<<I know there's been a lot of geological activity of late, but could someone explain to me in what sense Panama, Columbia, and Venezuela are on the other side of the world from the Pacific?>>

Columbia, at least, is on the other side of the continent.

Anna: Actually, I was thinking of Columbia University. I guess I don't get out of town enough.

But what means "to serve up on toast points," exactly? -- I've seen it/heard it, but I don't quite get it