My PIR co-workers, Liz and I visited the Massive Change exhibit last week at the AGO. I didn't know what to expect of the exhibit, however, I understood from reading casually in the media that it has some planning disciplines involved in it. Of course, I jumped on the chance to see it before it closed last Sunday.

Massive Change looks at the world of design and how these 'human advances' changed the way we live. Initiated by the renown Canadian Bruce Mau, the exhibit looks at how humans have reactively changed over time through technological advances to manage and deal with the pressing demands of the time (e.g. solar power, banning of CFCs), while at the same time, design has also proactively shaped our society as well.

Through all sorts of different communication methods- videos, audio clips, photos, models, satellite images- Massive Change was indeed a visual masterpiece. Liz and I were saying how we were inspired to redecorate our rooms to fit some of these designs.

The concluding exhibits were indeed the most interesting. Although Massive Change investigated how humans have found ways to control and influence the forces of nature, the last exhibit probed our sense of morality and ethics by asking us where we should draw the line in attempt to "better" human life. Pressing issues such as human cloning, pharmaceutical debates, genetically modified foods, and other bioethical issues were discussed. Pros and cons where illustrated, and each visior had the opportunity to have their say though an interesting voting system- by putting a sheet of coloured paper in two transparent "Yes" or "No" bins. Through my casual analysis, people generally supported these often very ethically-charged developments. (I'm hope you can sense generally which side I'm on.)

It was so good that we didn't have a chance to see all the exhibits. (And they rudely kicked people out after 9:00).

Check out a few picture from my Flickr page.

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I think it's about time for some blogging action.

Since I have two hours to kill at work, I'm going to go on a blogging blitz. So hold on tight because I'm going to blast off.

Mind over matter, get head out of gutter.

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I had the fortunate chance to get Keane tickets at the eleventh hour prior to the concert (well, maybe 'tenth hour')- it's funny because I had no idea that they were heading doing a show until I read the Metro on my way to work in the AM.

God bless Metro.

Inital feelings before the concert was that I was just totally stoked to see them live. For those who haven't heard of them, they're a Euro-alternative band who often been compared to artists such as Coldplay and Radiohead- though I have to say that Tom's (lead singer) voice is no competition to Chris Martin-- Tom's voice is just smoothly amazing. I can't compare to Radiohead as it was a little before my time.

Anyways, I've been totally hooked on the band since their grand performance at the Brit 25 awards back in February. If you haven't seen them perform, I really suggest you to check it out. They are totally into it when they're playing, especially Tim the pianist- he totally moves with the music like no other. When you witness them perform, you just feel their passion and their sense for the emotions and drive.

Massey Hall was a great venue for the concert as it was intimate enough considering their popularity. One small rant was that the seats didn't even appropriately seat a small-framed Asian man such as myself, let alone the big burly men to my left and right. (Maybe burly is a little extreme for Mr. Eric).

It was a great show, and the lead singer's voice just trembles right into my chest cavity. Also, the Tom's piano playing again mesmerized me. He's so into it that sometimes I imagine how he could actually keep his fingers on the correct keys. The show being amazing was an understatement. The show was however on the short side (about an hour-and-a-half), since they're repertoire is still in its infancy. They performed tracks from their lastest, Hopes and Fears, and a few tracks from their new upcoming album.

And of course, I dragged Mr. Eric along after the show to follow my tradition to be a groupie. We waited for them for about 45 minutes after the show- which consisted of Eric stating that he's lost all respect for me.

But the funny thing is that he had no respect for me to begin with. So I have nothing to lose.

Us waiting at the back reminded me of all those times we'd go to Muchmusic too oogle at the musical guests-- I will not disclose which guests I've hollered at Much. It will forever be buried inside me. But ohh, those were the days.

Luckily, we got to meet them and they were definitely fun-loving laid-back modest guys. Check out the pictures on my Flickr page.

Good times had by all.

Note: I started writing this entry on Friday, but didn't manage to finish it-- so my apologies for bringing on a topic that doesn't seem all that timely anymore :P

Boring entry alert!

There's not much to do in the office, since my main-boss decided to take an extended holiday. So I thought I'd write some political hamburger paragraphs.

So definitely it's been quite a week in Parliament Hill!

Maybe because there isn't much good television on these days or that I'm lacking that pinch of drama in my life, I've been craving the political drama in Ottawa.

This is way cooler and more exciting than that stupid OC.

Seriously though, major kudos to Belinda Stronach. I've had an eye on her since she was running for the Conservative Party leadership. I remember watching the debates between with her opponents Harper and Clement, and since then I've perceived her to be a very alluring, charismatic, and determined woman who wants to get things done.

Since the PC-Alliance merger, I've always thought that the party be better off to have a leader from Central Canada. Yes, for sure, I'm being partially biased, being an Ontario resident and all, but I really feel that the merged party reflected more from the Western Canada's Alliance ideals and less from the 'nationally mainstream' Progressive Conservatives.

Through Harper's leadership, I feel we as Ontarians holds this feeling of mistrust towards the party. From the beginning, I ask myself: who is this Harper character? What's he all about? Ontarians have no clue, except for his reputational arguably right-wing conservative "Bush-like" policies. Also the fact that his appearance is not soft around the edges realluy doesn't help.

So yes, it seems as though the Conservative agenda is skewed to the West and doesn't adequately address the values and ideals of the remaining parts of the country, especially vote-rich Ontario. I've always said, as I'm sure many of you agree, it seems as though there's something Stephen Harper is not telling to the public, like as if he has a "hidden agenda" that will bring out the dark side of the force (sorry for the pathetic reference to Star Wars). That's why both Clement and Stronach would have made better candidates for the party leader.

I personally like both of them, particularly Tony Clement. Clement is a respectful fellow, and proved himself to be a great leader through the way that he dealt with the SARS crisis as the provincial Health Minister. I really applaud his efforts in that regard. Also, my Public & Planning Policy professor last term, who was Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Health and later for Municipal Affairs / Housing, mentions that Clement would spend each and every Friday afternoon in his Brampton riding and knock door-to-door to speak to his constituents. It is a shame that he was not re-elected in Ontario nor federally; I guess politics was not in his cards. As for Stronach, she's always had exposure in the business community, her involvement in the automotive supergiant Magna.

I think I'm digressing. I think Belinda rocks. I don't blame her for standing up against her colleagues for not supporting the separatists and the call for an immediate election.

I'm not going to begin a long discussion of the Belinda "whoring" statements, as I'm sure many of you already read enough of it. Surely, the word "whore" literally doesn't refer to only females-- so literally speaking, it doesn't make it a sexist remark. However, let's be honest here: if a male MP had crossed parties as Stronach did, these statements wouldn't have been made.

You'd think Canada has made big strides in gender equality; this is a simple example that a lot of work still needs to be done. Matthew is not impressed.

Nevertheless of whether or not the statement was sexist, one thing is for sure, expressing the displeasure of someone in such a tasteful and crude fashion is unacceptable, and reveals the level of maturity of these individuals. Let us remind these MPs that they are representatives of their constituents, and are accountable to them. Also, Harper called it a "relief" that Stronach has left the party-- what a prick-- no wonder she left. Let me remind you Harper that she was not the reason that the government stills stands, and hallelujah to that!

Though I wonder what happened to the former Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development? Google didn't help me to find out that answer.

Oh last point I want to make is about Peter Mackay. I find it very amusing that there was full coverage in almost every media source related to Mackay being "gobsmacked" (From National Post, gotta love these terms) by Stronach's decision to switch parties. There were images of Mackay looking gloomy in this farm in Nova Scotia, as he claims to "go back to his roots," and herd the sheep (don't quote me on the sheep). Surely, I suppose I somewhat feel bad for the guy but seriously why is this even newsworthy? Sure, this might be good material for Global News and the National Post, but seriously, the Star and CTV? I'm a little appalled.

This is the end.

Boy, those are bad hamburger paragraphs. I think I should redo Grade Nine Canadian History.

I thought I'd share a story; I like stories. It's quite weird, yesterday was just one of those wacky days.

I went to Wal-Mart to return something for my mother on my way home from Scarborough Town Centre. As I'm sure you've all encountered the infamous "greeter" that stands around at every store entrance. It would be fine if these individuals actually did some greeting.

I don't know if you've seen some of the Wal-Mart ads. There are often images of a very cheerful greeter who always has a cart ready in their hand to offer to you when you come into the store. Seriously, I have yet to have someone welcome me to Wal-Mart and hand me a cart. Yes, I perhaps may not want a greeting, and not want a cart, but however it's the whole principle of it all that I'm disappointed at. They are communicating a message that is inconsistent with how they truly operate.

I won't even begin to discuss the sale of ammunition in a this so-called "family store."

As you know, the "greeter," in addition to "greeting" also has the responsibility to make sure that they sticker shut every shopping bag that comes into the store. Every time I enter the store with other shopping bags in my hand, I always attempt to steer clear of and avoid his or her eye contact- this case being no exception. I absolutely hate it when they sticker my bags. Not only is it sending a clear message that "I'm guilty until proven innocent," but it simply just spoils the shopping bag for future reuse (because seriously, who wants to have a ugly green tag with a Wal-Mart logo lugging around your shopping bags?)

Anyways, so as I enter in the store, I follow the same protocol, and slide right in. Then suddenly, I'm yelled at the "greeter" who grabbed my shoulder, loudly called me "hey", and made sure that my bag was sealed by their infamous theft deterrent stickers. Seriously, it was just crazy. Anyways, I understand that that's what the greeter had to do, so whatever, I didn't get upset with him and just shrugged it off.

This brings me to the next question: how effective is this Bag Sticker program anyways? Seriously, if someone really wanted to steal, I'm sure they can do whatever they need to slip the item in. Why are they wasting their McJob dollars on something that not only accomplishes nothing, but also decreases the value of the shopping experience?

It just boggles my mind. I'm going to rethink my patronage at this establishment!

I went to the North York Central Library yesterday to get transit financing materials for work (Yes, it was quite the day). I must say, I'm amazed at the level of interesting material in the library. Wow, it was like heaven for planning geeks.

The North York Central Library is has the second largest collection of works related to Urban Affairs (the largest is at Metro Hall, but they've classified most of their titles as reference materials, ugh.) It's so large that they've dedicated a whole floor to it. There were so many transit-related reports, and I just had to take a look at them. It was totally neat. I was disappointed that there wasn't any reports on crazy proposals that I don't know already know about. There was one project that was kind of absurdly intesting. There was a proposal that instead of building the subway along Sheppard Avenue, they would build it along the hydro corridor from nearby Downsview Station to Scarborough Centre. This is such a bad place for a transit corridor. There would so not be any redevelopment interest along that area. Sure it would be cheaper, but definitely not practical.

So yeah, the library is pretty neat, better yet, I find the whole North York Centre area very fascinating. It's actually interesting to be in this neighbourhood in the daytime, it was definitely a novel experience to see all the office people. This whole area had definite been entirely transformed from 25 years ago, when it was just like every other suburb. But now, it's completely transformed into a great residential and employment hub. Although Mel Lastman didn't do so well with the amalgamated Toronto, I can see why he got elected. He was without a doubt a jewel to North York.

Back to North York Centre. They also have a smaller-scale version of Toronto's PATH system, which I think is totally neat. It really presents this interesting downtown feel without having to treckle downtown. If only the area was oriented a little wider, instead of its current formation along the Yonge corridor. Obviously, zoning provisions makes it very difficult. This would definitely be an ideal place to live, in my opinion; you get the best of both worlds. You get great access downtown, and experience all the culture and excitement, but at the same time, you're within a short drive to my ethnic necessities: (i.e. Commerce and Pacific), and the affordable suburban lifestyle and consumption (i.e. my Wal-marts, Loblaws, and other cheaper places.) Plus, don't forget our vicinity to Fairview and Yorkdale.

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Oh yes, today is Budget Day. So today has been about being on standby, so that if additional information is required, were totally pumped to deliver. So far, is been quiet, which is definitely a good sign, and things are going swell. After tomorrow, there will not be hot OPP officers (and their ranger hats) to protect us. It is definitely a fun time to be a PIR.

Also, I'm published on thestar.com's Voices! Yes, I know, I'm a little too excited. Check it out!

I thought it might be good timing for an update.

Yesterday, the other students I had a chance to get a chance to go for a Legislature Tour. I was totally stoked on going, since I unfortunately had to cancel my appointment last term due to some last-minute branch meeting.

I remember when I was just a little boy in grade six when we last had a tour of the Ontario Legislature. But obviously, being like all the other crazy elementary school kids, it was more of a chance to fool around and play, rather than paying attention and listening.

But this time, ten years later, I did pay attention. Wow. This is how I've evolved. Ten years. I'm proud of myself.

The tour was pretty good, but shorter than expected. I remember some interesting tidbits that I thought I would share:

The Main Legislative building is actually not entirely symmetrical as you might think. The west portion of the building has four floors, while the east portion has three. Apparently, there was a huge fire back in 1913 in which people were welding on the roof. The welding equipment was apparently left unattended, while the construction crew was off for lunch. Sparks permeated into the building, and because the columns where made of (I believe) copper, the columns melted and collapsed. And there goes the building's west side. The west side was then rebuilt using marble, which were less vulnerable to fires.

The tour guide pointed out that there was sort of an image of dinosaur bones on three of the columns in the west wing. I thought that was totally neat. But after some Google searching afterwards the tour (or if you remember from Grade 10 Geography), marble is a metamorphic rock. It takes intense heat and pressure to transform it to marble, which obviously make it impossible for fossils to be still embedded in it. That totally ruined the "coolness" of it all.

I was sooooo into dinosaurs in Grade Five. While everyone else loved the T-Rex, my favourite was the Triceratops and the Brontosaurus. They're peaceful plant-eating creatures and so terribly cute. I wanna pinch them. (I also like Triceratops because that was one of my favourite Power Rangers!) Oh I miss those days of Power Rangers. Again, back in Grade 6. It was just terrific. Boy those actors suck, could be believe what they wore? That was just over 10 years ago? Haha.

Back to the tour. Another interesting factoid is that in the Chamber, the government side and the opposition side of the house is exactly two swords' length in apart from each other. This was done to deter any violent brawls. Hmmm. Interesting.

The other students and I also had a bit of time to check out Question Period. I love Question Period. It's definitely much funner to watch in-person than on the tube. You can better hear all the lewd remarks from the opposition when cabinet member is speaking. It's nice to know that there's a nice live sitcom just across from the office.

Did any of you want to be a Page back in the day? Man, I so wanted to be a Page. I thought it would be totally neat to meet Bob Rae, who was then premier. I remember having this feeling that if I was in a room full of powerful people, then I would then become powerful too through the powers of osmosis. Anyways, it didn't happen. Apparently, go to school two hours a day, and spend the rest of the day performing Page duties. It is hard work and you are compensated $10 a day.

That's not bad for kid!

In prison you spend the majority of time in an 8 x 10 cell. At work you spend most of your time in a 6 x 8 cubicle.

In prison you get three meals a day and at work you only get a break for one meal, which you have to pay for.

In prison a guard locks and unlocks doors for you. At work you carry a security card round with you and you have to unlock and open all the doors yourself.

All your expenses are paid for you in prison, you don't have to work or buy a TV or pay taxes whilst at work they deduct taxes from your salary to pay for the prisoners.

In prison you spend most of your time looking through bars from the inside wanting to get out whilst at work you spend most of your time wanting to get out and go inside bars.

... have a great weekend everyone and enjoy the sunshine.

I survived Day 3 of my 18-week co-op term. Yes, I just realized that the Spring co-op term dates are slightly longer than the others.

So far, things have been pretty busy, which is great. It keeps the heartrate going and prevents me from falling asleep. There have definitely been more interesting files to work on than the previous term. Hopefully this will remain so for the remainder of the term.

I'm totally feeling the effects of work-lag. I have been having trouble sleeping at night—probably for two reasons: (1) I'm anxious about work, and (2) I'm just not used to going to bed that early. As a result, I get to work all groggy, and unprepared to be on the top of the game. I'm slowing adapting however, as my body is just dying to sleep.

Again, there's plenty of co-op students this term. One more than the Fall term, for a total of nine: 4 from McMaster, 1 from U of T, and 4 from UW. The students come from many different fields, but again I'm the sole Planner.

So yes, us UW-ers are a big minority this term. As a result, we've been kind of clique-y from the get-go, although we're beginning to intermingle.

Dave, my fellow UW partner in crime, decided to start some university rivalry when we rememebered those cheers we had back during Black and Gold opening game during Frosh Week, where the Warriors played Mac.

"A dollar-seventy-three, that's how you get a Mac degree!"
Something along the lines of that. Cheesy, but fun. :P

Some healthy team rivalry could possibly be some fun :P We'll see how that goes.

More on the work front, I was greeted at my cubicle by a nearly dead plant. Yes I know, so welcoming. It was the same plant that I left behind in the Fall term, to maintain the overall decor of the cubicle. I left a friendly note to the upcoming student to take good care of the plant, but instead, I got this [See below].

Ugh, maybe he wanted to spite me.

It's quite sad to be seeing this completely limp plant just depressingly lying completely off the pot and onto the desk space. I was so appauled I had to to take a picture and express to you the damage of my poor plant.

Here it is. Trust me, it was worse. I had already picked out all the dried and yellow leaves that were still attached.

I really don't understand. How could anyone actually watch the plant to look like that? I don't expect everyone to be plant-lovers, but if you don't want to take care of it, fine-- just send it to another person who does. Maybe I was expecting too much for a person to give it water, because the water cooler is literally a horribly difficult 5 steps from my desk. Ugh. Also, people do see the plant as they pass through the corridor, and imagine what other co-workers thought if they saw the plant in that condition?

A lack of responsibility, that's what I see.

Anyways, I'm so pissed.

I have restored water to my lovely creature, and hopefully, Dr. Matt could heal this sick plant. I've decided to pay more close attention to it, and hopefully it will come out of its coma.

Its got a new name, for its renewed life: Green Apple. I'll let you know how it's doing.

AMAZING GRACE:
Man, this show is exactly what it says: amazing. It is the final few episodes but the cute couple Meredith and Gretchen have been eliminated. I think those two are just great for each other. Sure, Gretchen could be a bit whinny at times, but with Meredith's patience, their qualities seem to weave together so perfectly. They are definitely an admirable couple, not only because they've surpised everyone for making it this far, but because they are a positive, compassionate, and loving team who was here to have fun, and experience the world.

Unlike some pitiful teams, Rob and Amber-- but that's another story.

Not much to report here in the Republic of Matt. My break primarily consisted of sleeping, eating, shopping, internet-ing, movie-ing and a few outings here and there.

I'm starting to finally get the groove back in Markham, and things are going well. I've begun to redevelop my 'ear-filter' to sift out speeches from nagging parents. Consequently I have gained greater patience when there dealing with parent-child conflict. I will be a good obedient boy, and I will have a good summer.

I have definitely been refamiliarized with droolable Chinese food. I miss devouring over mom's deliciously prepared meals (which sometimes consists of take out, but I'll give her the benefit of the doubt :P), and my beloved 'afternoon tea time', Chinese desserts, sushi, T&T Sesame Ice Cream (mmm!), Demetres, and dim sum. I swear, the people of Markham are definitely all guilty of gluttony. God will not be impressed.

It seems like that ambitious to-do list that I had compiled has definitely gone unaccomplished: www.hyperdot.net is not finished, the Pre-Law club website is not finished, my new layout is not up, my room has not been painted, the backyard has not been landscaped.

Speaking of landscaping, our backyard has definitely been looking pitiful for the past several seasons since I convinced my father to stop using pesticides.

The lawn now consist of large spots, similar to my father's head, as both are encountering the effects of balding.

In effort to deal with the eyesore backyard, I used my "planning skills" and composed a three-year design and fiscal plan to replace the existing eyesore lawn into a full perenial backyard garden. Haha. I'm quite surprised that that my official plan passed so easily; not to mention the the abundant flow of funds. I have a budget of $300 this year, which is quite an acceptable amount. Plus, I didn't have to take it to the OMB either. :P The documents are signed and a media annoucement and news release will be made shortly.

Man, the Lee government is excellent: it's efficient, listens to its constituents, and virtually has no red tape. I elect my father as PM.

Seriously, I'm excited that my dad actually granted charge to me to fix up the backyard. I have never been trusted with any home improvement project, so I'm definitely looking forward to it.

Back to PIR on Monday.

All the best to everyone, as a new term rolls on. No matter what you're up to this term, work hard and/or play hard. Make Matt proud.