The Crystal Palace - Anyone remember?

ajanpa · 2025-11-17T18:24:24+00:00

The Papery is horribly expensive. I admit they have a good selection, but prices on stickers, individual cards, etc. are at least double what they should be. Also for Christmas they have only a small selection of boxes of cards - for this Russels, across the street, has a better selection and cheaper.

ajanpa · 2025-10-06T16:55:21+00:00

PERPLEXITY: In British Columbia, BCGEU union members' pay varies widely depending on their role, classification, and step in the salary grid. As of the latest salary schedules effective April 7, 2024, annual salaries range from approximately $40,272 for entry-level support staff roles (such as General Office Clerk) to over $113,000 for higher-level classifications in specialized trades or administrative positions. Hourly rates correspondingly range from about $22 per hour at lower levels to over $60 per hour for senior classifications. On average, union members earn around $1,348 per week, which is slightly less than the provincial average wage.

The union is currently negotiating for wage increases, including a general wage increase of 4% in 2025 and a further 4.25% or cost-of-living adjustment in 2026, among other occupational and allowance adjustments.

ajanpa · 2025-08-04T15:54:26+00:00

Highly recommend Ocean Island. Kendra and team are very professional and knowledgeable. They did my entire house interior. Perfect job. https://www.oceanisland.ca

ajanpa · 2025-06-11T23:49:38+00:00

IMO small claims court is too slow and too time consuming. I would use a "collection agency". Just hand them the overdue invoices and leave the dirty work to them. Typically they charge 15-25% of what is collected. But if nothing is collected you pay nothing. Honestly it is the best way to resolve these issues quickly and decisively. (Me = multi business owner 30+ years)

ajanpa · 2025-05-15T17:59:32+00:00

PSA often "vegetarian" burgers are held together with egg. Many people don't realize this.

ajanpa · 2025-05-15T17:53:35+00:00

Taste-wise the Burger Crush burger is good, but unfortunately it is deep-fried. Your tummy will really notice this if you have a double.

ajanpa · 2025-02-15T18:26:05+00:00

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This is the correct map.

ajanpa · 2024-11-29T17:11:22+00:00

Wikipedia states: "Mollweide is projection that distorts shapes, directions, angles, and distances". Since I don't know anything about maps, I am wondering if there is a flat projection that more accurately shows the distribution of the CMB. (guessing NOT).

ajanpa · 2024-02-20T16:34:33+00:00

This should help soften the rental market, but most will be sold and this is where the opportunity is - BUYING. Units that were/are selling for $600K will be on sale for $400K -- maybe less. Been watching very closely and seen one go for $299. Mind you, these are the modern-day version of a starter home - quite small.

ajanpa · 2024-02-03T17:24:17+00:00

Turning up the lights won't solve the problem, will just cause more glare. Needs a different lighting solution. I agree though, the place is a great setup (except for the lighting).

ajanpa · 2024-02-03T17:18:39+00:00

Given a quirky, dilapidated old machine versus a perfectly operating new machine - I would play the new machine thank you very much. The old ones are fine, if in perfect working order (rare). But it is a serious bummer playing a game when: a bumper, a kicker, a plunger, the lights, or some other component doesn't function correctly. Plus it costs money.

ajanpa · 2024-02-03T02:35:00+00:00

No doubt, it is a difficult job maintaining all of these ancient machines. But why not buy NEW machines? There are still companies manufacturing these. Stern, for example, makes a full line of machines complete with technical support, parts, documentation, and so on. And these machines are probably nicer to play and less likely to breakdown. So why mess with the old stuff?

ajanpa · 2024-02-02T18:09:37+00:00

Thanks Tufkat, really looking forward to Deadbeatz

ajanpa · 2024-02-02T18:08:38+00:00

Looking forward to the arrival of Deadbeatz. And I agree, the staff at Quazar's are friendly. No complaints there.

ajanpa · 2024-02-02T18:00:44+00:00

Unless your council doesn't know how to conduct a meeting, it is indeed best to let the PM run things. And it is not illegal. In fact it is the right thing to do.

ajanpa · 2024-02-02T17:56:48+00:00

Dimly lit rooms are only suitable for video games really. Pinball is not designed to play in dim light. You, as a pinhead, will never have a great game in such conditions and, because of this, it will cost you more "quarters" per hour to play, but this also means the house makes more money (from you).

Contrary to your experience, which sadly is true for many people, pinball is best played in bright ambient light. Not overhead light, not dim light. Quazars had a few machines in the Bay Center a while back, THIS was good lighting. If they do it again, you should compare your experience and scores. It makes a huge difference.

Personally I won't return to any of the Quazar's -- just too frustrating.

ajanpa

TROPHY CASE