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Monday, February 16, 2009

Senhor Rooster. Portugese Fine Dining Vancouver

Valentine's Day 2009-

I had called around the week before to some of our favourites: Seasons in the Park (Queen Elizabeth), Shaughnessy (Van Dusen), Tea House (Stanley Park) . But of course, with only the big day a week away, the earliest reservation we could get was at 9:00pm. Nah, too late for dinner.

So I went to the ol' trusty Google and typed in "romantic" "restaurant" "Vancouver" .

A myriad of choices, here and there. Somehow, "Senhor Rooster" stood out. Perhaps it was the slighty unusual and comical name. I trust it wasn't going to be a chicken place. There were some nice patron reviews. I called them up, and my 7pm reservation request was accepted.

Likes:
- lots of street parking available
- great ambience for a romantic dinner : candlelight, homey, warm colours
- the hostess surprised my wife with a rose
- very friendly staff. Our waiter took the time in the beginning to get to know us
- loved the live singing and music! The male keyboardist and female singer performed all types of songs - Abba, Stevie Wonder, Paul Anka, Sting, UB40 (I think that's what it was)
- we also loved the spacious dance floor. Yes, there was time for dancing!
- nice table layout - not too close to each other - gave a feeling of privacy
- our quail appetizer, sole fish dish and rib-eye steak were excellent. The steak especially impressed us. We asked for well-done, knowing that for most restaurants, it was going to be a hit-and-miss because almost all too often it seemed "well done" would bring us tough and chewy meat. However, the steak was savoury, juice and yes, well done.
- our waiter's patience and his great service attitude (see below).

Didn't Like"
- we were not told that "Bacalhau" cod dish was actually a *salted* cod fish. As soon as I filled my mouth with the fish and mashed potatoes, I almost gagged. Being caught off guard with such a bold salty taste was not the highlight of my dining experience. Sorry, but this dish was basically rejected. I don't mind salted foods, but with a large dish that was salty, I had to ask them to bring me another dish. Our waiter was very understanding. Kudos to him! Despite this, he was as courteous and friendly as ever throughout the rest of the evening

All in all, we enjoyed our evening, our first time at this restaurant, our first time to dine at a Portugese restaurant. Repeat, yes!

Link: http://www.senhorrooster.com/
Phone: 604-434-1010

Friday, February 06, 2009

Webcammax Virtual Webcam, plus Ustream.tv

Feb 5, 2009.

The scenario: I'd been looking into ways to do an online presentation, starring me live (with viewers seeing my not-so-famous face) via webcam and also for viewers to see my powerpoint slides. Furthermore, I wanted viewers to hear my voice without the need to dial in separately with the phone. It was important too for viewers find it easy to join in . At the same time, I didn't want to be limited by cost of service , for example, to pay $$ per month if I reached a certain number of people viewing my show. On average, the number of viewers would be around 30 people, with a potential audience limit of 100 people or even more.

There was Adobe Acrobat Connect, but while it was excellent at showing slides (with sharp graphics), the oral audio portion could only be done through telephone, eg. the participants had to dial into the conference bridge, toll free. Not only that, but at $39 per month or $395/yr for only up to 15 viewers or participants, it wasn't feasible nor practical for my purposes.

I looked into DimDim at DimDim.com. Actually, very good! Audio, webcam, and powerpoint slide broadcasting available. This would be an excellent web conferencing solution for those with a smaller audience. DimDim as a free version for an audience smaller than 21 people. From 21 to 100 people, it is $99 per year, and from 101 participants to 1000, it's $1,998 per year. I would certainly consider DimDim as a backup for conferencing with a smaller group of people.

It was during this time of researching that I came across Ustream.tv . I saw a couple of shows delivered by webcam and mic.audio - a coffeetasting show and a live radio dj hosting show. It didn't seem to limit the amount of viewers. It allowed interaction between the viewers and host by text chat, and there was the feature where you can have your own social networking links etc on the webpage showing your streaming video. And there is no charge to broadcast. Cool concept actually. So I got thinking- with no limits and fees, is there a way to also stream powerpoint slides? Yes, there is, by setting up a "virtual webcam". Since Ustream.tv broadcasts whatever is showing on your webcam (or your video camera that is integrated to your graphics card), you can also set up Ustream.tv to broadcast internally from a virtual webcam of whatever you see on your desktop.

So, why not stream your desktop as it plays your powerpoint slideshow?


This was when I looked into the virtual webcams out there. There was Manycam and Webcammax. Manycam was able to stream my powerpoint slides, but the quality as seen on the viewer end was not great. You can probably use Manycam if all the fonts in your powerpoint were larger 24point bold fonts, maybe.


Then I tried Webcammax. Ustream recognized Webcammax, and I set Webcammax to take a "video" of the the view of my desktop as the source. You can alternatively select your real webcam as the source. With Webcammax you can select an additional source if you want and do "picture-in-picture" style. I chose to just switch main sources between desktop and webcam whenever I wanted to go from using the virtual webcam to show whatever was on my desktop (powerpoint show) to showing myself on the optical webcam. (I didn't know I used my hands so much and moved my head around a lot, LOL!) . I found the quality of Webcammax's streamed desktop's powerpoint graphics and font to be significantly better than Manycam. I admit, however, that DimDim and Acrobat Connect still were superior in the quality of the broadcasted computer desktop graphics. Another important note: Webcammax did not once cause my screen to freeze. However, for some reason, I had a few problems with Manycam freezing my screen indefinitely and once causing my laptop to heat up quickly and shut off, judging by how fast the fan started to blow.


Costwise, Webcammax is $19.95 for 6 months, $29.95/yr, $39.95 for 2 years, and $49.95 bought outright. Very reasonable pricing. But okay, Manycam is free! However, what good is "free" if a product or service does not meet your needs? In fact, because Manycam caused technical problems, it was going to be expensive in the longrun in terms of viewer prospects who would have been annoyed and most likely would have tuned out as lost potential customers.

My review of these various products was focussed on what I needed to do: to stream on the web my powerpoint presentations, include my oral/audio live, and to be able to switch back and forth from powerpoint to live video of myself. The quality of graphics as seen by the viewers was equally important. Next, cost would be a consideration, especially in relation to the number of participants. I should point out that yes, there are a whole bunch of other features that were available, such as backgrounds, visual effects, etc, but then again, I was interested in only researching the relevant features for my purposes.


So here's my conclusive ranking.
In order of preference for doing what I wanted to do, effectively and with practicality:

1) Webcammax plus UStream.tv

2) DimDim
3) Manycam plus Ustream.tv
4) Adobe Acrobat Connect

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Eric shows entrepreneurs how to start and run a lucrative business from the comfort of their own home.

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Thursday, February 05, 2009

The Secret - of Legally Shoplifting, with a Scanner

I've been meaning to "tell the whole world" about a little-known secret - well, fellow Vancouverites and okay, Canadian shoppers.

Three times, I've been on the *fortunate* end of getting things for free or at significantly reduced price.

Last year, I had picked up a can of baby formula from Safeway. It was on sale, and when you go through a regularly priced $21.99 can of powdered formula 5 times a month, a sale at $17.99 is always very good news.

After paying and heading out, I looked at my receipt as I settled into the car. Hmmm, $21.99! My lucky day! And I was saying this to myself like I had won the lottery. Sarcasm took no part today. With a big grin, I went to the Customer Service desk and told them about the mistake. A few minutes later, I walked out as if I had effectively spent $7.99 for the can of powdered formula instead of $17.99? How? I'll tell you another story first!

Today Feb 4, 2009. I went to buy a manicuring tool at London Drugs. I made a quick note of the $4.99 price tagged on the shelf and then dashed through the checkout counter with my payment. As I left the store, I glanced at the receipt. Whoo hoo! $5.99 ! So, you math whizzes out there, how much did I get back? I got back $6.71 ! I got it for free! It's interesting though, the person at the London Drugs Customer Service Desk happened to be a Sales Manager or Supervisor (I forget which title). He was about to give the difference I was overcharged, but then I mentioned the "Scanner...Code". He said, "Oh, you know about it!". And he promptly gave me the cash for the total price of the item, plus tax.


Many thanks to the "Scanner Price Accuracy Voluntary Code" ("SCOP") in Canada!
http://is.gd/isbb

Here's what it states:
If the scanned price of a non-price item is higher than the shelf price or any other displayed price, the customer is entitled to receive the first item free, up to a $10 maximum. If a Code of Practice problem cannot be resolved at the store level, please call 1-866-499-4599 to register your complaint.

So, Canadian shoppers, the next time you go through the doors of a major grocery store, look for the white sticker sign on the glass door or window nearby, headlined in bold "Scanner Price Accuracy Voluntary Code." Be mindful of the shelf prices (especially sale prices of course!). Do your best to check your receipt. You might walk out with a great bargain!

Eric C
An elite business solutions specialist

More information including a list of participating stores:
http://is.gd/ismy

(The contents of this blog is not meant to be legal advice. Please consult your lawyer.)

FAQ's

Who participates in the SCOP?

Nearly every major retailer in Canada participates in the voluntary Scanning Code.


If the store I am in does not have the sign do they participate in the SCOP?

Although all participating retailers are suppose to display the Scanning Code of Practice sign as shown above, not all do. See the link above for a full list of participating stores and chains.


Does Zeller’s particpate in SCOP?

No, Zeller’s does not participate in voluntary Scanning Code.


Will the cashier give me the product free without mentioning the SCOP?

It is likely that you will have to ask the cashier to apply the Scanning Code of Practice. If the store is a participant they must give it to you for free or $10 off if the priced scanned is higher than the shelf or other displayed price. If the store will not apply the code, call 1-866-499-4599 and register a complaint.


How about if I more than one of an item that scans in wrong?

If you buy three identical items you are entitled to the first item free, the following items will be adjusted to the lower price.


How about if I buy many different items that scan in wrong?

You are entitled to the first item free per unique UPC, so if each item has a different UPC each item is free. You are entitled to one item free per unique UPC code.


The product had a price tag on it does the SCOP apply?


No, the Scanning Code only applies to non-price ticketed items.


The displayed price was expired, does the SCOP apply?

Yes, if any displayed price for that item is lower than the price the item scans for Scanning Code applies.


The item was on clearance or sale-priced. Does the SCOP apply?

If the item is not ticketed with a price and the mark down was only by a sign or dsiplay than yes, the scanning code applies.


How about if the price that scans in for lower than the display price does the SCOP apply?

No, the Scanning Code of Practice only applies if the scanned price is higher than the shelf or any other displayed price (not tagged physically on product).


My item was more than $10 do I get it free?

No, if your item is more than $10 you will get $10 off the price of your item.

***

Code of Practice: Scanner Price Accuracy Voluntary Code

STATEMENT OF INTENT
Canadian retailers are committed to accurate scanner pricing. Incorrect prices can result in poor customer relations and legal sanctions. Consequently many retailers are now implementing a variety of procedures that were developed to help achieve and maintain accurate scanner pricing.

Code of Practice: Scanner Price Accuracy Voluntary Code 2002 The Scanner Price Accuracy Voluntary Code ("the Code") evolved from the collaborative efforts of Retail Council of Canada (RCC), the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG), and the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors (CCGD). These associations are composed of national, regional and local retailers selling a wide assortment of general merchandise, as well as pharmaceutical and food products.

This diversity in the Canadian retail environment underscores the advisability of a voluntary code that can be widely used.

The Scanner Price Accuracy Voluntary Code has been endorsed by the Competition Bureau.

PURPOSE
The purpose of the Code is to:

1. Visibly demonstrate retailer commitment to scanner price accuracy;
2. Provide retailers with a consistent national framework for dealing with scanner price accuracy issues; and
3. Provide the retail industry with a mechanism for consumer redress in scanner price accuracy cases, to be managed by the industry through an industry committee.

SCOPE
The Code applies to all scanned Universal Product Code (UPC), bar coded, and/or Price Look Up (PLU) merchandise sold in stores, with the exception of goods not easily accessible to the public (e.g. prescription drugs and behind-the-counter cosmetics), and individually price-ticketed items.

The Code does not apply in provinces or territories where existing legislation or regulation covers these concerns.

A retailer adopting the Code must abide by the policies outlined below.

Signatories to Scanner Accuracy


CACDS Supporting Companies:
Shoppers Drug Mart
The Groupe Jean Coutu (NB and Ont only)
Lawton Drug Stores
London Drugs
Lovell Drugs
Pharma-save (BC and Sask)
Pharma Plus

CCGD Supporting Companies:
Canada Safeway Limited
The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company of Canada Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited
Sobeys Inc.
Metro Inc.
Thrifty Foods
Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.
Co-op Atlantic
Federated Co-operatives Limited

RCC Supporting Companies:
Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.
The Home Depot Canada
Canadian Tire Corporation Ltd.
Toys r Us
Rona
Wal*Mart Canada Corp.
Giant Tiger Stores Ltd.
The North West Company
Best Buy/Future Shop
2 Home Hardware franchisees

CFIG Supporting Companies:
Thrifty Foods
Overwaitea Food Group
The Harry Watson Group
Longos Brothers Fruit Markets
+ 1374 independent locations
1. THE ITEM FREE SCANNER POLICY
Retailers will implement an Item Free Scanner Policy as follows:
1.1 On a claim being presented by the customer, where the scanned price of a product at checkout is higher than the price displayed in the store or than advertised by the store, the lower price will be honoured; and

(a) if the correct price of the product is $10 or less, the retailer will give the product to the customer free of charge; or
(b) if the correct price of the product is higher than $10, the retailer will give the customer a discount of $10 off the corrected price.

1.2 Where the same error recurs in scanning multiple units of a given product during a given transaction, the retailer will correct the scanning error in respect of each unit of the given product purchased, but is obliged to apply the policy set out in 1.1 (a) and (b) in respect of only one of the units.

1.3 Paragraph 1.1 only applies after the final sale price of the purchased item has been displayed at the checkout, including relevant rebate, discount or promotional coupons.

1.4 To be eligible for the Item Free Scanner Policy, the product must match the product description on the corresponding shelf tag.

1.5 The Item Free Scanner Policy does not apply if the barcode or shelf label for a given product has been tampered with.

1.6 The Item Free Scanner Policy does not apply to a product where, in respect of that product, the law:

(a) establishes a minimum price (or specified price); or
(b) does not permit the retailer to offer a discount or a rebate.

2. CORRECTION OF ERRORS
2.1 Once a scanner pricing error is brought to the attention of the retailer, appropriate steps should be taken as quickly as possible to correct the source of the error.

2.2 When a retailer cannot immediately correct a scanning error in respect of a product, it will post a correction notice in a conspicuous place. Once such a notice has been posted, the Item Free Scanner Policy is no longer in effect in respect of the relevant product.

3. RETAILERS' RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1 Retailers will apply the Code, both in letter and in spirit.

3.2 Retailers will establish appropriate internal policies and procedures for maintaining a high level of scanner price accuracy.

3.3 Retailers will display the sign attached hereto as Attachment 1 at all store entrances or in a conspicuous location near the store entrances. Retailers will display the sign attached hereto as Attachment 2 at each checkout station within their stores.

3.4 Retailers will train staff on the Code generally and the Item Free Scanner Policy in particular.

3.5 Retailers will have copies of their current advertising material (e.g. flyers, etc.) available and readily accessible for customer reference.

4. SHELF LABELS
4.1 For those products that are not individually price-ticketed, a clear and legible label must be affixed to the shelf next to the product.

4.2 The shelf label (peg label, basket label) must contain an accurate description of the item and shall include the price of the item or, where the item is sold at a price based on a unit of measurement, the price per unit of measurement.

4.3 The price on the shelf label must be in at least 28-point bold type print, and product description in at least 10-point type print.

4.4 A sign for a given product within the retailer's premises which is not displayed with that product (i.e., is displayed elsewhere within the retailer's premises), shall comply with the minimum requirements described above and be at least 38.71 sq. cm in size.

5. CUSTOMER RECEIPTS
5.1 The cash register receipt provided to the customer for a transaction must contain, at a minimum, the following information:

* the retailer's name;
* the date of the transaction;
* the nature of each item purchased and/or any distinguishing mark (subject to the system's limitations); and
* the price and description of each purchased item

6. CODE MAINTENANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
6.1 A Scanner Price Accuracy Committee ("the Committee") will be created to review the Code on an annual basis and to recommend required amendments. The Committee should be composed of representatives of CACDS, CFIG, CCGD, RCC and the Consumers' Association of Canada (CAC).

6.2 The Committee should be responsible for keeping the Code up to date.

6.3 The Committee should meet at least twice a year in order to supervise national implementation of the Code and consider any recommended changes to it.

6.4 The Committee should create sector specific panels (i.e. Grocery, Drug or General Merchandise). Each panel should:

(a) be composed of representatives of the respective trade associations and the CAC;
(b) review any outstanding complaints arising from the Item Free Scanner Policy; and
(c) recommend ways of resolving the complaint and provide relevant direction to the appropriate contact person.

6.5 The Committee shall prepare an annual report for the Competition Bureau concerning the number of complaints received and their resolution.

7. CONSUMER COMPLAINT PROCESS
7.1 When a scanner price error occurs, the cashier will be authorized to implement the Item Free Scanner Policy.

7.2 A customer dissatisfied with the cashier's decision will be directed to the store manager or supervisor.

7.3 If the store manager or supervisor cannot resolve the dispute, the customer should be directed to a designated company representative.

7.4 The time period for considering a particular complaint should be left to the discretion of the retailer. However, generally complaints should be resolved as expeditiously as possible and, in any event, no later than one month after the error is alleged to have occurred.

7.5 In the event that the dispute between the retailer and the consumer cannot be resolved:

(a) either party may refer the complaint to the Scanner Price Accuracy Committee; and
(b) if the dispute remains unresolved it may, at the request of either party, be referred to a designated arbitrator on a cost recovery basis.

2007, Retail Council of Canada — The Voice of Retail