Howdy folks!
This has been kicking around for a while. If you haven't heard it, give it a listen - it'll put a smile on your face. Actually, even if you have heard it, enjoy it again!
To set this up, some guy who works at the Jack in the Box head office is leaving a voicemail for his boss as he's running late. While he leaves the message, he witnesses a car accident and provides a play-by-play on the voicemail.
While it is not known whether this really happened, Jack in the Box did confirm the voicemail's existence. It was forwarded internally so much that their voicemail system crashed.
Categories: People, Space
2008-11-10
2008-08-28
The Axe
As you know, I've been on a stint for the last couple years and have been working for the same company for nearly six. They recently announced, after a year of being burdened with hammering our a buy-out, to expect a cut of 15% of managers. I ended up being one of them.
Which sux.
I have fortunately been through this before. Fortunate in that I know what to emotionally expect not only from myself but from others as well. Hence I am familiar with the suckiness of the situation - a situation one never grows used to. many find transitions to be difficult. A job transition is near the top of the list. Forty hours a week being being pulled from under your feet - the differing levels of stability that goes with it - really fux with one's ego.
It's been two weeks. My mind continues to work in overdrive. The thoughts - the things I dwell on - change from day to day and sometimes minute to minute. Those thoughts run the gamut. Stress, relief, sadness, anger, dread. Everything. It is exceedingly difficult for one to escape this thoughts. It keeps licensed establishments in business during the afternoon for sure.
One of the biggest voids is the removal of regular interaction with people. A good chunk of my friend base (and most people I suppose) were acquired through work. Some I won't miss to be sure and I have already forgotten them. Others I miss dearly. These friendships are in fact forever changed. Maintaining these relationships is suddenly a formidable task.
I met up with a number of my peer friends last week. It is very similar to going to one's own funeral. In situations like these I end up having to manage my friends. Half of them tell you everything will be OK. the other half need reassurance. I am fortunate to have the number and diversity within my friend base. (I in fact have a draft post kicking around where I discuss my fortunes from a friend perspective. Perhaps now I'll have time to finish it off).
As dirty as it sounds, I need to manage my friend Rolodex more than ever. The ones I can utilise for support, I will. They will not be allowed out of my sight. Those with a good network will also be kept close. Some I will inevitably let drift away. Our paths perhaps will cross again.
So two weeks in, the initial shock has been replaced with a lingering dread.
And so begins a new phase in my life.
Categories: Friends, Life, Work
Which sux.
I have fortunately been through this before. Fortunate in that I know what to emotionally expect not only from myself but from others as well. Hence I am familiar with the suckiness of the situation - a situation one never grows used to. many find transitions to be difficult. A job transition is near the top of the list. Forty hours a week being being pulled from under your feet - the differing levels of stability that goes with it - really fux with one's ego.
It's been two weeks. My mind continues to work in overdrive. The thoughts - the things I dwell on - change from day to day and sometimes minute to minute. Those thoughts run the gamut. Stress, relief, sadness, anger, dread. Everything. It is exceedingly difficult for one to escape this thoughts. It keeps licensed establishments in business during the afternoon for sure.
One of the biggest voids is the removal of regular interaction with people. A good chunk of my friend base (and most people I suppose) were acquired through work. Some I won't miss to be sure and I have already forgotten them. Others I miss dearly. These friendships are in fact forever changed. Maintaining these relationships is suddenly a formidable task.
I met up with a number of my peer friends last week. It is very similar to going to one's own funeral. In situations like these I end up having to manage my friends. Half of them tell you everything will be OK. the other half need reassurance. I am fortunate to have the number and diversity within my friend base. (I in fact have a draft post kicking around where I discuss my fortunes from a friend perspective. Perhaps now I'll have time to finish it off).
As dirty as it sounds, I need to manage my friend Rolodex more than ever. The ones I can utilise for support, I will. They will not be allowed out of my sight. Those with a good network will also be kept close. Some I will inevitably let drift away. Our paths perhaps will cross again.
So two weeks in, the initial shock has been replaced with a lingering dread.
And so begins a new phase in my life.
Categories: Friends, Life, Work
2008-07-13
My Zippo
Here's a shot of my current Zippo:
I've had it for two or three years. It was manufactured in January 05 in any event.
I purchased it to replace another black one, which was complete with a bumpy finish. (Zippo calls it "Crackle.")
I really liked it and had it since 2002. It is the first Zippo I owned in years. A little metal piece (called a cam spring) broke off, so the lid didn't stay closed anymore. Zippos come with a lifetime guarantee. I decided change is a good thing, so I bought my current model instead of bothering to send it in.
A very good friend Riz got me a zippo for my birthday in '04.
The JD was significant in that my friend and I had recently taken JD shots - something I hadn't done for a very long time because of a drinking event that included JD back in 1990. I loved the sound that this Zippo makes; a more solid sound due to the JD metal overlay.
I lost this lighter on Pride Weekend in '05. Michael (my Haunt's favourite bartender) and I were in the back alley. He felt I was irrationally attached to the friend who had given me the lighter, and for my "own good" skidded it under a fence complete with barbed wire, ensuring it and I were parted forever.
Interestingly, Michael and I are still friends and I haven't heard from Riz in ages.
My first Zippo was a mini. A gift from my sister for Christmas when I was 16 or 17. The hinge eventually broke on it. It sported a major dent on one of the corners, a dent it obtained only a week after I got it.
A friend from school was having a New Years' party at her apartment, which was next to our school. She ended up clearing the place out at about 11:40 because things were getting a little out of hand. About 4 or 5 of us took our liquor, and ended up ringing in the new year in the smoking area at school.
We were walking past the friend's building, and heard a female yelling from her balcony near the top floor. She was wishing us a Happy New Years. We returned the sentiment, and was then invited up to her place.
As soon as we got in her apartment, I knew something was amiss with this young lady. She kept saying repeatedly, "Don't tell my mother you guys came over." The poor thing had a bat or two in the rafters.
We quietly organised our retreat, this being a drawn-out affair as one of us decided he could 'get lucky.' In any event, she went into the kitchen and we made our escape.
We were in front of the building again when I realised I left my smokes - and my Zippo - in the apartment. I needed to go back. My friends told me to leave it, but I just got the lighter as a gift.
Just then, a voice from the balcony cried down, "You forgot your cigarettes"
She threw them off the balcony. I went to pick them up, suddenly remembering I hadn't kept the Zippo in the pack. The next thing I new, a mere few inches from me, my Zippo ricocheted off of the sidewalk.
And hence the dent.
Categories: Breeders, Haunt, Life, Party
I've had it for two or three years. It was manufactured in January 05 in any event.
I purchased it to replace another black one, which was complete with a bumpy finish. (Zippo calls it "Crackle.")
I really liked it and had it since 2002. It is the first Zippo I owned in years. A little metal piece (called a cam spring) broke off, so the lid didn't stay closed anymore. Zippos come with a lifetime guarantee. I decided change is a good thing, so I bought my current model instead of bothering to send it in.
A very good friend Riz got me a zippo for my birthday in '04.
The JD was significant in that my friend and I had recently taken JD shots - something I hadn't done for a very long time because of a drinking event that included JD back in 1990. I loved the sound that this Zippo makes; a more solid sound due to the JD metal overlay.
I lost this lighter on Pride Weekend in '05. Michael (my Haunt's favourite bartender) and I were in the back alley. He felt I was irrationally attached to the friend who had given me the lighter, and for my "own good" skidded it under a fence complete with barbed wire, ensuring it and I were parted forever.
Interestingly, Michael and I are still friends and I haven't heard from Riz in ages.
My first Zippo was a mini. A gift from my sister for Christmas when I was 16 or 17. The hinge eventually broke on it. It sported a major dent on one of the corners, a dent it obtained only a week after I got it.
A friend from school was having a New Years' party at her apartment, which was next to our school. She ended up clearing the place out at about 11:40 because things were getting a little out of hand. About 4 or 5 of us took our liquor, and ended up ringing in the new year in the smoking area at school.
We were walking past the friend's building, and heard a female yelling from her balcony near the top floor. She was wishing us a Happy New Years. We returned the sentiment, and was then invited up to her place.
As soon as we got in her apartment, I knew something was amiss with this young lady. She kept saying repeatedly, "Don't tell my mother you guys came over." The poor thing had a bat or two in the rafters.
We quietly organised our retreat, this being a drawn-out affair as one of us decided he could 'get lucky.' In any event, she went into the kitchen and we made our escape.
We were in front of the building again when I realised I left my smokes - and my Zippo - in the apartment. I needed to go back. My friends told me to leave it, but I just got the lighter as a gift.
Just then, a voice from the balcony cried down, "You forgot your cigarettes"
She threw them off the balcony. I went to pick them up, suddenly remembering I hadn't kept the Zippo in the pack. The next thing I new, a mere few inches from me, my Zippo ricocheted off of the sidewalk.
And hence the dent.
Categories: Breeders, Haunt, Life, Party
Photo Mosaic
I totally stole this off of Sean's blog:
1. type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
2. using only the first page of results, pick one image.
3. copy and paste each of the url’s for the images into big huge lab’s mosaic maker to create a mosaic of the picture answers.
1. what is your first name?
2. what is your favorite food? right now?
3. what high school did you go to?
4. what is your favorite color?
5. who is your celebrity crush?
6. what is your favorite drink?
7. what is your dream vacation?
8. what is your favorite dessert?
9. what do you want to be when you grow up?
10. what do you love most in life?
11. what is one word that describes you?
12. what is your flickr name?
Categories: Life
1. type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
2. using only the first page of results, pick one image.
3. copy and paste each of the url’s for the images into big huge lab’s mosaic maker to create a mosaic of the picture answers.
1. what is your first name?
2. what is your favorite food? right now?
3. what high school did you go to?
4. what is your favorite color?
5. who is your celebrity crush?
6. what is your favorite drink?
7. what is your dream vacation?
8. what is your favorite dessert?
9. what do you want to be when you grow up?
10. what do you love most in life?
11. what is one word that describes you?
12. what is your flickr name?
Categories: Life
Friday Feast #196
Appetizer
When was the last time you had your hair cut/trimmed?
On July 1st I got a trim. Usually get one every couple months. I don't do anything exciting with may hair as I don't have much, and I have no patience. Ten minutes is my limit. I went next door to my usual place at Church and Wellesley. The guy told me I'm handsome, and asked if he could trim my chest hair.
Soup
Name one thing you miss about being a child.
Summer vacation.
Salad
Pick one: butter, margarine, olive oil.
I have to go with butter; it was a staple growing up. I tend to use more margarine than butter just for the health considerations.
Main Course
If you could learn another language, which one would you pick, and why?
French. It is a definate asset in Toronto, and will give me the ability to move to Montreal.
Dessert
Finish this sentence: In 5 years I expect to be…
43
Categories: Feast
When was the last time you had your hair cut/trimmed?
On July 1st I got a trim. Usually get one every couple months. I don't do anything exciting with may hair as I don't have much, and I have no patience. Ten minutes is my limit. I went next door to my usual place at Church and Wellesley. The guy told me I'm handsome, and asked if he could trim my chest hair.
Soup
Name one thing you miss about being a child.
Summer vacation.
Salad
Pick one: butter, margarine, olive oil.
I have to go with butter; it was a staple growing up. I tend to use more margarine than butter just for the health considerations.
Main Course
If you could learn another language, which one would you pick, and why?
French. It is a definate asset in Toronto, and will give me the ability to move to Montreal.
Dessert
Finish this sentence: In 5 years I expect to be…
43
Categories: Feast
2008-07-02
Friday Feast #195
Appetizer
What is the weather like today where you live?
It is overcast with a few light showers; should be a decent day windy and 26
Soup
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how career-minded are you?
I've been puttering around as of late and give myself a 7. I'm in the process of bumping that up - to be successful you need to be at least a 9.
Salad
What type of window coverings do you have in your home? Blinds, curtains, shutters, etc.?
Cheap blinds in the bedrooms and vertical blinds in the living room. I want to change them but can't decide between curtains or blinds.
Main Course
Name something that instantly cheers you up.
I'm more complex than that! Something as simple as a chocolate bar usually does the trick, though.
Dessert
How many times do you hit the snooze button on a typical morning?
I go through a cycle with this. I have two alarms set, one 20 minutes after the first. I then hit snooze once on the second alarm. About once a month I make a full-out effort to just get up with the first alarm (it's better if you do) and manage to do so for a few days.
Categories: Feast
2008-06-22
Sounds of the City
Southbound train at Bloor station. Friday June 13th 16:42
Passenger, coming into the train: "Is this the Eastbound train?"
Second passenger: "I don't know."
Third passenger: "This is actually the Southbound train."
First passenger, moving further into the train: "Oh, good."
I have no idea what all of this means. How can you not know what direction you're going? I can only figure out that the second passenger was in fact the first passenger, but stuck in some sort of space-time continuum conundrum. Or that she's a typical, self-centered Torontonian.
Categories: Heard, Transit
Passenger, coming into the train: "Is this the Eastbound train?"
Second passenger: "I don't know."
Third passenger: "This is actually the Southbound train."
First passenger, moving further into the train: "Oh, good."
I have no idea what all of this means. How can you not know what direction you're going? I can only figure out that the second passenger was in fact the first passenger, but stuck in some sort of space-time continuum conundrum. Or that she's a typical, self-centered Torontonian.
Categories: Heard, Transit
Friday Feast #194
Appetizer
If you could live on another continent for 1 year, which one would you choose?
I think Australia is the obvious answer, but I'd have to consider all of the continents. Because it's for a year, I'd likely go to Europe.
If you could live on another continent for 1 year, which one would you choose?
I think Australia is the obvious answer, but I'd have to consider all of the continents. Because it's for a year, I'd likely go to Europe.
Soup
Which browser do you use to surf the Internet?
I have to live with IE at work, but use FireFox for my personal surfing. I don't know anyone who doesn't like FireFox, but I know a lot of people who hate IE.
Salad
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how much do you know about the history of your country?
I think I'm on the high end of average and therefore give myself a 6. I have an interest in Canadian history and am starting to acquire the books to prove it.
Main Course
Finish this sentence: Love is…
the all-consuming essence of our being.
Dessert
Have you ever been in or near a tornado?
No.
Categories: Feast
Friday Feast #193
Appetizer
Do you consider yourself to be an optimist or a pessimist?
I'm a pretty pessimistic sort of guy. I must be really annoying to hang around with.
Do you consider yourself to be an optimist or a pessimist?
I'm a pretty pessimistic sort of guy. I must be really annoying to hang around with.
Soup
What is your favorite color of ink to write with?
My preference is black.
Salad
How often do you get a manicure or pedicure? Do you do them yourself or go to a salon and pay for them?
OMG, I'm not that gay.
Main Course
Have you ever won anything online? If so, what was it?
The online world has not provided me with anything. She's just hungry for my time.
Dessert
In which room in your house do you keep your home computer?
In the dining room. I'm in the market for a computer desk for the corner of my living room. But that means rearranging the furniture. I've been waiting for it to rearrange itself.
Categories: Feast
2008-06-09
Today's Free Item
Went to the Loblaws for a few things on the weekend.
The Cottage Cheese price still isn't fixed. So I scored another one.
This time I had to wait quite a while for the price check. I had plenty of time to come up with the idea of simply taking a picture of the shelf label with my cell phone next time. I know I shouldn't complain about the wait, because after all, I'm getting the item for free. But hell, I think that clerk was the only person in the store that didn't know the shelf label was wrong.
Categories: Retail
The Cottage Cheese price still isn't fixed. So I scored another one.
This time I had to wait quite a while for the price check. I had plenty of time to come up with the idea of simply taking a picture of the shelf label with my cell phone next time. I know I shouldn't complain about the wait, because after all, I'm getting the item for free. But hell, I think that clerk was the only person in the store that didn't know the shelf label was wrong.
Categories: Retail
Friday Feast #192
Appetizer
When you drink soda/pop/coke, do you prefer to drink it from the bottle, a can, or after pouring it into a cup?
I love drinking pop out of glass bottle. The only time I pour it in a glass (assuming the pop is drinking size) is to mix with Rum. Other than that, I drink it out of the very vessel that transported it to my mouth.
Soup
What television show are you willing to stay up late to watch?
I typically stay up later than I should anyway. If it's on too late, I program my trusty VCR.
Salad
Name one person, place, or thing you think of as brilliant.
I think Runescape is brilliant.
Main Course
Would you be willing to work 4 10-hour days instead of 5 8-hour days in order to save gas?
I would do it for the 4 day week. I take transit. 'Nuff said.
Dessert
If you were a superhero, what would you call yourself?
A geek.
Categories: Feast
2008-05-24
City of Towers
You may be surprised to know that after New York, Toronto has more high rise buildings than any other city in North America.
I am intrigued by the history of Toronto's development and growth. Toronto is indeed a city of towers, sometimes in the most unexpected locales. How could a plan to build 5, 25-story apartment buildings in the middle of a field get approved by Council?
Apartment buildings nearing completion at York Mills (foreground) and Leslie.
In the distance are two towers that stand at the DVP and York Mills.
The housing plan after WWII promoted this. A very simple plan - meet the increased demand for housing without urban sprawl.
Some 50 years ago, Canada's first planned community was built. The Don Mills development included houses, low-rise apartments, schools, churches, a community centre and post office. In the middle was a shopping centre. All of it planned before a shovel hit the dirt. It remains a desirable community with a decent density and maintains its manufactured charm.
Don Mills also showed no one should be afraid of developments that are conceived by an investor and involve large parcels of farmland within "Metro." If one can successfully build out, why not build up?
There was a market for housing, and a market for rental lifestyle properties as well. How cosmopolitan is it to live 20 stories above the city? Trés, I say, trés.
The 60's saw a boom in tower construction. In the 'burbs, the typical land requirements allowing for up to 60% of the property to be green - essentially parkland. The result was tower developments "in parks" suited for the middle class. Developments such as Flemingdon Park, Thorncliffe Park, Bathurst and Steeles, northern Keele and Jane St, the Peanut and Crescent Town went up at a dizzying pace.
The towers of Flemingdon Park, with Thorncliffe Park in the background.
The core city of Toronto was not immune. The St. Jamestown development was a classic example of urban living for urban professionals. The primary difference being developments in Toronto were on previously developed land and therefore did not have near the same green space. St Jamestown remains one of the most densely populated communities in North America. Over 700 residents per hectare, compared to about 225 for the other communities listed above.
I am intrigued by the history of Toronto's development and growth. Toronto is indeed a city of towers, sometimes in the most unexpected locales. How could a plan to build 5, 25-story apartment buildings in the middle of a field get approved by Council?
Apartment buildings nearing completion at York Mills (foreground) and Leslie.In the distance are two towers that stand at the DVP and York Mills.
The housing plan after WWII promoted this. A very simple plan - meet the increased demand for housing without urban sprawl.
Some 50 years ago, Canada's first planned community was built. The Don Mills development included houses, low-rise apartments, schools, churches, a community centre and post office. In the middle was a shopping centre. All of it planned before a shovel hit the dirt. It remains a desirable community with a decent density and maintains its manufactured charm.
Don Mills also showed no one should be afraid of developments that are conceived by an investor and involve large parcels of farmland within "Metro." If one can successfully build out, why not build up?
There was a market for housing, and a market for rental lifestyle properties as well. How cosmopolitan is it to live 20 stories above the city? Trés, I say, trés.
The 60's saw a boom in tower construction. In the 'burbs, the typical land requirements allowing for up to 60% of the property to be green - essentially parkland. The result was tower developments "in parks" suited for the middle class. Developments such as Flemingdon Park, Thorncliffe Park, Bathurst and Steeles, northern Keele and Jane St, the Peanut and Crescent Town went up at a dizzying pace.
The towers of Flemingdon Park, with Thorncliffe Park in the background.The core city of Toronto was not immune. The St. Jamestown development was a classic example of urban living for urban professionals. The primary difference being developments in Toronto were on previously developed land and therefore did not have near the same green space. St Jamestown remains one of the most densely populated communities in North America. Over 700 residents per hectare, compared to about 225 for the other communities listed above.
Friday Feast #76
The Feast is currently on vacation; I've snatched one from January 13th 2006.
Appetizer
Name one chore you don't really mind doing.
I don't mind doing the laundry and ironing.
Soup
How many times have you moved homes in your life?
I'm a military brat, so quite a few - 7 times. I've been at my current address from 15 years; befor ethat the longest I was at one home was 4.
Salad
How old were you when you had your very first kiss?
I think I was 12. It was behind the garage with my neighbour Clair. this was at home number 4. I used to have a crush on her.
Main Course
What time of day do you usually feel your best?
Typically early evening. My body takes a while to warm up to peak operating efficiency. I'm a write-off in the morning.
Dessert
Using three words or less, describe your current local weather.
Beautiful Spring day.
Categories: Feast
Appetizer
Name one chore you don't really mind doing.
I don't mind doing the laundry and ironing.
Soup
How many times have you moved homes in your life?
I'm a military brat, so quite a few - 7 times. I've been at my current address from 15 years; befor ethat the longest I was at one home was 4.
Salad
How old were you when you had your very first kiss?
I think I was 12. It was behind the garage with my neighbour Clair. this was at home number 4. I used to have a crush on her.
Main Course
What time of day do you usually feel your best?
Typically early evening. My body takes a while to warm up to peak operating efficiency. I'm a write-off in the morning.
Dessert
Using three words or less, describe your current local weather.
Beautiful Spring day.
Categories: Feast
Today's Free Item
Stopped by Loblaw's today to get a few items.
No Name Cottage Cheese was marked $1.99 and scanned in at $2.19. I had no issues getting the refund - the gent at customer service didn't even do a price check as he already knew about this error. Apparently Loblaw's would rather give it away than fix the price.
I was by the Sobeys yesterday but the manager wasn't there. I am sad to report two things: The cookies are now marked at the correct price. And the hotdogs that I thought I got for 20 cents less than the shelf price were actually marked $2.99, so I missed out on free hotdogs. I'll get a pack next time I'm in to make up for it.
Categories: Retail
No Name Cottage Cheese was marked $1.99 and scanned in at $2.19. I had no issues getting the refund - the gent at customer service didn't even do a price check as he already knew about this error. Apparently Loblaw's would rather give it away than fix the price.
I was by the Sobeys yesterday but the manager wasn't there. I am sad to report two things: The cookies are now marked at the correct price. And the hotdogs that I thought I got for 20 cents less than the shelf price were actually marked $2.99, so I missed out on free hotdogs. I'll get a pack next time I'm in to make up for it.
Categories: Retail
2008-05-22
Cookie Update
I received a response today from Sobeys regarding my correspondence thanking them for the free cookies:
Overall, the service at Sobeys has always exceeded the competition. On the East Coast (where Sobeys owns the market), the service is insane. I was at a location in Charlottetown where every employee I passed acknowledged me in some way, usually with a "hello". Every retailer trains this technique (besides providing a good customer experience, an acknowledged customer is less likely to shoplift) - Sobeys seems to master it.
I'll be near the store tomorrow so I'll ask to speak to the manager.
And yes, I'll tell him which cookies I'm getting for free since he was good enough to acknowledge me.
Categories: Retail
Hello Ian,
Thank you for contacting Sobeys Customer Care to share with us your shopping experience at the Sobeys Express Yonge Street store. I have shared your comments with Mr. [x], the store manager franchisee and have also forwarded your contact information. He would welcome the opportunity to discuss your concerns with you personally. Our Store Managers appreciate being able to speak with customers directly regarding any concerns as this provides the opportunity for them to fulfill our promise of making it right for our customers. [the manager] will contact you in the next few days. Again we regret this experience and hope you will give us a chance to regain your confidence in Sobeys.
The manager left me a voicemail today, welcoming me to call him or to "drop by and chat." It was actually a very welcoming message. He said a few things that stood out. He agreed directly that the pricing isn't where it should be and they would address this immediately although it would take some time. He also hopes I won't be able to get the cookies for free next time I'm in.
This is a far cry from the typical response I receive. As a regular reader, you're accustomed to my rants in this regard.Overall, the service at Sobeys has always exceeded the competition. On the East Coast (where Sobeys owns the market), the service is insane. I was at a location in Charlottetown where every employee I passed acknowledged me in some way, usually with a "hello". Every retailer trains this technique (besides providing a good customer experience, an acknowledged customer is less likely to shoplift) - Sobeys seems to master it.
I'll be near the store tomorrow so I'll ask to speak to the manager.
And yes, I'll tell him which cookies I'm getting for free since he was good enough to acknowledge me.
Categories: Retail
2008-05-21
The VE-Day Riots
As I mentioned in a previous post (a funny post if I do say so myself), Halifax booms during war.
I asked Mom for a book about the VE-Day Riots that occurred in that fair city on May 7th and 8th 1945.
She gave me as a gift Sailors, Slackers and Blind Pigs - Halifax at War by Stephen Kimber. It's proven to be a really good read.
In short, two things happened during these two dark days: The Navy Sailors were given open gangway (they could come and go off the ships as they pleased), and the LC was closed. In essence, a can of crazy was opened. The Sailors looted the liquor stores and went gangbusters downtown smashing and burning as they went. The next day, the wet canteen ran out of beer in the early afternoon. The sailors made their way to the Keith's brewery en masse. They were given access to the beer in order to save the brewery - the Sailors (and others, let's be fair) managed to distribute over 100,000 quart bottles of beer. The result was over 200 looted stores and some 2500 broken windows.
I told you they know how to party in Halifax.
The CBC Archives has a great story marking the 40th anniversary. Give it a look!
Categories: Canada, History
I asked Mom for a book about the VE-Day Riots that occurred in that fair city on May 7th and 8th 1945.
She gave me as a gift Sailors, Slackers and Blind Pigs - Halifax at War by Stephen Kimber. It's proven to be a really good read.
In short, two things happened during these two dark days: The Navy Sailors were given open gangway (they could come and go off the ships as they pleased), and the LC was closed. In essence, a can of crazy was opened. The Sailors looted the liquor stores and went gangbusters downtown smashing and burning as they went. The next day, the wet canteen ran out of beer in the early afternoon. The sailors made their way to the Keith's brewery en masse. They were given access to the beer in order to save the brewery - the Sailors (and others, let's be fair) managed to distribute over 100,000 quart bottles of beer. The result was over 200 looted stores and some 2500 broken windows.
I told you they know how to party in Halifax.
The CBC Archives has a great story marking the 40th anniversary. Give it a look!
Categories: Canada, History
2008-05-20
Today's Free Item
I stopped by that Sobey's Express today to pick up a couple items, and got another free bag of cookies.
Here's the e-mail I sent to Sobey's:
Categories: Retail
Here's the e-mail I sent to Sobey's:
I would like to take a moment to thank you for the free cookies I've been receiving from the store at 530 Yonge St in Toronto.
A couple weeks ago, I purchased a bag with two shelf tags indicating they are $2.99. They scanned in at $3.49, and I was courteously given a prompt refund under the Code of Practice.
Today they are still marked $2.99 and still scan in at $3.49 and I'm still getting them free.
By the way, the hot dogs I purchased today scanned in at $3.29 (marked $3.49) and the crackers $3.29 instead of $3.39. The bread scanned in correctly, so your pricing accuracy on my shopping trip was 25%.
I've decided not to tell you specifically what cookies I'm getting for free as it's obvious to me there is a need for a store-wide price audit at this location.
In the meantime, my plan is to supplement my food bank donation with your free cookies until you no longer have any in stock or finally fix the price.
Sweet.
Sweet.
Categories: Retail
2008-05-18
Friday Feast #191
Appetizer
What is the nearest big city to your home?
A better question would be what the nearest small town is.
Soup
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?
I'm not necessarily the best secret keeper. But I'll give myself a 9.
Salad
Describe your hair (color, texture, length).
Dirty blonde, fine and thinning.
Main Course
What kind of driver are you? Courteous? Aggressive? Slow?
I don't drive much, but I'm fairly courteous.
Dessert
When was the last time you had a really bad week?
I was asked once in an interview what my worst day was. My reply: I don't think I've had it yet. In any event, I've had some rough ones this year, from Jan-Mar.
Categories: Feast2008-05-10
The Summer of '84
Ah, what a summer.
It was the summer that everything changed - I just finished Grade 9 and was due for High School. And we moved to da T dot O.
Grade 9 was awesome, particularly on the outside of school. Brian had moved to town the summer before; we were best friends even before the first class in Grade 9. We fortunately were in the same class, and hung out on weekends.
I met Brian through Lisa. Lisa and I started hanging out since we were both always at the mall. That was probably a year before Brian showed up on the scene. Lisa was the biggest tomboy I've ever known before or since. The Poor thing wasn't the brightest and typically didn't have two clicks to make a clue. And forget social grace.
She was cool.
I started smoking because of her, for example.
Ok, now that you've been introduced, I shall recount a 24 hour period starting on a Tuesday in July 1984, about a week before the Move.
I hooked up with Lisa in the early afternoon. She invited me to go up to the Howyes'* on the mountain. The plan was to go up there with booze to meet up with one of the daughters, have a few swigs, then come back to town. (Lisa warned me not to ask to go to the washroom when we were there, as they didn't have one).
*Not their real name to protect the washroomless.
Lisa and I bought a 2 litre bottle of 7-Up and immediately started chugging it to make room in the bottle. We then rode to her place (Bikes are awesome when you're a kid) and started pouring liquor into the 7-Up from her parent's cabinet. Off to my place to do the same. A bit from each bottle. I had great parents because they didn't drink at home. This meant they wouldn't notice some booze missing. I was a very fortunate child.
We spent the rest of the afternoon just chilling, not sure what we were actually up to, but eventually ended up in the mall. We were still lugging around the Wades shopping bag which contained the bottle. We stopped by to say 'hi' to Lisa's mom. Lisa unfortunately had to stay in that evening for whatever reason.
Across from the mall and down a bit was a nice-sized field which had really one purpose - to cut through to go somewhere else. This was evidenced by the paths that ran through it. Lisa and I chilled out there for awhile. Eventually it was time for us to part ways. All that was left was to settle who would take care of the bottle.
Either of us could have taken it and hidden it at our respective houses. There was however one catch. Lisa didn't trust me, and I didn't trust her. After some debate, we decided we would leave the bottle where we were. Close to the bath was an Evergreen with branches down to the ground. We concealed the Wades bag under that tree.
After dinner, I went to the elementary school to hang out at the playground with Brian. We ended up getting into a fight about something stupid, and he left (he later admitted he was just mad I was moving away). After he left, I continued hanging with three teens at the playground.
There was one girl I knew from my newspaper carrier job. I at that time was the Head Carrier, a responsibility on its own as I was responsible for delivering the pay envelopes to the other carriers. I got an extra dollar for doing this. Hanging out with here were two brothers that I had never met before. They were visiting from New Brunswick, were around my age, and possessed the same rebellious streak I was developing. They were smokers, for example. And they were cute. They were in town to visit their grandparents, who lived at the end of my street.
The sun eventually set and the streetlights came on. This was the standard indicator for many that they needed to go home. The girl did, post haste. That left me with the two brothers, mulling what we should get up to. One mentioned it would be really cool to get drunk; too bad we didn't have booze.
Off we went to the field, the boys becoming more optimistic as I recounted the days' events. By the time we got to the field the sky was dark and starting to cloud over. There was distant lightning giving a spectacular show in the sky.
We all took turns chugging the swill from the bottle. As we stood there drinking, smoking and cavorting, my tone turned serious. For I would seriously get in shit with Lisa. It wouldn't be a stretch even for her to realise I stole the booze. There was no puddle for which to refill the bottle. I insisted that we don't drink it all. Perhaps we could go to the Handy Stand, buy pop, and refill the bottle. As we discussed our options, one of the boys said, "I'll be right back. I'm just gonna take a leak."
We took turns refilling the bottle. My thoughts were passing at a dizzying rate. I was already feeling a buzz. I was concerned that Lisa would not fall for this as we certainly didn't have enough liquid in our reserves to compensate for what we took. I was intrigued at the excellent glimpse of both the brothers' ding dongs this solution afforded me.
We spent the balance of the long evening enjoying the outcome of our trek to the field. Curfew came soon enough; we made plans to meet late the next morning to hang out some more.
Morning came too quickly. After popping some Tylenol, I had to make my way to meet my replacement paper carrier. This would be my last week after about two years, to deliver the paper. I had 130 houses for which I received 3 cents per paper and a penny per flyer. The new kid was to shadow me to get to know the route.
I met with the kid, gave him the papers and the bag, pointed out to him the route, and told him good luck. For I had plans with the cool kids and couldn't concern myself any further with this young bloke.
Later in the afternoon, I met up with Lisa. She wanted to go reclaim the Wades Bag and its contents. She was concerned if we left it there too long, it would be found and we would be out our hard-earned nectar.
Of we went to the field. With every step I was feeling more apprehensive. I suddenly realized I did not have a sufficient plan to compensate for the fact the bottle was full of piss. Lisa pulled the bag out from under the tree, took the bottle out and gave it a quick inspection. She didn't seem to notice it wasn't as full as the day before. Phew.
"I'm thirsty. Do you want to have a swig with me?"
"Um, OK. You go first."
Lisa opened the bottle and helped herself to a healthy swig. I was frozen in fear. Lisa took another swig. This time, she spat it out in disgust.
"I think it went bad in the sun."
I took a smell of the contents, and agreed with her that the sun must have made our concoction sour.
She poured it out.
A sense of relief filled my body. As did the realization I would never be as cool as Lisa.
Categories: Friends, Life, Urbanless
It was the summer that everything changed - I just finished Grade 9 and was due for High School. And we moved to da T dot O.
Grade 9 was awesome, particularly on the outside of school. Brian had moved to town the summer before; we were best friends even before the first class in Grade 9. We fortunately were in the same class, and hung out on weekends.
I met Brian through Lisa. Lisa and I started hanging out since we were both always at the mall. That was probably a year before Brian showed up on the scene. Lisa was the biggest tomboy I've ever known before or since. The Poor thing wasn't the brightest and typically didn't have two clicks to make a clue. And forget social grace.
She was cool.
I started smoking because of her, for example.
Ok, now that you've been introduced, I shall recount a 24 hour period starting on a Tuesday in July 1984, about a week before the Move.
I hooked up with Lisa in the early afternoon. She invited me to go up to the Howyes'* on the mountain. The plan was to go up there with booze to meet up with one of the daughters, have a few swigs, then come back to town. (Lisa warned me not to ask to go to the washroom when we were there, as they didn't have one).
*Not their real name to protect the washroomless.
Lisa and I bought a 2 litre bottle of 7-Up and immediately started chugging it to make room in the bottle. We then rode to her place (Bikes are awesome when you're a kid) and started pouring liquor into the 7-Up from her parent's cabinet. Off to my place to do the same. A bit from each bottle. I had great parents because they didn't drink at home. This meant they wouldn't notice some booze missing. I was a very fortunate child.
We spent the rest of the afternoon just chilling, not sure what we were actually up to, but eventually ended up in the mall. We were still lugging around the Wades shopping bag which contained the bottle. We stopped by to say 'hi' to Lisa's mom. Lisa unfortunately had to stay in that evening for whatever reason.
Across from the mall and down a bit was a nice-sized field which had really one purpose - to cut through to go somewhere else. This was evidenced by the paths that ran through it. Lisa and I chilled out there for awhile. Eventually it was time for us to part ways. All that was left was to settle who would take care of the bottle.
Either of us could have taken it and hidden it at our respective houses. There was however one catch. Lisa didn't trust me, and I didn't trust her. After some debate, we decided we would leave the bottle where we were. Close to the bath was an Evergreen with branches down to the ground. We concealed the Wades bag under that tree.
After dinner, I went to the elementary school to hang out at the playground with Brian. We ended up getting into a fight about something stupid, and he left (he later admitted he was just mad I was moving away). After he left, I continued hanging with three teens at the playground.
There was one girl I knew from my newspaper carrier job. I at that time was the Head Carrier, a responsibility on its own as I was responsible for delivering the pay envelopes to the other carriers. I got an extra dollar for doing this. Hanging out with here were two brothers that I had never met before. They were visiting from New Brunswick, were around my age, and possessed the same rebellious streak I was developing. They were smokers, for example. And they were cute. They were in town to visit their grandparents, who lived at the end of my street.
The sun eventually set and the streetlights came on. This was the standard indicator for many that they needed to go home. The girl did, post haste. That left me with the two brothers, mulling what we should get up to. One mentioned it would be really cool to get drunk; too bad we didn't have booze.
Off we went to the field, the boys becoming more optimistic as I recounted the days' events. By the time we got to the field the sky was dark and starting to cloud over. There was distant lightning giving a spectacular show in the sky.
We all took turns chugging the swill from the bottle. As we stood there drinking, smoking and cavorting, my tone turned serious. For I would seriously get in shit with Lisa. It wouldn't be a stretch even for her to realise I stole the booze. There was no puddle for which to refill the bottle. I insisted that we don't drink it all. Perhaps we could go to the Handy Stand, buy pop, and refill the bottle. As we discussed our options, one of the boys said, "I'll be right back. I'm just gonna take a leak."
We took turns refilling the bottle. My thoughts were passing at a dizzying rate. I was already feeling a buzz. I was concerned that Lisa would not fall for this as we certainly didn't have enough liquid in our reserves to compensate for what we took. I was intrigued at the excellent glimpse of both the brothers' ding dongs this solution afforded me.
We spent the balance of the long evening enjoying the outcome of our trek to the field. Curfew came soon enough; we made plans to meet late the next morning to hang out some more.
Morning came too quickly. After popping some Tylenol, I had to make my way to meet my replacement paper carrier. This would be my last week after about two years, to deliver the paper. I had 130 houses for which I received 3 cents per paper and a penny per flyer. The new kid was to shadow me to get to know the route.
I met with the kid, gave him the papers and the bag, pointed out to him the route, and told him good luck. For I had plans with the cool kids and couldn't concern myself any further with this young bloke.
Later in the afternoon, I met up with Lisa. She wanted to go reclaim the Wades Bag and its contents. She was concerned if we left it there too long, it would be found and we would be out our hard-earned nectar.
Of we went to the field. With every step I was feeling more apprehensive. I suddenly realized I did not have a sufficient plan to compensate for the fact the bottle was full of piss. Lisa pulled the bag out from under the tree, took the bottle out and gave it a quick inspection. She didn't seem to notice it wasn't as full as the day before. Phew.
"I'm thirsty. Do you want to have a swig with me?"
"Um, OK. You go first."
Lisa opened the bottle and helped herself to a healthy swig. I was frozen in fear. Lisa took another swig. This time, she spat it out in disgust.
"I think it went bad in the sun."
I took a smell of the contents, and agreed with her that the sun must have made our concoction sour.
She poured it out.
A sense of relief filled my body. As did the realization I would never be as cool as Lisa.
Categories: Friends, Life, Urbanless
Friday Feast #190
Appetizer
When someone smiles at you, do you smile back?
Yes I do. In fact, I occasionally (and this may surprise you) like to be the smile initiator, especially with strangers. Typically I will receive a smile in return. I guess I'm a bit of a control freak.
When someone smiles at you, do you smile back?
Yes I do. In fact, I occasionally (and this may surprise you) like to be the smile initiator, especially with strangers. Typically I will receive a smile in return. I guess I'm a bit of a control freak.
Soup
Describe the flooring in your home. Do you have carpet, hardwood, vinyl, a mix?
I have been in the process - over the last 5 years - of removing the wall-to-wall carpeting in my pad. Underneath is poorly maintained parkay with even more abysmal tiles in the hallway. But anything beats 18-year-old pink carpet.
Salad
Write a sentence with only 5 words, but all of the words have to start with the first letter of your first name.
In introspect, Isabel is icky.
Main Course
Do you know anyone whose life has been touched by adoption?
My father was adopted by, to my limited understanding, were a couple of slackers.
Dessert
Name 2 blue things.
Categories: Feast
2008-05-06
Friday Feast #189
Appetizer
What was your favorite cartoon when you were a child?
It would have to be Loony Toons. I have a DVD set and have a new appreciation for the humour as an adult.
Soup
Pretend you are about to get a new pet. Which animal would you pick, and what would you name it?
It would definately be a cat. The name comes with the personality I think. I definitely wouldn't name it something stupid like Mookie
Salad
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy getting all dressed up for a special occasion?
9. I clean up good.
Main Course
What kind of music do you listen to while you drive?
I don't drive, I take transit. I listen to whatever the juvenile on the bus is listening to, wondering how long it will be before he goes deaf.
Dessert
When was the last time you bought a clock? And in which room did you put it?
I bought a clock radio a couple months ago and put it interestingly enough in my bedroom. I am contemplating getting a number of clocks and putting them on one wall. I wish now that I had done that already, which would have made for a much cooler answer.
Categories: Feast
What was your favorite cartoon when you were a child?
It would have to be Loony Toons. I have a DVD set and have a new appreciation for the humour as an adult.
Soup
Pretend you are about to get a new pet. Which animal would you pick, and what would you name it?
It would definately be a cat. The name comes with the personality I think. I definitely wouldn't name it something stupid like Mookie
Salad
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy getting all dressed up for a special occasion?
9. I clean up good.
Main Course
What kind of music do you listen to while you drive?
I don't drive, I take transit. I listen to whatever the juvenile on the bus is listening to, wondering how long it will be before he goes deaf.
Dessert
When was the last time you bought a clock? And in which room did you put it?
I bought a clock radio a couple months ago and put it interestingly enough in my bedroom. I am contemplating getting a number of clocks and putting them on one wall. I wish now that I had done that already, which would have made for a much cooler answer.
Categories: Feast
Friday Feast #188
OK, I've missed a few of these. I shall provide two in a row in a lazy attempt to make up for it:
Appetizer
Name something you would categorize as weird.
Uploading a video of oneself to Xtube that includes the following tags: cum; masturbation; sneaker.
Soup
What color was the last piece of food you ate?
Light pink and red.
Salad
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy being alone?
9. I have no issues being alone, and typically enjoy it. I'm very good at being alone at home and in public.
Main Course
Fill in the blank: I will _________ vote for ___________ in _______.
What is this, the Match Game?
Dessert
Describe your sleeping habits.
I prefer to be cool over warm. I must have a pillow to hug, and sleep on my side. I apparently snore, and have concerned the occasional bed-mate with my extended periods of not breathing.
Categories: Feast
Appetizer
Name something you would categorize as weird.
Uploading a video of oneself to Xtube that includes the following tags: cum; masturbation; sneaker.
Soup
What color was the last piece of food you ate?
Light pink and red.
Salad
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy being alone?
9. I have no issues being alone, and typically enjoy it. I'm very good at being alone at home and in public.
Main Course
Fill in the blank: I will _________ vote for ___________ in _______.
What is this, the Match Game?
Dessert
Describe your sleeping habits.
I prefer to be cool over warm. I must have a pillow to hug, and sleep on my side. I apparently snore, and have concerned the occasional bed-mate with my extended periods of not breathing.
Categories: Feast
Today's Free Item
I ventured into the Sobey's Express downtown on Yonge yesterday in search of ice cream. I ventured down the cookie aisle and came across this:
At $2.99, I thought this would compliment (get it?) my tea quite nicely. The only thing that would go better than chocolate chunk cookies are free chocolate chunk cookies.
They scanned at $3.49.
Unlike the absolute frustration I've faced in the past at Loblaws, The cashier took my word for it without checking the shelf price, provided a full refund, and apologised for the error.
I actually felt a little guilty. It shall pass. And if you pass by Sobey's stop in for a free bag of cookies.
Categories: Retail
At $2.99, I thought this would compliment (get it?) my tea quite nicely. The only thing that would go better than chocolate chunk cookies are free chocolate chunk cookies.
They scanned at $3.49.
Unlike the absolute frustration I've faced in the past at Loblaws, The cashier took my word for it without checking the shelf price, provided a full refund, and apologised for the error.
I actually felt a little guilty. It shall pass. And if you pass by Sobey's stop in for a free bag of cookies.
Categories: Retail
2008-05-04
Back in My Day...
I was surfing through Yahoo! Answers. It's a website where you can post a question for other users to answer - usually inaccurately.
I came across this question:
"whats the length of term and a few responsibilities for the premier of ontario, senator of ontario, mayor of london, member of provincial parliment, and member of parliment??"
This is obviously for a school assignment. Kids are so lazy these days. And slack. They seem to be getting more stupid as well.
Back in my day, I didn't have the luxury of the `net. I'd have to go the library to get the answers. If the internet was around back then, I would have loved the convenience of surfing around to do research.
This lazy, fat-ass, Xbox playing slacker little snot is too lazy to even do that. He'd rather post the question for someone else to answer then look it up himself.
Without the courtesy of knowing how to spell and use capitalization.
By the way, here's the answer someone posted: "who cares about canada...seriously, learn about a real government"
Categories: Idiots, People
I came across this question:
"whats the length of term and a few responsibilities for the premier of ontario, senator of ontario, mayor of london, member of provincial parliment, and member of parliment??"
This is obviously for a school assignment. Kids are so lazy these days. And slack. They seem to be getting more stupid as well.
Back in my day, I didn't have the luxury of the `net. I'd have to go the library to get the answers. If the internet was around back then, I would have loved the convenience of surfing around to do research.
This lazy, fat-ass, Xbox playing slacker little snot is too lazy to even do that. He'd rather post the question for someone else to answer then look it up himself.
Without the courtesy of knowing how to spell and use capitalization.
By the way, here's the answer someone posted: "who cares about canada...seriously, learn about a real government"
Categories: Idiots, People
I'm Back.
Hey All: Been a while. My hibernation was great, thanks.
Someone finally noticed I wasn't updating my blog. I was touched; only took him 7 months to notice.
Someone finally noticed I wasn't updating my blog. I was touched; only took him 7 months to notice.
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