Toronto is getting its patience tested

Patios now forced to taste December

CP24 @CP24

Decision to keep indoor dining off limits was 'agonizing' but necessary, Tory says

cp24.comHaving to keep indoor dining shut ‘agonizing’ but necessary, Tory saysToronto Mayor John Tory said it has been “agonizing” contemplating the plight of restaurants and other businesses that now have to contend with at least another month of crippling restrictions, but the surge in COVID-19 cases mean he had no other choice.

The latest list of COVID-19 restrictions are regretted by John Tory, but Toronto’s mayor backed the recommendation of stricter measures. That means no indoor dining until at least December 12, on top of the other measures in the red zone defined by Ontario.

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Scenes from a post-office life

Matt Elliott @GraphicMatt

95% of city staff surveyed in July said they’d like to keep working from home at least part of the week, after the pandemic. Only 5% anticipate returning to the office five days a week. City is reducing amount of desks in future office plans. toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2… (PDF)

A plan to optimize and modernize city of Toronto office space was initiated before the pandemic: the survey results now show an overwhelming desire to work from home for at least part of each week. The overall trend stands to have long-term impacts on the viability of underground retailers, although it may also make prioritizing transit easier.

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“It was like walking on eggshells every single day.” Yasmin Ratansi’s former staffers detailed the Toronto MP’s allegedly abusive workplace behaviour, following the initial CBC News story about how she broke the rules by keeping her sister on the payroll. Justin Trudeau is “deeply disappointed” by his now-former Liberal caucus member.

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The sideshow of a shooting

The next Hollywood feature being filmed in Toronto is 1UP—the first BuzzFeed Studios production stars Ellen Page as the coach of an all-woman esports team. But its director, Kyle Newman, is currently getting more attention due to an elaborate custody battle with model-turned-actress Jaime King:

Page Six @PageSix

Jaime King blasts ex Kyle Newman's request for sole physical custody of kids trib.al/gyK86Pe

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NBC signed up another socialized medicine drama. Nurses was already the name of a sitcom the network once aired, but Global TV’s procedural show will soon be added to NBC’s primetime. CTV was able to boast of Transplant becoming the most-watched scripted series on U.S. broadcast networks while other season premieres were delayed.

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Finally, too cool for hot stoves

Alex Trebek acting peevish while shooting promos for “Phone Jeopardy” and making a cameo on Cheers were among the classic clips circulating after his death. And the tale of how Trebek almost became host of Hockey Night in Canada in 1971 but was rejected due to his moustache answers the question of how he ended up in Hollywood:

Ken Campbell @THNKenCampbell

Answer: "If not for a tuft of hair, he and not Dave Hodge, would have landed the job as host of Hockey Night in Canada." Question: "Who is the late Alex Trebek?" My blog on what might have been.

bit.lyHow Alex Trebek Almost Became Host of Hockey Night in CanadaThe host of North America’s most popular game show was a tuft of facial hair away from becoming the host of Canada’s most popular (hockey) game show.