Politics 21 - Boris Johnson

This morning, I read a column written by journalist Margaret Evens on the CBC Website about Boris Johnson.  
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/boris-johnson-conservative-party-leadership-1.5214838

Being British, well, British-Canadian ... and not very proud (at the moment) to be the holder of either passport, I found her narrative very compelling, such that I have decided to share some of the content - precisely, to quote some descriptors (by order of use) that she applied to Boris as follows:

He is a "controversial ... and a refreshing and charismatic politician ... a cold-hearted ... ambitious person ... values humour and rhetoric ... an entertaining writer."  He has an "outspoken, jovial presence ... a rock-star like ability."  and, most important, could become a "dynamic leader".  "Our country is crying out for strong, optimistic leadership" ... attached to a "more likable personality".

As I presumed in my opening remarks, I believe that the world will be better with Boris Johnson as the next Prime Minister.  If only there was such a Canadian with his character but, sadly, there seems to be no one capable at present ... least of all, our present Prime Minister.

Finally, I will introduce a controversial comparison, such is my disposition;  That there are the ghosts of King George II (His ancestor) and Sir Winston Churchill present.  I suppose, as a British-Canadian, I should be permitted to dream.

We shall discover the answer on Tuesday, 23rd July.  And, without doubt, a congratulatory message from President Donald Trump.

I pray not to be ahead of myself, and await your comments.

Plastic Cutlery

This tickled my funny bone this morning:  

" For fork's sake: Oh, and remember that most Canadian of scandals, plastic forkgate, when Trudeau ordered pizza for a climate plan meeting complete with [disposable] plastic cutlery? Could the story get even more Canadian? Yes, yes it could. The Prime Minister's Office responded to the backlash on Tuesday and promised that the plastic cutlery will be reused."

Maclean's Political Insider

1989

We Shall Remember

1989 - June - 4th

‘Faulty Towers’

The Gnosh restaurant (pronounced Nosh) and once known as Blu Duby has its main entrance on Dundas Street (West of Richmond Street) and an alternate entrance from Covent Market Place … from where I chose to enter.

The layout is extraordinary in that it forms a very long, narrow, north/south corridor, seemingly, 3 metres wide and 35 metres long, with tables along just one side.

I walked almost the entire length of the ‘corridor’ without any sign of staff and, therefore, chose my own table and sat down.  A few moments later, the lone server appeared with plates for distant customers, noticed me, and presented an interesting menu.

I chose;  Mushroom soup with paprika (Hungarian soup), the fish 'Catch Of The Day' (Atlantic cod), and a decent glass of recommended Pinot Grigio wine.

The soup was good, but not extraordinarily, and my remarkable story begins about 15 minutes later.

Hungarian Soup

As I sat there, occasionally checking my watch, the server walked slowly towards me, stopped, looked casually at me and said, “Menu?”.  I replied, “Thank you.” adding, “I’m just waiting for my main course”.  A sudden look of shock appeared on his face (that would have been perfect on an episode of ‘Faulty Towers’) and with the word “Catch!” he (like Manuel) made a dash to the kitchen.

Atlantic Cod on Wild Rice

It was a long 20-minute wait, interspersed with bowing comments of “The feesh will be ready in a few minutes”.  The Cod on wild rice was very good, but the accompanying pieces of over-cooked (burnt) pan-fried courgettes were a disappointment.  I have a sense that the chef had been very surprised by my order.

I tipped too much.

Photo - Monstera Deliciosa

I am becoming concerned that the plant that occupied a 10-inch pot just over a year ago, a Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss-cheese plant) is considering the occupation of my entire living room.  Sometimes, I wonder if, one morning, I will wake up to discover a python curled up beneath it.

Monstera Deliciosa 

Notes;  (a) I read that, in its natural environment, it has fruit that taste between a banana and a pineapple  ... I must have a word with my Superstore manager.  (b) The unbalanced appearance is the result of taking cuttings. (c) In its natural environment, it has been known to climb to 20 meters ... please!