By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday, September 16, 2013
Salvaging the Costa RobFordia
Mayor Rob Ford didn’t make it to any screenings at the Toronto Film Festival this week, but he is starring in a new release.
The 2:41 minute short was released online by Mr. Ford’s office Friday morning, about the same it began playing on a continuous loop from his staff’s office on the second floor of city hall.
Mr. Ford’s critics were quick to point out that the video only tells half of the story of a summer filled with controversy for Toronto’s civic leader, including allegations that the mayor was caught on video smoking crack cocaine. Videos of the mayor wandering up Greenwood Avenue late on Friday evening during the Taste of the Danforth festival asking “where’s the party?” also went viral in August.
“He’s plugging a certain narrative,” said Councillor Joe Mihevc. “There are clearly some people buying into that narrative and then there is another narrative that’s out there and certainly when I’m talking to folks they’re wondering what’s going on in the city and who is in charge of the ship.” (Source: The Globe & Mail)
Meanwhile, Salvage officials have begun the mammoth task of righting the crippled Costa Concordia as jacks hoist it off rocks near the Tuscany coast.
The operation was delayed by about three hours due to bad weather, and began at 9am.
“At 9 o’clock all the checks were completed and the operation began,” Sergio Girotto, a senior engineer.
“Everything is going smoothly, the operators are now working from the control room.
“There are a team of engineers who will follow the operation until the end.”
The rescue effort will see the giant ship gradually rotated and rolled upright. It is expected to last up to 12 hours, taking it into Monday evening. Engineers say the lifting can continue after darkness falls. (Source: Sky News)