The Exclusive Ritz-Carlton
Posted 13 Jun 2008
Daily Life, Places, Signs, The Little Things | Leave a Comment
When traveling for work I typically get to stay in much nicer hotels than I would choose to stay in if I were footing the bill myself. This week I was pleasantly surprised to see that the hotel I was in was so nice that even the bathroom towels were made expressly for the Ritz-Carlton. Of course, the good impression quickly wore off as soon as I recalled that I was staying at a Renaissance Hotel, not the Ritz.
Admittedly, these two brands are part of the same Marriott company, but if your attempts at exclusivity extend down to branding your bathroom towels, I would suggest that you use the correct brand.
I Feel So Economically Stimulated
Posted 11 Jun 2008
Daily Life, Events, News | 7 Comments
Yep, my government just sent me a "Thank you for participating in the year 2008" gift. $600 of "hard-earned" money, only it wasn’t really hard-earned since I didn’t have to do any work for it.
There has been quite a flurry of commentary around this governmental move, ranging from "this is just what the economy needs" to "this is the most asinine thing I have ever heard of". Some financial advisers suggest that people put the money in savings and others say that would defeat the whole purpose of the government’s move. What do you think about it?
As for me, I don’t worry too much about the global economic implications, I just agree with a good friend of mine who said, "it’s better than [them] not giving me money."
Would You Like Some Coffee With That?
Posted 10 Jun 2008
Daily Life, Drinks, Places, The Little Things | Leave a Comment
No matter how you order it, I do believe it is impossible to receive a simple cup of coffee in Argentina.
Server: Would you like something to drink?
Me: Yes please. Coffee. No milk or sugar.
Server: Would you like anything else with that?
Me: No thanks. Just coffee will be fine.
Server: Ok great.
* Five minutes pass *
Server returns with coffee, a small glass of carbonated water, a small glass of orange juice, and two cookies. All of this is for me, and all of it is included with the price of the coffee, no additional charges.
Wherever I went in Argentina, the same scenario played out. The coffee was always delicious, but I definitely enjoyed the add-ons, specifically the carbonated water, which helped to clear out the coffee taste from my mouth when I was done. Still, it seemed odd in the world of Starbucks, where coffee is so complex, so costly, and comes with no add-ons; at least not for free.
Drive like a Jack-ass Day
Posted 9 Jun 2008
Commuting, Events | 4 Comments
Yesterday was a lovely, sunny day across much of the UK. It was so bright and cheerful outside that I forgot to check the calendar before I left the house in the morning. As I started to run errands, I soon discovered that it was ‘Drive like a Jack-ass’ Day.
I was only on the road for a mile or so when a car whipped around a bend and over a bridge at a high rate of speed, driving smack dab in the middle of the road! Slamming on the breaks, I shouted a few expletives and hoped I didn’t get hit. Fortunately, the idiot driving the other car managed to swerve around me at the last minute.
On three separate subsequent occasions yesterday afternoon, stupid drivers on the road almost hit me when attempting manuevers shockingly devoid of good judgement. What makes people drive so carelessly? Are they just clueless? Distracted? Both?
When I finally made it home at the end of the day, I added a note to my calendar for 08 June next year: stay off the road.
P.S. Did anyone else fall victim to bad driving yesterday?
I’m Hungry in a Generic Way
Posted 7 Jun 2008
Daily Life, Signs | 3 Comments
If you ever happen to be traveling in Argentina and find yourself stuck for a decision on where to eat, and you don’t feel any particular craving for a certain type of food, let me recommend this little place in the Palermo district, which I haven’t eaten at, but which is pretty much your typical eatery. Nothing to out of the ordinary, not exceptionally good or exceptionally bad. Just about average in every way.
