Looking for oil in all the wrong places

The continued climb of oil and gas prices is of great concern to many. No longer does gas go up in fractions of a cent, it rises in nickels and dimes overnight and like a flu the adjacent gas stations raise their prices in lock step with the competition (cough, cough). 

My namesake and famous economist, James Hamilton of econbrowser, has identified rising gas prices as the probable causes of a number of recessions – he calls the situation an Oil Shock, so I hope that the current economic mess doesn’t get messier as we quickly approach $1.40 a litre.

I think that resourceful people of Toronto have even started to take matters into their own hands by drilling for oil throughout the city. At first I thought these drill rigs were putting in caissons to support new condos, but a careful review and a big imagination later, I think they are seeking sweet crude which keeps the world running. Now I start to see oil rigs everywhere. I do believe that the art installation at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre is a cover-up for an oil derrick, right under our own noses. But they probably need the oil to pay for the hockey players high wages, probably paid in US dollars or even by the barrel.

Go Leafs Go

The Toronto Maple Leafs maybe out of playoff contention, but for many of the hockey team's fans this is nothing new. There is still time to take pleasure in going to the game, downing a few ice cold beers and cheering on the lovable losers. A pair of guys in stretchy blue outfits, from the toes to the head, walked towards the Air Canada Centre - sponsored by Highway 407 ETR.

Hockey fans walk by the Hockey Hall of Fame on their way to the ACC

The Maple Leafs played a game against the Montreal Canadians at the Air Canada Centre Saturday, April 9, 2011 and lost 4-1. The small blue man group must be more blue watching the loss, which I didn't think possible; poor blue, blue men.

Seen at the Spring Motorcycle Show

NBA: Toronto Raptors lost against Charlotte Bobcats

The game stayed very close as the Toronto Raptors lost against the Charlotte Bobcats in a 95 to 90 point game at the Air Canada Centre on Sunday, March 13, 2011. Toronto wasn't hitting the basket during both free throws and field shots to the net and it certainly cost them during this game.

We scored a set of $175 dollar tickets (my god that's not cheap - the beer seems inexpensive next to the tickets) - thanks! The game was fast paced and there was always something going on during time outs, and in between periods. The Raptors mascot and the cheerleaders were great.

See more pictures after the jump.

You can see a video of this guy eating a cheerleader here.

The players seem a little down.

Maple Leafs skate to the bottom

Retired goaltender Curtis Joseph #31, better know as Cujo, in net

The Toronto Maple Leafs started the NHL hockey season on fire, winning game after game, everyone excited, counting the games to the Stanley Cup. The streak only lasted four games. Now they stand at 24 points, near the very bottom of the League and people are sad.

If you can get seats to the Leafs you are lucky, if you can afford to pay for those tickets you are even luckier (tickets for this weekend's game run from $160 to $660). The Air Canada Centre (ACC) fills up with Leaf fans, win or lose.

Photo Vault - Elton and Billy

I have fond memories of the 2009 Elton John and Billy Joel concert held in Toronto's Air Canada Centre and I wish Billy would come back again. I thought I would check out some of the pictures that I took and when I look at the crowds I am amazed by how many fans can fit into the ACC.

Here is Elton at the end of the show with some happy fans.

Fighting 501st Canadian Garrison

The Fighting 501st Legion: Canadian Garrison Imperial Star Wars costume fans go out to various events and remind everyone that their will be a gathering of Stormtroopers and others during the date Star Wars Concert at the Air Canada Centre (ACC).

TORONTO: Air Canada Centre
Thursday, November 26, 2009
American Express Presale: THU, September 24 at 10am until TUE, September 29 at 10pm
Call: 416-870-8000
Web: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/promo/pr6ici



You can see more pictures of the Star Wars characters from Halloween 2009 at my post here.

Elton John & Billy Joel in Concert

The two superstars took to the stage at the Air Canada Centre and together they were magic. Fantastic, fantastic concert. I must admit that Billy Joel is my favourite - he talks and jokes with the crowd, so comfortable and so amazing. Their voices were both so powerful and fresh and the songs that we remember from youth up to the present are part of our lives. Awesome concert and here are some photos of the face 2 face tour.


Photo by Ann Hamilton

The started together; two large pianos on stage and a huge array of accompanying musicians.



Then Elton (Music Magic) took the stage and played a large set.







And then Billy Joel came on stage and took over for another large set. He even played the guitar for awhile.








For the encore they both came out on stage and played another large set. Almost 4 hours of great musical entertainment - a chance of a lifetime to see these stars perform together, live on stage. A couple of the songs they played alone - just Elton and Billy, including one of the highlights of the night - Piano Man.

Maple Leafs hockey game

We caught the Toronto Maple Leafs playing the Atlanta Thrashers at Toronto's Air Canada Centre (ACC) and I don't think they are on the way to the Stanley Cup! It was a fun night anyways. We were in the golds courtesy of Dufferin Aggregate's Acton Quarry.



The crisp air blowing through Toronto and the fantastic decorations around town remind us that Santa will soon be here.