Monthly Archives: June 2016

OtterBox’s Phone Cases are Out-of-the-Box!

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One of the reasons why I often hesitate to upgrade my mobile phone / devices is because I am quite hard on them, and frequently drop them.

That said, when I recently got my spiffy new Samsung Galazy S7, I knew that I needed to protect it from damages given the cost, and the importance of having a working device.

Soon, after receiving my new phone, my sister-in-law introduced me to a protective case made by a company known as OtterBox. OtterBox cases are shock and drop resistant, and when she showed me her phone covered with one of the cases, I immediately noticed the added weight to an otherwise sleek phone. In addition, the phone certainly didn’t look very attractive, but as my sister-in-law said, “neither does a phone with a cracked screen that is all scratched up”. By the end of the conversation, it was clear to me that this purchase was a no-brainer, and the case was well worth the price.

While I was originally going to order a case online, I decided to call my local Best Buy, who had the case in stock, and was willing to match the online price (kudos to Best Buy for going after sales aggressively). Half an hour later, with some help from the Best Buy staff, I had my phone in the case, and was ready to hit the road.

The quality of the case is truly fantastic, and while a bit challenging to put on the first time, it really does what it is meant to do… protect your device. Although, I would say that when I get dirt on my phone screen, it takes a while to clean it up. However, once you get the hang of it, it becomes much easier to clean.

I should also mention that since there are a lot of counterfeit products in the marketplace, I highly recommend spending an extra few dollars and buying it from either OtterBox’s official website or a reputable retailer.

While having a phone encased in something heavy and bulky takes away from its sleekness, it is nonetheless better than a broken phone. Fortunately, I haven’t dropped my new phone yet, however, if and when I do drop it, I know it will be very well protected.

OtterBox
855-688-7269
otterbox.com

 

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Say “Roger, Roger” to Rogers’ Excellent Customer Service

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Similar to many other Canadians, I’ve been using Rogers for phone, internet, and cable services for countless years. While I’ve had complaints, I’ve also had good experiences when dealing with some of their great customer service representatives.

Recently, two of my special offers were coming to an end, and I reached out to a representative to see what could be done about the pricing. In addition to receiving help, the representative even went out of their way to assist me in obtaining a new phone, and once I received the new phone (a spiffy, new, Samsung Galaxy S7) the representative helped me figure out all the new features, apps, etc. Being a Blackberry user for the longest time, I really appreciated them making the transition to a new device go as smoothly as possible.

Based on my recent interactions, and how the representatives took care of me, I believe that Rogers is truly making significant improvements in their customer service. In almost all cases, they have been able to help me out and keep me as a satisfied customer.

In the end, despite the ever-evolving world of telecommunications, I think that Rogers will be able to keep up with the needs of their customers.

Rogers Communications
1-855-381-7834
rogers.com

 

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Links Road Animal and Bird Clinic Excels in Pet and Family Care

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Several years ago, my wife, daughter, and I adopted a rabbit, Hopper, who had previously lived at my daughter’s daycare. We used to take care of Hopper during the summer months and the holiday season, so when the daycare staff changed and the rabbit was no longer receiving the attention he deserved, we welcomed the adoption.

With our newfound responsibility of being pet owners, we wanted to take Hopper to an animal clinic for regular check ups, however, it wasn’t easy to find a clinic for small animals. Eventually, we discovered the Links Road Animal and Bird Clinic with its friendly, helpful, and accommodating staff. In addition to the great service, the clinic was also reasonably priced.

When we first adopted Hopper, we knew that he was already an older rabbit, and over the past few weeks, he seemed to be experiencing some health issues, so my wife took him to the clinic. The vet took one look at him and informed my wife that he was not doing well. He had clearly lost a lot of weight, and by completing a quick exam, the vet could tell that Hopper was experiencing kidney failure. Sadly, the vet’s recommendation was to put Hopper to sleep, to avoid any unnecessary pain or suffering.

My wife was obviously shocked and saddened by this news, and immediately called me to figure out what to do. Although the clinic was near its closing hours, the staff members did not rush my wife, and instead suggested that my daughter and myself come over, so that everyone could say a final good-bye to the family pet.

It was a very upsetting time, and the staff members not only took good care of Hopper, but took care of us as well. They were very patient with us as we had a final cuddle and bid farewell, and even gave me a treat that we knew Hopper enjoyed, so that we could at least send him off on as sweet a note as possible.

The staff members at Links Road Animal and Bird Clinic were very compassionate and made a bad situation as easy to deal with as possible. I would like to thank them for all of their help, support, and care over the years.

Hopper, you will be sorely missed.

Links Road Animal and Bird Clinic
41 The Links Road
Toronto, ON M2P 1T7
416-223-1165
thelinksroadanimalclinic.com

 

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Top 5 Toronto Staycation Ideas

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This week, we present to you another one of our “Top Lists”! Have you ever wanted to get away for the weekend, but find that a vacation would be too time-consuming and require a lot of planning? If you find yourself stuck in Toronto this weekend, then this list will help you make the best of it! Here is our pick of Toronto’s top 5 staycation ideas:

1. Book a Hotel: Check your friends or family into a hotel of choice for a few nights. When you arrive at the hotel, unpack and spend your day in the pool, enjoy some spa treatments, and try some fine wine while dining at the hotel’s restaurant. We highly recommend the One King West Hotel, the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, and the Thompson Hotel!

2. Take a Culinary Tour: Book a tour with The Culinary Adventure Company to experience Toronto’s culinary and historical diversity. Meet with chefs, artisan food producers, butchers, and bakers on a Food Tour, enjoy a seven-course gourmet picnic and a tour of vineyards on a Culinary Adventure, or take a class on how to make cheese! Whatever you choose to do, you will have a delicious staycation experience.

3. Go to the Beach: You can spend your weekend relaxing, catching some sun, playing volleyball, biking, and even rollerblading at Bluffer’s Park Beach! Due to its proximity to the Scarborough Bluffs, you and your family or date can end the weekend with a beautiful view. A visit to the Toronto Island beaches will be just as delightful and safe, as Toronto has high beach water quality standards.

4. Visit a Water Park: Put a splash of fun in your weekend by visiting a water park such as Kidstown! While children can enjoy features such as the tipping bucket, slide, splash pad, and wading pool, adults can have a picnic on the grassy area. Did you know that Kidstown is also free of cost? Another great water park to visit is the one at the Great Wolf Lodge. Make sure to check out their newest Wolf Tail ride!

5. Explore a Historical Site: If you love history and culture, then Black Creek Pioneer Village is a great place to immerse yourself in the customs, lifestyles, and surroundings of early Toronto residents. This month, you would not only get to explore the pioneer brewery, but also participate in The Battle of Black Creek – a revolutionary war re-enactment! In addition, the village offers many fun activities for children. Casa Loma is also a great place to visit if you are curious about Gothic Revival architecture!

 

 

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Top 5 Rooftop Patios in Toronto

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Here is another one of our “Top Lists”! Summer is almost here, and the desire to catch up with friends has never been greater. When you are in the company of an amazing friend, a must-have is a restaurant that is just as amazing. Toronto is famous for its many restaurants – from board game cafés such as Snakes and Lattes to pitch-black dining rooms at the O.Noir. However, it is Toronto’s rooftop patios that are on our radar this week. They do not only offer amazing food, but also allow you to fully enjoy the summer sun. Here is our pick of Toronto’s top 5 rooftop patios:

1. Pauper‘s Pub: Located at 539 Bloor Street West, this rooftop patio is in the heart of the Toronto Annex. It is the perfect place to try out the pub’s delicious beverages menu on a Friday night or the weekend. From non-alcoholic drinks to draughts, to tallboys, Pauper‘s Pub has a beverage for everyone.

2. Madison Avenue Pub: This pub is located at 14 Madison Avenue, and it is home to not only a lovely rooftop patio, but the home of fantastic food and live music. This pub also has a distinct British flair. The decorated walls, brass fittings, and comfortable booths make for a memorable experience.

3. The Flight Deck: Part of The Pilot and located at 22 Cumberland Street, the Flight Deck is the restaurant’s recipe for success. You would not only get to bask in the sunlight, enjoy the cool breeze, have some cold drinks, and make new friends, but also enjoy how it is away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s streets.

4. Sky Yard: Located at 1150 Queen Street West is the Drake Hotel’s roof top patio. The Sky Yard is truly a hidden gem in Toronto, as it is decorated with a very modern aesthetic, and has speedy and friendly customer service.

5. Jazz Bistro: If you and your friends love jazz music, then this rooftop patio located at 251 Victoria Street is the place to be on a hot summer’s day. Its unique atmosphere, coupled with a seasonal cocktail menu, give it a well-deserved place in our top 5 picks. The knowledgeable staff members are a fantastic bonus.

Other worthy mentions include Jack Astor’s and Milestones, both of which have locations in downtown Toronto and are always ready to provide stellar customer service.

 

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