Archive for the '2012' Category

Business Must Be Good!

Published on May 2, 2012 in 2012, Chris and Complaints. 0 Comments

On April 23 I visited 20 websites of companies listed as being in Toronto, and capable/interested in building fences. On each site I completed their online forms to request a quote, or to have someone contact me for a quote.

  • April 24: A rep from Roma Fence called me back.
  • April 25: A rep from Greenbloom called me back.
  • April 28: A rep from thedeckbuilders sent me an email – without any information as to who he was or why he was emailing me. Just “When are you available for a meeting?” and it was from a generic @rogers.com address. Nothing telling me the company name, reason for this meeting, etc.

Of the 20 companies only three contacted me???? Seriously? Business must be booming if they are all willing and able to completely ignore a request from a potential new client. I had a feeling that most of my requests would disappear into cyberspace which is why I visited so many sites. And there’s the potential that they are all inundated with requests through their sites – but isn’t that the point? To generate leads and then have your sales force turn the leads into orders?

RESULTS: 19th Annual Paris To Ancaster

Published on April 22, 2012 in 2012, Chris, Complaints and cycling. 0 Comments

I was determined that 19th annual Paris To Ancaster bike race would not go down the way the 18th annual did. Sadly karma wasn’t willing to let me have my way. In 2011 I broke the titanium frame of my three-week old Litespeed CX bicycle. This year, same result. The frame broke in the spot that Litespeed repaired… and although this was only my second time riding the bike after getting it back from Litespeed, and although it was the repaired part that broke, according to Litespeed it’s not a warranty issue. So here I sit again with a broken bike frame faced with a $1300 repair bill. Alternatively I can just hang this frame on the wall as a reminder to never buy another Litespeed, and purchase a new, complete bicycle from another manufacturer.

I’m going with a new bike.

(Unlike last year I finished the race this year. On foot. Carrying my broken bike for the final hour or so… Here’s the link to my Strava data.)

REVIEW: Five Guys Burgers And Fries

Published on January 29, 2012 in 2012, Food & Wine and Goin' Out. 0 Comments

Today we decided to try out Five Guys Burgers and Fries. Reading the propaganda plastered to the walls and windows of the restaurant I started to get excited that we were about to experience a truly great burger and fries. Stepping up to the counter I could see the burgers being laid out on the cooking surface. For me a burger needs to be cooked on a grill over an open flame. McDonald’s and Wendy’s – the real experts in fast-food – use flat top cooking surfaces. But Five Guys is not “fast food” as it takes about 10 minutes to get your order.

The service was prompt, and the atmosphere was OK for a burger joint. The food was fresh and hot, but it wasn’t very good. Especially when compared to other burger joints like South Street and Woody’s. The toppings were run-of-the-mill and the fries were bland. And it was expensive – $29 for two burgers, one hot dog, one large fries, and one drink. Yikes!

Suffice to say, we won’t be going back to Five Guys. And if anyone wants to go grab a burger with me, South Street and Woody’s are in my ‘hood.

PS: Woody’s serves ice cold beer, and has a patio.