Back when Pearl Jam was at their height, they had the clout to do anything they wanted. Anything.

On September 26, 2000, the band released 25 double CD live albums—what they referred to as “official bootlegs”—featuring performances from virtually every show they played on European tour in support of their Binaural album. Of those 25, five immediately made the top 200 album chart. This was the first time any act ever saw more than two new albums show up on the chart in the same week.

Two other sets just missed the cut. Had they made the charts that week, Pearl Jam would have joined The Beatles, The Monkees, and U2 as the only acts to that point with seven albums on the charts at the same time.

This was decades before Taylor Swift came along.

© 2023 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

A question from new parents: “Should I expose my baby to live music?” The answer is “yes.”

A recent study at the University of Toronto revealed that infants have longer attention spans when experiencing live music. Sure, you might want to give them an iPad to stare at, but that apparently doesn’t work as well as live music. Videos don’t captivate them a whole lot but live music elicits physiological changes like a synchronization of heart rate to the music.

The final conclusion? “Findings suggest that performer–audience interactions and social context play an important role in facilitating attention and coordinating emotional responses to musical performances early in life.”

The big caveat? Volume. The live music cannot be too loud for those delicate little ears.

© 2023 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

The Flaming Lips are certainly unconventional and experimental. One of their weird projects was a very, very long song called “7 skies H3” which, in its original form, ran for 24 hours.

It consisted of several separate pieces, each running anywhere from 25 minutes to seven hours. If that wasn’t enough, just 13 copies were released on flash drives that were encased in actual human skulls. They went on the market (appropriately) on Halloween 2011 and cost $5,000. And yes, they sold them all. If you can’t find your own copy—imagine that—they also set up a website with the song on a continuous loop.

And if you would rather have a physical copy, there is an edited version that runs 50 minutes and was released for Record Store Day 2014.

© 2023 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Back in the 1930s during the Great Depression, there was a phenomenon known as the dance marathon. Basically, couples would take up a challenge to see who could remain dancing longer than anyone else. They were held in ballrooms and auditoriums and could continue for not just hours, but days and even weeks.

Spectators paid to watch, too. The longer the marathon went on, the higher the admission price. Couples had to stay in motion continuously resulting in blisters, injuries, and collapse from exhaustion.

Why would anyone subject themselves to such a thing? Like I said, it was during the Depression. Many people signed up for these marathons because it meant food, shelter, and a place to sleep, even if it was just a few minutes an hour. Those who won were given a cash prize. Hey, the Depression was rough. People were willing to do anything to survive.

© 2023 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

All the original Ramones are no longer with us. While Dee Dee died of a heroin overdose, his three bandmates suffered from different forms of cancer. Joey died of lymphoma. Johnny? Prostate cancer. Tommy suffered from bile duct cancer. Coincidence? Maybe not.

Some suspect these cancers are the result of the conditions of a loft on East 2^nd Street where the Ramones rehearsed and printed t-shirts. It was the former home of a plastic flower factory and some believe that the toxic residue left over from the chemicals used in their manufacture. They permeated the entire building.

Oh, and one more thing: Arturo Vega, the Ramones’ art director and the guy who designed and pressed up all those t-shirts in that loft? He also died of cancer.

© 2023 Corus Radio, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

A First Nations premier would head a province for the first time in Canadian history if the New Democrats win the Oct. 3 Manitoba election, and the significance is not lost on party leader Wab Kinew.

“My dad was not allowed to vote when he was a young man, and I have a shot at potentially leading the province,” he said in an interview with The Canadian Press last month.

“That’s a big change that speaks to progress in our country and in our province within one generation.”

Kinew was born in Ontario and lived on the Onigaming First Nation as a young boy. His late father was a residential school survivor who endured horrific abuse and passed on the importance of Anishinaabe culture and language to Kinew.

The former CBC host was elected in the Winnipeg riding of Fort Rouge in 2016. The following year, he launched a successful bid for NDP leader, putting him on the path to potentially becoming the province’s first First Nations premier and second Indigenous premier.

John Norquay was the first Indigenous person to serve as Manitoba’s premier. Norquay, who was Metis, was the province’s fifth premier until 1887.

And, while other Metis citizens have served at the highest level of politics in the province, Manitoba’s history with First Nations leaders in provincial politics only goes back a few decades.

It wasn’t until the ’50s and ’60s that First Nations people were allowed to vote without conditions in provincial and federal elections.

Former New Democrat Elijah Harper was one of the first First Nations people to become a member of Manitoba’s legislative assembly in 1981. Since then, there have been more than a dozen Metis and First Nations people who have been elected to serve with the provincial New Democrats, Liberals and Progressive Conservatives.

But there are still disproportionately few Indigenous people entering provincial politics. There has been greater representation in the territories, with a history of Indigenous premiers in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

“There are historic barriers that are still being overcome. Some of them are things that have an impact on a personal level, like intergenerational trauma, other things are systemic barriers,” Kinew said.

Real Carriere, an assistant professor in the department of political studies at the University of Manitoba, researches Indigenous representation in Canadian politics.

He said if Kinew becomes premier, it would be a significant moment because it shows an Indigenous person excelling in a space that hasn’t always been welcoming for First Nations, Inuit and Metis people.

“There are still dominant stereotypes that view Indigenous Peoples negatively,” Carriere said.

“The real significance here is challenging those stereotypes and then allowing other Indigenous Peoples to see that it’s possible to succeed at the highest level.”

Kevin Chief knows the power representation can have on youth.

The former NDP member of the legislative assembly and cabinet minister often relays a story from his childhood growing up in Winnipeg’s North End, where he boarded a transit bus to find an Indigenous man at the steering wheel.

That moment left a lasting impact on Chief. While he didn’t become a bus driver, Chief said that man became a role model for him by opening his mind to possibilities.

“You can’t tell young people things are possible, you really have to show them,” Chief said.

If Kinew becomes premier, it will symbolize a larger reconciliation movement seen countrywide in Canadian politics and other sectors, Chief added.

“The only way you can become the first First Nations premier of a province is with the support of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous voters.”

Indigenous politicians often have to walk in two worlds and balance the expectations within their own community and as an elected official representing a constituency.

Eva Aariak is well versed in the challenge. The current commissioner of Nunavut was the territory’s second premier and the first woman to serve in the role in the territory.

“Indigenous leaders have an added level of understanding because they have to fully understand both worlds. In many cases, they become more effective that way,” said Aariak, who has spent most of her career working politics and the local and territorial level.

She added that Canada still has a ways to go in seeing Indigenous people, especially Indigenous women, in leadership roles. But there has been progress, including the appointment of Mary Simon, who is Inuk, as Canada’s first Indigenous governor general.

For Kinew, he has said he doesn’t just want to be the best First Nations premier, he wants to be the province’s best premier. Whether or not he succeeds in this year’s election, he believes Manitoba is moving forward as a province.

“If we have increased participation from all corners of society, I think that strengthens our democracy.”

— with files from Steve Lambert

© 2023 The Canadian Press

Earth is about to receive the largest asteroid sample captured in space, one that scientists say could offer clues — even possible surprises — about how planets were formed billions of years ago.

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission will deliver on Sunday material collected back in 2020 from the surface of asteroid Bennu, located more than 200 million miles (322 million kilometres) from Earth.

The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is expected to land in the Utah desert around 11 a.m. ET on Sept. 24, carrying rocks and dust samples weighing roughly 250 grams, or 8.8 ounces.

According to NASA, the sample from Bennu will offer a window into the time when the Sun and planets were forming about 4.5 billion years ago.

OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return is this Sunday, Sept. 24! How did the spacecraft get #ToBennuAndBack? Let’s #TBT to seven years ago.

Sept. 8, 2016: OSIRIS-REx launched from @NASAKennedy. https://t.co/OWCaX8b17q pic.twitter.com/WHWz8k396G

— NASA Solar System (@NASASolarSystem) September 21, 2023

This would be the first time that the United States brings an asteroid sample to Earth — and Canadians are also involved.

The Canadian Space Agency provided the OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter, which is a laser system that helped scan the surface of the asteroid and gave detailed information about its features.

Canada will receive a portion — four per cent — of the Bennu sample for research.

The overarching purpose of this robotic mission, which was launched in 2016, is to help scientists understand how life started on Earth and how planets were formed in the solar system.

“These rocks are coming from really the very, very beginning of the solar system when our planet was forming,” said Kim Dait, senior curator of mineralogy at the Royal Ontario Museum, who is part of the Canadian team working on OSIRIS-REx.

“The one thing I can guarantee is that we will find something we didn’t expect,” she told Global News in an interview.

Michael Daly, director of the Centre for Research in Earth and Space Science at York University, is the instrument scientist for the OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter.

His lab group will conduct a thermal analysis of the portion of the asteroid sample that Canada will get to understand how Bennu holds and distributes heat.

“We know there’s different types of material in Bennu,” Daly said. “We’re hoping we sample a good cross-section of it, so there’s going to be a lot of work for the whole team,” he said.

Rich in carbon, Bennu is a black, roundish rock bigger than New York’s Empire State Building.

While most asteroids in the solar system are located between Mars and Jupiter, Bennu’s relative proximity to Earth made it easier to access.

Scientists believe its rocky surface could include clay minerals and rock structures known to contain water.

According to the CSA, OSIRIS-Rex mission might even detect the presence of organic molecules like sugars or amino acids, which are essential to all forms of life on Earth.

“Finding organics on an asteroid could support the idea that the chemistry needed for life first emerged far from our planet, and was brought here by meteorite impacts long ago,” the CSA says on its website.

There is also a very small chance that Bennu could hit Earth in the next century, giving scientists all the more reason to study it and prepare for how to defend the plant against a potential impact, NASA says.

This is not the first time that asteroid samples have landed on Earth.

Japan has retrieved samples from other asteroids twice in the past two decades, although just tiny amounts.

— with files from Global News’ Alyssa Julie and The Associated Press

© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Toronto’s public transit provider is bidding farewell to one of its most iconic lines on Saturday with a goodbye party in the part of the city the trains served for nearly 40 years.

The Toronto Transit Commission says the Scarborough Rapid Transit line, best known for its blue trains running on elevated tracks, served millions of residents in the city’s east end for 38 years.

It was due to be decommissioned in November, but those plans were moved up after July 24 when the rear car of a train separated from the rest of the vehicle and derailed, sending five people to hospital with minor injuries.

The TTC says Saturday’s goodbye party is partially intended as a nostalgic look back at 1985 when the trains began operations.

Attendees will be able to step on board one of two trains parked at a local station. Musicians and local artists will also be on hand.

A silent auction of SRT parts and memorabilia will raise money for the United Way.

“This is a difficult farewell for all those who relied on the Scarborough RT,” said Mayor Olivia Chow, who will attend Saturday’s event.

“Like so many people in Toronto, I have fond memories of riding the iconic blue trains, high above the ground with panoramic views of Scarborough. Although its journey did not end the way we had hoped, this farewell event is a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to the rapid transit line that served Scarborough so well.”

© 2023 The Canadian Press

Stanley Cup champion Nathan MacKinnon returned to the place where it all started for an unforgettable ceremony on Friday night — establishing himself as the Halifax Mooseheads’ permanent No.22 as his jersey was raised into the rafters in front of thousands of fans at the Scotiabank Centre.

Emotions were high as a near-sellout crowd rose to its feet and offered a standing ovation when MacKinnon, who led the Mooseheads to their first Memorial Cup championship in 2013, delivered a heartfelt speech before his jersey was retired.

A congratulatory video was played during the ceremoney,  featuring the likes of Halifax Mayor Mike Savage, former teammates, coaches, and friends, including fellow Nova Scotian hockey superstar Sidney Crosby.

Congrats Nate. From all of us. #ThankYou22 pic.twitter.com/BWTEhxkYKt

— Halifax Mooseheads (@HFXMooseheads) September 22, 2023

Josh Doucett, a long-time Mooseheads fan, said it’s “about time” that the Herd paid official tribute to MacKinnon’s contributions.

“He’s a local legend. I think it’s deserved, completely warranted,” Doucette said, adding that MacKinnon has been an “amazing” leader for the Colorado Avalanche since being drafted into the NHL in 2013.

“It’s about time, I think. It’s been a little too long.”

The ceremonial portion of Friday night’s event took place before the Mooseheads kicked off their 2023-2024 campaign with a home-opener against the Charlottetown Islanders.

While speaking with media before the big-night events, MacKinnon admitted he was a “little nervous” but excited.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this before… being from here, I spent my summers back home in Halifax. Definitely a close connection to the city, a lot of family and friends here tonight,” he said.

“It’s cool to share it with people, not just myself. I think the best part is having everyone around me.”

MacKinnon’s entire family joined him on the ice, alongside Mooseheads owner Peter and Sam Simon, as he stepped towards a podium that was draped with his former jersey.

I’m not crying, you’re crying #GoMooseGo #ThankYou22 pic.twitter.com/URZFg3xDNU

— Halifax Mooseheads (@HFXMooseheads) September 22, 2023

Sidney Crosby, who received the title of “Hometown Friend” in the tribute video played during the ceremony, offered a congratulatory message for his provincial counterpart.

“You deserve it, hope you have a great night celebrating with everyone, and congratulations,” he said.

Halifax Mayor Mike Savage chimed in as well, noting that the 2013 Memorial Cup win was “something special” for the city.

“You’re the greatest Moosehead ever, buddy. Congratulations on having your jersey retired,” he said.

MacKinnon, who was born in Springhill and grew up playing minor hockey in Cole Harbour, described the night’s event as “coming full circle” and said he “couldn’t believe it” when he received the news that the franchise was looking to retire his jersey.

“I never would’ve thought my jersey would be retired. Growing up as a Mooseheads fan, obviously, this team means a lot to me,” he said.

Although his time playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Mooseheads only lasted for two years before he was drafted into the pros at age 17, the nostalgia wasn’t lost on MacKinnon as he toured around his former arena.

“I remember warming up here. I spoke to the team quick, and I recognized my stall, whoever’s sitting in there… it was only two years, but I think those two years stick out in my life more than any,” he said.

“That age is just a special time. Those two years felt like 10, and I’m super grateful for that time.”

Grant MacDonald, another fan, said he knew MacKinnon’s talents were “above and beyond” when the 6-foot-1 centre began playing for the Mooseheads at the age of 16.

“He’s awesome and he carried it right through to the NHL and he’s always going to be awesome. Local boy does well,” MacDonald said.

Now that’s a warm Moose Country welcome #ThankYou22 #GoMooseGo pic.twitter.com/om07vk12PF

— Halifax Mooseheads (@HFXMooseheads) September 22, 2023

MacKinnon even had a chance to speak with the newest generation of Mooseheads players before they hit the ice,  offering words of encouragement.

“I said they better not mess up my night by losing,” he laughed. “I appreciate them letting me spoil their home-opener a little bit.”

“I just told them that my times with the Mooseheads were the best times of my life and I hope it will be the same for them.”

As for the home opener, despite the Mooseheads getting on the scoresheet first, a youthful Halifax side ended up falling 3-1 as the Islanders’ Michael Horth nabbed a pair of goals to silence the hometown crowd.

The Mooseheads will look to get their revenge when they travel for a rematch at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown on Saturday night.

© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Edmonton police are investigating a “stranger sexual assault” that occurred on Tuesday afternoon in southeast Edmonton.

The incident happened in the area of 34th Avenue and 33rd Street between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., the Edmonton Police Service said.

According to police, an 11-year-old girl was walking home with her bicycle in the Fountain Lake neighbourhood when she was allegedly pulled into a van by a male suspect and was sexually assaulted.

The girl was then pushed out of the van before the man fled the scene, heading south on 34^th Street past a 7-11 store, police said.

The suspect has been described as between the ages of 25 and 35, and around five-feet, 10-inches tall with dark prickly hair. The suspect’s facial hair is described as a sole patch and he was wearing a black shirt, dark grey pants and white sneakers – possibly Nike’s – at the time of the attack.

The suspect’s vehicle is described as a white van which potentially has rear “barn style” doors and tinted windows. Police say the van may have been parked on the north curb of 43rd Avenue by the community lake.

The 11-year-old girl is receiving services at the Zebra Child Protection Centre.

The Edmonton Police Service is asking any residents in the Fountain Lake or Larkspur area to check their home and business camera for possible images of the suspect vehicle driving in the area between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesday Sept. 19.

© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.