Cool habitat, bro
THANKS TO THE miracle of Apple products, orangutans at the Toronto Zoo may be getting a lot more social. The zoo is next in line for a program that gives iPads to the massive monkeys so they can socialize with their species over social media apps like Skype. Designed to enrich the orangutans’ social experience, the iPad initiative would also give them the opportunity to experiment with different artistic and musical programs. Is this idea simply bananas, or would you be interested to see what the primates produce on their iPads?
Arden ain’t impressed
CANADIAN SINGER JANN Arden is being vocal about more than her music lately. Apparently frustrated with the fact that her latest album of cover tracks, Uncover Me 2, didn’t garner the Juno nods she expected, Arden has spoken out against the picks for the awards show this year. Though Arden has taken home a total of eight Junos in the past, she called this year’s nominees “a little odd,” saying she feels the organizers are “worried about doing anything mainstream.” Does Arden have a point, or is she just disgruntled at her album being snubbed?
Break it down for me
THE CENTRE FOR Science in the Public Interest has released a one of a kind report detailing the nutritional facts of favourite meals at over 30 Canadian fast-food restaurants. The report—which found many of the restaurants already had nutrition information available, though often only online—recommends that detailed breakdowns be provided for customers in-store. Calorie count and sodium levels are the two facts the group behind the report wants to see highlighted for fast-food customers. Would this be a helpful way to aid Canadians in making healthy choices, or are chronic fast-food eaters likely uninterested in their dietary choices?
Bet you’re scared now!
TEACHERS IN B.C. found themselves in the midst of a strike this week in an effort to oppose a new provincial bill. Bill 22 was designed to reform hiring and review practices in B.C. schools. If the bill is passed, dismissal of teachers from their job posts will become a much swifter process, a fact which has the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) unnerved. BCTF president Susan Lambert stated her intent to “vigorously resist” the bill on the first day of the scheduled three day strike. Is a short term strike a good way to put fear into the hearts of B. C. legislators, or should the BCTF consider being more “vigorous” to have their demands heard?
—Jaclyn Lytle
