Kishu Island

Kishu Island
(Broadway & Main St, Vancouver)
About 12$ if you choose the right items for dinner

This is my ideal choice for a japanese dinner, being the broke deadbeat I am. There are actually two locations, the other being downtown Vancouver on a street close to and parallel to Granville St.

Both restaurants offer a very authentic experiene, more so than TopGun. Additionally, after 7pm several items on the menu go 40% off. These entrees include tempura, yakisoba, udon, donburi, and california rolls. Yum yum!

TopGun Sushi

TopGun Sushi
(New Westminster Quay, New Westminster-5 min walk from New West Skytrain Station)
12$ for lunch, 30$ for dinner

This is a beautiful japanese restaurant. It is a chain, but I have only eaten at the all-you-can-eat option in New Westminster.

There is a small salad buffet, and a decent menu that you order from. There is salmon and tuna sushi available wrapped in rolls, or for 3$ more for everyone at the table people can order sashimi. Personall I just order the sushi (raw fish on top of a rice ball), and don't eat the rice ball.

Items from the lunch menu include veggie tempura, calamari, udon soup, california & alaska rolls, and a house roll filled with salmon & tuna. I've only eaten the dinner menu twice, and do not believe it's worth the double-price, although there are more options to choose from.

All the staff have an authentic japanese ethnicity (no round eyes here), and type your order into their wireless palm pilots which are immediately seen by the cooks in the back. I'd recommend ordering a variety of types of food immediately, hedging your bets against any backlogs in the kitchen.

Windows Vista

Windows Vista
(microsoft)
$$alot$$

Windows Vista is nothing to scream about, but it has some nifty features. I haven't had to use any software when installing USB devices. Being a bit of a gommer, I struggled to install my printer's driver repeatedly unsuccessfully, until I realized that I only needed to plug it in. Unfortunately I had some poor luck with one printer, and was unable to turn it back online after repeated attempts (it was unplugged). Probably a unique experience.

There are lots of gadgets you can display on the desktop, like weather, time/date, CPU usage, and stocks. However with the stocks I could only get the DOW & NYSE etc, not individual mutual funds or stock prices. It was provided through MSN.

A nifty feature I liked was by pressing the windows key then tab, you can bring up a cascading display of all the windows opened, lined up fading into the background, and then point and click on the one you like. There's a quicktab button for this on the lower bar as well.

One last thing, you can now open multiple images using the windows viewer, and make minor edits (cropping/red eye) with the built-in software.

Casio Exilim

Casio® Exilim® EX-S770 Blue 7.2 MP Digital Camera (costco.ca)
320$+tax

This damn thing chipped after two months of use. Not just a scratch-a chip exposing the interior. Wasn't from a drop, either. Metal/plastic fatigue. Avoid this one.

Navy Poseidon Backpack

Navy Poseidon Backpack
(costco.ca)
57$+tax

A decent backpack-stylish and a back-support structure common to backpacks these days. The main compartment is too small for large textbooks, so forget using this for studying purposes. Keeping a spare change of cloths is possible, but not much beyond that (it's a small backpack). The side pockets aren't practical for stashing waterbottles-maybe a can of pop, but even that's a bit of a stretch.

Acer Aspire

Acer® Aspire™ AS5100-5540 English TL-50, 15.4-in. WXGA, 2GB, 120GB

(costo.ca)
1100$+tax

Good laptop overall. Comes with a built-in camera, which I recommend swivelling away from the user when not in use (I wouldn't chance it if someone manages to get a trojan onto your computer). Acer has a widget display, which allows you to check out battery life, cpu usage, etc. I never bothered with it, but some might get a kick out of it.

There's a built-in SD card reader, and three USB ports (which doesn't quite cut it in today's world). I typically always have a mouse, printer, and external memory (hard drive) that need full time affection and attention. Throw in a MP3 player or zip drive, and now you're compromising. No big worries. The speakers are adequate for listening to music while cleaning your room, but nothing beyond that.

Motorola 5.8GHz Cordless

Motorola E52 Series MD7251-3 5.8 GHz Cordless

(costo.ca)
120$+tax

Junk. Total junk. The signal could not penetrate more than two stories of wooden housing floor (I'm not talking about apartment concrete, I'm talking about a typical wood-based single family dwelling. Bah!

Daytek Portable DVD Player

Daytek PD-950 9-in. Portable DVD Player
(costco.ca)
160$+tax

I really like this DVD player. Very easy interface, although for some reason it automatically turned on Chinese subtitles when I played my boot-legged Little Britain DVDs. Less technology inclined peoples may not have been able to figure out how to turn off the closed captioning (it took a bit of trial-and-error and educated guessing to adjust the closed captioning).

The battery sticks out and is rather cumbersome, but once you get going the unit balances nicely. It includes a video output adaptor, AC and car adaptor, and two headphone outs (in case two people want to use headphones at once). Nice touch!

Uniden Cordless Phone System

Uniden® 5.8 GHz Corded/Cordless Phone System with Digital Answering System

(costco.ca)
192$

This package includes a cord-full base and three cordless phones with base chargers, and one of them waterproof (for all those bathtub conversations?). I haven't put the water-proof one to test yet, but perhaps boredom will prevail one day and we'll have some funny stories to tell.

This cordless set was a little more pricey (192$), but it includes an answering machine that picks up calls unanswered by call waiting. It also managed to show me the name of the person I didn't bother picking up with call waiting (sorry Jeremy), but this could simply be a feature of my telephone service, and have nothing to do with the cordless phone unit itself. The range trumps the last cordless phone I reviewed (not saying much). I confess I haven't tested the max range yet. I still have difficulty with the answering machine, as I have been given the personal recording, the default robo-voice recording, and static-screaching of a fax machine all within one minute of repeatedly redialing my number.

The ergodyamics of the phone gets three thumbs up. Once again however, I must rant at my disappointment for Uniden to include a built-in signal router so multiple units can all join the conversation.

SanDisk Sansa

SanDisk® Sansa™ 6 GB e270 MP3 Player
(costco.ca)
185$+tax

The next generation of Sansa's, this one boasts basically all the features of it's older brother. Unfortuantely it does not come with the protective pseudo leather jacket of it's predessor, so watch out!! Those LCD displays scratch like a cat in heat. Once again, the video playback is tilted 90 degrees out of sync with typical use.

One thing I neglected to mention last time is how awkward it is navigating around and opening up folders while viewing through windows, and it isn't straight forward naming albums and artists while accessing it through /My Computer/Removable Storage/ Sansa etc. I found it more convienent to download albums using bittorents, start playing the entire album with Windows Media Player, click 'Sync', and drag and drop the entire album. You can always delete the unwanted songs afterwards, as opposed to trying to add a single song and then adjust it's details. There is also a FM tuner and a voice recorder on it, but I am yet to test those features out.

Pentax Optio

Pentax® Optio L30 7.1 MP Digital Camera
(costco.ca)
294$

This is a very clever little camera that fits right into your hand. A very simple design, a quickly chargable lithium ion battery that lasted me for about 83 pictures and some videos. It's a 7.1 MP with 3X optical zoom, and a high sensitivity of ISO 3200, whatever the fuck that means. It creates quick time videos that go indefinetely, limited only by your memory chip. A drawback is you are unable to scroll through the pictures you've taken already, unless you completely turn the power on. All this does is pushes the lens out, which unnessarily sucks up a bit of battery energy, and there's always the slight risk of damaging the lens whenever it's open and erect.

Dell Inspiron

Dell� Inspiron� 1501 English TL50, 15.4-in. WXGA, 1GB, 80GB

(Costco.ca)

~1200$

This is probably the best Dell laptop I've seen to date. It was easy to add the extra monitor and extend the desktop (mind you, this is alot due to Windows XP). The extra video card worked to my liking as far as processing the extended desktop onto the monitor I keep at my desk.

The DVD writer worked like a charm. The built-in SD digital memory card reader further saves on extra USB cords cluttering things up. There were 4 USB ports, which finally meant I didn't have to do any unplugging or switching around. I always have my external hard drive, mouse, printer connected, and now I could keep my MP3 player charger plugged in.

Unfortunately there is no external volume control, which means the computer must be turned on in order to adjust the volume. Annoying if you're ever trying to start up in a quiet setting.

Uncle Fatih's Pizza

Uncle Fatih's Pizza

(Broadway & Commercial)

1.5$/slice, 12.5$/8 slices

Uncle Fatih's is not to be laughed at. Great deal for a slice of pizza-there's always at least 4 different types of pizza to chose from under the heat lamp at any time. He makes about 20 different types of pizzas, and varies them frequently. The place is just across from the skytrain station-it gives off an aura of sketchiness, but after you've been there a few times at night, you realize nothing's going to happen. There's a decent police presence at Broadway & Commercial. Uncle Fatih's is open super late (I've never droven by it when it was closed).

One pet peeve though-the guy is a bit of a cheap fuck. If you do the math for the cost of the 8 slice deal, you realize he's charging you extra for the box. Minimum purchase on debit is 5$, and visa is 9$.

Garmin 60CX Handheld GPS System with TFT Colour Display

Garmin� GPSMAP� 60CX Handheld GPS System with TFT Colour Display
(Costco.ca)

400$

Very easy user interface. It was straightforward plotting data points into the memory. Calculating displacement, vectors and distance wasn't as easy as it could have been.

HP LaserJet 2600N Printer

Hewlett Packard LaserJet 2600N Printer
(Costco.ca)

450$

A decent overall computer. Easy to set up, unfortunately it does not automatically do double-sided printing-the print out must be fed back into the machine halfway through.

UPass

UPass

(22$/month, + 10000$ for tuition at University)

The UPass is Translinks essentially an insurance premium for students, nothing else. There is no altuism attached to Translink's ads & slogan "For students going places". Translink does not offer this deal to high school students, or college students. In fact, if you go to either UBC or SFU, it is mandatory. This is because Translink has calculated in the subsidy created by students who are unable to or chose not to use the bus. For example, students living in White Rock have no feasible transit solution to make it to either campus on time.

For students who do use the bus, it is an awesome deal. It pays for itself in several trips, as currently the prices to take transit are through the roof.

Colleges were not offered the UPass initially because translink knows that most of college students cannot afford cars (hence why they can only afford college), or go to college because it's close by (would be taking transit already). So there is no 'White Rock' commuters going to Douglas or Langara. There are no students who drive 2 hours to go to college-that would be ridiculous, as colleges are plentiful and spreadout in the Greater Vancouver Region.

Recently Translink offered UPasses to colleges for 35$/month, while charging the universities 22$/month. This is akin to an insurance premium-an insurance company charges more to people who use a health service more than those who do not.

Perhaps the most frustrating part is having to see big happy ads in the buses and skytrains, "For Students Going Places". Something more appropriate would be "For Students deemed on average to not use transit's services". Somehow, not as catchy.

Canada Games Pool

Canada Games Pool

(6th ave, New Westminster)

~5$/admission

The Canada Games pool is a good community pool. There are several large swimming pools, with either 25 or 50 meter lanes, depending on the time of day. Unfortunately the fitness centre is in the rafters, so much is desired in terms of ventilation and heat-control. Washrooms are what you'd expect in a public building. Lockers are .25$/pop, with none available to use with your own lock. I don't believe you can rent a locker for a semester, either.

The only beef I have with the Games pool is their policy of hiring staff. They are not unionized, and shift schedules are given out on a basis of favoritism, which works out great for the favorites.

I have also known several youth who took ~800$ in aquatic courses through the Games Pool, go through the hiring process, and be turned down at the last part when they honestly said that they were applying at other pools too. The CGP expects full loyalty for part time employment...

Fitness World

Fitness World

(various locations throughout Lower Mainland)

~30-50$/month, depending on your gender

Fitness World is a members-only gym network situated throughout the Lower Mainland. The facilities are very clean and up-to-date. The equipment is well-maintained, with broken machines clearly labelled with break-down dates (I'm fond of this, as it increases accountability, as opposed to a vague message that leaves you wondering just really how long it's been broken). It is a very professional atmosphere, with instructors typically certified through the BCRPA. I don't buy that a Kinesiology degree would be better for the purposes of training the average exercisor/participant at FTW.

Lockers are available for people to bring their own locks, or you can rent one there. (Deposits are made at the front desk).

However, Fitness World is also very professional at weasle-marketing. The Kingsway location has been having their Grand . Opening for the last 5 years. The (.) is about the size of the (RE) that is enclosed between the two words. Fitness World is very keen on tricking people into signing long term contracts. Last winter they had an offer advertised for a rate of 20$ per month, for life. The fine print: you enroll for 2 years at ~45$/month. It is sometimes mentioned that if you want to opt out of a contract, you only need apply with a note. An aquaintance did this, to be told that it needed to be a doctor's note stating why she was unable to exercise.

FTW has a policy of gender discrimination. Each centre is divided into a Ladies-Only and Mixed-Only. There is no place for men to work out without having to wait for women to finish with equipment. I think that women shouldn't flatter themselves that they're being watched by men-if someone's truely being distrubing, talk to an employee. Regardless, if there are to be separate facilities, then I would have to say men are entitled to an equal area of equipment.

And to add onto the above paragraph, men always pay more than women. There is no plan I have seen advertised where women pay more than men, which I would expect for receiving deluxe memberships.

All in all, Fitness World is a high-end, yuppy affair.

Vancouver Aquatic Centre (VAC)

Vancouver Aquatic Centre (VAC)

(under Burrard St bridge, Beach Ave)

The Vancouver Aquatic Centre is open year round minus August. It has a separate gym, separately ventilated from the pool.

Perhaps my favorite part about the VAC, and the Vancouver Outdoor pools in general, is your quarter is refunded upon returning to your locker. This gesture indicates to me how serious they are about discouraging theft. Cashiers will even give you a quarter if you ask politely... :)

Poseidon Backpack

Poseidon Backpack

(costco.ca)

57$ + tax

Really good back support. Both a waist and nipple strap, giving a really secure feeling.

However it is lacking in compartments and volume. My water bottle keeps falling out of the side pockets. There is one main compartment, and a small pencil-holder sized one on the dorsal side. Not very useful if you're planning to go for a swim, or have need to separate textbooks from something potentially soggy.

All in all, this is a great pack for day hikes, but not too great if you're expecting a diverse array of activities throughout your day.

MegaBite Pizza

MegaBite Pizza

(Broadway & Commercial...)

1.5$/slice

This is a chain of pizza by-the-slice joints across the Lower Mainland. Being that, it doesn't have the mythology that follows Uncle Fatihs, which ironically is across the street from Megabite. The Broadway location has the ideal spot, as it's impossible to transfer skytrains without walking by it. However, they cheap out on toppings. I choose the guy who cheaps out on boxes, rather than one who cheaps out on toppings.

SanDisk Sansa 4GB MP3 Player

SanDisk� Sansa� 4 GB e260 MP3 Player With Travel Case Kit

(Costco.ca)

170$

This is the first hand-held portable video player I've reviewed, and it was indeed a fun toy.

It comes with a leather case & protective plastic screen cover-very important for today's hard-plastic for casing society.

In order to see videos one has to convert an .avi or .mpeg file using the enclosed software, which I give a 4/5 for user interface. The files are then split into typically 8 minute file segments. After each video segment was completed, the screen would automatically bring you to the video folder you'd opened the first one from, and highlight the proceeding file. Kinda like a retarded dog would bring you one slipper, and then wait at the other slipper looking at you to ask you to bring it over as well. There is no option for selecting several videos at once (as one might assume seeing how each movie you convert is broken down into 8 minute videos). The only benefit I found with the 8 minute break-down is that fast forwarding and rewinding was cumbersome, so I found myself scrolling through 8 minute 'chapters' of a movie. Definetly some work required.

The video displays 90 degrees to how everything else is displayed, for reasons unknown to me. All this means is that you have to hold the player sideways while watching. Ironically the fast-forward and rewind buttons are now misaligned. An analogy would be holding a video game controller sideways and still trying to play. Keep in mind with videos your not typically adjusting as often as a song, but still, no excuse for poor user-friendly interface.

Unfortunately the computer interface did not allow for editing song names or creating playlists. Songs could only be deleted (not copied) from the player. Perhaps this is some attempt at appeasing the copy-right gods. Personally, creating playlists is an issue for me, so I wasn't happy with this.

The only playlist I could create was the default 'Go' List, which unfortunately on several occasions I deleted all songs from. If you scroll down the songs in your 'go' list, the very bottom one is a great song called 'clear go list'. Yeah. Reminded me of the Far Side cartoon with the fat kid in the airplane, with his hand on the seat features, "Volume up, volume down, flight attendant, light on, light off, wings stay on, wings fall off".

Recharging the player is done through a USB cord. Essentially this limits the player for vacation trips where you're not planning on bringing your computer. Although a bright side to this is you have an extremely standard AC power adaptor in the sense that if you're in a kenyan internet cafe, you can always plug in your USB cord and give it a quick charge.

goLite Portable Light Therapy

goLite� P2 Portable Light Therapy

(Costco.ca)

195$

This was recommended to me to fight winter-depression. The theory is (which I believe) that we need sunlight on our skin to produce certain hormones and feelings, which gets neglected during the winter months of limited-sunlight. Indoor lighting typically is not off the full spectrum the sun provides. Anyone with exotic lizards or other pets have perhaps bought special lights for their pets, as they are not living outdoors.

So this portable unit carrys about a 30 minute charge, and has an adjustable light intensity level. It throughs out an intense blue glare. It has an LCD clock display, and can be set up to give off light as an alarm. However, I could never figure out how to do that. It has an automatic shut-off switch.

Personally I could not tell that big of a difference using it, but depression is a pretty subjective feeling, and there's typically too many variables in my life to narrow it down to how well a light shines on me.

Acer 19 Inch LCD Monitor

Acer� AL1916W Asd 19-in. LCD Monitor

(Costco.ca)

220$ + tax

Pretty solid monitor, simplistic, easy to assemble base of black hard plastic, comes with the VGA & AC adaptor cables. Five function buttons are at the bottom, but truthfully I never touched them. I'm not very knowledgeable about graphics and video cards, but it worked out when I plugged it into my laptop and managed to extend my windows desktop onto it. Adjusting the right size desktop to the LCD monitor was done completely through windows, never using the buttons on the monitor itself.

VTech 2.4 GHz Cordless Phone

VTech� 2.4 GHz VT20-2431 Expandable Cordless Phone

(Costco.ca)

120$+tax

Haven't had much experience with this snazzy-looking toy yet. It's more complicated to set up than one would expect-you have to search through the menu on the base unit for the base ID, then program it into the hand set. Not impossible.

Calls can be picked up either with the handset or the base via a speakerphone. Both have caller id menus, which double as options features. There is an overwhelming array of extra buttoms to press, and it isn't always intuitive which one picks up the call and which one ends it. You can have 2 separate phone lines coming through the phone, so the handset accomodates this with separate accept call buttons.

One of the features I like is the built-in intercom. If you have multiple handsets, you can page and communicate walkie-talkie style, presumably. I only had the one handset & base, but I could page the base and someone could pick up via the speaker phone built into the base.

Unfortunately, costco.ca doesn't appear to sell the expandable extra handsets.

Roots Computer Backpack

Roots Computer Backpack

(Costco.ca)

50$+tax

This clever little backpack sports has more than enough pouches and pockets for students life. Personally I liked having a space for shoes/swimming gear, and it was decently protected from books. Important papers were secure in the laptop section-although I didn't trust my laptop in there after I found some scratches on my laptop case after a days use. I found myself wrapping my laptop around a towel for transportation after this. Cumbersome, but I take pride in keeping my laptop in mint condition as long as possible. Another bonus is two drink pouches on each side, and slutty enough to accept a nalgene bottle-definetly a plus. Another downside was the large, soft plastic zipper tags keep falling off. Pretty annoying.