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The Best Laid Plans

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Welcome to the podcast version of The Best Laid Plans, the winner of the 2008 Stephen Leacock Award for Humour. It's a satirical novel of Canadian politics, written and podcast by Terry Fallis. It recounts the unlikely and eventful alliance between a 30-something burnt out, jaded political staffer, and an older, cantankerous, engineering professor. Driven by a federal election and the life of the resulting minority conservative government, the novel moves between Ottawa, the national capital, and the small town of Cumberland, Ontario on the shores of the Ottawa River. While the characters and their exploits are often comical, serious ideas on politics and democracy underlie the fun. Listener comments are welcome via the blog (www.terryfallis.com) or e-mail (tfallis@gmail.com).

Location:

United States

Description:

Welcome to the podcast version of The Best Laid Plans, the winner of the 2008 Stephen Leacock Award for Humour. It's a satirical novel of Canadian politics, written and podcast by Terry Fallis. It recounts the unlikely and eventful alliance between a 30-something burnt out, jaded political staffer, and an older, cantankerous, engineering professor. Driven by a federal election and the life of the resulting minority conservative government, the novel moves between Ottawa, the national capital, and the small town of Cumberland, Ontario on the shores of the Ottawa River. While the characters and their exploits are often comical, serious ideas on politics and democracy underlie the fun. Listener comments are welcome via the blog (www.terryfallis.com) or e-mail (tfallis@gmail.com).

Language:

English


Episodes
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A special announcement about The High Road, the sequel to The Best Laid Plans

5/30/2010
Terry Fallis announces the start of the podcast version of The High Road, the sequel to his award-winning debut novel, The Best Laid Plans. The music that opens and closes this podcast is Winter Serenade by Jon Schmidt and is available through Music Alley. The voice at the very beginning belongs to Roger Dey.

Duration:00:02:28

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Terry Fallis discusses his novel on CBC Radio's The Next Chapter

4/25/2009
[display_podcast] Several weeks ago I went into the CBC Radio studios in Toronto to record a segment for Shelagh Roger's wonderful book program called The Next Chapter. Well, it hit the airwaves today. Here's the three and a half minute segment. Many thanks to producer Tom Howell, and host Shelagh Rogers at CBC Radio.

Duration:00:03:34

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Special Edition: My strange journey to the published land

2/1/2009
[display_podcast] It's been about 16 months since the last special episode of The Best Laid Plans podcast but so much has happened in my side-line life as a writer that it's high time I brought all of you up to date. So here's a talk I did recently at the Women's Canadian Club of Toronto about The Best Laid Plans and my unorthodox and unlikely journey to the published land. I hope you enjoy it. It's been quite a ride and I'm grateful for all the support along the way. Comments are invited on the blog or send me an e-mail to . The great music featured in the podcast is by and is called Winter Serenade. It is available from the . My friend Roger Dey provides the voice that opens the podcast.

Duration:00:49:40

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Special Edition: TBLP is now a book!

9/30/2007
In this special edition, Terry updates listeners on the publication and availability of The Best Laid Plans as a book. Comments are invited on the blog or send me an e-mail to . Thanks so much for listening. It's been a thrill for me to podcast my humble novel. Your comments have been very generous and encouraging. I'm grateful. The sequel is in the works. The great music featured in the podcast is by and is called Winter Serenade. It is available from the . My friend Roger Dey provides the voice that opens the podcast. The photo at the top of the blog page was taken by, and is used with permission from, Mr. Ron Boisvert.

Duration:00:05:55

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The Best Laid Plans: Chapter 19

5/11/2007
This week, the final installment, Chapter 19 including: The snow storm brings Ottawa to its knees; the Government House Leader pulls a fast one; the call goes forth for MPs to brave the storm and make it to the House for the mini-budget vote; Angus and Andre Fontaine share a wild ride to Parliament Hill; Angus writes in his diary. Comments are invited right here on the blog or send me an e-mail to . Thanks so much for listening. It's been a thrill for me to podcast my humble novel. Your comments have been very generous and encouraging. I'm grateful. I will keep blogging as I continue down the road to publishing The Best Laid Plans. At this moment, it seems that the novel will be available online at Amazon and Chapters-Indigo in the summer. I will keep you all posted here on the blog. Thanks again, it's been a blast. The great music featured in the podcast is by and is called Winter Serenade. It is available from the . My friend Roger Dey provides the voice that opens the podcast. The photo at the top of the blog page was taken by, and is used with permission from, Mr. Ron Boisvert

Duration:00:35:14

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The Best Laid Plans: Chapter 18

5/9/2007
This week, Chapter 18 including: Environment Canada and the media pay a visit to Ottawa River Aggregate Inc.; Reaction to the mini-budget rolls in; Debate rages in the House; Angus and Daniel confront UFDs (unidentified flying doughnuts); Daniel and Linsday tour the National Gallery and then are snowed in at the Chateau Laurier; Angus writes in his diary. Comments are invited right here on the blog or send me an e-mail to . Thanks for listening. Stay tuned for the final episode, Chapter 19. The great music featured in the podcast is by and is called Winter Serenade. It is available from the . My friend Roger Dey provides the voice that opens the podcast. The photo at the top of the blog page was taken by, and is used with permission from, Mr. Ron Boisvert.

Duration:00:33:58

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The Best Laid Plans: Chapter 17

5/4/2007
This week, Chapter 17 including: The government takes an unexpected hard right turn; Angus tangles with the Speaker and the Sergeant at Arms; a troubling look inside Ottawa River Aggregate Inc.; Angus and Daniel meet with the workers; Angus writes in his diary.Comments are invited right here on the blog or send me an e-mail to . Thanks for listening. Stay tuned for Chapter 18. The great music featured in the podcast is by and is called Winter Serenade. It is available from the . My friend Roger Dey provides the voice that opens the podcast. The photo at the top of the blog page was taken by, and is used with permission from, Mr. Ron Boisvert.

Duration:00:35:23

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The Best Laid Plans: Chapter 16

5/1/2007
This week, Chapter 16 including: Daniel dines with Lindsay and Muriel (and closes a chapter in his life); Muriel visits the House of Commons; Angus attends his first hostile sod-turning (and returns fire); Daniel and Angus have fun with a slick American branch plant executive; Angus writes in his diary. Comments are invited right here on the blog or send me an e-mail to . Thanks for listening. Stay tuned for Chapter 17. The great music featured in the podcast is by and is called Winter Serenade. It is available from the . My friend Roger Dey provides the voice that opens the podcast. The photo at the top of the blog page was taken by, and is used with permission from, Mr. Ron Boisvert.

Duration:00:33:33

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The Best Laid Plans: Chapter 15

4/27/2007
This week, Chapter 15 including: Daniel drives Lindsay home the morning after the night before; Angus and Daniel spend a quiet day in Cumberland; Angus is feted at an Engineering Society dinner; the economy drops like a stone and the government's hand is forced; Angus and Daniel test Baddeck 1 on the frozen Ottawa River; Angus writes in his diary. Comments are invited right here on the blog or send me an e-mail to . Thanks for listening. Next week, Chapter 16. The great music featured in the podcast is by and is called Winter Serenade. It is available from the . My friend Roger Dey provides the voice that opens the podcast. The photo at the top of the blog page was taken by, and is used with permission from, Mr. Ron Boisvert.

Duration:00:36:36

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The Best Laid Plans: Chapter 14

4/20/2007
This week, Chapter 14, including: Daniel is late for an important meeting leaving Angus to go it alone; Angus defies the Leader and caucus; Angus closes the Sanderson Shoe deal; the House votes on the Throne Speech; Daniel dines with Lindsay and then some; Angus writes in his diary. Comments are invited right here on the blog or send me an e-mail to . Thanks for listening. Next week, Chapter 15. The great music featured in the podcast is by and is called Winter Serenade. It is available from the . My friend Roger Dey provides the voice that opens the podcast. The photo at the top of the blog page was taken by, and is used with permission from, Mr. Ron Boisvert.

Duration:00:34:24

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The Best Laid Plans: Chapter 13

4/13/2007
This week, Chapter 13, including: Daniel takes the heat for Maverick Angus; Angus makes his debut performance in Question Period; A day in the constituency office; Angus outlines a plan to save the Sanderson Shoe factory; Norman Sanderson doesn't know what hit him; Daniel and Lindsay make a date; Angus writes in his diary. Comments are invited right here on the blog or send me an e-mail to . Thanks for listening. Next week, Chapter 14. The great music featured in the podcast is by and is called Winter Serenade. It is available from the . My friend Roger Dey provides the voice that opens the podcast. The photo at the top of the blog page was taken by, and is used with permission from, Mr. Ron Boisvert.

Duration:00:38:35

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The Best Laid Plans: Chapter 12

4/6/2007
This week, Chapter 12 including: Angus attends his first Caucus meeting; Angus takes his place in the House before listening to the Throne Speech in the Senate; Daniel and Bradley Stanton square off over excessive media coverage of Angus; Daniel and Angus clash over what to say in the Throne Speech debate; Angus gives his debut performance in the House, to mixed reviews; Angus writes in his diary. Comments are invited right here on the blog or send me an e-mail to . Thanks for listening. Next week, Chapter 13. The great music featured in the podcast is by and is called Winter Serenade. It is available from the . My friend Roger Dey provides the voice that opens the podcast. The photo at the top of the blog page was taken by, and is used with permission from, Mr. Ron Boisvert

Duration:00:36:37

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The Best Laid Plans: Chapter 11

3/30/2007
This week, we start Part 2 with Chapter 11 including: Daniel takes Angus to Parliament Hill, the Library of Parliament, and the House of Commons; Angus is sworn in; Daniel briefs Angus on their Centre Block and constitutency offices; Angus meets the Leader of the Opposition; Daniel and Angus play chess; Angus writes in his diary. Comments are invited right here on the blog or send me an e-mail to . Thanks for listening. Next week, Chapter 12. The great music featured in the podcast is by and is called Winter Serenade. It is available from the . My friend Roger Dey provides the voice that opens the podcast. The photo at the top of the blog page was taken by, and is used with permission from, Mr. Ron Boisvert.

Duration:00:35:24

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The Best Laid Plans: Chapter 10

3/23/2007
This week, Chapter 10, including: On election day, Daniel and the two Petes work hard to save Angus from victory; Daniel drives NDP voters to the polls; Daniel commiserates with Muriel; Daniel skinny-dips in the frigid river before watching the election returns; Daniel drives to the airport to meet Angus; Angus addresses the media horde; Angus writes in his diary.Comments are invited right here on the blog or send me an e-mail to . Thanks for listening. Next week, we start Part 2 with Chapter 11. The great music featured in the podcast is by and is called Winter Serenade. It is available from the . My friend Roger Dey provides the voice that opens the podcast. The photo at the top of the blog page was taken by, and is used with permission from, Mr. Ron Boisvert.

Duration:00:42:28

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The Best Laid Plans: Chapter 9

3/16/2007
This week, Chapter 9 including: Daniel watches too much television; Daniel goes on TV to staunch the bleeding; the Prime Minister cuts Cameron loose; Daniel and Lindsay lunch together; Daniel and pollster Zaleski discuss some new C-P numbers; Angus writes in his diary and starts the long trip home from Papua New Guinea.Comments are invited right here on the blog or send me an e-mail to . Thanks for listening. Next week, Chapter 8. The great music featured in the podcast is by and is called Winter Serenade. It is available from the . My friend Roger Dey provides the voice that opens the podcast. The photo at the top of the blog page was taken by, and is used with permission from, Mr. Ron Boisvert.

Duration:00:32:06

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The Best Laid Plans: Chapter 8

3/9/2007
This week, Chapter 8 including: Daniel confronts an Internet-happy student; Daniel talks with the two Petes; Andre Fontaine breathlessly calls Daniel; Fire at the Petra Borschart's house; Eric Cameron is collared; Daniel watches the news and assesses the damage; Angus writes in his diary in Papau New Guinea. Comments are invited right here on the blog or send me an e-mail to . Thanks for listening. Next week, Chapter 9. The great music featured in the podcast is by and is called Winter Serenade. It is available from the . My friend Roger Dey provides the voice that opens the podcast. The photo at the top of the blog page was taken by, and is used with permission from, Mr. Ron Boisvert.

Duration:00:32:42

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The Best Laid Plans: Chapter 7

3/1/2007
This week, Chapter 7 including: Daniel attends a polling presentation at the national campaign office; Daniel visits with Muriel; Daniel briefs Angus on the numbers (Angus laughs till he cries); Daniel marks book reports while Angus writes in his diary. Comments are invited right here on the blog or send me an e-mail to tfallis@gmail.com. Thanks for listening. Next week, Chapter 8. The great music featured in the podcast is by Jon Schmidt and is called Winter Serenade. It is available from the Podsafe Music Network. My friend Roger Dey provides the voice that opens the podcast. The photo at the top of the blog page was taken by, and is used with permission from, Mr. Ron Boisvert.

Duration:00:37:13

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The Best Laid Plans: Chapter 6

2/24/2007
This week, chapter 6 including: Daniel, Muriel, and Lindsay attend a luncheon speech by the Honourable Eric Cameron; Lindsay and Daniel bond at Starbucks; Daniel holds office hours on campus; Daniel and Angus play chess and discuss the campaign so far; Angus skinnydips, then writes in his diary. Comments are invited right here on the blog or send me an e-mail to tfallis@gmail.com. Thanks for listening. Next week, Chapter 7. The great music featured in the podcast is by Jon Schmidt and is called Winter Serenade. It is available from the Podsafe Music Network. My friend Roger Dey provides the voice that opens the podcast. The photo at the top of the blog page was taken by, and is used with permission from, Mr. Ron Boisvert.

Duration:00:34:00

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The Best Laid Plans: Chapter 5

2/17/2007
This week Chapter 5 including: the election is called; we meet Andre Fontaine, reporter for the Cumberland Crier; Daniel and the two Petes start the McLintock door-to-door canvass; Daniel makes a clandestine midnight run to the University; Angus writes in his diary. Comments are invited to the blog or send me an e-mail to tfallis@gmail.com. Thanks for listening. Next week, Chapter 6. The great music featured in the podcast is by Jon Schmidt and is called Winter Serenade. It is available from the Podsafe Music Network. My friend Roger Dey provides the voice that opens the podcast. The photo at the top of the blog page was taken by, and is used with permission from, Mr. Ron Boisvert.

Duration:00:32:00

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The Best Laid Plans: Chapter 4

2/11/2007
This week, Chapter 4 including: Daniel's debut teaching English for Engineers; the first meeting of the Cumberland-Prescott Liberal Campaign in the new headquarters; Angus and Daniel hammer out positions on the local issues; and Angus writes in his diary.Feel free to leave a comment right here on the blog or send me an e-mail to tfallis@gmail.com. Thanks for listening. Next week, Chapter 5. The great music featured in the podcast is by Jon Schmidt and is called Winter Serenade. It is available from the Podsafe Music Network. My friend Roger Dey provides the voice that opens the podcast. The photo at the top of the blog page was taken by, and is used with permission from, Mr. Ron Boisvert.

Duration:00:34:35