Just another weekend talking points playlist
Living in a time of shifting vibes
The federal broadcast regulator is fine with Rogers buying Shaw, but this CRTC approval comes with the requirement to spend $27.2 million on broadcast initiatives and funds, which is five times what the acquiring company proposed. Still pending is the wireless part of the mega-merger, involving assets Ottawa would like broken up to provide alternatives.
You’re the landlord here now
Public data from the National Capital Commission fed this Toronto Star story detailing renovations to Harrington Lake. But a headline framing the property as just Justin Trudeau’s domain was changed after reaction on Twitter. It came days after the Globe and Mail made a headline out of Candice Bergen’s $19,404 cost of moving into Stornoway.
“The lunatics are trying to take over the asylum. And I’m not going to let them.” Jason Kenney’s frustrations ahead of an impending leadership review was aired in a leaked audio recording from Alberta’s embattled premier. Meanwhile, if you like less dramatic re-election stories, John Tory is ready for a third term as mayor of Toronto.
The rock ’n’ roll reality show
It’s taken 45 years for the full set the Rolling Stones performed in Toronto in 1977 to get a legal release, now set for May 13. Of course, the shows have been the subject of great scrutiny, due to the arrest of Keith Richards, the presence of Margaret Trudeau, and enshrinement of the El Mocambo. There’s no way listening to the actual music can compete:
“What You’re Feeling Isn’t A Vibe Shift. It’s Permanent Change.” BuzzFeed’s news division is being increasingly downsized, but it’s earned old-fashioned viral attention for this essay by its last Canadian correspondent standing. Elamin Abdelmahmoud has been interviewed about his piece in other places.
Finally, his only directorial credit
Lawrence Dane died on March 21 at age 84. He was a Canadian stage actor who moved to L.A. in 1965 and racked up the bad-guy TV roles. Dane eventually returned home to play dozens of parts, including in the Toronto-shot Bride of Chucky. His one turn behind the camera was a significant one, as director of the 1984 aerobics drama, Heavenly Bodies: