The Royal is a Toronto institution. We’re off to check it out tomorrow, in honour of which I am posting one of my favourite videos. Enjoy.

And here is their rather over-wrought ad for 2008. Lol.

One of the manifestations of culture shock has to do with money and one’s spending power, conspicuous consumption and all that. In my birth culture it is exceedingly rude to ask how much a person earns, or how much he paid for his house, let alone admiring new furniture or household goods and then demanding to know how much you shelled out for them. In some Muslim cultures (which shall remain nameless), however, such questions are seen as normal and discomfort at being grilled in such a manner is regarded as strange.

I would like to know what Islam has to say on this score, as it is the diyn – and not culture - that should be the standard as to whether something is acceptable or not. But as the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him) said that part of being a good Muslim is leaving alone that which does not concern you, I have a feeling that quizzing folks on how much they paid for their house (or whatever) is not, perhaps, an example of perfect adab.

As for the pic, I didn’t even notice that this towel had a price on it until recently. I have to add that I did not pay that much for it either. Paying full retail price is a mug’s game (and a whole ‘nother post)!

Apparently rhinos once roamed the area I now call home. Well, just the one, actually. I found this delightful little bit of local history in the local rag yesterday, and you can check it out online here.

Shades of Monty Python and the Monster Raving Loonies, who now have an official website and actually address real issues such as whether the Gurkhas should be allowed to settle in Britain. They claim that they and only they are the Official Loonies; that lot at Westminster are the Unofficial variety. Make of that what you will.

So I’m showing my age… the Muppet Show was huge when I was a teen, and my siblings and I were all fans. I bought the boxed DVD set, but someone in the US made the cake. I can’t believe that someone could make this out of a load of sugar and whatever else fondant is made of.