journal features

counting a month in Toronto

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

Toronto, 2010.12.02

I've been back in the city for a month now, thought I'd take stock:

I've been compared to Jeff Goldbloom twice (the latest in a long string of likenesses). I've had two compliments on a new shirt.

I know of two Japanese women working at counters in my immediate neighbourhood. Maybe it's them with whom I'll keep my Japanese skills luke-warm.

I've found three good falafel lunch restaurants along King Street west. Three!

I've met with four old friends. I've been stood up for meetings with old friends twice.

I've started tipping. I've experienced delays on the transit. I'm getting re-aquainted with seeing (real) blonde women. I've been given a break by a checkout teller on a few cents no fewer than four times. I've had one sneering comment on the street from a passer-by, and I've complimented strangers on things like coats etc twice. This ain't Tokyo.

For the first time in my life, I've lost a key. I've looked at countless apartments, and found none that I wanted to live in. But most importantly, I've found one job. Exactly the number I needed.

rand()m quote

Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.

—Hermann Goering