Friday, January 29, 2010

Good News Toronto

Episode #18 of This Is Toronto is now available!!!

This latest edition profiles Good News Toronto, a not-for-profit newspaper that features inspirational stories and celebrates everyday heroes.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: Feb. 12, 2010

- ER

Thursday, January 28, 2010

So about last week...

For the first time in four years, I went a full week without the use of a home PC or the internet. It wasn't an ideal situation. I couldn't write any articles (sorry Launy and Austin), couldn't apply to any jobs and I was forced to record an interview for an upcoming podcast using my old tape recorder. But despite all that, I have to say it was really nice not having to stare at a computer screen 2.5-3 hours every night.

I was productive. Made my lunch earlier, got my stuff together sooner and had more "unwind" time. I had more time to read, which I took advantage of. Finding time to read has been a constant struggle for me. I also wrote....literally; pen and paper.

I can't remember the last time I actually opened a notebook and wrote poetry and prose. I use to do it all the time. During my OAC year, you could always find me in the library writing (or sharing jokes with certain individuals who were pretending to study, but mostly writing).

I admit it: I'm dependent on the internet and my computer. It's a big part of my life and "profession." Personally, I feel there's nothing wrong with that. It's just the nature of the beast. I bought this nice laptop and everything is returning to normal.

It was really nice having a mini-vacation. However, I wouldn't want to go without a computer or internet all the time. That's why I called it a mini-vacation. I highly recommend it though. Take a week off from spending time in front of your home PC. Take a week off from surfing the net and making tweets and posts. You might find it to be a very nice experience. You might even feel cleansed.

- ER

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Don't Panic

I'm still alive. My computer kicked the bucket last week. It served me well. 7 years in fact; almost eight.

Now I've got a brand new laptop and everything should get back to normal shortly.

So....Did I miss anything?

- ER

Monday, January 18, 2010

Re. Peyton Manning

There's something about Peyton Manning that really bugs me.

He's one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL and has had a very successful career. He's a hall-of-famer, no doubt. However, he comes across as a bitter jerk.

I was watching the Colts/Ravens playoff game this past Saturday. Every time a teammate dropped a pass or failed to make a gain, Manning would have this disgusting expression on his face. And it wasn't done subtly. Peyton was very animated. He was literally sneering at his teammates.

The CBS broadcast showed the ending of the 2006 AFC final when Vanderjagt missed the field goal. You see the failed FG and then it cuts to Peyton who rolled his eyes and mouthed something along the lines of "I knew he'd miss."

Greg Gumble made note of it during the broadcast. The veteran commentator explained that Manning was a perfectionist. That's very understandable, but you'd think someone as experienced as Peyton Manning could keep his emotions in check.

I know, most star athletes are bitter jerks. Most star athletes have big egos. Most star athletes have a ''me-first'' attitude. I guess Peyton is no exception.

Forgive me if what I'm saying is old news. To be honest, I am a casual fan of football; both CFL and NFL. It was just something that was bugging me while I watched the game. One day, the bitterness Manning expresses to his teammates will haunt him. Maybe next week against the Jets. Or it won't happen at all.

- ER

Friday, January 15, 2010

Sometimes Sweet. Sometimes Crunchy.

Episode #17 of This Is Toronto is now available!!!

This latest edition shines the spotlight on GRYFFYN; a Toronto musical duo influenced by many genres.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: Jan. 29, 2010

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Don't Give Up

Grobin tells me to
not give up despite my demons
I have no demons

- ER

Monday, January 11, 2010

Re. The Spengler Cup

Welcome back! Hope you had a nice weekend.

Here's a little article I wrote about the Spengler Cup. This international tournament is a great way to catch up with some former NHLers.

Enjoy!

- ER

Friday, January 08, 2010

Re. Raul Mondesi

Raul Mondesi's tenure with the Blue Jays was bleak, uneventful and dissapointing. His aquisition was one of the worst trades Gord Ash ever made. Okay, Shawn Green didn't exactly light the world on fire when he was sent to the Dodgers; but I bet Ash regrets the trade, as well as the David Wells for Mike Sirotka stinker.

That's how it was for the Blue Jays ten years ago. They had Carlos Delgado and Green, but couldn't afford both. This was before Rogers purchased the team.

Back to Mondesi. Since his retirement, Raul has found a new calling: politics.

This recent article from the Star explains everything. Turns out Mondesi and other former ball players are helping shape the Dominican Republic. But it's not as perfect as it might seem.

- ER

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Don't talk to me about destiny

This commercial was released after the Canadian men's hockey team was announced. I absolutely love it!

If this doesn't get you jacked for the Olympics, I don't know what will.



The song: 'Wolf Like Me' by TV on the Radio

- ER

Monday, January 04, 2010

Goodbye Oh-Nine

Happy New Year!

Episode #16 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition features a year-in-review and some music too.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: Jan. 15, 2010

- ER