Lastman in AfricaIn June 2001, shortly before meeting with African Olympic officials in Mombassa, Kenya, Toronto mayor Mel Lastman was asked about his impending trip to the dark continent to promote his city's bid to host the 2008 Summer Olympics. "Snakes just scare the hell out of me," he declared. "I'm sort of scared about going, but the wife is really nervous. I just see myself in a pot of boiling water with all these natives dancing around me."
Needless to say, Lastman's remarks drew hostile fire from many quarters. "Mayor Mel Boiled; Olympic Bid Foiled," the Montreal Gazette declared. Kenya's tourist board, however, was more understanding: "Mayor Lastman seems to be in enough 'hot water' already," they announced. "We're glad he enjoyed his holiday... and the dancing."
["Toronto has as much chance of landing it," Canadian columnist Ed Willes declared, "as Homer Simpson has of landing Marilyn Monroe." (Beijing won.)]
Lastman, Mel (1933- ) Canadian politician and entrepreneur, mayor of Toronto, founder of Bad Boy Furniture & Appliances
[Sources: NPR, "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!" - June 23, 2001]More Mel Lastman anecdotesRelated Anecdote Keywords:
Politically Incorrect Stereotypes Snakes Africa Kenya Olympics Scandals Dummies
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