Toronto Mike's Blog

Discovering Cover Songs for the First Time (Toronto Mike)

Mon, 28 May 2012 09:55:39 -0500

When I was 8 and 9, I just assumed every song I heard on the radio was an original song by the artist. I didn't know artists could cover songs originally performed by other artists. So when I heard Tainted Love by Soft Cell, I just assumed that was Soft Cell's song. It wasn't.

In 1985, I was a big fan of Mötley Crüe's "Smokin' in the Boys Room". 10-year old Mike loved that tune. Here's the video.

Then, one of those ads for a 70s music compilation album came on TV, and it included "Smokin' in the Boys Room" by Brownsville Station. Wha-wha-what???

It was the same song, sung by a different band, over a decade earlier. What was this abomination?

I had discovered the cover song.

Buying Essays Online: Who Does It? (Toronto Mike)

Mon, 28 May 2012 09:28:36 -0500

Anyone is welcome to submit a Guest Blog Entry to TorontoMike.com. I received the following entry late last week from Kieran.

I hate cheating. This is my personal life position. I always try to complete everything in my life by myself. It can either be my car repair, or my college paper, or even my GF (I hate THAT kinds of cheating too). But my last crazy party ended up with F mark for English Literature, so I had to rewrite my essay in one day. And that was the only moment when I told to myself that cheating is not that bad and that I can use some help from professionals. So I googled "college paper" and found this one - http://www.college-paper.org.

First thoughts were like - Oh. These guys just want my money and their office is in Pakistan (for sure). The problem was - that I didn't have any time at all. So I told them my VISA numbers, gave them all they need and chose "highest urgency" level. They called me 3 minutes after that - nice voice (it didn't sound like India or Pakistan) asked me about my order - I told them all I knew. I don't want to give you more details - this stuff is boring, they sent me my paper in 5 hours, I got B and my professor was happy (as was I, for sure). So what is the conclusion? Order your essays at that site? Well... only if you need to. Party all the time? Also nope. Always think about tomorrow and don't let cheatin' happen.

I have never purchased an essay for school. Then again, I graduated in '98 and every essay I wrote was based on research I did in actual paper books borrowed from libraries both on campus and off. Sometimes the books I needed weren't allowed to be taken out of the library and I had to do all my work there. These were some seriously tough times.

But writing essays was a strength of mine, and if I put in the work, I always got good results. I honestly believe that if I were in university today I'd still write every one of my essays and wouldn't be tempted by essay writing services. But then again, I also hate paying for things I can do myself. So I'm not certain if my reasons are wholly moral in nature or self serving to save a buck and ensure a good grade.

What about you? Have you ever submitted an essay you didn't write? Did you ever pay for an essay? How'd that work out for you?

Do It For Ponikarovsky (Toronto Mike)

Sat, 26 May 2012 10:06:10 -0500

Poni spent nine years playing for the Maple Leafs, scoring 114 goals and 257 points in 477 games. He is now four wins away from hoisting the Stanley Cup.

I'm rooting for him.

Hot May Open Mike (Toronto Mike)

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:16:56 -0500

We're hitting 30° today, people. 30°... and that's Celsius, my American friends.

But if I hear one of you complain about the heat I'm gonna lose it on you in the comments. Consider yourselves warned.

You know the drill, discuss anything you want in this space. And if you have a question, I'll drop by throughout the day to answer you.

Brooke Shields stars in The Exorcist (Ryan G.)

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:11:35 -0500

So I happen to be a gigantic fan of what I consider one of the best films of all time - The Exorcist.

There have been embarrassing sequels, awful prequels, spoofs, copycat films, tribute sites and even Exorcist action figures complete with spinning heads and R-rated sound effects.

It's no surprise then that there is now a theatrical version of The Exorcist being staged in Los Angeles this summer, and Brooke Shields is playing Chris Macneil, the mother of the possessed girl Regan. http://geffenplayhouse.com/more_info.php?show_id=137

I was wondering if the experience might be similar to going to Marineland, where there's an announcement before the show warning patrons that those in the first few rows will get wet - only with The Exorcist it's fake projectile vomit.

Would you see this if it was on stage in Toronto?

My New Favourite Gum (Toronto Mike)

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:18:35 -0500

I chew a lot of gum. You may recall my desperate plea 7 years ago for sugarfree bubble gum. I like my gum sugarfree, and I like to blow bubbles. Is that too much to ask?

I recently discovered a new gum that I love. I take down six pieces a day, and I never get tired of it. They sell it in bulk at Costco and it's called Stride Spark Kinetic Mint.

No, they didn't pay for this endorsement, and I've never received a free pack (although I'd accept one), but I'm so damn happy with this gum I just wanted to scream it from mountain tops.

Why I dig Stride Spark Kinetic Mint:

I can blow bubbles with it
It's sugarfree and even has vitamins
The flavour has a great minty kick to it and lasts
It's the perfect consistency for aggressive sport chewing

If you chew gum, what's your gum of choice?

I Don't Hate Fearless Fred (Toronto Mike)

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:15:29 -0500

I don't hate Fearless Fred. Not even a little bit.

Way back in November, Fearless Fred appeared on the Humble and Fred podcast and had a bone to pick with me. Here's an excerpt:

November was a long time ago, but this topic was recently brought up on the podcast (a pirate named Rusty believe it or not) and I'm hearing from a bunch of new listeners who are missing vital context. People are writing me emails telling me to apologize to Fearless Fred, but these people have only heard Fred's rant above.

For those new folks who think I hate on radio personalities and harass their families, here are the facts:

I wrote about Fearless Fred's move from Edmonton to The Edge 102. As you'll see, I was pretty gentle.
Then, he fired the first shot, going off on me in an interview. Of course I wrote about that, posting Fred's quote, but again I was awfully gentle.
I've never, ever written a single word about Fearless Fred's wife or family. I never cross that line. I spoke about Fearless Fred as a radio host, a public figure, and merely commented on the situation at Edge 102 and his on-air abilities.

So no, I don't believe I owe Fearless Fred an apology, but he probably owes me one. And no, I don't hate him. Not even a little bit. He seems like a decent guy and I'd love to bury the hatchet.

I'm Allergic to Stuff (Toronto Mike)

Tue, 22 May 2012 22:21:43 -0500

I'm not literally allergic to anything, but I don't want stuff. I was thinking if you left me some fairly basic clothing and footwear, and a few kitchen and bathroom essentials, I'd be very happy with a mere handful of items.

At least one decent wifi-connected computer
My Android phone
My baseball glove and tennis racquet
A deck of cards

I'd miss cable tv for the live sports but I'd learn to live without it. I don't think there's anything else...

The Latest Raptors Recap Ever (Toronto Mike)

Tue, 22 May 2012 12:03:41 -0500

I watched the Oklahoma City Thunder eliminate the Los Angeles Lakers last night. That's rather significant, because I can count the basketball games I've watched this season on one hand.

Since the Raptors arrived in 1995 this is by far the least I've followed them. For one, it was a shortened season, and I was rooting for the lockout. It was a lost season and we all knew it so why emotionally invest? I opted out.

Having said that, I've never opted out of a lost Leafs season, and there have been plenty of those. I chalk that up to the simple fact that I'm a bigger hockey fan than I am a basketball fan. Still, I'm shocked at how invisible this Raptors season was... it started and then it was over.

Heading into this season, I wanted two things. I wanted the Mavs to fizzle out because I didn't want Vince Carter winning an NBA Championship. That happened. And I'd like the Heat to lose.... just because. Here's hoping that happens in the 2nd round against the Pacers.

So that's my super late Raptors recap. We stunk, but we knew we'd stink, and we think we have a decent coach and brighter days ahead.

Top 102 New Rock Songs by 102.1 The Edge (2012 Edition) (Toronto Mike)

Mon, 21 May 2012 11:40:17 -0500

102.1 The Edge, a.k.a. CFNY, has unveiled the top 102 "new rock songs" of all time, according to 102.1 The Edge listeners.

This is the list they played Saturday, May 19, 2012.

Sublime - Santeria
Nirvana - Come As You Are
Stone Temple Pilots - Interstate Love Song
The Smashing Pumpkins - Today
The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army
Weezer - Buddy Holly
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
The Tragically Hip - New Orleans Is Sinking
Blur - Song 2
The Killers - Somebody Told Me
Pearl Jam - Even Flow
Our Lady Peace - Naveed
Green Day - When I Come Around
Alice In Chains - Man In The Box
The Tragically Hip - Ahead By A Century
The Offspring - Self Esteem
Soundgarden - Black Hole Sun
Arcade Fire - Wake Up
Nine Inch Nails - Closer
Finger Eleven - One Thing
Foo Fighters - Learn To Fly
Oasis - Wonderwall
Billy Talent - Try Honesty
The Smashing Pumpkins - 1979
City And Colour/Dallas Green - Save Your Sissors
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Dani California
Metric - Gimme Sympathy
Bush - Glycerine
Stone Temple Pilots - Plush
Our Lady Peace - Superman's Dead
Jane's Addiction - Jane Says
Sum 41 - Fat Lip
Sublime - What I Got
The Tragically Hip - Little Bones
Muse - Uprising
Three Days Grace - I Hate Everything About You
Mumford And Sons - Little Lion Man
K-OS - Crabbuckit
Radiohead - Creep
Sam Roberts - Brother Down
Green Day - Brain Stew
The Tragically Hip - Fifty-Mission cap
Weezer - Say It Ain't So
Foo Fighters - Everlong
Arcade Fire - Rebellion (Lies)
The Black Keys - Tighten Up
Jimmy Eat World - The Middle
Tool - Sober
Pearl Jam - Jeremy
Coldplay - Yellow
The White Stripes - Fell In Love With A Girl
The Killers - Mr. Brightside
Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire
Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye
Nirvana - Heart-Shaped Box
Beck - Loser
Our Lady Peace - Starseed
Linkin Park - In The End
Oasis - Champagne Supernova
Soundgarden - Fell On Black Days
The Tragically Hip - Blow At High Dough
Stone Temple Pilots - Big Empty
Three Days Grace - Animal I Have Become
Green Day - American Idiot
Billy Talent - The River Below
Incubus - Drive
Arcade Fire - Ready To Start
MGMT - Kids
Our Lady Peace - Innocent
Queens Of The Stone Age - No One Knows
Metric - Help, I'm Alive
Foo Fighters - Best Of You
The Tragically Hip - At The Hundredth Meridian
Blind Melon - No Rain
Sum 41 - In Too Deep
The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony
Finger Eleven - Paralyzer
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Under The Bridge
Death From Above 1979 - Romantic Rights
Bob Marley/The Wailers - Jammin'
Our Lady Peace - One Man Army
The Offspring - Come Out And Play
Alexisonfire - This Could Be Anywhere
Muse - Starlight
The Tragically Hip - Courage
Beastie Boys - Sabotage
Billy Talent - Devil In A Midnight Mass
Nirvana - Lithium
Three Days Grace - Just Like You
Radiohead - Karma Police
K-OS - Man I Used To Be
Coldplay - Viva La Vida
City And Colour/Gord Downie - Sleeping Sickness
Beastie Boys - Figth For Your Right
The Matthew Good Band - Load Me Up
Pearl Jam - Daughter
Our Lady Peace - Clumsy
Alice In Chains - No Excuses
The Tragically Hip - Poets
Blink-182 - All The Small Things
Bedouin Soundclash - When The Night Feels My Song
Red Hot Chili Peppers - By The Way

102.1 The Edge likes to do this with great frequency. In fact, they did it just last Labour Day. Here's how the list looked then.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Under The Bridge
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Soundgarden - Black Hole Sun
Nirvana - Come As You Are
Metallica - The Unforgiven
Foo Fighters - My Hero
Linkin Park - In The End
U2 - With Or Without You
The Tragically Hip - Ahead By A Century
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Dani California
Pearl Jam - Even Flow
House Of Pain - Jump Around
Metallica - Nothing Else Matters
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Otherside
Nirvana - All Apologies
The Tragically Hip - Bobcaygeon
The Smashing Pumpkins - 1979
Foo Fighters - Best Of You
Beck - Loser
U2 - Sunday Bloody Sunday
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Scar Tissue
Beastie Boys - Figth For Your Right
Metallica - Enter Sandman
The Tragically Hip - Courage
Blind Melon - No Rain
The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony
Our Lady Peace - Is Anybody Home?
Blur - Song 2
Billy Talent - Try Honesty
MGMT - Kids
The Tragically Hip - Poets
R.E.M - Losing My Religion
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Give It Away
Lenny Kravitz - American Woman
Foo Fighters - Everlong
Oasis - Wonderwall
Green Day - Brain Stew
The Tragically Hip - Blow At High Dough
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Can't Stop
Coldplay - Clocks
Linkin Park - Numb
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication
Nirvana - Rape Me
Incubus - Drive
Pearl Jam - Alive
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Soul To Squeeze
Nirvana - About A Girl
Foo Fighters - Learn To Fly
Oasis - Champagne Supernova
Arcade Fire - Rebellion (Lies)
Rage Against The Machine - Testify
Three Days Grace - I Hate Everything About You
The Offspring - Self Esteem
Our Lady Peace - Somewhere Out There
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Around The World
The Tragically Hip - At The Hundredth Meridian
Green Day - Boulevard Of Broken Dreams
K-OS - Crabbuckit
Foo Fighters - All My Life
Billy Talent - Fallen Leaves
Rage Against The Machine - Killing In The Name Of
Finger Eleven - One Thing
Stone Temple Pilots - Creep
Our Lady Peace - Innocent
Green Day - Time Of Your Life
Arcade Fire - Neighbourhood #3
Radiohead - Karma Police
Sum 41 - In Too Deep
Nine Inch Nails - Closer
The Tragically Hip - Fifty-Mission cap
Sublime - Smoke Two Joints
Our Lady Peace - Superman's Dead
Foo Fighters - Times Like These
Billy Talent - Devil In A Midnight Mass
Pearl Jam - Jeremy
Three Days Grace - Just Like You
Coldplay - Viva La Vida
Bedouin Soundclash - When The Night Feels My Song
The Killers - Mr. Brightside
Sum 41 - Fat Lip
Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye
Our Lady Peace - Life
Beastie Boys - Intergalactic
Metric - Gimme Sympathy
Everlast - What It's Like
Nickelback - How You Remind Me
Nirvana - The Mand Who Sold The World
The Tragically Hip - Little Bones
Green Day - When I Come Around
Sam Roberts - Brother Down
Pearl Jam - Daughter
Finger Eleven - First Time
Stone Temple Pilots - Plush
Sloan - Money City Maniacs
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Tell Me Baby
Our Lady Peace - Naveed
Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire
Big Wreck - The Oaf
Blink-182 - All The Small Things
Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker - Laces Out
The Smashing Pumpkins - Disarm
Three Days Grace - Never Too Late

It's pretty amazing to see the #1 song from Labour Day 2011 finish 78th this weekend. That was a Red Hot Chili Peppers tune, a band that placed 10 songs in the top 102 last time, but only 3 this time. Are Edge listeners finally tiring of all RHCP all the time?

The Tragically Hip placed 8 songs in the top 102 this time around, making them champs. But this list looks surprisingly different than the last one. Santeria, a surprise #1 this time around, didn't crack the top 102 last time.

Does anyone else want to chime in with observations?

Robin Gibb, Dead at 62 (Toronto Mike)

Sun, 20 May 2012 19:10:29 -0500

Robin Gibb was 62. He was the singer and songwriter best known as a member of the Bee Gees, co-founded with his twin brother Maurice and older brother Barry.

May 2-4 Long Weekend Open Mike (Toronto Mike)

Fri, 18 May 2012 09:41:24 -0500

Are we still calling Monday Victoria Day? Can we please rename it Terry Fox Day?

By any name, a long weekend full of 20-something highs sure smells sweet. Bring it on.

You know the drill, discuss anything you want in this space. And if you have a question, I'll drop by throughout the day to answer you.

Donna Summer, Dead at 63 (Toronto Mike)

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:08:02 -0500

Donna Summer was 63. She was the Queen of Disco, known for such hits as "Last Dance," "Love to Love You Baby," "I Feel Love," "Bad Girls" and "Hot Stuff."

My Burgers Then vs. My Burgers Now (Toronto Mike)

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:58:01 -0500

It's the May 2-4 long weekend, and most of us will enjoy at least one BBQ. Who doesn't love a tasty barbecued hamburger?

In the good old days, when I didn't give a hot damn about nutrition labels, I'd likely gravitate towards the Presidents Choice Gigantico burgers. Don't they look good?

Each Gigantico hamburger contains 34 grams of fat. 34!

This weekend, I'll enjoy Presidents Choice Blue Menu Sirloin lean beef burgers. These, I must admit, are also very, very good.

Oh... and each Blue Menu hamburger only contains 8 grams of fat.

Ignorance is bliss, but awareness is essential. And that's one to grow on.

Beaver Cleaver? Who's That? (Toronto Mike)

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:09:49 -0500

There's a new girl on my ball team and on Monday night I picked her up to drive her to our games. She lived in a nice neighbourhood so I told her Beaver Cleaver must live nearby.

I'll bet you know where this story's going... "Who's that?", was her reply.

Who's Beaver Cleaver? Really? This 23-year old Canadian-born English-speaking woman had never heard of Beaver Cleaver.

I was floored. Leave it to Beaver aired well before my time, but it's forever available in syndication. Furthermore, as a pop culture reference it should even be known by those who have never seen an episode.

I'm going to assume every person who will ever read this entry has heard of Beaver Cleaver, am I right?