Even as award-winning author Terry Fallis (inset) prepares to attend the Stephen Leacock Award Luncheon April 30, 2015, where he is short-listed again, the Moore Park author is finishing up a new novel for release this fall. Today there were more tweets of congratulation across South Bayview following the decision by the Leacock judges earlier this month to place Fallis’ current work. No Relation, published in May 2014, on their list. Fallis first book The Best Laid Plans was self-published in 2008 in the typical circumstances of yet-to-be established writers.  As is known, The Best Laid Plans went on to be a huge success and according to a Wikjpedia entry “it won the 2011 edition of Canada Reads as the essential Canadian novel of the decade, where it was defended by journalist Ali Velshi. In 2013, CBC Television announced plans to adapt the novel into a six-part television series, The Best Laid Plans, which debuted in January 2014. The Best Laid Plans is also in development as a stage musical by Touchstone Theatre in Vancouver.”  Fallis says on his website that it is hard for him to believe that each of four novels has been a finalist for the Leacock judging. “I offer my humble gratitude to the judging panel. I’m over the moon and look forward to attending the Orillia luncheon on April 30th, not just to find out who wins, but also to hang out with the warm and friendly guardians of Leacock’s Legacy. Deep thanks all around and my congratulations to my fellow finalists.”

In fact, it’s a fully-legal mass skate, pass-the-puck and shoot-if-you-can at the Leaside Wildcats Tryout Sunday afternoon at Leaside Arena. You may even have been able to change “teams” just for fun.

Uniquely First World crisis requiring a Beer Ombudsman

The Ontario government would like you to be able to complain about beer to someone paid to listen. The Premier’s Advisory Council on Government Assets recommends that four independent directors be appointed to the board of The Beer Store, and that these people in turn choose a beer ombudsman. “The ombudsman will report to the TBS board and will hear complaints from brewers and customers,” the report says.

The Class of 2015 is well entered at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland tonight. The ceremony began about 7:30 p.m. at Cleveland’s Public Hall. Here we have the 80s punk band Green Day, who seemed to be all grown up and only mildly punky. They got a wonderful welcome. A televised version of the ceremony won’t air until May 30 on HBO. But the site Cleveland.com is keeping up on events as Ringo Starr, Green Day, Joan Jett and others are inducted. The list of performers and presenters includes Miley Cyrus, John Mayer, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. Joan Jett confessed to nearly bursting out in tears as the crowd, including McCartney, stood to applaud her.

Ringo Starr selfie at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Jonathon Crombie, who rose to fame in the CBC Anne of Green Gables series, and son of former Toronto mayor David Crombie, has died unexpectedly at the age of 48. He is said to have suffered a brain hemorrhage in New York City on April 15. Crombie became famous for portraying the character of Gilbert Blythe in the 1985 Anne Of Green Gables television movie that aired on the CBC and inspired two sequels in 1987 and 2000. Jonathan Crombie was also a member of a sketch comedy troupe on the Canadian TV series Comedy Now! in 1998 and performed in The Drowsy Chaperone Broadway musical in 2008. Green Gables producer Kevin Sullivan says the news was “completely unexpected” and he called Crombie the “quintessential boy next door” 

HIgh-tech Toyota gang at work

It was November 2009 when six Toyota Highlander families woke and found their family cars gone. At the time, and ever since for that matter, it was as if they vanished into thin air.  Michael Dougherty of Rumsey Road was robbed of his car and like all the other victims has never heard a thing about these obviously well-oiled thefts. And it appears the same gang, or one just as good, is at it again. Since January 2015, 33 Division (just north of South Bayview) has experienced the theft of 13 vehicles apparently taken with the same high-tech savvy that marked the 2009 heists.  It is believed that the suspect(s) may have access to electronic devices that can bypass the vehicle security system.  Investigators are suggesting the following safety tips to protect your vehicle from theft: Lock your vehicle with the windows rolled up;  secure your spare key in a safe location and never leave it in the vehicle; park your vehicle with wheels turned towards the curb; apply your emergency brakes when parking your vehicle; park your vehicle in your garage, if possible, and lock the vehicle doors while in the garage  never leave the vehicle registration in the vehicle;  use a steering-wheel lock; test both sets of keys after leaving your vehicle with a valet, car wash, or repair shop.  People are reminded to call police and report any suspicious activity or suspicious person(s) near their vehicles.

As forecast, Wiseys Pies and Bakehouse has expanded its meat pie and pastry business to the Roncesvalles neighborhood. Gary and Karen have collaborated with their friends Anthony Spinley and Jen Orenstein in a partnership there. Anthony is a fellow “Kiwi” who has been residing in Toronto for the last 12 years. The new shop at 43 Roncy has the same tasty goods being sold daily at the original store at 874 Eglinton Ave. E. Try an espresso with some carrot cake when you are in.