Newsstand: December 30, 2011

This Friday, why not take New Year's Eve out for a test drive? In the news: bedbug infestations are up, the love locks on Humber Bridge can't be stopped, even more charity races will be running on city streets this spring, and Rob Ford has some problems with 911.

By Brendan Ross • Illustration by Brian McLachlan

Here’s something that will make you squirm in your chair: despite bringing in three public health nurses, Toronto has seen an increase in bedbug infestations this year. Yes, bedbugs. An animal species almost certainly forged in the fires of Lucifer’s Bunsen burner, and one even vegetarians agree should be exterminated, ideally as violently as possible. Still, the nurses are doing their thing to help fight infestations and address the psychological causes and effects on people whose homes are infested. It might be an uphill battle, but hey, even the Ghostbusters were outmatched at one point.

City officials may have removed ‘love locks’ from the Humber Bridge, but it hasn’t stopped Torontonians from continuing to participate in this—we’re going to go ahead and say it—incredibly stupid phenomenon that is sweeping the world, where lovers inscribe their names on a lock, then lock it onto the side of a bridge and toss the key into the water below. As we understand it, the act is meant to symbolize a disregard for the environment, a lack of creativity, and a love that will rust in foul weather. Why not do something original for your lover instead, like getting a star named after them?

The Globe and Mail caught up with the new CEO of CivicAction, the organization started by the late David Pecaut, to tackle issues in the GTA. So we now know she can talk the talk.

Christmas might have come and gone (unless you’re one of those Orthodox types), but here’s a last-minute gift that’s sure to put a smile on your face: despite Mayor Rob Ford’s complaints over streets being used for charity runs, Toronto will be hosting more foot races on city streets this spring than in years past. It might not seem like much, but these days you’ve got to relish the small victories.

The Toronto Star gets some pretty weird phone calls, and the paper has published parts of some the weirdest from this year. And man, they sure are weird.

And lastly, we wouldn’t normally draw your attention to a story about someone’s personal life, but when that story involves the mayor, two 911 calls in the last two months, and rumours of domestic disputes, we just can’t help ourselves.