Boxing Day

This morning, Henry and I got up at 6 and went to Futureshop/Best Buy/ Polo Park. I spent $200 at Futureshop. I bought an external 320 GB portable hard drive for $100, a wireless laser mouse for Johnny $15, a 8GB SD Card $10, a 4 GB sony memory stick/card for $25 (for henry's PSP), 2GB Ram for my macbook $25. Best Buy was sold out of a wireless router ($20). It is something I wanted but it isn't something I need cause we already have one but the range isn't all that good, Having said that I am still able to pick up a decent connection from my work station in the basement. I saw the man grab the last one and you know that you can sense when someone else wants what you have. lol After gazing at him for a few seconds (he was indecisive but our presence made his decision), we just walked away. I went to Mexx and Sport Chek at Polo while Henry went to EB Games. The sales at the mall weren't that good, I bought a T-shirt from Mexx. It has been 50% off the entire store for a week and boxing day was no different. I bought 2 dress shirts (really nice), a sweater, and a tie last weekend because of their 50% sale. I also bought a belt 2 weeks ago but it was only 30% off at the time. After discounts, the shirts were $35, the sweater was $22.50, tie was $30, and the belt was $24. It was good to get the belt hen I did because they didn't have my size when it was 50% off. The shirts are black with grey stripes and a the second is a grey and black striped pattern. I can't describe them but they are really nice. I got complements when I wore the first one to work. The second is slim fit and is more for formal occasions. I really like Mexx clothes, though they are expensive, they are my favourite name brand because they fit me well. I like Calvin Klein as well for that reason. I don't like Tommy Hilfiger, because even their small is too large for me. I bought two short sleeve shirts last summer, my friend works at the store, they were 40% off, but they are a bit loose fitting. I prefer slim fitting (not tight) but I like to go for the tailored look. I only buy these clothes because of the sale. I can't afford $70 for a dress shirt, just yet, lol :)

School is finally OUT for Christmas...

Finally done everything....portfolios for studio, drawing and construction are all done! Now, my break can FINALLY begin!

Final Presentations

I had my final studio presentations today afternoon...they went quite well and then we went to Red Cactus as a studio group to unwind.

I just had the toughest weekend of the year...After a 3 hour exam on Friday morning (my one and only :D), things just worsened and intensified. I've had basically no real sleep or meals, sleeping over at school on a couch and I had a nasty cold. My other sick friend and I went through 3 boxes of kleenex over three days. I have bloody red eyes.

The studio was so cold that I brought in my own space heater, along with a sleeping bag and a blow dryer to dry glue quicker...Elmers is great modeling glue btw.

I'm not completely off the hook yet, I still have portfolios to make but that isn't stressful, just pricey to print and bind. My final studio project was over $200.

October 7th Crits

Tonight, I just feel like turning back in time, I really wish that was possible. Because the crit today was somewhat informal, I didn't prepare what I wanted to say on paper or on cue cards and I just thought out loud last night. When I got up to speak about my 'back wall project' today I didn't know where to start and blanked out and then got nervous and it was probably one of my most unprofessional presentation. The studdering, and the ums and the ahs...I tend to think out loud too and that didn't help, lol.

Okay, so here is what I wanted to say...

"This mesh in here represents the partitioning the man tries to hide himself behind because that was a key element of my story. My story has a sense of squeezing and closing in on the space and I communicated that feeling in my wall by creating this small, tight space with the walls of the drawing 'ballooning' into the space and the mesh arching over. The openings in the mesh are small to allow only little amounts of light in while still preserving the visibility of the 'man' and the '2 girls'. Collision is a recurring theme in my story, with the briefcase, man griping hand onto rod, and holding his other hand on his chest, so I took that theme and captured a 'collision' like a series of frames in my wall design. I played with subtlety and elements at the end are split and ripped apart from their regular forms. Finally, all that happens on that end is hidden from this particular view where everything is smooth and peaceful which is deceiving just like how the man entered the booth on his own will not knowing the consequences."

"My section in the Army Surplus Building has no basement and I only have a crawlspace and since that crawlspace was dark and isn't accessible from directly within my site, I focused on the roof and main floor. On the main floor I spent my longest time in this office space which I enlarged on this poster and on my drawing because the atmosphere was comforting. There is also this interesting colliding of different materials in this one corner that I could tie to my back wall. The back rooms were the complete opposite and the spaces were daunting. On the roof, I cut through the lattice structure that holds up the billboard and in order to experience my site, I had to go over and under and so I represented it in a series of plans that are stacked on top of one another. I organized them as ground level, waist level, and arm's reach. Any questions?"

Tips to installing XP MCE (3 discs) on a Mac with VMWare

Tip #1 - Do not use the easy installation option, you must do it manually.

Tip #2 - Re-insert Disc 1 after Disc 2 finishes installing.

Tip #3 - Install VMWare tools

Tip #4 - To access your Mac Files on your virtual Windows machine

• Click the '+' under settings and add shared folder
• Enable it and name it what you want
  
• Double click the VMWare icon near the time display on your windows machine
• Follow instructions under the Sharing Tab
  

VMWare Resolved!

Finally, I figured out how to install XP MCE with VMWare, it turns out I just can't follow poorly written instructions. I needed to re-insert Disc 1 after Disc 2 finishes installing. So now everything works but I still need to get AutoCAD and the U of M bookstore has sold out of them. I'll try the bookstore at Red River College tomorrow, hopefully they will sell it to me...Today's digital drawing class was an introductory class. Next week we will need AutoCAD installed on our laptops for class. They're actually going to teach us this time!

Post Trip Reactions

Though this was my 6th time traveling to Toronto, this last trip to Toronto was the most satisfying. Besides getting to see Raymond and Linda, I found that my relationship with my Andrew, Liz, Raymond, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, have strengthened over the last four days. I feel a lot closer to my extended family in Toronto, I now have their cell number and they have mine and we though we didn't see other very often, my aunts and I would talk about just about anything. Liz and I got quite close and we even made a deal just before taking off. She will be studying aviation and she will give us cheap flights while I will design her home. I can't wait until we're all grown up, and each have our own life. We'll be able to use our expertise to help one another and give each other deals :D

Day 5 - Toronto - Tuesday

Because we were to fly around 4 in afternoon, we planned to go to the airport around 1:00, so we could explore the airport and so we decided to stick close to home that morning. Andrew and I walked to the near by shopping centre and though nothing was opened when we got there at 900 we wondered around until some shops opened at 930. Andrew had been looking for a messenger bag throughout the entire trip but could find one he liked, he is very picky and doesn't want to spend a lot. We told him that they are very hard on shoulders but he didn't care. There was one where he tried on at Pacific Mall and he didn't get it because it looked too much like a purse and it was on the pricey side for Pacific Mall aka 'fake/pretend' stuff. We went into Luggage City at the nearby shopping centre but still no luck, he wanted a natural feeling material and not something synthetic looking. Then we went into the Beer Store and and Liquor Store, but he didn't buy any booze to take home because it was expensive. I think the only province that has cheap booze is Alberta. At about 945, we hopped on the Viva Orange and headed to IKEA which was just one stop away and we paid $3 for the ride. It was our first time inside an IKEA store and so we took their measuring tape and pencils as souvenirs. They do have some pretty nice things for reasonable/student prices. I bought a $8 birch round turntable that is meant for cheeses but I'm going to use it for design. We have this square one that the school charged us $20 for and it is MDF and DIY assembly. The corners of the square always got caught you needed a lot more space to turn the turntable. Of course Andrew played Devil's Advocate, but I bought it in the end anyways just so that I could have one at school and at home. I also this 4 level shelf for $20, I got as far as writing down the aisle and shelf numbers but I couldn't think of a place to put such a thing in my basement so I didn't get it. Funny, how they had one half as wide, but for $15! We bought a hotdog each for the ride home for $0.50 each, super cheap! Let's hope they are affected by the meat recall or anything. Our transfers were still good so we didn't have to pay again. When we got home it was 12 and grandpa had went out to buy BBQ pork and chicken for our lunch. We had it with rice and then we had to quickly finish packing. I didn't have room for my turn table so I had to shove it in Andrew suitcase. He really didn't buy much...I had a suitcase full of stuff...the dried pork for my aunt in Winnipeg took up the most space in my suit case. I had to stuff both my backpack and suitcase up to their fullest. Liz and Ray and their dad came over at around 1:00 to come to drive us to the airport. Liz brought over her USB with Chicago pics and she transfered them to my USB. One day I hope to go to Chicago and New York (again). So we headed to the airport together and we got there around 2:00. When we got to the airport, we realized that we had not taken any proper family pictures with my grandparents, aunts, and uncles so we quickly took a few with Liz's dad and the four of us 'kids'. We checked in at Terminal 3 and Andrew and I couldn't get a spot together but we got the same row, the two middle seats. We did a tour of Terminal 3 and then rode the monorail to Terminal 1, it was a very cool experience. Terminal 1 is bigger and airy and open like the Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok airport with no pillars in the centre. The structural members were amazing! there was this piece of artwork hung on the wall that documents by photography the experience of traveling from Pearson to downtown Toronto. We think that the airport authority has no idea what is implied in the art, I think it is dissing the city, a victim of globalization withe several Shopper's Drug Marts and Starbucks shown. Then we went to inquire about Terminal 2, and how to get there but we all found out that there is NO terminal 2, just a 1 and 3. So I tease Liz, "and you call yourself a Torontonian!" Then we headed back to Terminal 3 and then said our goodbyes and we went through the gates around 3:30. My camera batteries finally died as well. We were assigned the gate B27 on our boarding passes but when we got there there was only a flight to Ottawa at 630 and our flight is to Winnipeg at 445. "So I guess we were gong to Ottawa!" Then we checked the screen and saw that we've been reassigned the gate C39 and we had to walk back the way we came basically to the opposite end of the airport. When we were finally at the right gate, it was about 4:00. I sent a text message to all my aunts and uncles and Liz to say 'thanks' right before we boarded. The flight home was a lot more comfortable than our flight into Toronto and we just sat back and enjoyed the ride home... 

Day 4 - Toronto - Monday

After spending the entire day with us on Sunday, my cousins decided not to come with us that morning so Andrew and I headed out to the Downsview subway station via Viva Orange. The ride seemed to be longer than it was on Saturday night and it seemed to take a lot more turns but we got to the subway station at around 9:15. This time, we bought unlimited travel for the day on the TTC for $9 per person, we weren't taking any chances. TTC transfers are only good for connections from Subway to Bus and you technically cannot re-enter the subway station and it is not meant for 'stop-overs'. Last night we were forced to leave the subway station at Union because there were only washrooms at the GO station, but it didn't matter because we had the pass. Back to today...when we got on the subway at Downsview, an older Chinese lady comes to me and asks me how to get to Chinatown (Spadina). She speaks Mandarin ONLY. So I freak out...well kind of...I try to tell her to get off at the Spadina Station but she tells me she doesn't understand english. I tell her that I don't speak Mandarin very well and I speak Cantonese...oh it was pretty funny. I'm trying to say "get off at Spadina and then walk down the hall to the street cars" but I wasn't sure if all street cars go down Spadina. I'm just a tourist myself! A local Filipino lady steps in and gives directions but in English. I don't know how much of it she understood...but we continued to communicate, I tried my best in Mandarin...it was REALLY funny...at times I had to repeat myself but she understood me eventually. It is easier for me to understand her since she spoke slowly and with short sentences. She kind of implied that 'all Chinese people should be able to speak Mandarin as it is the official language'...well, I'm learning and trying! She and her husband did commend me on my efforts and said that most Cantonese people have trouble with Mandarin. They got off at the Spadina Station and said 'thank you' in Mandarin (and replied 'you're welcome' in Mandarin). I always wonder, do I look 'that' Chinese? I think I'm pretty Canadian, and I'm darker than most Chinese people from China, how did she know I was Chinese? We got off a few stations later at St. Patrick Station. We saw signs that would lead us to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) so we followed them to Frank Gehry's building of Toronto. As far as I know, Gehry's is an addition to the existing AGO. AGO is quite hidden in run-down old neighbourhood with narrow streets and power lines dangling everywhere and in comparison to Gehry's other big projects such as the Guggenheim in Bilbao, there is no room for the building to breathe. The glass cladding is a very unique form but is unfitting with the context. The design is best suited on a waterfront or on a busy intersection such as the WAG in Winnipeg. It needs to be exposed and not buried away. It should be reopened in November 2008 so we didn't get to see the inside. The Ontario College of Art and Design was right behind it and so we didn't even have to look for that. We remember seeing a building with a cube sticking out of its side when we were up on the CN Tower, and it was just a block west of the College so we walked to find it. The streets were kind of creepy...I thought we were in drug town or something, nobody was around and the graffiti made me feel unsafe. This was probably the most threatening part of our trip. When we did find the cube building it was another disappointment, it was just a extensively commercialized concert hall with company labels and brands painted all across it...not very cool at all! I took a few pictures, Andrew didn't take any at all and we headed back to the College. We took some neat pictures, I tried to be funny in some. There is an art store right beside it and we went in and I bought tracing paper 18" wide x 50 yd for only $6, that is dirt cheap...They even gave me a discount even though I told them we're students from U of M. The bookstore at the U of M would easily charge over $12! Of course, Andrew played Devil's Advocate and so I resented from buying more rolls. After we went inside of the College, we told the reception guy that we are students from the U of M Faculty of Architecture and how we found their building so much more interesting (than the U of Ts). He was very nice and welcoming and so we roamed around the building and took pictures. I don't think the College teaches architecture but probably design such as graphic, fashion, etc... Next stop was the Ontario Science Centre! We caught the subway and got off at Eglington station and then we were feeling hungry so we bought stuff at Cinnabuns (or something). I bought Cinnastix and Andrew bought a Cinnabun. Mine were easier to handle so I was able to have them on the bus 34 that took right to the Science Centre. The Centre was neat but there were too many kiddie things and the kids were ruining it for everyone. Andrew and I had fun there but it was more of a bonus...had I known what was going to happen after I may have chose not to go...we were supposed to meet my Aunt Sandy, Liz and Ray at about 1 in the afternoon at First Markham Place. The original plan was to bus to the nearest station Don Mills (at Fairview Mall) and then catch the Viva Green to First Markham Place. We took the 25 to Fairview Mall (just passed Sheppard) only to find that the Viva Green only runs during peak hours from 4 to 6 in the afternoon and it was only almost 1 PM. We saw that the map and found out the 25 goes north all the way to Steeles. I called Aunt Sandy and ask if she could meet us at Don Mills and Steeles and that was the new plan. So we got onto the 25 again (good thing we bought those day passes) and then headed north. We both heard the intercom say "next stop, Steeles" so we pulled the trigger and requested the stop...only to find out we were on McNicoll and the map says we were still a few more stops from Steeles. So we had to wait for the next 25 to come and good thing those buses ran so frequently we never had to wait more than 5 minutes for one to come. After taking three 25s, we finally made it to Steeles and Don Mills and met up with my Aunt and cousins at the Esso gas station. My Aunt took us to Swiss Chalet for a late lunch and we had their chicken with their famous sauce. It was good but a bit on the expensive side...$8 for 1/4 of a chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy. We had talks about the 'good old' days when we were younger, how Liz used to follow us wherever there could be fun involved but would ruin the fun for everyone. After we ate, we went back to Splendid China Tower for the Press Conference / Autograph Session of Raymond, Linda, and Bernice. We arrived right when it started at 4 and there was a pretty good turn out at the mall given it was a Monday at 4 in the afternoon. Bernice actually didn't show up and I was slightly disappointed as I was hoping to see all three. We found spots on the side, and though we were closer to the stage, I didn't get very good pictures of Ray because he had his back turned on us and he was wearing sunglasses. Funny, I noticed he wore shoes without socks on...kind of gross and uncool in my opinion...Linda looked better in person than on camera but clearly Raymond was favoured by the fans who were screaming and yelling and we stood there quietly taking pictures :) They seemed friendly but they didn't do much, they just walked out on stage, and had a little bit of Q and A going, and then some photos and then began the autograph sessions, I was hoping to hear a tune or two but I guess that was reserved for the concert. Right before they were about to being autographing a boy near us fainted and his mom pulled him out of the crowd to get some air. There was piled of yellow bloop on the floor and I stepped on it and it was gross! It is probably puke and the boy just had bubble tea or something. It didn't seem like a drink because there was no 'cup' at the scene of the spill. To get autographs, I think either you had to have tickets to their concert or go there early enough because it seems like those who got signatures had special stickers on their shirts. Seeing that we couldn't get autographs, we left for Pacific Mall. This time I bought DIE and When a Dog falls in love with a Cat. They were priced at $10 each but I talked my way into getting a 10% discount at $18 for two :D I was getting pretty good at the bartering. Then I wished I would have said $16 for two, oh well...We went for bubble tea and got a buy 2 get the third one free deal and we ordered 4 drinks. The bill came to $18 so it was still like $4.50 per drink but it was good but expensive. Liz wanted to buy a PS2 DDR dance pad and she eventually found one at this store for $18 each. She got me to try to barter again, and I proposed the deal, 2 pads and the game for $40. The game is $8, so really we were only saving $4! That is like 10% off but she said "No, I don't make a lot off these"...I'm like "It is only $4!"..."That $4 makes a huge difference"...so we ended up only getting the pad. After that it was about 7 PM and suggested going to MHQ Karaoke for 2 hours since we were getting picked up at 9 PM. It is so cheap there, 2 hours for $6/person and you get a drink. In Winnipeg, the places are dated, small and expensive, and they make you buy drinks. However, Jimmy wasn't there and there were no other Karaoke fans amongst us besides me so we wandered until the Mall closed at 8 PM. I bought an SD card reader for $8 because MacBooks don't have built in card readers. After the mall closed, we wandered off to a nearby Wendy's/Tim's and it was cold night....and they were beginning to regret refusing to go into MHQ...Liz and Ray told us horrible stories about their experiences working at Tim Horton's, how everything was frozen and/or covered in flies. There menu is a little different, they don't have the Premium Hot Chocolate or Premium Mocha or Ice Mocha but luckily they had the Chocolate Brownie Ice Cap Supreme and I ordered that. There is no PST on food, so it was cheaper at $3.35 compared to $3.46 here in Winnipeg for a Medium. We also got some Hamburgers from Wendy's...and we sat and ate until Liz's dad came around 9 to pick us up after getting off work. We got home at around 10 PM and showered and ate a bit of rice and then went to bed for the last night in Toronto. 

Day 3 - Toronto Trip - Sunday

My cousins Liz and Raymond came over and the four of us ventured our way to Chinatown Sunday morning at around 10:00 AM with grandpa. My grandpa had this Dim Sum lunch to attend to, so we were to split once we got there. Liz's mom gave us all a ride to the nearest subway station Downsview so that saved us $3.00 on the Viva. At the Spadina station, Liz, Ray and I recalled the moments when the moving 'sidewalk' was there to link the subway train to the street car, but that has been removed. We used to sit on the rails because we thought we were cool by doing that when we were younger. After arriving at the Dundas stop (Chinatown), we remembered that we forgot to get TTC transfers...oh well, what can we do...We got there a little early, it was before 11 AM and nothing was really open because it was Sunday. We walked into the two malls (Dragon City Centre and Chinatown Centre) but nothing was open. We decided that we would come back later. We saw the CN Tower from Chinatown and decided to walk to there, we didn't want to take the street car because we would have to pay for that short trip. We passed by an MEC building on the way. I took some pictures but I think ours in Winnipeg looks way cooler. We finally got to the Roger's Centre/CN Tower at around the noon hour. There was baseball game, Blue Jays versus Boston, and people were everywhere trying to sell us tickets to the ball game, of course that wasn't the purpose of our trip. We had trouble locating the main entrance to the CN Tower and we took these stairs that brought us all the way around the CN Tower whereas we could have just kept going straight and we would have seen the entrance....oops! We got to the ticket booth and saw this City Pass deal that included multiple attractions in Toronto (CN Tower, ROM, Castle Loma, Ontario Science Centre, Hockey Hall of Fame, and the Zoo) for $64 so we got it. They told us it would be a 80 minute wait to get to the top but took no longer than 45 minutes to get the elevators. The last time I was in Toronto in 2001, we waited for hours to get to the elevators because it was in the afternoon. Only Andrew and I went up while Liz and Ray sat and waited outside and had hotdogs from the hotdog stand. We took pictures from up above and it was neat to see the city that way considering we were at ground level all Saturday evening. We saw these interesting buildings and we tooks pictures and vowed to find them once we were back on ground level. We took a few pictures for one another and then took a picture together. Then came the glass floor...I've been on it before so I wasn't freaked out and just stepped right on it and even jumped a couple of times but I could tell that Andrew was a little freaked out and so I took a picture of him and his reluctance. He eventually got on the glass and we took a few cool photos. The line to get back down was a half hour wait and while we were going down it began to rain outside and it was sunny when we were up. We grabbed some pizza from the little cafe on the main floor and ate lunch while waiting for the rain to stop. The rain stopped (but I had my umbrella out just in case) and we ventured to the nearest subway station. It was already 1:30 and the next two attractions, ROM and Casa Loma both close at 5 PM so we didn't have time to spare. It took us a while to find the subway station, we eventually found the Union Station but there was a closer one that we couldn't find...oh well...ROM is located just above the subway station "Museum" so that easy. We got in and had to turn in our bags. There was a huge line up at the ticket booth but seeing that two of us had passes and two of us didn't, the very kind lady allowed my cousins to jump the queue and we got in as soon as we got there! The place was quite interesting particularly the Michael Lee0Chin Crystal by Daniel Libeskind was really cool and we got some great pictures of us (me) being stupid with it, lol...we were quite close to being kicked out...lol...In the dinosaur section, they had a giant turtle and fish hung in the exact same way as in the Wallace building at the U of M and we think they are massed produced and if you buy the turtle, you get the fish for half price or something. We weren't really there to learn so we just took pictures of some interesting artifacts and skipped much of the descriptions :D My batteries were dying by the end of the museum and I forgot my charger at home so I had to buy 4 AA batteries for $7 at the souvenir shop! I also bought souvenir edition of Bold Visions - The Architecture of the Royal Ontario Museum and that has come in handy already while I'm typing this up. They also had a lot of beautifully designed pieces of souvenirs but they were really expensive. For only $99, you can get this lemon juicer that I'm pretty sure Sharon Ackerman showed us in her Theory Class, that looks like a 3 or 4 legged spider. After ROM it was 3 PM, and we were getting hungry so we bought hotdogs at the hotdog stand...for $3 and a bottle of water...because we forgot to grab them from home. While we were eating, there was an olympic parade with Chinese Canadians celebrating the success of the 2008 Beijing Olympics in their BMWs, Acuras, Mercedes, Lexus, etc... We asked the ladies at the backpack pick up to see how we get to Casa Loma and it was only a few more subway stops north. So we paid again for the fare for the third time that day. After we got off the subway we still had to walk another 10 minutes to get to Casa Loma. We followed these signs on the road but they were meant for cars so we took this big detour when there was this other 'pedestrian only' route. It was hot and humid and we were going up hill. On top of that, the castle had no A/C (duh) and had these huge fans to cool the building off. The place was nice but I found every room similar, the highly decorated Victorian style that I'm not much of a fan of. We had these hand held that served as our guides. We didn't have much time left so we had to rush through our trips in ROM and Casa because they close at 5 PM. The tunnels at Casa were cool (both ways) but were smelly, lol. After Casa, I couldn't take the sun anymore and I had to take my umbrella out and use it for shade, and Andrew made fun of it and called it my "Michael Jackson Umbrella". We walked back to subway station and inquired about the family pass, we were shocked to find out that for a flat fee of only $9, we could've rode the TTC for unlimited number of times! The TTC employee wasn't very helpful at all...The sign was confusing it said...$9 at the top... and then at the bottom it listed "2 adults and up to 4 children" or "1 adult"...the guy was quite rude to me when I asked what the difference was...he said he didn't understand my question (Though I had been using Chinese fairly often in Toronto, I was speaking English at the time)...then we paid closer attention and read the fine print...On weekends, the pass is good for a family, but on weekdays it is only good for a single adult. After all that, I left him with the words "And here we are paying for the fare for 3 times without anyone telling us about it" and I walked away... Later, Liz told me he had this "well, good for you" look on his face. I was in a bad mood after that...It was about 5:45 PM. We headed back to Chinatown to find food...Charlene recommended Gold Stone so that was where we were headed. We passed this 'Watch Repair' store that sold TVB Series for only $4 each. It was funny because they just had this old guy with a table set up at the store window but inside it was all DVDs. I tried to bargain some more but she said no. Liz said she saw it in my eyes that I was going to get them anyways. Andrew said my hands were shaking when I went to grab them off the shelf. Whatever, it was such a deal! Then we went to Gold Stone, we sat down and had the recommended BBQ Pork Rice. Since I got such a deal with my DVDs I decided to treat my cousins! We were being cheap, I asked if we could order two plates for $5 something and then got four extra bowls to share it. The waitress told me "okay, but the minimum spending is $3 per person ($12 for the group), so could you just get a drink/pop?" I'm like "okay". It was really good though probably full of MSG. I left $10 on the table and Andrew left $5, so we left a $2 tip for them. After we ate, we rode the street car down towards the lake front and we took photos there. They had this man made beach and boardwalk which was nice, but seemed really really fake...After that we took the subway back uptown to Queen's Park where the U of T is. We saw the Ontario Legislature building and we wanted to see the U of T Faculty of Architecture building to compare it with ours. After wandering around finding a map, we had to hurry as it was getting dark out. We found the building but only to be disappointed. U of M's is so much better looking and bigger too. They only have one old building to house the entire faculty including landscape architecture too. Even there biomed buildings look nicer than their architecture building. After that, it was dark and we hoped on the subway again and headed for the Downsview Station. Liz's parents came to pick us up from the station and we headed out for Pho (Vietnamese) for a late night snack and Andrew and I got the "Special Pho"...it was good and I was so close to finishing the soup but my uncle told me to stop fearing that I would burst (I knew my limits, I could have finished it). Then it was home time when we showered and headed to bed...End of Day 3...

Day 2 - Toronto - Saturday

Sunny, hot and somewhat humid, but the air quality seemed to be better than it was the last time I was there when a layer of brown haze was noticeable. We began the morning with breakfast and just working our way into the routine. We played with my Pokemon obsessed cousins. Then my aunt Carol came over and we headed off the Splendid China Mall...for you guess it...Raymond, Bernice, and Linda...at about 11 AM. We took Pricilla with us. We got to the mall and I saw a notice stuck on the door. It translated to "Due to the intense storm in Hong Kong, our special guests will not be able to appear as scheduled, and the autographing session is cancelled until further notice." Feeling a little disappointed, we when to this Shanghai restaurant inside for Dim Sum. We wanted to order the Shrimp Rice Rolls but she couldn't find it on the menu. Because my reading abilities are a bit better than hers, I took a look too but I couldn't find them, so we decided to ask the waiter. Here's the funny part, both Aunt Carol and I have limited communication abilities in Mandarin and the waiter was Mandarin. We used a combination of Cantonese, Mandarin, English and body language to describe it and we got what we wanted! After the meal, we took a quick stroll at the Splendid China Mall but didn't buy anything and then we went to Pacific Mall which is just across the street. Though Splendid was sitting empty, Pacific was crowded and we had a real tough time finding a parking spot. As scheduled, I met my friend Jimmy here at P.M. and we hung out. I bought an official version of the Seventh Day because it was on sale ($15) and then a copy of War of In-Laws 2 ($16), also a few English titles for 4 for $10 (most places were selling them for 5 for $10 but I didn't know at the time) Last year, it was 3 for $10 and 7 for $20. Andrew, Jimmy and I hung out at the mall, had some bubble tea while Aunt Carol brought Pricilla back to Splendid to meet with Aunt Sandy. Since the autograph session was cancelled there was no point in staying at the mall for much longer so Andrew and I soon got a ride to the nearest subway station (Don Mills) from Aunt Sandy and Uncle John and Jimmy went back to his family who were eating out at the time. Andrew and I went downtown Toronto! We took two subways to get to the Dundas station and spent a long time at Eaton's Centre. In comparison to our Portage Place, this mall is bigger and was FULL of people inside. I spent over $120 at the Apple Store, though it was under renovations, it was cool anyways. I bought a MacBook Pro Skin ($50), iPod Touch Skin ($25), and Keyboard Skin ($35). The MacBook Pro Skin is sold out everywhere, I couldn't find it at Best Buy or Future Shop and the Bookstore on Campus is sold out of them too. The iPod Touch skin sells for $35 at Best Buy and Future Shop so Apple was selling them fore quite cheap. The keyboard skin was also $35 at Best Buy was only available in Black, I got it clear at the Apple Store. We went into many other stores too. I saw a pair of shoes at Sketcher's that I liked, but I just bought my shoes less than a year ago and the ones I saw were $105. I tried on this polo at Zara, it was $40, so not that expensive but it looked really nice. It was a clearance item so it was only available in Medium and Large. I tried on the M, and it was small so I tried on the L, and it was still small, it was so tight that I had a hard time to take it off (plus it was hot and I was kind of sweating). However, the tighter fit, did look good thought, it made my body look built, lol, too bad it was too hard to take off. If it shrinks anymore than it will be way too small. If it was $20s then I may have got it but $40 for a shirt that isn't my size isn't worth it. I went to Hollister and I wanted this polo and I was about to make the purchase until I saw the line up. There were like 30 people in line from the back all the way to the front of the store. Then we went to this other store called RW & Co and each bought a polo because they had a deal if you bought two. It worked out to about $30 each. I like it, it isn't too loose but isn't too tight to take off. After shopping at Eaton's Centre, we went over to Dundas Square (across the street) and they had these fountains coming out from the sidewalk and a mini market set up. Then we walked to the old and new City Hall and they had this Cuban fest going on and we each grabbed a pita and enjoyed the festival. People were singing and dancing (cha cha I think). After that, we went to Buskerfest down on St. Lawrence and saw this fire show. We couldn't stay for all of it because it was going to get dark soon and we didn't want to find the subway when it was dark out. The two maps we had were helpful in trip planning but didn't help finding the station entrances downtown. One map had the stations listed and routes but no streets, the other had streets but no stations, just the route traced out. So after looking around and asking several people, we caught the subway and headed home. We got from downtown to the Downview station in about 30 minutes and then we caught the Viva Orange and got to Weston and Hwy 7 a little passed 9. We were home at about 9:20 PM. I thought we were going to be the last ones home but we weren't, my uncle, aunt had taken my cousins out and weren't home yet. We showered and ate and went to bed...End of Day 2...

Day 1 - Toronto - Friday Evening

I got to the airport at about 7:30. We had checked in online the night before to ensure we were sitting beside each other. It turned out our flight was delayed from 8:30 to about 9:15 PM. We entered the gates at about 8:15 so we still had about a 45 minute wait inside the gates. I failed the metal detector test and required an intensive scan. When we boarded the jet the skies were dark and everything was okay until we hit some turbulence on our flight. The turbulence was so sudden that a flight attendant was sent flying into the wall. The captain immediately told them to sit down and they did so hastily. The seat beat light remained on for much of the flight. They were originally getting ready to serve the buy on board items. They recommended this mango smoothie ($3) so I decided to give it a try but it was too warm for a smoothie and it was HOT in the cabin. When ask, I told them it was good just to be polite. We arrived quite late and it was passed midnight and we were waiting for our luggage to come down. We were welcomed by my uncle and aunt who picked us up from Pearson International Airport. We arrived to their home in Vaughan and grandpa was waiting for us so we quickly changed and ate and then went to bed, it was 1:30 AM local time when we settled down. I slept on the sofa the first night while Andrew got the sofa bed. We promised to alternate.

Only 20 Hours Left!

Only one more week left of summer and 20 hours until take off! Work has been really hectic lately and has really kept my mind off school, but today we had this director come it from Calgary and he made fun of our 'skywalks'...'oh you mean all three of them?" he said, and i'm like "no, all 5 of them (sarcastically)" lol...but of course we know what's wrong with their +17 walk system ;) I got my macbook last week on Friday and I've been trying to install XP Media Centre on it since Monday but I've encountered a few problems with it and it works but the Media Centre portion won't install...I've been trying and trying and it is really stressing me out...I don't think we'll need CAD the first day...but CS3 runs great on it! Gotta get back to packing! I found this 2005 travel guide that I will bring with me and we'll look it over while we're on the plane!

Shopping list

Toothbrush - Done
Toothpaste - Done
Long distance phone card - No Such Thing - I will rely on Texting
iPod Touch Case - Apple Store - Eaton Centre

Sketchbook for Andrew (Bring mine too) - Grand and Toy 

Sent from my iPod

VMWare Issues

The OS came in three CDs (Part 1, 2, and Updates) yesterday. I've been using this VMWare wizard to set up Windows. After putting the first CD it installs fine and then it restarts and a VMWare Tools error message does come up...

"Error 1500. Another installation is in Progress. You must complete that installation before continuing this one."

It doesn't ask to put disc two in or anything and finishes. I tried to put disc 2 in and nothing happens. I test out windows and it is lacking programs such as internet explorer, media player, or those 'games' (solitaire, free cell, etc)

The manual says that VMWare can create a Virtual Machine from the Boot Camp Partition...I'm thinking I may give that a try...Is it easy to set up with Boot Camp?

Trip to Toronto!!!!

It worked out! I just bought my plane ticket! I'll be leaving Winnipeg Friday, August 22nd, evening and return Tuesday evening! This will be my first time traveling without my parents, so it'll be exciting going with Andrew!

Saturday - Let the fun begin - meet up with Jimmy and cousin - Shop at the Asian Malls in Markham - See the Ray, Bernice, and Linda @ Splendid China Tower - Karaoke?

Sunday - Downtown Toronto! Chinatown? Apple Store?

Monday - Downtown Toronto! (With Andrew) Architecture! Museums/Galleries!

Tuesday Morning/Early Afternoon - Suburbia? Last minute shopping?

Trip to Toronto

WestJet has once again lowered their prices! OMG this is so exciting...but I still can't get a hold of my manager! WHERE ARE YOU CLAUDE?

Trip not working out...

WestJet has increased their prices significantly and it is now $500 to fly to Toronto. My manager has not responded so I've been waiting for his approval before making the purchase...We were only one step away so I'm a bit disappointed...

Trip to Toronto?

WestJet prices are fluctuating...my manager still has not confirmed my request to take the two days off...and my dad though he is not against this trip, he is not very supportive about it...I wonder how Andrew is doing?

Trip to Toronto?

After realizing that 3.5 months have gone by without leaving the city of Winnipeg, Andrew and I are planning a trip somewhere...We would leave Friday night and return Tuesday night. I would only have to take two days (Monday and Tuesday) off work. At first, we wanted to go to Chicago, because it is rich in architecture, by driving to Grand Forks and taking the train to Chicago, but my mom turned me down. She suggested Calgary or Vancouver, but Vancouver is too expensive and Calgary does not interest Andrew and I that much...it is a city we built in 10 years and we will be able to see only one type of architecture. Then I did a search on WestJet and they have a seat sale for flights to Toronto and it only costs $330 to fly to Toronto... I could even go see Raymond, Linda, and Bernice in T.O. and visit my grandparents, uncles/aunts, and cousin...best of all it is free to live there...

It Came!

My MacBook Pro finally came...it was so easy to set up and it only took 15 minutes to get everything up and running...so, so far so good...It thin and light and looks great! XP MCE isn't arriving until Tuesday...

MacBook Pro Didn't Come Today

After delivery my iPod Touch a day early, FedEx has now let me down...my MacBook Pro did not come this morning even though they promised delivery by noon August 14, 2008. I wonder if Andrew got his package today...At least I got my iPod...I'm in the process of loading The Seventh Day onto my iPod because it was so good...My iPod is getting scratched on the back already...I better get the cases this weekend...

First iPod Post

So I found a way to resolve the issue I had with blogger earlier. The solution us to post via email. This will do until blogger makes their site compatible with iPhone and iPod touches.

Sent from my iPod

Ipod and Canon Printer

They came in the mail this morning a day earlier than expected. The touch is best device invented! It is awesome! I can go on Facebook but I can't seem to make a post on Blogspot...Oh well, maybe I'm just stupid or something. I can't link to my hotmail account becaue they have disabled POP3 but I can connect to Gmail and U of M accounts. It took a google search to figure out how the stand is used. The Canon printer is much like the printer featured at the lab on FH2!

My Apple Order

I got an email from Apple yesterday and my Ipod Touch and Canon Printer have been shipped on Friday. The estimated arrival date is now Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 2 days earlier than originally expected...so excited...but still no word on the macbook or XP MCE OS

Got New Glasses

I got new glasses today...it took Hakim Optical 3 weeks to get these done for me...they told me that the lenses were on back order so that was the reason for the delay. The first pair had to be ordered from an Ontario Hakim store because they only had a gray/white/silver pair at the downtown Winnipeg location. But it was worth the one week wait because I got very good complements! I don't remember the lenses on my clip-on pair being so rectangular but it's been three weeks and I plan to wear them mostly for driving and stuff so I don't mind them being a little bit bigger. So far I'm pleased with them, though it took a little longer than expected...

Laptop Purchase...

I bought it! The MAC...

• 2.4 GHz Processor
• 200 GB Hard Drive
• 2 GB RAM
• Microsoft Windows XP Media Centre Edition
• 16 GB Ipod Touch
• Canon Printer iP4500

I spent about $3000 (after taxes) in one night...eeks...but I'll be getting $99.95 + $319 back from rebates.

I still have to get CS3 and AutoCAD from the bookstore this weekend....I'm so excited...

Mac Cost Break-Down

Okay, so after consulting with many people...I'm pretty much sold on the 1899.99 Mac Book Pro...Here is the cost break down...

MacBook Pro - $1899.99
Apple Remote - $19
Canon Pixma iP4500 - $99.95
16GB iPod Touch - $419.00
Subtotal - $2436.95
After Taxes - $2729.39

Rebates
iPod Touch - $319.00
Canon Printer - $99.95

Mac Related Software
VMWare - $44.95
XP - $130.00
After Taxes - $195.95

Grand Total - $2506.39

Actual Cost of the Laptop
$2506.39 / 1.12 = $2237.85
Minus the value of iPod - $369.99 (@Future Shop)
Minus the value of Printer - $99.95
Actual Cost of Laptop = $1767.90

If I can transfer that old XP license over that would save me another $130.00 (or $145.60 after taxes)! I would feel really ripped off buying another XP license if there is one that I bought that is not in use. I'll place my order next weekend as it is the long weekend.

Visit to University

Today was by far the best day of summer! The clear blue skies and warm temperatures made my trip to the university very pleasant. I've never seen the campus look this way before when the trees and shrubs are fully leafed and the walkways are clear of any debris. Perhaps during that school I am too busy to notice it, but today I had the chance to take it in. I felt like just sitting on the park bench and reading a book.
So I went to the bookstore today...and asked the sales associate about the various Intel processors...he was the forth person to tell me that the difference between the 2.4, 2.5, and 2.6 processors is minimal, so I'm not concerned about that anymore...As for the graphics card, a friend told me that it may be worth it to get the 512 card in the Mac for 2399, but that is bringing the cost way to high. The bookstore associate also said that spending several grand for a laptop is senseless, so I'm sticking with the base model. Ram is not a concern for me as Futureshop is(was) selling 2GB modules for $35 online. I did a very detailed comparison between the Dell and the Mac, both have the exact same graphics card. However, there are several places where the Mac exceeds the Dell. The display on the Mac is a high def (1440x900) LED LCD, which is a $200 upgrade on the Dell. The battery life is estimated to be 5 hours. The battery life of the six cell battery will be 3 hours, the extended battery (9 cell) is a $100 upgrade. With those upgrades the price of the Dell exceeds $2000 before taxes, so there is value in getting a Mac (rebate and ipod touch). There are places where the Dell does exceed the Mac; the Hard drive is larger 320 GB vs 200 GB, but I have a 500 GB external so that isn't a concern. Of course there are the Mac related expenses but it is XP and I've heard that I can get the license on one of my old computers transferred over I wouldn't have to buy it.


I think the only way I will get the Dell (Windows) is if they decide to upgrade their processors to the ones found on the new sony's. They support up to 8GB of RAM which is guaranteed to last a while. There is a new HP model at Future shop with this new processor but it is only a 2.0 GHz, but I suspect that many companies will follow. However, for the time being I'm really leaning towards the Mac now. Still I'll give myself another week or so to make up my mind.

Laptop Decision....pretty close...

Seeing that I would dread hauling around a 16.4" screen. I'm really leaning towards the MAC Book Pro...Here is the run down...

• $1899.00 - Cost of Laptop
• $279.00 - Cost of Warranty
• $19.00 - Remote
• $124. 95 - Windows XP
• Optional ($44.95 - VMWARE Fusion)

Subtotals = $2321.95 ($2366.90)
After Taxes = $2600.58 ($2650.93)

• Free Ipod Touch - $319 value = $38.28 taxes
• Free Canon Printer - $100 value = $12.00 taxes

Grand Totals = $2650.86 ($2700.21)

I'm not going to spend the extra money to get Vista because rumour has it that MS will be releasing a new OS in the near future. I could use a new printer, the ink tanks are low (once again) on my current printer ($60 value) and though FS and BB has the Touch for only $279, I'm still saving a further $339...Subtract that from the grand total...and the laptop is only going to cost me $2311.86 (or $2064.16 before taxes).

So the price is acceptable but I'm still a little bit concerned about the processor because I know first hand that they aren't upgradeable...so I'll have to get someone's opinion on that...Chad on Friday? and perhaps the Computer guys at the store.

Course List

Fall 2008

• EVAR 3004 Arhcitectural Technology 1 (14843)
• EVAR 3008 Architecture Design Studio 1 (14844)
• EVAR 3014 Drawing: Freehand/Digital (15442)
• EVAR 4000 Modern Architectural History and Theory 1 (14854)

Winter 2009

• EVAR 3006 Architectural Technology 2 (24654)
• EVAR 3010 Architectural Design Studio 2 (24655)
• EVAR 4006 Modern Architectural History and Theory 2 (24659)
• Elective - EVDS 3250 Advanced Computing in Environmental Design (20694)
• Elective - EVDS 3740 Introduction to AutoCAD (20695)

Laptop Requirements 2008-2009

Apparently we got this "Architecture Order Form" from the University of Manitoba Bookstore Computer Centre in the mail...though I haven't received mine...however, I did receive an email about corrects and a link http://umanitoba.ca/bookstore/pdf/Architecture_Order_Form_2008_web.pdf was provided to view this form. It seems to be directed at both ED2 and ED3 students in the faculty. By the new curiculum, ED2 students are students that have been successfully admitted into the program and I would be an ED3. Now I feel ripped off and screwed over because the ED2 this year will be in a much more competent position than we are.

The form mentions the minimum computer requirements...

• 2.0 Intel Core 2 Duo processor
• RAM - 2GB
• Hard Disk - 120 GB
• Optical Drive - DVD Read/Write
• Screen Size - 13.3" @ 1280x800 resolution
• Wireless Networking (ISO 802.11 b/g or 802.11b/g/n)
• 3 year manufacturer's warranty

Software Requirements include...

• Adobe CS3 Premium - $369.95 ($30 cheaper than what I last saw at the store)
• MS Office 2007
• AutoCAD 2009 SV (Student Version?) - 13 month license - $179.95 (a recurring cost?)

Since the ED2's will be required AutoCAD, I'm thinking that they will be taught it in there Visual Media course...We seriously had WAY too many watercolouring classes! Drafting should have been 2.5 months, Drawing/Watercolour at only 2.5 months and then AutoCAD for 2.5 months and we could have had the choice whether to hand draft OR us CAD for our final studio projects. That was what we should have done. Maybe then I could have gotten a job in Infrastructure at CBSA and use the skills. I could have been an ATS officer rather than just Security. We certainly don't have an AutoCAD course in our course list. Will we be taught the ED2s? Will be taught at all? Either way, I'm not too pleased...unless my friend Jay got into the program, then that would be okay to have a class with him but if he still hasn't heard from them yet chances are he didn't make the list. He really should have taken more than the course he failed to try to boost up his GPA especially if he wasn't working. Perhaps computer usage or something like that but as a friend I can only advise...

New Sony Laptops

Sony is releasing new sleek looking laptops...but unfortunately they aren't the perfect ones...The ideal screen size in my view is 14.1", but they only offer 13.1", 13.3", and 16.4" (and that is not a typo, it is 16.4" and it is wide screen)...It is also available in white on white which is what I prefer but I couldn't find a picture of. It is customizable and everything and I think they feature the lastest intel processors operating up to 2.8 GHz with a front side bus speed of 1066 MHz and up to 6 MB cache. The model that fits my budget is a 2.5 GHz with 6 MB cache. The prices are from the USA site since the Canadian site does not have customize feature yet...

2.5 GHz Core 2 Duo Processor

Windows Vista Ultimate

2 GB RAM

250 GB @ 5400 rpm

DVD read/write

ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 3470 (256 MB of Video RAM)

Price....$1559.99 US

I suspect that the Canadian model will not exceed $1700. All that looks good on paper and on my wallet until I factor in the size of a 16.4" screen...compared to my existing laptop, the height and depth are very close but the width is more than a inch wider and it is slightly heavier...I'll have to wait to see it in stores before making my decision...

The 15.4" Mac is slimmer, lighter and smaller than my existing laptop...oh...choices...

Winter 2009 Courses

EVAR 4002 - Modern Architectural History and Theory 2

• Wednesdays from 1:30 pm - 4:20 pm

EVAR 3008 - Architectural Technology 2 - Building Construction, Structures and Envelopes

• Wednesdays from 9:00 am - 11:50 am

EVAR 3010 - Architecture Design Studio 2

• Mondays and Thursday from 1:30 pm - 04:20 pm
• Mondays from 8:30 am - 12:20 pm
• Thursdays from 8:30 am - 11:20 am

I don't know why Studio 2 is shorter than Studio 1...perhaps Studio 1 will change...it has happened before...

Fall 2008 Courses

EVAR 4000 - Modern Architecture History and Theory 1

• Wednesdays from 1:30 pm - 4:20 pm

EVAR 3004 - Architectural Technology 1- Structural and Sustainable Use of Materials

• Wednesdays from 9:00 am - 11:50 am

EVAR 3008 - Architecture Design Studio 1

• Mondays and Thursday from 8:30 am - 12:20 pm (Lunch) 1:30 pm - 5:20 pm

Elective (3 credit hours)

• I'm not even sure what to take or what I CAN take. Most university courses run MonWedFri or TueThur. Since studio is basically ALL DAY on Mondays and Thursdays, it rules out most courses. Any course I take would have to be a night class, once a week from 7-10...that is dumb!
• I thought of taking Computer Usage, Math in Art, Chinese...Chinese is a 6 credit hour course so that is not what. Math in Art I believe has drawing in it and I think I would have had enough in studio. Computer Usage may be a good choice.
• Also I'm wondering if the faculty has elective courses or a list of recommended courses.
• I may end up taking summer courses next summer to full fill my electives. I have to take another 3 credit hours in my 4th year so I may just take 6 credit hours in the summer.

Existing Laptop Option

The third choice is of course just to use the laptop that I have until I absolutely cannot stand it any longer!

Specs of my Toshiba Machine

• 1.6 GHz Core Duo processor
• 2GB RAM (some sites say my model can support up to 4 GB, but I doubt it)
• 100 GB Hard Drive
• No discrete graphics card
• Age - 2 years old

Advantages

• Allows me to make my purchases in stages beginning with just the software
• I can see from my peers which is better Mac or Windows

Disadvantages

• Long start up time - between 3-5 minutes
• Freezes very frequently when I use CS3
• Slow to load CS3 (Photoshop and Indesign)

Windows Laptop

Advantages

• Cheaper than Macs (Price Range from $1500-$2000)
• More value
• Familiar
• Compatible

Disadvantages

• Vista (I hear Microsoft is releasing its replacment soon due to poor sales) - I would get Ultimate for the extra security features
• Viruses
• Slows down after time
• Requires frequent booting

Option #1 - Sony VGNFZ4000CTO

Advantages

• Brand
• Less Common
• Affordable Blu-ray
• Battery Life* (so they claim)

Disadvantages

• Not the greatest value
• Slow Hard Drive @ 4200 rpm (upgradable but for $$)
• Current Out of Stock
• Graphics Card

Option #2 - Dell XPS 1530

Advantages

• Microsoft Vista Ultimate Standard (or cheap add on)
• Best Value
• Affordable top notch performance based on specs
• 2.0 MP Webcam (1.3 is what the others have)
• Colour Choices
• Cheapest extended warranty - 'covers anything' option

Disadvantages

• Dell - not the best reputation
• Too common

MacBook Pro Option

Option #1 - $1899.00

• 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo with 3 MB Cache
• 2GB RAM
• 200 GB Hard Drive
• 256 MB Graphics Card

Option #2 - $2399.00

• 2.5 GHz Core 2 Duo with 6 MB Cache
• 2GB RAM
• 250 GB Hard Drive
• 512 MB Graphics Card

The Difference?

• Is the difference worth the $500? I see the use in the improvements in the processor and graphics card. The difference between the hard drives does not concern me, since the difference is merely capacity and I have a 500 GB external hard drive. The problem with the processor is that it can not be upgraded. I know that first hand, no matter how many GBs of RAM you put into your computer, the bottle neck will be the processor. That is the problem with the laptop I have right now...

Benefits of a Mac (This is what I've heard or seen)

• 'Free' 8 GB Ipod Touch - must pay taxes but still a $279 value
• Immune (or almost immune) to viruses and spyware
• Fewer (no) freezes
• Built to last (my friend drop his macbook out of his back pack and it crashed onto the sidewalk but survived)
• Well designed and easy to use
• What most ED students have

Disadvantages of a Mac

• Expensive - in a spec by spec comparison, it is the most expensive
• Unable to run AutoCAD - requires the use of Bootcamp and buying a windows OS - which exposes it to 'threats' and is an added cost of $150 to get Vista Basic (Windows stopped selling XP)
• No Card Reader - We take a lot of Pictures!
• Never used one before - can take some time to get used to
• Possible compatability issues?

Laptop for School

Well, I'm more than half way through summer and it is time to start thinking about school...I'll be studying architecture specifically this year and will require a laptop. The recommended specs for this year are not available yet (as usually our faculty is last when it comes to being up to date). Last year's specs were ... 2 GB RAM, 2.16 GHz Core 2 Processor, 100 GB Hard Drive and a discrete video graphics card. I would like my laptop to have at least a 2.4 GHz Core 2 Processor, 200 GB Hard Drive, and no less than 2 GB of RAM (I can always go to 4 GB when Best Buy or Future Shop has their 2GB modules for $40)....I'm budgeting no more than $3000 for everything (laptop + taxes + extended warranty), and that is not including the software as well. I need to get Adobe CS3, I'm thinking premium for $399 and AutoCAD for $199. I already have MS Office, I got the Ultimate Steal for $69.

"Designers" of Drama

It seems like the design career has made an appearance in many TV series lately...I can name three off the top of my head...

• (TVB) The Seventh Day - Kevin Cheng plays an interior designer
• (TVB) The Green Grass of Home - Christine Ng plays an interior designer
• (ATV) If the Moon had Eyes - Some guy (a lead) is an architect

It nice to see that the career of my choice (studying architecture) is getting so much publicity and it is something I can relate to at another level when I'm watching them. Designers have been featured as positive characters in these recent series but many years ago I've noticed that designers were given a bad image, perhaps they were stereotypically self-centered or homosexual....after a year of design school, of course that is isn't true...designers must meet the needs of the client and the budget making it a very challenging career.

My Personal Website

For the most part, my personal webpage is complete and can be found at http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~umchianr I'm much more please at this site than my first personal page