Despite all the massive news coverage from just a few short months ago, you don't hear or read about the H1N1 flu virus anymore. While the virus was certainly deadly and was spread worldwide, it appears that the common flu still had a much more devastating effect on people. New pandemic or not, the common flu regularly kills thousands of people a year, all over the world.
During the holidays, I found out that I was exposed to the H1N1 virus. A friend of mine had been carrying the virus for weeks and was sick. I had dinner with him a few times. He even came over to my apartment to trade quiche recipes. He only found out later that he had the virus.
Despite being exposed to the now-famous virus, I never did get sick. I wonder if I actually carried the virus but didn't get any symptoms. Hmmm... all this virus talk makes me want to ensure my zombie preparedness kit is in good order.
When I bought my apartment last year I knew the developers wanted to build a huge retail space underneath the three towers that comprise the residential portion of the project. At the time though, there were no confirmed tenants. I was afraid of two things. First, with the economy the way it was and still is, I became concerned they might not actually finish the retail part of the project. Second, even if they did go ahead, I was afraid they'd get crappy tenants like a crafts store or something.
Even as the third and final residential tower was completed, I'd heard very little about what was happening with the retail part. This week, the developers finally released more info about what is to be built in the next few months. So far, the big name tenants will consist of Safeway, Shoppers Drug Mart, Royal Bank, CIBC, and Landmark Cinemas. The movie theatre development is what I'm excited about the most. Apparently it'll be a ten screen complex. The surrounding area has no movie theatres so it's almost guaranteed to be profitable.
The only other apartment complex that I can think of that has a movie theatre below it is the one downtown, above the Scotiabank Theatres. Now keep in mind that I'm not under any illusion that my apartment, located in New West will be anything similar to those apartments located along Burrard. Downtown Vancouver will always be more upscale and desirable but I'm really looking forward to having this retail space finished. It'll bring convenience to the area. Also, though I'm not counting on it, I'm hoping this will increase the property value of my apartment too.
The one drawback I see is that the whole retail spaced won't be finished until 2011.
If I could be so bold, I'd like my readers to consider a new app for the Apple iPhone and iPod touch. The app is a game called WordCrasher. WordCrasher was developed by independent game developer Kevin Ng Games. It might not be a surprise that the man behind Kevin Ng Games is Kevin Ng. I had the pleasure of working with Kevin over the last few years at EA on the skate franchise. Kev is a talented and knowledgeable software engineer who was a real asset to our team.
A few months ago, Kevin decided to strike out on his own and go the independent games route and WordCrasher is his debut title. I maybe biased but everything about the game and the way he's marketed WordCrasher has been quite impressive. While a lot of iPhone apps are crap and are presented in a crap fashion, you can tell Kevin has the experience of being a real game developer that sets him apart from many others. If you don't believe me, just read this review, which is just one of several positive ones.
If you're looking for a new game for your iPhone, please consider WordCrasher. At less than $2, it's well worth your money!
