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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

A transcript of the Rob Ford audio tape

toronto rob fordRob Ford spent part of last weekend "ranting and swearing" in an Etobicoke bar, according to the Toronto Sun, which obtained a choppy and at times difficult to decipher audio recording of parts of the evening. According to the paper, Ford was taped at Sullie Gorman's, a grimy bar in a strip plaza on Royal York Rd. almost directly across the street from a park that bears the name of Ford's father, Doug Sr.


It's worth nothing that it's also the same shopping centre where the Globe and Mail alleged Doug Ford ran his hash empire in the 1980s.


Ford appears to be (relatively) coherent in parts of the tape and almost nonsensical in others. At first, he discusses the Pride flag controversy at City Hall, saying Tim Hudak disagreed with his call for it to be removed. Later, Ford says he's conflicted about how he will vote in a provincial election, brags he would like to "fucking jam" Karen Stintz, then appears to force people to take shots of liquor with him. At one point he appears to call someone a "wop."


What follows is a rough (and likely imperfect) transcription of the Toronto Sun tape:


RECORDING BEGINS MID-SENTENCE


FORD: "...this fucking flag up ahead of our Canadian flag. I said no ... bullshit. They said they went to Queen's Park, they said 'no way.' Tim Hudak comes out and says 'yeah, I agree with all the gays should have the ...' That's it. I lost my conservative value."


MALE VOICE: "...You actually went to Queen's Park with it?"


FORD: "No they went, the gay organization went to Queen's Park and they're on a standstill. So at Queen's Park, you have to have every member to vote for it."


MALE VOICE: "Of course, of course ... I thought you were the one who ..."


FORD: "No, no, no. And Tim says: 'you know what, yeah that's right, I think it's right there.' He lost my vote. I don't know what the f-.... I can't vote Liberal, because I don't like what Wynne's doing. Not because she's gay, I just don't like the corruption. NDP, I'm just not left wing. I just can't... I mean, I like Tim Hudak, but I can't... I won't put his sign up on my lawn, I won't put any money. I might have to vote Green. I don't know what the fuck I'm going to vote right now. I'm going to vote something."


MALE VOICE: "See, that's incredible."


FORD: "I'm absolutely going to vote. I'll probably going to vote Green because the Green guy didn't say a fucking word... [inaudible.]"


MALE VOICE: "But you're a business guy ... you have a business, a successful business ... how could you vote anything else but P.C.?"


[INAUDIBLE]


FORD: "No ... I don't mind ... As long as they vote, I'd rather have them vote against me than not vote at all. I'd rather lose to Olivia Chow than lose to anyone, man, because, you know what... [INAUDIBLE] get fucked so bad. No, I'm not coming back, once I'm done, I'm done. I'm going to California."


THE RECORDING SEEMS TO PAUSE AND PICK UP WITH A NEW MALE VOICE LEADING THE CONVERSATION


MALE VOICE: "How about Karen Stintz?"


FORD: "I'd like to fucking jam her but she don't want..."


MALE VOICE: [LAUGHING] "'Jam her.'"


FORD: [TO SOMEONE OFF MIKE] "I'm so sorry - I forgot there was a woman in the house."


RECORDING APPEARS TO BE SKIP AHEAD AGAIN


FORD: "CSIS [INAUDIBLE] if you're carrying a piece or you use your envelope. There's no envelope, there's no secret service. I am who I am. There's no secret se- ... I am ...


[INAUDIBLE]


FORD: I'm not like this ... I admit, I'm not the normal mayor. I'm not the normal mayor."


MALE VOICE: "How do you fuck your wife?"


FORD: "I'd fuck your wife [INAUDIBLE] we won't go that far.


FEMALE VOICE: Oh, Nick, stop. That's not nice.


FORD: "That's when we start talking my language!"


[INAUDIBLE]


MALE VOICE: "When was the last time you smoked a joint?"


FORD: "It doesn't matter!"


RECORDING SKIPS AHEAD


FORD: "These guys want me fucking covered. I said, 'nobody's going to cover me, I've got everything under control.'"


FEMALE VOICE: Rob? [SILENCE LIKE FORD IS CONSIDERING AN OFFER]


FORD: "I'm good ... is that your wife?"


FEMALE VOICE: "Yeah!"


RECORDING MAY SKIP AHEAD HERE


[INAUDIBLE]


FEMALE VOICE: "Rob?"


[INAUDIBLE]


FORD: "Berto,[?] get a shot right now or I'll fucking break a..."


MALE VOICE: "The waiter's not here! Reagan [?], do me a favour..."


[INAUDIBLE]


FEMALE VOICE: "Rob? Stop."


[INAUDIBLE]


FORD: "I don't mind talking politics, but I don't want you guys ...


[INAUDIBLE]


FORD: "Shit, fuck, bro. I pound this every day."


MALE VOICE: "It's 9:00 at night. It's 9:00 at night."


[INAUDIBLE]


MALE VOICE: I'll tell you about my job, it'll last for two fucking hours."


RECORDING SEEMS TO SKIP AHEAD


FORD: "Oh, good. If that fucking wop over there... Sorry, I'm not saying I'm a racist, sorry ... If you don't get a shot in two seconds I'll knock your fucking teeth out.


MALE VOICE: "You know what, Robbie?"


FORD: No, no, no, no, no ... I wan't that fucking dago back there, sorry ... no, he hasn't - he drank it."


FEMALE VOICE: "Everyone is allowed their down time."


[INAUDIBLE]


FORD: "That's what I'm saying, it's after 9:00..."


[INAUDIBLE]


MALE VOICE: "What do you want?"


FORD: "I want to give him two shots ... cause those two dagos are drinking together."


MALE VOICE: Did you just call me a 'dago,' really?


[INAUDIBLE]


RECORDING SKIPS AHEAD


[INAUDIBLE]


FORD: I'm fucking sick of politics, dude. Look at my record I'm going to win, we're going to win ... You've got two choices, you've got Olivia Chow ... it's the same vote! it's the same vote! If you vote for Tory, you're voting for Chow, because you're splitting the vote."


MALE VOICE: "You're splitting the vote!"


RECORDING ENDS


Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.


Image: Chris Bateman/blogTO






by Chris Bateman via blogTO

Pumphouse Sunset

Full text of Rob Ford's leave of absence statement

Rob Ford Leave Absence StatementIn the wake of the bombshell that dropped tonight in the form of another Rob Ford crack tape, the Mayor has decided to take the leave of absence that many have recommended since initial allegations of substance abuse issues arose over a year ago. Here's the full statement from the Mayor's office. Note well that it makes no specific reference to tonight's revelations, nor does it hint at a timeline for a possible return to office and the campaign trail. Ford is presently still enrolled in the mayoral race.


--


Tonight I want to take some time to speak from my heart to the people of Toronto. It's not easy to be vulnerable and this is one of the most difficult times in my life. I have a problem with alcohol, and the choices I have made while under the influence. I have struggled with this for some time.


Today, after taking some time to think about my own well-being, how to best serve the people of Toronto and what is in the best interests of my family, I have decided to take a leave from campaigning and from my duties as Mayor to seek immediate help.


I have tried to deal with these issues by myself over the past year. I know that I need professional help and I am now 100% committed to getting myself right.


I love the people of Toronto, I love being your mayor and I hope you will continue to stand by me.


With the support of my family, friends, professionals and the people of Toronto, I will conquer this.


Please keep me and my family in your prayers during these difficult days ahead.


I just want to say to the people of Toronto that I thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement. I cannot tell you enough how much I appreciate it.


Mayor Rob Ford


--


Photo by BruceK in the blogTO Flickr pool






by Derek Flack via blogTO

Mayor Rob Ford caught in new crack video

rob ford crack videoRob Ford is going to take a break from the election campaign to "go get help" after the Globe and Mail revealed it had seen new video of the mayor appearing to smoke crack cocaine as recently as Saturday.


In the video, which the paper says is being shopped by a dealer for six figures, Ford is seen "taking a drag from a long copper-coloured pipe, exhaling a cloud of smoke, his right arm convulsing." Reporters Robyn Doolittle and Greg Mcarthur say the video was taken in the early hours of the morning in his sister's basement. Another video features Sandro Lisi.


It posted a screen cap from one of the videos in which Ford is holding a pipe.


rob ford crack videoThe news that Ford will take a break but remain on the ballot comes as the Toronto Sun said it had acquired an audio recording in which Ford says he wants to "fucking jam" fellow candidate Karen Stintz.


"Ford was seen buying shooters and trying to fight with patrons in the Royal York Rd. bar Monday," it says.


Wow.


Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.


Image: Christian Bobak/blogTO






by Chris Bateman via blogTO

Tips for small business on taxes, debt and much more

Begins: 3 May 2014 at 11:00 AM Ends: 3 May 2014 at 2:00 PM Where: 221 Yonge St Organized by: Albana Luca, MBA

by via Toronto Networking Events

SFN Yorkville Business Networking Event

Begins: 1 May 2014 at 5:00 PM Ends: 1 May 2014 at 7:00 PM Where: 220 Bloor St W Organized by: Giselle Murphy and Jessie Christo

by via Toronto Networking Events

TriAdventure Orientation

Begins: 6 May 2014 at 7:00 PM Ends: 6 May 2014 at 10:00 PM Where: 817 Gerrard Street East Organized by: TriAdventure

by via Toronto Networking Events

The Best Margaritas in Toronto

margaritas torontoThe best margaritas in Toronto have improved dramatically with the addition of a number of excellent tequileiras to the city over the last couple of years. Since the opening of Lower Ossington mainstay Reposado, newer spots such as El Catrin, Fonda Lola and El Caballito have lent some serious clout to the equation.


But what makes a good margarita? None of the offerings listed here will resemble the frozen slushie of bar mix and El Cheapo that you might see on vacation. In fact, it seems that most bars have embraced the use of premium blue agave tequila, with Toronto's Tromba featuring heavily on lists around the city.


Here are the best margaritas in Toronto.


See also:


The top 5 tequila bars and restaurants in Toronto

The Best Cocktails in Toronto

The Best Mexican Restaurants in Toronto






by Jen Hunter via blogTO

W Hotel rumoured to be coming to Toronto

W Hotel TorontoThe W Hotel brand might be on the way to Toronto. Long the source of speculation amongst the city's urban development nerds, the rumour mill has cranked up after Curbed got their hands on images that appear to indicate that Freed Developments has plans to bring the hotel to the Entertainment District. We previously heard that an existing Yorkville hotel was possible site for a Toronto W, though we haven't been able to confirm the location with any certainty.


Three years ago, there was also lots of talk about the hotel coming to Toronto. Back then the location was thought to be Temperance and Sheppard streets as part of a 54-storey development designed by Page + Steele / IBI Group Architects, but the project ultimately never came to be. That could, of course, also be the case this time, but you can bet the chatter is going to increase with the apparent affiliation with Freed.






by Derek Flack via blogTO

NXNE trailer rebrands iconic Toronto landmarks

NXNE video 2014NXNE have released a slick new video along with their third line up announcement, where punks grab a slice at Odonis Odonis, Mac DeMarco owns his own cab company, and sad Toronto music fans pick up a copy of LOW Magazine every Thursday. The Pizza Underground will never be a band I'll care about, but I would hit up the restaurant. As you get hyped up for this year's fest, look out for Perpect Pussy's pet shop (aw) and a big money take-over that just might save Honest Ed's from the chopping block (if only).



FYI to NXNE - the song in the video would have been better if it was by Toronto's Mas Aya. Just a friendly note for next year.


Lineup additions from today include Pusha T, Jacques Greene, Future Islands, Joel Plaskett Emergency, Autre Ne Veut (be still my heart), Xiu Xiu, Evian Christ, HSY, and Army Girls. NXNE also announced a new viewing space at Yonge-Dundas Square for wristband and badge holders; Sleigh Bells, St. Vincent, Spoon, and Juicy J are among artists performing at Y&DS, which should ease the pain of at least some of Toronto's M.I.A. fans.


NXNE 2014 runs from June 13-2 in Toronto.






by Aubrey Jax via blogTO

The top 25 shows at Canadian Music Week 2014

Canadian Music WeekCanadian Music Week 2014 runs in Toronto May 6-10. Here's a roundup of our must-see shows.


It's time to pull yourself out of mega-fest hibernation: CMW gets underway next Tuesday at over 60 venues across the city. This year, the fest has moved from its usual March slot over to May, where it will kick off Toronto's festival fever as over 1000 artists set up and tear down on Toronto stages. There's a whole lot going on, from music, to a conference, a film fest, comedy fest and even a few award shows.


You don't want to lose yourself in a desperate TTC struggle, frantically jetting around the city in hopes catching all your favourite bands (not to mention carrying the cash required to shell out cover each time). To avoid this, plan ahead by checking out all the CMW shows on their schedule page, as well as setting yourself up with a five-day wristband, which will let you into most shows hassle-free. Purchase yours here.


To help fans gain access to some of the larger shows (City and Colour, Neko Case, the 1975, Owen Pallett, Mastodon and the Canadian Radio Music Awards), CMW has introduced a concert lottery. Fans can RSVP for select shows through the daily social media announcements, and those who are quick on the draw will win guaranteed spots on the list. Lottery contenders must be wristband holders, which is another good reason to spend the $75 ahead of time.


The number of musical offerings at CMW is a little, um, unmanageable, even for the most proficient festival-goer. To help you out, we've broken it down to our top 25 picks that will make for a happy CMW. We've included links to each band's CMW page, where you'll find info on set times, whether a set is all ages or 19+, and how your wristband can help you out. Leave your suggestions for other not-to-miss shows in the comments below.


MIAHOT TICKETS


M.I.A. / May 3 / Tattoo

Contrary to her name, M.I.A. has been quite visible lately. She released her new album Matangi not too long ago, and now she's jet-setting around, playing tour dates like it's going out of style. This free performance falls a little before the festival officially kicks off. Initially scheduled as a huge, mind blowing free show at Yonge & Dundas Square, the move to the (admittedly revamped, but insanely smaller) Tattoo on Queen has dampened enthusiasm for this year's fest. Still, it's M.I.A.



Tegan and Sara & Ellie Goulding / May 9 / Kool Haus

Well done, CMW - you've brought in the big guns for Fanfest 2014. Still smelling of Winnipeg and champagne, Tegan and Sara will be headlining fresh off their three Juno wins. There's even another heartthrob in the mix: British mega-star, Ellie Goulding will take the stage beforehand. Did you nab tickets early? Beause otherwise, tough luck - they're sold out now, but you could try out the CMW lottery mentioned above.



Owen Pallett and Doldrums / May 10 / Danforth Music Hall

Owen Pallett is one of the several impressive names CMW scored this year. Plus we have Doldrums going up first as the perfect opener to set the best mood. This is going to be good.


ODESZA / May 9 / Tattoo

Music festivals can get you in a bit of a haze, running around the streets of Toronto, drinking the night away, while trying to make sense of some scribbled schedule you thought you'd stick to. Forget everything else, and run on over to Tattoo where you can trip out in all the good vibes of a packed Odesza show.



Neko Case / May 9 / Massey Hall

Neko Case basket cases shrilled with joy when CMW announced that the folky songstress would be making a festival appearance. She'll be filling Massey Hall with her beautiful sounds at 9:15pm. Go hang on her every poetic word.



The 1975 / May 6 / Kool Haus

These British boys will be kicking off the first day of the fest with their super catchy indie pop-rock. This show was in such high demand that it got moved from Danforth Music Hall over to Kool Haus, but don't worry - if you got tickets for the original venue, they will still be honoured. The audience will be a sea of leather jackets, so it's gonna be a sweaty one.



City and Colour / May 9 / Air Canada Centre

This man has a whole hell of a lot of admirers. I get it, tattoos and sensitive songwriting have a tendency to get some people really hot and bothered. I mean, you could just lurk around in North Toronto and eventually see him - but I suppose tickets to the ACC show will have to suffice. To sweeten the pot, Half Moon Run will be opening.



Television / May 10 / The Phoenix

For the uninitiated: Television essentially invented tight-pantsed New York indie-rock at the dawn of the CBGB era. They directly influenced every band you liked in the early 2000s, and are responsible for creating the only guitar riff I could happily listen to for 10 minutes straight. This will be a hot ticket, but if you can, go, and witness the masters at work.


The Indie Music Awards / May 10 / Kool Haus

Lot's of bands will be hanging around this awards show, which has lined up performances by The Strumbellas, Ponctuation, The Hidden Cameras, Hollerado, Born Ruffians, Mounties, and Little Dragon. This is a cool way to see a lot of bands all in one night, but just so you know, most of these sets only last about two songs. Then they get back to rambling presenters handing out Indie awards to artists with equally as rambly acceptance speeches. Formal attire not necessary.


Airplane Boys CMWADDITIONAL PICKS


TUESDAY MAY 6


The Reason and The Dirty Nil / May 6 / Tattoo

The Reason as in the rock band from Hamilton, not the Hoobastank song. I discovered them back when I was one of those "punx not dead" teenagers, and would catch their shows in any surrounding city that I could get my parents to drive me to. They've matured their original sound into an alt-rock feel now, but their shows are still as much fun as they used to be. Joining them will be openers The Dirty Nil, bringing their patterned button-ups and scream-in-your face goodness.



Come As You Are / May 6 / The Great Hall

This show is a little different: It's a night of Nirvana songs performed by Chris Murphy of Sloan, Hidden Cameras, DIANA, JULY TALK, By Divine Right, Vag Halen, Biblical, YOUNG RIVAL, Wildlife, Luke Lalonde of Born Ruffians, Light Fires, Lisa Bozikovic, and more. This show is in partnership with In Bloom, and will honour the legacy of Kurt Cobain while raising awareness for youth mental health.


Justin Nozuka / May 6 / Mod Club

Tuesday will be swoon-sday thanks to the acoustic summery jams of Justin Nozuka. Hear his angelic voice at 8pm and your heart will be set aflutter.


WEDNESDAY MAY 7


Brody Dalle / May 7 / Horseshoe

Alert the masses! Brody Dalle, the former Distillers frontwoman, and queen of punk-rockdom as us '80s/'90s babies know it, is bringing her solo project to CMW! Brody and her side-mouthed growl will be at The Horseshoe, and you mustn't miss out on the potential crowd-surfing deja vu. I doubt she'll take requests, but if you scream City of Angels or Drain the Blood enough times, who knows what will happen?


BROODS / May 7 / The Drake Underground

This New Zealand brother-sister duo have made themselves one of the fastest rising new acts to emerge in the last year. With shows already planned across the globe, as well as the release of a debut album expected in late 2014, Broods are only just getting started.


THURSDAY MAY 8


The Airplane Boys / May 8 / Tattoo

Scarborough duo APB (Airplane Boys) are playing one of CMW's most-hyped shows: HUSTLEGRL's Thursday hip hop showcase featuring Naturally Born Strangers, Tre Mission, ABO, and A-Game. These guys are breaking out in a big way and with the kind of talent they've tapped into, they deserve it. Rap fans should not miss this line up.


Diana / May 8, 9 / Drake Underground

The two days of DIGG DEEP/GET HIGH are going to be some of the coolest shit happening this year. We all know DIANA by now. Did you also know they just released a video for Strange Attraction? The band will change it up with, quote "a night of softer ambient music and then a night of pretty bangin dance music."


Maylee Todd / May 8 / Horseshoe

Of course. Toronto talent Maylee Todd will play her disco-fied pop jams at The Horseshoe at 9pm. Wear your best outfit and get groovy.



Matt Pond PA / May 8 / Mod Club

Matt Pond PA is in the middle of a big tour celebrating the 10th anniversary of his album Emblems. He says that he's never played the full albums' worth of songs in front of a live human audience before, so this should make for an interesting show. He'll be touching down on the Mod Club stage for the Thursday of CMW. Large-scale clap alongs to be expected.


FRIDAY MAY 9


Comeback Kid / May 9 / Mod Club

This is the right show if you wanna let go of a workweek of tension by thrashing around. These guys recently put out a new video along with a whole new album, so you'll be hearing some new material.


The Slackers / May 9 / Lee's Palace

The Slackers have spreading their "Jamaican rock 'n' roll" around the world for over two decades now. Jamaican me want to dance. Bring your ska-enthusiast friends, stretch it out, and then join in the circle skank. It will be a fun one.


Papermaps / May 9 / Rancho Relaxo

NXNE's loss is Canadian Music Week's gain, as Papermaps frontman Dean Marino recently detailed the kerfuffle that came from ending up on the wrong side of NXNE's radius clause. Come see Marino and Co.'s moody guitar jams and make sure that pain won't be in vain. South of Bloor and Brothers of North will warm things up with melodious arena-rock sets; bring fists for raising.


SATURDAY MAY 10


ShaqIsDope / May 10 / Baltic Avenue

This 21 year old rapper hailing from downtown Toronto's St James Town Community has been stirring up a bit of buzz after the release of his 11-track mixtape "Early Beginnings: The Shaquille Baptiste Story". Having both Latin and West Indian descent he represents a mutlicultural element characteristic of Toronto's populace. He'll be sharing the stage at Baltic Avenue with Halifax's Quake Matthews, Toronto's King Reign, among others.



Wildlife / May 10 / Adelaide Music Hall

This group truly has an interesting thing going on. They are loud but poppy and lend a great deal of focus to melodies that allow for the raw, emotional content of their music to shine. They'll be performing at what might be one of CMW's most exciting showcases, hosted by Osheaga and Life or Death PR, featuring We Are Wolves, Nothing, Groenland and two late night special guest DJ performances that are sure to turn heads when they're announced. You might want to get to Adelaide Hall early for this one.


BASECAMP / May 10 / The Garrison

2014 has been a great year so far for this Nashville based trio that effortlessly blends synthy electronic production with ethereal vocals layered into an arrangement that can be appreciated by a pop audience. Their debut "Emmanuel" was well received online and they've gone on to support acts like CHVRCHES. They'll be touching The Garrison's stage on May 10 at 12:30am for a showcase that is being curated by Hilly Dilly, a taste-making blog with a growing reputation for discovering unknown talent online. Catch them at Lee's on May 8 as well.



OFF! / May 10 / Lee's Palace

Come prepared for a lot of loudness and a lot of being pushed around. OFF! just released a new album a few weeks ago, giving us a good chance to have the whole thing memorized by the time they hit stage for CWM's closing night.


Writing by Julia Stead, with contributions by Markit and Natalia Manzocco.


Photo of Maylee Todd by Alejandro Santiago, MIA by Matthew McAndrew, Airplane Boys via Facebook






by Julia Stead via blogTO