BlackBerry Z10 in stores today
Get ready for BlackBerry Z10 envy! The new touchscreen smartphone is available for sale nationwide on Tuesday at 10 a.m.
Following two major delays, the Z10 is the first touchscreen phone from the Waterloo-based company, and it comes with a new operating system. However, those longing for the brand’s trademark physical keyboard will have to wait for the BlackBerry Q10, expected to go on sale in March or early April.
The Z10’s Canadian release comes over a month before its American debut, which will not be until March. Expecting to sell for $150 on a three-year contract, 680 News reports Koodo is selling the phone for $550, without a contract.
Meanwhile, somebody bought a Z10 for $1,725 USD on eBay.
U of T’s new $9.5-million Astroturf?
The University of Toronto has a $9.5-million plan to build a world-class field hockey pitch on the back campus field — a controversial renovation that includes replacing natural grass with Astroturf.
The Toronto Star reports this proposal was designed for the 2015 Pan Am games, but some members of the U of T community are opposed to the loss of campus green space. Last fall, 31 of 34 University College Council members voted to register “strong concerns” over this change at the land east ofSt. George St. and south ofHoskin Ave, citing environmental grounds.
According to those who voted against the proposal, grass absorbs rainfall, and combats climate change, while artificial greenery has a possibly toxic composition, and could divert runoff or absorb too much heat.
However, the International Field Hockey Federation necessitates synthetic turf, and the university already agreed to renovate its campus accordingly with the requirements of InfrastructureOntario and the Pan Am Games.
Robin Williams, on TV?
Mrs. Doubtfire himself is looking for a big break on the small screen. Entertainment Weekly reports Robin Williams will star in a new CBS comedy pilot called Crazy Ones, created by Ally McBeal-helmer, David E. Kelley.
The series reportedly centers around a father-daughter advertising office, and is being described as a single-camera workplace comedy. In other words, not Mork and Mindy, 30+ years later.
CBS has already picked up two drama pilots, including one from Homeland creators Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa. As for Crazy Ones, it’s like any pilot — we will have to wait and see until the network’s upfront presentation in May. Here’s hoping for more Aladdin-style Robin Williams, and less of the License to Wed/RV/Old Dogs era.
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Joanna Adams writes about news and entertainment for Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter at†@nowstarringTO.
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