In what comes a surprise to basically nobody, Yorkdale has been ranked the most profitable mall in Canada. 

Pulling in about $1,905 in sales per square foot, the Toronto mall took the top spot over Vancouver's CP Pacific Centre (about $1,690) and Oakridge Shopping Centre (about $1,594). 

The list was compiled by the Retail Council of Canada, and has been topped by Yorkdale three years in a row.

Other locations in Toronto included the Eaton Centre (4th place), Sherway Gardens (12th place), Fairview (13th place), Scarborough Town Centre (17th place), and Bayview Village (24th place). 

Check out the full list:

1. Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto ON ($1,905.00)
2. CF Pacific Centre, Vancouver BC ($1,690.00)
3. Oakridge Centre, Vancouver BC ($1,594.00)
4. CF Toronto Eaton, Centre Toronto ON ($1,556.00)
5. Southgate Centre, Edmonton AB ($1,128.00)
6. Square One, Mississauga ON ($1,086.78)
7. CF Chinook Centre, Calgary AB ($1,081.00)
8. CF Richmond Centre, Richmond BC ($1,060.00)
9. Metropolis at Metrotown, Burnaby BC ($1,040.00)
10. CF Rideau Centre, Ottawa ON ($1,017.00)
11. Conestoga Mall, Waterloo ON ($1,016.00)
12. CF Sherway Gardens, Toronto ON ($1,002.00)
13. CF Fairview Mall, Toronto ON ($986.00)
14. CF Masonville, London ON ($946.00)
15. Mapleview Centre, Burlington ON ($901.00)
16. CF Market Mall, Calgary AB ($899.00)
17. Scarborough Town Centre, Toronto ON ($890.93)
18. Guildford Town Centre, Surrey BC ($883.00)
19. Park Royal West, Vancouver BC ($914.00)
20. CF Polo Park, Winnipeg MB ($862.00)
21. CF Carrefour Laval, Laval QC ($858.00)
22. CF Markville, Richmond Hill ON ($855.00)
23. Coquitlam Centre, Coquitlam BC ($854.00)
24. Bayview Village, Toronto ON ($830.00)
25. Place Ste-Foy, Quebec City QC ($825.00)
26. Vaughan Mills, Vaughan ON ($824.00)
27. Halifax Shopping Centre, Halifax NS ($811.00)
28. Upper Canada Mall, Newmarket ON ($788.19)
29. CF Fairview Pointe Claire, Pointe Claire QC ($768.00)
30. West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton AB ($767.00)

U.S. Senator Rand Paul, who once famously likened Canada's public healthcare system to slavery, is coming to Ontario later this month for hernia surgery.

Rand Paul, 2011- compared universal healthcare to slavery.

Rand Paul, 2019- exploits Canadian slaves for his hernia surgery.

Rand Paul: Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul is going to Canada for surgery https://t.co/0pyRKeUYF5

— Barry Schapiro MD (@bschapiroMD) January 15, 2019

The Associated Press reports that the Republican Senator from Kentucky will undergo outpatient surgery during the week of January 21 at the GTA's own Shouldice Hospital, a private healthcare facility in Thornhill that specializes in non-mesh hernia repair.

This, according to a recent filing in Paul's ongoing lawsuit against neighbour Rene Boucher, who attacked him outside of his home in 2017.

Paul's lawyers claim that the lawmaker needs hernia surgery as the result of injuries sustained during the attack, which was allegedly prompted by a pile of loose yard clippings.

It is unclear why the politician is coming to Canada for the procedure, however—and ironic, say his political opponents, given how staunchly opposed to universal healthcare the senator has claimed to be.

Oh, the irony: Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, one of the fiercest political critics of socialized medicine, will travel to Canada later this month to get hernia surgery.

Tell Congress we need #MedicareForAll now: https://t.co/iQQ4yeeBjyhttps://t.co/yqvqcdub8w

— Democratic Coalition (@TheDemCoalition) January 14, 2019

Paul, who himself is an ophthalmologist and ran for U.S. president in 2016, said the following of publicly-funded medicine during a debate against fellow U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders in 2011:

"With regard to the idea whether or not you have a right to health care you have to realize what that implies. I am a physician. You have a right to come to my house and conscript me. It means you believe in slavery. You are going to enslave not only me but the janitor at my hospital, the person who cleans my office, the assistants, the nurses. … You are basically saying you believe in slavery."

Rand Paul compared publicly funded universal healthcare to slavery and “the Gulag.” Him having surgery in Canada, which has publicly funded universal healthcare, is hypocritical as hell. Doesn’t matter that the hospital is private, because most of its income is government funded.

— Adam Best (@adamcbest) January 14, 2019

In response to criticism over the seemingly hypocritical move, Paul's team issued a statement to clarify that he  will be attending a private hospital "separate from any system."

"This is more fake news on a story that has been terribly reported from day one," said Paul's deputy chief of staff, Sergio Gor, in a statement on Monday.

"This is a private, world renowned hospital separate from any system and people come from around the world to pay cash for their services."

"It's literally the opposite of socialized medicine," added Paul's chief strategist Doug Stafford on Twitter, saying that Shouldice is "one of a handful of private hospitals grandfathered to exist outside of [Canada's] normal healthcare laws."

Attention fact-challenged media: “More fake news on a story that has been reported terribly from day one - this is a PRIVATE, world renowned hospital and people come from around the world to PAY CASH for their services.” It’s literally the opposite of socialized medicine.

— Doug Stafford (@dougstafford) January 14, 2019

Shouldice does accepts public insurance, according to Politico, but also allows people to pay for its services.

The Lousiville Courier-Journal, which broke the hernia surgery story, further reports that while Shouldice is privately owned, it still receives the majority of its funding from Ontario's government.

Paul's hernia procedure is estimated to cost between USD$5,000 and  $8,000.

Today in gross and hopelessly obvious news, Toronto has been found to boast a bigger bed bug problem than any other city in Canada.

The country's largest pest control company, Orkin, just released its second annual list of the "top bed bug cities" based on the number of treatments at all residential and commercial properties between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018.

It makes sense that Toronto would have the highest number of bed bug situations needing professional attention, given that it's Canada's biggest city, but size doesn't necessarily coincide with rates of infestation.

Winnipeg, for example, had the second-biggest bed bug problem of 2018, according to Orkin's data, followed by St. John's, Newfoundland and then Vancouver.

Montreal and Calgary, however, don't appear on the top 10 list at all despite being Canada's second and fourth largest cities by population.

Pest control company Orkin puts Toronto at spot number one on its list of the worst cities for bed bugs in Canada. Lucky us. Image via Orkin Canada.

This is only the second edition of Orkin's annual bed bug list, but the company warns that this hard-to-kill pest has become increasingly common in North America over the past 20 years.

"Bed bugs are extremely efficient hitch hikers," reads Orkin's blog. "They can move easily across a room and climb onto luggage or anything left on a bed in just one night... They can also be found on airplane and train seats, buses or in rental cars."

Uh, thanks for the nightmares.

Here's the full list of Canada's top 10 bedbug cities if you're so inclined:

1. Toronto
2. Winnipeg
3. St. John’s
4. Vancouver
5. Halifax
6. Ottawa
7. Hamilton
8. Sudbury
9. Windsor
10. Scarborough

Places to donate your used furniture in Toronto will help you pass on your old dressers and sofas to those who need them, which is way better than ending up in the landfill. As long as they're functional, these pre-loved pieces are more than welcome for drop off and even for pick-up by these charitable and for-profit organizations.

Here are places to donate your furniture in Toronto.

Furniture Bank

This charity takes gently-used furniture and gives it to families that are transitioning out of homelessness or newcomers to Canada. Fill out a form to either drop off everything from sofas to bookshelves at their centre by Kipling and the Queensway with no appointment necessary, or arrange a pick up.

Salvation Army

Shelving, tables, and couches can all be dropped at a Salvation Army bin near you—ideally a Donor Welcome Centre. If you have more than three furniture items, they'll come pick it up from your home. 

Habitat for Humanity 

Furniture pick-up are free from this nonprofit dedicated to affordable and safe housing for all. They have 12 Habitat ReStores around the GTA where you can also drop off your gently-used furniture and fixtures: all proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity's home building projects. 

Red Door Family Shelter

Donations to Red Door's Moving Program help families fleeing homelessness or abuse. Items like dressers, kitchen tables and coffee tables are especially needed, but they accept a majority of home necessities. You can schedule a pickup (for a fee) if you live between Bathurst and Markham, from Lawrence down to Lake Ontario.

Just Junk

It'll cost you, but this company specializes in picking up all assortments of junk from your home, furniture included. As long as it's in decent condition, about 60 percent of your stuff will go to Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, and other local charities. 

Diabetes Canada

They don't accept a lot of clunkier home furnishings, but smaller stuff like end tables, dining chairs, lamps, and other compact housewares are on the list for things Diabetes Canada will pick up from your home.  

Value Village

It's a for-profit organization, but Value Village does benefit certain organizations by buying used goods off them for resale. If you want to give to them directly (sale profits will go directly to them) you can drop off your small furniture pieces at a location near you.

Wedding and bridal shows in Toronto for 2019 are here to help you plan for your special day. Wether it includes a 22-metre veil held up by five people or it's an intimate celebration with friends and family, these shows are here to make all your wedding dreams come true.

A new Toronto company is helping fashionistas refresh their looks with a subscription service that lets you rent brand name purses and sunglasses.

You can now get your hands on a handbag from Michael Kors, LongChamp and Coach through KukaMelon, an online store that launched in September. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by kukaMelon (@kuka_melon) on Dec 19, 2018 at 8:48am PST

For $39 a month, subscribers will get a different purse shipped straight to their homes in cute packaging. Sunglasses from brands like Ray Ban and Armani will set you back $29 monthly.

You don't get to choose which specific brands you'll get, but filling out a style preference guide makes sure that stylish subscribers receive purses and sunglasses that match their vibe. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by kukaMelon (@kuka_melon) on Jan 8, 2019 at 11:14am PST

The exchange period is typically one month, so you can ship your bag or glasses back to KukaMelon after 30 days to get your next look. 

If you're absolutely obsessed with the Tory Burch tote you got, you can actually keep it for as long as you want before sending it back to get another one. You'll just have to keep paying the monthly rental fee.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by kukaMelon (@kuka_melon) on Oct 9, 2018 at 9:36am PDT

And if you want to hold on to it forever, the cost will be 80 per cent of the item's retail price. That's actually a pretty good discount if the bag's only lightly used.

If you damage or lose the bag, however, you'll be charged the same amount, so hold on to that clutch tight.

One of the most anticipated new developments in Toronto this decade is once again shifting shape before shovels even hit the ground, and, unlike most revised design proposals, this one is actually adds some height.

Newly modified plans for the David Mirvish- and Great Gulf-backed, Frank Gehry-designed skyscraper duo (and one time trio) coming to Toronto's entertainment district reveal that the entire marquee development will classify as "supertall" once built.

The new mixed-use residential towers will be built atop the Royal Alexandra Theatre and the Princess of Wales Theatre on King Street West in Toronto. Image via City of Toronto.

Buildings must be at least 300 metres high to be considered supertall, according to the international Council for Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, and only 91 of them exist in the world right now.

Zero of those supertalls are in Canada. The One, which is now under construction at Yonge and Bloor, will be the country's first, but at least two more are on the way. 

At new proposed heights of 301.55 metres and 329 metres high, respectively, the east and west Mirvish + Gehry towers will now both be supertall buildings, though they'll actually have less floors overall.

What used to be 82 and 92 storey buildings will now be just 81 and 91 storeys high, but with taller floors, suggesting "the developer is anticipating a demand for higher ceilings in what will be considered luxury suites."

At least two floors in the development's east tower will house facilities for the nearby OCAD University. Image via City of Toronto.

Also cool are new renderings that show billowy-looking "canopies" protruding out from both tower podiums and over much of Duncan Street.

The features are meant not only to add visual interest to the space, but to protect those beneath them from inclement weather. 

Architectural plans show that much of the building will still be used for residential purposes, as well as already planned OCAD facilities and retail units. A hotel element has been added to the fourth, fifth, sixth, tenth floors and 91st floors of the west building this time around, though few details are given about what kind of hotel it will be.

Either way, Toronto will have the tallest Gehry-designed towers in the world... eventually. 

Doug Ford's provincial government has announced plans to conduct a broad, all-encompassing review of 82 different municipalities in Ontario to ensure they're all "working efficiently and effectively."

Uh oh, say the people of Toronto, who recently experienced first-hand what can happen to a regional government deemed inefficient by Team DoFo.

I promise you they will amalgamate Brampton out of existence, so that Patrick Brown can no longer be mayor. https://t.co/OXSnCVAOkM

— Jonathan Goldsbie (@goldsbie) January 15, 2019

Those who lived through the amalgamation of Metropolitain Toronto back in 1998, when Progressive Conservative Mike Harris was in charge, are similarly leery about the same thing happening in other regions across the province—and the PCs aren't denying today that this could very well happen.

"Our government committed to improving the way regional government works and we will be looking at ways to make better use of taxpayers' dollars and make it easier for residents and businesses to access important municipal services," said Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark in a news release on Tuesday.

Oh oh Amalgamation redux. The ghost of Mike Harris lives on! https://t.co/I1caQB377j

— Larry Di Ianni (@LarryDiIanni) January 15, 2019

The release outlines how newly-appointed special advisors Michael Fenn and Ken Seiling will "consult broadly over the coming months and provide recommendations to improve governance, decision-making and service delivery" in Ontario.

When asked about whether or not more amalgamation could be in Ontario's future, Clark told reporters at Queen's Park on Tuesday that "there's always opportunity for two municipalities to come together to talk about that aspect."

Ford Conservatives once again meddling in municipalities with regional review — statement by Ontario NDP Municipal Affairs critic @JeffBurch_https://t.co/WPQaKY6Ovn#onpoli

— Ontario NDP (@OntarioNDP) January 15, 2019

Clark also said, however, that the province isn't "talking about that in this regional government review," which will cover Ontario's eight regional municipalities of Halton, York, Durham, Waterloo, Niagara, Peel, Muskoka District, and Oxford County, as well as their lower-tier municipalities and the County of Simcoe.

Some Ontarians remain nervous nevertheless, and a more thorough outline of the review on the province's website suggests that they may have reason to be, with such questions being floated as "are two-tier structures appropriate for all of these municipalities?" and "is there duplication of activities?"

No need to tell me. I lived through the amalgamation in Toronto. It will be another mega-mess. So, how long before Walkerton 2.0?

— Julie Panneton (@JulieMDPanneton) January 15, 2019

Only time will tell what happens. Local residents and businesses will be consulted as part of the review this spring, according to the province, with a final report expected sometime over the summer.

A cozy bonfire awaits you as events in Toronto today will see Evergreen Brick Works welcome the winter spirit. A new community hub is ready to open and two fascinating docmenraties are sceening. Art, theatre, comedy and fresh beats are also part of today's fun.

I dare you to look at this apartment and not twitch with annoyance. Can you see it? Can you see what is making my entire body break out in hives?

YES, yes it IS the tiles! This floor will haunt me in my sleep. Just think about the sound of your bed screeching across the tile floor every time you shift in your sleep. Eeeeerrrchhh, eeeerrcchhh, eeeurrcchh, klumph.

(That last sound is your bed running into the wall after it’s scraped across the entire apartment).

As grim as that mental picture is, it isn’t even really what’s causing my full body rash.

First of all the tiles don’t even match. The room is divided into two sets of almost but not-quite-the-same kind of tile. It’s similar enough that at first glance you think maybe, just maybe you could live with it. Yeah, you think, it wouldn’t be too bad. No, really it could be okay, you'll just put down a rug and solve two problems with one.

But then every day you’d wake up and look across your apartment and be immediately enraged because you’d have to carpet the entire room to fix this mess.

Why? Because the stupid tiles don’t even line up! On one half of the room they’re all in a perfect row and then BAM zigzag! I’m so, so sorry anyone with OCD.

I know how painful this must be for you to look at. I know you want to gauge your eyeballs out right now. Just look away. Shhh it’s okay, just look away.

And as annoying as the tile are, the other thing that makes me want to punch a wall is the fact that the washer and dryer are miles apart. Has the person who set this up ever done laundry? 

Finally, can we take a minute to talk about why there are not one, but two drains in the middle of the floor? Does this place flood so often you need immediate drainage? 

Specs

• Address: #BSMNT– 1080 Dupont Street
• Type: Basement apartment
• Rent: $1,500/ month
• Furnished? No
• Utilities: Included
• Air conditioning? Yes
• Bedrooms: 1  
• Bathrooms: 1
• Parking: No
• Laundry? In-unit
• Outdoor space? No
• Pet friendly? Yes (also potential victims could be considered pets too)

Good For

People who don't mind carrying their wet, sopping laundry across their apartment to the dryer.

Move On If

Eeeeerrrchhh, eeeerrcchhh, eeeurrcchh, klumph.

There's some good news for prospective students in Ontario this year, as the province plans to cut tuition costs for all universities and colleges by 10 per cent. 

According to the provincial government, the average undergrad will save about $660 and the average college student will save about $340. The savings will start in the new school year, from 2019-2020.

The new costs do not apply to international students.

Following this, tuition rates will be frozen for the 2020-2021 school year, rather than increasing. 

Schools that do not comply will allegedly be met with funding cuts from the province. 

There has been no announcement as of yet for how schools will make up for the funding shortfall. 

Cutting corners is all well and good when you're cleaning Bart Simpson's bedroom, but when you're getting paid by a federal agency to bring packages to the doorsteps of people who shelled out specifically for home delivery? Not so much.

A GTA resident was compelled to share footage from his home security system this week after catching a Canada Post employee not even trying to deliver a package to his house.

"How Canada Post 'delivers' packages," reads the title of a video uploaded to YouTube on Monday night. The uploader, Yul Brenner, used the same headline when sharing the clip to Reddit's r/toronto subreddit, where it racked up more than 500 comments in just one day.

The two minute, 41-second-long video starts with a Canada Post delivery truck pulling up across the street from where Brenner lives (somewhere in York region, he said by private message.)

After a solid minute of sitting in the truck, a postal worker gets out and walks up to the home carrying only a slip of paper—no package in sight.

The delivery person doesn't even knock on the door when he to the house. Instead, he gingerly hangs a delivery notice on the door handle and backs away immediately.

Seconds later, someone opens the door and calls after him, asking why he didn't knock.

"I didn't know if anybody was home... I'll bring the package," the worker replies, at which point he grabs a box from his truck and scans it while walking back to the house. "Usually there's nobody home, that's why."

This doesn’t surprise me in the least. I work from home and have found numerous slips on my door for a delivery “attempt” that was never attempted. Do better @canadapostcorp

How Canada Post "delivers" packages (as in not at all) https://t.co/eTqEKoA5KZ via @YouTube

— Kamara Toffolo (@kamaratoffolo) January 15, 2019

Hundreds of angry video viewers aren't buying the mail delivery person's excuse.

"Happens all the time to me here in Toronto," wrote one of nearly 400 YouTube commenters.  I've watched the mailman run to my door exactly the same way without attempting a delivery just putting the stupid notice up... Useless Canada Post."

"This has happened to me more than a few times when I was home," wrote someone else. "I then have to wait til the next day, get in the car, drive down to the post office, wait in line, and deliver the package home myself. Canada Post parcel delivery workers deserve no support."

This happens all the time. Most of the time though they have the package in their hand, carry it to the door, but don't ring the doorbell. I don't understand why? Keeping the Shoppers post office in business? Such a waste of time. https://t.co/plEt2pn0cl

— Iain Grant (@ijg) January 15, 2019

Brenner himself admitted on Reddit that Canada Post is one of the reasons why he put cameras outside his home in the first place.

"I was hoping they would see them and actually attempt a delivery," he wrote. "Guess I underestimated how lazy these drivers are."

Brenner says that he did file a complaint with Canada Post online to tell them where the incident happened.

Canada Post, for its part, admits that "delivery should have been attempted on the first visit to the door."

Get out those snow shovels, Toronto. You've got a huge storm coming. 

The Weather Network is predicting a snow storm, complete with "truly dangerous wind chills" for this Saturday.

Meteorologists say data coming in from the "energy" off the Pacific is not readily available, but there's confidence that a major winter storm will hit. 

Exact numbers for the amount of snow that is about to blanket Toronto can still change, but it's going to be a ton either way. Added to the wind chill, it looks like the storm is going to be a rough one.  

Temperatures are going to feel close to -25 C, and it's going to be very, very windy. 

Winter hasn't been as brutal as usual this year, but it looks like it's about to start. Luckily, leading up the weekend will be fairly moderate.

For the second time in less than six months, video footage is circulating today of someone in Toronto clinging to the hood of a moving car during an apparent incident of road rage.

The viral clip, which hit YouTube this morning, starts with two people speaking in front of a white car near Dundas Street East and Sherbourne Street around 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday night.

One of the parties walks away and starts to get into his own, blue car, but is drawn back by something the owner of the white car said. He runs toward the white vehicle, which is already starting to move, and jumps on its hood.

A road rage incident near Dundas & Sherbourne was all caught on video #Torontopic.twitter.com/NOzFhAILan

— blogTO (@blogTO) January 16, 2019

The white car rounds a corner with the man atop it for what looks like half a block—not nearly as long as the guy who cruised for 500 metres down the 401 in August, but long enough to look absolutely terrifying.

Toronto Police say they are not sure what prompted the incident and that they are still searching for the driver of the white car. Luckily, the man who jumped on the hood suffered only a minor leg injury.

A second clip shot from a different angle suggests that the white car hit the blue car and then attempted to drive away, sparking a verbal and then physical fight between the drivers. 

If you’re a drinker of Manhattans, you might want to pop by Rush Lane before the month is over.

The bar, known for its amazing bartenders and cocktail expertise, announced on social media that its final last call will be on January 27. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rush Lane & Co (@rushlaneco) on Jan 15, 2019 at 4:12pm PST

Some of the people behind Rush Lane will be moving on to pursue exciting work at beverage consultation company Libation Ltd., which does training, events, ambassadors, on-site wine and spirit education...you name it.

The promises they’ve got a couple “wild things” planned for their last few weeks in business, like big discounts on some of the best whisky and scotch in Toronto from their back bar. 

The space had been open for four and a half years, and with its closure the Queen West strip, stands to lose some of its most recognizable neon art and mural work.

They appear to be selling off a round of items from the bar on Kijiji, so if you’ve always coveted an eccentric mirror, art piece, or collection of a hundred records for $50 from Rush Lane, now’s your chance to own a little piece of Toronto’s cocktail bar scene that’s about to disappear forever.

Jean Machine is officially closing for good, and whether you've ever shopped there or not, its closure marks an end of an era of mall culture as we know it. 

After 42 years, the Ontario-born denim purveyor will shutter all 20 of its stores across Ontario by January 31.

Only four will remain, including one of its flagship stores on the lower level of the Eaton Centre—until February 28, that is, when it too will close forever. 

Jean Machine announced it will be closing all its stores next month after 42 years of selling jeans.

Jean Machine's president Lisa Hryciuk, who founded the brand in 1976, announced late last year that the chain would be no longer after filing for bankruptcy protection in 2017, being bought out by Stern Partners shortly after, and going through a failed attempt to revive the brand. 

Though once considered a staple store in any mall's core roster of businesses, it's been a while since Jean Machine was last considered the one-stop shop for Silver Jeans skinny jeans or boot cuts from Buffalo David Bitton. 

"We prided ourselves on not being the highest end or the lowest end," says Shida Dastoom, who has worked at Eaton Centre's Jean Machine for nearly 10 years. 

Shida Dastoom and many other Jean Machine employees have been working there for a decade or more.

With an average price of $100 per pair, the brand has long had a reputation for being a relatively affordable destination for savants of branded denim. 

But as branded jeans became passé and the cheap pants from Forever 21, H&M, Uniqlo, and online shopping have monopolized denim sales, it became impossible to justify paying an average of $100 for Guess jeans as opposed to the average fast fashion cost of $24.99.

"Life's expensive," said Dastoom, "I get it." 

The brand can no longer compete with fast fashion stores like Forever 21 and H&M. 

Still, it doesn't take away from the fact that staff at Eaton Centre's Jean Machine—which has last through all the mall's renovations over the last 30 years—are losing longtime jobs, many whose careers span decades. "I'm losing part of my soul," she says.

Even as Dastoom says that, she's helping out two regulars who she's serviced for years.

Maybe it's out of habit, or maybe it's the fire-sale on jeans right now, but despite the fact that sales have basically flatlined, there appears to be a dedicated few still sifting through the racks of Levi's. 

The best new brunch in Toronto has all the usual bacon and eggs, but we’ve also gotten fresh Japanese, Indian and Filipino takes on the most important meal of the weekend.

Here’s the best new brunch in Toronto. 

Drizzy Drake is joining the likes of Britney, Mariah, Lady Gaga, the Blue Man Group and, of course, his compatriot Celine Dion in becoming a Las Vegas regular.

The Toronto-born superstar reportedly just inked a $10-million deal for a multi-year residency at the luxurious Wynn resort and Casino's XS Nightclub.

Citing "sources close to the deal," celebrity gossip site The Blast reports that Drake will play a minimum of 10 shows at the popular nightclub over the course of his Sin City tenure.

It is not yet known when the concert series will begin, but Drake himself has now alluded to the residency several times, telling a crowd at the same venue just last week that "I'll be back here at XS all year. You'll have a lot of chances to see me."

The artist also recently posted a photo of himself performing at XS on Instagram with the caption "New home." So... yeah. Tickets will probably be released soon.

View this post on Instagram

New home.

A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Jan 12, 2019 at 12:23am PST

A local sports bar, pool hall and karaoke lounge is coming under fire this week for selling drinks with names like "sweet tight pussy" and "mi so horny."

VIP Billiards & Karaoke Lounge, which moved to 842 College Street from the corner of Yonge and Gerrard this past spring, is the establishment in question.

A Toronto woman named Nicole (who did not want her last name publicized) learned of the bar's strongly-worded cocktail menu on January 3 when her boyfriend, a patron, snapped a photo with his phone.

Nicole was appalled by what she calls a "racist and misogynistic drink menu" and, after taking some time to process what she saw, decided to speak out against it.

"While not all people may agree, I think 'Mi so horny' is the type of casual racism and fetishizing of East Asian women back from the 80's that we don't need in 2019," she said by email on Monday. 

"The 'sweet tight pussy' is so misogynistic and in poor taste along with some other names," she added, referring to drinks such as the "bend me over" and "fuck me gentle."

She is not the first person to have shared such a photo of the menu, as an Instagram geolocation tag shows.

View this post on Instagram

I’ll take one of each

A post shared by Jefferson Poremba (@jporemba) on Sep 28, 2018 at 6:04pm PDT

The bar's manager was unable to address questions about the menu by phone, and its owners have yet to respond to multiple requests for comment.

Toronto has so many great podcasts, and there really is something for everyone. If you want my biased opinion, you should really carve out ten minutes of your day to listen to Only in Toronto, our very own daily podcast exploring all things Toronto, from news to food to events.

Take ten, and listen to today’s episode of Only in #Torontohttps://t.co/S4d1qmCF6V

— blogTO (@blogTO) January 8, 2019

You can subscribe to Only in Toronto on Apple Podcasts here.

That leaves you with plenty of time to tackle some of the city’s other poppin’ podcasts.

In alphabetical order, here are my picks for some notable Toronto podcasts you should check out.

The Backline

If you’re into improv comedy, then The Backline is a must-listen. Canadian Comedy Award winners, Adam Cawley and Rob Norman have taken their skills all over the world, and each episode delves into a new theme exploring the world of improv.

Bed Post Podcast

Canadian Podcast Award winner Erin Pim interviews guests and performers from the Bed Post stage show and beyond. Each episode (and there are over 160) features open conversations about sex and sexuality.

The Big Story Podcast

A daily in-depth look at the issues, culture and personalities shaping Canada and the world today.

Black Tea

Black Tea, co-hosted by writers Andray Domise and Melayna Williams is about the tough, but important and insightful conversations surrounding the issues that matter to Canada’s Black communities.

Born and Raised

Huffington Post’s new podcast mini-series explores the ways food anchors the children of immigrants to their families and identities. Co-hosted by Angelyn Francis and Al Donato, each episode digs into immigrant food stories that share a common theme.

Break a Wish

A podcast where all your dreams come true, but with terrible ironic consequences. On each episode, host Maddox Campbell sits down with two guests and one magic wish, and together they break down the wish from every angle while trying to come up with the perfect ironic cost.

CANADALAND

No one in the Canadian media landscape is safe from the criticism of host Jesse Brown. Named Canada’s Best Podcast, CANADALAND tries to keep them (those in the Canadian mediascape) honest, but if that doesn’t work, they investigate, and expose the dishonesty.

Confetti Culture

Julie Whish has an eye for all things whimsical and beautiful. Looking at her instagram, you’ll know what I mean. Jules is cute, crafty, and she’s got a new podcast that’s all about happiness, positivity and spreading good vibes.

Damsel in the 6ix

Co-hosted by Danica S. Nelson and Kaneesha Serjue, D6IX aims to empower and inspire women in Toronto to live their best lives.

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Faculty Of Horror

Your best source for classic and contemporary horror film discussions that will haunt the libraries of your mind. Co-hosts and horror journalists Andrea Subissati and Alexandra West research and analyze all things that go bump in the night.

Fairy Tales for Unwanted Children

Hosted by Scott Thrower, sometimes “happily ever after” is no guarantee. This podcast features short fairy tales that turn toward the dark and unsettling.

Frontburner

A daily news podcast, hosted by Jayme Poisson, that explores the big stories of the day with curiosity and an open mind.

The Heavy Flow Podcast

A feminist, body positive podcast about periods, reproductive health and health and wellness topics. Each week host Amanda Laird sits down with a guest to have casual, candid conversations about the things we’re not supposed to talk about, like periods, fertility, mental health, and more.

Humble and Fred

You may remember this dynamic duo from their morning radio days on CFNY (the Edge), Mojo 640 and Mix 99.9 in the 80s, 90s and early 00s. Aside from producing a hilarious daily podcast (with fun guests) from their Queensway studio, they now also broadcast from Funny 820 AM every weekday morning.

I Hate It But I Love It

Is there something you love, but also hate with every fibre of your body? Humans are complex beings, and that’s why this is such a fun idea for a podcast. From the From Superheroes network, co-hosts Kat Angus and Jocelyn Geddes break down films they love, and simultaneously hate.

Inside the Green Room with Danny Green

Co-hosted by Danny Green, Toronto's newest Raptor, and Harrison Sanford, the duo uncovers stories of an athlete who has won an NBA title and an NCAA Championship but at one point found himself fighting for a spot in the league.

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Just Chips Dot Com

Co-hosts Zoë Robertson and Sophia LePage love chips, and along with chatting with Toronto musicians and comedians, the two also eat, discuss and critique chips.

Killed to Death

Part of The Sonar Network, Killed to Death is a weekly podcast co-hosted by Griffin Toplitsky and Steve Cooke. Each week, they analyze, and solve a made-up murder case, with the help of a guest.

The Legal Potcast

CityNews reporter Shauna Hunt explores the highs and the lows of cannabis legalization in Canada, from buying and selling to culture, enforcement and tourism.

Live from the Centre

Based on an Canadian Comedy Award nominated web series, this satirical podcast is about small business incubator for socially-progressive organizations, starring Second City alums.

Mike on Much

Mike Veerman is a seasoned writer, director, and producer. Here, he interviews cultural figures from the world of music, comedy and entertainment. The series is co-produced by Max Kerman, lead singer of the Arkells, and features a “dessert” segment with YouTuber Shane Cunningham.

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Moms in the Middle

Evanka Osmak hosts a national late-night sports show, and Melanie Ng is a reporter on a morning show at the crack of dawn. They’re both moms and they’re both…busy. And tired. Each week, they meet in the middle of the day to talk parenting; the good, the bad, with advice from experts and honest discussion.

Nobody Cares (Except for Me)

The “me” in this case refers to writer and host, Anne T. Donahue, who just released a collection of essays also called Nobody Cares. In each episode of the podcast version, Anne sits down with a guest to talk about something they are passionate about that no one else really gets, like Garfield Fan Art, or Rasputin.

None of Our Business

From Audible, None of Our Business is an audio series that explores the weird and wonderful things you’ve overheard while eavesdropping. The show is hosted by comedians Gwynne Phillips and Briana Templeton.

Ongoing History of New Music

I think OHNM, which is now a part of the new Canada-wide Curiouscast network, may have been a podcast before podcasts were even invented. Each week human encyclopedia Alan Cross looks at something from the alt-rock universe, from artist profiles to various thematic explorations. 

Outta the Park

Hosted by Barry Davis, former Sportsnet personality, and on-field reporter for the Toronto Blue Jays, the Outta the Park, part of No Suit Required Media is a three-times weekly podcast looks at the human side of sports.

Personal Best

Whether you want to be better at texting, or learn to do a backflip, co-hosts Rob Norman and Andrew Norton offer a unique and comedic approach to self-improvement. Personal Best has been on a bunch of “Best of Podcasting” lists, from Fast Company to Vulture to the New York Times.

Podcast Playlist

Co-hosts Lindsay Michael and Matt Galloway scour the web for fresh new podcasts you should be keeping an ear out for.

POST Wrestling

POST Wrestling is more like a series of different podcasts, but they all have one thing in common: wrestling. Co-hosts John Pollock and Wai Ting review WWE Raw, SmackDown, NJPW, ROH, UFC and discuss the latest in pro wrestling news.

The Quick and the Dirty

Hilary Welch and Sandra Plagakis attempt to navigate the world of sex and relationships, but they’ll be the first to admit they still haven’t figured it out, either. Every week, they’ll invite guests to share their unique and compelling stories from the world of love and lust.

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Regular Girls

They call themselves “regular girls,” and they are, but they are also so much more. Each week, pals Renee Young (WWE & RAW commentator) and Stacey McGunnigle (currently performing at Second City) break down celebrity gossip, beauty, fashion, with a sprinkle of conspiracy theories, crystals, and the odd tarot card.

The Royal Canadian Movie Podcast

The Royal Canadian Movie Podcast stands on guard for Canadian film. Each week co-hosts Becky Shrimpton and Cameron Maitland invite filmmakers, actors, comedians, musicians, writers and theorists, to choose a Canadian film they love and want to share.

Sad and the City

Childhood friends from Ottawa, Marisa and Jay have come back together in the Big Smoke to talk depression, anxiety and how to fake a smile while paying Toronto rent prices.

Safe Space

Returning in 2019, Safe Space is a weekly show about news and politics, hosted by Vicky Mochama and Ishmael Daro. It’s a safe space for bad takes.

The Secret Life of Canada

A history podcast about the country you know, and the stories you don't, co-hosted by Falen Johnson and Leah Simone Bowen.

The Secret Life of Weddings

With over 20 years of combined experience photographing weddings, co-hosts Lisa and Rebecca dish on the wildest wedding drama.

Shh I’m Watching a Movie

Two uninformed comedians watch a movie that one of them hasn't seen, like Titanic or Mama Mia, and talk through the whole thing.

Sidenote

Mitch and Greg of AsapSCIENCE chat about controversial subjects. Then they research and splice in all the mind blowing science throughout so you are entertained while simultaneously learning.

Sisters of Sound

A podcast series that turns the volume up on the many achievements of women in all sound and music industries. Host Morgan Sheppard interviews women of many disciplines, finding out how they got into their job, what a day in their life looks like, and their experience as a woman in the industry.

Spooked!

Hosted by Damien Doepping, Colin Morey, Kjartan Hewitt and Cody Crain, Spooked! is your weekly improvised horror story podcast, but don’t worry it’s not TOO scary.

Squirrel Talk!

Hosted by Toronto drag queen Vicki Lix, this podcast talks shop about Rupaul's Drag Race and the outstanding drag talent we have in Canada with her best squirrel friends!

The Steve Dangle Podcast

With over 250 episodes, the Steve Dangle Podcast combines hockey talk with pop culture, and features Adam Wylde and Jesse Blake.

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Taggart and Torrens

Jeremy Taggart (Our Lady Peace) and Jonathan Torrens (Trailer Park Boys, Jonovision) are perhaps better known for their work together as Taggart and Torrens. This duo has put out a book, and are touring together, and their podcast is about all things true north, strong and freezing.

Tai Asks Why

Tai Poole is a curious and charming tween who is always searching for answers, like why are people always saying “trust your gut?” and “what happens after you die?”

That’s How I Remember It

Four Toronto Improvisers and best bros recreate classic movies through improv to the best of their memory. Spoiler alert: They have terrible memories, and make little to no effort in following the original plot, which leads to hilarious results.

Toronto Mike’d Podcast

Toronto Mike, at his core, is a fan of the Toronto media scene. He has released over 400 episodes with all kinds of television personalities, radio hosts, musicians and COOL ladies.

Truths be Told

Hosted by Second City alum Lindsay Mullan, each episode features a guest (or two) from Toronto’s entertainment scene, and together they tell funny, dark, and hilarious stories about all things, from dating to beauty, to “that horrible thing I did.”

Tucker, Maura & Wilson

Another radio show turned podcast, but the difference here is that these three are no longer on the FM dial (which is a shame). This is the new home for Tucker, Maura & Wilson, formally the morning show of a radio station in Toronto that they say, “shall remain nameless.”

We’re Totally (Not) OK

Nominated for a Canadian Podcast Award this year, WT(N)OK is co-hosted by Toronto actors Caleigh Le Grand and Tanya Bevan. Together they explore the intersection between mass media culture and mental health.

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Yas Kween

Created by actor/comedian Nelu Handa, this pod has established itself as a fierce and fun monthly show at Bad Dog Theatre, featuring fearless comedians who identify as women of colour/ethnicity. In each episode, Nelu sits down with a woman of colour in comedy for a in-depth chat.