Poor man's opium

 Latuca virosa is a weed related to lettuce known as poor man's opium.Though it is related to lettuce the taste is very bitter.Latuca virosa is widespread across much of central and southern Europe and also Punjab region of Pakistan and India.It was introduced in North America through colonialism and today is a common weed flourishing in urban abandoned lots and along highways.The milky sap of a severed stem was often used in the 19th century by physicians to ease pain when morphine or opium could not be obtained.

        Latuca virosa is also called bitter lettuce.

City in Nebraska

 Q.What city in Nebraska is nicknamed the "Sandhill Crane Capital of the World"?

Answer.Kearney

Chimpanzees

 Did you know?

Chimpanzees can recognize photos of friends they haven't seen for over 20 years.

She was born on Canada Day

 Quebec author Louise Penny was born on July 1,1958 in Toronto.She celebrates her birthday on Canada Day.

The husband of Quebec author Louise Penny

 Quebec author Louise Penny's husband was Dr.Michael Whitehead,a prominent pediatric hematologist who directed the hematology department at the Montreal Children's Hospital.Dr.Whitehead passed away at the age of 82 in 2016 after a courageous battle with dementia.

Caring for baby snakes

 Imagine being born with noone to protect you.For most baby snakes,that's reality.From the moment they are born,they must hunt,avoid predators,and survive entirely on instinct.Unlike mammals and birds,most snake species provide no parental care after birth.

        Note:Not all snakes abandon their young.Some species, including king cobra and pythons,protect their eggs until they hatch.However,the hatchlings are typically independent soon after.

Birthplace of Adolf Hitler

 Austria transformed Adolf Hitler's birthplace into a police station in 2026, deliberately repurposing the historic building to discourage neo-nazi gatherings and prevent it from becoming a site of extremist glorification.

Cars in Quebec

 Cars in Quebec are getting bigger and heavier,and that causes wear and tear on the infrastructure.

            There are too many potholes on the roads of Montreal.Driving through the roads in Montreal is like driving through a minefield.

About octopuses

 Octopuses are one of the few animals not known to fart regularly.Their short ,meat-based digestive system appears to produce little or no intestinal gas under normal conditions,unlike many mammals.

About depression

 A diet high in processed foods and low in fruits and vegetables increases the risk of depression while a sedentary lifestyle also contributes to feelings of anxiety and depression.

Where Saint John 's wort flowers are used

 Saint John's Wort flowers have been used since ancient times to treat mild or moderate depression.This flower can be found in tablet form in every health food store or pharmacy around the world.

    St.John's Wort flowers are bright yellow.They feature five petals that often have tiny black dots or glands along the edges, alongside a prominent center cluster of yellow stamens.

Quote from Sonia Momin

 You cannot impress those who are truly content with their simple & quiet lives with 'bigger and better.'They value peace,not glamor.-Sonia Momin

Pulling rabbits

 Some people keep pulling tattered,flea-bitten rabbits out of their hat in order to forestall the inevitable.

Japan is very sleep-deprived

 Japan is one of the world's most sleep-deprived countries, with adults averaging around six to seven hours of sleep per night.Long work hours,lengthy commutes,and busy lifestyles are major factors contributing to this pattern.

Whiskers of a mouse

 A mouse's whiskers are highly sensitive sensory hairs that detect nearby objects,textures,and subtle air movements.They help mice navigate safely,judge narrow spaces,and avoid obstacles,even in complete darkness.

Vitamin B12 in eggs

 In order to get Vitamin B12 from an egg,you need to eat the whole egg,as most of it-and the most easily absorbed part-is stored in the yolk.

A very quirky sport

 Toe wrestling is a quirky niche sport.

   Toe wrestling is like arm wrestling for the lower extremities.However toe wrestling is a lesser known sport.

 The World Toe Wrestling Championship takes place annually in July at the Ashbourne Marketplace in Derbyshire, England.

A song from 2007 that I like

 Jimmy(2007)-song by M.I.A

A song from David Bowie that I love

 Golden Years (1976)-song from David Bowie.

Transformation of male sand lizards

 Male sand lizards transform during the breeding season,developing emerald-green colors to attract mates and compete with rivals.This temporary display makes them one of Europe's most colorful native reptiles.

Testing military members for testosterone

 The U.S. military will annually test every service member,aged 30 and older for testosterone deficiency,making hormone screening part of routine health assessments.Eligible troops can voluntarily receive testosterone replacement therapy.

A song from Bryan Adams that I love

 This Side of Paradise -song by Bryan Adams.

A song from Neil Young that I like

 Walk On -song by Neil Young.

A song from High Inergy that I like

 You Can't Turn Me off -song by High Inergy.

A lesser known song from Tommy Roe that I love

 Evergreen -song from Tommy Roe.

Quote on war

 International financiers are behind all war.-Henry Ford

African proverb

 Do not laugh at the fallen;you may find slippery roads ahead.-African proverb 

A new monkey species discovered in 2026

 Scientists have discovered Likweli in 2026,a new monkey species in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's rainforests.It's among the few new African monkey species identified in over 75 years,making it an exceptionally rare primate discovery.

On the African savanna

 Did you know?

African savanna animals fear human voices more than the sound of lions.

Carton of salt that I finished consuming in June 2026

 In June 2026 I finished consuming a 1kg carton of HEAVENLY SPICES -Sea salt(iodized).

Ingredients:sea salt, potassium iodide.

-Imported by Dollarama.

A song from Stella Lefty that I like

 Boston -song by Stella Lefty.

A song from Classics IV that I like

 Nothing to Lose -song by The Classics IV.

A wonderful obscure song from 1970 that I absolutely love

 We Miss You(1970)-song by Dennis Yost and the Classics IV.

Jentaculum

 Jentaculum -breakfast or the first meal of the day.

Streets I walked on Friday, July 17,2026

 On Friday,July 17,2025,it was mildly hot and I walked on Des Pins Avenue from rue St.Urbain to rue St.Denis.

                  Then I walked on rue de Bullion from Des Pins Avenue to Napoleon Street.After that I walked down on Hotel de Ville Avenue from Napoleon Street to Des Pins Avenue.Finally I walked up on Henri Julien Avenue from Des Pins Avenue to Duluth Avenue and walked west to Boulevard St.Laurent to buy groceries at Segal's store.Following that I took the 55 bus north on Boulevard Saint Laurent to head home.

Black cohosh wildflowers

 Black cohosh is a woodland wildflower that is also called fairy candles,black bugbane and black snake root.It gets these names because its tall white flower spikes look like glowing candles.

A song from 1958 that I like

 A House,A Car And a Wedding Ring(1958)-song by Mike Preston.

A song from 1962 that I love

 A Taste Of Honey(1962)-song from Lenny Welch.

An obscure song from 1960 that I like

 Moonlight Cocktail (1960)-song by Rivieras.

A song from Arthur Alexander that I love

 Dream Girl-song from Arthur Alexander.

A song from Arthur Alexander that I like

 Soldier of Love-song from Arthur Alexander.

A song from 1985 that I simply love

 Just Another Night (1985)-song by Mick Jagger.

Another African proverb

 A cow becomes a goat when it starts feeding on yam instead of grass.-African proverb

African proverb

 A bald man should not engage in a contest of stone throwing.-African proverb

Hindi proverb

 Truth has no branches.-Hindi proverb 

Bengali proverb

 Pity without help does little good.-Bengali proverb

Christopher Abdelhay died prematurely

 Mr.Christopher Joseph Abdelhay(born June 20,1972) died on July 27,2014 at Vancouver General at the age of only 42.I just read his obituary this week at  www.hamiltonharronfunerals.com

           Christopher Abdelhay had been a roommate of mine at 2485 rue Coursol in Montreal for one month between December 2009 and January 2010.(I had lived at 2485 rue Coursol from November 19,2009 to December 2015).

          Chris Abdelhay had told me he had made a lot of money in British Columbia in real estate,in the security business and as an environmental consultant.He was already living with multiple sclerosis back in 2009 and was on disability then.

             I had been curious about him all these years.He had grown up in Montreal,then moved to British Columbia as an adult and built a life there.After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis he came back to Montreal for a while apparently.Then he must have moved back to British Columbia where he died at only 42.Very sad.

A song from 2010 that I like

U Smile(2010)-song by Justin Bieber.

Condom manufacturer

 Q.What is the largest condom manufacturer in the world in 2026?

Answer.Karex is the largest condom manufacturer in the world in 2026.Based in Malaysia,this company makes over 5 billion condoms every year.

African proverb

 The tongue has no bones,but it is strong enough to break a heart.-African proverb

Quote from Niki Taylor

 Stick to the basics,hold on to your family and friends -they will never go out of fashion.-Niki Taylor

Quote from Cammie McGovern

 This feeling will pass.The fear is real but the danger is not.-Cammie McGovern.

The reason why minimalism does not work for many people

 Minimalism sounds like a seductive concept at first glance and there are tons of influencers promoting minimalism on social media.

         However minimalism does not work for many people because human beings evolved as hunters and gatherers.Having reserves gives people a sense of security and a cushion to fall back on.

      Besides,the concept of  minimalism as in empty,uncluttered spaces comes across as barren and unappealing to many.Minimalism is plain boring for many people.Many people want to surround themselves with stuff they love.

      

A song from 1988 that I like

 Dressed For Success(1988)-song by Roxette.

A song from Alyssa Reid that I love

 Encore Seule(Alone Again)-song by Alyssa Reid.

A song from 1983 that I like

 Neutron Dance(1983)-song by The Pointer Sisters.

A song from Cameron Whitcomb that I like

 Kingdom of Fear-song by  Cameron Whitcomb.

A song from Jockstrap that I like

 Glasgow(2022)-song by Jockstrap.

A soft rock song that I love

 Tell The World -song by Clover Leaf.

A song from Gino Vannelli that I like

 Slow Love-song by Gino Vannelli.

A song from Too Many Cooks that I like

Rita-song by Too Many Cooks.

Arabic proverb

 Silence is a brother of delight.-Arabic proverb 

Calcium

 Calcic-The most direct and common adjective form of calcium.

Quote from Jake Adelstein

 You develop a kind of admiration for criminal genius and ruthless efficiency,and you forget that the criminal empire is built on human pain and suffering.-Jake Adelstein, TOKYO VICE.

Quote from Jake Adelstein

 Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good.-Jake Adelstein, TOKYO VICE.

Magnesium

 Magnesic,magnesial-adjectival form of magnesium.

Quote on heroes

 Heroes are just people who have run out of choices.-Jake Adelstein, TOKYO VICE.

Quote on confession

 Confession is for the confessor.It makes you feel good,;it ruins the lives of everyone else.It's a selfish thing to do.Don't confess.-Jake Adelstein, TOKYO VICE.

Quote from Joshua Becker

 The ones who need the least are usually the freest.-Joshua Becker 

Quote from Joshua Becker

 Decluttering is great.But not buying clutter in the first place is life-changing.-Joshua Becker

Quote from Sonia Momin

 Not everyone is made for a busy life.Some of us are happier with quiet days,simple routines and a mindful slower pace of life.-Sonia Momin

Quote from Joshua Becker

 The most environmentally friendly product is the one you didn't buy.-Joshua Becker

Jamaican proverb

 Cows do not indulge in horseplay.-Jamaican proverb

African proverb

 The winner has many friends, the loser has good friends.-African proverb 

Pigeons

 Peristeronic-relating to pigeons.

Hodiernal

 Hodiernal (adjective)-relating to yesterday.

A song from Idle Eyes that I like

Tokyo Rose -song by Idle Eyes.

Hydrogen

 Hydrogenous-adjective form of hydrogen.

Nitrogen

 Nitrogenous -adjective form of nitrogen.

Hippocampus

 Hippocampal-adjectival form of hippocampus.

Famelic

 Famelic-extremely hungry.

A song from Kacey Musgraves that I like

 Everybody Wants To Be A Cowboy -song by Kacey Musgraves.

A song from Fanclubwallet that I like

 Picture of Her-song by Fanclubwallet.

No skyscrapers in Bhutan

 Bhutan is one of the few countries with no skyscrapers,not because it can't build them,but because it chooses to preserve its traditional architecture and cultural identity.

The forest of Fontainebleau

 The forest of Fontainebleau is a mixed deciduous forest lying southeast of Paris,France.The forest has an area of 250 km.

A song from Sarah Harmer that I like

 Basement Apartment -song by Sarah Harmer.

Lazy bowel Syndrome

 Lazy bowel Syndrome is not an official medical diagnosis,but a common term for slow transit constipation.It describes a condition where the colon's muscles and  nerves contract poorly,making it difficult to move efficiently.This usually results in popping less than once a week,severe bloating and hard stools.

A song from Soulsister that I like

 The Way To Your Heart-song by Soulsister.

A song from Bob McBride that I love

 Perfect Day-song by Bob McBride.

A song from Eric Carmen that I like

 She Did It-song by Eric Carmen.

Glucerna

 Glucerna is a line of nutritional shakes,snack bars,and specialized formulas designed to help people manage their blood sugar levels.Manufactured by Abbott Nutrition,these products feature a low glycemic index and slow-release carbohydrates to minimize blood sugar spikes.

A song from Sarah McLachlan that I like

 Monsters -song by Sarah McLachlan.

Fava beans

 In Canada,fava beans are most commonly called broad beans.You will also see them labeled as faba beans or broad beans.In Quebec and parts of French -Canadian cuisine,they are traditionally referred to as gourganes.

Diascia

 The Diascia flower is most commonly known by its common name,Twinspur.

A song from 2006 that I love

 Ice Cream (2006)-song  by Sarah McLachlan.

Dine and dash

 "Dine and dash" is a colloquial term for the act of eating at a restaurant or cafe and leaving without paying the bill.This behavior is considered a form of theft of services or fraud,and illegal.

About cucumbers

 Cucumbers are low in oxalates.

A song from Gloria Estefan that I like

 Don't Wanna Lose You-song by Gloria Estefan.

An inspiring song from 1991 that I love

 Coming Out Of The Dark(1991)-song by Gloria Estefan.

Streets I walked on Sunday,July 12,2026

 On Sunday,July 12,2026 I took the 141 bus from metro St.Michel and got off on rue Belanger at the corner of rue Viau.I walked past the Institut de Cardiologie at that intersection.

          Then I walked down on rue Viau from rue Belanger to rue St.Zotique.Then I walked the whole length of Chapman street that runs from 35th Avenue to 31st Avenue.Then I walked the entire length of rue Beauchemin that runs from 31st Avenue to 35th Avenue.Both Chapman street and rue Beauchemin run parallel to rue St.Zotique.Chapman street is north of rue St.Zotique and rue Beauchemin is south of rue St.Zotique.Both rue Beauchemin and Chapman street are dotted with small houses.This is the first time in my life I had walked on Chapman street and rue Beauchemin.

         Then I walked north on 35th Avenue until Paisley street.After that I walked the whole length of rue Michelet from Paisley Street to rue Jean Talon for the first time in my life.Rue Michelet has mostly small and mid-sized apartment  buildings.Following that I walked the whole length on rue d'Abancourt from rue Jean Talon to Paisley Street for the first time ever.Just after that I walked the entire length of rue de Montjoie from Paisley Street to rue Jean Talon for the first time too.Rue d' Abancourt and rue de Montjoie are mostly dotted with duplexes,triplexes and residential multiplexes.

                After all that I walked down on rue Viau from rue Jean Talon to rue Beaubien.I finally took the 18 bus west on Beaubien Street and got off at Beaubien metro to go home.

Blazing Star

 Blazing Star is also known as Liatris.

Crop duster

 A crop duster is a small plane used in agriculture to spray pesticides.

Streets I walked on Saturday,July 11,2026

 On Saturday,July 11,2026 I walked on rue de Bullion from Mont Royal Avenue to rue Napoleon.This stretch of rue de Bullion has a lot of tiny colorful houses.

             I also walked the entire length of  tiny rue Lionais that runs from rue de Bullion to rue Hotel de Ville, for the first time in my life.Rue Lionais lies south of Rachel street.

              It was a warm day but pleasant as it was not too humid.The high was around 27 degrees.

A song from Bruce Cockburn that I love

 The Coldest Night of The Year-song by Bruce Cockburn.

A song from Bachman Turner Overdrive that I like

 Life Still Goes On (I'm Lonely)-song by Bachman Turner Overdrive.

A song from Gino Vannelli that I like

 Santa Rosa -song by Gino Vannelli.

A song from Men Without Hats that I love

 Love Me Tomorrow -song by Men Without Hats.

A song from the sixties that I love

 Don't Spoil My Day-song by Clover Leaf.

A song from Take That that I like

 Sweet July -song by Take That.

A song from Gino Vannelli that I like

 Seek And You Will Find -song by Gino Vannelli.

An obscure song from Ken Tobias that I like

 You're Not Even Going To The Fair-song by Ken Tobias.

Radish

 The name" radish" literally comes from the Latin word radix meaning "root".The English word "radical''also derives from radix,originally meaning "of or relating to the root'' or origin.

A song from The Box that I like

 Walk Away -song by The Box.

An obscure song from Classics IV that I like

 My First Day Without Her-song by Classics IV.

Protection mechanism of parrotfish

 Parrotfish sleep inside a self-made mucus cocoon to help evade predators.

Beerboarding

 Beerboarding -The practice of getting someone drunk in order to extract confidential or sensitive information.

          Example:He confessed after some light beerboarding.

About Joey Gregorash

 Joey Gregorash (born 1950) is a singer and songwriter from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

A song from Joey Gregorash that I like

 Take The Blindness -song by Joey Gregorash.

Black-eyed susans

 Black-eyed susans,also known as yellow coneflowers,are native to North America.

A song from Chicago that I like

 Baby What A Big Surprise -song from Chicago.

A song from 1971 that I like

 Down By The River(1971)-song by Joey Gregorash.

African proverb

 Only the man who is not hungry says the coconut has a hard shell.-African proverb 

A song from The Guess Who that I like

 Sour Suite-song from The Guess Who.

A song from Bryan Adams that I love

 Here I Am -song by Bryan Adams.

A song from Bruce Cockburn that I like

 If I Had A Rocket Launcher -song by Bruce Cockburn.

A song from Alanis Morissette that I love

 Surrendering -song by Alanis Morissette.

A song from 1990 that I love

 Maybe The Next Time(1990)-song by Sue Medley.

A song from 2015 that I love

 Living In The Snow(2015)-song by Mocky.

Usha Vance

 Usha Vance(born 1986),wife of American president J.D.Vance was born in San Diego County, California to Telugu-speaking Hindu immigrants and raised in an upper middle-class suburb.She has one sister,Shreya.

Cars nowadays

 Cars increasingly are computers on wheels;they collect data.

           In 2026 cars are computing devices more and more often.A car is increasingly a large version of a smartphone.

A song from 2021 that I like

 Passenger Seat(2021)-song by Homeshake.

Welsh artist

 Q.Who was the first Welsh artist to have a number one hit song on the Billboard charts?

Answer.Bonnie Tyler 

Runnel

 Runnel-a small, narrow stream of flowing water.

African proverb

 A man that sleeps hungry doesn't need alarm to wake him up.-African proverb 

A Chinese proverb

 A dog will not leave its owner just because he is poor.-Chinese proverb 

Filipino proverb

 A young branch can be straightened,a mature one breaks.-Filipino proverb 

Hindi proverb

 The cobra will bite you whether you call it cobra or Mr.Cobra.-Hindi proverb 

African proverb

 Even if you befriend a crocodile,do not trust it to the point of putting your hand in its mouth.-African proverb 

A song from Kim Mitchell that I like

 Easy To Tame-song by Kim Mitchell.

A song from Powder Blues that I like

 Thirsty Ears -song by Powder Blues.

A song from Joel Corry that I like

 Whisper-song by Joel Corry.

A song from the early seventies that I love

 No Good To Cry-song by The Poppy Family.

Forgetful

 Oublieux,oublieuse-forgetful in French.

Plumbago auriculata

 Plumbago auriculata is native to South Africa and Mozambique.

          Plumbago auriculata is also known as the Cape leadwort.Plumbago auriculata flowers have five-petal lobes and can be pale blue,blue or violet in color. 

Losing a body part

 Did you know?

If you think losing a body part means game over,think again-sea cucumbers can throw out their internal organs and grow them back.

Quote from Peter Walsh

 Later is the best friend of clutter.-Peter Walsh

Quote from Sheryl Sandberg

 We cannot change what we are not aware of,and once we are aware,we cannot help but change.-Sheryl Sandberg

Quote from Glenn Close

 What mental health needs is more sunlight,more candor,and more unashamed conversation.-Glenn Close

Quote on great art

 All great art comes from a sense of outrage.-Glenn Close,actress.

Quote from Glenn Close

 A huge part of real love is constant forgiveness.-Glenn Close

Musical wall in Germany

 Did you know?

The musical wall in Dresden,Germany is a house facade with a system of drains, tubes,and funnels that create music when it rains.

Splash pad

 Pataugeoire-French word for a splash pad.

Another song from Bachman Turner Overdrive that I like

 Gimme Your Money Please-song from Bachman Turner Overdrive.

A song from Bachman Turner Overdrive that I like

 Four Wheel Drive -song by Bachman Turner Overdrive.

A song from Boys Don't Cry that I love

 I Wanna Be A Cowboy -song from Boys Don't Cry.

A song from Andy Kim that I like

 It's My Love-song from Andy Kim.

A song from Bachman -Turner Overdrive that I love

 Lookin' Out For No.1-song by Bachman -Turner Overdrive.

A song from Bachman Turner Overdrive that I love

 My Wheels Won't Turn -song by Bachman Turner Overdrive.

A song from The Guess Who that I love

 Bus Rider -song by The Guess Who.

A song from Eurythmics that I love

 Missionary Man -song by Eurythmics.

A song from Bruce Cockburn that I love

 Tokyo -song by Bruce Cockburn.

A song from 1972 that I love

 Beautiful (1972)-song by Gordon Lightfoot.

A song from Belinda Carlisle that I like

 I Get Weak-song by Belinda Carlisle.

Trucking

 Le camionnage-Trucking in French.

Quote from Louise Hay

 I cannot change another person.I let others be who they are,and I simply love who I am.-Louise Hay

Quote from Cory Allen

 You don't improve your life by doing more.You improve your life by doing less of what doesn't matter.-Cory Allen

Quote from Sanchita Pandey

 Never let the things you want make you forget all the things you have.-Sanchita Pandey

A song from Nanette Workman that I love

 The Queen-song by Nanette Workman.

Construction elevator

 A construction elevator (or construction hoist)is a temporary exterior lift used to transport workers,tools and heavy materials vertically along a building's facade.

Spindrift

 Spindrift-spray blown from the crests of waves by strong wind.

Sunshower

 Sunshower-rain falling while the sun is shining.

A song from Avril Lavigne that I like

 My Happy Ending -song by Avril Lavigne.

Another song from Melanie Doane that I like

 Adam's Rib-song by Melanie Doane.

      Melanie Doane is a Canadian singer, songwriter,actress and a music educator born on December 19,1967 in Halifax,Nova Scotia.

A song from Melanie Doane that I like

 Goliath -song by Melanie Doane.

Singer Dennis Yost died at the age of 65.

 Dennis Yost,lead singer of the group Classics IV died in December 2008 at the age of only 65 of respiratory failure in Hamilton,Ohio.

       He had been in a nursing home since suffering a brain injury in a fall in 2005.

A song from Classics IV that I love

 24 Hours of Loneliness -song by The Classics IV.

This Canadian singer died of multiple sclerosis

 Terry Black was a Canadian pop singer and teen idol,born in Vancouver, British Columbia on February 3,1949.He died in Kamloops, British Columbia on June 28,2009 of multiple sclerosis after battling it for a few years.He died prematurely at the age of 60 years.

A song from 1973 that I like

 Sea of Dreams (1973)-song by Bob McBride.

An oldies song that I like

 How Many Guys-song by Terry Black.

A beautiful song from 1966 that I love

 Rainbow (1966)-song by Terry Black.

A song from Terry Black that I like

 Moondust-song by Terry Black.

Another oldies song from Terry Black that I love

 Baby's Gone-song by Terry Black.

An instrumental song from 1968 that I like

 Quiet Village (1968)-song by Earl Grant.

A song from Kim Stockwood that I like

 You Jerk -song by Kim Stockwood.

A song from 1965 that I like

 Little Liar(1965)-song by Terry Black.

An oldies song that I like

 Say It Again-song by Terry Black.

A song from 1965 that I love

 Only Sixteen (1965)-song by Terry Black.

A song from Tommy Roe that I like

 Party Girl-song by Tommy Roe.

A song from 1966 that I like

 Pretty Flamingo (1966)-song by Tommy Roe.

A song from 1980 that I love

 Amour(1980)-song by Baron Longfellow (Andy Kim).

A song from Randy Bishop that I love

 Don't You Worry-song by Randy Bishop.

A song from The Highwaymen that I like

 Oh,Sinner Man-song by The Highwaymen.

A song from The Stampeders that I like

 Monday Morning Choo Choo -song by Stampeders.

An obscure song from Tommy Roe that I like

 The Gunfighter -song by Tommy Roe.

A song from Tommy Roe that I like

 Money Is My Pay-song by Tommy Roe.

A song from Roch Voisine that I like

 For Adam's Sake-song by Roch Voisine.

A song from The Stampeders that I like

 San Diego -song by Stampeders.

A song from Del Shannon that I like

 Gemini -song from Del Shannon.

A song from Tommy Roe that I like

 Moon Talk (1969) -song by Tommy Roe.

Another song from Tommy Roe that I like

 Where Were You When I Needed You-song by Tommy Roe.

A song from Tommy Roe that I like

 Tip Toe Tina-song from Tommy Roe.

A song from 1970 that I like

 Pearl(1970)-song by Tommy Roe.

Pioneering AI actor

 Tilly Norwood -The world's first so-called AI actor.

A wonderful grocery supermarket in Montreal that does not have self-checkout machines

 The Pa grocery store in the Mile End district of Montreal at 5242 Parc Avenue just north of Fairmount Avenue does not have self-checkout lanes and self-checkout machines as of July 2026;the stores uniquely employ human cashiers.That adds a human touch to grocery shopping.This wonderful grocery store often sells fruits, vegetables ,yogurt and beans at very good prices.

        This store is worth frequenting and promoting.

A song from Bon Jovi that I love

 It's My Life- song from Bon Jovi.

A song from Blood,Sweat and Tears that I love

 Hi De-Ho-song by Blood,Sweat and Tears.

A song from The Stampeders that I like

 Tuscaloosa Women -song by The Stampeders.

A song from 1969 that I like

 A Dollar's worth of Pennies(1969)-song by Tommy Roe.

An obscure song from Tommy Roe that I like somewhat

 Just Look At Me-song from Tommy Roe.

Another song from Roch Voisine that I love

 Oochigeas (Indian song)-song from Roch Voisine.

A song from Roch Voisine that I love

 Shout Out Loud-song from Roch Voisine.

Another song from The Stampeders that I like

 Man Smart,Woman Smarter -song by Stampeders.

Another song from The Stampeders that I like

 Gator Road-song by The Stampeders.

A song from The Stampeders that I like

 Me and My Stone-song by The Stampeders.

A Canadian song from 1976 that I love

 Sweet Love Bandit(1976)-song by Stampeders.

An obscure song from Terry Jacks that I love

 Pumpkin Eater -song by Terry Jacks.

A song from Terry Jacks that I love

 I'm Gonna Love You Too-song by Terry Jacks.

Another song from Keith Hampshire that I like

 Forever And Ever-song by Keith Hampshire.

Another song from 1973 that I like

 Forget About Me(1973)-song by Keith Hampshire.

An obscure song from 1973 that I like

 Turned The Other Way (1973)-song by Keith Hampshire.

A song from Doja Cat that I like

 Bottom Bitch-song by Doja Cat.

Another song from Paula Abdul that I like

 Crazy Cool -song by Paula Abdul.

A song from Paula Abdul that I like

 Will You Marry Me?-song by Paula Abdul.

A song from Jonathan Edwards that I also like

 Athens County-song by Jonathan Edwards.

An obscure song from Jonathan Edwards that I like

 Shanty -song by Jonathan Edwards.

A song from The Stampeders that I like

 Ramona -song by The Stampeders.

A song by Stampeders that I like

 Wild Eyes-song by Stampeders.

A song from Gino Vannelli that I like

 How Much -song by Gino Vannelli.

A song from The Stampeders that I like

 Ramona -song by The Stampeders.

A Canadian song from 1972 that I love

 Concrete Sea (1972)-song by Terry Jacks.

A Canadian song from 1971 that I love

 Then Came The White Man(1971)-song by Stampeders.

Ghost marriage in China

 In some rural areas of China, the tradition of "ghost marriage" leads families of deceased unmarried men to seek a deceased woman to bury with him.This practice has fueled an illegal market where female corpses are stolen,and in extreme cases,women have been murdered.

Crude oil and consumption

 China imports more crude oil than any country on earth,yet the United States still consumed more oil than anyone else,burning through so much petroleum that America alone uses millions of barrels every single day,enough to dwarf the total consumption of most countries combined.

Forklift

 Chariot elevateur-French word for forklift.

Freight elevator

 Monte-charge-French word for freight elevator.

Heavenware

 Heavenware(noun)(obsolete)-The inhabitants of heaven.

Human hair

 Human hair can be turned into mats that soak up oil spills in the ocean.

Why your nose runs after eating ground black pepper

 After eating ground black pepper,your nose runs because of gustatory rhinitis,a harmless nerve reflex.When you eat black pepper,natural compounds like piperine stimulate the pain and touch receptors in your nose and mouth.Your body perceives this mild irritation as an attack and produces extra mucus to flush out the irritant.

      This reaction is not a true food allergy,but an overactive nerve response.Black pepper and other hot spices trigger the trigeminal nerve,which controls physical sensations in your face,eyes,and nasal passages.When this nerve is activated,it triggers the mucus glands to drain and the tear ducts to well up,leaving you with a watery nose and eyes.

A song from Roch Voisine that I like

 With These Eyes -song by Roch Voisine.

Wife of Pierre Poilievre

 Anaida Poilievre (born Galindo) is a Canadian political staffer and the wife of Pierre Poilievre,leader of the Conservative Party of Canada in 2026.

       She began her career in politics as a parliamentary advisor in the Senate of Canada.She married Pierre Poilievre in 2017.She speaks her native language ,Spanish,as well as French and English.

         Anaida Galindo was born in Caracas, Venezuela.Her father was a bank manager.In 1995,when she was eight years old,her family moved as refugees to the Pointe-aux -Trembles borough in Montreal.

Kangaroo meat sadly being sold in Montreal grocery stores

 IGA grocery stores in Montreal sell kangaroo meat in 2026;in Quebec you can order frozen options like La Maison du Gibier Frozen Kangaroo Chinese Fondue directly through the online IGA store or find it in their specialty meat sections.

         Why is the meat of Australia's national animal allowed for sale in Quebec supermarkets?Why are animal rights activists not protesting this?

          I find the sale of Kangaroo meat offensive.I hope animal rights activists raise a stink over this.

Grocery stores selling horse meat in Montreal

 IGA grocery stores regularly sell horse meat in Montreal in 2025.

       Super C grocery stores also sell packaged horse meat in Montreal.

        I find the slaughter of horses for meat offensive and the selling of horse meat by supermarkets offensive too.

Deaccession

 Deaccession (verb)-to formally remove an item from a museum,library,archive or collection.

        Many libraries deaccession outdated reference books periodically.

To have an ear for music

 Avoir l'oreille musicale-To have an ear for music in French.

It is a miracle tree

 Moringa is often called " The Miracle Tree" because almost every part of it,its leaves,flowers,pods,seeds ,and roots has been used for food, traditional medicine,or practical purposes in different cultures around the world.

     A single Moringa tree gives you edible leaves, flowers,pods and seeds.

This Danish navigator died of scurvy

 Virus Bering,the famed Danish navigator and cartographer(namesake of the Bering Sea and the Bering Strait) died of scurvy in 1741 alongside many of his crew while shipwrecked on an uninhabited island off the coast of Kamchatka.

Brother of Vasco da Gama

 Diogo da Gama,Vasco da Gama's brother,died of scurvy while at sea during their pioneering maritime expeditions.

A fleeing marsupial

 When chased by predators,a fleeing marsupial may accidentally or instinctively lose its Joey,increasing the mother's chances of surviving to reproduce again.

Quote from Arthur Conan Doyle

 Work is the best antidote to sorrow,my dear Watson.-Arthur Conan Doyle 

About the black dragonfish

 The black dragonfish is so dark that its skin absorbs over 99.5% of light,making it one of the most invisible predators in the deep ocean.

A song from Amanda Marshall that I like

 Believe In You -song by Amanda Marshall.

The remarkable black dragonfish

 The black dragonfish is one of the deepest -living predators in the ocean.Its ultra-black skin absorbs more than 95% of visible light,making it nearly invisible in the darkness of the deep sea and helping it ambush prey while avoiding detection by other predators.

The first U.S.president whose first language was not English

 Martin Van Buren was the first U.S.president whose first language was not English -it was Dutch.

A song from Jann Arden that I like

 Gasoline -song by Jann Arden.

A song from Trooper that I like

 Janine -song by Trooper.

Foods to avoid for people suffering from gout

 People who suffer from gout should avoid drinking beer and red wine.They should also avoid eating red meat like beef,lamb and pork,organ meats like liver,kidneys,veal and venison as well as shellfish,shrimps,anchovies, sardines,herring, mackerel and scallops.

Rapid growth in electric vehicles

 There is a rapid growth in electric vehicles and clean energy in Asia in 2025;more than half of the vehicles sold in China in 2026 are electric vehicles..Exports of Chinese electric vehicles are booming around Asia.

         Meanwhile the cost of solar and wind energy is plummeting around the world.

A song from 2024 that I love

 Clara Bow(2024)-song by Taylor Swift.

A young pigeon

 Un pigeonneau-a young pigeon in French .

        In English a young pigeon is also called a squab.

Quote from Raymond McCauley

 Change what you can manage,and manage what you can't.-Raymond McCauley 

Great quote from Vikas Swarup

 It is a basic rule of human nature that the promise of unexpected wealth short-circuits both intelligence and common sense.-Vikas Swarup, THE ACCIDENTAL APPRENTICE.

Quote from Marge Kennedy

 The informality of family life is a blessed condition that allows us all to become our best while looking our worst.-Marge Kennedy

Quote from Jameela Jamil

 Every twist and turn in life is an opportunity to learn something new about yourself and how to set and then achieve goals.-Jameela Jamil

Mistake in composting bin

 Earlier today I went to deposit my food scraps in the compost bin of the neighboring building as I usually do.Surprisingly someone had deposited two aluminum beer cans in the compost bin.The day  before I noticed the same mistake.

              Aluminum beverage cans do not belong in composting bins.

The pelican

 Did you know?

If you think you have the world's biggest mouth,meet the Pelican -it can hold more food in its pouch than in its stomach.

Quote from Scott Clary

 100 years from now,7 billion people alive today will be dead.Your worst fear is insignificant.Go do the thing.-Scott Clary

Quote from Astrid Alauda

 Don't let your mind bully your body into believing it must carry the burden of its worries.-Astrid Alauda

The Ukrainian community in Montreal

 Montreal's Ukrainian community is primarily concentrated in the Rosemont-La Petite Patrie borough(especially the '' Little Ukraine " pocket  between 8th and 13th Avenues and Bellechasse and Beaubien streets.

African proverb

 If people come together they can mend a crack in the sky.-African proverb

Quote from Vikas Swarup

 INever judge a man's actions until you know his motives.-Vikas Swarup,SIX SUSPECTS.

Streets I walked on Saturday,July 4,2026

 On Saturday,July 4,2026 I got off at Radisson metro.Then I walked on rue Beauclerk from Sherbrooke Street to rue Gamelin,just north of rue Hochelaga.Then I walked on Emile LeGrand Avenue from rue Gamelin to Sherbrooke Street.Rue Beauclerk in this stretch is lined with homes.The stretch of Emile LeGrand Avenue from rue Gamelin to rue Pierre de Coubertin has a lot of low-income municipally  subsidised housing buildings.Emile LeGrand Avenue North of rue Pierre de Coubertin to Sherbrooke Street mostly features small family homes.

       After that I walked on Lyall street from Sherbrooke Street to rue Hochelaga.Following that I walked the entire length of rue Arcand from rue Ney south of rue Hochelaga to Sherbrooke Street,passing rue Hochelaga,rue Pierre de Coubertin and rue de Marseille.I also walked the entire length of tiny rue Robert Jurie that runs from rue Arcand to rue Desautels.Rue Robert Jurie is south of Sherbrooke Street and runs parallel to it.This was the first time in my life I had walked on rue Arcand and rue Robert Jurie.

A song from The Payolas that I love

 You're The Only Love-song by The Payolas.

A song from Chilliwack that I like

 Baby Blues-song by Chilliwack.

A song from Trooper that I like

 Oh,Pretty Lady -song by Trooper.

A lesser known song from Mac Davis that I like

 Poor Boy Boogie -song by Mac Davis.

A song from Chilliwack that I love

 Crazy Talk-song by Chilliwack.

A song from Chilliwack that I like

 Arms of Mary-song by Chilliwack.

A song from 1979 that I love

 Pilot(1979)-song by Ian Thomas Band.

A Canadian song from 1973 that I love I

 Painted Ladies(1973)-song from Ian Thomas.

          .The Montreal radio station Oldies 990 AM used to play this song a lot in the early to mid nineties.

A song from Faron Young that I like

 Sweet Dreams -song by Faron Young.

A song from 1960 that I love

 Riverboat(1960)-song by Faron Young.

A song from Gino Vannelli that I like

 Mama Coco -song by Gino Vannelli.

A song from 1960 that I like

 Humdinger(1960)-song by Freddy Cannon.

A song from Celine Dion that I like

 Love Can Move Mountains -song by Celine Dion.

A song from Alex Porat that I like

 Kissing You-song by Alex Porat.

An obscure Canadian song that I like

 I Got A Dream -song by Ocean

A song from Ocean that I love

 One More Chance -song by Ocean.

Socioeconomic divide in Oshawa

 The city of Oshawa,Ontario features a distinct class divide .While the most affluent northern suburbs are playfully called "Poshawa",the downtown and southern areas have struggled with visible poverty, homelessness and drug issues following the auto industry's decline.

Suburb of Toronto

 Q.What suburb of Toronto is nicknamed 'The Armpit of Ontario'?

Answer.Oshawa.

                Oshawa is saddled with this unflattering moniker because of its historical reliance on heavy manufacturing,which once gave it a smoky,blue-collar aesthetic,combined with visible socioeconomic struggles in its downtown core and south end.

A song from Van Halen that I love

 Dance The Night Way-song by Van Halen.

African proverb

 When a tree falls,everyone hears the sound But when a tree grows,noone hears it.-African proverb

Streets I walked on Sunday,June 28,2026

 On Sunday,June 28,2026,you took the 22 bus from metro L'Assomption and got off on rue Notre Dame at the corner of rue Bossuet.

                Then you walked on rue Duquesne from rue Notre Dame to Dubuisson Avenue.Then you walked on rue Bossuet from rue Dubuisson to rue Ontario.After that you walked on Rougemont Avenue from rue Ontario to Dubuisson Avenue.Rougemont Avenue is not continuous as it is broken by Parc Rougemont between rue LaFontaine and rue Ontario.Now you had walked the entire length of Rougemont Avenue between rue Notre Dame and rue LaFontaine four days ago on June 24,2026.

                 Then you walked on rue Bossuet from rue Ontario to rue LaFontaine.After that you walked down rue de Cadillac from rue LaFontaine to Notre Dame Street.Finally you took the 32 bus on Rougemont Avenue near rue Notre Dame and got off at Cadillac metro to go home.

            It was stiflingly hot at times but the walk was fun.

A song from Paul Gilbert that I like

 Down To Mexico -song by Paul Gilbert.

A song from 1984 that I love

 I'm Gonna Need A Miracle Tonight(1984)-song by Andy Kim (Baron Longfellow).

A song from 1993 that I like

 I'll Always Be There(1993)-song by Andy Kim.

A song from 1974 that I love

 A Friend In The City(1974)-song by Andy Kim.

A song from Roch Voisine that I love

 Deliver Me -song by Roch Voisine.

A lesser known song from Eddy Howard that I love

 Crocodile Tears(1949)-song by Eddy Howard.

A song from Sabrina Carpenter that I like

 House Tour-song by Sabrina Carpenter.

A song from April Wine that I like

 Tell Me Why -song by April Wine.

A song from 1984 that I love

 Just A Motion Away(1984)-song by Gino Vannelli.

The monkey that miraculously survived

 Did you know?

In 2016,a monkey fell onto an electric transformer,shorting it and causing the entire country of Kenya to have no electricity for 4 hours.The lucky monkey miraculously survived.

Monophagous

 Monophagous (adjective)-feeding on only one kind of food.

Virginia Creeper

 Virginia Creeper berries are not edible for humans but they are edible for birds.

A song from 2013 that I like

 Lightning Tent(2013)-song by Wildlife.

The legendary David Attenborough

 Legendary broadcaster and naturalist David Attenborough celebrated his 100th birthday on May 8,2026.Bravo to him.

A song from 1973 from Canada that I love

 Molly(1973)-song by Bearfoot.

A song from Bruno Mars that I like

 It Will Rain -song by Bruno Mars.

Yellow toadflax

Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) is also known as " butter-and eggs."This resilient, Snapdragon-like flower was introduced from Europe as an ornamental plant over a century ago and has since naturalized wildly.

         It is common in and around Montreal.You can spot it frequently growing in disturbed areas,railway embankments,vacant lots and along roadsides throughout the island of Montreal.

                  While it is pretty,it is considered an aggressive, invasive weed that can crowd out native plant species.Because it spreads through an extensive, creeping root system,it is difficult to eradicate once established.

                   I spotted yellow toadflax on rue Notre Dame east at the corner of rue Bossuet in Montreal on June 24,2026,photographed it  and posted in the Facebook group Montreal Then And Now.

A song from Alma Faye Brooks that I love

 I Still Don't Need Your Sympathy -song by Alma Faye Brooks.

A song from 1975 that I love

 Mardi Gras (1975)-song by Bond.

A Canadian song from 1973 that I also love

 You're Still The One (1973)-song by Copperpenny.

A Canadian song from 1973 that I love

 (Sitting on A)Poor Man's Throne(1973)-song by Copperpenny.

A song from Bryan Adams that I love on Canada Day

 51st state-song by Bryan Adams.

A song from 1975 that I love

 Dancin' On A Saturday Night (1975)-song by Bond.