Revisiting CKLN

Episode 51 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition is part one of a two-part series that revisits CKLN. The Ryerson-based station was forced to vacate 88.1 FM, but is still broadcasting online.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: May 20, 2011

NBA Playoff Predictions - Round Two

Round One: Six out of eight. No perfect predictions.

On to the second round:

Eastern Conference

Chicago in six
Miami in seven

Western Conference

LA Lakers in six
OKC in five

- ER

NHL Playoff Predictions - Round Two

Round One: 7 out of 8. No perfect predictions

On to the second round.

Eastern Conference

Tampa Bay in 7
Philadelphia in 6

Western Conference

Detroit in 6
Vancouver in 4

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Fashion Schematics

Episode 50 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition previews Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week (aka FAT); Apr 26-29.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

Next Episode: May 6, 2011

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Re. Your Highness

I recently watched this film. It inspired me to produce this strong critique.

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NBA Playoff Predictions - Round one

Hard to have an interest without the Raptors participating. Nevertheless...

Eastern Conference

Chicago in four
Miami in four
Boston in six
Orlando in six

Western Conference

San Antonio in six
LA Lakers in five
Dallas in seven
OKC in seven

- ER

NHL Playoff Predictions - Round One

Here we go!

Western Conference

Vancouver in 6
San Jose in 5
Detroit in 7
Anaheim in 7

Eastern Conference

Washington in 6
Boston in 6 (As a Habs fan, I really hope I'm wrong)
Philadelphia in 4
Tampa Bay in 6

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Blue and White Love

Episode 49 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition features WeWantACup.com, a new website that hopes to maintain the Maple Leafs' presence in Toronto. According to the site's founder, the team's lack of success hurts the city in many ways.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: April 22, 2011

ER

Short Point: Jays 7 A's 6

Great comeback victory. But let's not ignore the shaky pitching from some of the hurlers. BTW, great stat line from DeRozan on the Raptors - 36 & 10. ER

Freaky

A friend of mine says this video reminds him of me. What do you think? ER

A New Season

Are you ready for some baseball? Don't know what to expect from the Blue Jays. Objectively, I think they can win 83-88 games, but won't make the playoffs. However, they'll be closer than they've been in a while. Subjectively, I want them to win everything in sight! Some quick points: 1) Snider and Arencibia need to play EVERY DAY. Give them a day off here and there, but they'll get better with more at bats. 2) If Jose Bautista only hits 30-40 HRs, that's still a great figure. Don't expect the 2010 stats. He's no longer a secret. Pitchers know how to pitch around him. 3) Hill and Lind have a lot to prove. They'll do much better than what fans saw in 2010. See you at the Skydome! - ER

Partition Free

Better hide the children. The zamboni is rambling yet again! The latest targets: Whales, Charlie Sheen, a young goalie on the Washington Capitals and the retirement of a gold medalist. Best of all, there's nothing about head shots. - ER

Re. Mr. Young

Explain something to me... If he's 65-years-old, why do people still call him Neil Young? No, I'm not a whackjob. - ER

Moving Images

Episode 48 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition previews the 24th annual Images Festival.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: April 8, 2011

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Re. The Budget and Upcoming Election

Great...another Federal Election.


This election, whenever it's called, will have the worst turnout. Book it.


Canadians are apathetic about federal politics. We don't care, even if the government breaks the rules of Parliament. We don't care because we've come to expect this type of behaviour from our politicians.


What a sad state of affairs.


We have a great political system. But it sure ain't perfect.


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Re. Vegetable Lasagna

Is there anything lousier than vegetable lasagna?

I've never been a fan.

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Re. Paul Jones

The Raptors have won two games in a row. That hasn't been done since early in the season.

They played three good quarters against OKC and then nearly blew it in the 4th. But a win is a win.

Tell me...

Is there anything better than a super excited Paul Jones?

-ER

Facebook Question

Is it me or is everyone re-posting their photo albums?

Did I miss something? Was there a memo sent out?

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Cinefranco

Episode 47 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition previews the 14th annual Cinefranco Film Festival.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: Mar. 25, 2011

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A Magic Trick

Harry Houdini, David Copperfield, Gob Bluth, Chris What's-His-Face and now........ME!

Might want to sit down for this.

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Re. Gregg Zaun

Gregg Zaun won't make it to baseball's Hall-of-Fame, but he's having an amazing career.

He's played for many teams, including the Blue Jays.

Zaun is the ultimate journeyman.

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Re. Jon Rauch's Ink

Jon Rauch's tattoos scare me.

That is all.

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A quick comment about Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen should run for President in 2012.

Give me one good reason why that's a bad idea.

- ER

PS: And where's Jon Cryer in all of this?

Re. Robocop

Some people in Detroit wanted to build a statue of Robocop. The Mayor of Detroit said no. So, the actor who played Robocop decided to get involved.

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Saving CKLN

Episode 46 of This Is Toronto is now available.

This latest edition features CKLN 88.1 FM.

Since 1983, this Ryerson-based station has been an alternative voice on the Toronto airwaves. But a recent CRTC decision nearly took it off the air.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: March 11, 2011

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Re. Tim Duncan

The NBA is full of ego and arrogance.

Having said that......thank goodness for Tim Duncan!

Tim Duncan is the Silent Superstar.

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Bobcats 114 Raptors 101

It's official.

The Raptors will be finishing below the 500 mark.

(Just in case you weren't sure)

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Quick Note About Bautista's Contract

$64 Million over five years.

That's a lot of dough.

A huge monkey has jumped on Jose Bautista's back. In about seven months (or less), we'll find out if Bautista can handle the pressure of being the franchise player.

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Re. Carey Price and Tim Thomas

Two weeks ago, Tim Thomas and Carey Price were under the influence of sheer idiocy.

Their little fight made me angry and inspired this new article.

Fighting in hockey will horrifically turn tragic one day.

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Re. IBM's Watson

HA! I knew most of the answers before the stupid computer figured it out!

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Your Online Funny Pages

Episode 45 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition features Bitstrips.com, a Toronto-based website that allows users to create their own comic strips.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

Next episode: Feb. 25, 2011

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Cool As Ice

I'm on a Vanilla Ice kick right now. Having said that...



"Drop the zero and get with the hero."

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Re. Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning are the most dangerous team in the NHL. If you're not convinced, I've written down ten reasons why everyone should watch out for lightning strikes.

Enjoy!

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Re. Canadian Politics and Lingerie

Did I hear right?

Mike Ignatieff likes lacy lingerie?

The Leader of the Opposition is kinky.

The explanation.

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Re. 10-day Contracts

The NBA is the only pro league in North America that offers 10-day contracts?

My latest article from TheGoodPoint.com explains this unique agreement.

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Re. The 12-game Losing Streak

The only good thing about the Raptors' 12-game losing streak: Cleveland is on a 21-game losing streak.

The glass....she is half-full.

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Shakespeare In The City

Episode 44 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition features the Spur-of-the-Moment Shakespeare Collective, a group of Toronto actors who strive to make the works of William Shakespeare more accessible.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: Feb. 11, 2011

Re. Vernon Wells & Mike Napoli

Just as I'm about to express my thoughts on the Vernon Wells trade, Alex Anthopoulos pulls the trigger on another trade. Guess I'll have to go trade-by-trade even if they're related.

Vernon Wells for Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera

I was completely caught off guard by this trade. But I shouldn't feel that way. Wells' massive contract was hurting Toronto's growth. Trading him frees up $86 million, which will come in handy for resigning Jose Bautista (if he continues to perform as well as he did in 2010) and going after free agents.

Napoli and Rivera are good players. But their arrivals create a cluttered lineup. Assuming the outfield will have Travis Snider, Rajai Davis and Bautista, where does Rivera go? You could put Bautista at third and Rivera in right. But Bautista has a great arm that is better suited for the outfield. And if Bautista goes to third, where would that put Edwin Encarnacion?

It was clear there needed to be another trade and sure enough...

Mike Napoli for Frank Francisco

I don't like it and at the same time, I like it.

Napoli - had he stayed - would be a great weapon, especially against lefthanders. He would've mostly been used as a DH and first baseman. He is originally a catcher, but he'd only get behind the plate if JP Arencibia or Jose Molina got hurt. Of course, it wasn't meant to be.

Francisco brings another strong arm to the bullpen. A stronger bullpen will take some pressure off the starting rotation. Francisco's also another candidate to be the Blue Jays' next closer. It's going to be an intense competition in Dunedin for those 7-8 spots in the 'pen this year.

The lineup is still cluttered. I think there will be at least one more trade.

One more thing about Vernon

I will certainly miss him. It's hard to believe he was here for 12 years. Wells was a great player. There were times when he could've been better. You can blame the injuries if you wish. Regardless, he tried his best and was a wonderful ambassador.

- ER

Re. Headshots

There's an epidemic in the NHL. It's called (or more like "they're called") headshots.

But don't worry. I have a few ideas for a cure.

- ER

PS: I'm still trying to digest the Vernon Wells trade. I'll post something soon.

Lightning In a Bottle

I made a comic strip!

It's about hockey and features The Schwartz.



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Re. Jon Rauch

Not a bad signing by the Blue Jays. Rauch picked up 21 saves with Minnesota last year.

Based on this signing, here's how the bullpen might look this year:

- Camp
- Purcey
- Jannsen
- Rauch
- Dotel
- Zep
- Villenueva

Don't forget about Chad Cordero, Jessie Carlson and Josh Roenicke either. You can even include Scott Richmond and Dustin McGowan.

The closer spot is still up for grabs. Right now, it's likely to come down to Dotel and Rauch.

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Neighbourhood Art

Episode 43 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition features MABELLEarts, an organization that uses art to bring residents of the diverse Mabelle community in Etobicoke together.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: Jan. 28, 2011

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Re. Sportsnet Radio Fan 590

It's no longer The Fan 590. It's now Sportsnet Radio Fan 590.

Seriously?! Really?! Are you kidding me?!

Whatever happened to the idea of Keep it simple, Stupid? Fan 590 was simple and easy to remember. It - forgive the cliche - rolled off the tongue. This new "brand" is a mouthful and completely takes away The Fan's local identity.

To be fair, Rogers isn't the first media conglomerate that's using a uniformed/cookie-cutter approach with all its stations. But putting it under the Sportsnet banner takes away the station's character.

Sure, the programs on Fan Toronto are different than Fan Calgary. But now there's nothing that establishes it as a Toronto sports station. It's just the radio-arm of Sportsnet.

I will still listen to the station, but I'm very disappointed. I will grin and bear it; the same way I grin and bare going to the Skydome and seeing the giant "Rogers Centre" sign.

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Re. Sir John A. Macdonald

A very HAPPY and BELATED Birthday to Sir John A. Macdonald!

Yesterday, Sir John turned 196 years young. The man's had a very accomplished life.

- First Prime Minister of Canada
- Father of Confederation
- Built a railway across the nation
- Social Drinker
- Blue Jays Infielder

You know, I was thinking - Canadians should get the day off in honour of Sir John's birthday.

Who's with me?

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Re. Snooki and Linden MacIntyre

I have felt tempted to read Snooki's novel, A Shore Thing. Up until Saturday, I have successfully resisted this temptation.

But then, Linden MacIntyre - CBC Journalist (The Fifth Estate), Giller Prize winner - convinced me to pick up this book.

Just listen to these excerpts - as read by MacIntyre - and tell me if I'm wrong.

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Re. The Manning Pout

I've written about Peyton Manning before. So what I'm about to say shouldn't be a surprise:

There's something about seeing Peyton Manning lose that makes me smile.

Is that a terrible thing to say?

- ER

WJC Final: Russia 5 Canada 3

The collapse is complete.

The blunder in Buffalo.

From Russia with puck.

No explanation needed. Canada took their foot off the gas.

Look at the bright side: Canada gets a nice, shiny silver medal.

And remember, it's just a hockey game and it's a beautiful planet.

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Athletes of the Year

Myself and several writers from TheGoodPoint.com packed ourselves into a small room - with no heat or electricity - and came up with...

The Good Point's 2010 Athletes of the Year!

Our selections are a collective winner. It's true.

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More Good News

Episode 42 of This Is Toronto is now available!

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

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: Jan. 14, 2010

Happy New Year!

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Help me remember a certain 80s cartoon

I can't remember the name of this cartoon I use to watch.

It's from the 80s. Had three heroes; all soldiers. One wore a green uniform, the other blue and the other yellow. They all had different modes of transportation; jet pack for one, motorcycle for the other, etc. I think they all had animals on the front of their uniforms.

Any ideas?

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Holiday Hockey Hullabaloo

For your Christmas/Holiday reading pleasure, I give you another installment of Zamboni Ramblings.

The latest targets:

- The National Hockey League Players' Association; aka the NHLPA
- The IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships
- Bruce F***ing Boudreau
- Calgary Teddy Bears

Let the bodies hit the floor.

- ER

Dirty Bit

And now......my latest guilty pleasure.

Please don't hate me.

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Re. Guitar Chords

There is nothing on this planet that I despise more than the F-Major chord.

That is one tough chord. I keep getting dead strings. And I'm pushing down as hard as I can.

In a perfect world, I wouldn't have to worry about F-Major. However, the chord is apparently used in many songs.

Any tips?

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Complain Away!

Episode 41 of This Is Toronto is now available!

Harbourfront Centre's World Stage is forming a Complaints Choir. Anyone can participate, whether it's complaining, singing or doing both.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: Dec. 31, 2010

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Dealing with the Mob

And now, a short story written by yours truly.

It was inspired by a certain coach of a certain hockey team that plays in a certain Canadian city.

Hope you like it.

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Taking a cheap shot at the Minnesota Vikings

The Metrodome is a lot like the Vikings' defense. It has a big hole in it.

Hiyo!

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For those who live in Thornhill, Ont.

The Thornhill Community Centre will be closed from now until Monday, Dec. 13. The building will re-open at noon. Tell your friends.

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One Night in Bangkok

And now...a classic!



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Re. Marcum for Lawrie

I was very disappointed when I found out Shaun Marcum was traded to Milwaukee. I liked the guy. He was a good quality starter and a solid mentor for the rest of the rotation. He's a warrior; coming back from Tommy John surgery is not an easy thing to do.

The trade certainly coincides with AA's M/O: The younger, the better. I hope the pressure of being a Canadian playing for the Blue Jays doesn't get to Lawrie. Hate to see him become another Corey Koskie.

With all this in mind, here's what Toronto's lineup could look like next year:

1B - Lind
2B - Lawrie
3B - Hill
SS - Escobar
LF - Davis
CF - Wells
RF - Bautista
C - Arencibia
DH - Snider

Starters: Romero, Cecil, Morrow, Mills, Drabek

Bullpen: Camp, Purcey, Zep, Jannsen, Roenicke, Villaneueva, Carlson

Bench: McDonald, Molina, McCoy, Mastroianni

There can be some modifications here and there. There's also a few players in the minors who could find a spot on the main roster. Time will tell...

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Border Patrol

Episode 40 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition features the Border Patrol Reading Series, a unique literary event that celebrates the longest undefended border in the world.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: Dec. 17, 2010

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NHL Epic Fail

The new format for the NHL All-Star Game is an absolute farce!

Fortunately, I can fix the all-star game and I offer my services for free (for now).

Here's how.

Pay attention, NHL. Are you listening?!

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Re. Grey Cup 2010

Some short thoughts:

Congrats to the Alouettes! It was a very close affair.

Missed it? That's too bad. It was a great game.

Anthony Calvillo is a warrior.

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Re. The Grey Cup

I told my Editor at TheGoodPoint.com that I wanted to write an article about the Grey Cup. He gave me his blessings and commended me on my bravery.

Bravery-shmavery!

The Grey Cup is a cultural event. It's a match that features pure football without the over-hyped glitz and glamour of the Super Bowl.

So far my Grey Cup article, I try to convince American football fans and apathetic Canadians to watch the game. I think they'll like what they see.

And for the record, I'm picking Montreal.

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Re. Reggie Evans

He might not be the best player on the Raptors, but Evans is creating a huge cult following. He's vocal and aggressive. That's something Toronto sports fans love.

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Sunday, 5:16am

My body enjoys

punishing my mind so early

in the harsh morning


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Indie Theatre Project

Episode 39 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition features THESP, an organization dedicated to the continuing development of Toronto's indie theatre scene.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: Dec. 3, 2010

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Re. the Los Angeles Clippers

So the good people at TheGoodPoint.com allowed me to write an article about the LA Clippers. In it, I question how the Clippers survive in a city that seems to care more about the LA Lakers than anything else.

Enjoy!

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Spending some time with Q107

To truly enjoy Classic Rock, you must listen to it late at night; when you can't sleep, say 3-4-5am.

That's my tip for you.

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Re. Sidney Crosby (again)

Sid got into a fight last week and I have a few things to say about it.

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Re. Jay Triano

Jay Triano's execution is imminent. Place your bets now. I say....Thursday.

Fans knew the Raptors would not be a winning team. They knew this team would finish well below 500. However, fans expected a better effort than what is being shown. Toronto is a club with some spark, but no fire. More "Hyde" than "Jekyll."

This can't go on forever.

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The Art in Fusion

Episode 38 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition features the Toronto Masque Theatre and previews the organization's 7th season.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: Nov. 19, 2010

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Re. Brett Favre

My friends...

I firmly believe that Brett Favre should never retire. He should play football forever.

Think I'm crazy? Well, read this and let me know if you still think I'm crazy.

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MLB Playoffs: Final Thoughts

I watched the San Francisco Giants play the Blue Jays this past June. They were a good team, but they sure didn't look like a team that would go on to win the World Series.

The Giants didn't have the best batting lineup, but it didn't matter. They had a phenomenal pitching staff led by Tim Lincecum. San Fran's starters silenced a very strong Texas Ranger lineup. They made players like Josh Hamilton and Vladdy Guerrero look normal. SF's pitchers stepped up and provided an enormous amount of confidence for their hitters.

The Giants were in and out of playoff contention all season long. But when "clutch time" arrived, they answered the call and have been awarded for their effort.

Finally, to sum up: 4 out of 7 = 57% Started out strong, but wasn't expecting the Giants to go far. Like I said yesterday, I should've listened to my gut.

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Giants Capture World Series Title

Why?

Why did I pick the Texas Rangers?

I should've listened to my gut.

Tim Lincecum......DAMN!

Final thoughts tomorrow.

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Caution: Rambling Zamboni

Zamboni Ramblings has made its first regular season appearance.

As usual, nobody is safe.

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Snooki and the Pittsburgh Pirates

Ladies and gentlemen,

I give you the next manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates: Snooki

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MLB Playoff Predictions - The World Series

I was right about Texas, but incredibly wrong about Philadelphia.

2010 World Series

Texas over San Francisco in six

This was a hard decision to make. The Rangers and Giants have great pitching, with the edge going to San Fran. However, Texas has a better batting lineup, which will lead them to the title.

Pitching will always be the most important part of baseball. But pitching cannot be the sole contribution to a victory. A team still needs to swing the bats. It takes great pitching and great hitting to win. Texas is closer to that than San Francisco.

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Murray 4 Mayor

Episode 37 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition features Steve Murray, Toronto's most unique "Mayoral Candidate."

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: Nov. 5, 2010

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A (brutal) Joke

Why do vampires avoid the stock market?

Because there's too much at steak.

Booyah!

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Re. The Champlaine Bridge

If you were driving on Montreal's Champlain Bridge Saturday around 5pm and saw two people pushing a dead car in the right-hand lane....that was me and my uncle. Thanks for not running us over.

And a big THANK YOU to the person who used his van to push the broken vehicle to the nearest exit. My family really appreciates it.

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MLB Playoff Predictions - League Championship Series

In the first round, I was three out of four. Of the three, one was a perfect prediction. I knew the Twins wouldn't have enough to beat the Yankees, but I didn't expect them to just roll over. Wow.

Onto the next round:

American League Championship Series

Texas over New York in seven

National League Championship Series

Philadelphia over San Francisco in six

NOTES: If you're like me and love the art of pitching, then you are going to enjoy the next few days. The LCS will feature the best pitchers in the game and they will dominate. Hate to be the hitters right now...The Rangers, a team known more for their hitting, has made it to the ALCS because of Cliff Lee and CJ Wilson. As long as those two keep doing what they're doing and the Rangers' bats stay hot, Texas will win its first pennant. New York has Sabathia, which is why the series will be close...The Giants have Lincecum, Cain and Sanchez. The Phillies have Halladay, Oswalt and Hamels. Advantage Philadelphia. Another pennant is coming to the city of brotherly love.

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Re. The Social Network

The Social Network is an exaggerated interpretation of a true story. Make sure you take everything with a grain of salt.

However, it's entertaining; a bit of a dark comedy.

It's also a humbling experience for me.

Mark Zuckerberg and I are around the same age. We were 2nd year University students at the same time (Fall 2003; when Facebook was created). I'm running around Carleton, writing sports articles, growing my hair out and thinking I'm a poet. Meanwhile, Zuckerberg is running around Harvard creating a $25 billion company.

Man, where did I go wrong?

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Re. Leafs Nation

For your consideration....

A Habs fan helps Leafs Nation.

I'm here to help.

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I am an Artist. I vote.

Episode 36 of This Is Toronto is now available!

This latest edition features ArtsVote Toronto, a group of volunteers who ensure the arts have a presence during the municipal election

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: Oct. 22, 2010

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My Blue Jays Wish List

- Travis Snider plays every day next season

- J.P. Arencibia plays every day next season

- Alex Anthopoulous finds a better third baseman than Edwin Encarnacion. Could be someone currently on the team (Bautista, Aaron Hill) or someone acquired via trade or free agency. Nothing against Encarnacion - he has potential at the plate, but is lousy in the field.

- A stronger and clearly defined bullpen. The only players I see being in the 'pen next year are Shawn Camp and David Purcey. Those two should be Toronto's 7th and 8th inning set up men. The remaining five spots, including the closer, are up for grabs. I will be very surprised if Scott Downs, Jason Frasor and Brian Tallet are back with the team in 2011. If I had to keep one, it would be Downs.

- A fifth starter from the following group: Shawn Hill, Marc Rzepczynski and Kyle Drabek.

- Keep the following backups: John McDonald, Dwayne Wise and Jose Molina.

- A designated hitter. I can see Lind in that spot if they don't move him to first, Buck if AA resigns him or Encarnacion if he can do what he did during the final week of the season.

- ER

PS: Congrats to Roy Halladay. What a performance!

MLB Playoff Predictions - League Division Series

American League Division Series

Tampa Bay over Texas in four
New York over Minnesota in five

National League Division Series

Philadelphia over Cincinnati in three
San Francisco over Atlanta in five

NOTES: I can't see the Twins winning without Morneau. They're still a good team, but he's a valuable piece to the puzzle...The Rangers and Reds had great seasons, but they're about to run out of gas...The Braves got in by the skin of their teeth. They're just as good as the Giants, but San Fran's pitching is better and that's why they'll move on.

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Blue Jay Awards

Best hitter: Jose Bautista

Best fielder: Jose Bautista

Best starter: Brett Cecil

Best reliever: Shawn Camp

Overall, it was a very pleasant season. However, it's important to be cautiously optimistic for 2011. There are problems that need to be addressed (more on that later this week).

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This Is Toronto - Facebook Fan Page

This Is Toronto, the podcast dedicated to Toronto's arts and culture community, now has a FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.

The fan page will offer many more features. It's also a better way for Torontonians to connect with each other and discuss art and culture.

Join the movement and tell all your friends.

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Re. Cito Gaston

As far as I'm concerned, Cito Gaston deserves to be in the Baseball Hall-of-Fame.

- Two World Series titles
- Two American League pennants
- Four AL East titles
- Over 800 wins

I rest my case.

Here is Cito in his own words, thanking the fans. True class.

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Re. C.C. Sabathia

DAMN!

Sabathia showed Kyle Drabek how it's done.

However, I still think the playoffs will not be kind to the Yankees.

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Re. A.J. Burnett

It amazes me how such an inconsistent pitcher can make so much money.

The playoffs will not be kind to the Yankees.

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Marlies Nation

Episode 35 of This Is Toronto is now available!


Not only are the Toronto Marlies the top minor-league affiliate of the Maple Leafs, they're also heavily involved in the community. Marlies Play-by-Play Announcer John Bartlett talks about the team and the contributions the players make on and off the ice.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com


NEXT EPISODE: Oct. 8, 2010


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Re. Launy Schwartz, The Score and Drafted

Last night, Launy Schwartz was disqualified from Gillette Drafted.

An anonymous tipster accused The Schwartz of breaching the rules of his contract with The Score.

Here is Launy's official stance on the matter.

I know Launy. He would never break kayfabe or break any rule that would hurt his reputation.

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Leave those shootouts alone!

After the over-glorified hockey summit in August, everyone is hatin' on the shootout all of a sudden. However, I have a solution that will appease shootout lovers and haters.

Enjoy!

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Re. A Portrait of The Artist as a Young Man

There were some scenes I really enjoyed. There were also some scenes that dragged on. Overall, it was a good story. There were times I could relate to Stephen, the main character.

Personally, I think I would've appreciated the book more during my early twenties. That's how old Stephen is when everything in the plot comes together.

Next book: Briefing For a Descent into Hell by Doris Lessing

I think it's about the Maple Leafs, post-1967. Hiyoooo!

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Kevin Brown vs. Kevin Brown

My latest from TheGoodPoint.com.

You will not believe how many Kevin Browns are out there. Ditto for John Tavares (plural) and Alex Gonzalez(s).

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I Vote Toronto

Episode 34 of This Is Toronto is now available!

'I Vote Toronto' is a collection of individuals who want current voting laws to change. According to the organization's website, there are more than 200,000 eligible voters who are not legally allowed to vote in the upcoming municipal election.

www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: Sept. 24, 2010

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Re. Dawna Friesen

Is it me or does Dawna Friesen come off really pretentious in those Global National ads?

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Re. George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight

I have to be honest. I'm not liking the new name

‎"George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight" = Generic and lame.

Seriously, what's so bad about "The Hour?"

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Today's Thought

"Reproduction is the beginning of death." - Joyce

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