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.
“I did not do the crack.”
Our beloved mayor has inspired countless artists and commentators thanks to his almost unfathomable lack of self control. But, one of the funniest and most poignant examples is a new video dubbed Rob Ford’s Words in the Mouth of a Child.
Get Truckin’
The city has passed new rules making it easier for food trucks to peddle their oh-so-tasty wares throughout town. Council stopped short of granting complete foodie freedom, some describing the measures as baby steps.
Deadmau5 mobile
Grammy Award-winning DJ-type, electronic recording artist and bona fide Toronto celebrity Deadmau5, otherwise known as Joel Zimmerman, was spotted tooling around town this week in something dubbed The Purrari — a new set of wheels with a very colourful paint job. Fancy.
Maple Leafs fans pine for playoffs
With a win over the Boston Bruins this week, even with a corresponding Columbus win, the statistical probability of the team making the playoffs actually improved to a very impressive 9.9%. In other news, there is reportedly still room the Raptors bandwagon.
Bouncing baby gorilla
Displaying a startling lack of creative energy, Toronto Zoo has begun yet another baby naming contest. This time, it’s a little baby gorilla’s turn. Our suggestion: Stephanie. No idea why, but that’ll learn ’em for asking us.
Sketchy the Clown runs for mayor
In a clear display of just how much city hall has become a circus, a Vaudeville clown has thrown his miniature hat into the ring to challenge Mayor Rob Ford in the fall election. Good luck Sketchy the Clown.
Blue Jays are back
Everyone’s favourite comeback kid, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dustin McGowan, is set to take the mound at the team’s home opener tonight versus the dreaded New York Yankees. The game is sold out, so expect mayhem — and at least one drunken bleacher incident. Jays legend Roy Halladay is set to throw out the first pitch.
Slick Willie on Rob Ford
American President Bill Clinton and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel chatted about Toronto Mayor Rob Ford this week. Clinton mentioned something about Ford basically “destroying” Canadian stereotypes including, you know, being optimistic and inclusive. Ouch.
Bookstores going the way of the dinosaur
It’s been a troubling couple of months for bookstores in Toronto. Many have closed up shop, including the former Chapters flagship location at Richmond and John. In a separate but perhaps not completely unrelated note, Rob Ford is still leading in some polls.
Soccer stadium expansion plans approved
Toronto city council voted overwhelmingly in favour of committing $10 million to the expansion of BMO Field. Plans include more seating and the option of converting the field layout to accommodate football games —likely Toronto Argonauts football games.
