Readable summary of the main news around Toronto and Ontario in 2012. CBC
The monkey, the mayor and other Toronto stories
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Readable summary of the main news around Toronto and Ontario in 2012. CBC
Sunnybrook Gangnam parody a free speech issue
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A battle for the right to post an obstetrics-based parody of the Gangnam style video is being waged on YouTube and in the media. The video was made by staff at Sunnybrook Hospital and appears to many as a light-hearted comment on the work of the professionals who deliver babies. But to a group known as Empower Birth, the video is an affront to women who want “positive empowered births.” That complaint was enough to cause Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre to remove the video from its YouTube channel but OB/Gyne has been re-posted twice by others who insist it is just fine and that the issue has become one of free speech. So far Sunnybrook has not apologized to Empower Birth, another of its demands. Should Sunnybrook apologize? You be the judge. Empower Birth
Hey coach, look what I brought to assembly
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Argo Defensive Back Matt Black came home to Northern Secondary School and he had quite a prize to show everyone. It gave new meaning to the term Show and Tell. At a convocation this week the hugely popular Black was able to hang out in style with his former coaches and teachers while thrilling every member of the student body. The powerful role-model embodied by the 27-year-old Toronto native was never more evident as kids lined up after the school assembly to have their pictures taken with Black, and the Grey Cup of course. There is a video on the Argonaut site showing some of the activity.
Garbage pickup moves forward a day over holiday
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For anyone who normally gets their garbage collection on Monday night, their pickup will be moved to Tuesday on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. For everyone else, the garbage collection schedule moves forward by one day:
Tuesday collection moves to Wednesday, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2
Wednesday collection moves to Thursday, Dec. 27 and Jan. 3
Thursday collection moves to Friday on Dec. 28 and Jan. 4
Friday collection moves to Saturday on Dec. 29 and Jan. 5 .
Direct Energy, Reliance under fire for high fees
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Canada’s Competition Bureau is seeking $25 million in penalties from two water-heater rental companies that the watchdog alleges gouge customers by making it next to impossible to return water heaters and get out of contracts without exorbitant fees. The competition watchdog said it is taking action against Direct Energy Marketing and Reliance Comfort. CBC
Darwin doll project revealed by Sun reporter
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Writer Joe Warmington says in the Toronto Sun that there appears to be a project on the drawing board to create a replica of the celebrated monkey which has become more than a one-day wonder of a story. It would be a kind of Darwin doll, if you please. Mr. Warmington made the revelation when he said that his sister, Dana Kingstone, is working on a children’s book on Darwin and has been talking with some business people about producing an actual stuffed monkey Darwin, complete with a shearling coat, special tooth brush accessory and even a Santa suit. Prototypes (inset) have been made and there is an effort to meet with those who might find benefit in the idea. Toronto Sun
Top court upholds Crown’s right to vet jurors
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Be sure to check the results of the public opinion poll at the bottom of this story. Toronto Sun
Nissan small van to challenge Transit Connect
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The battle of the small commercial vans is at hand as Nissan readies to debut its NV200 (right) at the Montreal Auto Show. Highly competitive Nissan has noticed the enormously successful Ford Transit Connect. The streets are filled with Bell and Rogers Transits of the first generation. On the left, is the next generation. The 2014 Transit Connect follows a dramatic frontal treatment which identifies the pointy end of most new Ford trucks.
Monkey to stay at sanctuary for time being
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Darwin the celebrity monkey will stay at an animal sanctuary for the time being, according to news reports. CP24 says this morning that an Ontario Superior Court judge has found that the much fussed over little fellow would stay at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary in Sunderland near Toronto until his ownership is determined. Ownership seems like an obvious question. As many will know, importing and keeping of monkeys is prohibited in Canada. It seems a reasonable legal question as to whether anyone can claim legal ownership. Those saddened by this development may take solace in the knowledge that monkeys have no concept of Christmas.
Snow possible in Toronto this afternoon
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Toronto is expected to transition to snow during the day (Friday) with a possible accumulation of 5 cm. Between rain, snow and gusty winds, a large storm moving through Ontario could affect holiday driving. The system pushed into southern Ontario Thursday bringing rain and freezing rain to some areas throughout the day. Toronto picked up 12 mm of rain.
Saint Anselm kids choir on South Bayview
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Kids from Saint Anselm Catholic School braved chilly weather this noon hour to serenade parents and the general public on South Bayview outside Tremblett’s Valu Mart. Christmas carols and other holiday favorites were on the to-sing list. And as you can see, choir members got enthusiastically into the spirit. We love the red nose. Well done, kids. Merry Christmas!