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February 21, 2005
MTR, UW web design, and other goodness.
10:34 AM
Hmm, I’m totally having blogging writers block— but the disappearance of the most recent entry has called me to at least write something.
So instead, I realized pictures are worth a thousand words. So here you are. I scrounged through my sister’s computer to find some interesting pictures I’ve taken back this summer. Yes, one of those totally crazy days of boredom that weirdly becomes a good time.
Meet my sister’s cushon. It’s actually kind of freaky, especially in the middle of the night. It always looks like it’s staring at me. Ah!
Bowie’s Home Alone rendition— too bad the cushon didn’t have a screaming expression
Here’s me as Paris Hilton and her Chihuahua. I look so pretty.
Here’s me in bed with my lover.
NEW UW WEB FORMAT:
Waterloo has finally announced that transition to the new layout standard. Say goodbye to the Gold Standard that we’ve all become used to— and sick of. The old format was tiresome, has way too many unnecessary images, and just doesn’t work well for the visually impared. This new layout is refreshing, organized, and accessible for all users. I’m lovin’ it, McDicks Waterloo.
You might have seen the new layout being implemented already: Jobmine, Research + Technology Park, AHS, Campaign Waterloo
I can’t wait to update the School of Planning website. Ah! There’s actually an info session this week for all the web developers. I’m so excited. Yes, I’m a nerd, and totally proud.
I LOVE MTR
Shima mentioned if I was on something for me thinking Leo looks like Usher— well, and I sort of am.
I’m totally high on Hong Kong’s MTR’s transit expansion plans. (I know you’re totally jealous of my beautufilly composed segue).
MTR, or “Mass Transit Railway” (I know, so creative) is exactly what it is— the region’s local mass transit system. They have major plans to extend its existing rail developments into the east and south sides of Hong Kong Island.
For those who may be interested:
Here’s the proposal video. This is like better than porn. *drools* You guys should really check it out.
Also, you might know that Hong Kong, in its attempt to bring further promote is flourishing tourism industry, is the site of the newest Disneyland Resort. And of course, new developments mean new mass transit infrastructure. Disneyland is on the east coast of Lantau Island. The MTR will be creating a 3-km railway connection directly to the resort. Here are some potential designs of the train’s interior. Here are project details.
Two words: TTC what?
Wait a minute, what happened to my writers block?
Filed under Planning, published In Toronto
15 Comments
February 22, 2005 12:26 AM
Don't forget the 3 commuter rail lines connecting Kowloon to mainland!
February 22, 2005 12:33 AM
February 22, 2005 12:35 AM
apparently the KCR wants to double the size of its existing rail network
http://www.kcrc.com/eng/corporate/about/index.asp
February 22, 2005 12:51 AM
Annonymous:
Show yourself!
Yes, there's the KCR, but it's not really a local mass transit, but a commuter rail, as you said.
I'm sure they'll need more connections to the mainland for sure. I don't remember taking much of the KCR back when I was a child, but I do remember the MTR vividly.
February 22, 2005 09:17 AM
If you change your MT template so that it displays the last 3 articles instead of the last 3 days worth of posts you won't have the problem where your page is empty because someone commented and therby caused all your indexes to get rebuilt, but since you haven't posted in 7 days or whatever your main page is left blank.
Can you believe that all fit in one sentance?
My friend Mezan likes the MTR too. A bit too much if you ask me.
February 22, 2005 12:11 PM
Although KCR is technically commuter rail, it is actually just a subway above ground. It is electric with subway-like stations every few blocks.
February 22, 2005 03:20 PM
i never thought i'd be homesick about hong kong, but kcr brings back sweet memories....back in the day when their chairs were made of orange plastic. my mom and I (not so much my sister) always run to the first cart even at sheung shui station (yeah i live near china) just to get a seat even at non rush hour.
i must say, although KCR is not a real subway, it puts TTC's "rush hour" to shame. Hello? where are your people packer?
February 23, 2005 10:46 AM
wow, i'm impressed with the HK's subway terminal/hub design. it actually reminds me of huge trees - the large green steel trunks that reaches to the sky and curves then looses itself in its tangles! Along with this new system, i can totally see why everyone is saying China will be the next 'world power'. haha...
Speaking of Disneyland, Jeff's aunt (who's an architect) is helping to design buildings there! i thought that was kinda neat. =)
February 23, 2005 02:21 PM
hey matt you coming out on sat?
and yeah the mtr beats the ttc anyday.
air conditioning! yay! lol
February 24, 2005 12:26 AM
DUDE... (this is unrelated to the part of your post about mtr, likely much to your disappointment, but anyhoo) in that pic of you as Paris, that's like the room I am sitting in right now but backwards! the layout, that is.
is your house a 'donut house' too? i.e. the main floor has no partitions except in the middle? irene also has a 'donut house'... i hate 'donut houses'.
February 24, 2005 01:40 PM
Ram:
Thanks for the tip, and well put too in such a great sentence :)
Tiff:
Haha. Hong Kong homesick! Yeah, I didn't take much of the KCR, b/c I lived in Lai King, on the Chuen Wan Line. Haha. People packers. I doubt that will be tolerated in Canada, even if there was a necessity to do so :P
Liz:
Holy smokes, is Jeff's family all architects or something? It's in their blood maybe?
Wil:
I might go out on Saturday. It's been waaaaay too long since I've seen, or even talked to, you
Bev:
I guess I, too, have "donut home" lol. Our good old cookie cutter homes. Gotta love it.
February 27, 2005 10:18 PM
Matt - it's to the WEST and south ends of HK island :)
They're a private company, that's why they can be successful. Personally, I believe a privately run transit corporation under
government regulation is so much more efficient than another level of bureaucracy. Also, being a private company, it makes it MUCH easier for them to find other ways of raising capital, such as stock offerings.
I wish the TTC became a corporation. Corporate entities are different from the government: they're forced to be innovative and efficient or they go bankrupt. Of course, that will never happen -- we're too happy with the government running everything. Wow. I'm a conservative today.
February 27, 2005 10:23 PM
What do I miss the most about the MTR? The lovely announcements on the train. "Next station, Central, doors will open on the left" That hot british accent made me want to cum... her voice was so hot.
They've changed them since I was back in HK last. Now they use THREE languages and as a result they had to shorten them so you're not listening to the voice the whole time.
Fun Site:
http://www.ushb.net/broadcast/
It has all the announcements in realplayer :D
February 28, 2005 01:02 AM
omg laurence that reminds me,
my sister's friend was in the KCR one time and this was back in the early 90's when they still do live broadcast (not the taped one sexy woman voice now). so the next station was University.
the man first said it in chinese and then proceeded in english:
"The next station is Die Hok...no no no...i mean, University."
September 1, 2005 01:07 PM
The trilingual announcements on the MTR are simply cool... "Next station: ..... Doors will open on the left." is one of my favourites, especially because the lady raises her voice on the words "on the left" - just irresistable and can't find anywhere in Canada. I love to imitate that announcement all the time!