We’re still social distancing, keeping an eye on how our relationship with technology is changing throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sidewalk Toronto is not going to happen. Is it because Covid-19? Kind of. It’s also a long story of innovative thinking meets city bureaucracy. But how will we solve all the problems cities face? Will it mean the privatization of public space? Is that a price worth paying?

No, Covid-19 (almost certainly) wasn’t made in a lab. We’d know if it was.

Using apps to make someone go to the store and bring groceries to you. Is it the right thing to do or grossly bourgeois? And can Amazon just be better to its employees?

And finally, Toronto saves us all from the selfie-stick hell by bringing Spring to us: live stream cherry blossoms could be the quiet time we all need.

We are grateful for all the frontline staff who never had the option of staying at home. Let’s repay their hard work by keeping to the rules as the lockdowns are lifted.

This episode is produced by David Angell at his studio, Giant Sound Toronto.

Want to be on the show or know someone who should? Get in touch at [email protected]

Or find us on Instagram and Twitter where we never post cherry blossom-related selfies. We’re @machinespodcast.