A Flag That Didn't Need To Be Waved

Canada has a new political superstar. If you are not among the millions of Canadian (and Americans) who have viewed the Charlie Angus speech given in the House of Commons on December 10th of last year, you owe it to yourself. He talks about Trump disrespecting and lying about Canada, for no other reason than political gain. He talks about Poilievre jumping on that bandwagon because agreeing with Trump's lies about our nation hurts our Prime Minister, and helps him (he hopes). He talks about the morons who drive around in pickup trucks waving our flag in support of conspiracy theories and right wing sedition. Then comes the line I liked the most. He documents the times we, as a nation, have pushed back against the direction of our more powerful allies to the south and been ultimately proved right .... because of our values. Because, we have have a flag, that doesn't need to be waved. Our own news organizations, seem to have missed this when it happened and in their defense, this speech was given to a mostly empty House of Commons. Now Midas Touch (a favorite for Trump haters like me) is driving insane click counts for a Canadian politician? Here's the clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0SAfA_ziw4&t=260s Justin is gone and Jagmeet is tainted. The NDP could do worse that elevate this guy? Way to go Timmins!

Let's start by saying I like Spam. I also like Heinz Ketchup, Lay's potato chips and Seaquest seafood products. I'm just not buying them right now. Having a bit of fun, I wrote Loblaws head office to suggest that buying multiple truckloads of Spam from Iowa right now might be sending the wrong impression to Americans considering putting tariffs on Canadian products? They gave me the normal corporate speak, mealy mouthed response about providing Canadians with a wide variety of food choices. For now, for me ... Holiday Luncheon meat instead of Spam, Old Dutch potato chips instead of Lay's and I will live without Seaquest products for a while. We have pickerel in the freezer. That's just me. Then I was reading that Zehr's has plans to open 80 new stores in 2025. 8,000 jobs across the country. So, now I'm conflicted. In my personal offers, they are giving me a birthday present of sorts. 20K in points for spending just $50 at Shoppers. Maybe I will do that this week. I should also points out that Shoppers has a big Family and Friends event next Tuesday and Wednesday. 20% off the entire store. Scan the code into your phone. It's basically instant points redemption. I gave you some extra SDM items in the list in case you want to make hay while the sun is shining:

Hey Snow Lovers – Check where your gas hot water tank and/ or high efficiency gas furnace vents are outside of your house?  Take a shovel with you?  You can save yourself a giant steaming pile of drama by keeping those clear of drifting snow! They sent me pictures and currently have no hot water.

Watched & Watching

Taboo – A Ridley Scott limited series with a spectacular supporting cast.  A little too much brooding silence from Tom Hardy for my taste but visually stunning.

The Responder - Talk about brooding! The acting in this is great, the directing I have to question. If watching Martin Freeman stare off into space for long long periods of time is your thing, then this is your thing. It's not bad, but just seems to move at a glacial pace from time to time.

Reading - I did get two Bosch books finished and I am approaching the end of this twenty-something book journey with this universe. One was great and one was just OK:

Mitch Fountain’s review of The Night Fire (Renée Ballard, #3; Harry Bosch, #22; Harry Bosch Universe, #33)

5/5: It’s getting complicated. This is listed as a Renee Ballard #3 and a Harry Bosch #22 with Mickey Haller as a bit player, so we are just missing the heart transplant guy? Having said that, this was a great book. Bosch is pushing 70, recovering from a knee rebuild, and still pursuing cold cases. This one kept in a closet (hint) by his former mentor and passed back to Bosch upon his death. This plot line merges with the murder of a homeless man about to inherit a fortune. Ya, Connelly is that good. Throw in a female Cuban assassin, some RHD high jingo, and you have a great Bosch novel.

GoodreadsMichael Connelly

Mitch Fountain’s review of Fair Warning (Jack McEvoy, #3; Harry Bosch Universe, #34)

3/5: This book was just OK. It felt like the author was going back to the well on a trip that did not need to be taken. Of course former FBI agent Rachel Walling is available to jump back into Jack’s bed for no apparent reason and to provide a pipeline back into the FBI’s Los Angeles offices. A couple of inept detectives, a botched coroners report or two and you have the makings of a mediocre book. One where an author can outsmart the police, the FBI and the serial killer providing justice for all. It was a slog through the middle, got better in the third quarter and limped home with a particula…

GoodreadsMichael Connelly

I love Swiss Chalet but like most take-out options, it has grown out of our price range.   When I got this flyer in my Email, I thought there might be deal?  You know, for family day weekend?  Nope.  $39.99 for a chicken, four sides, rolls and a sauce.   Mmm.  Forty-five bucks for chicken and fries for two.  I’m thinking Zehr’s.  Buy a pre-cooked chicken, get a bag of Cavendish crinkle cut fries for two bucks, throw them in your air fryer.  Open and heat a can of Chalet sauce and serve with some macaroni / potato salad and Calabrese dinner rolls.  What’s that?  Twenty- two bucks?   Twenty-two minutes to make it?  You can even make soup out of the leftover carcass if you are so inclined.  Hope you had a great long weekend with your families.  I had actually forgotten about the Monday holiday.  They are all long weekends for us.  Five more weeks of winter. Jeesh.

Mitch & Maddie