In case you were wondering how it is that Rob Ford had such a successful time at the last city council meeting, the Star explains why the left wing acquiesced to his program. Chief among the reasons provided is the fact that there are fewer progressive members on council, but a general lack of organization amongst the leftist councillors may also have played a role. Come on, pinkos! You're supposed to recognize the power of groups -- or haven't you read the Communist Manifesto?

Jo-Anne Blair, a victim of the fire at 200 Wellesley, is suing the Toronto Community Housing Corporation and Greenwin Property Management for $80-million. The basis of her case is that she warned the property management company a number of times about the hazard that the apartment in which the fire started posed. But, as the statement of claim reads, "Notwithstanding these warnings, Greenwin failed to make any, or did make inadequate attempts, if any, to remedy the problem."

In their Saturday feature, the Globe takes a longer look at Jeff Melanson, executive director of Canada's National Ballet School and the mayor's special adviser on arts and culture. It's an interesting position that he holds in the new administration -- arts, after all, aren't really a big priority -- but his entrepreneurial track record might just hold him in good stead.

Proving that they are one of the most idiotic organizations out there, the Ontario Minor Hockey League has extended the suspension to Greg Walsh, a midget house league coach who pulled his team off the ice after an opposing player made a racist remark to one of his players. Although they hold to the notion that Walsh deserves the suspension solely on account of his breaking league regulations by forfeiting the game, it would have been way more intelligent to make an exception in this case.

IN BRIEF

• I looked at the Sun's homepage this morning, and my eyes started to bleed.
• Regent Park residents on their new neighbourhood.
• Holiday cheer! A man is charged for selling crack from his hospital room.
• Inside the yet-to-be-finished new home of Salad King.

Photo by Ian Muttoo in the blogTO Flickr pool.