Canada wins gold medal at World Hockey Championship whipping Russia 6 to 1. Canada was victorious in what amounts to an absolute thrashing of the Russian team. Cody Eakin, Tyler Ennis, Sidney Crosby, Tyler Seguin Claude Giroux and Nathan MacKinnon scored for Canada. It’s Canada’s first gold at the tournament since 2007. CBC
Goose bumps tweet by tweet on Don Valley Parkway
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The habits of geese are well known to be unpredictable when it comes to road crossings. This morning (Sunday, May 17, 2015) when a gaggle tried to traverse the Don Valley Parkway the police closed the highway and tried to shoo the birds across. This apparently did not work and at least some of the tweets at the link ahead say coppers just hustled them along the side of the DVP and into the brush. That works. There is a pleasant tweet from Toronto Police Operations in which they report that the geese have been “cautioned appropriately.” Twitter
Operation Duck Family
As a bonus to this story, we are re-publishing a favorite from 2011 which chronicles Leasider Terri Reid’s successful efforts with friends to rescue a family of ducks. Enjoy “Operation Duck Family”
Published July, 2011: Here are a few more pictures taken by Leaside resident Terri Reid of what we are calling Operation Duck Family. The mother and six ducklings were discovered Saturday on Hanna Rd. near Parkhurst Blvd. fearlessly marching along the roadway, much as we see them in the shot at the top. A growing body of residents began a lengthy operation of trying to help the ducks out of what would surely be a dangerous situation for them. Someone struck upon trying to lure them into a dog cage with bits of bread. Lower left, the process begins. But as Ms Reid observed to the South Bayview Bulldog, it isn’t easy trying to capture a duck, especially when she has six little ones. The residents were successful however in getting the duck family into the cage, still complete with Fido’s bone (lower right). The ducks were then transported to Wilket Creek where they were set loose in their natural habitat.
DVP re-opened after incdient on Gerrard Street bridge
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The DVP was shut down both ways at the Gerrard Street bridge Sunday morning as police tried to talk down a man who was “standing on the rails” of the bridge. Toronto Police Operations indicated the incident was resolved about 11.45 a.m..
Sisters find each other by chance in university writing class
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Sisters Katie (left) and Lizzie
Two sisters who had never met have found each other by chance in a creative writing class at Columbia University in New York. They were born to the same teenage mother but adopted separately and raised in different parts of the U.S. Lizzie Valverde and Katy Olson, both in their 30s, met in January 2013 on the first day of the class at Columbia University, the New York Times reports. When the students introduced themselves, Olson was shocked to hear Valverde tell of her background, which matched many details of her own, according to the report. Though they grew up under very different circumstances, one in New Jersey and the other in Florida, both women decided to move to New York around the same time and pursue their careers. Through her research, Olson knew she had a sister but not much more. Valverde knew their mother had a rocky past and a criminal record but had no idea she had a sister. Valverde will graduate Monday. Her sister and their birth mother, Leslie Parker, are expected be in attendance.
Thrilling Preakness cranks up Triple Crown excitement
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American Pharoah won the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, becoming the 14th horse to win the first two legs of the Triple Crown since 1978, the year of the last Triple Crown winner. In pouring rain, American Pharoah claimed the race in dominating fashion. He was the third Preakness favorite to start from the rail since 1950. No horse had won from the rail since 1994. At the Belmont Stakes on June 6, American Pharoah will try to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. Courtesy Preakness
Car and motorcycle collide at Vanderhoof and Brentcliffe
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There was a collision between a car and motorcycle Saturday morning at Vanderhoof Ave and Brentcliffe Rd. Injuries were reported but there is no indication they were life-threatening.No doubt police reconstruction staff were busy there for a while.
Are there plans to record shift of Thomas Elgie house?
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As of Saturday, May 16, the Thomas Elgie home at 262 Bessborough Drive is up on beams suitable for its short trip to the front of the property where it has stood for something like 170 years. The last time we looked at the home this work seemed far off. That was three weeks ago. The pioneer home is scheduled to be renovated into a single family dwelling on one of three lots to be carved from the property, which overlooks Talbot Park to the north. The work has gone on so far quite quietly. There does not appear to be a foundation waiting for the pioneer residence. But we can surely expect the work to be done imminently. It is reasonable to ask if there are plans set for the making of a proper record of this moment in the history of Leaside.
Canada will compete for gold after downing Czech 2-0
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Canada will play for the gold medal at the 2015 world hockey championships after defeating the Czech Republic 2-0 on Saturday at O2 Arena. Canadian goaltender Mike Smith recorded his second straight shutout to hold down a fired-up Czech squad.
London millionaires build DOWN in huge-basement craze
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Monster homes in Leaside? Second storey bump up way too high? Take a look at the monster basement craze in London.
NoJetsTO website launch, anniversary party May 27
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NoJetsTO, the anti-island airport group, is two years old and is launching a new website.To mark these occasions NoJetsTO will gather on Wednesday, May 27, for a party at the Studio Bar in Little Portugal.
Paul Godfrey to stay with Postmedia until end of 2018
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Paul Godfrey will remain as president and CEO of the Postmedia Network Canada Corp. until the end of 2018, the company reports. The company owns the National Post and many newspapers descended the Free Press and Sun chain.
Loblaws employees in Ontario vote 97% in favor of strike
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Union employees at Loblaws stores like the one at 320 Moore Ave. have voted 97 percent in favour of strike action if they cannot settle their wage and working condition negotiations with the grocery firm. The strike votes at locals 175 and 633 took place after the union broke off talks on May 5. There does not appear to be a strike deadline. The two UFCW locals represent 28,000 grocery workers employed at Loblaws Great Food and Superstore, Zehrs, Zehrs Great Food and Superstore, and Fortinos. The locals say the main issues are wages, work schedules, benefits and they’re seeking improvements and limits on third party providers. Local 175 president Shawn Haggerty says with the strong strike vote, the workers are sending a clear message they support their negotiating committee. Negotiations are scheduled to resume on May 26.