Over the hot, scorching weekend, I decided to go out and take a stroll—or osanpo, as the Japanese like to call it—to enjoy the outdoors. I didn’t know where I was heading, but eventually made my way to the Leslie spit, which I rarely ever visit. Seeing as it’s relatively close to my home, I wondered why I hardly ever come here. It’s quite the nice area with its calm, quiet atmosphere. There’s plenty of people feeling the same way as the roadway was packed with cyclists, afternoon walkers, couples, families, and the like.

This part of the city is only open on weekends and holidays from 9am to 6pm, but I wondered why with all the green space that is there, why do they not open it up to a park with picnic areas for all to enjoy? Then I saw the sign that says this park is designated as a conservation area.

Nonetheless, it’s a great place to take a stroll on a lazy, hazy, afternoon. It’s not too long of a walk, nor is it too short of a walk. If you prefer to walk by the water, there is a path made for you, which runs right alongside lake Ontario. For others, they can take the roadway, which is more open.

I never made it to the end of the pathway the other day, just because it seemed like it was a little too far away to my liking in this weather. One of these days in the summer, I will make my way to the very end of the pathway though.

And if you have a spare afternoon, be sure to make your way there to enjoy the view and walk.

I caught an episode of America’s Got Talent the other day. While I think the show is filled with utter ridiculousness, there are some gems to be found in there. But what I find myself watching this show for, is not because of the ridiculousness that I’m sure others just can’t wait to see, but is because it reminds me of a Japanese talent show that I used to watch when I was a child. Kinchan’s Kashou Tashou was a semi-annual talent show, if you will, that showcased various artists to perform in front of a panel of judges. The 100-point scale in the backdrop would gradually go up and up depending on the popularity of the performance.

It was a great show to watch, and I used to love the sound the 100-point scale made as it made its way to the top, and people would wait in anticipation for the top score.

I digress. America’s Got Talent does indeed showcase some talents that would probably otherwise not have been noticed. Like that waitress-turned-Sarah McLachlan, or that sweet little 24-year-old Puerto Rican opera singer that blew all the judges away with his powerful voice. He was actually really good, and nobody would have known it by just talking to him face to face.

I don’t know what happens to all these people after they go to Vegas, but it could be interesting to see. Perhaps. Possibly. If I have time. If I remember…

Oh, and did the show actually tell you? The grand prize of $1 million is actually a financial annuity given out over a span of 40 years. Yeah, that’s really only $25,000 per year. And with taxes taken off of that, you’re not looking at anything to retire from.

But who’s complaining. I’ll take the million any day.