March 24, 2012.

Thesis Statement) The York-Spadina Subway Extension is anticipated to increase public transit accessibility in the Northern Toronto, also known as York region. The transportational nexus between the downtown core and the emerging region will simultaneously promote all three branches of urban sustainability: reducing environmental impacts by minimizing automobile dependency and fuel consumption, enriching social- energy benefits of creating a ‘mobility hub’ of intensive concentration of employment, living, shopping, and enjoyment around a major station, which will ultimately leads to less energy consumption per capita, and increasing ridership leading to further economic investment in the mass-transit system to create a ‘Transit City’.

I've literally spent the whole Saturday working on this GGRA03 (Cities and Environments) paper, regarding the major urban projects in Toronto of my choice. I've perhaps read more than 10 academic journals in the morning (trust me, they are not easy!) and spent hours on making connection between the researched materials and my thesis. Good thing is that I have quiet amount of interest on urban issues and I don't really feel repulsive by the social science way of approaching a subject. 

Retrospective.

Finding an image from archive is one thing and Finding the exact same spot is another thing.

It takes quiet amount of time to create this particular kind of image, but the process itself is exciting enough.

Being able to identify surrounding objects and recognize visual perspective- 

these are some of the unique skills that I have and I take great pleasure practicing them.

So, I am thinking of doing a personal project to create such kind of images

of Seoul, during my stay there this summer, and Toronto, for the upcoming fall.

It's going to be a good excuse to visit archives and explore around the cities (:

By the way, I've been working as an associate photo editor for 

the bi-weekly student campus publication called 'the Underground'

I hardly believe that any student spends good efforts to read it through,

but seeing my photos in published paper is quiet worth it.

Clair de Lune.

Comfortably Numb.

Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb (1979)

There is no pain you are receding

A distant ship's smoke on the horizon

You are only coming through in waves

Your lips move

But I can't hear what you're saying

When I was a child

I caught a fleeting glimpse

Out of the corner of my eye

I turned to look but it was gone

I cannot put my finger on it now

The child is grown

The dream is gone

I... Have become comfortably numb

-

Around the end of 2011, my dad sent me some albums of Pink Floyd. I had previously heard about the band but did not know much about it, other than a couple of reviews that I've read that talked about how the band became the symbol of progressive rock and sold one of the best selling album of the history, 'The Dark Side of the Moon'.

Songs from the Pink Floyd, in my opinion, are quiet hard to listen for the first time; Some of them are sophisticated instrumentals and some of them are quiet psychedelic, neither of which are common experiment in the main stream music anymore. But as I listened to their songs over times, I've started to understand the ideas beneath the poetic lyrics, in harmony with the sound of the music.

For aside, this specific song was featured on the movie called 'The Departed', directed by Martin Scorsese. It's a crime thriller from 2006 but it's something that I would highly recommend people to watch. It features great actors such as Matt Damon (Main reason I watched the movie!), Leo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg. Beyond the amazing actings from the cast, the screenplay is also well laid out and interesting enough to be soaked in (If you are also into films based on Boston, Massachusetts and Irish culture of the New England region, this is a must-see). This song fits quiet well on the scene of the movie and creates the right ambience on the context, emotional vulnerability.

Like I already mentioned the song in the previous post called Sunset in the Capital,

This is a good song- I love the atmosphere, figurative language, and the repeating guitar chords.

"Why you will fail to have a great career."

TEDx University of Waterloo
Larry Smith, Professor of economics

This speech touched on a similar topic that I've been questioning for several months: "What happened to all the possible careers that I was interested in since childhood?" "Why is there only a few career choices left because of my major?"

Ever since I began my studies in the university, I've came to a realization that the range of possible career options, after the graduation, are quiet smaller than I previously thought. At the same time, I have also lost the confidence that I'll be able to become whoever I want to be- as long as I want to be. Not only this sudden realization made me desperate to search for the right interest, but also made me question whether I am studying the things that I am passionate of.

I don't know. I've been stressing myself with these questions for so long I cannot recall. However, the exploration for the answer hasn't always been so great- and according to this video, it's not going to be easy in the future either. But one thing is clear that- I want to have a great career, regardless of what/where it is. I want to have a life with a work that drives me to get up in the morning.

------------

My mom always told me that her career ended early because of my birth- and this fact always made me irritated. However, this video gave a good, possible explanation for my mom's state of mind behind that particular statement.

After my graduation last summer, she returned to South Korea. Then earlier this year, she texted me so that she could tell me about a good news: her new job with a consumer rights NGO; a job that I believe fits her character, interest, and B.A. in Sociology.

There was certainly a big gap in her career because of me, at least according to her. During the blank period between her old job and new job, I have come from a kindergartener to a university student. I can't thank her enough for all the care and protection she has given me. But her return to the work force -taking an initiative after the long absence- is something I would salute her for.

Toronto Marlies.

Hamilton Bulldogs (1) - AT - Toronto Marlies (2)

Marlies is the AHL affilate of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs, 

as Bulldogs is affilate of the Montreal Canadians.

(In terms of Baseball, AHL is equivalent of Triple-A Minor league)

Scoring Summary:

1st Period: 1. HAM - Frederic St-Denis (4) - 12:13 (PP)

2nd Period: No Scoring

3rd period: 2. TOR - Kelsey Wilson (5) - 9:04

Overtime: 3. TOR - Mike Zigomanis (19) - 2:39

There is nothing sweeter than winning the loosing game- during the over time!

Leafs TV On Demand: Highlights of the Game.

Zamboni Crossing.

Ricoh Coliseum Arena, Exhibition Place

Get Cracking.

Nutrition Facts

 Per 1 large omega-3 egg (53g)

Calories 70

Saturated Fat 1.5g 3%

Omega-6 0.7g

Omega-3 0.4g

Cholestrol 195mg

Sodium 85 mg 3%

Protein 6g

Vitamin A  10%

Calcium  2%

Iron  6%

Vitamin E  50%

Thiamine  2%

Riboflavin  15%

Niacin  8%

Vitamin B6  2%

Folate  15%

Vitamin B12  50%

Pantothenate  20%

Phosphorus  6%

Magnesium  2%

Zinc  6%

All these nutrients in that one small egg! This is almost good as a multivitamin.

(I find this pretty amazing- I've never paid much attention to foods before I started to cook for myself)

Dr. David Suzuki

the 36th Annual Watts Lecture, University of Toronto Scarborough

When I was taking a course called the 'Civics and Career' back in grade 10, I had to pick a Canadian role model and do a short powerpoint presentation. From the list of names of great Canadians, I choose Dr. David Suzuki over the others. It's hard to recall why I came to that decision; but perhaps because he and I share same ethnic background, or because he was one of the only few public figures who was not an athlete nor politician. One thing I can definitely still remember about him, is that his public perception, both as a scientist and environmentalist, left me a strong image on my head. 

Luckily, Dr. David Suzuki came to visit my campus and I had an opportunity to go sit on his special lecture last night. The lecture did not have a specific topic, but the two main focuses were on the issues of lack of public interests on environmental issues and the unsustainable development of the current generation. He began talking in a quiet casual manner- about what he does these days and left this unforgettable punch line: "Now that I don't think about sex all the time, I am now smarter and more focused than I was ever before". As the lecture went deep into the session, despite the weight of the issues, he explained various concepts and his ideas in quiet thoroughly manner; Some of the ideas were on the Shift from the 'ecology' based agricultural society to 'economy' based industrial society, New geological period of 'anthropocene'- where humans became the major influence on the geology of earth, difference between unavoidable forces of nature such as gravity and fabricated forces such currency, boders, and markets. 

One of the important ideas of the lecture came out when he talked about 'why the young generation must take a great amount of interest on the environmental issue and the related initiatives'. He believes that the current society lacks the idea of 'sustainability' and doesn't consider the environment issue as a high priority which it suppose to be. This is partially due to the flaw of democracy that encourages political leaders to take short term development initiatives, that benefit themselves within their political term, and prevents them from taking a long-term sustainable growth initiative. Therefore it's important for the current, young generation to realize that the political leaders of today don't have the best interest on the benefit for the future, the time period beyond their elected term. The same idea also applies to the private industries that are driven by quarterly profits.  That's why Dr. Suzuki urges that It's up to the young people, including myself, to take the initiative to change the paradigm of exploiting the future's prosperity. 

I see David Suzuki in the same manner as I see Carl Sagan, who was a science communicator with great interests on astrophysics and produced the award winning television series in the 1980s. One can agree or disagree with his ideas, but he is certainly a great science broadcaster with much passion on the nature- that's what got me interested in his CBC documentary series, the Nature of Things. To the public, He will be remembered as an environmental icon and a figure once voted as the 5th greatest Canadian. For me, he would be remembered as a great speaker with inspirational mind and will-do attitude.

p.s.) His daughter, Severn Cullis-Suzuki, who also became an environmental activist attended the Rio De Geniro Earth Summit in the 1992 and gave a speech to the assembly at the age of 12. The viral video is called 'The girl who silenced the world for 5 minutes'. In recent years, it's been easier for young people to taking initiatives through all the social media and social networks, but it wouldn't be the same back in 1992.  

Weekend in Guelph.

Every single time I go to the Toronto Bus Terminal near Dundas square, I eat a subway sandwich in the Atrium on Bay. Every single time!

Spending a weekend with my aunt's family in Guelph is always relaxing break away from the campus. Having a home-cooked meal, getting on a family van, playing with cousins, sitting beside the fireplace; these small aspects of home and family remind me of what my life used to be only about a year ago. Although I'm not really used to some of the sub-urban lifestyle, such as large home and close-knit neighbourhoods, I'm learning them as well from time to time.

Over the weekend, I was able to taste some imported brews (which doesn't happen often!) such as Żywiec and Martens Pilsener and skate on the ice-rink built within a shopping mall in Cambridge, ON.

Income Tax and Benefit.

I guess I am really an independent individual now; I've filed the Income Tax and Benefit for the first time!

(...with a little help from the campus student union tax services)

-

Luckily for a student, the federal and provincial governments add up the tuitions, education and textbook amounts and give us back as the federal/provincial tax credit that can be used after the graduation. Although I cannot apply for the GST/HST credit program because I am not 19 year old yet.

p.s.) It's quiet horrifying to see again how much I am spending on the tutitions- with $0 income

Thanks mom and dad (: Nothing would've been possible without you guys.

Feburary 29, 2012

       
For those of you who think today is just another day of the year, Today is a leap day!
How awesome is it to see the number '29' on Feburary calendar.

Since I'm 18 years old at the moment- I'll be 22 when the next leap day comes, Feburary 29 of 2016 (:

Brookfield Place.

Allen Lambert Galleria, as known as the "Crystal cathedral of commerce"

A golden block bounded by Yonge Street to the east, Wellington Street to the north, 

Bay Street to the west, and Front Street to the south.

2012 Canadian International Autoshow.

Metro Toronto Convention Centre

2012 North American Car of the Year.

Hyundai Elantra

As a fellow Korean, I was quiet happy to see her doing well (:

Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Roy Thomson Hall - Main Floor AA26

Jean-Marie Zeitouni as conductor

Karina Gauvin as soprano

 Fauré. Suite from Pelléas et Mélisande, Op. 80

Britten. Les Illuminations, Op. 18

Brahms. Symphony No.4 in E Minor, Op. 98

Apparently the Toronto Symphony has a similar student promotion as that of NAC's liverush called 'tsoundcheck'. I wasn't able to get a descent seat like I used to in Ottawa, but for 14$, I just felt gracious that such program exist to support young people's interest. Being on the first row was an experience that I've never had it before. I was not able to see the orchestra is a wide angled view, but I had a good chance to look closely on the individuals of the first row of strings, soprano, and conductors. Through out the whole concert, I've been quiet conscious of every movements that musicians made: their earnest facial expression, glowing eyes staring on the sheets, moisture filling conductor's face, and the movements of his baton building up. Every movements were genuine. As an observant on the first row, I was quiet shaken by their professionalism towards the music they played. When the show was ended, I had to respond to the orchestra with respect by clapping.

Roll Up the Rim to Win.

the great Canadian tradition continues-

This very first cup got me a free donut (16.67% chance to win) 

I'm already feeling lucky about this season.

Feburary 19, 2012. Future Career.

I have been looking up a couple online forums for geoscience and geology graduates. One of the most debated topic on those forums were regarding employment in the geo field after graduation and there were quiet many responses in both positive and negative manner. I know I shouldn't make up my mind, or assess my future, based on these unconfirmed online sources, but these articles definitely got me thinking on the issues that I have been neglecting, or sort of avoiding.

What kind of occupation can you get into, or what can you do with B.Sc. in Geoscience?

I've always thought that this is an issue for 'future Ken' to find out, but from the tone of the writers on the forum, it's not. My belief, until now, was that I will be able to get the job that I want after graduation if I wanted to- just like how the university easily put the list of possible career next to each major on the information brochure. Apparently, this has become an old-fashioned idea in the last decades.

Where as a major like accounting, business, and management are very related to a certain career- the academic field that I am interested in, is not. It could be looked as a disadvantage for selecting this particular major but in my view, it's better to study what I would enjoy rather than what I would easily find a job with. For aside, I've heard often that even the degrees that once had high employment rate, like engineering, can't get into a line of work since the economic downturn.

However, I am not really worried or pessimistic about finding my career related to the field that I am interested in. As long as I am conscious about the issue and take initiatives from the early stage, I will make it out. Since I'm only a first year student- there will be tons of opportunities that I can take in the next years.


I am going to end this post with a couple of paraphrase from the forums that I want to constantly remind myself:

"...You guys looking for jobs need to network with your classmates and professors in order to find a job. Most young geologist I know got jobs because someone knew someone who was hiring. Your professors know geologist in the industry and you need to capitalize on that. They all have friends who are senior geologists or run their own companies. Pick their brains, befriend a professor, see if you can help them with their research. There is more to getting a Geo degree than showing up and turning in your homework. Network within the small Geo community and it will pay off ... I guarantee you if you work hard and look in the right places you will find a Geo job. There are tons of them out there. I have friends working for environmental, oil, geo tech, and engineering companies and they are all hiring right now. Get out there and good luck."

"...I have to disagree with everyone who is saying geology is a worthless degree. It is a very employable degree that pays well whether you decide to do government, environmental or industry. The value of networking is the key which enhances your career. Most cities have a geological society that meets once a month. That is a great way to network and begin to meet people. Sometimes getting a job takes more than just filling out forms on the internet. Get your name out there. I couldn't find a job, so I googled local geologic-related companies, and I called all one hundred plus of them asking if their were any opportunities available for internship. It felt uncomfortable at first, but after a while I just got used to putting myself out there. Going to conventions like AAPG or the AAPG student expo helps as well.  However, from what I understand, it is fairly unusual to work in oil and gas for an actual oil company without a graduate education... "

Spaghetti.

I still remember the first week of residence when I bought a can of spaghetti sauce and pasta and looked up internet to find out how long I had to boil the pasta. Making a simple spaghetti by pouring a microwaved sauce was one step for a boy who never cooked before and one giant leap for... well the days ahead of me.

Since then, Spaghetti has become one of my major cuisines and there has been a lot of progress and improvements- thanks for both my mom and the intrigued attempts for the better taste- and these pictures indicate the current stage.

I guess the university education isn't the only thing I'm getting out of this year.

A can of soft drink or a glass of red wine will do the job (:

Spatiality.

Elgin Street Public School taken in March, 2011

"Human memory is profoundly spatial, and we remember, understand, and live in places that are loaded with past associations, people, events, smells and fears. Becoming an urban citizen is in part the learning of collective memories and meaning of place."

- Professor Andre Sorensen

My Childhood, Life, and WRC.

This wasn't taken on an actual track- it's just a snow covered street in Toronto with tire track

As a young boy, there was nothing more fascinating to me than cars. Many of my relatives did not have to think too hard for my gift idea, since I was an auto enthusiast who was madly in love with diecast and toy cars. One of the best childhood memories was visiting an auto-show with my dad and spending the whole day walking around looking at shiny new cars. I still remember the time I used to go to my uncle's room and play hit titles of the original Play Station, like Need for Speed- Hot Pursuit (1998) and High Stakes (1999), Driver (1999), and Gran Turismo (1998).

But there was one title that I couldn't handle because of the difficulty, and that was called 'Collin McRae Rally'. Unlike the others, that particular game required precise controlling of speed and corner skid, and a detailed adjustment of the car setting for each run. The part that I didn't like the most, was that the game was time-challenge based, rather than competition amongst drivers.

Since the beginning of this year, I've started playing 'Colin McRae Rally 2005' and browsing around the World Rally Championship website, from time to time. Originally, it was an attempt to bring out a nostalgic challenge, but in the past months, I've been really into this whole new culture of the WRC and the joy of driving. 

If you think about it, 'Rallying' is such an unique and interesting concept. Unlike any other motorsport like  Nascar or Formula 1, WRC is always being held in wild terrain, from ice to tarmac, and unexpected weather- which demands patience and improvising skills of the drivers. Speaking of drivers, 'rallying' is the only sport that requires a 'co-driver' who reads the map and informs ahead. Even within the video game, it's impossible to drive properly without carefully hearing the given instruction of a co-driver like "50m,  Jump caution, into immediate right hand bend severity 2 tightens". The Driver, or the gamer like myself, then visualizes the terrain on the head and decides the amount of brake to put, the direction of wheel, and desired gear level.

If I may apply my phony philosophy into the subject, I would say the world of rally represents many aspects of life: You aren't always going to be on a smooth tarmac with crowd cheering beside you, sometimes you'll get on a rough gravel that can flat your tires or mud that will make you loose control. If you have your map thought out, that's great, because you'll know when to hit the gas pedal or brake pedal. However, it's still okay. As long as you are focused and listening to the co-driver, you can improvise and choose the right passage; often co-drivers could be your partner, friends, family, or mentors. The chemistry is a key to success. Sometimes you might be overconfident and refuse to slow down around a corner. You can get lucky and go through it several times, but you'll eventually crash into a tree or roll down a valley. However the WRC consists of many rallies- you might be forced retire on that round, but there will be another set coming up. At the end, life is not about competing others on the same motor way at the same time, but it's about an individual's challenge of reaching the desired goal within the amount of time desired.

Feburary 12, 2012

February 7, 2012

 Hollister, California

"There is a drainage culvert here. Do you see the offset? That is the San Andreas fault,

Passing right through there. It's the plate boundary.

So that you can have a nice glass of red wine and talk about geology. 

And you know, life doesn't get better than that (: "

- Professor Nick Eyles

TV shows that I'm watching.

   

An episode of a good tv show can make the awkward gap between classes more enjoyable.

The following is the list of TV shows that I'm frequently watching.

Same directors from 'the Office', using Parks and Recreation department as their new Dunder Mifflin Paper company. Amazing Bureaucratic humours and Interesting co-workers relationships. Many SNL casts appeareance.

 literally one of the most intense and creative comedy show I've ever seen. Each episode contains unique subjects and story line, with various attempts for cinematography techniques. Tons and tons of pop culture reference- however, you don't necessarily need to know them in order to laugh.

This show is simply legend - wait for it - dary! Currently watching 5-6 episodes per day. That says it all. (:

February 3, 2012.

         
The Guardian has published an article named 'Top five regrets of the dying', based on the book written by Bronnie Ware, an Austrilian nurse who spent past several years working in a palliative care. The following is the list, as witnessed by the author.

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2. I wish I hadn't worked so hard.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.


The wisdom has left me some sincere thoughts, so I thought I might post it here.
The original article can be found here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/feb/01/top-five-regrets-of-the-dying