7.08.2005

blog of note

AndyM of funcentral is very funny. And very smart.

He brings us Doonesbury (and more), he knows how to spread Santorum, and, most importantly, he asks excellent questions.

I see by Andy's last question that he and Redsock would have a lot to talk about.

9 comments:

Kyle_From_Ottawa said...

On a cheerier note than bombs and terrorism:

Have you read An American's Guide to Canada?


A few fun facts:
Did you know we use real sugar in our soft drinks here? Not that high fructose corn syrup stuff they use in the States. Actually, the U.S. is the only country that uses HFCS in its soft drinks.

Canadians drink Homogenized milk instead of Whole milk. Thus in the store you'll see milk labelled "Homo" in large letters. Nobody snickers.

You stand in a lineup instead of in line.

All Canadians know who the "Canadian Tire Guy" is. He's an annoying, yet well known guy in Canadian Tire commercials who seems to have the entire Canadian Tire product line in his garage. The commercials gets lampooned a lot in comedey shows.

Canada has more donut shops per capita than any other place in the world.

Thrills Gum is a puple Chiclet-like gum that tastes like soap. Nobody likes it, but everyone's tried it.

Canadians put vinegar on their fries.

You'll see billboards advertising Cuba as a vacation destination.

Canadians use the term "fries" and "chips" the same as Americans, but an exception is a "chip truck", which sells fries.

Canadians have "whitener" instead of "non-dairy creamer"

The term "pissed" can mean that the person was drunk, depending on the context of the conversation.

The May two-four is more formally known as Victoria Day. It's always around the 24th, but because the holiday always falls on a Monday it isn't necessarily on the 24th. However, two-four also refers to a case of beer, which is a staple on the May two-four weekend.

laura k said...

This was the very first site I saw when I was looking for immigration information!

Btw, that high-fructose corn syrup stuff is a huge political boondoggle. The corn industry is extremely powerful, but flies under the radar.

A terrific writer named Michael Pollan did a great expose on it. If you google Michael Pollan corn industry, you'll see a lot more.

Kyle_From_Ottawa said...

So, how many days left til moving day? Will it seem odd living in a detached house instead of a high-rise?

I'm down to 45 for my townhome. I don't know if I mentioned it before, but they happen to be building them on a vacant spot of land that's right beside the apartment building I'm currently in, so it's a very short move. We joked that we might as well wheel all the furniture over on dollies. I'll miss the view, but I'm not so sure I'll miss waiting for the elevator (especially the days when there's only one elevator in service).

laura k said...

Days to move: see upper right. :)

Allan and I both grew up in suburban houses, so I don't think it will feel too strange. We're looking forward to it.

I haven't missed living in a house, but I have very much missed not having a yard. That will be a very welcome change.

FWIW, our six-story apartment building isn't considered a high-rise here. All the buildings in our neighborhood are six stories, so there's lots of sky and not a lot of crowding.

How funny that you're moving right across the street. Like all the new sports stadiums do.

Kyle_From_Ottawa said...

I never noticed that counter there.

And I just sort of assumed NYC apartment=tall building. Of course there's lots of low rise buildings as well. Is it an old building?

laura k said...

I put up the counter about a week ago. :)

Our building is what NYers call "pre-war" - meaning built before WWII. That means larger rooms, high ceilings, hardwood floors, generally more solid walls, nice architectural detail. Typically the landlord renovates the kitchen and bathroom.

They lack certain amenities of newer buildings - usually no dishwasher, for example - but they are huge by NYC standards. Our building is also rent-stabilized. This makes it incredibly valuable. Giving up a large, rent-stabilized apt in NYC means you are never coming back!

I can't chat any more today. Have a good day!

BarbaraFromCalifornia said...

I have missed your blog, and sorry I have not posted in awhile. Busy defending off the trolls, and preparing for my court cases. Now that I am done, I will come visit more often.

laura k said...

Thanks, Barbara - and no apologies necessary! I've had little time to visit anyone's blog in more than a skimming way.

I noticed you were having troll trouble. Try to remember that getting upset only encourages them.

I find it better to laugh at them or ignore them. They quickly get bored and move on.

I hope your cases went well.

andym said...

Kyle, I have to 'fess up, I laugh every time I see "homo" written on a sign. I also snicker whenever someone says "tit for tat", and when I pass Cobbledick Road along the 401. And then, my inner adult takes control again.

Thanks for the plug, L-girl.