ohryan.ca

A Web Developer in Winnipeg

  • KFC Launches Vegetarian “Chicken” Sandwich

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    Apparently PETA has somehow managed to strong arm KFC Canada into adding a “Classic Vegetarian Sandwich” to their menu. I don’t really understand how PETA is in any sort of position to convince a multi-national like KFC to do something like this, but that’s beside the point. You can read PETA’s press release (including a buy-one-get-one-free coupon) here.

    Being the early adoptor that I am, I just had to try one.

    KFC Vegetarian KFC Vegetarian KFC Vegetarian

    I’m not sure what to say…
    It contains most – but not quite all – of the greasy goodness that I’ve been missing out on over the past 8 years or so. The taste and texture seems fairly authentic. I say fairly authentic because it reminds me more of generic frozen chicken burgers you’d buy at a supermarket, then the greasier, crispier type of burger you typically get at KFC. In fact, I’m almost certain KFC is using Schneiders: Meatless Chick’ n Burgers (which might explain why they’re only available in Canada). It would have been nice if KFC had given it a more KFC-like treatment.

    Other than that, the “classic sandwich” itself – meatless or not – mighty disappointing, with only mayo and lettuce as toppings.  Next time I’m going to order it “gourmet-style” with tomatoes and cheese.

    In Conclusion
    The sandwich is pretty tasty. If you’re going to be heading to a KFC, I highly recommend it to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. With meatless alternatives like this there’s really no need to slaughter cute little innocent chickens for something that barely passes as a meal in the first place.

  • Rogers does not hold a dominant position in the market for mobile wireless telephony services

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    Back when Rogers initially released their iPhone prices, I filled out a complaint with the Canadian Competition Bureau. To my surprise, they actually replied!

    It begins:

    Dear Ryan Nerdorf,

    Thank you for your correspondence dated June 30, 2008 regarding Rogers Communications Inc. (“Rogers”).

    “Nerdorf!” What a classic typo. They must have been getting a lot of complains from nerds like me!

    Here’s the meat of the response:

    It is the Bureau’s view that Rogers does not hold a dominant position in the market for mobile wireless telephony services in Canada.  Rogers is in direct competition with two other major wireless providers, in addition to a number of smaller carriers, all of whom offer handsets that are functional substitutes for the iPhone.  Moreover, Rogers’ recently-announced pricing plans for the iPhone do not constitute an anti-competitive act as these pricing plans do not have an intended negative effect on a competitor that is predatory, disciplinary or exclusionary.  Rather, they reflect an attempt by Rogers to market a product consumers find desirable and set prices accordingly.  This may ultimately be disciplined by competitor responses, and/or by consumers rejecting such a strategy.  In either case, market forces will determine if these prices can be sustained.

  • iPhone = Stress

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    *wake up, check phone*
    “oh, no new mail”
    *shower. check phone*
    “9 new emails!?! WTF?!”
    (only 3 were spam)