References -- that might be helpful.

Given that it's 100 degrees out there -- and I too want to get out and enjoy the last of the Summers' rays, I figured I'd offer you a number of reference options, which will hopefully expand your' capacity to ellicit some pertinent information (about construction / architecture and condominiums etc...) for yourself.

First amongst these is a programme which appears every saturday at 5:30 pm on PBS (and/or channel 18 -- if you live in the Toronto area). This old house is one of the original progenitors of the current spate of " home renovation " programs, and as such has a compelling educational aspect to it which should prove beneficial to viewers irrespective of the kind of property purchase (and/or renovation) they might be contemplating. A lot of the topics they deal with tend to be about things like structural issues, plumbing and heating up-grades and architectural styling(s) etc.... but they also deal with interior design issues, the cost benefits of certain up-grades and exterior and/or land-scapping concerns. All in all -- the show is quietly informative, informal in nature and very (very) addictive and/or habit forming (even if you don't own a hammer). They've been around for over 20 years -- and hence also publish a magazine, but the show is definitely the more appealing and compelling format in which to experience the " THIS OLD HOUSE " phenomenon.

For anyone more interested in things related to architecture, interior design, and the vast variety of condominium and/or home alternative(s) out there, two magazine's I'd highly recommend would include both Dwell Magazine (out of San Francisco) and AZURE magazine which is published right here in Toronto. Both deal with a wide array of topics via their monthly periodicals -- and hence there is almost always something of interest to the general reader. Both magazines also tend to cover a lot of what's new / interesting and/or theoretically significant in the world of Green Developments (especially as they relate to construction etc....) which again makes them significant to anyone potentially contemplating the purchase of a newer condominium. DWELL tends to venture internationally for a lot of their stories and features, where-as AZURE magazine is probably a little more domestic or Canadian in flavor -- but outside of this minor nuance, both magazines are great places to read about a lot of what is pertinent in the design, building and architectural communities.

For something a little more specific -- both in terms of subject material and bias, another magazine I'd highly recommend is " Canadian Architect magazine. " Although this periodical often times tends to be a little overly (and/or overtly) specific to the Architectural community per se, they do an Awards edition every year (in December / January) which highlights all that is best in the Canadian Archtitectural scene over the past year. As a lot of the projects which get reviewed (and awarded with praise) include newer condominium and/or housing options -- this edition should be must reading for anyone who takes their purchase of a NEWER property seriously. Despite the obvious and specific nature of this magazine, the writing and content of the articles is such that anyone (including myself) can easily comprehend same. Hence -- don't be intimidated by the nature and/or cost of the magazine, especially when and if you're hunting for the above noted (yearly) edition.

And now -- while the Sun is still high in the Sky and the Rays are still easy to attain, I'm afraid I have to go out and make myself available to all that free vitamin " D " laden radiation. Like my Broker keeps telling me, it's all about the TAN.

Oh Yah! Just in case you'd like to check out some of the attendent websites re: any of the above you can find same at,

1) This Old House -- www.ThisOldHouse.com
2) Dwell Magazine -- www.dwell.com
3) Azure Magazine -- www.azuremagazine.com, and
4) Canadian Architect Magazine -- www.cdnarchitect.com

" Shante' "