LATEST NEWS: Mayor Ford expected to attend City Council casino debate today, but likely won't address crack smoking allegationsMAYOR FORD EXPECTED AT COUNCIL'S CASINO DEBATE - FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE SINCE ALLEGED CRACK SMOKINGwww.zoomerradio.caToronto City Councillors meet today on the fate of Toronto’s casino plans. If Mayor Rob Ford attends the gathering, it would be his first public appearance since calling news of a video which appears to show him smoking crack cocaine as “ridiculous”. Ford won’t be obligated to address the video at...

Listen in to the latest "Art Tidbit" by Marilyn Lightstone. What do you think of this piece?Starry Night Over The Rhone - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.com

Be listening to our “Gateway to Summer” special programming all long-weekend. What song would you like to hear?Gateway to Summer - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comThis long weekend we celebrate Victoria Day in honour of Queen Victoria’s birthday. But it is also the “Gateway to Summer”. This weekend is the unofficial start to summer and Classical 96.3 FM a wants to celebrate the start of the season with you.

Check out the new Zoomer's Choice Classical Chart. Which hits will you be listening to this weekend?ZOOMER'S CHOICE CLASSICAL CHARTS - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.com

With the long weekend ahead, there will be plenty of time for movie watching. Which one of Marc Glassman's movie reviews do you want to see?Mud - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comMud is about two teenage boys in the rural South who try to help a mysterious criminal connect with his long-time girlfriend, premiered in the main competition at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.

Do you know what famous composition was adapted as the European National Anthem in 1972? Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comThis famous composition that has been adopted for use in many popular culture references. But did you know it was adopted as the European National Anthem in 1972?

ZOOMER NEWS: Keep on working! Retirement negatively affects your health according to British researcherRETIREMENT IS BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH, SAYS U.K. RESEARCHER - Zoomer Radio AM740www.zoomerradio.caIt’s a philosophy embraced by Zoomer Media founder Moses Znaimer. Retirement may be bad for your health. A new study out of the U.K. suggests that while it may provide an initial sense of relief and well-being, over the long term, retirement increases the likelihood of developing depression and at...

LATEST NEWS: Toronto Star says cellphone video shows Mayor Ford smoking crack cocaineMAYOR FORD IN CRACK VIDEO SCANDAL, SAYS TORONTO STAR - Zoomer Radio AM740www.zoomerradio.caToronto’s Mayor is the focus of scandalous allegations this morning. The Toronto Star says a cellphone video that appears to show Rob Ford smoking crack cocaine is being shopped around Toronto by a group of Somali men involved in the drug trade. The story says two Toronto Star reporters have viewed...

Check out Marilyn Lightstone's daily "Art Tidbits". Today's masterpiece is by none other than Picasso. What is your favourite Picasso piece?Moulin de la Galette - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comRenoir, Lautrec and Picasso all did paintings at Le Moulin de la Galette, a popular spot where the Bourgeoisie mixed with artists and the demi-monde. The interesting thing about Picasso’s version is that it was the first painting he did on arriving in Paris at 19.

Do you know how many movements a symphony has and which famous composer never fully completed one of his symphonies? Unfinished Symphony - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comSymphony No.8 (sometimes referred to as No.7) is really unfinished. Schubert completed only two movements and then abandoned the project for reasons that have never been identified. Although he did sketch a third movement, a symphony traditionally consists of 4 movements.

HEALTH NEWS: Smoking pot reduces risk of diabetes, say U.S. researchersMARIJUANA TOUTED AS ANTI-DIABETES WONDER DRUG IN NEW U.S. STUDY - Zoomer Radio AM740www.zoomerradio.caYou’ve heard of the benefits of medical marijuana. But a new U.S. study says smoking pot reduces your chances of developing diabetes. The findings are based on a group of adults who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Survey that was carried out between 2005 and 2010 by the U.S. Centers...

LATEST NEWS: Mike Duffy says he took a Royal Bank loan to repay improper housing expenses - disputes claims by Prime Minister's Office he was given $90,000 by Harper's Chief of StaffSENATOR DUFFY DISPUTES CLAIM BY PMO THAT HE WAS GIVEN $90,000 FROM HARPER'S CHIEF OF STAFF, SAYS CTVwww.zoomerradio.caSenator Mike Duffy has offered his own account of how he managed to repay $90,000 in improper housing expenses — and it contradicts what the Prime Minister’s Office has revealed. C-T-V News says an email has been received from Duffy, saying he took out a loan from the Royal Bank to repay his expen...

Flowers are a popular subject in many of the greatest masterpieces. Read Marilyn Lightstone's "Art Tidbits" for her thoughts on this Waterhouse piece. What flower inspires you?The Soul of The Rose - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comI am now old enough to have seen the Pre-Raphaelites fall in and out of favour several times. During my childhood they were greatly admired, and their connections to the many myths they depicted drew me to them even further, myth-obsessed as I was as a child… But then, of course, everyone grew terri...

Do you what purpose the popular wedding song "Here Comes the Bride" initially served when it was first composed?"Here Comes The Bride" - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comEveryone knows the famous wedding song Here Comes The Bride. This song was composed by German composer Richard Wagner and was initially called The Bridal March. Nowadays it is played when a bride walks down the aisle to meet her future husband. But did you know that this song was initially played wh...

HEALTH NEWS: Canadians tally $220,000 each in public healthcare over lifespanCANADIANS USE $220,000 IN PUBLIC HEALTHCARE OVER LIFETIME - Zoomer Radio AM740www.zoomerradio.caIf you were to add up all your doctor visits, tests, surgeries and hospital stays over the years, a new study suggests you would consume about $200,000 in healthcare over your lifetime.

HEALTH NEWS: Angelina Jolie's decision to remove breasts prompts discussion for reconstructive surgery and genetic predisposition to breast cancerANGELINA JOLIE'S PREVENTATIVE MASTECTOMY HEIGHTENS AWARENESS FOR RECONSTRUCTIVE BREAST SURGERY - Zoowww.zoomerradio.caAngelina Jolie’s decision to have a preventative double mastectomy is prompting discussion among cancer experts and women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer. Doctor Elisa Port is the chief of breast surgery at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York. She says public awareness has now be...

LATEST NEWS: Premier Kathleen Wynne offers first apology for gas plant scandal ahead of meeting with NDP's Andrea HorwathPREMIER WYNNE APOLOGIZES FOR GAS PLANT SCANDAL AHEAD OF BUDGET MEETING WITH NDP'S HORVATH - Zoomer Rwww.zoomerradio.caOntario’s premier says she’s pleased to be meeting today with NDP leader Andrea Horvath over the New Democrats’ budget concerns. Kathleen Wynne says she has actually been trying to meet with Horvath for the past month and a half, but that request has not been fulfilled until now. Premier Wynne tol...

In her latest "Art Tidbit", Marilyn Lightstone has some theories on what method was used in this masterpiece. How do you think it was created?The Corn Harvest - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comI find myself wondering just how he went about painting this canvas. I don’t believe they painted en plein air in the 16th century as they still hadn’t discovered the means of putting paint into tubes, which was what made the whole process portable for the impressionists. I must assume that this ver...

Which composer spoke these famous words: "There was no one near to confuse me, so I was forced to become original"Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comHe was an Austrian composer who became quite popular and iconic in the Classical Period. He was known as The Father of Symphony and The Father of the String Quartet.

Toronto hockey fans look to the Ottawa Senators - the only Canadian team left in the NHL playoffsLEAFS FANS STUNNED BY BRUINS' COME FROM BEHIND GAME 7 WIN - Zoomer Radio AM740www.zoomerradio.caLeafs Nation is heartbroken! The Toronto Maple Leafs gave fans a glimmer of victory, as they skated to a commanding 4-1 lead against the Boston Bruins in game 7 of their NHL Eastern Conference quarterfinal. But then, the Bruins came back in a mind-blowing effort to not only tie up the game, but wi...

Can you guess which famous composer fell asleep during the debut of Liszt’s Grand Sonata in B minor?Johannes Brahms - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comIt is often said that hereportedly slept through the whole of Liszt’s Grand Sonata in B minor during its premiere.

Have you ever seen a piece of fruit THIS close-up? Check out "Art Tidbits" by Marilyn Lightstone for an interesting take on nature and art!Strawberry - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comTo my mind, no one can beat her for colour, composition, and sheer, all-round originality. She does, of course, enjoy the longest run of any other artist, living or dead…

Who made it to number one on this week's Zoomer's Choice Classical Charts and who is new to the list? Find out now....ZOOMER'S CHOICE CLASSICAL CHARTS - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.com

GO LEAFS GO! Toronto Maple Leafs fly to Boston for a final game 7 against the Bruins tonight!TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS ACCOMPLISH FIRST HOME PLAYOFF WIN AGAINST THE BRUINS IN 54 YEARS - Zoomer Radio.www.zoomerradio.caIt was the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first home playoff win over the Boston Bruins since 1959! In front of an ecstatic crowd at the Air Canada Centre, the Leafs beat the Bruins 2-1 last night to force a final game 7 tonight in Boston. If the Leafs win, it would be the first time they’ve come back from...

Mother's Day has been celebrated since the early 20th century but even these composers dedicated pieces to their mothers. In honour of Mother's Day this Sunday we have rounded up composers who did just that. Which classical song is your favourite?Mother's Day - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comMother’s Day is Sunday, May 12th. In celebration of mothers we have rounded up a few classical songs that pay special tribute to mothers and motherhood. Be sure to tune in on Sunday for special Mother’s Day features. Happy Mother’s Day!

Rainy weather have you in the mood to watch a movie? Check out Marc Glassman's Canadian film reviews for some inspirational flick picks.News - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comBlackbird isn’t nearly as good as L’enfant but then few films reach the level of that masterpiece. What’s important to realize is that Buxton is a young and talented filmmaker and Blackbird is a film worth seeing.… read more

Do you know which famous composer never owned his own piano?Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comHe may be one of the most misunderstood composers of his time. Having died at the age of 31, there was still a lot of facts left undiscovered about him. But did you know that he wrote all of his compositions straight from his head because he never owned his own piano. When he wanted to t…

LATEST NEWS: Survivor found in rubble of Bangladesh factory collapse 17 days after tragedyWOMAN FOUND ALIVE IN RUBBLE 17 DAYS AFTER BANGLADESH FACTORY COLLAPSE - Zoomer Radio AM740www.zoomerradio.caThe rescuers discovered the woman today and ordered an immediate halt to their salvage operation. They used handsaws to cut her out of the rubble and the crowd gathered at the scene erupted in cheers.

LATEST NEWS: NDP Leader Horwath prepares to unveil 5 day homecare guarantee for seniorsHORWATH LED NEW DEMOCRATS TO UNVEIL ANOTHER DEMAND FOR SUPPORT OF MINORITY LIBERAL BUDGET - Zoomer Rwww.zoomerradio.caN-D-P Leader Andrea Horwath is set to unveil another demand today in exchange for supporting the minority Liberal government’s budget. The New Democrats are seeking a firm five-day guarantee for seniors needing homecare services.

Can you guess what is one of the most popular songs performed today? Find out here...Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comAccording to the Guinness Book of World Records, this song is the most recognized one in the English language and has even been translated into 18 different languages.

TORONTO NEWS: High Park Zoo supporters thanked for saving neighbourhood favouriteFRIENDS OF TORONTO'S HIGH PARK ZOO RECEIVE THANK YOU EMAILS FOR SAVING THE HISTORIC SITE - Zoomer Rawww.zoomerradio.caFriends of Toronto’s High Park Zoo are receiving thank you emails this week for helping to save the historic zoo. It was always funded by the city of Toronto, but in January of last year, council revoked funding of $227,000 for the zoo’s annual operations, threatening its closure six months later i...

Do you know which famous composer was considered the first "rock star" of his time? Find out why...Franz Liszt - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comFranz Liszt was a 19th century composer, pianist, conductor and teacher.

LATEST NEWS: Toronto School Board staff recommends cuts to some school music programs in face of $27-million budget deficitTDSB CONSIDERS CUTS TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS TO BALANCE BUDGET - Zoomer Radio AM740www.zoomerradio.caSome instrumental music programs could be cut in Toronto public schools if trustees vote in favour of a recommendation by staff at the Toronto District School Board. The measure would save $2-million and would scrap a program whereby music instructors train elementary school teachers to teach instr...

ZOOMER NEWS: Retiring baby boomers leave global companies without leadershipCOMING BABY BOOMER RETIREMENT LEAVES ORGANIZATIONS WITHOUT LEADERSHIP - Zoomer Radio AM740www.zoomerradio.caAs baby boomers head for possible retirement, a new study out of Toronto suggests most organizations are poorly prepared to usher in a new generation of leaders.

Check out today's "Art Tidbit" by Marilyn Lightstone. Share your favourite art piece with us!Marilyn Lightstone - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comI’ve seen many a cubist piece over the years, and to my recollection, the palette used in the majority tends to be browny-black or greyish-black, whereas this one positively SINGS with colour, and – subsequently – becomes so much more. … read more

Do you know who was Beethoven's inspiration behind the piece Für Elise?Für Elise - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comThe meaning of Beethoven’s piece Für Elise has been under scrutiny since it was first composed in 1867.

LATEST NEWS: Former Premier Dalton McGuinty testified this morning the $585-million cost of cancelling the two projects was more than anyone had expected, but said at least no children will be going to classes beside a giant gas-fired generating station.

LATEST NEWS: Former Premier McGuinty to take the hot seat at the gas plant hearings this morningOPPOSITION LOOKING FOR TRUTH WHEN DALTON McGUINTY TESTIFIES AT GAS PLANT HEARINGS - Zoomer Radio AM7www.zoomerradio.caThe New Democrats say they’ll be looking for the truth when former premier Dalton McGuinty testifies under oath at 8:30 this morning about the cancelled gas plants in Oakville and Mississauga. NDP leader Andrea Horvath says McGuinty has to come clean about when the Liberals knew their $230-million...

LATEST NEWS: Moses Znaimer and Christopher Plummer joined by four other prominent Canadians as lead patrons of Dying with Dignity CanadaDYING WITH DIGNITY CANADA ADDS 4 MORE LEAD PATRONS TO JOIN MOSES ZNAIMER AND CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER - Zwww.zoomerradio.caMoses Znaimer, the founder of Zoomer Media, and renowned Canadian born actor Christopher Plummer have publicly endorsed “Dying With Dignity.”

Be sure to tune into the new 4-part series on VisionTV called "Jew Bashing". It airs tonight at 9PM ET. Will you be watching?Jew Bashing - Vision TV Channel Canadawww.visiontv.caFear. Hatred. Misconceptions. Lies. Distrust. Amongst our world’s rich kaleidoscope of cultures, ethnicities and faiths, these all factor in to why one group of human beings may revile and persecute another. VisionTV’s EXTREMISM EXPOSED is a series of hard-hitting, shocking, enlightening and ultimat...

Did your favourite artist make it to number one this week? Find out on this week's Zoomer's Choice Classical Charts.ZOOMER'S CHOICE CLASSICAL CHARTS - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.com

LATEST NEWS: Italian newspaper Corriere Canadese stops publishing after nearly 59 yearsTORONTO PUBLISHED CORRIERE CANADESE ITALIAN NEWSPAPER CALLS IT QUITS - ECONOMIC REASONS - Zoomer Radwww.zoomerradio.caIt’s the second Canadian ethnic newspaper this spring, to suspend operations. The Italian language newspaper, “Corriere Canadese” is no longer publishing.

HEALTH NEWS: Viagra now available onlineLITTLE BLUE PILL NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE FROM DRUGMAKER PFIZER - Zoomer Radio AM740www.zoomerradio.caIn a first for the drug industry, Pfizer Inc. told The Associated Press that starting today, it will sell begin selling erectile dysfunction pill Viagra directly to patients on its website.

LATEST NEWS: Toronto's Mayor urges NDP MPPs to vote against the budget and trigger a provincial electionMAYOR FORD WADES INTO PROVINCIAL POLITICS URGING NDP TO VOTE AGAINST THE BUDGET - Zoomer Radio AM740www.zoomerradio.caToronto’s Mayor is encouraging the provincial New Democrats to vote against the budget to trigger an election. On Thursday evening, Mayor Ford released a statement saying he was generally happy with the budget. He said he was encouraged by the emphasis on creating jobs and by the city’s portion of...

Whether you're in the mood for a romance flick or a historic drama, Marc Glassman has got you covered. Check out his latest reviews...Arts Review - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comKon-Tiki is a historic, nautical drama that will be sure to captivate audiences who like the thrill of following Thor Heyerdahl – a legendary figure.… read more

LATEST NEWS: Justin Trudeau lifts voter support for Federal Liberal party to highest since 2009POLL: TRUDEAU HONEYMOON NOT OVER - Zoomer Radio AM740www.zoomerradio.caAired within hours of his leadership win last month, the television ads said Trudeau is in way over his head as a national party leader.

TORONTO NEWS: Sunday's Goodlife Marathon shows solidarity with Boston Marathon with plans to honour victims at the startTORONTO'S GOODLIFE MARATHON GETS LAST MINUTE SUPPORT IN SOLIDARITY WITH BOSTON - Zoomer Radio AM740www.zoomerradio.caThis Sunday’s Goodlife Toronto marathon is getting several last minute registrations from runners who want to support victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. Race director Jay Glassman says organizers have heard from dozens of runners who weren’t planning to join the race prior to the Boston attac...

LATEST NEWS: Premier Wynne isn't shying away from an election if the NDP doesn't support her budgetPREMIER WYNNE SAYS SHE'LL GO TO AN ELECTION OVER HER NDP-FRIENDLY BUDGET, WHILE CARP RAISES CONCERNSwww.zoomerradio.caOntario’s premier says she’s ready to go to an election on her government’s first provincial budget if the New Democrats don’t approve it. Kathleen Wynne said this morning on CP24, “we’re expecting that we will have a vote, but it really does depend on what kind of arrangement we can make with the…

Read Marilyn Lightstone's "Art Tidbits" in our new daily feature. What are some of your favourite pieces of art?Portrait of Edmond Maitre - Classical FM 96.3 and 103.1 Canadawww.classical963fm.comI find this portrait by Renoir intriguing. Certainly one thinks of him, first and foremost, as a painter of women, usually young and pretty and much engaged in the social scene – a boating party, a dancing couple, a scene in a bar.

LATEST NEWS: Loblaw's Galen Weston makes first public comments since Bangladesh factory collapse - says he's "deeply shaken"LOBLAW CHAIRMAN GALEN WESTON "DEEPLY SHAKEN" BY BANGLADESH TRAGEDY AS DEATH TOLL CLIMBS - Zoomer Radwww.zoomerradio.caIt is a national day of mourning in Bangladesh as rescuers find more bodies in the concrete debris of a collapsed garment factory building, taking the death toll to 430.