So now you choose to believe these "experts" who can't even predict the weather a day in advance let alone months.
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Toronto-Age |OT2|
- Thread starter EvilMario
- Start date
So now you choose to believe these "experts" who can't even predict the weather a day in advance let alone months.
Deniiiiaaaaalllll
So salty in here.
It helps remove the snow.
AlphaTwo00
Member
As mentioned in the Canadian Gaming Deals thread, tomorrow kicks off the Wii U Tour in Toronto.
I'm probably going to go tomorrow morning to avoid the madhouse that would be at Yonge & Dundas.
I'm probably going to go tomorrow morning to avoid the madhouse that would be at Yonge & Dundas.
Zombie James
Banned
I'll believe it when it doesn't feel like I'm celebrating Christmas in April and we don't have a March heat wave.
BladeWorker
Member
The food looks good. What'd you order? How'd it taste? How was the service?
Hey Toronto GAF,
I have a problem it seems, and couldn't find a better thread to post it in using the search, so I hope I can ask about it here.
My work life has been really unstable for most of this year, and I've become more and more interested in switching to something that is related but I feel I might enjoy more (and be able to get more stable/higher-paying work with). Because of that, I've been volunteering like crazy to really start building on the skills and experiences that will help get me jobs in that area. Aside from volunteering, part of the process has been conducting information interviews to try and gather info and maybe make some connections.
Well just yesterday I was at the office of a place I'd done contract work at before, for a scheduled information interview with an administrator in the line of work I'm investigating. While I was waiting in the office, one of the admins for my former contract position came out of her office and saw me there. She then proceeded to whisper to the secretary/receptionist some things, of which I could hear something along the lines of, "...former [worker](s) keeps coming back...". She gestured in my direction while saying this, and I was the only one there waiting so there's no chance she was talking about someone else.
The admin then told the secretary that they should move to her office to talk more - presumably so that I wouldn't be able to overhear what she would say. They went into her office and stayed in there for a few minutes before coming back out. At no point did they directly say anything to me.
I'm really worried now that this former admin of mine is, has, or is going to, say bad things about me to other staff there, and destroy my chances of working there again - either in the old contract position I had, or the new type I'm looking to move into. It's especially worrying as the meeting I had went well and the person introduced me to someone else in the office, who then told me that they can probably arrange something to get some direct experience with in a few months.
I feel like I can't say anything because she's in a position of power and I don't even work there right now, but it really hurts to think that someone is possibly hurting my chances of getting work by saying negative things about me to other staff.
For the record, I don't even know why she would be doing this. We spoke only a few times while I was there, and it never really extended past simple pleasantries. I also have most assuredly not been coming back to that office alot, or for no reason. I have not gone there in at least about a month and a half, and had to go there those times to tie up loose ends while the position transferred to a permanent employee I'd been filling in for.
I have a problem it seems, and couldn't find a better thread to post it in using the search, so I hope I can ask about it here.
My work life has been really unstable for most of this year, and I've become more and more interested in switching to something that is related but I feel I might enjoy more (and be able to get more stable/higher-paying work with). Because of that, I've been volunteering like crazy to really start building on the skills and experiences that will help get me jobs in that area. Aside from volunteering, part of the process has been conducting information interviews to try and gather info and maybe make some connections.
Well just yesterday I was at the office of a place I'd done contract work at before, for a scheduled information interview with an administrator in the line of work I'm investigating. While I was waiting in the office, one of the admins for my former contract position came out of her office and saw me there. She then proceeded to whisper to the secretary/receptionist some things, of which I could hear something along the lines of, "...former [worker](s) keeps coming back...". She gestured in my direction while saying this, and I was the only one there waiting so there's no chance she was talking about someone else.
The admin then told the secretary that they should move to her office to talk more - presumably so that I wouldn't be able to overhear what she would say. They went into her office and stayed in there for a few minutes before coming back out. At no point did they directly say anything to me.
I'm really worried now that this former admin of mine is, has, or is going to, say bad things about me to other staff there, and destroy my chances of working there again - either in the old contract position I had, or the new type I'm looking to move into. It's especially worrying as the meeting I had went well and the person introduced me to someone else in the office, who then told me that they can probably arrange something to get some direct experience with in a few months.
I feel like I can't say anything because she's in a position of power and I don't even work there right now, but it really hurts to think that someone is possibly hurting my chances of getting work by saying negative things about me to other staff.
For the record, I don't even know why she would be doing this. We spoke only a few times while I was there, and it never really extended past simple pleasantries. I also have most assuredly not been coming back to that office alot, or for no reason. I have not gone there in at least about a month and a half, and had to go there those times to tie up loose ends while the position transferred to a permanent employee I'd been filling in for.
I believe this week Chef Makoto Okuwa is running it and has his own personal menu in addition to the standard Bent menu. We had the duck salad (first picture) which was delicious, great combination of fresh, crunchy ingredients, and the Cod with umi bisque which I liked but my girlfriend said was just okay. The Tuna bread in the background of the second picture was really good (spicy though). The egg custard was okay, not really anything special., but the wagyu beef tongue and the shortrib were really really good. There was a Maki dish that I thought was just middling considering it's cost.
Service was great too. Very nice people and they also give you complimentary dessert which was really good.
Overall great dinner, but I'm not like itching to go back soon. I think Lee's is a bit better.
EDIT: Oh and I should note, it's best to come in even numbers because the meals, although meant for sharing, are really meant for two people.
BladeWorker
Member
HR Issues can be tough. I suggest you contact that person directly and approach them in a friendly tone. Ask to meet with them over coffee because you'd like to get some feedback from your time there.
If she meets you, keep the tone constructive - you're looking for honest feedback. Maybe there's something minor that she perceived another way. Maybe something happened. Maybe she really wasn't talking about you, and is just one of those people who complains about contract workers. Maybe she'll be so flustered that you're willing to have her speak frankly that she offers you a letter of reference. Who knows.
Whatever the feedback, it's now out in the open and you can either address it, refute it, or ignore it. That's a bridge you cross when you get there, but it's generally a good idea to try to rise above.
If she refuses your meet, well, there's really not much you can do without concrete evidence of slander. And, since slander is...well, slander...concreteness is hard to come by. Short of proven damage to your reputation, there's little action you can take to get her to stuff it (even if that's what you'd like to do). If there is demonstrable damage to your reputation, a lawyer's letter might help - but I would consider this a last resort.
The job market is tough and you are making what sounds like a best effort to land a position. You will encounter some trolls under bridges along your career path. You just have to keep going despite them, and remember your three As: acknowledge your struggles, address how you overcome (overcame) them, and advance your goals.
This sounds like good advice. The problems are:
A) I wouldn't know exactly what to say to make it go so nicely as it sounds there (e.g. "Hello, I think I heard you talking about me the other day..."? seems awkward, especially when she could even just easily, and probably would, deny that she said anything about me )
B) The whole situation seems like I'm standing in a room surrounded by powder kegs while holding a lit match. I make the slightest move in any direction and it could all blow up in my face, even with the best of intentions, making things worse and actually causing my worst fears to happen (losing out on work). Hell, it could still blow up without me doing anything with her just spreading these negative thoughts about me.
C) As I don't work there anymore/right now and the interview I was there for is done, I now have no reason to go back except explicitly to confront her about this - which even by doing so I'd be validating her "keeps coming back" comment to herself and anyone else she's said it to. Email seems like a dangerous way of approaching it too.
If it weren't a place I were interested in possibly working at again I wouldn't care so much. I'd probably just write the place off as having a few people who I correctly thought of as two-faced and not somewhere I want to work. Unfortunately, that offer of some work in the area I want to transition to is the best and only such offer I've gotten so far.
Or - If I'm just to email her asking for feedback about my time there. Phrasing is still a challenge - but also the randomness of it would be odd, the fact that I'd only be asking her, and that I'd be asking so long after I finished my time there. It could just still more reinforce her thoughts that I'm hanging around too much.
Edit - With a bit more time thinking about it, the best I can probably do is just let it go for now and hope that I made a good enough impression on those I met the day I went in for that interview that they wouldn't believe/respond to her negativity. If I get to go in there again for some particular other reason, then I can ask her for feedback. Otherwise I'd just be playing right into her attack(s).
Thanks BladeWorker.
A bit? I went to susur lee's restaurant back in 2006. Couldn't believe how expensive it was. His ego has to be huge. While it was tasty, it wasn't worth what he charged.Went to Susur Lee's new restaurant, Bent today:
It was pretty good. A bit overpriced though.
I don't know. I do think it's pricey, maybe a bit too pricey, but it wasn't outlandish to me. I think you have to know what to order too, some of the dishes are kind of a ripoff.
I don't believe so. At least I've never seen on advertised. Most of the dishes at Lee's is family style.
Their signature dish, the coleslaw, is the thing to get. It's pretty fantastic.
JordanN
Banned
I'm on my way to the best buy preview!
Poop. Family style usually means way too much food (see: Rubywatchco). I'm a sucker for a tasting menu.
Go with friends, it's the best way. Also I don't think you'll run into the too much food problem, it's not that much quantity for it's price. Go to Bent if you want smaller portions, and bring a date?
PalaceBrother
Member
I went there for a Chinese new year event and the bill for our table of 6 was astounding. It was about 400-500 per person.
Oh Gawd. That's our grocery bill ($450 range) for two months.
Is the place busy? Who can afford to go to that kind of a restaurant? You are kidding about the 3000 $ bill right?
Going to "the saint" 227 ossington on Saturday for a birthday. I have never been there before, but I hear good things. My main go to order at most restaurants is a big juicy steak, has anyone here ever been/ate at the saint? Anyone try the steak? I'm looking over the menu online and it seems like I'm going for the rib eye steak, I would like to know in advance (before dropping $60) if they make a good steak or not? Thanks for any advice, and ill post a quick critique after I go, to help anyone else who might be thinking of going one day.
PalaceBrother
Member
You are right-it's an absolutely insane price. The event was (I believe) a one off that the restaurant did as a celebration. The owner came by the table a few times and it was generally a pretty intimate affair-I'm not certain if this is standard practice for the chef.
We were invited to tag along with some family as it was my wife's birthday. My folks (who shouldered the bill) were expecting it to be expensive, but everybody was floored when the bill arrived. I don't recall if it was $2,000, $3,000 or somewhere in between. I expect to pay $200-$300 for a very nice meal for my wife and I. This was obviously beyond excessive & I wouldn't do it again. Glad I did though.
I kept the menu as well:
Back from the Wii U demo event. It was just a truck in the Best Buy parking lot, had 7 Wii U systems in there.
2 were demoing NSMBU; 2 demoing Nintendo Land; 1 for Scribblenauts Unlimited; 1 for SiNG Party; and 1 for Just Dance 4.
Not too many people, but it was Friday at 11 am so that's to be expected. There were enough to fill up my games of Nintendo Land and NSMBU, however.
Anyway, overall it was pretty fun, and I picked up a couple t-shirts as well (dragged my mom along with me so we could get them). Won't spam this thread with impressions.
2 were demoing NSMBU; 2 demoing Nintendo Land; 1 for Scribblenauts Unlimited; 1 for SiNG Party; and 1 for Just Dance 4.
Not too many people, but it was Friday at 11 am so that's to be expected. There were enough to fill up my games of Nintendo Land and NSMBU, however.
Anyway, overall it was pretty fun, and I picked up a couple t-shirts as well (dragged my mom along with me so we could get them). Won't spam this thread with impressions.
Back from the Wii U demo event. It was just a truck in the Best Buy parking lot, had 7 Wii U systems in there.
2 were demoing NSMBU; 2 demoing Nintendo Land; 1 for Scribblenauts Unlimited; 1 for SiNG Party; and 1 for Just Dance 4.
Not too many people, but it was Friday at 11 am so that's to be expected. There were enough to fill up my games of Nintendo Land and NSMBU, however.
Anyway, overall it was pretty fun, and I picked up a couple t-shirts as well (dragged my mom along with me so we could get them). Won't spam this thread with impressions.
Sort of disappointed there won't be any ZombiU. It's the one game I actually wanted to play before launch, since I'll be getting Nintendo Land and NSMB U regardless. At least I'll get to see the Game Pad and what not.
Too bad they won't let me play around with the OS at all.
Back from the Wii U demo event. It was just a truck in the Best Buy parking lot, had 7 Wii U systems in there.
2 were demoing NSMBU; 2 demoing Nintendo Land; 1 for Scribblenauts Unlimited; 1 for SiNG Party; and 1 for Just Dance 4.
Not too many people, but it was Friday at 11 am so that's to be expected. There were enough to fill up my games of Nintendo Land and NSMBU, however.
Anyway, overall it was pretty fun, and I picked up a couple t-shirts as well (dragged my mom along with me so we could get them). Won't spam this thread with impressions.
Thanks for the heads-up and impressions, gonna head down soon.
Went to Susur Lee's new restaurant, Bent today:
It was pretty good. A bit overpriced though.
If you don't mind, could you ballpark the tab you paid? I was thinking of taking some friends. $500 for 4 people?
Three of us went and paid 200 after tips. Two girls though.
Clearly the eating habits are reversed in my household.
Actually now that I think about it, we pretty much split everything three ways, so I guess it doesn't matter anyways.
No Wonderful 101 means I can stay home.
Yeah I was really hoping for W101 and Rayman Legends in particular, especially after hearing the latter was being demoed at the various stations scattered about in the US.
Disappointing, but still worth it for me, especially for Nintendo Land which is looking better by the day!
Free t-shirts are always nice too
AlphaTwo00
Member
Well I saw someone hit the Home Button, and BAD THINGS HAPPENED.
I'm pretty sure that's un-final OS, possibly with Final controller.
Like the system crashed, or Nintendo ninjas threw them into a van and drove away? Either way, I'm going to try it at the end of my demo.
Hey Toronto-GAF! So I will be gainfully employed again as of this Monday (Was working up at IBM for 4 years til April when my contract expired) - been unemployed for 6 months and that's now coming to a close.
New job is at the BMO Building / First Canadian Place. Never worked downtown before! Instead of driving to Markham, I'll be one of those suckers commuting into the city via the Go Train.
Any recommendations on food to check out when I'm down there? Got 1 hour for lunch every day - I know there's a bunch of food courts around the PATH system by those buildings - wondering if there'd be anything neat to check out?
New job is at the BMO Building / First Canadian Place. Never worked downtown before! Instead of driving to Markham, I'll be one of those suckers commuting into the city via the Go Train.
Any recommendations on food to check out when I'm down there? Got 1 hour for lunch every day - I know there's a bunch of food courts around the PATH system by those buildings - wondering if there'd be anything neat to check out?
Yeah, ended up playing some NSMB and Nintendo Land, and came away p. impressed. Both games were just fun times, even with complete strangers. I was admittedly lukewarm on the whole system, but I gave it an honest chance and I gotta say I want one now.
Also glad I went today since the Young-Dundas events are probably gonna be stupid packed and I got a good amount of game time in this afternoon.
Also glad I went today since the Young-Dundas events are probably gonna be stupid packed and I got a good amount of game time in this afternoon.
Oppo
Member
There's literally hundreds of options in that area; don't worry, you won't lack for choices.
Also prepare to be shocked at the density of the rat race in the morning
Kuro Madoushi
Unconfirmed Member
Hi from Dominican Republic. Just can't escape the GAF!
Congrats on the job.
WiiU is overrated.
Hope the city is treating you guys well. I miss the water and food, but the weather is is fantastic!
Congrats on the job.
WiiU is overrated.
Hope the city is treating you guys well. I miss the water and food, but the weather is is fantastic!
WrenchNinja
Member
Anyone at the wii u event today?
AlphaTwo00
Member
Crashed. Looked like un-final OS that breaks on enter.Like the system crashed, or Nintendo ninjas threw them into a van and drove away? Either way, I'm going to try it at the end of my demo.
Owned by the same guys who have, IMO, the best steakhouse in Toronto, Jacobs and Co.
Much cheaper than Jacobs and they source their meet from different farms but the steak at The Saint is still quite good. Ribeye is the right choice.
Oppo
Member
Was going to try to check out the Wii U at Dundas Square today (I was in the area) but between the usual Square madness, the Wii U throngs and the 8000-strong zombie walk hapenning at the same time/place with attendant photographers and gawking people, I decided to not hang around. It was bonkers down there today.
Kuro Madoushi
Unconfirmed Member
Was going to try Jacob....the Saint ya say? Hmmmmm