Auction set for 1939 Pontiac Plexiglas “Ghost”

This thing sort of makes you want to swear off, even if you don’t drink. But it’s real. And on July 30, 2011, this 1939 Ghost Pontiac made of Plexiglas will be auctioned off at the RM Auction known as St John’s in Michigan. They expect to get somewhere between $275,000 and $475,000 for it. Here is what RM writes about this incredible oddity: Visitors to General Motors’ “Highways and Horizons” pavilion at the 1939-40 New York World’s Fair came away awed by a vision of the future. The work of renowned designer Norman Bel Geddes, GM’s “Futurama” exhibit foretold the communities and transportation systems of 1960, many of which came to pass. Other peeks at the future included “Previews of Progress,” inventions that seemed like magic: “Yarns made of Milk! Glass that bends! The Frig-O-Therm that cooks and freezes at the same time! The Talking Flashlight transmitting speech over a light beam!” exclaimed the exhibit’s guidebook. Sharing top billing with the Futurama and Previews of Progress, however, was the “Glass’ Car – The first full-sized transparent car ever made in America.” Here.

Canadian classics stolen on Mount Pleasant

Among the paintings stolen from Canadian Fine Art, 577 Mount Pleasant, was a Frederick Varley work, Gatineau Hills (above) valued at $15,000. The descriptions were released today. Other Group of Seven pieces taken were: Gull River, by J.E.H. MacDonald, $45,000, First Snow, Georgian Bay, by Frank H. Johnston, $5,800, .Les Eboulements, by A.Y. Jackson, $135,000,Jeune Fille Triste, by Jean Paul Lemieux, $95,000.

Avenue Road park named after Sgt Russell

Toornto Police Service: On Friday, July, 15, 2011, at 2 p.m., at 250 Avenue Road, Chief William Blair will honour the Toronto Police Service officer who died in the line of duty on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, with the naming of “The Sergeant Ryan Russell Park.” Also present will be Mayor Rob Ford; Councillor Adam Vaughan; Ryan’s father, Glenn Russell; and his wife, Christine Russell; 52 Division Superintendent Hugh Ferguson and Inspector Howard Page.

Eva Gordon’s new shop is “Pallet”

Our friend Eva Gordon, creator of the much loved Bunny Baby Plate, has opened a new shop at 185 Avenue road, just north of Davenport. Homefront is a popular source for the pink or blue polka dot divided plate. Pallet displays Eva’s stunning array of fruit and vegetable ceramic pieces. Her work is for sale at the Bellagio Gift Shop in Las Vegas. Pallet’s number is 416 484 1883.

15,000 will attend Microsoft meeting here

David Whitaker, CEO of Tourism Toronto and venues
NEWS RELEASE — (edited) — Next July will see a huge convention arriving in Toronto. Microsoft Corporation has announced that its Worldwide Partner Conference will meet in Toronto in 2012. Precise dates are Monday July 9 to Friday 13. 2012. More than 15,000 people are expected to attend the Toronto conference, representing technology companies in 130 countries. While the main hubs of the action will be the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the Air Canada Centre, many other venues will be involved as 500+ events take place during the conference and at least 32 hotels across the Toronto region will host delegates. “Winning a prestigious meeting, for such a widely admired company, is not only a boost to the local economy but a testament to Toronto’s ability to host major events,” said David Whitaker, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto, which submitted the winning bid along with provincial and local partners. Microsoft Corporation’s annual Worldwide Partner Conference attracts more than 15,000 delegates,” said Eric Gales, General Manager, Microsoft Canada.

Cell donor found for Cathy Anagnostopoulos

Flashback picture from April, 2011, will recall for readers the really heart-rending case of Cathy Anagnostopoulos, a Leaside mom who needed a stem cell donor to help her battle Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Where to find help? There were thousands in the search and the four young ladies above got out on South Bayview to assist their friend’s mom one Sunday. Now comes word that a matching donor has been found and treatments have begun to try to restore Cathy to good health. She has been interviewed by InsideToronto.com with some interesting thoughts on the news of a match and her ongoing challenge. Here.