... and friend at a Second Cup here in Toronto

Picturing: A Special Television Episode T-shirt

"The City on the Edge of Forever" is one of television's finest hours. It's an episode of Star Trek (1966 - 1969), one of television's finest-ever series.

Now to the T-shirt.

A few years ago, my brother contacted me saying he was going to order a few Trek T-shirts, and asked me if I wanted one... take my pick. I checked the catalogue and was impressed. An artist in the States had produced designs for all 79 Trek episodes, with each being his own unique interpretation of that particular story.

Postscript: No doubt the shirt looks even better when hugging my somewhat Hemanic chest, but I elected to take the picture with the shirt lying flat.

Quote: Lydia Lunch on Her Critics

"Because they don't like reality or fact. They like fiction, tomfoolery, stupidity, mediocrity, crap, garbage, junk."

The fiery-bright lady is right.

Video Clip: Rainfall at the TTC's Spadina Station

During my errands about an hour ago I departed the 'southbound' platform at the TTC's Spadina Station. What a rush of sound that was!

Yes, Toronto is getting drenched.

Snip: A Special Number in Page Views

Minutes ago I decided to check my website's data: the number of "now" views ― views from the last two hours ― sent shivers through me. And I started humming the song, "Ave Satani".

Thankfully the hits keep coming, which quickly obliterated "666". (My account is set up as such that my own clicks don't count in the overall data.)

Thank you, dear readers! In more ways than one.

The Week that was Hot and Humour, But So Cool

Toronto boiled heat and humidity this week. It's Saturday, and temps and water particles will continue to wrap we Torontonians for a few more days, at least.

A bit of humour: On Wednesday, as I walked, strutted, towards a client of mine, his friend said to me: "You have a bit of a Christopher Walken thing happening there."

"Very cool. But cooler."

Picturing: Wile E. Coyote's Arch Enemy

While I strolled in my neighbourhood early this morning, as part of my quest to end up at my local Tim Hortons, something caught my eye: "I spy, with my little eye, something looking 'Warner Brothers'...."

Kendal Avenue is one of many lovely streets here in Toronto's beautiful "Annex". My Canon EOS DSLR ― not my carry-everywhere Canon SX 720 HS, but my EOS ― just happened to be on hand for a needed capture.

Postscript: I looked farther down the asphalt strip to see if I could find a two-dimensional coyote. Nothing. He must have gotten away and is now working on his next scheme....

Picturing: Fix Sign(s) Toronto

While I strolled in my neighbourhood early this morning in a quest to end up at my local Tim Hortons, something caught my eye: "I spy, with my little eye, a bent street sign...."

Walmer Road is one of many lovely streets here in Toronto's beautiful "Annex".

My Canon EOS DSLR ― not my carry-everywhere Canon SX 720 HS, but my EOS ― just happened to be on hand for a needed capture.

Snip: BBC Website Headline on UK Elections Today

Minutes ago I decided to check out the BBC's website (www.bbc.com) in order to see what British media is saying about the UK's federal election. Polls closed in the Isles at 10pm (5pm Toronto, or ET, time).

Rishi Sunak and his royal Conservatives are on the road to being crushed by Keir Starmer and his Labour party.

Before I hit the hay tonight I'll check to see how delicious my sleep will be: sweet dreams of destroyed Conservatives....

Picturing: That Jar of Marmite

I can still picture it, that jar of Marmite that my mother seemed to keep active on an upper kitchen cupboard in our 'Greenwood' (Nova Scotia) PMQ. My five-year-old self could not reach for it, and I was old enough to know that I had no inclination to reach for it... that little glass jar of some disgusting greasy paste. That smell ― yes, that smell ― has lingered in my olfactory memories all these years later.

Two years ago I read an article somewhere, probably a British website or newspaper, about the health (health?) benefits of consuming (please no) Marmite. My English mum would understand the savoury British staple, but why would she spread it on toast for me? Actually, I don't remember on what 'platform' I took that substance, but I've heard that Brits enjoy it on toast.

Reading the article pushed me to ask for it in my local Metro supermarket. A gent in Aisle 2 answered my question with: "No, I haven't seen it for a while. I think there's a supply problem."

Then I forgot all about my quest.

This morning I asked again: the lovely lady in Aisle 3 at Metro was confused at first; a smart blank look: "Is it a candy? What is it, exactly?"

"It's a... yeast extract. Brits like it."

"Oh, that black jar, the little black jar!"

I couldn't contain myself: "That's it!"

"Have a look in Aisle Two. That's where the international foods are kept."

I didn't see anything black outside of Soya and Teriyaki sauces, and....

... a voice from behind me: "I found it!"

Now that I'm back home with my precious little jar (and some sushi), I'll need to read up on the best ways to 'enjoy' Marmite....

Picturing: An RCAF 100th Anniversary Hoodie

Celebrating the RCAF's 100th Anniversary with a hoodie from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada).

Great museum, by the way... this way: https://www.warplane.com/visit/directions-to-museum.aspx

Picturing: Sprouting Green Around a Toronto Church

While getting my coffee this morning, I was taken by a beautiful scene: Walmer Street Church, in "The Annex", Toronto, has planters sprouting green surrounded in green.

A beautiful city has greenery.

Happy Canada Day! 2024

Like many Canadians, I am so grateful to be living in this great country.