presents Gentleman Reg & friends / Thursday, March 10 / Gladstone Hotel / 8:00 p.m.
 
CMF and Live Nation present Good Charlotte w/ Forever The Sickest Kids / Friday, March 11 / The Phoenix+


 CMF and Embrace present MURS / Wednesday, March 9 / Wrongbar / 8:00 p.m.
 
 CMF and Embrace present Black Lungs, Sharks & more / Saturday, March 12 / Wrongbar / 8:00 p.m.+
 


For a complete list of artists and show details, visit the Canadian Music Fest website - www.canadianmusicfest.com. All Canadian Music Fest shows are accessible to holders of a Canadian Music Fest wristband. Certain restrictions on some shows may apply. Entry to all shows is subject to capacity.  All shows are 19 and over - unless stated all ages.

Schedule is subject to change. The schedule will be updated frequently - so check the site often for up-to-the-minute information and announcements.

Canadian Music Fest wristbands can be purchased by visiting the Canadian Music Fest website at www.canadianmusicfest.com or in person at Rotate This, Soundscapes, or Kops Records.  Individual tickets for certain shows are available at Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.ca or 416.870.8000 to charge by phone.


* On sale now
** Tickets available only at the door
+ Ticket sales tbd

Back to December - Tswizzle

Why is Taylor Swift so freaking gorgeous? I'm not jealous but c'mon!! It's got to be illegal to be this crazy beautiful!

Anyways, here is her new video for 'Back to December'...It's snowing inside...maybeeeee she should fix that, she may get sick and ruin those beautiful features...ah, who am I kidding...she's not going to ruin anything...she's a goddess!!


CMW 2011: The Indies!



Alright guys I'm sorry to do this but I'll be throwing more than a few things at you about Canadian Music Week (a.k.a CMW...duh!) that happens every year in Toronto! It's an amazing, fun-filled and informative week for not only fans of the music but musicians and everybody in the industry! There are always tons of shows, the Indies, the Canadian Radio Music Awards, and tons of other cool and entertaining things to do!

So if you're in Toronto or the GTA area (heck even if you're in Quebec!) you should think about coming down for a night or two of some great fun! It runs from March 9th to the 13th in venues all over downtown Toronto!

FIRST UP...The Indies!

Held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel on Saturday March 12th, The Indies a great way to feature amazing talent from the Indie music industry. The Awards will feature performances by:

Janelle Monae is on of 2010's breakthrough artists in the music industry. She'll be making her first headline appearance in Canada with her performance here at this year's Indies. Her debut album The ArchAndroid has been topping numerous lists from Associated Press, MTV and Spin to iTunes, People and Entertainment Weekly. She has also earned two Grammy award nominations

Shad, praised as "Canada's Best Rapper", has quickly become one of the country's most respected young artists of today. His third album TSOL is a mix of hard-hitting, clever rhyme schemes and soul searching social commentary. His skillful wordplay and smooth flow, combined with his amazing live shows and music videos have earned him fans all over the world.

Hollerado, thanks to their catchy and energetic guitar pop, and creative and DIY attitude, have become one of the most lovable groups of the year. Their video "Americanarama" (now nicknamed The 8-Bit Human Video) went viral (their original youtube channel shows more than 700 thousand views) and all it took to make it was a $4000 budget and their imaginations!

Crowned the "Best New Band" at the 2010 NME Awards, Bombay Bicycle Club, has been the attention of fans and critics in the UK and have been touted as one of the most exciting new bands for the past year.With the debut of I had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose under their belts, the band is ready to take over North America when they release new material in 2011.

You may not know Hannah Georgas by name yet but you may have heard her music. If you watch Canada's breakout TV series "Flashpoint" or seen the Wal-Mart back-to-school commercial then you may have heard her instead. From her EP The Beat Stuff to her debut This is Good, the Vancouver singer-songwriter has been making her way up the music ladder, topping the year-end lists of iTunes and more!

It's hard to believe but Toronto band Desperate Union have only been together for a year. In this year though they have accomplished more together than most bands do in their entire career. Having already toured with bands like CKY, Silverstein, and finishing a tour in the US with Soulfly, they're ready to take over. Their music videos "Black and White Lies" and "At The Sun" have also been getting airplay on Canada's Much Music station. They are currently in studio creating a new album with producer David Bottrill, who has produced the likes of Tool, Muse and AFI.

The entire concert will be broadcast live on XM Satellite Radio's "The Verge", so be sure to tune in or grab yourself a ticket!

Tickets for The Indies will be available through Ticketmaster, The Canadian Music Fest website and The Indies website as of tomorrow, January 14th. Wristbands to gain entry into this even are available for purchase at the Canadian Music Fest website as well. Wristbands are limited, subject to capacity of the event!


1/12/2011

127 Hours Review

Cast: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara, Clemence Poesy.
Director: Danny Boyle
Rating: 5/5

Now that I've seen this movie I can fully understand why everybody made such a huge fuss over it. It's amazing. Everything about it from the direction of Danny Boyle (made famous by his Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire), to the way James Franco managed to pull off an amazing job acting the part of Aron Ralston. Based on a true story, Franco plays the part of an experienced mountain climber who gets "stuck between a rock and a hard place" when he falls into a crevice in the canyon with his arm stuck between the wall of the canyon and a boulder.

Right from the beginning you know that this movie isn't just your 'average Joe' type flick. With the opening scenes showing the everyday hustle and bustle of commuters and eventually tapering off into what is known as Aron's rather solitary life. At first what seems like an adventurous life and living on the edge, the viewer soon learns that it's not so much fun. He ignores his family and friends and chooses to be alone.

 Aron is an adventurer. He's not afraid to do anything and enjoys being in situations that would normally cause stress to any other person. He begins his day extreme biking across the canyons near Moab, Utah when he comes across two very lost, and very good-looking hikers. He takes time out of his day and shows them a good time but then he's off again - alone. That's when he gets himself into trouble. Aron falls into the canyon along with a boulder and crushing his hand between the boulder and the canyon wall.

While being stuck, with no help for miles, Aron begins to wonder whether or not he'll ever make it out alive. In the 127 hours (hence the title) that he was there he begins to question everything about his life. Always being alone, never answering the phone, not spending enough time with his family. He even had premonitions (or hallucinations?) about everybody he cared about being there in the canyon. And then he did something drastic. I'm not going to spoil the ending but if anybody's read Aron Ralston's book, knows he made it out alive.

As  favourite at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2010 and as well as in the eyes of many viewers since the release to theatres, it's hard not to get caught up in the emotions that Franco plays with conviction. Not knowing whether or not you're going to make it out alive is a tough realization and it makes you begin to ponder your life and wonder what will everybody think.

127 Hours is a movie that makes you appreciate life, and everybody that surrounds you. It shows the resilience and bravery of one man and his will to live to see another day. While battling the elements and the mental stability of himself, he truly begins to see the real meaning of life. And to remember to tell somebody where you're going.

1/04/2011

New Events Posted!

Alright it's a new year and so here are a fresh list of awesome shows to see in the month of January! If you see some that aren't on there just let me know and I'll add as soon as I can!

Check out the link above or click on this one here! ---> http://www.mylifeinlyrics-events.blogspot.com

1/01/2011

Farewell to 2010...Hello to 2011

Wow...do you remember being kids and your parents telling you that time flies when you get older, so have fun now? You never really take that into consideration though, thinking they're just exaggerating - until you're there. This year has FLOWN by and it's crazy to think that it's 2011. Well kids, it's true...time really does fly, so enjoy it when your young. Enjoy being in school, getting dirty and forgetting to do homework, because when it's all said and done, being an adult just isn't all that easy!

Being an adult DOES have it's perks though so don't get too disgruntled when you grow up! Doing your own things, going on trips, spending time with the best of people! It's amazing and I am so thankful for the year I've had, even with all it's crazy ups and downs! But where to begin...

At the end of January 2010 I moved out of my hometown that had been my home since I was 2-years-old. It was a step that had to be taken (although I did move with my Mom so technically it was HER choice) and it's been for the better. Mississauga may cause my road rage to pop up a little more often (let's face it, their drivers SUCK), but it's easier to access, more things to do...and closer to shopping! The only downer was it took me away from my closest friends...Seeing as I don't have access to a vehicle (other than public transportation...whoohoo), it's hard for me to get back to Georgetown as often as I'd like!

Along with moving to Mississauga meant meeting new friends. I was only at Zellers on Dundas for a short period of time but I met some of the best people there...they made my work enjoyable and that's a good thing as Zellers was definitely getting on my last nerve! Luckily I grew some balls and quit the big Z this October and am now working seasonal at Future Shop! Who knows what'll happen on that front but it was a big leap for me to quit seeing as I'd been working for HBC for over 5 years now.

Life in general wasn't overly too exciting...but I made do. Concerts and music are a HUGE part of my life and I took whatever chance I could to go and have a good time. I took chances and applied for media being an independent writer and it got me places I NEVER dreamed! It's amazing at what can happen when you try, try, try!

Being in the media room during the 2010 MMVAs was definitely one of the highlights of the year. It was such an experience being so close to some of the world's biggest stars and being able to get the chance to see that they're just people too. I also overcame a fear and got up and asked a few questions as well (to none other than our Marianas Trench boys as well as Xavier Samuel, Ashley Greene and Kellan Lutz from Twilight!). It was such an awesome experience and I look forward to the 2011 MMVAS! In that summer period I was also privileged to get media for Warped Tour as well as the S.C.E.N.E. music festival! Nothing beats good music, good friends and an overall great time!!

2010 was also the year I got to see my favourite band again (three times in two months!!) after three years of having to skip over their shows due to conflict of interest or lack of money. Hedley has been in my life since the end of High School and I have to say I love them with all my heart. They're incredible guys, their music is amazing and can inspire anybody, and overall they're a great representative of Canadian music. They literally started at the bottom of the music food chain but with luck and perseverance they are now a Canadian sensation breaking out into the U.S. music scene. I'm so proud!!

We can't ignore the fact that my other favourite bands have been breaking out into unknown territory either! Marianas Trench has been breaking into the US markets as well and have been doing amazing! I remember seeing them in a dingy little bar called The Reverb way back when when there was MAYBE 50 or so people there to see them. It's incredible how far they've come  and I can't wait to see what they break into next! Good job boys!

Tupelo Honey broke away from their lead singer Matt Landry and their guitarist Dan Davidson stepped up to the plate and took over...which, as much as I LOVED Matt, Dan is incredible and I can't wait to see what Tupelo Honey has in store for us this year!

Faber Drive has been a part of my life since Hedley...so a crazy long time...and it's crazy how things turn and now have some great friends and have met some great people because of FD. They are an amazingly talented group of guys who are as close as can be and you can see that when they perform. Some of the best shows I've been too in 2010 involved these guys and I wouldn't of had it any other way!! I look forward to hearing some new stuff!


Well, it's true...

These good times couldn't have happened if it hadn't been for friends. They make the world go round and they keep you sane in the craziest times. They may not be there physically all the time but they'll always be in your heart. To my friend on the WEST Coast...I miss you every day and our laugh sessions. We never fail to laugh at the stupidest things and you can always put a smile on my face when I've had a bad day. To my Ontario besties...I know we don't see each other as often as we'd like now that I'm not in the same town, but you still mean the world to me and I honestly don't know what I'd do without you guys! And to the lady on the EAST coast that I've yet to meet in person...2011 BETTER be the year...it's been far too long and I need to meet my awesome girlie!

The holiday and new years is always a great way to kick off a new year and end the old. No matter what you did, whether it be you stayed home and watched Dick Clark, get trashed at a club or hung out with the best friends, as long as you had fun, that's all that matters. Here in Ontario we were fortunate enough to get mild weather which made my time in Brampton with the guys of Faber Drive, my bff and some great music one of the best nights I've had all year...the people were amazing and I'm happy that I got to meet so many new people last night! Cheers to the new year!


I'm excited for 2011. I'm excited to keep writing this blog for those who read it. I'm excited to be able to participate in the Juno Awards for the second time in two years. I'm excited to keep writing and building my rep (hopefully) as a new writer. We all have to set a goal or new years resolution and this year I've decided that I would like to complete (or almost complete) a novel. I don't know how well it will turn out or if it will even be good but it's something that I would love to do and let's see to it that this will be the year that it WILL happen!


Well friends...It's time to do it right...

Well like I said, it's 2011... so here's to the future. Here's to many more memories, many more new friendships and good times. Here's to finding success and ambition. Here's to being the year for finding a cure for cancer. Here's to ending hunger and poverty in 3rd world countries. Here's to ending war and bringing our troops home where they belong. Here's to being prosperous in your career, family and life. 2011 is now the future. The future is what makes our world go round so let's make good use of it, go hug a friend, help somebody you don't know just to be kind and go be the difference in the world.