TVB Cell Phone

Sony Ericson has been a sponser of TVB dramas for years, most of the cells featured on TVB are made by Sony. Recently, Speech of Silence and more recently Moonlight Resonance both used the Sony cell that I was going to get. It is a Sony Slider Cell phone that is able support a 8GB memory card that was free with Rogers. However, those deals came after I got my Samsung flip. At the time I got my Samsung (I was planning to get a Sony), the Sony was $100 on a 3 year contract with no memory card. A couple weeks later it was free with the memory card. Darn it! I could have got the cell phone that my favourite on-screen celebrities are using! Oh well, only 2 more YEARS on my stupid contract. Next time, I'm getting a Sony for sure!

August Already?!?!?!

So today was the last day of July...only one month to go...time really flew by this summer as it always has in the past. When I first started in May I didn't have very many duties and my days went by very slowly. Then in late June, the badges for student BSOs finally arrived and I was really busy distributing them across the prairies provinces. Then Kim got sick and I had to cover her position for 1.5 weeks and then after she came back we received the order to upgrade all BSOs to Secret. By Oct 1, 2008 every candidate must be at secret before going to Rigaud, QC which is where they receive their training. The difference in paper work between Secret and Reliability is tremendous and people don't follow instructions or refuse to provide certain pieces of information. So Kim and I have been dealing with three parties, the uncooperative candidates, HR who are desperate to sending people, and HQ which is backed up and can't keep up with the demand. That basically takes me until yesterday...when HQ very 'kindly' reminded us that we were supposed to provide the exact number of CBSA employees that require Designation and Authority Cards broken down into various categories by Friday August 1, 2008. Kim and I were completely confused we had no idea a 'date' was ever set out. We've known it was coming but our manager who is on holidays now never gave us the order to do it. The furthest he got was to ask us "Is this type of report easily prepared?" and nothing like "Richard and Kim do this by...." was given. Of course now people all over the region and HQ knows me, so I do feel more important and special! :) Upgrading the existing BSO's to secret will be another daunting task but HQ said the Oct 1 date applies to only new BSOs but we're thinking in the fall. There is still this other "BIG" project that I haven't even started yet and I was told about it on my first day of work. We're trying to merge all of our electronic records (numerous excel spreadsheets) into one Database. HQ is responsible for writing the program but it has taken them a long time and now that I think it is ready we're too occupied with the secret upgrades. Hopefully, next week we can begin to dedicate some time to that project....and you wonder why my manager doesn't want me to go ;)

Moonlight Resonance Episode 1

Just finished the first episode of MR and it is going to be a good one! Clearly TVB decided to air such a series to end around the mid-autumn moon festival in September, so it is good timing. The chemistry between Raymond and Linda is built on top of HOG and they are instantly recognizable. The timing is also perfect as Raymond's mom had just past away in today's HOG episode and he seeks Linda for comfort. In today's HOG episode, Ray also comments on why people write blogs and diaries, "you just feel like writing sometimes, though you know that no one will read it" he says, and I do feel that way, but when school comes around the corner I may not have time to update this blog as much. If I get the iPod Touch then updating this blog will be far more easier!

Megavideo somehow already has episode 2 but it is only noon in HK right now so I'm not sure how people can obtain the second episode, perhaps it is a video on demand service. The quality isn't that great so I prefer the dl.

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.

Heart of Greed 溏心風暴 Subtheme - 心領 by 林峰/鍾嘉欣 (Raymond Lam/Linda Chung)

心領
作曲：鄧智偉　　
填詞：陳詩慧
主唱：林峰/鍾嘉欣

Ｒ：或許戀愛都只有煙火那刻的璀璨，
如此簡單，快樂不多於一晚。
內心總有限束縛怎可不驚嘆，
然後發現情或許轉淡。

Ｌ：越討好你就換來傷心痛哭多一晚，如此貪玩，
厭舊貪新我心淡，是否早注定體貼都不會得到稱讚，
怕熱愛已退減。

*R+L：誰願稀罕這愛情，從未甘心因我轉性，
其實清楚這過程，就算犧牲不會高興，已心領。*

Ｒ：什麼戀愛的感覺始終有它的限期，隨心歡喜，
放任心中不止你，受種種責備， 逼我放肆敷衍你，
其實已盡全力喜歡你。

Ｌ：並不必暗示感覺一早已熄，多得你，
從今天起，我亦不稀罕等你，
獨身的趣味不怕即使抱擁得空氣，我亦懶去記起～

REPEAT *

R: Never meant to be cruel, Never meant to hurt you...

L: Hey~~~~

R+L: 誰願稀罕這愛情

R+L: 從未甘心因我轉性，

R: 其實清...楚... L: 其實清楚這過程，
R: 我知，無謂去纏住我，無謂再去打聽，L: 就算犧牲不會高興
R+L: 已心領。

R+L: 無謂發現情或許轉淡，無謂發現情或許轉淡～

Here is a translation I found on someone else's blog...translated by MetalAZNWarrior

R: Perhaps with love, there’s just fire and smoke that marks passion,
If it’s this simple to be happy, it won’t take more than one night
Within the heart, there are boundaries. How can I not be frightened?
Then, I discovered that perhaps the feelings have faded

L: Even more, I beg you to exchange the many nights of sadness, pain, and tears with me
If you want to play all of the time,
Being tired of the old and greedy for the new, my heart grows weary
Is it destined that being caring will not receive praises
Fearing the passionate love has already diminished

Chorus
*T: Who is willing to cherish this love,
Not willing to change yourself because of me,
Actually, after understanding this process,
Realizing that sacrifices won’t lead to happiness,
It’s been appreciated*

R: Any love left has reached its expiration,
What the heart desires is not just you
With so many reprisals, it forces me to humor you
In truth, throughout, I still absolutely love you

L: Likewise, don’t suggest that the feelings from early on were extinguished
Thanks to you, starting today,
I also won’t hold on to waiting for you,
The pleasures of being single, even if unafraid of holding the air,
I will not bother to remember

Repeat Chorus

R: Never meant to be cruel, never meant to hurt you…

T: Who is willing to cherish this love,
Not willing to change yourself because of me

(Simultaneously)
R: Actually… clearly…
I know
No use bothering me,
No use inquiring again,
It’s been appreciated
L: Actually, after understanding this process,
Realizing that sacrifices won’t lead to happiness,
It’s been appreciated

T: Senselessly, perhaps we discovered that feelings fade,
Senselessly, perhaps we discovered that feelings fade

This video is so awesome...I wish to karaoke this some day, I know all the words (15 years of chinese school pays off you know)...lol...I dunno if anyone wants to hear me sing...still looking for someone to be 'Linda'...

A video comment on youtube prompt me to do some investigative work on Ray and Linda. I found that Raymond studied architecture too! Well first year...I guess he couldn't handle the stress :P...I also read that he comes from a rich family in Mainland China but education is important regardless of your family background.

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.

July French Meeting

So we went to Luxalune this time and I had a cocktail, just one (cause it was $5.50 :P) It was called the Soho Sling, with lychee flavour. I liked it but I think lychee is some that you either like or hate, as Ceas didn't like it. I also had $5 spicy bison baked nachos which was a super good deal because it was loaded. We played pool and it was fun, I fluked in 4 balls in a row and went from loosing to winning, but I either sunk the black ball or scratched while trying to get the black ball in (that happened 3 times). I only won one game in the end. After Luxalune, we went to Speed World for some indoor racing. I was wearing sandals so they lent me these old school "velcro shoes" that were extremely uncomfortable. It was my first time there so I had to watch this 10 minute video of the do's and don't's. I was second last the first race only because Mike kept spinning out but I was last place the second race (though I think I improved). I never completely spun out and required them to stop the race and provide assistance but I had a few close ones and caused a few people to spin out. On the first race, Chad cut me off right before a turn so I hit the brakes and then I partially spun out, my cart was sideways. Jay was coming at 50 kph and hit his brakes hard to avoid hitting me, of course I pulled out as fast as I could but he still spun out. It was really fun though!

Raymond the Hypocrite

In today's episode of Heart of Greed, Ray admits to Linda that he has been cheating on her after she brings upon her findings to her. He is such a hypocrite because just last episode he expressed concern over Linda and Moses' relationship due to the fact they always see each other alone and he the way he helps her. I mean, HELLO!?!? Ray is the one who is seeing Yoyo alone and secretly behind Linda's back cheating on her, at least Ray knows that Linda is seeing Moses. What a bastard!

An Awkward Encountering

I went to St. James Collegiate, one of the smaller high schools in the city so it is not often do I bump into an SJCI grad at the University of Manitoba as only a few decide to take that route in life. It is even more rare to bump into a SJCI grad outside of the school environment until recently...I just found out that I'm collegues with a SJCI grad who is 3 years senior, Marc Lantz...I've seen him a few times before today but always at a distance, he looked familiar from the start but I couldn't recognize him right away because we never officially 'met' though in a smaller school like SJCI, you will bump into everyone very frequently. So I couldn't just sit there and guess and decided to ask "Did you go to SJCI?" "Um...yea..." "I'm an '06 grad" "How do you know me then?" "You were the last Mr. SJCI, so your face was around the school for some time" "Yea...." He was in the midst of replacing another collegue's computer and I had work to get done so we didn't talk for much longer. He works in the IT department and I work in Security, these two departments are in frequent contact to get new employees computer access at CBSA.

Dark Knight

I went to see the Dark Knight with Jim, Jay, Mike and Henry earlier this evening. It was pretty good and it definitely lived up to my expectations. It isn't your average super-hero movie, in some ways it is a more realistic portrayal on the relationship between the hero and the villain. Bruce Wayne doesn't possess super human strength or invicibility, he simply is a hero. Heath Ledger played Joker very very well, it was so real and the things he said were so 'Joker'. In some ways one could argue that the villain won. I also wasn't expecting Two-Face; in fact, I wasn't even aware he was part of it, there was just so much publicity on Joker. When I thought it was about to end, it didn't. Rather than making Two-Face the villain of a third sequel or a villain of his own they incorporating him into the story of Joker. They weren't double teaming but it was a special kind of relationship between the two...Again, it isn't you average super-hero movie...

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)

Moonlight Resonance Relationships

For anyone who has trouble understanding the Chinese in the image posted a few days ago, I've translated the captions to English...

There is something that I'm not too sure of, that is the relationship between Louise and Susanna. It can be translated as siblings (sister-sister) or close friends (female-female). I'm not sure why Raymond is the son of Louise but Fala isn't but Raymond and Fala are siblings...weird...maybe they just missed that connection...unless it means close friend (older male-younger female)....that could work with the Raymond and Tavia relationship too...there is a lot ambiguity...so we'll just have to wait and see...

Best and Worst Busing Experience

I just had the best and worst busing experience after work today. The best part of it was it was a air-conditioned bus and though it wasn't my first time on one, it was my first time on one in the afternoon when the A/C is turned on.

"Do Not Sit Here, A Dirty Man was bleeding" read on the paper placed on the bus seat diagonally across from where I was sitting. Dried blood trails covered the back panel of the seat in front of it.

Raymond and Linda

Now that I'm watching Heart of Greed for the second time and Raymond and Linda are in the midst of their troubles, I'm beginning to understand how it has come to be and where and why Moses and Yoyo fit in. Their troubles are not brought upon by indifferent personalities or lack of affinity for one another, but rather because they are too similar. Raymond grew up without a father because his father committed suicide when he was young because his mother had a gambling problem. Consequently, he detests those who beg and burrow and refrains from lending money. Because of his childhood, he doesn't easily believe one based on his/her words or believe anyone will change their old habits. Linda grew up without a mother, her father has Alzheimer's requiring her frequent care and her brother who repeatedly demands money. Obviously, her brother would remind Raymond of his mother and Linda giving him assistance would remind Raymond of him and his dad helping out his mother. Raymond saw first hand what happens when you help someone too far but Linda can't afford not to help him because he will go after her father. This is where Moses (duck-duck-day) comes in and provides financial assistance and 24 hours, round the clock support. He doesn't have to 'work' like Raymond because his family is rich and can afford to lend out money because his family has 600 million in the bank. Raymond must work hard to earn a living, and his job always keeps him on his toes, so Linda's woes seem to be a burden, and he feels that he is lacking the concern he should get from Linda. Yoyo on the other hand is a care-free and easy-going person, who doesn't have any family to worry about and is responsible for only herself so she has the time and energy to worry about Raymond's career. Feeling important in one's heart is special so they begin their affair...After a while, he comes to realize that being loved by someone who you love is not true love, and they do split; however, the damage has been already done....

Here is the cast of Moonlight Resonance... And how they are related....

It is confirmed that there will be a triangle relationship between Raymond, Linda, and Bosco in Moonlight Resonance. I think that Raymond and Linda are actually step-step siblings or something...it is weird. Rumour has it that Raymond will eventually end up with Linda so that is something to look forward to. According to the subtheme Raymond may play the passive love role who will sacrifice for Bosco and Linda. Just a little over 7 days until it's here...I can't wait!

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...

Moonlight Resonance Theme Video

Theme Video - Featuring 無心害你 by Susanna Kwan

Subtheme Video - Featuring 愛不夠 by Raymond Lam

Moonlight Resonance Trailers

Trailer #1

Trailer #2

Trailer #3

Trailer #4

Speech of Silence

So I finished the series within 24 hours of the broadcast of the final episode in Hong Kong. I guess this was a first for me. I began watching it when the first 10 were released and watched 5 on the weekend, then one episode a weeknight, then 5 on the weekend, then one each night as they were released until yesterday.

The series was okay...I would give it a 3.75/5...It is not as good as The Seventh Day by the chemistry and love story and it is not as good as A Journey Called Life or Life Art in terms of virtues. Really it was the topic that was of interest to me. The series is about sound effects and dubbing...so there sound effects were cool and they often featured other TVB series in it...I remember War of In-Laws 1 and another could be Split Second. I didn't watch enough of Split Second to know whether or not the featured Thailand scene in the first episode was from Split Second. Deafness was another theme of this series and I like to compare it to the Price of Greed where Shirley was mute. I have to give my kudos to Shirley for portraying her entire role with sign language. In Speech of Silence, Kate was only hard of hearing and was able to read lips so there wasn't too much sign language required. By storyline, I like Speech of Silence better, the scheming and plotting nature of the Price of Greed was a little too much and not my liking. S.O.S. has a nice and easy story, kind of like the Seventh Day...but because Kate/Kenneth is a fairly new pairing, it could have been better...Kate's acting has improved, but I still don't like her voice...Ken's acting has been good all along, but this was one of his better roles. Kate's sister in the movie (Elaine) has moved over to my list of likes...I hated her acting in Revolving Doors of Vengeance and Safe Guards...she was SOOOOOOO FAKE! After the Seventh Day and S.O.S., her acting has improved and her roles too, so she is off my hated list. SOS would have made a good Kevin & Niki series...I think they should have used a disability such as hearing loss in place of Niki's terminal illness...Everything else could be the same...it is just that Niki loses her hearing in the end instead....

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...

Glasses

OMG, I can't believe I forgot about the new glasses I bought from Hakim Optical yesterday. It took three trips to the store before I could make the purchase (4 if I include the 1st trip to the Hakim Optical at Polo Park for eye exam).

Last Tuesday I went to the Downtown Hakim Outlet store. Though an 'outlet' the prices were the same but the store seemed to have better selection perhaps because not very many people go there so the good stuff remains. The first time I got there I spent a good 1.5 hr looking for frames, I picked out as many as 5. I liked them all but I didn't love any of them. There was one frame that I really liked the design but I didn't like the colour because it was silver and the glasses I have now are silver. So, I asked if they had it in a different colour because I noticed that they have many other frames of the same design in different colours. The very friendly sales staff helped me check other stores and the computer showed that City Place had a brown/gold pair and she told me that they could get it transferred to their store. So that was one down. Then I asked about their clip-ons and then I found out that if I'm getting 2 semi-rimless for $299, I can get clip-ons too (because they are 2 for $299 regardless of the frame style). So I picked a pair of semi-rimless clip-ons. They didn't have very many and we could only find one so it worked. The only thing that I didn't quite like about it was the fact that it doesn't have springs and from past experience, the screws tend to loosen after time, but they can be tightened. The pair that needs to be transferred has springs. So I got them to hold on to the clip-ons until Thursday when the other pair arrives from City Place.

Last Thursday After work...I went back to the store in hopes that the frame would have arrived but it didn't...there was an error in there inventory data...so the lady who worked there that day was strange, she had this very soft it seemed like she was trying to be seducing...um...weird...I couldn't understand her and...she way too old for me....lol...I was pretty creeped out at the time, lol...so I spend some time and looked for any other ones that I would possibly like...I picked out these two other pairs that were similar in form to the one I was waiting for which was the thick frame style but one was thicker and one was thinner (almost as thin as the metal framed ones). The thinner was too small and uncomfortable and too thin, it is no different from my metal frame, just a different material. The thicker one was comfortable but the lenses were a tad too large and the sides were so thick that I can see them in my vision and I think that over time it will get annoying. Since there are no returns or exchanges, I didn't want to chance it. I decided to get them to find the frame I wanted from another province. I knew I didn't want the thin and small pair so I gave it back but I got them to hold onto the thicker pair just in case...

Friday I got a call that they found the frame in an Ontario store and they will call me when it comes!

Yesterday (Thursday)...I got the call I was waiting for and the frame has arrived! I went there immediately afterwork and we all agreed that the thicker ones were too thick and these ones were just right! It will take another 7-14 business day before they are ready, but I hope that they will be ready for next Friday because we have a French meeting and I want to show them off, lol!

Wireless Mouse

Finally, somebody out there has a deal with laptop mice! I bought one from staples and it was like only $10 with a mail-in rebate BUT it was meant for desktops because it had this stupid corded receiver! What is the point of going 'wireless' if you have this long corded receiver! Also the 2xAA batteries add a lot of weight and there is no on/off switch. Futureshop has this wireless laptop mouse for $19. As you can see the receiver is small and it stores neatly away. Also there is a on/off switch. It comes in a choice of three colours, the one I got here gray/silver, red/black, or piano black. I wanted the piano black for it glossy like finish but the FS I went to only had the other two. Red doesn't go with my laptop so I chose the original gray. It works great on the surfaces I've used it on even the leather couch. I'm procrastinating on my laptop decision right now...so I'm buying my accessories...I bought a new backpack a few weeks ago too...I'm not sure if I want a lock...it is a $50 investment which I may use like once...In the mean time, I'll just get my friends to watch over my laptop if I have to step away...

Yesterday Once More - Carpenters

This song is featured in TVB's Speech of Silence...

When I was young
I'd listen to the radio
Waitin' for my favorite songs
When they played I'd sing along
It made me smile.

Those were such happy times
And not so long ago
How I wondered where they'd gone
But they're back again
Just like a long lost friend
All the songs I loved so well.

Every Sha-la-la-la
Every Wo-o-wo-o
Still shines
Every shing-a-ling-a-ling
That they're startin' to sing's
So fine.

When they get to the part
Where he's breakin' her heart
It can really make me cry
Just like before
It's yesterday once more.

Lookin' back on how it was
In years gone by
And the good times that I had
Makes today seem rather sad
So much has changed.

It was songs of love that
I would sing to then
And I'd memorize each word
Those old melodies
Still sound so good to me
As they melt the years away.

Every Sha-la-la-la
Every Wo-o-wo-o
Still shines
Every shing-a-ling-a-ling
That they're startin' to sing's
So fine.

All my best memories
Come back clearly to me
Some can even make me cry.
Just like before
It's yesterday once more.

Elevator Story

This morning I bumped into Brittany, a friend in HR, in the lobby of the building. We were both kind of late for work as it was almost 8 o'clock. I told her that the elevator sitting at the basement was not coming up but the lift at the 7th floor was coming down, what a waste of time! So finally the elevator finally came and as a gentleman..."ladies first" so I made the gesture but she was like "no, you go" and I'm like "no" but fearing that the elevator door would soon close, I began to walk into the elevator...so jokingly she says "'no'...as he walks into the elevator" and when we both got into the elevator, I told her jokingly "well, it's like when you say "oh, you shouldn't have" and take the gift"...with all the joking around, we forgot to choose the floor and we stood there wondering why we weren't moving until we noticed that we had both forgotten...so we were already kind of late...the lift system is inefficient...we joke around and forget to hit the button...I ended by saying "well I have the BUS to blame!" and she's like "um...I drive so I have traffic to blame!"

Waiting for someone

Another work related story...late last month (June)...a co-worker on his final days before retirement...so of course there were many things to be settled before his departure. The co-worker who laughed at the name "Rick" was desperately waiting for his appearance to discuss some matters. It was already a few minutes past her work hours so she was even more desperate. We all sit in the same room. I walked into the room and she stood up in anticipation that it was him as soon as the card reader and door clicked but it was me, so she told me she was waiting for him and she sat back down. I left the room basically after I got in because I was only dropping something off. I return to the room shortly after and she stood up again, even more anxious this time. This time she said, "Stop it already! (while laughing)" her reaction is not something one can put to words but it was funny!

My New Name

Last summer my new given name was Patrick...a new employee came near the end of summer and forgot my name and called me Patrick...I thought I hear her call me that but I wasn't sure so I didn't want to correct her...later in a conversation with other collegues, she called me Patrick and they all laughed (I wasn't there at the time) but then it became the joke of the week.

Recently, a CBSA officer from some far away place...replied to an email I sent with the salutation, "Hi, Rick!" even though my signature clearly states...Richard Chiang; Student Security Officer; Canada Border Services Agency; etc...Though Rick is commonly used as a short form of Richard, I prefer Richard or just Rich. I just don't like that hard "K" sound at the end of my name, it does go well with my last name. So as a joke when I forwarded the email to another co-worker (who I know) and changed my signature to Rick Chiang and told her I got a new name...She laughed so hard...it was so quiet in the office and we were like the only ones, so it was funny.

Work Frenzy!!!

Hm...I seem to be always a day late in recording my daily happenings...this happened yesterday...I was in a photocopying and stapling frenzy...I had to make duplicates of these completed forms and then restaple them in the way they were...the photocopying part went okay and quick but the stapler kept on messing up on me...anyway by the end of it all...I felt something in my shoe while I was walking and it was a staple...

Busing

Yesterday my bus came early again and this time I missed it! It came at about 4:05 Monday but I snuck out a few minutes early so I caught it. I catch the bus #19 at Fort and Graham. It is scheduled to come at 4:08 PM but yesterday it wasn't even 4:05 and it was at the next stop. By the time I saw it, it was leaving the next stop and moving onto the next stop. I didn't know what else to do so I walked to the next stop at Winnipeg Square...When I reached the next stop I saw the bus stopped at the next stop. I quickly crossed Portage and then crossed Fort and then RAN to the bus and I caught it! Clearly the driver knew he was early and was slowing down. Then a few stops before home he had another checkpoint and we spent a few more minutes waiting there....

Today, I came out of the Y at Portage Place at 5:08 and the bus is supposed to come at 5:10...and I missed it! I wasn't that upset this time because I was pushing it...but still....we need real time displays and rapid transit in Winnipeg!

The Green Grass of Home

This series ended today...um...super predictable ending and not as exciting as Heart of Greed but it was a nice easy and entertaining watch. Christine Ng featured here is an interior designer, but on the final episode it seems like she was becoming more of an urban planner. The series was fairly realistic in its way to protect and preserve natural environments. It is not possible to stop all developments that require new land, so this series featured a three win solution. Christine proposes that the developer only use 5% of the land for low density residential and commercial development and leave the other 95% as green space. The developer must also invest in the green space. In the end, much of the natural environment is preserved, the developer sells the properties for more value, and the standard of living of the public is increased. Rather than just clearing off acres of land and paving concrete on top for development. Green development minimizes our ecological footprint by preserving the natural characteristics of the land and minimizes modifications.

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?

Heart of Greed - Behind the Scenes

So they did scuba-dive together in the series, but this shot was not featured in the series itself it was a behind the scenes still image. On screen, they did go diving while holding hands though I doubt that it was actually them underneath in the water of the ocean. They were probably in a tank when their faces were showing. Argh....Why did things have to go wrong?

Life Art

It is absolutely amazing when you read someone else's blog and they just speak your mind...here is an example. The author's full comment can be read at http://tvb.windy-goddess.net/?p=288#comment-44298

Here is my response to the comment...

"In Life Art, I think Kevin’s character did a really good job to show them both who he really loves."

A good friend and I watched this series and you just spoke our minds! The introduction and umbrella scenes...I don't think I've EVER seen TVB handle situations in such a way.

"However, after all that, Gigi still doesn’t seem to be convinced which really annoyed me. I don’t know what more she wants (other than Janice not appearing at all). "

Again, you spoke our minds! Our explaination for her uneasiness is the fact that she is a nice and kind hearted person and isn't used to being so clear and heartless to others...but I would deal with situations the way that Kevin did most definitely!

Heart of Greed - Vincent

By Don Mclean

Starry, starry night.
Paint your palette blue and grey,
Look out on a summer's day,
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul.
Shadows on the hills,
Sketch the trees and the daffodils,
Catch the breeze and the winter chills,
In colors on the snowy linen land.

Now I understand what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they did not know how.
Perhaps they'll listen now.

Starry, starry night.
Flaming flowers that brightly blaze,
Swirling clouds in violet haze,
Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue.
Colors changing hue, morning field of amber grain,
Weathered faces lined in pain,
Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand.

Now I understand what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they did not know how.
Perhaps they'll listen now.

For they could not love you,
But still your love was true.
And when no hope was left in sight
On that starry, starry night,
You took your life, as lovers often do.
But I could have told you, Vincent,
This world was never meant for one
As beautiful as you.

Starry, starry night.
Portraits hung in empty halls,
Frameless head on nameless walls,
With eyes that watch the world and can't forget.
Like the strangers that you've met,
The ragged men in the ragged clothes,
The silver thorn of bloody rose,
Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow.

Now I think I know what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they're not listening still.
Perhaps they never will...

Heart of Greed - My Love Will Get You Home

By Christine Glass

If you wonder off too far, my love will get you home.
If you follow the wrong star, my love will get you home.
If you ever find yourself, lost and all alone,
get back on your feet and think of me, my love will get you home.
Boy, my love will get you home.

If the bright lights blinds your eyes, my love will get you home.
If your troubles break your stride, my love will get you home.
If you ever find yourself, lost and all alone,
get back on your feet and think of me, my love will get you home.
Boy, my love will get you home.

If you ever feel ashame, my love will get you home.
If its only you to blame, my love will get you home.
If you ever find yourself, lost and all alone,
get back on your feet and think of me, my love will get you home.
Boy, my love will get you home.

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.

Sprained Finger

I sprained my finger (ring) today because of a quarrel with my little bro...We were play fighting until it got out of hand. I used my hand to block his kick and he sprained my finger on my left hand. I flipped at him right after oh was I mad...of course I got him back! I was so MAD...we weren't making any body contact until he decided to throw in that kick as a sneak attack...I've sprained my finger before in gym class in grade 10 because of basketball I think. It became bruised and purple for many days. My finger is starting to swell and look puffy. I'm putting ice on it to try to ease the purpling. I'm trying to keep it straight to stretch the veins. I really shouldn't be typing this much because it'll only make my finger worse....I type so much at work so I'll be a 'poker' on Monday.

"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

Heart of Greed

I'm not actually sure if they scuba-dive together...Ray and Linda are planning a trip to some place to go diving but Ray doesn't know how to so he takes lessons privately to surprise Linda. I really like Linda's name in the series ... "always on heart" and Ray found a shell during one of his dives and engraved "always on my heart" and wanted to give it to Linda but he threw it into the ocean after they had their first fight 'fight' on today's episode over Ray's ex "Janet". Really there is something else that has started...Yoyo, who is Linda's best friend, is beginning to develop feelings for Ray after they danced and chatted together. However, after watching this series for the second time, I can feel for why Ray cheated on Linda. Linda ditched her boyfriend (Ray) to go and comfort Moses who she and Ray knows "used to" like her. Obviously, Ray would feel uncomfortable...this continues on when Linda calls up Moses before Ray in times of trouble and they fight again. To maintain a solid relationship, two must depend and become responsible for one another and be truthful. Ray was wrong for hiding Janet and Yoyo but Linda was wrong for depending on Moses more than her boyfriend Ray. Dishonesty, disloyalty, and independency are sources of their relationship breakdown. The arguments and affairs were inevitable. Too bad it was too late when they realized their mistakes...

Of all Ray's series, I like his hair in HOG the best...maybe one day I'll try something like that on myself...OMG the more I watch Heart of Greed...the more I want to watch Moonlight Resonance (dubbed the sequel to HOG)....It coming out on the 28th so there are still 2 more weeks! There will be a pause for the olympics too...and then it will run into my school time too...hopefully I'll be able to free up a few hours here and there to complete the remaining 10-15 episodes!

Telephone calls...

My entire day today at CBSA was spent on the telephones following up with BSO candidates...I'm an email type person, I prefer electronic communication over telephone especially with people I am not too familiar with. Perhaps it is because I never gave out my phone number to my classmates/friends until I was a teenager. But what I hate more is leaving messages...I hate talking to machines...I absolutely can't stand those speech automated directories, I would rather press numbers until I get a hold of an agent.

Because many people were out at work I had to leave a ton of messages ... "Good Morning, this is Richard calling from Canada Border Services Agency. I'm calling you to follow up on an email I sent you yesterday. I would like to confirm that you've received it and if you have any questions feel free contact me...have a good day!" Of course, that doesn't sound too bad when it is typed out but when I had to think of what to say on the go...there were many ums...ahs....yea, so...

We're in the process of upgrading security clearances of all BSOs...so far it isn't too bad...but it is only going to get worse...some people don't like providing the 'required' information and or just simply don't like forms...though we did get an existing BSO who requested to do them to get upgraded...we're doing it in steps beginning with candidates and then we'll move onto existing BSOs and we'll break them down by province...

We had a candidate whose transfered into our region though she resides and originally applied for a position in Quebec. They had her clearance file so I had to contact them...of course it is a FRENCH speaking community but it turns out the security officer who contacted her was also a STUDENT like me! So when I called my collegue in Quebec up, I was hit with this cultural difference shock. All the telephone recordings were in French and I did my best to try to understand...I couldn't get why he had '#' before the extension and I dialed # with it and got a recording (in French) and then I tried without the "#" and I got a hold of him. So my co-worker answered in French "Bonjour, ...." (I have no idea what he said) and I froze...and then I'm like "um...Good Morning"...and I knew he could speak English because he wrote the email to the candidate in English and she was too. I really admire those who can speak both official languages...it is really an asset. I really could have made the transition more smoothly by asked "Excuse-moi, est-que tu parles anglais?" or "Je suis desole, je ne comprends pas francais, est-que tu parles anglais?" but I was frozen...I can only speak limited French after thinking about it for a really long time right now. I'm going to need to keep in touch with him so perhaps we can get to know each other better. I want to find out what he is studying and stuff. I'm als supposed to be a spy and figure out how other regions are doing in there upgrade processes. There really needs to be more inter-regional communication between the 8 or so CBSA regions. The first time I contacted anyone outside our region was in this conference call. It was really funny when we unanamously agreed that we weren't receiving clearance confirmation via email from HQ. Perhaps my new co-worker in Quebec has a few contacts. We need to have a Student Security Officer group on facebook or something so that we can all get to know one another. I have family members who live in Montreal too but everytime I go there we speak Cantonese.

Taking French classes up to Grade 12 did not make me very fluent...I think I was most fluent in Grade 10 because I had grade 9 French in the second semester and then grade 10 French was in the first semester of the following year, so I had almost one year of French everyday. We also did a lot of writing and I got really good at it. My best friend in Ottawa and I had these reallly long msn conversation completely in French...perhaps we weren't 100% correct in our grammar but we understood one another. Then in Grade 12 we only had French class every other day in the second semester and we didn't do much in class but we had lots of fun since it was our last year. I'm glad we still have our monthly French get-togethers, otherwise it would be hard to get some many people (all 9 or 10 of us). Our next meeting is next Friday I believe, hopefully the weather is going to be better than it has been for the last couple of days... It is supposed to be sunny Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday so hopefully that trend continues...but they have been wrong before...many times...

Heart of Greed

I'm watching Heart of Greed for the second time now and I find the chemistry between Linda and Raymond incredibly good. Their sweet moments are very real and touching. Linda's acting has definitely improved a lot, she cries so naturally, I mean you don't always ball your eyes out, but her eyes water instantly...Raymond spilled the feelings by telling her how much alike they are going to the same school and studying to become lawyers. They do have a lot in common, even the fact that the two of them don't come from perfect family backgrounds and have gone through many hardships to become lawyers. He told her that he was going to ask her for her number after a volleyball game but she withdrew from the program due to family issues. From his early words, I assume that they fell for one another since they were in school but then it seems as though his feelings for Linda are questionable when he refused to tell us who "Janet" was and how they broke up. Then of course, he had an affair with Yoyo, Linda best friend, and that is when I felt really sorry for Linda because she loved him so whole-heartedly. Then he realized that he was wrong and wanted to make it up to Linda. Not much longer his mother died and then I felt really sorry for Raymond and so did Linda and they started again. Not too long later, she wasn't sure whether she still loved him or was it because she felt sorry for him. They broke up when Linda found out that he had an affair with her best friend. He did so many things to make it up to her and in the end he gave his life up for her. He died right when Linda was about to forgive him and I think the mass public (including myself) as well...Those diary entries written by the two of them have become a signature of Heart of Greed...They were meant to be together, why would TVB break them apart? If they did, Heart of Greed would have definitely made it into my top 10...I really hope they end up together in Moonlight Resonance....I'm going to watch it as it comes out...I think it is coming out after Speech of Silence...

Oh I like that tie...its got a nice green pattern to it...it should go when with my dress shirts...:)

I also don't think that Linda should have chosen 'duck-duck-day' (Moses)...all along she only treated him as an older brother...Moses should have ended up with Yoyo in a perfect world...

Raymond's classroom scenes are very funny...that is me in History class...sleeping in the back and friends around me trying to wake me up...well the class was from 4-7 in the afternoon and that is the most sleepy part of my day....it should be nap time...