Men's Pocky... no more?

I - was - shocked - !!
Picked up a green box at Candyland, thinking it was Men's Pocky, but, but, but... it's not!!!!! Aaaaaargh!!!! It's just "dark chocolate"!

And I didn't realize until I ate it. It actually tasted different! It's got that "Hershey's" sour after taste! (Somehow I get the impression that Japanese version uses stevia, but I can't verify it.)

Well, I can understand the name "Men's Pocky" isn't good for the North American market, and I don't care as long as I can get the real thing. For the longest time, I've been buying from Candyland, and they have always carried the imported Japanese version! Now... now... I guess they've switched to the non-Japanese one. Sob sob sob... That leaves Fujiya as the only other hope. But they're more expensive.

But, hey! Their price are the same! Shouldn't the North American version be cheaper? I get the feeling that I'm cheated out of the shipping difference! Grrrr.... Plus! The Japanese box is metallic. Apart from shipping cost, the manufacture cost should be less! I think I'll stick to the original version. But of course, in a much lower frequency. Sigh...

Close rip-off encounter

Thanks Steven for the $2 coupon. I went to replenish the pair of earrings, but ended up getting another key chain instead (because of the $4 difference). While I was there, might as well phone up Andrew to see if he needs anything. So, 2 manga books later, the total would give me another coupon, which I can give back to Steven. Andrew and I could each get a dollar off our stuff. Nice and fair.

So, I handed over Steven's coupon, and the cashier guy void it with a red pen. It was true that I distracted him by asking Death Note book 13 questions, but he forgot to give me a new coupon. I almost forgot myself too. Nevertheless, asked for it, got it, and left.

10 feet outside the store, my gut feeling told me to check the receipt. Which I did. Deep down in my heart, I suspect Steven's coupon wasn't deducted. There were 2 different tax rates. My blood sugar was so low, I couldn't think. So I went back inside and asked another lady to figure out the amount I need to collect from Andrew. She kindly did, but heck, I was right about Steven's coupon! The guy did not deduct the $2! And when I protested, he looked blank, like he didn't know what I was talking about.

At the end, I did get $2 cash back. But hey, was that guy day-dreaming on the job? Or was the whole thing sneakily on purpose? If I didn't pay attention, I could have been ripped off $4! So, protect yourself! Always check the receipt! It's not the matter of a few bucks, but doing business honestly.

Thought the story would end here, but, no. I looked at the coupon just now, and realized it's dated Oct 1 to Oct 31. Their coupon is usually valid "next month". Today was Aug 29. Technically speaking, I should have received a September coupon instead of October. This smells kinda fishy. Are they up to something? I confirmed recently that their Crystal Mall branch had closed down. These coupons are only good at the location they're issued. So, if the Metrotown branch closes down in September, the coupon would be no good.

Hmm... if there's a contest for conspiracy queen, I think I might win...

Homework (fans)

It's been dragging for the longest time. Finally my part is done. There are still at least 3 more steps, though. Tassels, sparkles, and jewel. If there's no tassel in stock, we'll have to make some more.

Chocolate blob

So, this is the "Mushroom Mountain" limited grape flavor I mention at Kieran's party. It's all melted and stuck to the foil!! Aaaaaargh! Nevertheless, it's still eatable. But the flavor isn't too good. Very artificial. When it's melted like this, wonder if I can get a refund. Too late, oh well.

Happy birthday Kieran!

Accident on highway #1

It finally happened. An accident on highway #1. Not mine, no worries. I entered from Boundary Road (exit 28A) and it was crawling all the way to exit 23A in North Van at the accident site. The grid lock was so bad, I had to come to a full stop quite a few times on the Second Narrows Bridge. Aaaw man! The bridge was shaking! Never realize that when you're going at 80km/h! Actually quite scary!

No need to say, I was 20 minutes late. (Would have been on time.) Luckily the nature of my job is very flexible, and my employer is very understanding. Guess I've been lucky so far not to encounter an accident on that rote.

Strangely, on my way home, there was yet another accident on highway #1! It wasn't as bad as the one in the morning, though. Apparently it was way out in Surrey or something. (Sorry I wasn't paying attention to the news.) It's amazing how one accident can hold up traffic that far away.

And I just couldn't resist taking pictures of what would have been blurred going at 80km/h. Just a souvenir. (^_^)

Anime Evolution 2007 (5)

Some after thoughts...

I'm soooo glad I came home alive. Looking back, perhaps I shouldn't have gone.

1. I was sick with a cold.
2. Sleep and food deprived. (Only got 1 hour sleep the night before, preparing for the flea market. Never recovered.)
   
3. I had to manage the flea market table alone. (And I got about $20 worth of stuff stolen.)
   
4. There weren't any programming that I reeeeally wanna see.

On the other hand,

1. I really need to sell stuff at the flea market.
2. This might be the last chance to see FMA cosplay.
3. Should support the local event.
4. Might open some new doors.

Well, I guess at the end I'm happy that I went. Next year, if possible, I wouldn't mind trying the artist alley. I'd like to share a table. Anybody interested? (^_^)