I went to the Toronto Auto Show last night. It was great fun; we went and sat in the most expensive cars we could and then went for a couple drinks. It was much needed fun for me, as I had three tests at school yesterday. First was a quiz on current affairs, which is no problem for me, next came a copy editing mid-term, which I think I did quite well in and last was the dreaded Canadian Business Practices test. I think I did better than on the last one (I couldn’t possible do any worse) but I’ll have to wait until next Thursday to find out. A few pictures from the Auto Show are posted here.

The story about the English national anthem – God Save the Queen (without, of course, the Marshal Wade verse) – being played at Croke Park in Dublin during the upcoming England – Ireland rugby match has been all over the news today. You can read about it here (BBC), here (Channel 4) and here (Scotsman). I think the story that best sums it up is this Herald Tribune article. I am torn about the decision. Personally – and I’m English – I don’t believe that song should be sung in the location of Bloody Sunday. For God’s sake, one of the main stands was built using debris from the Easter Rising. I think it’s insulting to the people who lost their lives on Nov. 1, 1920. On the other hand, what happened almost a hundred years ago happened almost a hundred years ago, and this move could be seen as a welcome step towards removing some political tension. But I’m not sure I have high hopes of that happening. Here’s an interesting column from the Belfast Telegraph’s Eric Waugh. Here is another one from David Lister of the Times. It’s a tricky decision and I’m hoping that people can desplay good sportsmanship, respect both anthems and treat the day like a rugby match instead of reliving history. Either way, it will be very interesting to see how the day goes and I am looking forward to reading about it.

Completely off topic, I also really enjoyed this Herald Tribune article regarding popular culture and how different countries vary in their enjoyment of domestic music and film.