Harvie: Hello rich rich-c: hi Harvie, I'm on Firefox - see how it lasts Harvie: It works good for me rich-c: on Saturday IE wouldn't hold for even ten minutes rich-c: well, first time I tried Firefox I still got booted a lot rich-c: hope this isn't going to be like that Harvie: I don't know what to think, you are the only one that consistently gets dropped rich-c: no, there was one night Bob kept getting dropped, and another when Ron was the one Harvie: But you , every night :) Harvie: I see John hasn't sorted out his backbone problems
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changed username to rich1 Harvie: Hello again, must have hexed you rich1: see what I mean about getting dumped? wasnt on five minutes! rich1: I think Dale's server just doesn't like me 8-( rich1: and this time we didnt even have someone coming in or leaving Harvie: We will have to find a Windows network monitor to try to pinpoint the problem rich1: I see Dr.D. won't be with us tonight rich1: I have Sam Spacde; will that do?
moved to room Meeting Place Harvie: Did he e-mail the list? rich1: who D rich1: r.D? yes Harvie: Yes rich1: hello Harvie: Do we have a lurker?
changed username to Marie rich1: someone seems to be having trouble getting in Marie: hi uncle richard rich1: oh, hi Rie Harvie: Hi Marie Marie: where is every1 Marie: hi harvie] rich1: how's the weather down in Windsor? Marie: snowing rich1: what about temp? Marie: not sure Marie: but it's really cold rich1: we've had intermittent snow and temperature dropping rich1: tomorrow is supposed to be a real bun freezer Marie: we got 3 inches of snow last night and were supossed to get snow the next 2 days rich1: and don't even ask about Friday 8-( rich1: now environment canada is saying expect cold for teh next few weeks Marie: have you spoke to eirn? rich1: no, we don't do voice and she hasn't been on tonight Marie: oic rich1: it's Pamela who keeps tabs on what Erin's up to ;-) Marie: oic rich1: but then Pamela isn't on yet either - maybe teh two of them are plotting mischief Marie: i haven't spoken to either of them rich1: Erin is very busy at her job, with long hours, apparently Marie: i know rich1: I don't think she's all that comfortable on the internet, either Marie: erin? Marie: we used to talk on here sall the time rich1: yes, Erin - she doesn't seem to know much and doesn't pay much attention rich1: oh, she gets on chat very regularly, I was just thinking in general terms Marie: k rich1: who knows, maybe she's caught a virus or some spyware and her computer won't work Marie: who know rich1: quite, we'll just have to wait and see Marie: well i better jet then rich1: but I'll bet her anti-virus (if she has one) isn't up to date Marie: i'll be beack in a bit Harvie: If she uses Windows probably, not maybe rich1: OK c u later
Marie left chat session Harvie: How's the health rich? rich1: I'm not sure she knowws anything other than Windows exists - adn doesn't want to
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changed username to james james: hi, here but back and forth james: how is everyone? Harvie: Hi James rich1: I go in for a Holter Friday morning - then after about ten days they tell me what they've discovered rich1: good morning, james rich1: just telling Harvie, we're still trying to find out where to go on my heart meds
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changed username to Daniel B Harvie: Hello Daniel Daniel B: wow! no many online tonight rich1: actually he's quiet about it but I suspect Bob'sd problems are more severe than mine Daniel B: did i miss somETHing? james: and i can'T stay long, unfortunately, have to translate some stuff rich1: bone nuit, Daniel rich1: not a great deal, Daniel, more general chit-chat so far Daniel B: bonsoir rich, james et harvie james: hi, dan rich1: now you're her3e, Daniel, that may liven things up a bit rich1: what are you needing to translate, james? Daniel B: well, I subscribe to some courses to learn how to find a job. Daniel B: I will probably find why I'm not lucky rich1: have you tried some of the internet sites like Workopolis? rich1: Harvie, which is teh government branch that handles job hunting? Daniel B: yes I tried some sites, but the problem is I didn't receive answers. rich1: they have an office in Lawrence Square that's always busy james: i have to translate some stuff for the kids going on the trip Harvie: grc.ca rich1: well, the more you register with the better your chances of getting an inquiry Daniel B: most of the jobs are not listed anywhere and to have these you need "pushing" by someone in place. Harvie: Word of mouth and reputation are the key to the best jobs rich1: well, Workopolis are taking full-page ads in the papers these days inviting people to list with them rich1: whether they are doing much in Quebec I do not know rich1: and can't the school help you? they often haqve job services for gradulates rich1: hervie, grc.ca is the mounties Daniel B: yes, and the courses are a service they offer. Harvie: The pool of available programmers is huge, GOOD programmers not so huge Daniel B: except here rich1: the problem seems to be that Daniel needs a chance to show his stuff in French Harvie: brb rich1: I have no idea how the supply of French-language programmers might be rich1: sorry james, missed teh last - you're translating from Japanese to English, then?
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changed username to Harvie james: english to japanese james: the schedule and costs for the trip to give to the parents] rich1: you get dumped, Harvie? Harvie: Sorry, gc.ca Harvie: I did it myself rich rich1: ah so - where do the kids plan to go, and when?
moved to room Meeting Place Daniel B: this year, I'm planning to release two games, one of them will be a remake of my dacman game. I did an editor and now I'm looking for a web site to put the editor online. rich1: which of the twins is you, Harvie?
changed username to Pamela Daniel B: hi Pam! james: and i have a question for you torontonians Pamela: hi there rich1: hi daughteer, about time you turned up ;-) Pamela: too much to do Dad, sorry rich1: go for it, james Pamela: ask away James james: alright, we're going to be doing toronto-niagara return via train, so we end up at union station one night rich1: any idea where Rin is, Pam? Pamela: nope rich1: Rie was on looking for her earlier james: i'm looking for an "affordable" hotel that's either close to union station (walking distance)
Harvie requested to ban Harvie
james confirmed ban
rich1 confirmed ban rich1: you're not serious? james: or preferably close to the airport and easily accessible from union station since we fly out to calgary the next morning james: hence the quotes rich1: OK, does the GO bus run from Union Station to the airport? I think it doe Harvie: How many in party James? james: i'd rather have us as close to the airport as possible that night james: five rich1: the hotels up on the airport strip are less expensive overall, I suspect james: would that be dixon road? Pamela: you'd have to check the schedules at www.gotransit.on.ca james: sec.. gonna write that down. do they have routes posted too? Pamela: they should rich1: yes, anything on Dixon would be a reasonably priced taxi ridbut a limo wouldn;t touch it as teh distance is to short to pay Pamela: as for hotels, airport is a better idea than downtown - no such thing as an affordable hotel there james: i found one hotel near the airport and was told it was 2 buses *and* two trains to get there or a $40 cab ride, and we'd need two cabs Pamela: brb james: well i'd rather have us close to the airport anyway. would make for a much less stressful morning rich1: I think Pam's gone off to check teh schedule for you, james james: and most hotels have shuttle service james: that's very kind of her rich1: why don't you check the toronto website? james: i'm about to.. got too many windows open here rich1: I believe it's city.toronto.on.ca though it may have been simplified rich1: it will have links to GO, Tourism Toronto (for hotels), etc Pamela: no, it's toronto.ca james: you should see the snow coming down here. i won't be surprised if i have more than a few cancellations tonight rich1: OK, that's what it's been simplified to, then james: the roads are *really* bad and visibility is .. negligible rich1: oh, we only have about 5 cm that last 24 hours, but more is coming james: we'll easily get ten times that james: one of the joys of living in a mountain range at 400m above sea level.. no shortage of snow rich1: noticed a headline in one paper about a big crash closing 401 Pamela: James, google GO transit to be sure of the web address but that's close james: that's another reason i want us close to the airport. last thing i need is for us to miss our flight out because we get james: snarled in toronto morning rushour traffic james: thanks pam rich1: well, toronto.ca will have all the links you can use Pamela: snarled is a good word, believe me james: what would be ideal is an airport hotel that is one train or one bus ride from union station rich1: and no, you don't need any of our rush hour, for sure
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changed username to wet Daniel B: who is there? james: hi, ron! Pamela: alright, where's it raining? wet: yeah, it's me wet: where else? Daniel B: hello! Pamela: greetings Ron rich1: one GO train line goes up to Airport Road (DIxon) right up at teh northeast corner of teh airoirt Harvie: Hi Ron james: if i have to, i'll bite the bullet and pay the cab fare, but $100 for five of us is still a scam wet: evening one and all rich1: had any good landslides up your way rich1: or are you into drownings today? james: that sounds better.. so i think i'll do that.. and start looking for hotels that run along the bus route wet: not here, but North Vancouver is a bit of a mess
moved to room Meeting Place Pamela: James - a thought - check with the hotels to see if they have shuttles from downtown - that way you'd have door to door service rich1: an airport limo would be cheaper than that, james, I'm sure Pamela: I heard, Ron
changed username to BobS wet: was bound to happen BobS: HI kids !!!! james: yeah, that's an idea too.. you know what baffles me though? why don't they have a direct rail link from union station to the airport? Pamela: hey Bob wet: Mr Bob rich1: they had a fine picture of a car in a flooded field near Sooke Harvie: Hello Bobby james: too obvious or too expensive? Pamela: you know James, we wonder that too : ) Daniel B: hello bob rich1: greetings Bob
wet changed username to Ron james: it would do wonders for ease of travel Pamela: instead, we have the good old TTC rich1: usual story james, politicians too cowardly to say it's worth paying a tad more tax to have james: maybe the people who run the airport limousine services are lining the pockets of certain decision makers Pamela: and actually you can get to the airport on the TTC on one train and one bus, but it's a looooooong ride BobS: NOW, james you are getting the gist of politics ! Daniel B: @rich : no problem with spaniel chat tonight? james: well i'Ve learned from the masters of political corruptness Ron: He who pays the mandarin gets the licence rich1: no, he'd have to transfer to teh Bloor line to get the bus up Kipling Pamela: I heard about the mudslide in North Van, Ron - it was on the evening radio news rich1: or were you thinking of bus from Yorkdale? james: well with four teenage girls and luggage in tow, i want to keep it as simple as possible Ron: yup. 1 woman killed- 2 houses gone, and 20 more teetering on the edge Pamela: Dad, think - up University and Spadina to Lawrence West, then a Malton bus to the airport james: i assume they've been evacuated? rich1: I wasn't on five minutes before I ws dumped, Daniel, but it's been OK since Ron: yes that's right rich1: don't know if the Malton bus would get to the hotel he chooses james: pam - does the go transit have a stop at union station? Pamela: assuming it's on Dixon or by the airport, it probably goes past them all rich1: still I think there are taxis hover around Derry and Dixon to feed off teh GO trains, Malton bus, GO bus, etx. BobS: where Ron ? on the island oe ont he mainland??? james: alright. i think rather than choosing a hotel and figuring out how to get there, i'm going to look at the route james: and choose a hotel based on that Ron: mainland Bob Pamela: Yes, they have a bus depot there, and the GO trains run out of Union. However, a GO bus would be your best bet if they run one to the airport rich1: the trains stop in the station and the bus deport is across Bay St. james: @pam, we leave for calgary the next morning james: so i want us in a hotel near the airprot, as opposed to going directly to the airport from union station rich1: oh, you're over visiting Geoff? Pamela: I agree James, that makes the most sense : ) james: ok, that's a couple minute walk, if that, right? Ron: @James - where James? Vancouver? Pamela: right, James james: union station to vancouver.. yeah.. about a five minute walk.. heh heh rich1: james, GO runs buses to teh airport from Union, york mills/ Eglinton, and Yorkdale james: @ron, do you mean where are we flying out to? Pamela: did you check the website Dad? Ron: where are you looking for a hotel near the airport? rich1: sorry, York Mills/Yonge Pamela: in Toronto, Ron Ron: oh ok..... missed that during a senior's moment james: alright, so what do you think of this - i find the go bus that goes along dixon road and take that to the hotel closest to the airport? Pamela: James, when does your train arrive from Niagara? rich1: no - and I'll bet teh bus that stops at Yorkdale originates at York Mills, and/or Union, likely both james: sec.. i have a schedule here *somewhere* Pamela: barring a hotel shuttle that's probably your best bet James james: yeah, i'll check into downtown shuttles too rich1: yes, one bus, no transfers, has its attractions Pamela: sec, checking the website james: ok, we arrive in toronto at 19.36 rich1: 19.36? you're getting as bad as Daniel, confusing us all ;-) james: oops. 19.44 Pamela: okay, that's not too late - good james: let's say 7.45 p.m. Daniel B: I'm confusing you? Pamela: btw, correcting website - it's gotransit.ca rich1: naw, say 19.44 - the trains run on 24 hours clocks anyway rich1: just teasing, Daniel james: though i'd be very surprised if they actually got it to the minute rich1: but you know most Anglos are too dumb to figure out a 24-hour clock (present company excepted) rich1: depends on what they class as arrival - yard limits, perhaps? rich1: but if they hit the platform at teh given time I'd be surprised james: used to have us coming in on the greyhound at 22.10 but thought 19.44 and union station would be better rich1: tu as raison, james Harvie: Gotta go, an hour is as much as I can stand in this chair lately rich1: ouch, that's rough, Harvie - what's the problem Daniel B: ho! I'm looking at a web site about a robot competion in japan named robo-one and all the robots have ... two legs!? Pamela: depends on whether they have twelve fingers, Dad : ) Harvie: Arthritis in my knees rich1: that's nasty - no meds that will touch it? Harvie: Tylenol etc. Pamela: James, what day of the week are you coming into Toronto? rich1: have you talked to your doctor about it?
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changed username to Ron-1 Daniel B: ron? again? Ron-1: hmmm Pamela: I see it's Ron's turn to get dumped Ron-1: yes....large as life, twice as ugly Harvie: Yes, the alternative is to lose 200 lbs. and knee replacement james: sec.. ok.. here's the toronto-niagara portion of our schedule: Ron-1: not used to that rich1: when I was having my hip trouble my doctor prescribed arthrotec - it worked fairly well james: arrive toronto on tues march 29th at 12.49. check luggage at union station james: lunch at osf and cn tower rich1: did not do away with the pain but kept it tolerable Daniel B: be right back Harvie: My specialist said "stay off your feet" james: leave toronto from union station at 17.45 for niagara falls Pamela: a lot he knows, Harvie rich1: great advice for you - just quit your job
Daniel B changed username to Daniel B [away] Harvie: Anyway Good night all james: that night, we watch the illuminated falls and have dinner james: good night, harvie rich1: see you Harvie Pamela: good luck and g'nite Harvie
Harvie left chat session Ron-1: Harvie james: then the next day we do daytime viewing of the falls, tour behind the falls and lunch james: then we have a few more hours, by which we'll be all falls'ed out and heading back to toronto rich1: doing Maid of teh Mist, or the Butterfly Pavilioin? Pamela: so it's a Wednesday - okay, let me check something james: leave niagara at 17.45 and arrive again in toronto at 19.44 james: unfortunately, not available at that time of year james: the butterfly pavillion might be. if there's any activity i'd do besides viewing the falls, that might be it rich1: I guess teh Maid may have ice troubles, but teh butterflies will be open - and fantastic james: would a couple of hours after lunch be enough for that? rich1: well, you can't take teh kids to a winery for tastings james: lunch is at 12.30 and i'm figuring on an hour and a half james: lol. not without getting into a whole heap of trouble rich1: though if they were to take some icewine home, it would be good political capital james: not sure if minors can carry alcohol through japanese customs rich1: likely not, and more's teh pity rich1: you don't want to know what it costs in Ja[pan - not that it's cheap here james: so assume lunch ends at 2 p.m. and we leave niagara from the train station at 5.45 p.m. that should give us around two hours for the butterflies
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changed username to Guy B. rich1: but yes, the shuttle bus should be running, making the butterfly pavilion a lead pipe cinch Pamela: Hello Guy rich1: go Google teh Niagara Parks Commission and take it from there Guy B.: Greetings!!!! Snow is approaching here shortly. james: i'm not familiar with that colloquialism rich1: hi Guy james: yeah, i have the webpage bookmarked BobS: hi Guy Pamela: James, bad news, I just checked the GO transit site and there's no GO bus that runs from Union Station to the airport. james: @pam, what about along the road where the airport hotels are located? Ron-1: brb Pamela: nope james: once we get to our hotel, we're fine. we'd just use hotel shuttle to get to the airport the next day rich1: how about Yorkdale, Pam? he can get there on the subway with no change of train Guy B.: Got the date when my promotion will be. rich1: great news, Guy - share it with us james: who's the mayor of your little town there, rich? i wanna have a word with him rich1: guy named Miller - bit of a jerk james: bit of a jerk = lot of a jerk. i'll wait for the next one Pamela: from Yorkdale, there's a bus that runs to Malton and the airport. However, I don't recommend trying to shepherd four teenage girls through Yorkdale subway station, over the bridge, through the mall and into the GO bus terminal with all their luggage rich1: but GO is Government of Ontario, so you gotta bitch at McGuinty james: yeah, and since i don't really know where i'm going it'd be the blind leading the blind and noisy Guy B.: March 23rd. My co-worker Anne last day will be March 22nd. She will be retiring. So, I'm very sure that this is the date I will be promoted. Will know more in the coming weeks. james: will do rich1: it's teh mall part that's the hazard - and the late hour james: hazard as in riff-raff? Pamela: no, hazard as in mall : ) james: or hazard as in getting them out of the mall would be difficult? rich1: no, hazard in that it's a very colourful, somewhat upscale mall, and huge james: well, why not.. how late are they open? rich1: 9.30 or 10 I think james: these kids will spend themselves broke before we even get west of toronto rich1: 21.30 or 22.00 to you furriners ;-) Pamela: you don't go far into the mall before getting to the depot but you have to come down an escalator off the subway platform, across a footbridge (which has stairs), into the mall and down another set of stairs into the depot itself james: ugh Pamela: Yorkdale mall is open until 9:00 pm on weekdays rich1: yeah, just as well you're going to Calgary - think of getting them out of the West Edmonton Mall james: yeah, i'm still working on edmonton. toronto is my current headache. once i have this figured out, i can use the same plan for future trips rich1: actually sounds worse than it is, james - unless the luggae is seriously heavy Pamela: sorry Guy, we're trying to get James from the train station to the airport in one piece and sanity intact : ) Guy B.: James, I take it you are going to visit Toronto. When? james: @pam - to an airport hotel james: not the airport Pamela: details : ) rich1: double check to make sure teh OSF is still there - there has been redevelopment and I gather the Organ Grander part has gone james: my sanity, well.. it comes and goes james: ok, i'll double-check that too Pamela: hmm, gonna check the Yellow pages - brb Guy B.: Bob, where is Judy tonight? james: i'll be back in a few - i'm being called for lunch rich1: also brb, for other reasons Pamela: okay, I'm back but researching while James eats
(rich1 gives rich1 a nice tall frosty Guinness) Pamela: keep talking, I'm listening BobS: she is right here BobS: taking it easy after a busy day rich1: she's almost as hard to get on line as Frances 8-( Ron-1: This morning I went to a diabetic clinic at the hospital BobS: started early with the snow and then ended at her folks house moving furniture, etc BobS: and they said WHAT ????? rich1: what did they say, Ron? Ron-1: was a session on nutrition - which I sorely need at this point. 8 of us there Ron-1: too much junk food rich1: no such thing as too little Ron-1: :) rich1: if you want good advice, send Frances an email and ask her for trustworthy web sites Ron-1: think I need to get married again
Daniel B [away] changed username to Daniel B Pamela: NOW you decide that rich1: yes may just be right, Ron Ron-1: :) rich1: Bob, you are being very quiet about your heart, but I suspect you are in worse shape than I am BobS: OR just eat better and eat your veggies etc Ron-1: yes, exactly Pamela: actually, Ron, what you need is a wife BobS: is beating alright now..........but the future, who knows rich1: right - chocolate is a vegetable, sin't it? or is it a fruit? Pamela: chocolate is it's own food group Ron-1: dark chocolate BobS: atrial fibrillation is a pesky problem but will not kill you.....so says the cardiologist rich1: any a-fib events of late, or holding steeady? Pamela: it's part of the five main food groups - sugar, salt, fat, caffeine and chocolate BobS: going in and out every few days rich1: that ain't good - what meds are you on? BobS: amiodorone..........biggest gun there is according to the doc Ron-1: you guys are my kind of people BobS: NO NO NO ronald rich1: just amiodarone? nothing else? BobS: thas it Ron-1: Bob is right of course BobS: other than the bolld pressure meds BobS: blood Pamela: sigh, I am my mother's failure rich1: mind you, they are still trying to get a reading on me - do a Holter this weekend BobS: maybe it will show something differently than thought of now rich1: but I'm on Amio., irbesartan, digoxin, and diltiazem - and warfarin Ron-1: Ah.... it's a tough life Pamela: which one's the rat poison, Dad? rich1: wRFARIN, ALSO CALLED COUMADIN rich1: sorry about shouting Pamela: ah. Saw a box of that at Walmart on my last trip. Was a little freaked out. rich1: got right ris of our basement mice last month BobS: heck you are gonna turn into a pill BobS: Amiodorone rich1: my doctor says amio is not his drug of choice but teh better ones are contra'd for me because of my lungs rich1: since I stared the digoxing my pulse has gone from mostly 100+ to mostly -70 Ron-1: Mother was taking something called lanoxin....must be a relative rich1: digoxin is a derivative of digitalis, a very traditional remedy Pamela: derived from Foxglove, correct? rich1: actually your blood pressure pills may duplicate some I listed, Bob BobS: tis ron rich1: I believe so, Pam BobS: zestril.....generic...worked better than the ones you are on Ron-1: ?? Daniel B: you probably notice that I'm quiet... well, it's only because I know nothing about the med you are talking about. Ron-1: we are off topic Daniel Ron-1: again rich1: count your blessings, Daniel - they are not fun, just better than the alternative Pamela: so did the diabetes clinic say anything else Ron? rich1: make that as usual, Ron ;=) Ron-1: not really Pam. It was a review of various items of dietary information - food groups, all about exercising choices, etc etc rich1: yeah, maybe you and Harvie should start a weight loss contest Ron-1: My big problem with all of that is between my ears Pamela: ah. And have you seen a Dr. recently about your asthma? Ron-1: but I will go there and get as much info as I can, hoping that some day soon, some of it will cause me to change my behaviour rich1: geez, Ron, welcome to teh club8 = ) Ron-1: oh yes Pamela: and?? Ron-1: It is what it is Pam. the meds control it to some extent, but it's weight related, as are most of my problems Pamela: what meds has he got you on? james: back rich1: good james, found out anything useful? Pamela: that was fast James Ron-1: uniphyl, serevent, flovent, salbutamol james: ate lunch and fit in time for an argument too Pamela: efficient as always James : ) rich1: you must rattle when you walk, Ron Daniel B: hello james Ron-1: the hereditary Mitchell wheeze james: hi, dan Pamela: Uniphyl, good. Awesome little pills. 400 or 600 mg? Ron-1: I have no idea Pamela: are they round, or oval / oblong? Daniel B: @james: do you think you will do your first coleco project this year? Ron-1: oblong Pamela: 600 then james: @dan, i'm really not sure. i don't think you realize how busy i am rich1: are the middle two inhalers, Ron? Pamela: you say salbutamol - I'm assuming a generic Ventolin. Which one? Pamela: they are, DAd Ron-1: Ventolin, yes james: i would like to, but it's really hard with the kids at the age they are Pamela: which generic? Ron-1: that's what's on the label - Salbutamol Daniel B: @james: yes, I realize. it's why I asking the question. Ron-1: no mention of the word ventolin anywhere Pamela: as in Ratio-Salbutomol? Pamela: white box, orange writing? Ron-1: yes Ron-1: hell no, its blue Ron-1: anyway, enough of that Pamela: is it ratio Salbutamol? Pamela: humour me for a moment rich1: ratio is a manufacturer, Pam Pamela: I know Dad, I'm making a point Ron-1: I'd have to go downstairs and look Ron-1: sec Pamela: alright let's come at this another way - does the inhaler look just like a Ventolin? rich1: Pam, while he's away, are there any employment websites you could recommend to Daniel? Pamela: hotjobs.ca, monster.ca, and hang on I'll check my favourites rich1: Daniel, pay attention and make notes rich1: tere will be a test at the end 8 = ) Ron-1: back Ron-1: ok yes, ratio BobS: FRONT Daniel B: yes, I'm doing copy-paste Pamela: good. if the pharmacist tries to give you Apo Salvent, reject it out of hand. It's a much inferior inhaler. Ron-1: noted Pamela: Apotex makes some good products but that's not one of them rich1: you don't like Apotex, or is that just one lemon, Pam? Ron-1: anyway, it's the only one that really does anything for me james: between my wife and kids some days, it's amazing i get anything done at all Pamela: and if you're after a miracle asthma drug, I recommend Advair. rich1: Guy, you are very quiet tonight - what gives? Pamela: my doc took me off flovent and serevent and put me on Advair. I'm down to using my blue inhaler maybe once a day if I'm really bad, from six to eight times a day. rich1: too tired from walking the dog? Ron-1: I have a rather jaded perspective on drugs - particularly asthma drugs. In my humble view, they are overpriced and ineffective Pamela: sometimes I don't need my "ventolin" for days at a time Ron-1: I've been wheezing since I was born, and I don't expect to stop Pamela: well, I recommend at least trying Advair. Asthma drugs have come a long way in the last five years. rich1: I'm on two inhalers but they are steroids, I believe Pamela: and that's my last lecture on the subject for a while : ). Ron-1: well, there ya go rich1: fine Pam, now look up teh job sites for Daniel Pamela: <sigh> fine. : )) I'll be right back rich1: I take the Spriva once a day, the does is 18 micrograms - MICROgrams??? Ron-1: Is anyone interested in some surplus ADAM gear? rich1: hpow does anyone measure out a doze of 18 micrograms? Ron-1: I have 5 CPU's 3 disk drives that are surplus to my requirements rich1: put the disc drives on eBay and get rich, Ron james: what are the disk drives? Daniel B: test? Daniel B: ok, I'm here... it's working. rich1: you're here, Daniel rich1: Pam has gone to find those names for you Ron-1: two are 360k (one of those is iffy) and there's a 160k which is good rich1: the 320 drives are MIs? Ron-1: Also a couple of ADAM printers Guy B.: Reading my e-mail. Ron-1: no.... hybrids from various places Pamela: Workopolis.com, that's another one rich1: right - that can take a while, Guy james: i have a defunct mi 360k drive Ron-1: should really get used to selling on eBay, I guess. So far all I've done is bought rich1: any you noticed solicited French registrations? rich1: depending on whether it's the controller board or mechanism, it could be fixable, james Daniel B: err... canadian web sites may have english and french pages, no? james: as far as i can tell it's the physical drive itself Pamela: jobs.gc.ca james: and not the controller board Pamela: yes they will, Daniel rich1: some do, some don't - some just serve certain regioins Daniel B: well, I will check this out by myself for the french pages. rich1: well Mark just used generic drives; if you can figure out the jumper settings you can easily install another BobS: hey kids gotta jet here Ron-1: so I discovered BobS: see you NEXT week rich1: it's the controller cardd that is the problem Ron-1: nite Bob
BobS left chat session Pamela: Daniel, I found my new job on workopolis.ca Ron-1: Say nite to Judy rich1: OK Bob, look for you then\ Daniel B: bye bob rich1: goodnight, Judy Daniel B: oops... too late Daniel B: what is your new job, pm? rich1: wow, he really dumped fist this time - that's unusual for him Pamela: I'm working for a leasing company in Toronto as a receptionist Pamela: ten minutes (well, actually, nine) from home Pamela: ya gotta love it rich1: or on mornings like this, tow hours - but safe hours Pamela: and it's workopolis.com, I see Pamela: nope, took me sixteen minutes this morning Dad Ron-1: walking or driving? Pamela: driving rich1: you must have been doing some pretty dicey driving, daughtere Pamela: it's 4.9 kms Guy B.: well folks, Got to run, I'll see you all next week Pamela: c'mon Dad, I don't think I went above 40 the whole trip rich1: OK Guy, see you then Daniel B: bye guy! Pamela: night Guy Ron-1: night Guy
Guy B. left chat session rich1: in our neck of teh woods, 40KPH is pretty daring Pamela: that was my top speed! rich1: took some serious expertise to back out of our space at NoFrills - it's on a slant Pamela: on a straighaway, with no one in sight, either direction rich1: I took roads that had been sorta cleared so made fair time Pamela: I'll bet : ) rich1: but when I had to use side streets - tiptoe-ing on egges Pamela: anyway, Daniel, those are the top three sites in Canada, I believe. Workopolis was the best in my opinion but I'm sure that depends on what sort of job you're looking for Daniel B: thanks pam! :-D rich1: how is snow driving in Japan, james - do they use snow tires? Pamela: I wish you good luck Daniel Daniel B: well, it's 23:00 now... it's time to say goodbye! rich1: or is there so little they just count of front wheel drive? Ron-1: only 20:00 here Ron-1: but then we're slow Ron-1: and wet rich1: so soon? then a bientot, Daniel - bonne nuit Pamela: oh and Daniel, don't be afraid to go to the website of every company you can think of that might be remotely related to your field, and check out their employment opportunities. Also, work your contacts. Pamela: Let everyone you know know that you're looking for a job - at least 50% of jobs are never posted externally but are filled by word of mouth and recommendations. Daniel B: thanks for your advise, pam. I will check again what I can find by wurfing the companies web sites. james: sometimes it doesn't hurt to contact them, even if they don'T specifically state that they're hiring Ron-1: I shall away too see ya's all next week Pamela: good hunting. G'nite! Ron-1: nite all james: good night, ron! Daniel B: bonne nuit Ron, Pam, Rich et James. Pamela: nite Ron james: a tantot, dan rich1: OK Ron look for you - floating along Ron-1: :) Ron-1: glug Daniel B: à tantot james.
Ron-1 left chat session Daniel B: *poof*
Daniel B left chat session Pamela: that's good advice too James james: can i ask the toronto crowd a couple of more questions before you go? rich1: looks like we're somewhat short of folks here now rich1: go for it, james Pamela: I have a whole ream of job hunting notes here - I should try and summarize them for Daniel and send him an e-mail. Pamela: shoot, James james: ok, i may have found a place, but i'll check their pricing Pamela: which one? james: sec.. i'll give you the link to the page james: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/6c/1/en/hd/yyzae rich1: I'm sure he'd appreciate them, Pam, and I get the feeling he needs all the help he can get rich1: which one is that, james? james: holiday inn airport east james: now towards the bottom, i think it says it's a $10 cab ride from the subway station called TTC rich1: btw james, when Dixon turns north to pass by teh side of the airport, it becomes rich1: Airport Rod Pamela: 600 Dixon Road, Dad, just west of Martin Grove. We pass it on the way to Tuckers Pamela: I'm checking out that TTC claim, James - hang on james: i think i could handle one subway and one cab ride, if that's all it was rich1: actually the Malton bus likely passes its front door - but if they mean subway $10 must be on an awful good day Pamela: the Malton bus does pass by their front door James, but it's a bit of a hike in from the bus stop to the front door of the hotel. rich1: Pam, do you know anything about the GO bus terminal at York Mills/ Wilson and its connection to the subway? Pamela: and I don't know which subway they're thinking of james: bit of a hike? we talking a 10 minute walk or two hours? Pamela: five minute walk James james: that's not a problem, we're all young and reasonably fit Pamela: it's set very far back from the road rich1: well, some of you re 8-) james: as long as it's within sight james: smart-ass rich1: I specialize ; = ) Pamela: someone said to me the other day, "better a smartass than a dumbass" james: i tend to agree james: malton bus.. what does that mean? rich1: Pam, what about the GO train (Milton line?) up to Dixon and Derry, and cab from there? Pamela: Malton bus is the route name, the number is route 58 rich1: it means you take the Spadina line to Lawrence West, then the Malton bus forever james: now *that* i'm going to write down right now Pamela: it means it goes to Malton, which is a village name dating way back before the original city of Toronto amalgamation rich1: before they renamed it, Toronto AInternational Siroirt was Malton, after teh village where it ws located james: ok - so from union station i take the spadina line to lawrence west, and from there get on the bus? Pamela: the problem with the GO train is the last train leaving Union Station is at 6:15 - it's strictly a commuter train rich1: yes - Pam, does it stop in front of teh station or in a bay behind like the rest? Pamela: that's right James, but Dad is right, it's a loooong bus ride james: how long? rich1: yes, but isn't there a bus on the route after that, roughly hourly? Pamela: in a bay in the station. None of the routes stop outside the station. Pamela: not to my knowledge, DAd rich1: Malton as I recall used to, but I thought it had changed Pamela: about an hour, depending on how much traffic there is on Lawrence Pamela: not in my memory, Dad james: long enough rich1: well, you're young; us old folks.... ; - ) james: long and simple i can handle though Pamela: the Malton bus leaves Lawrence West station every half hour outside of rush hour - if you just miss it, you have a long wait rich1: once you get outside Toronto you will be asked for an extra fare Pamela: the Holiday in is still within city limits so no problem there Pamela: Inn, sorry rich1: it's before teh fare zone change? james: well i'm sure it would still be cheaper than cabbing it Pamela: yes it is rich1: be worth asking the Holiday Inn if they have an airport shuttle - they likel do james: and i'm sure 4 girls will have no time passing a half hour james: they have an airport shuttle. i doubt they have downtown picukp rich1: they'll also get to see quite a cross-section of Toronto Pamela: nevertheless James, check to be sure - if you can avoid transit, all the better james: ok, let me review this - from union station, take the spadina line - will it be labelled as such? james: i'll definitely ask rich1: even a pickup at Yorkdale, or the Bloor subway at Kipling, would be most useful james: indeed rich1: it's the University-Spadina line, to Shepard Pamela: Yes, James. the actual name of the north south line is Yonge/University/Spadina Pamela: at Union, it's the University line. the signs will say Northboun on University -next station St. Andrew rich1: but if you take teh Yonge line by mistake just get off at York Mills and find teh GO bus to Malton james: good thing this isn't at all confusing rich1: yes, from Union Station all subways are northbound Pamela: Dad, don't confuse him ! rich1: hey, even if he goofs up, he can bail himself out with minimal damage Pamela: that's superflouos information at this point - stick to the simplest stuff Pamela: (sp?) Pamela: superfluous rich1: anyway, if teh first stop is King and the next one Queen, you are on teh wrong train james: let's stick to what are the right trains for now rich1: OK, university/spadina to Shepherd; first stop St,Andrew james: i get off at st. andrew? rich1: will cross the Bloor line at Bloor james: i get off at st. andrew? rich1: Lawrence is second stop after Eglinton; train is in open cut afteer Eglinton Pamela: Dad! Stop! james: do i get off at st. andrew? rich1: no, that's how you tell you're going the right way - if it's King, it's wrong way Pamela: that's too much information Pamela: James, has your e-mail address changed? james: it's james [at] folkwolf [dot] net rich1: more which one is he using this week 8-) james: been using that one for five years now rich1: don't ask how long I've had mine... james: i killed off the address my isp gave me and now i get almost no spam at all Pamela: okay, I've revised it in my address book. rich1: unfortunately someone did something ignorant recently and our spam seems to be rising exponentially james: pam, i'm just going to check case for a sec.. i wouldn't mind getting these directions in a simple format rich1: you look after that, daughter? Pamela: I will Dad rich1: OK - should help then rich1: btw, I have the new HUB for you Pamela: cool. I haven't read the last one yet! rich1: welcome to teh club - but I suspect teh February issue will be more interesting Pamela: my house is suffering from a surfeit of paper, most of which I have yet to read, and all of which is vitally important : ) james: back rich1: know the feeling far too well rich1: gather Case is OK Pamela: alright James, shall I go through this step by step? james: now i don't want to cause any family squabbles, but i'm much more interested in knowing where i should be going as opposed to not going rich1: anyway, folks, past time for me to bail - see you next week Pamela: Us?? Squabble? I don't know what you're talking about james: good night, rich :) Pamela: g'nite Daddy. I'll call over the weekend. rich1: noght james, Pamela - take care james: you too Pamela: sleep tight Dad rich1: colour me gone
rich1 left chat session Pamela: I still want to know what colour that is : ) james: lol Pamela: okay, you ready? james: i know he means well, but damn if that wasn't confusing Pamela: and it was not correct either. james: yeah, got a fresh piece of paper too :) Pamela: First of all, you're aware that Union Station is actually two parts, correct? james: i am aware of that now Pamela: Okay. From where Arrivals come in, you can follow the signs that say "to subway". james: ok.. sec james: k james: i'm a slow writer. makes up for my typing Pamela: they will take you through the concourse level of the GO station, out through a breezeway to your left, and into the subway portion of Union station. Pamela: Once inside, go down the stairs and turn to your left where you will see the ticket booth. Adult fare is $1.90 cash. james: i'm gonna cut and paste Pamela: go for it. Pamela: all five of you will require adult fare. Pamela: Once through the ticket booth, take the escalator down to the subway platform. james: ok, still with you Pamela: Once on the platform, look for signs on the outside wall that say "northbound on University - next stop St. Andrew. Get on that train. Pamela: k? james: ok. Pamela: Take that train to Lawrence West station. Get off at Lawrence west and take the escalator up to the street level. james: this hotel seems reasonably priced too. y'know, if i get this reservation made today, i'm gonna take a nice long nap Pamela: sounds like a good idea : ) I'm in favour of naps. james: yeah, me too james: ok, got it Pamela: When you get off the escalator, you'll be facing the street. Turn left to get past the escalator / stairwell, then left again. Now your back is to the street. james: with the currency exchange, it literally puts me right on budget Pamela: Yay! james: ok Pamela: At this point you'll be facing the bus platforms. The Malton platform is to the right of the stair / escalator well, and is marked Malton 58 / 58A. Pamela: Either the 58 or the 58A are fine to take. They run once every half hour or so at that hour of the evening. james: alright, sounds easy enough so far Pamela: You can check the schedule at that hour by going to ttc.ca james: so statistically speaking, i can expect about a 29 minute wait :) Pamela: it will tell you when the buses are supposed to leave. Pamela: Get on the 58, find a comfy seat, and settle in. Pamela: now hang on a sec while I check the map to see the proper stop. james: thanks. can you cut and paste the url for me here? Pamela: http://www.toronto.ca/ttc/schedules/index.htm james: oh.. duh Pamela: the website is www.ttc.ca Pamela: from the map, it appears there is not a stop outside the hotel, but I'll have to check and be sure. james: i want malton west, right? Pamela: Correct. Pamela: Malton east would be all the info running from the airport to the subway, which you do not want. Pamela: If there is no stop outside the hotel, you will have to get off at Martin Grove. Ask the driver to let you know, and keep an eye on things once you get west of Kipling Avenue Pamela: the TTC also has a program in place called "request stop", in operation after 9:00 pm. It allows you to request that they stop somewhere other than a proper bus stop, which might be a big help. james: ok.. sec.. i'm looking at the map on the hotel's website too james: ok, it could very well be going on for 9 p.m. by the time we get there Pamela: I wouldn't doubt it. james: maybe if the driver is nice enough and sees 5 people with luggage, he'll do it regardless of the time Pamela: by the time you get off the train, onto the subway and catch a Malton, it will probably be after 9:00 by the time you get to the hotel. james: how long do you figure from union station to lawrence west, just so i can guage it while we're on Pamela: about 30 minutes. james: ok... sec.. gonna collect these last few lines and paste info in the right place james: yeah, and martin grove looks like the closest stop, when i look at the hotel map Pamela: and buses leave Lawrence west at: 8:08, 8:21, 8:34, 8:47, and 9:00 pm (there are lots more but those are within your time frame). Pamela: it looks like they've numbered the routes at 58A or 58B - either one is fine for you. james: yeah, i'm printing some of that stuff off now Pamela: good. james: yeah, and there's nothing stopping me from asking before we get on james: how are most torontonians when approached for help/directions? Pamela: pretty good actually. Just ask someone who look like me. People ask me all the time : ). Pamela: I just checked and I was wrong about cash fare - it's $2.25 per person james: now that's gonna break the bank :( james: lol james: alright, i'll carry a bunch of twonies and some quarters Pamela: squeeze it out of your student's pockets : ) james: better not go there, some of them would actually like that Pamela: if you can manage exact fare, they will love you forever Pamela: ah yes, teenage girls - gotta love em james: do they take coin only? james: this $2.25 per person is for the bus, right? Pamela: no, at the ticket booths they take bills or cash. If you tell him five adult fares and give him $11.25, he'll be very happy. Pamela: $2.25 will get you on the system and that's all you have to pay. You won't even need a transfer. james: ok. are we talking ttc or the bus right now? Pamela: same difference james: $2.25 for both the subway *and* bus? Pamela: yup. : ) james: but how do they know when i get on the bus that i've paid? Pamela: because you don't go outside the paid fare zone when going from subway to bus. james: neat.. wow.. that's really cheap Pamela: If you went outside the turnstiles at Lawrence West, you'd have to pay another fare. But you're not doing that so no worries. james: ah, i get it Pamela: considering how far you're going, it's excellent. james: i'll be carrying a selection of coins and a calculator Pamela: you can go from one side of the city to the other on one fare james: beats $90 in cab fare, which is what it would be for the five of us for two cabs from union station Pamela: holy s***! james: yeah, even divided by 5 that's about.. well more than $20 Pamela: it certainly does james: when you figure in tips etc Pamela: since you're going through the ticket booth at Union, you won't need to have exact fare or even coins - you can give the collector a $20 and he'll give you the change to deposit in the fare box. james: wow. i'm impressed Pamela: we Torontonians complain about the cost of our transit fare, but people forget you can go 60 kms or more on $2.25. That's less than you would pay for gas if you drove across the city. james: definitely. people really complain about $2.25? Pamela: now if you were getting on a bus or a streetcar at a stop rather than at a station you would have to have exact change. james: ottawa is at least that, or was the last time i was there and you don't go nearly as far Pamela: Yes, they do, believe it or not. james: though it's gotten more convenient. ottawa drivers are a surly bunch Pamela: I think it's wild that I can get on a bus outside my place, which is fairly close to the west limits of the city, and ride the TTC all the way to the eastern limits on $2.25 and no one will question me. james: $2.25.. i suppose if one were making minimum wage that would be expensive but.. really.. Pamela: $4.50 a day, five days a week. It's still a bargain in my opinion. james: much cheaper than driving and maintaining a car Pamela: I must admit that our drivers have gotten - mmm- shall we say, less polite over the years. However, most of them will respond favourably if you ask them nicely. james: that's barely $125 per month james: i imagine they get a lot of rude passengers Pamela: what they do get is a lot of passengers who can't remember from one day to the next what bus they're getting on, and where it goes. james: lol Pamela: makes them a tad touchy after a while. Pamela: If the driver is surly, be sure to note the time of the bus, the bus number (printed in white on the rear window) and make a complaint about it. Pamela: or pass the info to me and I'll do it. Pamela: We can't afford to have rude drivers - it's bad for tourism : ) james: i can very well imagine Pamela: Well for instance, we live on the Maple Leaf 59 route. Now, the same buses go to the same places and turn in the same spots every day. Still, some people can't seem to remember that. Pamela: When I was riding regularly, I would get the same driver every night. It got so bad, he'd get on the PA system as we left the station and say " this bus is the Maple Leaf 59, turning at Culford" Pamela: and all the thinking passengers would roll their eyes : ) james: people like to be hand-held james: lol james: and here i am, a tourist, having spent little time in toronto and with your help i think i'll be ok james: i really can't thank you enough Pamela: Oh that's the other thing I forgot - the drivers call all the stops now on the PA system so that will help you. When you want to get off, pull the cord to ring the bell and the bus will stop at the next stop. james: just like ottawa james: cool Pamela: You're very welcome. I'm (modestly) good at giving directions, so I've been told, and I didn't want Dad tangling you up. james: maybe if he's really nice i'll give him some candy from japan Pamela: Toronto is a very easy city to get around if you know what you're doing. james: no offence to him, but yes, he had me confused within about two lines Pamela: shocking : O james: how long have you been at your new job? Pamela: since end of August. james: how do you like it? Pamela: comme ci, comme ca Pamela: there are some things about it that I like, and some that I'm not sure I can put up with Pamela: they are very anal Pamela: scratch that - extremely anal james: that can get to you quick, i would imagine james: lol Pamela: it drives me nuts james: when i was in ottawa, i had one real b**ch of a co-worker/boss Pamela: they go so far as to monitor all the incoming and outgoing calls; where the call originated from or went to, and how long the call lasted. james: pretty much everyone, including management couldn't stand her james: nice Pamela: Now, I'm on the switchboard and I average about 150 calls a day. Can you imagine looking over a month's worth of calls? james: that's... uhh.. alot Pamela: they question you on anything that's over five minutes. james: 4500 calls a month Pamela: you can't use the internet or e-mail for anything, and I mean ANYthing, other than business james: i was so bored at my old job, all i could do was email and surf half the time james: it was really had to make the time go by Pamela: my problem is that I've come from a place where I was trusted implicitly, and had a lot of freedom, and a lot of latitude for making my own decisions Pamela: here, I practically have to ask to scratch my ass james: get them to sign the ass scratching permission forms in triplicate james: and pre-approve any bathroom breaks Pamela: the money isn't that great, but on the other hand, it's close to home and I don't spend $$ on TTC fare any more Pamela: the lack of TTC fare saved me more than $1000 a year Pamela: made up for the lower salary Pamela: sorta Pamela: the people are wonderful james: i did that once to get on my boss' nerves. she was always down on me and getting on my nerves james: so one day i put up my hand and asked her if i could go to the bathroom Pamela: and what did she say? james: that and i got tired of being paid half what the people beside me were when i was always fixing their code james: not much, which was fine since she talked too much anyway Pamela: tee hee hee Pamela: I don't know how long I'll stay there, but it's good experience james: i can't complain at all about what i do james: well.. most of the time Pamela: well, this whole layoff thing has been a learning experience for me james: aren't corporations wonderful? Pamela: it took me a long time to change my outlook from "why me" to seeing it as an opportunity james: i have a friend who worked for three different companies without ever moving his desk Pamela: neat trick james: yeah, he thought so too, until he'd had enough Pamela: whereas while I was with Speedy, I moved my desk no less than 15 times james: lol. that must be fun Pamela: if you want to get an idea of what our company is about, go to www.somervilleauto.com Pamela: yeah, not so much Pamela: 15 times in 11 years, three of those times in the space of a month Pamela: it got so living and working out of boxes was the norm for me james: that would drive me nuts Pamela: well, I got better and better space as time went on james: have you seen office space? Pamela: at one point, the next to last move I made, I was next to a meeting room which never got used, and the quietest person in the office on the other side. Pamela: it was a huge space Pamela: very private, very quiet james: quiet is nice sometimes Pamela: I didn't want to leave it james: could do with some of that here Pamela: well, that's what happens when you have two kids Pamela: and a school : ) Pamela: and a wife Pamela: anyway, my dear, it's 12:25 and I really should be going to bed james: yeah.. the kids are fun.. but sometimes daddy needs time alone and he can't get it Pamela: downtime is an absolute necessity - that's why I'm glad Russell works shift work james: there's a lot of friction right now, the kids have really added to our workload/stress Pamela: I can imagine. Pamela: It's one of the reasons we chose not to have kids. james: i wouldn't change it, but in four or five years when they're finally both in school, i'm not going to cry Pamela: so you think you're just going to have the two? james: let's just say the way things are now, it'd be biologically impossible to have a third, short of some miracle conception Pamela: well, things will settle down once the boys get a little older and you get used to having two in the house Pamela: just don't forget to take some time just for the two of you Pamela: will Miyuki's parents babysit for you once in a while? james: yeah, that's where we have trouble james: no james: they work too much james: absolutely nuts how much they work Pamela: can you find a sitter? james: not easy. all the kids are really busy with their school stuff james: it's not like in canada where you can ask a highschool student to come for a few hours james: and everyone finishes late so we typically have dinner at 9.30 anyway Pamela: well, I know one of my friends feeds her kids early and puts them to bed, then makes a point of having an adult dinner with her hubby so they have some time together just the two of them Pamela: she says it helps to keep her sane Pamela: just take time out once in a while to remember why you love Miyuki and why you got married Pamela: all the rest will fall into place james: i wish we could do that. we're lucky if they're both asleep by 11 Pamela: give it time james: yeah, the next milestone will be aiden sleeping through the night Pamela: and the celebration will be heard around the world Pamela: (and then Aiden will wake up again) james: no doubt - hey, are you ok for time? it's 12.30 there, right? Pamela: yeah, and it's probably time I went to bed. james: ok, again, i really appreciated your help today james: i'm going to call the hotel tonight Pamela: absolutely no problem. If you have any other questions, either e-mail me or ask me next week james: thanks! get some sleep! Pamela: I'm going to. I'll see you next Wednesday. Now go kiss your wife : ). james: bye! Pamela: I'm outta here. Pamela: Kerpoof
Pamela left chat session
james left chat session