BOOT CAMP NORTH
Attend a Special 3-Day Draw and Photo-Paint 9 Session in Ottawa!
Updated May 5, 2000
We're Ready to Go Again! Back at CorelWorld '99, presenters Foster Coburn and Tom Anzai were chatting at the
conference
and they came up with an interesting idea. “Let's hold a Boot Camp in Corel's
Training Center up in Ottawa!” So, they went to chat with the Corel folks and
asked if they could use their training room. Corel said OK. They wanted a tour of
the Corel building to witness the making of version 10. Corel said OK. They
wanted the product managers for CorelDRAW and Corel PHOTO-PAINT to give keynote speeches. Corel
said OK. They wanted some prizes for the students. Corel said OK. They
wanted $1 million. Corel didn't say OK to that one! They asked if that was
Corel's final answer…Corel still said no. But Corel did offer attendees to take the
certification tests for either CorelDRAW or Corel PHOTO-PAINT. And the test is FREE to all
students!
Are you excited about this yet? We held our first Boot
Camp North right in Ottawa, Canada at the Corel offices April 6-8 and are
raring to do a special follow-up August 17-19, 2000. Same format, same
location, same presenters, same bat channel! It will be taught by Tom Anzai of Anzai! Inc.
and Foster Coburn of Unleashed Productions Inc. plus the bonus keynotes from the Corel
folks. This is a special class and the seating is very limited. So you better sign up
quick, as seats are filling up fast!
The Quick Links
Get more information at the Boot Camp North web site (unleash.com)!
Download the course outline and seminar presenter bios in PDF format (22kb)!
About Ottawa
Now, if you have decided to register (excellent choice ;-) or are thinking of it and
would like to know more about Ottawa/Corel then we can tell you some scoops since we
reside in this wonderful city. Even before Ottawa (formerly Bytown) was surprisingly
crowned capital city of Canada by Queen Victoria in 1857, it has never taken on the
skyscraper mentality of larger centers such as 
Toronto or Montréal. Instead, the city of
Ottawa and environs possess a less intimidating ambience that still fosters its
logging-town mentality. Even today, the official population is a mere 324,000 but triples
if you account for the Greater Ottawa area that includes bordering cities such as Nepean
(where the Corel Learning Center is located) and neighboring Hull, Quebec.
You are reminded of the small-town preservation in the strict adherence of construction
bylaws that prevent buildings in the downtown core from overshadowing the majestic
Parliament Buildings.
These buildings are one of the best-known symbols of Ottawa, and Canada for that matter.
Before you shy away from its political roots, the Parliament Buildings is a must-see for
several reasons. The Parliament Buildings were built between 1857 and 1866 and display
what has been called the “purest example of ” Gothic Revival architecture in the
Western Hemisphere. The structure is adorned with intricate carvings, gargoyles, and
friezes. Too, it hosts special events such as the Changing of the Guard
each summer morning, Canada Day (July 1st) celebrations and fireworks, as well as numerous
protest gatherings to demonstrate the latest national fervor. Don't worry, our protests
are much like the Canadian persona--mostly peaceful, organized, and cleaned up quickly!
You can check out the Parliament
Building cam that is updated every 5 minutes.
But let's not stop there. Because Ottawa is located on the shores of the Ottawa River, our cross-shore allies is the city of Hull (pronounced “ull”), Quebec. Fine dining (e.g., Café Henry Burger), National Museum of Civilization, Gatineau Parc, and French culture are a mere bridge away. Don't speak French? No worries as almost all inhabitants speak both languages. But give your French a go. If it's real bad then they'll respond back in English!
And since Ottawa is the capital of the nation it is home to a slew of a dozen National Museums including Aviation, Arts Center, Art Gallery, Library, and Science and Technology. Too, it is home to various Canadian museums including the Museum of Nature, Postal Museum, War Museum, and Contemporary Photography (next to infamous Chateau Laurier Hotel). In fact, a total of 29 museums can be found in the Ottawa area. Browse on over to the Museum Listings if you are interested in learning more.
About Corel Corporation
Mention Corel in this city and you'll either get a nod or an “I know someone who
work(ed)s there”. Corel is tantamount to 
Volkswagens. Some people have memories of
the good ol' days (when DRAW was the only PC graphics program in town); others have
memories of the ups and downs of the company. Recently, Corel stocks have hit the top of
the charts internationally with trading volumes peaking during Christmas as the Linux wave
danced into town.
Add to that the outlandish fashions adorned by Marlen Cowpland for the annual Corel Design Contest Gala, and you have this sleepy town talkin'! The media here love the Cowplands. Ottawa without Corel is much like punch without the carbonated soda water. No fizz, no pizzazz.
Da Buildings, Da Buildings!
Corel's main building is located at 1600 Carling Avenue, a reflective glass building that you can see when driving on the 417 (Queensway) at the Carling exit. Once you find a parking spot in the smallish lot (pssst...get the receptionist to stamp your ticket for free parking), you proceed through the glass front doors. On your left is the demo room that houses a small army of presentation equipment and sound systems that are intended to blow the media's socks off. Unfortunately, they hide all the gadgetry behind walls and partitions. Continue past the small café (boy, how many employees can you squeeze into that place?) to the reception area. Bow to the huge vector portrait of Dr. Michael Cowpland on the left. Take a fistful of candies in the bowl to your lower right. Browse the Corel Art Show books on the table or take a gander at the Digital Photo screensaver playing on the small monitors. By gosh, you're in the bowels of the mothership!
Fortunately, for Boot Camp North attendees you get a personalized tour of the Corel Carling building including the unadorned office of Dr. Cowpland. It'll be casual dress Friday too. So, I won't ruin the surprise by telling you more about the building's characteristics...Wait! Corel actually has two other satellite buildings that are a 10 minute drive away. One is located at 150 Isabella Street that is located east on the 417 and is shared with Rebel.com who market and develop the Netwinder computer. You can check out a Queensway cam looking east from the 11th floor offices of Rebel.com that is updated every 10 minutes.
The Corel Learning Center!The other building is Learning Center where the bulk of the Boot Camp North training sessions will be held. This rather non-descript building is leased by Corel so you can expect other businesses to be in existence. In fact, the Learning Center, located at 1431 Merivale Road in the city of Nepean (south-west of Ottawa), does not even have any Corel signage on the building since they began the lease in the fall. The only signage is a blue iMPATH Networks logo. Watch carefully when you drive or take a taxi to the building. It's opposite Inly Computers. If you drive past Myers Motors at Baseline Road, you've gone too far...
Here's how you get to the Corel Learning Center:
Click to view a map of Ottawa and the locations of the Carling and Learning Center buildings
From Airport: Take the Airport Parkway North to Hunt Club Road Exit, go west (left at lights) and travel 10 minutes to Merivale Road intersection. Go North (right at lights) on Merivale Road and travel 5 minutes. Stay on Merivale Road (veers right at Clyde Avenue by Dairy Queen) and turn right immediately after second set of lights (Burris Lane) to #1431 Merivale Road (opposite Inly Computers). Park in lot beside building. “Discovery” training room is on the 3rd floor.
From Toronto: Take 401 to 416. Exit at Hunt Club Road, go east (right at lights) and travel 10 minutes to Merivale Road intersection. Go North (left at lights) on Merivale Road and travel 5 minutes. Stay on Merivale Road (veers right at Clyde Avenue by Dairy Queen) and turn right immediately after second set of lights (Burris Lane) to #1431 Merivale Road (opposite Inly Computers). Park in lot beside building. “Discovery” training room is on the 3rd floor.
From Montreal/Downtown Ottawa: Take Autoroute 40 Est to 417 East. In Ottawa, go through downtown exits and take Maitland exit (you'll see the Corel Carling building on the right before the exit). Turn left at lights to travel south on Maitland Avenue. Past bend, go through Baseline Road intersection (Petro Canada gas station). Turn left at next lights (Bleeker Stereo Mall) onto Merivale Road and turn right immediately after second set of lights (Burris Lane) to #1431 Merivale Road (opposite Inly Computers). Park in lot beside building. “Discovery” training room is on the 3rd floor.
The actual training room is a standard facility with seats for 25 students. Expect contemporary computer tables, high-back chairs, and ample room. Boot Camp North will follow the regular Boot Camp delivery style and offer seminar type sessions. There is no hands-on activity so please no-toucha-da-computer-equipment. With luck, we'll be given a long flyswatter in which to hit sneaky fingers during our sessions... We have a lot of ground to cover in the three days of training.
Down the hall, there is a small room outside the other training room for making telephone calls or using cell phones. Only a few chairs are available so you may have to stand during breaktime. But hey, after all that sitting and listening you'll want to stand, right?!
There is a small cafeteria in the basement of the building. Either we'll do lunch there or we will find another arrangement. Day two's lunch will be held at the main Corel Carling building where guest speeches and the tour will be held. Care to join us in the trip over to Carling in a vintage Volkswagen Beetle?
Recommendations on Where to Stay?
Any of the accommodations posted at the Boot Camp Travel Info site are recommended, so it boils down to whether you want a no-frills type of hotel/motel or a typical business type hotel in the heart of downtown Ottawa. If you want to visit the Parliament buildings, or choose restaurants that are nearby, we'd recommend the downtown choices. Keep in mind that we are planning to host a dinner in the downtown Market area, so you'll have a chance to explore the downtown core after the dinner. Expect a $20 Cdn taxi fare given the 12 km (7 mi.) distance from any downtown hotel to the Merivale Road Learning Center. Some downtown hotels charge for parking.
Tip: Before you make reservations, give Corel Corporation's personal travel agency, ABW, a call to see if you can get the best possible price (read “Corel discount”). Call them at 1-888-267-3548 ext. 1218.
Since we have personally visited the accommodations listed below, we can comment on the following venues:
Downtown: Located in downtown Ottawa core
Chateau Laurier ****1 Rideau Street |
With its castle-like, copper (turned green) roof and location beside the four-tier Colonel By Canal Locks, this charming hotel comes personally recommended. The Chateau Laurier is located between the majesty of the Parliament Buildings and the lively bustle of the ByWard Market. Highly recommended if old world elegance is your motive. Surprisingly, its nightly rate is on par with the Westin that is located across the street. |
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa ***130 Besserer |
Does the word “huge” entice you? If so, then this is the place for you. We're told guests typically stay in a one to two bedroom layout with plenty of room for a couple. Strategically located in the downtown core, it's two blocks from the Byward market area where there is a plethora of restaurants and bars. This is the place to be for fine dining and people watching (always a popular thing to do!). Les Suites is also a 5 minute walk away from the Parliament Buildings. |
Nearby: Located within 2 miles of the Learning Center
Best Western Macies ***1274 Carling Avenue (at Merivale Rd.) |
Once you come one with the pink hallways, Best Western Macies offers
traditional accommodations that you can rely on. Rooms are up-to-date with a choice of two
twins or a Queen bed. If the weather is agreeable there is an outdoor pool to relax in. A
small fitness/hot tub room is located in the basement as well as the pub/restaurant. For
entertainment, there is a $2 movie theater in the Plaza across the road that shows 4
different almost-recent releases at various times as well as a Blockbuster video store. Distance to Learning Center is 2.2 km (1.3 mi). |
Travelodge Hotel ***1376 Carling Avenue (at Queensway) |
Travelodge is undergoing renovations that should be mostly finished by
summer time. Rooms are up to date with a small choice of bedroom models. Again, the
weather will not be conducive to swimming in the outdoor pool. The restaurant offers a
circular view of the front (Carling Avenue/Queensway). Within a short 10 minute walk are
two Plaza's, one with a $2 movie theater and the other with a Bowling lane (just what you
wanted) along with other stores. Distance to Learning Center is 2.2 km (1.3 mi). |
Webb's Motel **½1705 Carling Avenue (at Cole) |
Don't let the word “Motel” fool you, as Webb's Motel has been a
respected establishment in Ottawa for several decades. Expect clean, no-frill rooms with
your typical hotel amenities. There is no restaurant, but there is the Rose Bowl
restaurant next door and Steak 'n Caesar's across the road. A great breakfast place, Al's
Diner, is a short 5 minute walk away. Too, the motel is a mere three blocks away from the
Corel Carling building. Distance to Learning Center is 3.25 km (2 mi). |
Recommendations on What to Do?
We are planning to take the entire group out on Friday (day two) for a buffet dinner at a downtown restaurant. We will be picking up the tab so that you can enjoy the evening with us. Present will be the class, Foster, Tom, and several Corel employees from the Training and Certification Department. We will arrange for a car pool for those in need. After the dinner, you are encouraged to walk about the downtown area, ByWard Market, and even the Parliament buildings to peer across the Ottawa River into Hull, Quebec. If you're into people watching, grab an ice cream cone (weather depending!) and sit down anywhere in the ByWard Market where there a throngs of people seeking eating, dining, and music establishments.
The other times that you have free, you are encouraged to take in a museum or do some shopping in a venue like the Rideau Centre or outdoor Sparks Street Mall. Visit http://www.ottawakiosk.com/museum.html for entertainment ideas. Don't forget to walk or ride across the bridge to try one of the French cafés and restaurants in Hull, Quebec. Enjoy! This is a tourist city with lots to do and lots to see.
Recommendations on What to Bring
Here's the facts. High average temperature in early August in Ottawa is 25°C or 77°F and the low is about 12°C or 54°F. It gets humid in Ottawa at this time so make sure you bring summer attire when walking around during the daytime. Most nights you can take a stroll without needing a coat. And, no, there is no chance at snow (we promise, we promise!). A perfect time to come to Ottawa!
To check out the current weather and traffic in Ottawa (updated every 10 minutes), you can check out a web cam perched on the 11th floor of the Corel Isabella Street building that overlooks the Queensway East traffic. Visit http://www.ottawacitizen.com/eye/.
If any of you plan to take one of the certification exams for CorelDRAW or Photo-Paint, you should visit http://www.corel/learning to find out more about the program. This way, you'll have a general idea of what topics to study before you take the test. Tests will be conducted in one-hour time slots at various times on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. There will be no charge to take the examination for Boot Camp attendees. Please note that the Boot Camp North topics are not designed to prepare you for the questions on the examination. You would be better off studying from our Anzai! Corel-approved, step-by-step manuals as 85% of the questions are answered in our courseware.
Service: service@anzai.com
[Home] [Courseware] [News] [Articles] [Resellers] [About Us] [Order] [FAQ] [Support]