No TiVo in Canada - so a PVR it has to be

It really frustrates me at times that in Canada, we pay more for less consumer choice simply because the market structure is so much less competitive than it is south of the border. High speed internet, cable TV, phone services, online music, the list goes on. You don't even have TiVo here. So in my attempt to take control of my TV viewing, I have decided to get a PVR from my service provider. Well, at least now I can watch what I want when I like it, fast forward and rewind to my heart's content, and stick to what's worth watching. I'm almost tempted to get an unlicensed DirectTV dish and figure it out myself, but I probably won't bother.

Ottawa Folk Festival

Made it out to the Ottawa Folk Festival at last. It could not have been a better day (it did rain yesterday and Friday too). The Ottawa river was sparkling just off Brittania beach amidst a constant breeze. Best act for the day: The Arrogant Worms, a comedy band whose brand of poignantly observant though tongue-in-cheek humour is laughably musical. Some others worth tracking: Painting Daisies from Edmonton, and the Wailin' Jennys. www.ottawafolk.org www.arrogant-worms.com www.paintingdaisies.com www.thewailinjennys.com

Kia Sorrento vs. Hyundai Santa Fe

You would think that since Hyundai owns KIA, the Sorrento would be as crappy as the Santa Fe, but surprisingly that's not true. The Sorrento (another fabulous free rental upgrade this weekend) is a much more powerful, smoother, and well-finished mid-sized SUV than the Santa Fe. And unlike the Santa Fe, it does not make disconcerting noises as if something is about to fall off all the time. But then in terms of prices, the Sorrento basically takes off where the Santa Fe ends. It is decidedly higher-end.

Ottawa Greekfest

When your friend's greek, the place to to is Greekfest. Lamb, yummy. Spanakopita (this is one with spinach in it), yummy. Tiropita (this is the one with feta in it), yummy. Galaktobouriko (this is even better than Portuguese egg tarts), yummy. Milopita (this is the apple pie), yummy. You get the idea. I was there twice this weekend. www.ottawagreekfest.com

Greek Souvlaki House

The Greek Souvlaki House at the SW corner of Prince of Wales and Baseline is a great place to have brunch, lunch, dinner, or any meal of the day. Everyone I know who's been there has said that they can't believe the amount of food they put on the plate at their amazingly reasonable prices. I got to try it, finally, and was surprisingly impressed with quality of food in addition to the quantity, and liked the casual and relaxing atmosphere of the large split-level dining hall. It's not the best greek food in town, but certainly up to standard.

Reflections on a weekend in Toronto

Insanity is a trait common amongst the inhabitants of Toronto. You need some of it in order to cope with the multi-cultural, high-density, fast-paced environment that's constantly on overdrive. This weekend, an ex-Torontonian (that's me) decided to go with the flow...

Friday 10 pm, along the Don Valley Parkway: At least the Don Valley parking lot is smooth today. I am directed via cellular to head for the Firkin. I wasn't expecting to be at a pub directly on arrival, but it's a group I do want to meet.

Saturday 10 am, Warden Avenue near Aurora: I'm on my 49 km bike ride. Some of these guys training for the Niagara race have already done 80 km before we arrived!

Saturday 2 pm, Cafe de Macao at First Markham Place: There is something on the menu that translates to African Chicken that's really good here. Apparently this is a dish that does in fact exist in Macau. As to the source of the name, I would guess that the curry-like sauce is in fact of African origin.

Saturday 10.30 pm, in the kitchen: Movie night on the back rooftop. Cool! But I've had a long day and definitely feeling a little out of it. She refills the Brita pitcher with tap-water, hands it over to me. I put it back in the fridge. She is still thirsty after finishing her glass, asks me if I could pour her some more. I begin pouring and spill water all over the kitchen floor. Duh! The dim-witted me forgot that Brita pitchers take time to filter the water you put into it and do not pour until the process is complete. We sure make a great team.

Sunday 2 pm, High Park: The wasps at High Park seem more habituated to humans than the variety in Ottawa. They appear more adept at getting into your food and drink. Maybe mango juice wasn't such a good idea after all. We also had to queue for ice-cream. But it was a really nice day out nonetheless.

Sunday 9.30 pm, Jersey Giant on Front Street: Girl from Winnipeg, talkative, aspiring fashion designer, waitressing to pay the bills. Hopefully her Toronto dreams come true. Guy from Mississauga, went on boat cruise on Lake Huron with Barrie singles group. Looks like the unofficial GTA* is expanding to include both these places.

Monday 10 am: My friend is headed off to the beaches at Ashbridge's Bay. Sounds like a plan I will have to pass up as I'm leaving early this afternoon. I remember good sand and volleyball. But I wouldn't get into the water with the sewage plant next to it. I'll have Lac Philippe or Meech Lake anytime.

Monday 4 pm: The west-bound traffic on the 401 slows to a crawling pace as the residents of Toronto make their way back from their cottages. I'm glad I'm going the other way.

*Greater Toronto Area