New Economic Indicator Revealed, which shows that the Recession is finally over
It’s true. The Recession must be over. I saw the proof with my own eyes earlier this week.
What proof was that? Continue reading
3D Printed Artificial Ears offer hope to children born with a congenital deformity called Microtia
Microtia/Anotia is a deformity of the external canal and middle ear which is not fully developed. It affects thousands of children born every year.
Is the American Dream an Illusion?
Gregory Clark, a UC Davis Economics Prof., recently put together an article on the Foreign Affairs site where he posits that your parents and grandparents social status in society determines your eventual social status level and also that of your kids.
Video is courtesy of The RSA YouTube Channel
Numbers do not lie, but their interpretation can vary. There can often be outliers to any data set. For example, Steve Jobs of Apple fame rise to Billionaire status, readily comes to mind.
I also believe that access to higher levels of education can dramatically change the level to which one can rise on the Social Status ladder. Higher levels of education also allow one to network with other students who come from far wealthier families.
But I believe that Gregory Clark may have an important point and that his data set could very well be proof that the so called American Dream is in fact just an illusion for the vast majority of citizenry. I also think that this applies to most other western countries, including Canada…
Posted by: Vincent Banial
Disclaimer: Any Trademarks mentioned in this post are owned by the respective Trademark owner. There could be unintentional errors or omissions in this post. Always refer to the official sites to confirm details and any ongoing changes or updates. This post is subject to change without notice.
Ken Block GYMKHANA SEVEN: Wild In The Streets Of Los Angeles
Ken Block has released a new GYMKHANA video. Yes, Gymkhana Seven is here.
This time he rips up the streets of Los Angeles, in an 845 horsepower extremely rare “all-wheel-drive” 1965 Ford Mustang.
In the past, I had been posting about the awesome Gymkhana video on our CLiK CLiK Vic photo website. Might be time to create a full set of Gymkhana posts on this site.
Anyhow, hope you all enjoy the latest Gymkhana Seven video:
Video is courtesy of TheHoonigans YouTube Channel
Posted by: Vincent Banial
Disclaimer: Any Trademarks mentioned in this post are owned by the respective Trademark owner. There could be unintentional errors or omissions in this post. Always refer to the official sites to confirm details and any ongoing changes or updates. This post is also subject to change without notice.
Unlimited Cloud Storage available on Microsoft OneDrive to Office 365 subscribers
New blog post about how to Clean a Computer Virus and Malware infection
Just started another blog, for Tech oriented material. Our first post details how to clean a computer virus and malware infection. In the post I discuss the two best software programs which you should use. Both are top rated by major testing site AV-TEST.ORG and you can download them both for “free”.
Apple Watch featured on the cover of Vogue China magazine
Apple Watch featured on the cover of Vogue China November issue.
http://www.vogue.com.cn/magazine/current-issue/news_12113a20cab84411.html
Posted by Vincent Banial for Uniquely Toronto
Installed Windows 10 Technical Preview Build 9841 today. Super quick and easy install. Very stable. No issues found
Windows 9 magically became the Windows 10 Technical Preview.
I installed Windows 10 Technical Preview Build 9841 today and was blown away. The install was super quick (including the NTFS format of a new Hard Drive) with very little prompting. Almost automatic and on an old AMD Phenom cpu based computer. Continue reading
Visit Microsoft’s Surface Research and Design labs
Bloomberg News has posted a video, on their YouTube channel, which provides a look inside Microsoft’s Surface Research and Design labs.
Video is courtesy of the Bloomberg News YouTube channel
CNE Concert Photos – Tim Hicks concert at the CNE Bandshell Stage on Aug 29 2014
Tim Hicks and his bandmates put on an “AMAZING” concert at the CNE Bandshell Stage on Aug 20!!!
Photo from the Tim Hicks concert at the CNE Bandshell Stage on Aug 29 2014
This was the best band that I have ever had the luck to see and hear performing at the CNE Bandshell Stage! Tim Hicks and his boys know how to entertain!
Photo from the Tim Hicks concert at the CNE Bandshell Stage
I was apprehensive about shooting this concert. Tim Hicks is supposed to play on Country Music Radio Stations. Little did I know. This was “not” a Johnny Cash type of Country Music. Tim Hicks is as a good a Rock Band as they are a Country Band.
Photo from the Tim Hicks concert at the CNE Bandshell Stage
Superb Guitar solos. Their Bass Player is an extraordinary showman. Tim has a powerful voice and easily worked the audience.
Photo from the Tim Hicks concert at the CNE Bandshell Stage
Their Drummer pounded out the beat. Seriously great muscians.
Photo from the Tim Hicks concert at the CNE Bandshell Stage
I am not a Country Music fan, but I really enjoyed the Tim Hicks concert. Great to listen to. Fun to watch their performance.
Photo from the Tim Hicks concert at the CNE Bandshell Stage
The only stupid beef that I had, was with Tim’s baseball cap. The front brim would cast a shadow on his face…
Photo from the Tim Hicks concert at the CNE Bandshell Stage
Tim Hicks closed the show with multiple blasts from assorted Dry Ice funnels. They blasted funnels of fog onto the stage. Really neat effect. Wish that I had brought two cameras with a wide angle zoom on it. Hard to capture a full stage with a long lens.
Photo from the Tim Hicks concert at the CNE Bandshell Stage
Because of the Tim Hicks concert, I plan on buying a video camera in the near future. Video is great when something spectacular happens. I would have loved to have captured their closing song on video. Heck the whole Tim Hicks concert would have been great to capture on video.
Photo from the Tim Hicks concert at the CNE Bandshell Stage
Tim Hicks spoke about playing for a long period as the “house band” in a Toronto bar. These guys are ready for the “big time”. Superb players who also have a great visual performance. Concerts are about “BOTH” sight and sound. Tim Hicks and his band knows about that, in spades.
Photo from the Tim Hicks concert at the CNE Bandshell Stage
Photo from the Tim Hicks concert at the CNE Bandshell Stage
Photo from the Tim Hicks concert at the CNE Bandshell Stage
Click on this line to visit the official Tim Hicks website, to learn more about the band.
Click on this line to visit the official Tim Hicks Facebook page.
Click on this line to visit the official Tim Hicks YouTube channel and view some great music videos.
Posted by: Vincent Banial
Disclaimer: Any Trademarks mentioned in this post are owned by the respective Trademark owner. There could be unintentional errors or omissions in this post. Always refer to the official sites to confirm details and any ongoing changes or updates. This post is subject to change without notice.
CNE Concert Photos – DESTROYER concert at the CNE Midway Stage on Aug 22 2014
DESTROYER performing at the CNE Midway Stage on Aug 22 2014
On Aug 22, DESTROYER fans filled the area around the CNE Midway Stage.
DESTROYER performing at the CNE Midway Stage on Aug 22 2014
This band puts on great concerts. They know how important visual impact is.
DESTROYER performing at the CNE Midway Stage on Aug 22 2014
I caught their last show, which was impressive. After their set, members of DESTROYER went out into the audience to chat with their fans.
DESTROYER performing at the CNE Midway Stage on Aug 22 2014
Earlier this year, DESTROYER had played their 1,000th concert. Not many bands reach that milestone.
DESTROYER performing at the CNE Midway Stage on Aug 22 2014
If you get the chance to catch one of their live performances, don’t miss it….
DESTROYER performing at the CNE Midway Stage on Aug 22 2014
Click on this line to visit the official DESTROYER Canada Facebook page.
Click on this line to visit the official concerts list for the CNE Midway Stage.
Click on this line to visit the official DESTROYER Canada website.
Posted by: Vincent Banial
Disclaimer: Any Trademarks mentioned in this post are owned by the respective Trademark owner. There could be unintentional errors or omissions in this post. Always refer to the official sites to confirm details and any ongoing changes or updates. This post is subject to change without notice.
CNE Concert Photos – Paul James Band at the Midway Stage on Aug 18 2014
On Aug 18 2014, the Paul James Band performed at the CNE Midway Stage, with multiple sets.
The Paul James Band is made up of talented musicians. What sets them apart from most other bands is Paul James, their Lead Singer, Guitarist and Front-man. Paul is a great musician, who knows how to entertain and work the audience.
Photo of the Paul James Band performing at the CNE Midway Stage on Aug 18 2014. Photo credits CLiK CLiK VIc
Photos of the Paul James Band performing at the CNE Midway Stage on Aug 18 2014. Photo credits CLiK CLiK VIc
Concerts are not only about the sound. People can listen to a radio, to hear sound. They go to “see” and hear the musicians. A great performance must include visual components. The Paul James Band offers up superb sound, along with fun to watch performance. Great stuff and not commonly seen.
Photo of the Paul James Band performing at the CNE Midway Stage on Aug 18 2014. Photo credits CLiK CLiK VIc
Yes, I really enjoyed their set. It was simply awesome!!!
Photo of the Paul James Band performing at the CNE Midway Stage on Aug 18 2014. Photo credits CLiK CLiK VIc
Highly recommended band. You MUST SEE the Paul James Band perform live whenever you get a chance…
Click on this line to visit the official Paul James band Website.
Click on this line to view the Paul James Band Wikipedia page.
Click on this line to visit the Paul James Band YouTube Channel with great music videos.
Special Thanks go out to Vincent Banial for shooting the photos of this concert.
CNE Concert Photos – Kailash Kher concert at the CNE Bandsell on Aug 17 2014
International Super Star Kailash Kher and his band “Kailasa” performed to a packed audience, at the CNE Bandshell on Aug 17 2014.
Kailash Kher and his band “Kailasa” performed at the CNE Bandsell on Aug 17 2014. Photo Credits CLiK CLiK Vic
Great concert. Interestingly the audience was a mix of older and younger fans. True stars area able to cross the generational divide.
Kailash Kher and his band “Kailasa” performed at the CNE Bandsell on Aug 17 2014. Photo Credits CLiK CLiK Vic
The show was in a way a mix of the old rustic India and the new Modern India.
Kailash Kher and his band “Kailasa” performing at the CNE Bandsell on Aug 17 2014. Photo Credits CLiK CLiK Vic
Kailash Kher and his band “Kailasa” performing at the CNE Bandsell on Aug 17 2014. Photo Credits CLiK CLiK Vic
I was surprised when he ask female fans to join him on stage. It looked liked the Security guy were also surprised. The Audience loved that gesture.
Kailash Kher and his band “Kailasa” performing at the CNE Bandsell on Aug 17 2014. Photo Credits CLiK CLiK Vic
Kailash Kher and his band “Kailasa” performing at the CNE Bandsell on Aug 17 2014. Photo Credits CLiK CLiK Vic
Click on this line to visit the official Kailash Kher website.
Click on this line to visit the official Kailash Kher Facebook page.
Posted by: Vincent Banial
Disclaimer: Any Trademarks mentioned in this post are owned by the respective Trademark owner. There could be unintentional errors or omissions in this post. Always refer to the official sites to confirm details and any ongoing changes or updates. This post is subject to change without notice.
CNE Concert Photos – Down With Webster concert at the CNE Bandshell Stage on Aug 15 2014
Here is our Gallery of CNE Concert photos,
from the Down With Webster concert
held at the CNE Bandshell on Aug 15 2014.
Down With Webster concert at the CNE Bandshell on Aug 15 2014. Photo Credit Vincent Banial
Down With Webster concert at the CNE Bandshell on Aug 15 2014. Photo credit Vincent Banial
Down With Webster concert at the CNE Bandshell on Aug 15 2014. Photo credit Vincent Banial
Down With Webster concert at the CNE Bandshell on Aug 15 2014. Photo credit Vincent Banial
Down With Webster concert at the CNE Bandshell on Aug 15 2014. Photo credit Vincent Banial
Down With Webster concert at the CNE Bandshell on Aug 15 2014 Photo Credit Vincent Banial
Down With Webster concert at the CNE Bandshell on Aug 15 2014. Photo credit Vincent Banial
Click on this line to visit the official band website for Down With Webster.
Click on this line to visit the official Facebook page for Down With Webster.
Click on this line to view the official Down With Webster iTunes page.
Click on this to view our CNE Concerts list for CNE Bandshell concerts in 2014.
Click on this line to visit the official CNE website.
Posted by: Vincent Banial
Disclaimer: Any Trademarks mentioned in this post are owned by the respective Trademark owner. There could be unintentional errors or omissions in this post. Always refer to the official sites to confirm details and any ongoing changes or updates.
CNE Concert Photos – Wednesday’s Engine concert at the CNE Midway Stage – Aug 15 2014
Photo of Wednesday’s Engine in concert at the CNE Midway Stage 2014. Photo Credit Vincent Banial
Wednesday’s Engine performed on the Midway Stage at the CNE.
Photo of Wednesday’s Engine concert at the CNE Midway Stage 2014. Photo Credit Vincent Banial
I dropped by after the Down With Webster concert at the CNE Bandshell on Aug 15.
Photo of Wednesday’s Engine concert at the CNE Midway Stage 2014. Photo Credit Vincent Banial
The Lighting guys at the Midway Stage are again doing a superb job.
Photo of Wednesday’s Engine concert at the CNE Midway Stage 2014. Photo Credit Vincent Banial
IMHO the lighting on the Midway Stage is way better, than the lighting on the CNE Bandshell Stage. No dark shadows being cast onto the Musician’s faces…
Photo of Wednesday’s Engine concert at the CNE Midway Stage 2014. Photo Credit Vincent Banial
Wednesday’s Engine is made up of extremely good Musicians. Great band to kick back and listen to, while partaking in a few Brewskys with friends.
Photo of Wednesday’s Engine concert at the CNE Midway Stage 2014. Photo Credit Vincent Banial
Click on this line to visit the Official Website for “Wednesday’s Engine”.
Click on this line to visit “Wednesday’s Engine” official Facebook page.
Click on this line to view our CNE Midways Stage Concerts listing for 2014.
Click on this line to view our CNE Bandshell Stage Concerts listing for 2014.
Special Thanks go out to Vincent Banial for shooting the photos of this concert for Uniquely Toronto.
CNE Concerts 2014 – Midway Stage
The CNE Midway at night. Photo courtesy of The CNE
I was down at the CNE grounds earlier today to get our Media Pass. Final touches were being done. Tomorrow The EX opens for another historic season.Music has always been a theme at the CNE. Along with the Bandshell Stage, you can catch more great bands and musicians at the Midway Stage.
So here is CNE Midway Stage concert listing for 2014: Continue reading
Platinum Blonde to rock the CNE Bandshell stage on Fri Aug 22
Platinum Blonde. Photo Credit CLiK CLiK Vic
On Fri Aug 22, the CNE Bandshell will host Platinum Blonde, one of Canada’s hottest bands of the 1980s.. You’ll get to hear ‘Crying Over You” and Standing in the Dark” and many other favorites, performed live.
Dwayne Gretzky will be the opening act that evening.
Video is courtesy of the AFTERLIGT FILMS YouTube channel
Tom Cochrane to perform at the CNE Bandshell on Sat Aug 30
Tom Cochrane with Jeff Jones. Photo courtesy of CLiK CLiK Vic
Yes, Life is a Highway so mark your calendars for the evening of Saturday Aug 30th. That’s when Canadian Rocker Tom Cochrane hits the stage at the CNE Bandshell.
Every year the Canadian National Exhibition features great musical talents on assorted stages around the CNE grounds. The CNE Bandshell stage gives fans an opportunity to get up close and more personal, while they see and hear their favorite Bands and Musicians.
Tom Cochrane with Red Rider. Photo courtesy of CLiK CLiK Vic
Tom Cochrane was born in Lynn Lake, Manitoba. After a number of hit songs and a Juno Award, his name and music are known around the globe. You can read a good Bio on his iTunes page.
Click on this line to visit Tom Cochrane’s official website.
Click on this line to visit Tom Cochrane’s Facebook page
CNE Bandshell Concerts 2014
CNE Princess gates – historic photo courtesy of the CNE
The CNE is set to open for another season of fun, games and concerts. Last year we posted a listing of Bandshell concerts which was really well received, so here we go again.
CNE Bandshell Concert dates. All shows listed will start at 7:30pm:
Aug 15 Fri Down With Webster. Outasight will be the opening act.
Aug 16 Sat The Mavericks.
Aug 17 Sun Kailah Kher.
Aug 19 Tue Christopher Cross. Ash & Bloom will open.
Aug 20 Wed The Mighty Diamonds. Jay Douglas and Paoblo Paul will open.
Aug 21 Thurs Jose Feliciano
Aug 22 Fri Platinum Blonde. with Dwayne Gretzky opening.
Aug 23 Sat Gord Bamford. Tebey will open.
Aug 24 Sun The Orchestra – made up of former members of Electric Light Orchestra. Francesco Yates to open.
Aug 26 Tue These Kids Wear Crowns. Eleven Past One will be te middle act. Opening the night will be PRTY H3RO
Aug 27 Wed April Wine with Bleeker Ridge opening.
Aug 28 Thurs Hanson. Opening act will be The Seasons
Aug 29 Fri The Hicks. Kira Isabella and Abrams Brothers will open.
Aug 30 Sat Tom Cochrane. Autumns Cannon is the opening act.
Aug 31 Sun Rising Star Talent Competition Finals. Starts at 7pm
Click on this line to view of 2014 CNE Concerts list for the Midway Stage.
Posted by Vincent Banial for Uniquely Toronto
Disclaimer: All shows, dates and time listed above are subject to change without notice.
Microsoft Surface Mini is a real Microsoft designed Tablet.
The Microsoft Surface Mini (8″ ?) would probably be available in your local Best Buy, had sales of the Surface RT met targets. Microsoft stated more or less that much in it’s fourth quarter 2014 financial results.Click on this line to view Microsoft’s official Fourth Quarter Financial Results page.
The Computer and Gaming Hardware section is about 3/4 of the way down that report. Under the heading titled “Computer and Gaming Hardware” one will find the following info: “Gross margin increased $665 million compared to the prior year, which included the Surface RT inventory adjustment charge. Current year cost of revenue included Surface inventory adjustments resulting from our transition to newer generation devices and a decision to not ship a new form factor.“.
Note the use of the words “to not ship a new form factor”. You cannot ship a new product (or not ship it), if said product had not already been produced and packaged ready for shipping. Hmmm. Still don’t believe that the Microsoft Surface Mini is a real Microsoft designed tablet?
Read the original Surface Pro 3 User Manual and read the sections discussing the included Pen and it’s use with OneNote. For example on Page 25, you will find tidbits like “Click the top button to open OneNote, even if your Surface is locked. Bluetooth technology links your Surface Pen to your Surface Mini or Surface Pro 3,“.
Click on this line to read the “original” Surface Pro 3 Manual online on the Scribd website. Scroll down to page 25 to confirm the above and then see how many other references you can find to the “Surface Mini” in the rest of that Official Microsoft Surface Pro 3 User Guide.
Out of curiosity I also did a Google search on “Surface-Pro-3-User-Guide-English.pdf”. There is a link to a Microsoft D/L. That D/L link description has the words “no mini” in it. Neat eh? So I downloaded it and sure enough the apparently “revised” version no longer mentions the Surface Mini.
There is also a sales page on Amazon, for a MS Surface Mini case.
I could post the image of the Surface Mini mounted inside the case, but have to respect the photograph owner’s copyright and so I have added a link below, to that sales page on Amazon.
Click on this line to view an item listed for sale on Amazon.
That item listed is a case for the Microsoft Surface Mini, but it includes a supposed Surface Mini in the photo.
I wonder what the Tablet Market would be like if Microsoft had released the Surface Mini, instead of the Surface RT?
These Kids Wear Crowns will perform at the CNE Bandshell on Tues Aug 26th
Mark your calendars for Tues Aug 26th. That night These Kids Wear Crowns will perform with Eleven Past One and also Prty H3ro, at the CNE Bandshell stage.
These Kids Wear Crowns is a great band from Canada’s West Coast, Chilliwack to be exact.
http://ccvic.zenfolio.com/p722301322
The link above will take you to the pics from their 2013 concert in Vaughan. They are really good musicians, who also know how to work their audience.
Every year the The EX puts on a number of concerts at the CNE Bandshell. In a future post I will compile a complete 2014 concert list.
I wanted the first post about the 2014 CNE Bandshell concerts to feature a really great band, but also one which is not as well-known in Toronto.
The concerts will start at 7:30pm. but get there early.
Click on this line to view the CNE Bandshell show details from the official CNE site.
Click on this line to visit the Official site for “These Kids Wear Crowns”.
Click on this line to visit the Official Facebook page for “These Kids Wear Crowns”.
Video of These Kids Wear Crowns in the studio is courtesy of These Kids Wear Crowns YouTube Channel
Posted by Vincent Banial for Uniquely Toronto
DISCLAIMER: Anything posted above is subject to change without notice
Gumball 3000. Get to know Team Galag
Videos are courtesy of the Team Galag YouTube Channel
When the Gumball 3000 came to Toronto, back in 20112, Team Galag was there. Super cool guys, driving some amazing Exotic Cars.
I thought that it might be an idea to feature some of the Ballers who will be participating in this year’s Gumball 3000.
Back in 2012, the Gumball 3000 got underway in New York City. It was interesting to watch the video clips. What stood out was Team Galag. They had custom T-Shirts made and were “giving them away” to the spectators who lined the sidewalks by the Starting Line. I firmly believe that life is much like a circle. What goes around, comes around. Some call it Karma. Team Galag has plenty of Good Karma.
There is a lot going on when the Gumball 3000 participants start out each morning. Yet, the guys from Team Galag were really great with the photogs. Yep photogs can be a bit of a pain, especially when you are in a hurry.
Another cool thing is that Team Galag supports causes.com. This year they are rallying to raise awareness for the Zahra Breast Cancer Association.
You have to check out Team Galag’s Super Cars, when the Gumball 3000 rolls into your town.
Team Galag has assembled a whole bunch of videos about their Gumball 3000 adventures. Click on this line to visit the Team Galag YouTube Channel.
Clicking on this line will take you to the official Team Galag website.
Check out and “Like” the Team Galag Facebook page by clicking on the line.
You can find more great Team Galag videos on their Vimeo channel, by clicking on this line.
Alannah Myles, with her full band, will perform at the Webber Academy Performing Arts Centre in Calgary, on May 03 2014
Photo of Alannah MYles & Neil Chapman performing at Woodbine Park in Toronto. Photo Credit Vincent Banial
Video is courtesy of the Alannah Myles Official YouTube channel
Alannah Myles will perform a repetoire of songs which will cover her 25 years of creating and sharing music which is etched into our memories.
The concert will be recorded and rebroadcast for Stampede City Sessions.
Neil Chapman will be on Lead Guitar. Leo Valvassori will be by Alannah’s side on MD, Bass, Cello & Vocals. Dale Harrison will add superb percussion on Drums. Rich Roxborough will again be featured on Keys & Vocals.
Click on this line to visit the online Zoobis ticket purchase page.
There is also a map of the location of the Webber Academy.
Click on this line to visit the official Alannah Myles website. Don’t forget to Bookmark her site.
Clicking on this line will take you to the Webber Academy (in Calgary, Alberta) website.
Alannah Myles has a Vimeo site where she shares a number of great videos.
To visit the official Alannah Myles Facebook page, just click on this line. Alannah actually runs the page and actually posts on it. Visiting her Facebook page is always fun and interesting. It is also very addictive. You “will” need your daily Alannah Myles fix….
The upcoming May 03 show is a rare chance to hear Alannah Myles live, along with her band of really Gifted Musicians. Get your tickets while you still can…
Posted by: Vincent Banial for Uniquely Toronto
http://www.uniquelytoronto.com
Disclaimer: Any Trademarks mentioned in this post are owned by the respective Trademark owner. There could be unintentional errors or omissions in this post. Always refer to the official sites to confirm details and any ongoing changes or updates. This post is also subject to change without notice.
SLYDE will be playing their final show at Cherry Cola’s on Saturady April 05. May be the last chance to see and hear an Amazing Toronto Rock band
A good friend gave me the Heads Up on this show. Takes place at Cherry Cola’s which is located at 200 Bathurst St in Toronto (Bathurst and Queen) on April 05.
National Motorcycle and Tattoo Show coming to the Better Living Center at the Toronto CNE grounds on April 12th & 13th
Photo of Spartacus – 2012. Photo credit http://ccvic.zenfolio.com
This show has kicked off Motorcycle riding season in Ontario for 32 years.
On April 12 & 13 the 33rd annual National Motorcycle and Tattoo Show will come to the Better Living Center at the CNE grounds (in Toronto).
Very well run show. Lots of vendors, with tons of stuff for Motorcycles and riding. Many Local Toronto Tattoo Artists will also have booths at the show.
Mark your calendars. You don’t want to miss this show.
To learn more about the show including show website links , plse click on this line.
That will take you my blog post, on our Zenfolio site. Sorry, but I’m not allowed to post the same post on more than one site (but I can link to that other post).
See you all at the show…
Uniquely Toronto 