• Predictions 2021 – How did I do?

    Time to see how I did with my predictions at the start of this year.

    Boris Johnson will achieve his longstanding ambition to become a former Prime Minister.

    Alas, Boris Johnson did not achieve this ambition this year. But we must award him 10/10 for trying. He’ll get there in the end. Prediction not accurate

    Stock market higher at end of 2021 than at the beginning (FTSE – 6,460) but higher inflation too (most recent CPIH – 0.6%).

    Yes, the stock market is higher and so is inflation. (FTSE – 7379 and most recent CPIH – 4.6%). Prediction accurate.

    No progress for those hoping for marriage equality in the Church of England.

    Indeed, no progress at all for those hoping for marriage equality in the Church of England. Moreover, any hope is receding, made much worse by the Church in Wales opting for blessing same-sex couples rather than marrying them. Prediction accurate.

    State based hackers turn their disruptive attention to open source software. (Watch out WordPress).

    Hard to prove but there are reports suggesting this is happening and indeed may have been happening before this year. I’m claiming this as a win. Prediction accurate.

    Donald Trump will remain the centre of attention.

    He’s not gone away. He’s not been convicted of anything. He’s building his media empire. He wants to run again and has no major republican challenger. Prediction accurate

    There will be midnight mass in St Mary’s Cathedral, Glasgow next Christmas Eve. People will be wearing masks.

    Accurate in every respect. Prediction accurate.

    A rocky year for Nicola Sturgeon but the SNP will be returned triumphant to Holyrood, despite their record.

    Well it wasn’t really a rocky year for Nicola Sturgeon who is still the only show in town but the SNP did return in triumph to Holyrood despite their record. Prediction partially accurate.

    No vote on Scottish Independence this year but like it or not, constitutional change is a-coming.

    Indeed so. It has been quite a year for asking whether devolution works. Prediction accurate.

    Attempt to repeal the Human Rights Act, removing the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights from UK law. (It is a stepping stone to restoring capital punishment – the Brexiteers are not done with us yet).

    Consultation currently underway on a plan to replace the Human Rights Act with a Bill of Rights that would distance the UK from the ECHR. Prediction sadly accurate.

    Legislation emerges in Scotland to restrict fireworks.

    The Fireworks (Scotland) Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2021 were brought in at the end of June restricting the times of day that fireworks can be used to between 6 pm and 11 pm, restricting the times of sale and limiting the amount that can be sold to someone at any one time. We’ll see how these restrictions have been received at about one minute past midnight tonight. Prediction accurate.

    Not a bad year overall. I’m claiming 8½ out of 10.

12 responses to “Places to Eat?”

  1. Steven Avatar
    Steven

    Thanks Kelvin – you’re a star!

    Suggestions now welcome.

    Yours

    Steven

    1. kelvin Avatar

      Note a couple of replies via twitter: Mother India (for curry) and Feast

  2. Blair Robertson Avatar
    Blair Robertson

    Guys in Candleriggs, Merchant City. Only place where you’ll find sushi, fish & chips, steaks and pasta on the same menu; their Glasgow Tapas is a hoot.

  3. Pam Richmond Avatar
    Pam Richmond

    try the Cafe Hula opposite the Theatre Royal. Leave hotel, turn right towards theatre, cross road. Relaxed place, nice food and atmosphere.

  4. Beth Avatar

    Cafe Rouge is a nice wee French place in Royal Exchange Square (down Buchanan Street and turn left at the All Saints shop). Kama Sutra for good Indian, particularly recommend the lunch buffet, about ten minutes walk along Sauchiehall Street going west.

  5. Martin Ritchie Avatar
    Martin Ritchie

    Agree with Pam that Cafe Hula is a good and also endearingly quirky.

  6. Steven Avatar
    Steven

    Thanks Kelvin and to all who posted suggestions. I am really looking forward to the PCN conference and a chance to explore Glasgow – the next thing i’m after is a good book shop!

    1. kelvin Avatar

      Waterstones on Sauchihall Street is the best you are going to find close to where you are staying.

      Catholics books from St Paul’s bookshop in Royal Exchange Square.

      Second-hand from the Oxfam bookshop in Byers Road, if you venture to the West End.

  7. Steven Avatar
    Steven

    Hard to beat the Cornerstone Bookshop below St. John’s in Edinburgh! The last time I was there Margaret made me tea and gave my children Ribena – an act of great faith in a bookshop believe you me…

  8. Ruth Avatar
    Ruth

    Second hand bookshops Voltaire & Rousseau in Otago Lane and Caledonia Books on Great Western Rd

  9. Steven Avatar
    Steven

    Just a quick thanks for all suggestions.

    Really loving Glasgow – might even topple Edinburgh as my favourite city break. Real buzz. Wonderful burger in hula – Dali at museum – quirky hotel – books galore – wonderful conference – and now a mojito and off to bed!

  10. Andrew Avatar

    The Pottery at Drymen is great if you want to go that far – good conventional food, excellent service, reasonable prices and no muzak!

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