Written on Thursday, I send this dispatch from the depths of Hell. Wait. That's not right. Halifax, that's it!
Dartmouth to be precise.
I lived in Dartmouth as a youngster and only started referring to Dartmouth as Halifax when I moved to Toronto simply to make it easier on those folk. Reason being Torontonians are too busy being self absorbed they think Newfies live in Halifax.
In fact, If you were to ask someone in Upper Canada to list the provinces from west to east, the response would be:
BC
Alberta
The Prairies
Ontario
Quebec
The Newfies
In any event, Halifax is a great town, and Dartmouth is across the harbour from it.
I have just returned from my walk. I took a longer one than usual as I have a new view.
Mom's swanky apartment is in a great hood - Sullivan's Pond. And within walking distance to Mic Mac. She sold her house earlier this year, located in a subdivision of identical houses in the outskirts of the city.
I took a tour of the pond and inspected the newly installed fountain. The pond of course is the result of a dam that was built as part of the Shubenacadie Canal. If you haven't heard of this canal before congrats to you for not having to endure the Nova Scotia school system. Also of note on the pond is a centennial flame, a totem pole and the gazebo, all surrounded by a couple hundred ducks.
The pond is quite picturesque, even in a snowless December. More picturesque is the view Alderney gate, so off I went to take in a view of Halifax. It takes a while to
become accustomed to the slower pace of life here. For example, I took a moment to reflect on the Tim's on the way. It was closed. It was an unusual and unnerving sight
for me.
I always take in the view of Halifax from Alderney Gate, which includes the Ferry Terminal and other municipal installations. The park and pier are at the old Dartmouth City Hall (which now serves as the HRM School Board). A perfect view of Downtown Halifax, the Old Bridge and whatever is parked in the outer harbour awaits. (On this particular night, two Oil Rigs and a
container ship). I see the last ferry to Halifax depart - with the standard complement of young guys on their way to the bars.
Now if you have ever stayed with Mom, you know it is a food marathon. Her goal I believe is to eat at every food establishment in the city.
It started as we left the airport yesterday. Our first stop was the Enfield Irving Big Stop, where a cheap and plentiful breakfast is served all day. Included for your toast is a choice of 6 kinds of jam! Dinner was at Fan's (formerly Fran's) at Shannon Plaza. Fan's specialises in food from Northern China, whose people apparently live off of deep fried
food. We go there every time I'm down, and it's consistently OK. You would recognise the plaza if you're a Trailer Park Boys fan - this is the place where Randy used to hustle, and where Julian ended up living in his car drunk out of his mind. (Season 4 episode 2)
Today was the big shopping day for Vic and I. We started of course at Mic Mac Mall, which is in fact my favourite mall. I used to hang out there all the time as a youngster, and immensely enjoy the selection of stores and service as compared to Toronto malls.
For example, at the Bay, the clerks at the cash make eye contact, use words like Hello, Please, Thank you. It's as if they're living the training manual. It's as if they think they are getting paid to provide service to customers - a formula that simply doesn't work in Toronto.
And it's not just the Bay, it's everywhere. The Sobey's, the Zellers, the Tim's (one of my large double-doubles came complete with a happy face on the lid). It's simply the way of life here.
So you know, Vic and I ate at one of my favourite spots - the Steak and Stein. The place is always busy and I find the food to always be good, although Mom tends to think it's going downhill. She's been saying that for five years. Their feature is the 3 ounce steak. I had three.
More to follow...
Categories: Travel
2006-12-25
2006-12-19
Where the Lowest Price is Anarchy
Just came back from running some errands in preparation for the trip. I was after a couple shirts and PJ pants so I ended up at Zellers.
Now, Vic told me of a recent Zellers experience in which she purchased some chocolates from a massive display that were signed $1. They rang in at $1.09. She describes all the hoops she had to go through to get the refund here. I support anyone who even bothers to get a penny refunded. The $.09 isn't going to make or break Vic. But think about it. If Zellers managed to sell the entire display, they would have made around $36 in pure profit.
I was prepared. As you know, I have an eagle eye for making sure things ring up correctly. Zellers takes the fun out of the sport by making it easy.
Of the four items I purchased, one was marked regular price, and three were marked with a percentage discount. Two of the discounted items rang up at full price. Too small a sample size for sure to mention I was overcharged for half the items I purchased. The value of the overcharge you ask? $13.50. If I didn't notice, I would have paid 29% more.
So off I went to Customer Service, where the Customer is always a number. I was number 327. The clerk wasn't sure why I'd bother, since the cashier had corrected the error.
"You have entire displays of merchandise that you are overcharging for. The cashier didn't do anything about that."
The clerk didn't have an answer for me, but the manager was close by.
What Phil said:
The answer I was expecting to hear is that you would correct the prices or take down the signs. Appreciating the thousands of items you need to keep track of, I was good enought to point out two.
So, I called the head office to explain I wasn't happy with the outcome at the store and to confirm whether it is practice to put signs up, but not update the cash registers.
Their response was that Zellers tries hard to ensure their pricing is correct, but they are "not at 100%" (She wouldn't say what % they're at). Sometimes things are missed, particularly when there is a discount involved. Customers are invited to tell the cashier at point of sale if something rings too high.
To which I responded, "So, what I'm hearing is that it's Buyer Beware at Zellers"
No, she said. She would contact the store manager and ensure it's corrected.
OK, gentle readers. I've ranted about this before I know. You should be ranting as well. It is obviously going to happen that an item scans too high. Signs get missed after a sale, for example. It is purely unacceptable that the situation is not immediately taken care of. Neither is it acceptable to reduce prices before the cash register is updated.
In my retail days, my chain had easy-to-follow guidelines.
First off, a 2% error rate or better needed to be maintained. And error is scans too high, scans too low, or the product does not have a shelf sticker.
Second, signs go up once a sale starts, and come down after a sale ends.
Third, when the sign goes up, the item is scanned to ensure it was captured.
Fourth, when a large sale comes down, the price is checked again. All remaining sale items are audited to ensure they are still on sale.
So there you have it. A warning when shopping at Zellers, coupled with an inside scoop of how retailers can ensure price accuracy.
Categories: Retail, Rant
Now, Vic told me of a recent Zellers experience in which she purchased some chocolates from a massive display that were signed $1. They rang in at $1.09. She describes all the hoops she had to go through to get the refund here. I support anyone who even bothers to get a penny refunded. The $.09 isn't going to make or break Vic. But think about it. If Zellers managed to sell the entire display, they would have made around $36 in pure profit.
I was prepared. As you know, I have an eagle eye for making sure things ring up correctly. Zellers takes the fun out of the sport by making it easy.
Of the four items I purchased, one was marked regular price, and three were marked with a percentage discount. Two of the discounted items rang up at full price. Too small a sample size for sure to mention I was overcharged for half the items I purchased. The value of the overcharge you ask? $13.50. If I didn't notice, I would have paid 29% more.
So off I went to Customer Service, where the Customer is always a number. I was number 327. The clerk wasn't sure why I'd bother, since the cashier had corrected the error.
"You have entire displays of merchandise that you are overcharging for. The cashier didn't do anything about that."
The clerk didn't have an answer for me, but the manager was close by.
What Phil said:
- We have thousands of items and it's hard to keep track of all of them.
- Sorry.
- We put the signs up early so customers could benefit.
- I know this isn't the answer you would like to hear.
The answer I was expecting to hear is that you would correct the prices or take down the signs. Appreciating the thousands of items you need to keep track of, I was good enought to point out two.
So, I called the head office to explain I wasn't happy with the outcome at the store and to confirm whether it is practice to put signs up, but not update the cash registers.
Their response was that Zellers tries hard to ensure their pricing is correct, but they are "not at 100%" (She wouldn't say what % they're at). Sometimes things are missed, particularly when there is a discount involved. Customers are invited to tell the cashier at point of sale if something rings too high.
To which I responded, "So, what I'm hearing is that it's Buyer Beware at Zellers"
No, she said. She would contact the store manager and ensure it's corrected.
OK, gentle readers. I've ranted about this before I know. You should be ranting as well. It is obviously going to happen that an item scans too high. Signs get missed after a sale, for example. It is purely unacceptable that the situation is not immediately taken care of. Neither is it acceptable to reduce prices before the cash register is updated.
In my retail days, my chain had easy-to-follow guidelines.
First off, a 2% error rate or better needed to be maintained. And error is scans too high, scans too low, or the product does not have a shelf sticker.
Second, signs go up once a sale starts, and come down after a sale ends.
Third, when the sign goes up, the item is scanned to ensure it was captured.
Fourth, when a large sale comes down, the price is checked again. All remaining sale items are audited to ensure they are still on sale.
So there you have it. A warning when shopping at Zellers, coupled with an inside scoop of how retailers can ensure price accuracy.
Categories: Retail, Rant
Nathan Phillips Square
I was lucky enough to catch the Cavalcade of Lights at Nathan Phillips the other day. Basically, it's Nathan Phillips Square, but with thousands of lights.
Seriously, it was nice to see the projection display on Old City Hall. I enjoyed watching the dozens of people - from all corners of the city and world - skating under the arches.
If you get a chance, give this a look.
I snagged this photo from the Torontoist Flickr Pool. Metrix ' grabbed this shot. Be sure to check out his other work.
Categories: Toronto
Seriously, it was nice to see the projection display on Old City Hall. I enjoyed watching the dozens of people - from all corners of the city and world - skating under the arches.
If you get a chance, give this a look.
I snagged this photo from the Torontoist Flickr Pool. Metrix ' grabbed this shot. Be sure to check out his other work.
Categories: Toronto
It's Christmas already?
I sit in disbelief.
It seemed like only last week I was sitting on the phone with my sister and mother negotiating my trip to Halifax for Christmas. I remember it well - my planned 4 day excursion became an 8 day marathon.
The marathon begins at some ungodly pre-dawn hour tomorrow. I am not prepared. Not for an early wake-up, not for a trip, and certainly not for Christmas. Is this something that can be postponed? Can we defer the birth of Christ until the new year?
I think I'm looking forward to the trip. It will be good to spend time with Mom and Vic. Not like Survivor, but definately like the Amazing Race, where the next destination is always a restaurant. Also, it will be nice to chill at Rejections Cabaret for a spell.
Vic's husband has to stay behind due to work. He has been appointed the official caregiver to Mookie.
Ah, Mookie. The poor thing is currently catching a nap in my bedroom closet, unaware of the impending abandonment. It has taken me over 3 years to train the shithead how to live with me. All will be lost in the space of a week. Is he ever going to be pissed!
So, wish me well. I shall try to keep in touch to provide updates.
Categories: Life, Mookie
It seemed like only last week I was sitting on the phone with my sister and mother negotiating my trip to Halifax for Christmas. I remember it well - my planned 4 day excursion became an 8 day marathon.
The marathon begins at some ungodly pre-dawn hour tomorrow. I am not prepared. Not for an early wake-up, not for a trip, and certainly not for Christmas. Is this something that can be postponed? Can we defer the birth of Christ until the new year?
I think I'm looking forward to the trip. It will be good to spend time with Mom and Vic. Not like Survivor, but definately like the Amazing Race, where the next destination is always a restaurant. Also, it will be nice to chill at Rejections Cabaret for a spell.
Vic's husband has to stay behind due to work. He has been appointed the official caregiver to Mookie.
Ah, Mookie. The poor thing is currently catching a nap in my bedroom closet, unaware of the impending abandonment. It has taken me over 3 years to train the shithead how to live with me. All will be lost in the space of a week. Is he ever going to be pissed!
So, wish me well. I shall try to keep in touch to provide updates.
Categories: Life, Mookie
2006-12-17
I can't find a coffee shop
Of little use to anyone, I present you with a Tim's and Starbucks store locator.
I'm not sure about your parts, but in Toronto, you can't swing a cat without hitting a coffee shop. It just seems more efficient to simply look for one than to ask someone where one is.
But that's just me.
I wait for a connecting bus to work in the morning at Bayview and Eglinton. About twice a year, I'm asked by a stranger where a coffee shop is. I can see four places in which to get coffee without turning my head.
"What kind do you want," is my reply.
It is actually fascinating to see how many Tims there are. At what point is the market saturated? I used their online Trip Planner (yes, they indeed have one, just like their commercial suggested). I planned a trip from here to central Montreal. Within a kilometre of my route are 52 Tim's. That's one evey 10 km.
And if you've travelled with me, you've likely been to every one of them.
Categories: Links
I'm not sure about your parts, but in Toronto, you can't swing a cat without hitting a coffee shop. It just seems more efficient to simply look for one than to ask someone where one is.
But that's just me.
I wait for a connecting bus to work in the morning at Bayview and Eglinton. About twice a year, I'm asked by a stranger where a coffee shop is. I can see four places in which to get coffee without turning my head.
"What kind do you want," is my reply.
It is actually fascinating to see how many Tims there are. At what point is the market saturated? I used their online Trip Planner (yes, they indeed have one, just like their commercial suggested). I planned a trip from here to central Montreal. Within a kilometre of my route are 52 Tim's. That's one evey 10 km.
And if you've travelled with me, you've likely been to every one of them.
Categories: Links
Fond Memories
You may have heard that a Toronto landmark was a victim of a 5-alram fire this week.
Poor Sassafraz is no more. Where will those celebrities go to chill out now?
I have fond memories from the 'Fraz, as I liked to call it. Now let it be understood: I'm not one of those princessesses that hang out at places just to be cool. Far from it - I find that a little artificial. In fact, I'm the type of dude that hangs out at places that aren't cool.
At the last company I worked for a number of years ago I met a great bunch of friends. We have all moved on, but all manage to get together about once a year.
At one point, we had formed a Dinner Club. Once a month, we would go out to Dine. I won't speak for the rest of the flock, but I was generally drunk before the main course came. The club came to an end shortly after we suffered through an entire dinner listening to one of teh flock decree motions on who could, and could not be part of the Club.
So we stopped sending him the invite.
Back to the 'Fraz. One particular month it was chosen as the spot.
We were all on our best behaviour.
The waitress was an absoute eccentric. More so than an ass wiping wand. She in fact was over the top. I believe her accent to be fake. I am pretty sure she had an orgasm when she recited the specials of the evening. The older gentleman at the next table was absolutely apalled when the waitress took away his escort's special to show our table the wonderful presentation.
"Luke at ze vondervul preezentishun," said the waitress as quivered and twitched.
Should we be appalled as well? Is this the proper thing to do to fit in at this surreal eatery? But how can I act appalled when I'm laughing? So I did the best thing I could think of. I ordered the special. It was wonderfully presented, after all.
The absolute highlight of the evening came with the meals. One of our ladies had excused herself just before the main course came.
"I shall get ze leed for ze ladiz plate," said the waitress as she scurried off.
Emilia immediately looked intrigued.
Emilia: Wow, how classy. She's getting a leed for the plate.
Ian (Laughing): How classy are you by making fun of her fake accent.
Emilia: What?
At that moment the waitress returned with a metal lid, and put it on the plate.
Emilia had a baffled look on her face.
Ian: It's a lid, Emilia. A lid.
Emilia: Oh. I thought she was bringing something I've never heard of before.
All: Out of control laughter.
As you can imagine, I bring up this story during our annual reunion. It's on the play list with Effie's kidney stone, John's codeine addiction and the fact I had sex with Joe.
So farewell, 'Fraz. Thanks for the memories.
Categories: Friends, Toronto
Poor Sassafraz is no more. Where will those celebrities go to chill out now?
I have fond memories from the 'Fraz, as I liked to call it. Now let it be understood: I'm not one of those princessesses that hang out at places just to be cool. Far from it - I find that a little artificial. In fact, I'm the type of dude that hangs out at places that aren't cool.
At the last company I worked for a number of years ago I met a great bunch of friends. We have all moved on, but all manage to get together about once a year.
At one point, we had formed a Dinner Club. Once a month, we would go out to Dine. I won't speak for the rest of the flock, but I was generally drunk before the main course came. The club came to an end shortly after we suffered through an entire dinner listening to one of teh flock decree motions on who could, and could not be part of the Club.
So we stopped sending him the invite.
Back to the 'Fraz. One particular month it was chosen as the spot.
We were all on our best behaviour.
The waitress was an absoute eccentric. More so than an ass wiping wand. She in fact was over the top. I believe her accent to be fake. I am pretty sure she had an orgasm when she recited the specials of the evening. The older gentleman at the next table was absolutely apalled when the waitress took away his escort's special to show our table the wonderful presentation.
"Luke at ze vondervul preezentishun," said the waitress as quivered and twitched.
Should we be appalled as well? Is this the proper thing to do to fit in at this surreal eatery? But how can I act appalled when I'm laughing? So I did the best thing I could think of. I ordered the special. It was wonderfully presented, after all.
The absolute highlight of the evening came with the meals. One of our ladies had excused herself just before the main course came.
"I shall get ze leed for ze ladiz plate," said the waitress as she scurried off.
Emilia immediately looked intrigued.
Emilia: Wow, how classy. She's getting a leed for the plate.
Ian (Laughing): How classy are you by making fun of her fake accent.
Emilia: What?
At that moment the waitress returned with a metal lid, and put it on the plate.
Emilia had a baffled look on her face.
Ian: It's a lid, Emilia. A lid.
Emilia: Oh. I thought she was bringing something I've never heard of before.
All: Out of control laughter.
As you can imagine, I bring up this story during our annual reunion. It's on the play list with Effie's kidney stone, John's codeine addiction and the fact I had sex with Joe.
So farewell, 'Fraz. Thanks for the memories.
Categories: Friends, Toronto
2006-12-15
Friday Feast #122
Appetizer What was your very first job with a paycheck?
My first job with an actual cheque was working for BBM back in the mid-80s. My job was to call folks to do TV and Radio ratings surveys. The pay was decent ($5.50 an hour), and it was back in the days where you could smoke. I lasted there for a year.
Soup
Did you ever lose something really important to you?
The most important thing to me that I've lost is my father. See, I'm not always a material girl!
Salad
What is the best Christmas present you ever received?
Probably that kidney. Just kidding. I've been fortunate enough to receive some pretty decent gifts in my day. I think my favourite was the police scanner.
Main Course
Tell about a favorite "hang out" place for you and your friends when you were in high school.
I wasn't really into the hang out crowd in high school. I had just moved to Toronto in time for high school. I suppose we hung out the most at a donut shop.
Dessert
Name something that always brings a smile to your face.
Seeing people fall.
Categories: Feast
My first job with an actual cheque was working for BBM back in the mid-80s. My job was to call folks to do TV and Radio ratings surveys. The pay was decent ($5.50 an hour), and it was back in the days where you could smoke. I lasted there for a year.
Soup
Did you ever lose something really important to you?
The most important thing to me that I've lost is my father. See, I'm not always a material girl!
Salad
What is the best Christmas present you ever received?
Probably that kidney. Just kidding. I've been fortunate enough to receive some pretty decent gifts in my day. I think my favourite was the police scanner.
Main Course
Tell about a favorite "hang out" place for you and your friends when you were in high school.
I wasn't really into the hang out crowd in high school. I had just moved to Toronto in time for high school. I suppose we hung out the most at a donut shop.
Dessert
Name something that always brings a smile to your face.
Seeing people fall.
Categories: Feast
2006-12-08
Friday Feast #121
Appetizer
Which language would you like to learn and why?
I was supposed to learn French well enough to get a job in Montreal and live with my boyfriend. So I still don't know French and I have no boyfriend. What sucks is, I can't learn it now 'cause then I'd start asking myself why I didn't do it before.
So, let's say Tagalog, for the reason provided above.
Soup
What's the funniest thing you've heard or read so far this week?
It would have to be my Annual Review.
Salad
Which movie was so bad you couldn't watch the whole thing?
I've walked out of a few. To be honest I can't remember any specifically. I believe I have written about movies that sucked in previous Feasts, so that will have to do.
Main Course
If there were a holiday in your honor that didn't use your actual name, what would the day be called?
Kettle Day, for obvious reasons.
Dessert
Name one movie which is coming out soon that you would like to see.
I can't even name a movie which is coming out soon. I can name a couple people who are, though.
Categories: Feast
Which language would you like to learn and why?
I was supposed to learn French well enough to get a job in Montreal and live with my boyfriend. So I still don't know French and I have no boyfriend. What sucks is, I can't learn it now 'cause then I'd start asking myself why I didn't do it before.
So, let's say Tagalog, for the reason provided above.
Soup
What's the funniest thing you've heard or read so far this week?
It would have to be my Annual Review.
Salad
Which movie was so bad you couldn't watch the whole thing?
I've walked out of a few. To be honest I can't remember any specifically. I believe I have written about movies that sucked in previous Feasts, so that will have to do.
Main Course
If there were a holiday in your honor that didn't use your actual name, what would the day be called?
Kettle Day, for obvious reasons.
Dessert
Name one movie which is coming out soon that you would like to see.
I can't even name a movie which is coming out soon. I can name a couple people who are, though.
Categories: Feast
2006-12-04
Friday Feast #120
Appetizer
Have you ever flown in a helicopter?
I haven't, and have never had the desire. I have however been in a helicopter before. Can I get half points?
Soup
What color is your warmest coat or jacket?
It's a slate grey with black. Go ahead and tell me about my personality based on that.
Salad
What is your favorite rainy day activity?
I'd say sex, but that's actually my favourite any day activity. Let's say playing Runescape.
Main Course
Describe your hands.
I have my father's hands. I don't like looking at them because they're starting to age.
Dessert
If you could eat only one nut for the rest of your life, what nut would you pick?
I eat more peanuts than any other nut, so it would make sense that I stick with that. Seeing that I can only eat one for the rest of my life, I shall choose a walnut.
Categories: Feast
Have you ever flown in a helicopter?
I haven't, and have never had the desire. I have however been in a helicopter before. Can I get half points?
Soup
What color is your warmest coat or jacket?
It's a slate grey with black. Go ahead and tell me about my personality based on that.
Salad
What is your favorite rainy day activity?
I'd say sex, but that's actually my favourite any day activity. Let's say playing Runescape.
Main Course
Describe your hands.
I have my father's hands. I don't like looking at them because they're starting to age.
Dessert
If you could eat only one nut for the rest of your life, what nut would you pick?
I eat more peanuts than any other nut, so it would make sense that I stick with that. Seeing that I can only eat one for the rest of my life, I shall choose a walnut.
Categories: Feast
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