Our weekly recap of the week’s news nuggets in Toronto will bring you up to date and add some fuel to your small-talk tank heading into the weekend.
Rob Ford lawsuit
As I'm sure most of you already know, Rob Ford is being sued by Toronto Star Reporter Daniel Dale. During an interview with Conrad Black, Ford said that Dale was taking photos of his young children, when the reporter was in fact looking at a public park near Ford's house, and suggested that the reporter may be … well he didn't say the word, but we all know what he meant, and Dale is now suing Ford for defamation of character, as well as the network which carried the interview.
Conrad Black stands by his man
For his part, Conrad Black is sticking with Rob Ford. In an email to the Canadian Press, the Black wrote “If the Star goes to court with this turkey, they’ll be killed.” Why Black, who is known for being an ambitious wordsmith, went with the term "turkey," is unknown. We sincerely hope he dusts off the old Thesaurus and condemns some old fashioned "bourgeois priggishness" for his next statement.
Doug Ford pays for the most expensive Timmies run of all time
To round out the week in Ford, Doug Ford was photographed handing out $20 bills to residents in social housing. While many have accused the elder Ford of buying votes, the Etobicoke councillor says he was merely giving voters money so they might enjoy a cup of coffee at Tim Hortons (which costs approximately $1.50).
A radio DJ gets attention
A Toronto radio program, The Dean Blundell show, hosted by Blundell along with Derek Welsman and Billie Holiday has been suspended from the airwaves after reportedly making homophobic comments on Edge 102.1.
Snail mail fails
This week, Canada Post announced that they will be phasing out door-to-door mail delivery in urban areas. In the future, Torontonians will have to walk to the post office if they want to receive their pizza menus and flyers for dubious gym memberships.
Leafs continue to play like the Leafs
It was another hard week in hockey for 'God's Team.' The Toronto Maple Leafs lost handily to the St. Louis Blues last night, a disappointment that prompted their coach to tell media that the team looked "brain dead" on the ice.
Golden Globes announced and we're only mostly mad
Golden Globes nominations were announced in Hollywood this week with 12 Years a Slave and American Hustle receiving the most nods. For the television nominations, fan favourite Game of Thrones and the groundbreaking Orange is the New Black were shut out in favour of House of Cards and British soap Downton Abbey which… I mean, come on. Are we not over that show yet? In cheerier news, Canada's Tatiana Maslany, who plays the six lead roles in Toronto-based series Orphan Black, received a well-deserved nod for Best Actress in a Television Series.
Her getting buzz
As for movies being released, most of the buzz is around Her, a movie set in dystopian future where a man can fall in love with a robot voice, opening next week. The movie is directed by Spike Jonze and stars Joaquin Phoenix in the lead role alongside the disembodied voice of Scarlett Johansson. So, to clarify, the movie contains the face and body of Joaquin Phoenix… but only the voice of Scarlett Johansson. It goes against all reason, but the critics say it works.
Friday giggle
Comedy fans, have you ever wondered what would happen if Kevin Hart, Conan O'Brien and Ice Cube shared a Lyft car? Now you don't have to.
Snow: it's happening again
It's snowing in Toronto this morning, an event which may occurs multiple times every year, but never ceases to surprise us. Drivers, if you don't have snow tires, please get them, and may everyone drive and walk safely this weekend.
