Hey guys,

I’m finally back after my two night stay in Montreal and I had an awesome great time. I just want to know that I will remain up to date on all the current events and probably combine some interesting some ideas if one person could portray that person some day. Without further ado, here it goes.

When I was in Montreal, I was watching a news report about a sawmill worker named Darwin Head from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan who did a shooout at a Vancouver Canucks hockey game at GM Place in Vancouver (at that time the Canucks were playing against the Colorado Avalanche) and without further ado, he began to fire pucks that were laid on the ice and began to perform some shots towards the hockey net.

As he began to shoot, the crowd began to count the number of shots. He fired 15 out of 20 shots and the crowd was very impressed on the performance he did. He used to play recreational hockey until he was about 25 years old. This has gained exciting national coverage and the person was interviewed on every TV network in Canada. He should have been interviewed on CNN (such as Larry King Live) or probably Daaavvvvvid Letterman!

If only Josh Ramsay of Marianas Trench should attempt to perform the stunt like Darwin did, he should “Try a little more, a little more, a little more…“. As for Pierre Bouvier of Simple Plan, he would describe the shooutout as this:

“It seems like everyday
I make mistakes
I just can’t get it right

It’s like I’m the one
You love to hate
But not today”

As the old saying goes, “HE SHOOTS, HE SCORES!!!!” You can see the shootout video (along with the ShakeTramp and Shut Up music videos) below:

Darwin Head Shootout:

“ShakeTramp” by Marianas Trench:

“Shut Up” by Simple Plan: 

References: 

http://www.ctvbc.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080228/Million_Shootout_080228/20080228/?hub=BritishColumbiaHome 

http://www.foxbusiness.com/article/shootshe-scoreshe-wins-1-million_498543_1.html 

http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_20081.aspx 

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5gtCeP7Pcd0ujNY4S1SEddDWEmDog 

After much speculation to some people, it seems that we finally got a conclusion to the Obay ads - it seems that Ontario Colleges were to blame for making this viral advertising campaign.

According to a news release, the particular ad campaign is targeted to mostly parents when it comes to post-secondary education.

“Students across Ontario can breathe a sigh of relief today with the news that a new product, ‘Obay’, purported to stop them thinking for themselves, or about their future, isn’t for real and won’t be appearing in their parents’ medicine cabinets anytime soon. A teaser campaign, featuring fictional ads and humorous, provocative messages about parental ‘mind control’ has been running across province for the past few weeks. They are part of the lead up to today’s official launch of a new marketing campaign by Colleges Ontario - the advocacy organization representing the 24 colleges of applied arts and technology - that is targeted primarily to parents, the group identified as having great influence when it comes to post-secondary education.”

It seems that everyone had got the message, but some of them got pointless…lol According to a representative of the Canadian Federation of Students, this is what he/she has to say:

“It’s ironic that Colleges Ontario has chosen to market itself this way If the colleges want to talk about obeying anything, students ask them to explain why they refuse to obey the law.”

According to another press release, two former post-secondary students filed a lawsuit against Ontario colleges to put a stop the collection of tuition-related ancillary fees and secure at least $200 Million CDN in compensation for current and former post-secondary students. Ancillary fees are charged in conjunction with tuition fees. These fees are used to fund student centres, athletic facilities, health/dental care insurance or other services that are supplementary to the basic operations of a college or university.

Edit at 8:40p.m.: The Torontoist blog made their own view about the Obay ads. It can be viewed here: http://torontoist.com/2008/02/obay_phase_two.php

Ontario Colleges was able to provide a section dedicated to those ads, which can be viewed here: http://whycollege.ontariocolleges.ca/en/obay.html

There were also some Youtube Videos dedicating to the campaign such as a new baby becoming a lawyer, a mother telling a young girl a bedtime story about anatomy and the group of kindergarden students divided into three groups: lawyers, doctors and chartered accountants. The ads can be viewed here: http://ca.youtube.com/user/obayCamp 

Since the McGunity government has removed a freeze on tuition fees, the costs began to rise significantly. The biggest hit is for people with disabilities, they have to find a way on how (and their caregivers) to finance their post-secondary education. I’m not making any negative opinions, though. Just like when Billy “Fish” O’Neill said in an interview about his horrific ordeal while doing a rollerblading stunt in Barcelona, Spain:

“Seriously be careful. Obviously what had happened to me is avoidable, so just be aware it can happen and avoid it.”

To read the rest of that interview, please click here.

On another note, I will be away to Montreal with my mom and I will promise to provide an update about the current events that revolve around us. Keep up to date with my blog.

References:

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2008/25/c5491.html

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2008/25/c5551.html

http://angeladuncan.wordpress.com/2008/02/25/nobay-obay/

http://onlineprcourse.wordpress.com/2008/02/25/obay-explained-part-2/

http://torontoist.com/2008/02/obay_phase_two.php

http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/306749 

SIMON: It’s known as the punk rock festival of the summer, The Vans Warped Tour is attracting many punk rocker fans to see their favourite bands perform at different stages. This was a case in 2003, when Punk Rock gains momentum. As we report from our reporter Laura Mundinger, the weather wasn’t co-operating.

[Cut to a band performing for the crowd with fans moshing in the background]

LAURA: At Molson Park today, many punk rockers are having a great time when the 9^th annual Vans Warped Tour comes into town. Many fans waited as early at 8a.m. just to get into the excitement.

[Cut to a male complete with a Mohawk]

FAN #1: I really like rocking out all day, I was moshing non-stop all day long and I want to continue moshing again!

LAURA: Are you a little, tired? [Laughs]

FAN #1: Oh, yeah. I need some badly rest!

[Cut to a group of fans]

FAN #2: We were here to see Yellowcard, Rancid, The All-American Rejects and Simple Plan!!!! YAY!!!

[Cut to fans walking across the vendors’ tents, then a scene of fans lining up to go in]

LAURA: The Vans Warped tour created 9 years ago and spearheaded by Kevin Lyman attracted many punk rockers every summer and many punk rock artists joined in the fun and perform one of the great hits from big artists to little artists, the Warped Tour provide a great dose of punk rock music that everyone can enjoy. We spoke to Kevin Lyman backstage.

[Cut to Kevin Lyman backstage]

KEVIN LYMAN: The Warped Tour has been a staple in punk rock for many years. Next year in 2004, we will celebrate our 10^th year and we always provide many opportunities on not just major bands like Simple Plan, AFI, All-American Rejects, Rancid and Yellowcard, but we provide some new opportunities for some smaller, independent bands, trying to lay a foundation to enter the music scene.

[Cut to another shot of a band performing for the fans]

LAURA: Not many people are quite impressed with the sights and sounds of the tour. One local resident, who we cannot identify, has to file a complaint with city council on adjusting the noise level of the surrounding areas within the concert venue radius.

[Cut to local resident]

RESIDENT: I’ve kept complaining a day before the tour is going to be held until they made me go into city council to post my views. They told me that they are working out on a plan to provide a certain compromise. I don’t want my future of my children to be polluted with noise.

[Cut to a representative of the city]

LAURA: A city representative has a different view.

CITY REPRESENTATIVE: We are trying to work with an agreement with the Warped Tour officials and we have our Acoustic personnel on site to make sure that all decibel levels are within our standards.

[Cut to a crowd surfer in the mosh pit]

LAURA: So what will the future of the Warped Tour will bring?

[Cut to various fans interviewed]

FAN #1: I come all the way from the City of Toronto and I think that reliable transit links should make the trip easier, as opposed to paying a lift to go to the tour.

FAN #2: I want my favourite bands to play longer!

FAN #3: I want every band to appear at the merchandise tent, but it’s up to their management to decide if it’s going to be feasible.

LAURA: In Barrie, Laura Mundinger, Newswatch..

SIMON:  The Warped Tour will be back on the road again for another summer of Punk Rock this June. To keep informed about the bands slated to perform at the tour, please go to www.warpedtour.com. As Laura mentioned, Molson Park, now known as Park Place, The site where the Warped Tour had performed over the past few years is now closed and in the process of gradually being cleared and redeveloped to become a lifestyle shopping centre. The Warped Tour is now going to be held in Toronto this year. Keep checking out the Warped Tour website for more details. Next week on Flashback, the double cohort of 2003 was a big one, as many new students are heading to a new university that open its’ doors in Oshawa.

Hey guys,

Simon here again for another blog posting. Last night, I finally got my opportunity to see Angels and Airwaves at the Kool haus in Toronto. It was an awesome great time and I was filled with joy on that night. My sister went with me as well and I also got my opportunity to see my facebook friends who were at the concert as well. Chris B., Kevin T., James B., just to name a few. My sitser also hanged out with two Yankee friends from New York State who were at the concert that night (My friend Chris B. also came from New York State) and we had a very great time. I managed to took a few pictures of Angels and Airwaves along with the other supporting acts such as The Color Fred and Ace Enders. The Color Fred by the way, is Fred Mascherino’s own project since he left the band called Taking Back Sunday. I really like his music to some extent, but I mainly concentrate on Angels and Airwaves. Despite this, I had an awesome great time.

Changing gears, I was reading an article on the Globe and Mail today about the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) had imposed a city wide quarantine limitng the movement of ash tree materials to prevent the further spread of the Emerald ash borer beetle. There were some mixed views aboutit. Mayor David Miller quote, “The federal government’s action in forcing cities to pay for control of this pest I find unacceptable,”

CFIA officials note that the quarantine complies with U.S.-style standards - county-wide controls, in which in the case Toronto ends up being a municipal border.

“It’s a federal interest in ensuring that [the ash borer] doesn’t go across the country. It’s their treaty that they’ve signed, it’s exactly the kind of place where they could be supporting cities,”

However, Mr. Miller states that he is well supported on the battle against the beetle. “We will do what is asked, we didn’t need an order,We’re active, we value our trees, and we’re very, very worried about it.”

There should be also some signs notifying motorists that they are entering a regulated area. They cannot take out the materials or they will face a stiff penality or prosecution. That’s what my opinion states.

A city forester also states that removing the ash trees either the tree is infested with the beetle or not will cost upwards of $40 Million CDN. A mature tree would also cost $2,000 CDN each to remove. My concern now is that the beetle will soon cross the Durham Region and if Regional Council doesn’t have a plan in place to combat this particular beetle, then the results will be enormous. Note to Roger Anderson: build a plan on combating the beetle, now.

I’ll try to find road signs indicating that you are leaving/entering the quarantine zone if I have a chance.

References:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080223.BEETLE23/TPStory/TPNational/Ontario/

http://www.insidetoronto.ca/News/NorthYork/article/42228

http://www.sootoday.com/content/news/full_story.asp?StoryNumber=30389

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pestrava/agrpla/agrplae.shtml 

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pestrava/agrpla/survenqe.shtml 

After many days of wondering who is the culprit behind the Obay ads and many views posted by various people (including mine), it seems we finally got a conclusion: The people at Colleges Ontario is indeed the culprit of those ads. The Torontoist blog vaguely confirms that and states that Colleges Ontario will be attending a media launch event next week to showcase about “the news about Obay and it’s side effects of Ontario’s Post-Secondary Education.”

Hey, I wonder how the side effects will effect many post-secondary students whether from College or University. Just like the song by Simple Plan:

Is everybody going crazy?
Is anybody gonna save me?
Can anybody tell me what’s going on?
Tell me what’s going on?
If you open your eyes
You’ll see that something is wrong

Edit (1:16p.m.): Be-mag.com has posted an online interview of Billy “Fish” O’Neill and his horrific ordeal about his incident. He also posted an advice to many aggressive skaters who are doing a stunt like that. He is currently in crutches and still limping, but he’s doing okay. I wish Fish’s best on his road to recovery. As always, always wear proper safety equipment when doing a certain stunt. You would not end up being like him….

Changing gears, tomorrow night I’m going to see Angels & Airwaves at the Kool Haus (The Guvernment) in Toronto with my sister. It’s going to be fun. To finish off this blog, I’m leaving you two music videos: “Crazy” by Simple Plan and “Everything’s Magic” by Angels & Airwaves.

“Crazy” by Simple Plan:

“Everything’s Magic” by Angels & Airwaves:

More reading:

http://torontoist.com/2008/02/obay.php

Colleges Ontario

Billy “Fish” O’Neill Interview about his ordeal on Be-mag.com

Wow. I can believe more and more people are visiting my blog just because I posted my own view about the Obay ads that were sprouting all across Ontario. One of my responders told me it’s from Ontario Colleges and he/she told me that the 2nd phase of the ads will be starting soon. We’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, I tried to dialed the Obay hotline at 1-888-YOU-OBAY (968-6229) and when I dialed this number, it gives me nothing but this automated recording and at the end of the ad, it asks me to leave a message or press 1 for more options.

Here’s the transcript if anyone wants to see (I scoured that from a message board):

“Thank you for calling 1-888-YOU-OBAY. There’s nothing worse than a child who won’t do what they’re told. You raise them, feed them, cloth them, sit through their violin recitals; and how do they pay you back?? They go ahead and think for themselves!

So order your supply of OBay today… Because YOUR Wish is YOUR command!”

The Toronto Star also posted an article about the mystery ads and had their correspondents called the mastermind of the ads, in this case Ontario Colleges. Ontario Colleges’ response: “No knowledge or comments on that campaign at all.” That’s one mystery solved for now. And while anyone is trying to guess which company (or companies) are responsible for this, it’s anyone’s guess on who is accounted for. I believe they won’t be having their Délice Artifice  (Artific Delight) for sure.

Changing gears, I had a great time on seeing Simple Plan for the Live @ Much, but I didn’t stay for long. This is because of the colder temperatures and my feet were in the stage of numbness. I was also unsuccessful on getting a single autograph from the band, but I did manage to get a few shots of the guys meeting with the fans outside. I also saw my first “glimpse” of David Desrosiers of Simple Plan outside talking to the fans (he was also with his sidekick, Patrick Langlois (by the alias of Patrick Cunningham)  who was outside at the same time), but I wasn’t quick enough to say a word from him. Oh well, better luck next time. MuchMusic’s blog offer the highlights of the Live @ Much in greater detail.

Anyways, I’ve posted a video if anyone wants to see what the Obay hotline sounded like when dialed and you can do so by clicking here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkqZ2Y4IDiA 

http://jaiandthecity.blogspot.com/2008/02/whos-behind-obay-drug-ads-torontoist.html 

http://www.joeydevilla.com/2008/02/15/mysterious-ads-for-obay/ 

I was watching “Video on Trial” on MuchMusic last night and to my surprise, Josh Ramsay of Marianas Trench appeared to my very own eyes.

I kinda laughed at the part on where Josh spent 60 days (two months) doing dance lessons

Funny quotes I have to say:

“Next up, we got a song called “Shake Tramp” by Fall Out Boy…or American Rejects…….”

The part where Josh Ramsay and Trevor Boris sing together, “Try a little more, little more, little more, they slap you like a (censored) and you take it like a (censored)” 

“Four words, “Michael Flatley eat your heart out”. Riverdance.”

“And there’s the best, most graceful, you know what watching this doing this hitch-kick, is like witnessing the birth of christ, and then having the young dod  looking to your eyes and he says your first word “It’s your name”.” 

“I give this video 10 fredastaires out of 10.”

If Only Billy “Fish” O’Neill had given that opportunity to listen to Marianas Trench’s music, he wouldn’t end up being hit by the car when he and his conference crew were in Barcelona, Spain doing some kind of aggressive inline tour promo of some sort.

“You know what, it’s funny that they would sentence this guy to sing “Highway To The Danger Zone” because I do feel like this video is the “Top Gun” of Dance Videos.”

Note to Fish: I’m sorry that I make some kind of insult to you. Perhaps you should be more careful next time when doing the stunt you did.

The video:

The video in case you haven’t seen Fish got hit by car:

If you think the Billy “Fish” O’Neill incident is somewhat of a laughing matter, then this one will sure laugh at you. The other day I was boarding a Durham Region Transit bus heading to Durham College, until one transit advertisement caught my attention. The ad was “claiming” to be from an undiscovered product called “Obay”. At first, I thought it was a funny advertisement until I decided to scour over the internet to find what the product exactly is. But to no avail, there wasn’t any “clear” evidence except the website Obay.info

The issue was spreading like wildfire, even on the transit fan communities message boards! Here’s are some examples of the Obay ads:

“When Amy started thinking for herself, we had to nip it in the bud with Obay.”

“Are your children starting to think for themselves? Put a stop to it now with OBAY.”

“My son used to have his own hopes and aspirations. Now he has mine. Thanks, Obay!”

Here’s the pictures of the ads shot by various people:

Here’s another one, founded on this link below: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cloudsong/2266374716/sizes/l/

Before anyone tries to submit a complaint to Advertising Standards Canada, a spokesperson behind the ads assures everyone that “It’s a teaser campaign, I can’t say any more than that,” She also states the next phase will be revealed in the matter of a couple weeks. As for Billy “Fish” O’Neill, he should really “Obay” on what I had give some stern advice to him, when he is about to do this stunt that TheConference.org had uploaded to their blog. I also should told him that he should wear proper safety equipment when doing any extreme activity. He should be careful too! WhyBecauseISaidSo.

To Finish to this off, I’m leaving you a music video by Simple Plan called “When I’m Gone”. If Billy “Fish” O’Neill were to read my blog posting right now, he would be very complemented on my views about him. Also, if you guys enjoyed the Simple Plan music video quite as Billy “Fish” O’Neill (providing if he gets a “taste” of SP’s music), then I’ve been enjoying it quite as much as you. hahaha

Simple Plan - When I’m Gone:

References:

http://toronto.24hrs.ca/News/2008/02/15/4847977-sun.html

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080208145612AA2nC48

http://hypermodern.net/archives/tag/pills/

http://creativebits.org/obay_ads

http://torontoist.com/tags/obay

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?referrerid=32220&t=553898

WARNING: PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT ANYTHING YOUR ABOUT TO SEE! THIS WAS DONE BY A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL! ALWAYS WEAR PROPER SAFETY GEAR WHILE DOING AN EXTREME ACTIVITY!

I stumbled upon visiting TheConference.org’s website until one particular video gained my attention. Billy “Fish” O’Neill a pro aggressive inline skater (rollerblader) was having a great time filming in Barcelona, Spain until suddenly without warning, Fish got hit by a car. The people who were filming this were shocked to see the news. They have to call in an ambulance to make sure that Billy is doing okay. As TheConference.org blog report, he is doing okay. Here’s an official statement from TheConference.org:

We have it all on film, all the ensuing action too. Billy is OK. He has 2 twisted ankles, so he cant walk, but he is fine. We were all laughing about it, he wanted to put that clip online, we spent all evening with the police and the hospital, everyone looked after him, we are a great supportive crew here at my house and to be honest we were all sitting around watching it and talking about how lucky he was.

He is in great humour and we werent using it as an advertisement, or promoting a DVD, we just wanted to share what happened with everyone, because it was a miracle escape.

Im really sorry people are offended by it, i understand it though as we ourselves still see it and cringe, and at that moment we all wanted to die…

Billy is sitting here by my side watching “Jay and Silent Bob strike back” and is laughing away.

Oli.

This is what Billy O’Neill had quoted from an unknown source (actually this was posted from the RollerNews.com website):

sup heads, im all good , just sprained both ankles pretty bad. crazy incident tho. it happened yesterday in barcelona. but honestly thanks for all ur concerns and things like that, its making me feel better to know that the community cares, ya kno. love yall. peace

Billy O..neiil

Now my concern for him is that he will not walk (and eventually rollerblade) again. My best wishes go to Mr. O’Neil for a successful recovery……I bet he didn’t end like the Prevent-it.ca ads produced by the WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board)

(Picture from www.theconference.org)

picture from www.be-mag.com

Billy “Fish” O’Neill video:

Here’s a video of Billy “Fish” O’Neill in his “better” days - testing his own USD pro skate model:

Changing gears, Simple Plan is going to appear for the Live @ Much on Tuesday and it’s going to be televised live - on MuchMusic! I’m planning to go down there on that day, bring my Simple Plan memorabilia, and my camera because I might take pictures of the guys signing autographs to the fans and meeting them! The last time they were here was back in December 2004. I only one autograph from Chuck Comeau, but that’s not a big deal. heh.

As for the Billy “Fish” O’Neill incident, just like the end of prevent-it.ca ads, “There really are no accidents.” Also, just like the song by Simple Plan, “How can this happen to me?!!“

To see the music video of that song, you can do so here:

Simple Plan - Untitled (How can this happen to me)

To see the WSIB ads, you can view them here (WARNING: May contain content unsuitable to some, viewer discretion is advised):

Prevent-it.ca Chef:

Prevent-it.ca Welder:

Be-mag.com’s website offer some more “insight” about the Billy O’Neill incident. I wonder who will pay Billy O’Neill’s healthcare expenses…I hope he has adequate health coverage……

http://www.be-mag.com/articles/show/1163

http://www.be-mag.com/articles/show/1163#915

SIMON: In 2003, Toronto has suffered a slump in tourism, due to the SARS outbreak in the city. As the outbreak had subsided, the city’s tourism authority began an aggressive tourism campaign on bring the people that the city is safe once again. There was one company back in 2004 who wanted to provide a fast ferry service from Toronto to Rochester, New York as an alternative of driving down the QEW and then crossing the bridge to the United States. However, the new fast ferry did not surprise everyone during its inauguration. Here’s reporter Maurice Roussieaux with that story.

[Cut to Fast Ferry vessel leaving the dock]

MAURICE: The Spirit of Ontario also known as “The Breeze” sets sail as it leaves the port of Rochester, New York for its maiden voyage to Toronto, Ontario. CATS or Canadian American Transportation Systems actively promoted the service in local newspapers in Toronto and in Rochester. [Cut to view of people walking along the deck of the vessel]  We decided to go out on a test drive to test out the new fast ferry and how it compares on driving the traditional way. Many passengers were quite anxious on the inaugural trip across Lake Ontario.

[Cut to passenger interviewed by reporter]

PASSENGER 1: I have some relatives in Toronto and they told me that their city suffered a massive slump in tourism. They told me that they survived the SARS outbreak, West Nile Virus, Mad Cow Disease, the Blackout; it’s just endless for the city. Hopefully, this new fast ferry service will promote tourism in that city.

PASSENGER 2: It’s a great alternative to the freeway. You have to drive on the New York State Thruway and pay the toll and then cross over Canada to drive on their roads. I can easily go from Rochester to Toronto at a fraction of the time.

[Various shots of the inside amenities on the vessel]

MAURICE: CATS claimed that the new fast ferry service will cut travel time in half as opposed on traveling by road. Customs/Immigration is done before boarding and after boarding on both sides of the country. The vessel is built by an Australian company called Austal Ships and it has a lot of amenities on board. They include a cafeteria, a play room for the kids, two movie theatres, two bars, a video game arcade and for those of you who regularly visit either Toronto or Rochester for a business trip, there’s a satellite broadband connection on board, as well as television service for those of you sports fans. [Cut to reporter talking to president of the company]

CATS president Cornel Martin told NewsWatch that the company has some problems on starting the service up, but reassures that everything is working out.

CORNEL MARTIN: We have some problems with the new permanent ferry terminal back in Toronto and we have to repair a hull that was damaged in New York City. We were planning to have the service ready for May, but we have to delay for one of those reasons.

MAURICE: Are you also addressing the crossing issues with the Canadian government?

CORNEL:  Yes, security for all of our patrons for using the service is one of our top priorities. We have to overcome those obstacles to make sure that our service remains an alternative of crossing the border by land.

[Cut to fans walking across the deck]

MAURICE (Voice Over): There were some drawbacks to the new fast ferry service. Originally it was planned to be in operation back in May until there were a series of delays. First a hull was damaged back in April and problems with the engine affected the service’s launch date. Secondly, dispute with the Canadian government on providing Customs services at a payment. Finally, construction of the ongoing ferry terminal in Toronto also affected the service’s ability to launch. Despite those issues, the new ferry service attracted many people in its first inauguration.

CORNEL: We hope that we can reach a record attendance for our new service. We had many trips that are a sell out and I hope the trend is continuing for many weeks to come as the summer travel season swings into full force.

[Cut to cars exiting the ferry terminal, with people inside the cars honking to the cameraman]

MAURICE: After a brief delay and customs checks in Toronto, we managed to arrive with great flair – with less time of course as compared on traveling by land! Many passengers really enjoyed the experience. We managed to catch up to them.

PASSENGER #1 (in car): When I used to live in British Columbia, we have a great ferry service from the mainland of Vancouver to Vancouver Island. Now by riding this particular ferry, it feels like I’m home again!

PASSENGER #2: Great spectacular views of the lake. Good amenities and the people were very knowledgeable of answering our questions and concerns. 

MAURICE: Maurice Roussieaux, Newswatch, Toronto.

SIMON: Well unfortunately, since that story had aired, the service ran for only three months. CATS later filed for bankruptcy on September 7^th, 2004 due to financial difficulties. The vessel was parked at the Rochester ferry terminal throughout the winter of 2005. A new company based in Prince Edward Island was selected to manage the entire ferry service and the vessel was rebranded from “The Breeze” to “The Cat”. The service was relaunched on June 30^th, 2005 until it suspended temporarily six months later. The newly elected mayor of Rochester later discontinued the service on January 2006 and four months later, the Spirit of Ontario I was up for sale. The vessel is now sold to a German-based company to provide service from Spain to Morocco. The permanent ferry terminal in Toronto located on Unwin Ave., off Cherry St. which has since been abandoned however, still remains to this day.  Next time on Flashback, punk rockers hang out for a great at the Vans Warped Tour.