On Friday, I had a bit of spare time and decided to tour this somewhat largely undiscovered place. It was quite an interesting experience to say the least. It's sad that I've been at UW for three years now, and I've not really had a change to really enjoy the many places beyond the usual shopping, restaurant and alcohol consumption establishments in the Region.

The farthest south I've gone in the Region was Cambridge Centre, which, by the way, is a very interesting mall with an recreational ice rink.

So off I went and boarded the GRT bus and grabbed a camera and played the role of a half-intrigued tourist. One great thing about the GRT is that you are permitted to alight the bus, run some errands, and board without paying an extra fare-- as long as you don't go past the one-hour time limit. Having that in mind, of course I made an ambitious agenda, grabbed my bus schedules and headed for my way. Here was the master plan:

• Charles Street Transportation Centre
• Kitchener City Hall & Region of Waterloo Office
• Victoria Park
• Fairview Park Mall
• Galt and the School of Architecture

Here we go.

BUS RIDE:
I was waiting for the bus and snapped a picture of Shima's old WRCI Hammar building. Here was what's left of it as they've decided to finally renovate the building. And about time too. I can just see where Shima and Ghrace's room was. Lots of interesting memories were created there, including our dreaded Tree Ecology project.

Anyways, I patiently waited boarded the GRT 7 Bus bound for downtown. As we head down King Street, I quickly realized how packed the bus was. I would say the state of passenger density was comparable to a Steeles Express bus during rush hour. (Steeles buses are slightly larger, however.) I am also suprised at the diversity of people taking the bus, it was a spectrum of ethnicities and ranging from teenage students to cane-using seniors. Again, similar to the Steeles Express bus.

I think over the years, I have received the perception that:
(a) No one really takes the shitty GRT.
(b) KW (excluding UW/WLU campus limits) remains a settlement for primarily of European Canadians.

I guess KW is more urban than I imagined. Despite being optimistic about the changes in KW in the next decades (Rememeber this entry?).

TRANSPORTATION CENTRE:
I arrive at the Kitchener Transportation Centre, which by the way has
been changed to the Charles Street Transportation Centre to avoid confusion, since there's a new one at the Highland Hills Power Centre. Anyways, I had to get my old $2.00-fare tickets in exchange for the new $2.25-fare tickets. I know, it only took me 1.5 years to do it.

REGION OF WATERLOO / KITCHENER CITY HALL
After that, I did my LRT Video business with the folks at the Region and the City of Kitchener. Yaddy yadda. Skip that. After coming out of the Kitchener City Hall, I must commend them for the great use of urban space there. Yes, this too is to my suprise. I hardly see this neck of the woods in the daytime, so it's a little jarring for me. People enjoying the sprinking water. People huddled around having a coffee. People just overall enjoying the sunshine.

There are quite a lot of people lounging and using the small space. I know, it is somewhat of a replica of Nathan Phillips Square with the similar skating rink / water fountain exhibit. Both structures have got even a similar dome shape in the centre. Maybe because it's newer, I like Kitchener City Hall more. Toronto City Hall just looks like a dated slab arc of cement.

VICTORIA PARK
Off to Victoria Park. Victoria Park is definitely quite an attractive area. You should see the homes surrouding that area. Quite marvelous. It gives off a luxious cottage vibe. I know if I had more architectural knowledge, maybe that would've helped to better communicate what I mean.

Anyways, you might recognize this monumental clock facing Gaukel Street. Well, it used to be on the top of the beautiful old Kitchener City Hall before it was demolished for Urban Renewal (See picture below). Sigh. Now, the site is occupied the bland Market Square, which evidently was the home of Eatons (and later Sears) at one point. I really picture this area being a retail hub. It's quite interesting. I've noticed that the KW Record offices have moved out of their dingy place in the suburbs across from Fairview Park, and moved back into the the central core at King and Scott. Good for them.

FAIRVIEW PARK
Then, off to Fairview for some long awaited shopping. What's a tourist adventure without shopping? In good timing too, because my ass wallet was starting to get itchy. And no Gold Bond will help relieve it. Maybe I'm just way too accustomed to my parent's tours and other fobby roadtrips, where there is always a pitstop somewhere where we can splurge our cash on outlet bargain paraphernalia.

At Fairview was where I unexpectedly met up with Leo, where we shopped, but unfortunately, not 'til we dropped. I did get a few things, but it was disappointing overall. That mall needs a serious makeover. The outside facade is right now dingy, and just gives off a ghetto-vibe. The mall, which was constructed in 1966 still really looks like it was built in the 60s. Haha. Even our Markville back in the Mark's Ham has seen an extensive renovation in the past years-- and it was built in 1980s!

GALT & THE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE:
Leo and I then ventured to one of Cambridge's magnificent downtowns: Galt. But before one arrives there, one must drive through the wonderous Hespeler Road. This road is indeed the epitomy of uncontrolled sprawling development. A 7-lane route, surrrounded by an assortment of fast food joints, discount retailers, dollar stores, and strip clubs. Also, you've got the highest concentration of big box at the Highway exit; you name it, they have it. Walmart, Home Depot, Sam's Club, Rona, and those smaller big box parasites: Old Navy, Business Depot, Future Shop, Michaels, the list goes on.

It just depresses me every time I'm there. It reminds me some routes spilling off the Interstate in Western New York. Just scary. I must not forget the bumper-to-bumper traffic for miles. Just awful.

After some bit traffic frustration, the signs of rapid sprawl begins to fade. Then all of a sudden, I recognize from a distance that tall church beside the Architecture site that I regularly see in the School of Architecture photos.

We were here. Wow, Galt is breathtaking. Just for a second, I questioned whether I was actually in Canada. It was so different from the places I'm used to seeing here. Man, I really encourage people to really get down there and take a look at this place.

Leo and I head across the bridge across the Grand River and to the Architecture building. As I continue to look around I begin to develop a great feeling of resentment. Those lucky Architecture bastards.

Across the street from tbe building, I noticed that there was a cookie cutter senior citizens' home that looks identical to the one next to the Edward R. Good Funeral Home on King Street, Waterloo. WTF? I was shocked. lol. Though I guess Yee Hong is doing the same cookie cutter technique too.

Back to the Architecture building. I understand that the shotty Waterloo campus is definitely not an inspiring place to for architectural productivity, but this place? Fuck. It was just enviously amazing.

We head inside. Resentment builds. We visit the Architecture library and get reacquainted with the books that once sat in the UMD Library in ES1. It definitely brings a tear to my eye the environment in which they work. The breathtaking exterior view from the clear windows. The impressive computer and design facilities. The interiors look astonishing.

Why am I not an architect again?

We ventured more upstairs into the studio space and spy on what they were working on. We didn't expect to see much, as it was the end of April and the term should start to wrap up.

We were wrong. There was quite a lot of people finishing off some projects. I then bumped into a long-time acquantance back in first-year. I forget her name, but she's a close friend with my former floormate Greg. We caught up with each other. I told her how envious I was of this great facility she gets to work with. To my surprise, she told me that she's really not happy here.

Her expression really shows. Very long face. Looks a bit exhasted. Teary eyes.

I suppose I might have caught her at a wrong time. She then told me something that I'd never forget, "It's like were a bunch of whores that they decided to move down here, and even further alienate us from the others."

I was awestruck.

I know the School has always been indepenedent from other departments, but it must be awful to have that segregation augmented with the obstacles of geography. Leo and I left and walked around along the street. Several things I notice:
(1) Why is the setback on Melville Street so short? I think I'm being generous when I say there's about a metre between the street and the new spinoff stores across from the School. I swear, someone is going to open one of those doors and an incoming pedestrian is going to break his/her nose.
(2) There definitely needs further economic development strategies in this area. Other than some pesky skater kids, the streets were practically barren.
(3) Galt has so much potential to be a great downtown. It's elegent. It's beautiful. It's breathtaking.

This pretty much concludes my trip across this great Region. I hope you all made it this far in the entry. I'd definitely like to hear what you have to say about your tourist-y experiences in the area, especially the topic of Galt and the School of Architecture.

STARTING TO MISS MARKHAM:
I'm currently talking to Tiff, and she mentioned that she cooked today and that she must praise TnT. My first impression was "WTF? Like dynamite?" Then I realized that she meant the Chinese supermarket.

Omg, I think it's time to go home and get reacquainted with my Markham. I think that I've had a sufficient dosage of Waterloo and it's time to head back to the mothership. Yay! Especially as most friends have left the past few days, this place is starting to lose its lustre-- or lack there of.

So yes, May will be a fresh start to a fresh work term. I guess that's what's great about school is that you have the opportunity to start a new slate every four months. Looking foward to hopefully having a relaxing co-op term and enjoy the sunshine.

While on the topic of T&T, there has been word that there's a new Starbucks location in Markham at the same Warden / Steeles location. Yes, this is exciting news indeed. There will finally be some relief from the always crowded Historic Unionville location. Fantastique. More caffiene, yay.

EAST SIDE MATT'S:
I have quite a bit of food left here in Waterloo. If anyone would like to take advantage of delicious Matt-prepared food, I would be delighted to establish Matt's little bistro. I have an assortment of fresh vegetables, dumplings, noodles, pasta, campbell's soups, juicy ribs, chicken strips, bananas, apples, bread and a whole lot more. Ahh, help me finish it all. Ahh!

TIM'S & TAX-EXEMPT CAMPUS MEALS:
Speaking of caffiene, I was checking my WATcard transactions, and I have deposited a total of $140 dollars on it this term; only about $30 of that amount was not used for coffee and donuts at Tim Hortons or the blends at Dana Porter Browser's and SCH Bookends. $110 on coffee and sometimes the occasional donut. Ew.

Yes, the stats are pretty sad. But coffee is just too good to quit.

Does anybody ever understand how the tax-exempt program works with our WATcards? For example, a $1.12 medium coffee at Timmy's comes to:

• $1.20 without your WATcard (Which makes sense: 7% Tax)


• $1.13 with your WATcard (I don't get it.)

Also, if you are interested in how the Ontario Retail Sales Tax system works, check it out. Don't be ripped off guys. :)

SHAWN DESMAN:
Do you know what's playing on my iTunes right now? Shawn Desman! I know, no shame here. The new Let's Go song is pretty good, I'm liking the use of the rhythm synthesizer. However, if you like the song, I urge you not, I repeat, not to check out the video. It will make you hate it.

Haha, not only is the video full of cheesy dance moves, awkward female models, and there is an interlude where he dances on the rhythm synthesizer keys just like DanceDanceRevolution! HAHHAHA.

Check out the video here. (Requires Windows Media)

OMG, please someone give me motivation! What better to waste valuable time than to blog about something.

Here we go.

As you might be aware, Backstreet Boys are back after months of speculation about their musical return. Wait no further ladies and gents; they're back, but unfortunately, they're not better than ever.

Above is a recent picture of the boys. Definitely all grown up-- but not in the good sense. Brian is boring as usual, Kevin has a stiking resemblance of Michael Jackson, Nick (as always) looking loserish, AJ's hairline is receding, Howie however is definitely looking sharp and nice.

Their new single is called Incomplete; which is the feeling I got after listening to this song. Yes, it's similar to one of those BSB-sappy ballads-- well sort of. I was hoping for something similar to Shape of My Heart and the like. However, this song is beyond mellow, dragging on every sylable in this already lyrically-deficient song.

Their new album is called Not Gone (I know, totally creative), which is set for a June release.

MTV called the song a "power ballad", however, it is anything but powerful. It just doesn't feel like its pushing the beat, just kinda hanging in there like a broken limb. Maybe if they just quick up the tempo a small notch, then it would sound so agonizingly mellow.

Download Incomplete here [3:14, MP3].

Maybe I'm being a little hard on the Boys of the Backstreet, because this song is still by far a lot better than recent songs from artists of the same pop genre.

While we're speaking of pop and pop culture, I will segue into interesting televisions shows. Aside from my regular television viewing with the Amazing Race and The Apprentice, I'm really starting to enjoy King of Queens and Joan of Arcadia.

KING OF QUEENS
As we become saturated with reality television, I'm starting to feel like the need to go back and enjoy some good fun sitation comedy. After continually catching it on good ol' OMNI.2, I think that Doug and Carrie are such a cute couple. I really enjoy the little problems they encounter. They both are just brilliantly talented.

Below is one of my favourite scenes, where Carrie is fed up with Doug for never remembering where things are. This is *so* me. My mom continuatlly yells at me and questions whether I was ever a resident in our house.

JOAN OF ARCADIA
Another interesting show is Joan of Arcadia. Yes, I know what you're thinking-- it's another crazy teen show, or it's another dumb Christian-conservative show. But it's surprisingly good! Joan, the protaganist, encounters these people--who are actually God is disguise-- where she often struggles with what God asks of her. Sort of like what each one of us is encountering in a sense-- though we are unfortunately not directly told.

Definitely better than previous Christian snoozers Touched by an Angel, and the scandalous Seventh Heaven. It's so scandalous, that the current plot involves Simon (remember that cute blond boy back when he was young?) getting an STD.

Christian family programming? What?

Argh, this essay is not writing itself. Yes. Rural Planning, fun, fun, fun.

Back to work.

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NOTICE: Hyperdot may be experiencing service interruptions in the next week, as we are changing hosting providers. So if I'm gone, don't fret (which I'm sure you won't, anyways), because I'll be back.

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Whoa, is been a long time since I've updated. There hasn't been much in the forefront. It is however that time when people, including myself, begin to feel really bitter and moody.

BITTER ENTRY ALERT

The moodiness, when intermingled with uncooperative group members, makes for an ultimate poisonous sitation. I think I can look behind the events that have occured this week. But I just have to say one thing: It is really true, if you wanna do something right, you have to do it yourself.

Yes, I admit, I am a bit of a control freak. But I believe that I'm a control freak for a good purpose, for the purpose of the team-- especially when no one likes to take initiative in project things.

My marketing group has especially let me down this week. I don't mind and am willing doing extra work for the team, but if you do volunteer to work on something, the group trusts that the work *does* get done. But no, I have to scramble in the last few hours before the project to fill in the parts that weren't completed. Which of course made me run to class, and beg the prof to not enforce any deductions-- since it was 15 minutes late.

Ugh, I seriously have issues working in groups. Because it just ends up having a few people picking up the slack for the others.

Hmm, I think this isn't something to put in a resume. Don't tell my boss.

But whatever, the work is done. I'll put it behind me. That will be my last rant about that.

UGH, it also doesn't help when the roommates are being annoying. Or maybe my tolerance is just wearing thin at this point. UGH. That's another story in itself.

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In other news, don't forget to switch your clocks when you sleep tonight (Saturday). There is a very informative website about the history and rationale of Daylight SavingsSaving Time. Within the site, there is a great flash image that illustrates the different changes at different latitudes.

ADDENDUM:
Goodbye Pope, we love you.