As the weather has improved and the sun has resurfaced in the city, I have finally awoken from my winter slumber.  As a result Sarah and I decided to go for a walk in the Mid-Town(Yonge/Eglinton) Area.  I am not a big fan of the suburban environment (I need to be less than 25 min. walking from a convenience store) at the same time areas that are solely high density are unappealing to me as well (Can anyone say personal space!).  I really enjoy the way in which commercial, high residential (apartments and condos) and single housing units and blended together apparently seamlessly in this part of the city.  While walking the streets I began to notice that this area was different from other parts of the city I have seen.  Everywhere one looked there were people running, many gyms and fitness centres and a general sense people being active.  I know that across a city like Toronto one can find these things but it just seemed that fitness and activity played a prominent role for the people in this area.  I noticed something else.  There appeared to be significantly fewer people smoking on the streets.  When passing bars, pubs or other places with patios people were gathered smoking, and in front of office buildings people were gathered to smoke, but i still felt that the number of people smoking was lower.  As a smoker myself (one of my many vices)  I  wondered if my observations were valid and if so could they be explained.  Before I begin I want to say that my opinions will be formed on broad generalizations and I am aware of this and to remember that these are just my opinions.  The Mid-Town in particular those not living in apartments represent those that would be considered middle to high income earners.  This increased economic stability enables individuals to focus on other issues including the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.  In contrast those struggling to meet the daily needs of life have less time, money and ability to focus an equal amount of time to these issues.  I think that smoking, poor diet and a lack of emphasis on activity are the result.  I am not suggesting the these issues can simply be divided along lines of class but to suggest that there is no connection at all to me would be wrong.  

It is hard to admit, but I am a TV addict.  As a sports fanatic this has to be the best time of year, the NBA and NHL have just begun their playoffs, the baseball season has just begun and most importantly many of the domestic soccer leagues are concluding their season and the UEFA Champions League will crown their new champion.  Similar to my musical tastes my TV preferences are more diverse.  I'll watch everything, from the educational and informative to the most mindless and ridiculous.  The Maury Povich Show is not beneath my standards.  When I feel inspired to watch a TV show with a little substance I turn to TVO's(TV Ontario) The Agenda with Steve Paikin.  The show is a current events type show, covering a variety of important issues.   The topics can be very Canadian focused but also discuss a global subjects.  What sets this show apart from other current event shows is that each espisode is an hour and usually focuses on two topics.  This provides ample time to delve into each topic in detail.  Nothing bothers me more than the CNN style of journalism in which a guest is given 2 minutes to provide their opinion on a subject and just when the discussion gets interesting, there is no time remaining.  In this society people the need to have things condensed to to quote or soundbite prevents a real examination of the complexity of the issues.  The Agenda's format is better suited to provide background, context and analysis of an issue.  Secondly, the host Steve Paikin is perhaps one of the best hosts of this type of show I have ever seen.  Extremely knowledgeable, unbiased and not afraid to ask the important questions, his ability to keep the conversation on point is incredible.  The roundtable discussion on many shows, especially those involving politicians, tend to be less about discussion and more about an opportunity to "spin" questions for their own interests.  Paikin is able to keep the focus on the relevant issues and the show is able to present a variety of perspectives without coming across as favouring any one particular point of view.  The Agenda also has their show available for download making it very convenient for listeners. 

I love to watch TV (sometimes too much).  I'll watch anything from sports to documentaries.  I also love the Internet and my computer.  When the wave of podcasting hit a couple of years ago, I dismissed it as a fad and thought it wouldn't have any legs.  While podcasting hasn't taken off as much as many thought it still is around.  One podcast in particular has captured my attention.  Keith and the Girl is comedy podcast revolving around the lives of a couple.  The discuss about all things relevant to their lives. The show takes place in their house and they often bring in many colourful guests.  The show has a very Howard Stern feel, as the pair do not hold back their strong opinions on everything.  Let me warn you that the show is definitely not for everybody as no race, gender, political community etc. is fair game.  But most importantly the show is extremely entertaining.  Many a time have I looked crazy on the subway as I laughed out loud to something being said.  The show is done live with podcasts being mad available every day.  Instead of spending my time listening to music I now find myself waking up every morning to the voices of Keith and the Girl. 

As a Christmas gift to myself I decided to purchase a new MP3 player. Due to my stubbornness I refuse to make the logical choice and grab myself an IPOD.  I realize that things would be so much easier if I were to follow the majority of people and become an Apple convert, but I just can't do it.  With this in mind I began my search.  My requirements were minimal,  I wanted something bigger than my existing 2gb Sandisk Sansa, the ability to play video would be a nice feature but was not a requirement, and finally I wanted something that worked well with music subscription service (not Itunes).  My research basically began and stopped with one website. anythingbutipod.com provided me with more information than I need.  It was funny that there was a community of people whom had the same opinion as me.  I have to admit that I was very close to joining the Ipod army, and at this point I cant provide a good reason why I shouldn't.  The peripherals available for the IPOD are only one of the many advantages Apple has over the competition.  I know people will say, you're just cheap, you don't want to pay the higher price for the IPOD.  Maybe that's true, but I hate the feeling that I'm being pushed to get something not because it may be the best(even though it may be), but simply because it is the best marketed.  In the end decided on the Creative Zen Vision M, and thus far I have not been disappointed.  When it comes time to get something new maybe i'll get the new Itouch, then again maybe I won't.

After a Six month hiatus, oreogeek is back!!!!!! Ok, cool your enthusiasm.  I have watched more than my fair share of Raptors  games this year, and I like many others have been frustrated with the play of Andrea Bargnani. His inconsistent play is very reminiscent of Morris Peterson's time in Toronto.  Many have suggested that it may be time to move Andrea, essentially giving up on him.  I understand the frustration but would not give up on this talented player.  I do think that fans expectations of the 7 footer need to change.  While he does need to utilize his height more to increase his poor rebounding statistics, he will never be a 10+ rebounder.  I think Andrea's biggest problem is that he will never be a good centre, his game is more suited to the power forward position, but the Raptors have one of the best forwards in the game in Chris Bosh.  If the team decides to trade him it should not be because they don't think he will progress, rather it should be because he doesn't fit in with the direction of the team.  I don't think Andrea will ever be a franchise player, but to cat him aside would be a big mistake.