hurrrrry, only while quantities last

new markdowns at restoration hardware! the "pirate scope" is just over 50% off! "precision-crafted brass scope!" brags the website. "coated achromatic lenses!" "sectioned tube stores in mahogany chest!" yet nowhere in the description does it mention why they did not just call it a regular telescope. surely labeling it a "pirate scope" narrows the market somewhat. maybe pirates are big spenders, what with all their loot and bounty and treasure and such, but they still seem like a pretty niche demo if you ask me. I mean they could have avoided alienating the general purpose seafarer and just mentioned "suitable for pirate use" in the description or something. or just added a lot of r's.

ONE STAR

at long last, the new york times' frank bruni has reviewed susur lee's nyc venture, shang:

"inconsistent and uneventful"
"busy and unfocused"
"miscalculation"

all topped off with a pitiful single star. sweet vindication! that is what happens when you fail to reply to my letters, susur lee.

gastronomy economy

it was of course going to happen sooner or later, and indeed it has finally hit home: a punishing blow from the faltering economy. the fallout? valet service at my favourite toronto resto. really, street parking is very hard to come by near there. and the meters probably only let you do 2 hours at once. so what are you supposed to do, leave midway through the predessert to feed the meter? hard times! I hope they get a valet-bailout before my birthday dinner, because this is really beyond the pale. what next, kibosh on the champagne trolley?