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Newsstand: March 5, 2010
Illustration by Roxanne Ignatius/Torontoist.
If we all could show the restraint that Finance Minister Jim Flaherty used in the 2010 federal budget, there would be no need for gym memberships. The smallest spending increase in thirteen years comes at the expense of public services, climate action, and foreign aid, but at least taxes won’t rise and we should be out of the fifty-four-billion-dollar deficit by 2015 as long as the economy stays on track. Of course, the opposition is dissatisfied, but not enough for the “e” word. Which means the fabric of our economy is Flaherty’s to control (literally).
David Miller, on the other hand, had the Hogtown Hump over the budget’s lack of funding for transit, green projects, or social programs. And George Smitherman broke the last straw with another “ludicrous” remark. He’s now refusing to talk to any of the campaigners because they “spread lies” about him. A little Häagen-Dazs and some Sixteen Candles should set him straight.
When funding for a museum of Toronto relics didn’t come through, the exhibits took up new digs—online. Launching this Saturday, the Toronto Museum Project could settle many more disputes. For instance, the city would be free to privatize its alpine hills when skiers can feel the wind of the web against their faces instead. Right? ‘Cause that’s the same?
Toronto schools also have a new hope—other than Milton wrestler Tiger Jeet Singh. A TDSB program in seven inner-city schools has drastically improved students’ EQAO results, attendance, and morale. Meanwhile violence has apparently dropped. The twenty-five-million-dollar program providing food, arts funding, and parental support will expand to 109 more TDSB schools.
She’s So Unusual, but Cyndi Lauper will be showing her True Colours at a free Pride Week concert! This July 3, she’ll hit the stage at Queen’s Park Time After Time to promote a new album due out in early June. This year’s thirtieth annual Pride Week will host eight stages covering over twenty-two blocks, ensuring that it’s not only girls who are having fun.
Leonard Asper, the CEO of Canwest Global Communications, has resigned to avoid a conflict of interest as the troubled media giant continues to dissolve. Its broadcast services including Global TV are currently being bought out by Shaw Communications, and its newspapers are up for auction. His departure virtually ends the Asper empire started by patriarch Izzy Asper.
Finally, Torontonians looking for love may find help in an unlikely source—mayoral candidate Rocco Rossi. Mondoville reports that ten years ago, Rossi was responsible for the StellaCam, a cross between Chatroulette and beer goggles. Webcams were installed in several bars in Vancouver, Brussels, and Manhattan, which web surfers could access at home, allowing them to strike up a convo with whoever was on the other side, and even send over a free beer ticket. Rocco Rossi—a mayor for privatization, TTC reform, and proper dating opportunities to drunks and lethargics everywhere!