Eaton Centre Fountain (April 24 2009)

I took these pictures of the Eaton Centre fountain before and after it started running. Taken April 24 2009.

Papa Roach - "Lifeline"

Papa Roach isn't a group I listen to on a regular basis, but "Lifeline", the recent single from Metamorphosis, caught my ear at the gym a few weeks ago. Lyrically, it's nothing we haven't heard before; the lead singer describes the pain he feels as he recounts a bad situation. However, take note of these lyrics from the second verse:

So I put out my hand
And I asked for some help
We tore down the walls I built around myself
I was struck by the light
And I fell to the ground

The last two lines should look familiar to Christians or anyone else who reads the Holy Bible.

And as (Saul) journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
(Acts 9:3-4, KJV; emphasis mine)

Just because some people aren't explicitly religious, it doesn't necessarily mean that they aren't thinking about spiritual matters. As a matter of fact, Christian Music Today has a series of articles called Glimpses Of God, where they explore the spiritual aspects of secular music. Their most recent examination was on Bruce Springsteen's latest album, Working On A Dream.

With that said, enjoy Papa Roach's song.

Papa Roach - Lifeline
by UniversalMusicGroup

Money Honey

The already-crowded field of savings accounts just became more crowded. Canadian Tire is now offering savings accounts with an introductory interest rate of 3.50%, but this only applies for ninety days from the date of registration. After that, according to the fine print, your money earns interest at a "regular variable rate" of 2.50%.

For as long as I can remember, I've stashed my savings with ING Direct. Their interest rate of 1.5% is really low at the moment, but I've had no problems with them so far. I won't be cancelling my accounts there anytime soon.

On the other hand, I may have some extra Canadian Tire money in my apartment somewhere... :-)

Close Calls (Epilogue)

The shooting which happened on Wednesday at Jane and Eglinton is now a homicide, as the victim has died of his injuries. A CBC story says that it happened around 6:30 p.m.; on the day of the murder, there were reports saying that it happened around 7:00 p.m.

If the 6:30 time is correct, it means that I passed through that intersection not too long after it happened. That explains the skid marks, but I didn't see anything else which looked amiss. Heck, when I passed there yesterday, it looked as if nothing had happened.

In any event, I'm a bit surprised by how close I was to becoming part of a crime scene - or, worse, a victim of one.