TGIF
Today was my first TGIF - a weekly party that my employer throws for all employees. As a new employee, I got the privilege of wearing a beany hat and a placard with "fun facts" about me on it. All this PLUS free beer!
Really though, the most exciting part was seeing the company founders live in person. When I went to grab my beer, they were grabbing THEIR beer, and no more than a metre in front of me!
Finally the weekend is here, and I'll be travelling to San Francisco proper for a look at prospective residences. I also hope to pick up a cellphone (probably not an iPhone), meet up with friends, and have fun!
How are you planning on spending your weekend?
Labels: California, San Francisco
New Beginning
First of all, some fairly huge news: my Toronto working life is on hiatus, as I have resigned and taken a position at another company.
Secondly, you may notice that I have added a disclaimer to my blog. Although it should be obvious, it is needed for legal reasons to make it clear that any content expressed here are my views and are not necessarily shared by my current employer.
Sunday night I successfully made it through USA customs and immigration's secondary screening area (also known as the zone where dreams are crushed and hopes are dashed) without being turned away with tears streaming down my face - as was the case for the half dozen people ahead of me - and hopped on a flight to San Francisco. Mere hours later I would be starting my first day of my California working life at the #1 company for tech hopefuls in the world.
It has been exciting and delicious so far. The free gourmet food has been the most apparent perk, but the 30" LCD screens don't hurt either.
Unfortunately aside from those details I cannot divulge anything further due to the sensitive nature of my work.
I have a lot of immigration and relocation issues to work through... my temporary housing only lasts for 30 days.
Labels: business trip, California, San Francisco
Aquariums of Pyongyang
I recently finished reading this terrific account of a horrible tale. A Korean family leaves their wealthy lives in Japan to help build the ideal communist state in North Korea. Unfortunately the new state is suspicious of the family and quickly forces them into a
forced labour camp.
Aquariums of Pyongyang, an account taken from a defector from North Korea who was sent to the gulag at age 9, is rich in detail and pulls no punches. It is very informative, but it also reads with a good flow that tells a proper story.
While not recommendable as a feel-good bed-time story, it satisfied my interests to learn more about this tightly guarded kingdom.
For extra points, here is some secret video footage on youtube showing the camp:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN0xQByxwxkLabels: book
Today was my first TGIF - a weekly party that my employer throws for all employees. As a new employee, I got the privilege of wearing a beany hat and a placard with "fun facts" about me on it. All this PLUS free beer!
Finally the weekend is here, and I'll be travelling to San Francisco proper for a look at prospective residences. I also hope to pick up a cellphone (probably not an iPhone), meet up with friends, and have fun!
