Just another weekend talking points playlist

Living in a time of shifting vibes

CRTCeng @CRTCeng

We've approved Rogers' acquisition of Shaw's cable, satellite and TV services. The decision sets out many safeguards and conditions to ensure that the transaction benefits Canadians and the Canadian broadcasting system. Read the complete decision here :

ow.lyCRTC approves with conditions Rogers’ acquisition of Shaw’s broadcasting services - Canada.caToday, the CRTC approved Rogers’ acquisition of Shaw’s broadcasting services, subject to a number of conditions and modifications. The CRTC has also set out several safeguards to ensure that the transaction benefits Canadians and the Canadian broadcasting system. As part of this transaction, Rogers…

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.

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You’re the landlord here now

Toronto Star @TorontoStar

Official residences for the prime minister and other top federal officials continue to swallow cash, and the latest instance isn’t even a full-time home. Inside the $11M renovations to Justin Trudeau’s official country home.

torstar.coInside the $11M renovations to the prime minister’s official country homeSprinklers, a taller farmhouse, and a $735,000 new kitchen all add up.

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.

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“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.

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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:

The Rolling Stones @RollingStones

Welcome to El Mocambo 1977 🌴 A brand new live album featuring the legendary 1977 shows! Pre-order now on deluxe 2CD, classic black 4LP & limited neon 4LP: the-rolling-stones.lnk.to/ElMocamboSo  Doors open May 13th..

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“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.

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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: