Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Further to my tea post...

...which is here: http://thinkingoutloudblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/high-tea-in-toronto.html

It was pointed out to me by commenter melanie that I had my Fairmont's mixed up. The Toronto Fairmont is the Fairmont Royal York, at which afternoon tea is served in the EPIC restaurant at the following times: Sunday to Friday, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More info here.

Unquestionably the best two sentences I have ever written

Notwithstanding the Respondent’s insistence on deference, the Applicant submits that the question to be asked is whether the immigration officer’s decision was reasonable. Given that the decision was clearly based on a deficient analysis which misapprehended the evidence and failed to seek clarification in the face of that misapprehension, it is submitted that the decision was unreasonable.



LAWYERED!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Ignorant whippersnappers

(Leaving WWRY, the iconic "Carry On Wayward Son" started to play in the emptying theatre)

Twentysomethings behind me: Hey, it's that song from Guitar Hero!

Me: (choke on laughter)

(A few minutes later, I am relating the tale to my classic-rock aficionado stepdad)

Me: They fail to appreciate the brilliance that is Kansas.

Him: Uhhhhm ... I don't know about tha-

Me: They FAIL to APPRECIATE the BRILLIANCE that is KANSAS!

Sunday, January 11, 2009

High Tea in Toronto

Obviously, you can do a basic teatime at any Second Cup or Starbucks, anywhere in the city.

However, a few places do still offer proper teas.

Zoe's Lounge at the Fairmont Royal York has a few options, ranging from $27 to $49.

The Windsor Arms Tea Room also has a few options, for $18-$45.

The Park Hyatt has both packages and an a la carte menu.

The C5 at the ROM has a high tea on Wedgewood China!

The Old Mill has one, natch, for $18 to $20.

Although not an official High Tea, the Gallery Grill at Hart House offers a wide selection of teas and desserts.

Another a la carte option would be 7 West Cafe. Ditto Cafe Maroc.

Other places I want to try are:

Other placed I love are:

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Canajun English

Which American accent do you have?

Neutral

You're not Northern, Southern, or Western, you`re just plain -American-. Your national identity is more important than your local identity, because you don`t really have a local identity. You might be from the region in that map, which is defined by this kind of accent, but you could easily not be. Or maybe you just moved around a lot growing up.

Personality Test Results

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I also did this "Are you a Rebel or a Yankee?" test and came out about 70% Yankee, unsurprisingly. What was odd was the number of times I basically picked one answer out of multiple applicable ones. For instance:

What is your regular word for the thing you push around the supermarket?

  • A (shopping) buggy.
  • A (shopping) cart.
  • A (shopping) trolley.
  • A (shopping) basket.

A shopping cart or a buggy (though never a shopping buggy), rarely a trolley, and a basket is something altogether different.

What do you pack for travel?

  • A suitcase.
  • A bag.
  • A valise.
  • My spouse packs for me.

Well, I pack a suitcase if I'm packing a suitcase, and a bag if I'm taking a bag (generally smaller, for shorter trips).

Do you generally . . .

  • mow the lawn?
  • cut the grass?
  • mow the grass?
  • cut the lawn?

Any and or all of the above. I can't even tell you which is more common.