Despite a recent Stratcom poll that had Rob Ford's approval rating diminished after last week's transit vote, a new survey, conducted by Forum Research, begs to differ. 43 per cent of 1,547 residents thought Ford is doing a good job. Should there be an election today, however, TTC Chair Karen Stintz would be the more likely candidate to win. Are these polls worth anything other than a headline?

The City Council feed on RogersTV used to be reserved for local politics junkies and senior citizens with nothing better to do, but since Rob Ford won the mayoral election, Rogers reports an extraordinary increase in its online steaming of council meetings, particularly around the Core Service Review and the Port Lands hullabaloo.

Looks like Doug Ford has been spending more than zero dollars on business expenses; more like $2000. Ford said he intended to claim 0$ on his office expenses, but, several invoices obtained through The Globe and Mail say otherwise. Ford said Tuesday, "I've disclosed to whoever we disclose to, the city clerk's office. At the end of the day, I'm not spending taxpayers' money."

Sure, it's nice to be able to walk outside in February with a light coat and shoes instead of having to undergo the usual bundling-up-routine, but when winter looks more like spring, it affects the fauna and flora around us. Bulbs could open too soon, mosquito eggs won't hatch, and field mice are starving to death. Why should you care? It's the circle of life, people.

Mountain Equipment Co-Op has just introduced Ghost bikes as part of its retail line-up. Although the German-based brand has been around since the early 90s, given the meaning of the term in our local context, one wonders if the implications will put potential buyers off.

And, last but certainly not least, Toronto Life provides yet another reason why it can't be taken seriously. "'We buy a new Mercedes every three years; it's our big indulgence,' says Doug. 'We always pay cash. This one was $80,000.'" That's the "true cost of city living" alright.

IN BRIEF:

• Leafs beat Oilers
• Raptors lose to Spurs

Photo by tapesonthefloor in the blogTO Flickr pool