Riveting

Love and Contempt. Its content had seemingly left me hanging on the edge of a perilous cliff with the bare tips of my fingers. I adore (because it was unexpected) and yet despise (because it was against my morals) that the antagonist triumphs in victory. The best part that I will admit to is that the uneasiness and discomforting atmosphere that it produced will undoubtedly be ingrained in me.



"...We are not content with negative obedience, nor even with the most abject submission. When you finally surrender to us, it must be of your own free will. We do not destroy the heretic because he resists us: so long as he resists us we never destroy him. We convert him, we capture his inner mind, we reshape him. We burn all evil and illusion out of him; we bring him over to our side, not in appearance, but genuinely, heart and soul. We make him one of ourselves before we kill him. It is intolerable to us that an erroneous thought should exist anywhere in the world, however secret and powerless it may be. Even in the instant of death we cannot permit any deviation. In the old days the heretic walked to the stake still a heretic, proclaiming his heresy, exulting in it. Even the victim of the Russian purges could carry rebellion locked up in his skull as he walked down the passage waiting for the bullet. But we make the brain perfect before we blow it out. The command of the old despotisms was "Thou shalt not". The command of the totalitarians was "Thou shalt". Our command is "Thou art"."


"What is our motive? Why should we want power?... The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power. Not wealth or luxury or long life or happiness: only power, pure power. What pure power means you will understand presently. We are different from all the oligarchies of the past, in that we know what we are doing. All the others, even those who resembled ourselves, were cowards and hypocrites, The German Nazis and the Russian Communists came very close to us in their methods, but they never had the courage to recognize their own motives. They pretended, perhaps they even believed, that they had seized power unwillingly and for a limited time, and that just round the corner there lay a paradise where human beings would be free and equal. We are not like that. We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it. Power is not a means, it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship. The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now do you begin to understand me?"


--- words from O'Brien, character of Nineteen Eighty-Four



With utter surveillance in London after the bombings and the recent divulgence of the U.S. government in collaboration with AT&T, collecting phone call records of millions of Americans, is our world starting to remodel like the one in Nineteen Eighty-Four?

The Great Americas

Oh how I abhore your roaring as I utilize you to rid of my sin. How you bawl in a deeper voice as your task becomes more burdensome. As I stand, peering, I cannot help but be wrecked with guilt with respect to my actions. But I am helpless, incorrigibe to the extent of my excessiveness.


It is a weekly ritual to succumb myself to opening my fridge and ridding it of decomposing, at times putrid food. It is another job to extricate it of the lingering hodgepodge of smells that creep up to surprise when opening it's door. I casually look at the left-over spaghetti that I am mushing with my fingers through the garborator and it is an admittedly gruesome sight. However, the emphasis is not in the article that I am trying to rid off but in the action and the frequency of doing so.


Special attention is brought to my family and myself because we are absolutely criminal to the offence of WASTING.
Perspectives. Change of environment. Expectations. Past growing-up experiences. They are all highly-qualified factors in explaining our behaviour.
It is difficult to account for individuals on the derivation and uses of their resources but it is well known and might I add, accepted that residents of North America are extravagant and thriftless with regards to their resources.


Truly, we North Americans dwell in the land of bounty. Subjected to a society that thrives in capitalism, we revolve around an oligarchy of gargantuan corporations. Due to their colossal size in most markets, they acquire bargaining power, reap efficiencies of scale and in turn supply whatever goods or services at a mass scale. Countless times I stroll in grocery stores so massive that perhaps losing one's sense of direction is not such an inconceivable thought. It is true. Although all fundamental teachings in economics serve to etch the perfectly competitive equilibrium into one's mind, perfectly competitive markets do not exsit. It is merely a utopian ideology, simplifying matters allowing a more direct analytical perpective on problem-solving. However, in any market that permits free entry (one characteristic of perfectly competitive markets), we see numerous companies supplying that one product, given that the price is favourable. Choice is indeed delightful, but so many that befuddles a consumer? There have been times where I have stood in a shampoo aisle for half an hour (but in the sake of any argument, one may say that I have indecisive and hesitant tendencies.)


Surrounded by such vastness of goods, it is evident that a substantial majority will not be purchased...denied the privelege of being utilized. Not too worrisome for goods that do not have a shelf-life but quite perturbing for goods such as produce. Much pity for organic produce (with such a wondeful cause) whittling away on their stands. It is highly questionable as to what they do with food no longer fresh to a consumer's palette, most items no longer permissible to sell because of overdued expiriy dates. To the garbage dumps? I'm afraid so. Perhaps one of these faithful days, stop in your tracks at your grocery store, absorb the fact of how much of what you see will become waste. Astonishing.


Coffee. One of those inelastic goods that my addictive personality adheres to, a legal opiate that I am dependent on. One of my favourite convenient haunts, to much of my guilt, is Starbucks. I am contented to wait in line, giving me time to feast my eyes on the delectable outsourced bakery goods neatly organized in a glass case, and yet another painful decision-making circumstance to whether I should fatten myself up. On one occasion, as I walked out with Dan, expecially satisfied with a cup in my hand, I casually asked where all the unsold expiring bakery goods went and again I recieved another pitiful answer that they most probably got thrown away. To refute it, I questioned furthur: Was it infeasible to give it to the poor (via shelters, soup kitchens and such)?
It linked to another subdivision of topic: unsustainable reliance. Apparently, consistently giving to the poor creates complacency and further contributes to the overbearing burden on the government's budget...


Is our excess so irreconcilable?

Memphis Blues

Expectations of a hick and red-neck restaurant, upon hearing the name 'Memphis Blues', are dashed as I walk in. I am warmly enclasped by its surroundings.


Not too fond of full-bodied-tasting cuts of meats such as steak and ribs, I'm usually a tad bit hesitant to fill my stomach with such. Drawing experiences of lavishly slathered ribs with canorous barbeque, hickory, honey garlic sauces illicit a Pavlov's reaction, except that it is of a verge of regurtitation caused by greasiness.


Prior to Memphis Blues, my knowledge of 'good' ribs was derived from Tony Roma's. Though I did have some meals there, I limited my frequency to its establishments. But upon tasting Memphis' expression of ribs, I was taken aback.
Never have I savoured such ribs that epitomizes such flavour without being masqueraded by a sauce.
Their ethos: Taste the quality and appreciate the process.
That is the beauty of their meats. Not shoddily marinated with a sauce but rubbed with aromatic herbs and seasoning , extracting and enhancing the meats' natural embodiment of flavour. George Siu, its successful owner has 2 locations located on West Broadway and Commercial Drive (I have yet to visit) and has deservedly recieved many distinguished awards, Look here .


The Elvis Platter: Shared by 4
Smoked sausages. Brisket. Pulled pork. Rib ends. Half slab ribs. Half of a cornish game hen. Fries. Coleslaws. Cornbread. Barbeque Sauce. Pit Beans.



Red wall of Jazz and Blues Singers.




Salivating




Evidence of Enjoyment


Legendary Crooners




I was overjoyed that they were so willing to pose for me!



Dazzle
The atmosphere of this eatery is fully warm and casual. Absolutely conjures a southern feel of eating with good ol' blues music playing in the background. I imagine this is what it feels like to be in Memphis or New Orleans... surreal. Come as yourself and feel comfortable because there is no pretense nor pretention about Memphis Blues, it is elementary and efficient. Order at the front, grab your piping hot scrumptious food and seat yourselves wherever you wish. I particulary appreciate the big rolls of environmentally-friendly paper towels strategically placed on every table at anyone's dispense. Quite thoughtful and nothing of those trite pungent, overwhelming fragrance of a wet towelette... Order the 1/2 slab of ribs (depending on your appetite, more than enough for 5"3 midget like me), pulled pork sandwich and the cornish game hen and the brisket (which is Dan's pick). Taste the meat on its own first before dipping in the barbeque sauce. The beans too are delectable (or perhaps I have a quirky attraction to beans in sauce *shrugs*). Be bold and order the Elvis Platter for an opportunity to savour each and every item they offer. Quench it with a beer.




Frazzle
Nothing too much to denounce about. Their pricing is slightly on the high side, but worthy of its quality in my books. It is futile to get seats at peak dinner times such as Fridays and weekends. Go there between 2-4 in the afternoon and most likely have the whole restaurant to yourself and your party. The restaurant boasts not of its size, so if your party consists of 6 and more, it will feel a little tight.



Overall
$ $
8.5/10



Memphis Blues Barbeque House
1465 West Broadway Avenue
Vancouver, B.C.
604-738-6806



Click here for LEGEND and RANKING

Noir et Blanc

I can't even remember when this picture was taken, think I took it. A
little self-obsessive I must agree.




My maniacal self with my better half at some pitstop washroom in Seattle. Expect this expression on most pictures. Please me reminded that I AM retarded.
I don't know what that semi-parabolic shade at the left corner is... perhaps my finger?



Well, now that I have mentioned, I DO have pictures and a blog-worthy topic of our trip to Seattle and I just remembered that I am very tardy on my other topics that I have yet to enlighten you with.


On a happy note, now I have a proper, uber-savvy profile picture I can use (the first picture above) and you guys don't have to set eyes on that pastey, oops-I-ate-another-piece-of-cake face, jutting-out lower lip portrayal of me.


*Thanks to Dan for great pictures

Lucky Number Slevin

Its been years since I've seen a movie in which I was surrounded by an air of confusion, yet happily chased its given clues and hints, like a retriever, to make sense of it.


Slevin (Josh Hartnett), under a mistaken identity embarks on a mysterious labyrinth of 'jobs' that he has to accomplish for 2 warring mob bosses (Morgan Freeman and Sir Ben Kingsley), meanwhile, encountering an intelligent, quick-witted beauty (Lucy Liu), whom of course is the love of his life. I can only say so much without ruining the whole story for you.




I was baffled by what this movie was about initially, thinking it was another Bruce Willis' macho, ego-stroking depiction but walked out of the theatre delightfully overwhelmed. Of course, what I have mentioned in the previous paragraph is a seemingly common plot. However, it is interlaced with other definitive motives , creating finer nuances in the plot itself. How befuddling it might be, the end reveals all, linking loose ends together. I see no haphazard effort in its completion.




Never too fond of Josh Hartnett, but his unassuming demeanor is perfect for his role.


The last movie I've seen which left me feeling this way was Pulp Fiction. Sexy as hell creation of film noir!



Please go see this movie.



Isn't she pretty?



*Sources: Pictures, Rotten Tomatoes

Unevenness

I am at a restless point in my life.


When I was 15 years old, my role was to be a disastrous juvenile. My mother's frenzied attempts to salvage my declining grades resulted in the employment of an extra-curricular tutor. On one occasion during my throws of frustration, he told me something profound: Sucess is a product of two ingredients, structure and perseverance.


Because I am a dreamer (my mother has always reminded me so as a child), I always have the structure set up. Ideals and illusions that are so marvellous that if I were to list them on a piece of paper, I could admire, venerate it, and the next moment crumble it into a useless barren mound when reality penetrates it, sullying its good nature. That is what my ideals and illusions are, uncompromising.


The perseverance part, I am ashamed of.
I have no significant events to commemorate to perseverance. Not an adjective to describe me, lest I further disappoint myself in being a phony.


So what does this little girl do, you ask?


She fills her shelves with many commonplace DIY help books advising her on career and financial paths. She spends her time reading them, seeking some sort of enlightenment to satiate the pangs of inadequacy, but what use can be extracted from a map if one is constrained in a glass box?


*Sigh*


Others seem to know to a certain extent of what their future might turn out to be, and they take steps to chase after it, I look on and envy them whilst I stand in my stagnating platform. Their future slowly diffusing immaculately into what they know as their present, closing the disparity between both extremes.
I am myopic to any advancements in my life.



Oh... the agony and angst of lying still in the abyss.

GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS

Threesomes. Gang-bang. Bukakke.
Holy shit. There are so many terms out there now to describe sexual encounters with multiple people!

Sure, seeing vid clips on the internet of them can be fucking... sexy as hell in which most males will certainly agree with me. But then again, sitting infront of the computer screen watching it is one thing and its another if you know someone who leads such a lifestyle.

If you want to know the truth, cheating on someone in my books is analogous to blowing away one's sanctity. Isn't it one of those taboos in a monogomous relationship? Perhaps my touchiness about it is derived from the fact that I have been victim of such a circumstance before. Perhaps that is why in realistic terms I can never picture myself in a threesome or gang-bang. Though I can always imagine how fucking sexy a threesome will be. For some reason, if I dream of a threesome or gang-bang, I'm always the fucking spectator!

So far, I've come across 2 people, different people who aren't acquainted with each other, who have been in a threesome. I'm happy for them, because they both told me they thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and everybody who has sex should always enjoy themselves. Secretly, I find it sort of dirty, unhygenic. I certainly differentiate between fantasy and reality as two utterly distinctive entities. Watching porn of threesomes and gang-bangs, jerking off to it, having sex whilst watching it...harmless. Being in a threesome or gang-bang, playing a role of a porn star... just suggesting to your future partner that you can't be trusted and instilling low self-esteem in them. To be honest, a few things work better when confined within the limits of the mind.... that being almost limitless! *widening eyes*

Yes, I'm a prickish conservatist, traditionalist, right-wing or whatever the hell you want to call me. Fuck you guys, two's enjoyment for me!

A Slight Limp

• My heart is beating in a strained and yet consistent manner. But that doesn't worry me too much. I am concerned about my breathing. I look down at my thighs and notice the jiggle of every step I take, they are turning red.
  

• Hordes of people in white stream down the streets and I cannot help thinking we are but just bison, stampeding towards our goal. I do not like this feeling. I prefer the lonely solitude. It is selfish, but this is my time of meditation and introspection.

• My hopes and expectations soar and plummet in that duration of time. Times of exhilaration and enforced motivation, others of self-deprecation. I turn back, hoping to see Dan trailing behind me but my hopes are futile. I have lost him. In the heat of the moment I feel disappointment in myself : I should have waited for him. After all, today is our anniversary and I promised that we'd stay together. Perhaps I missed and he has overtaken me. This is the point of no return. I run alone now and my target is to surprise myself and yet fluff that ego, by finishing above my alotted time.

• My sides start to ache, although it is against my will, I inadvertently decrease my pace. The aching leg I cautiously noted about before the start seems to remind me of its presense. I do not care. As long as I do not stop. Spectators cheer and although I appreciate the amicable thoughts, their support leaves me indifferent. Under the bridge, I hear 'Wonderall' and no pain can stop me from mouthing the surreal lyrics of the song.
  

• This must be the last incline. Through my sense of navigation, we are close to the Dome where the finish line awaits. I remind myself to lift my legs higher in order to lessen the strain of the incline. I glance at my GPS system, to my chagrin, minutes have ticked away, I have past my personal alotted time. I jog abit more, to my utmost relief, the multi-coloured arch that signifies the end is within sight! How vibrant that arch is! Its a mad dash to the finish line as my arms and legs lift higher in unison allegedly being broken away from chains, my vision blurs with only one object in focus. The theme song from 'Chariots of fire' blares in my head and every step I take is intune with its beat.

• I cross the finish line and click at my GPS system. 1 hour and 3 minutes. I console myself with the fact that this is my first time, toying with the idea that there is room for improvement, of course. I look out towards the crowd that is pulling in. Perhaps I will see him... and I did.

My first amazing experience of the Vancouver Sun Run.
Distance: 10 K
Course difficulty: Slightly abouve average. Did not expect that many inclines.
Participation rate: 50,700 entrants
Weather: The most beautiful weather we could have with cloudless skies
Regrets: Should have managed schedule to fit in more runs for training. Diet is screwed up.

Repeat participation? I'll be doing it for the rest of my life !

A Short Hiatus

Frightful. Nerve-wrecking. Insomnia.


Words to describe myself in this state of mind where I have to face FINALS.


I need all the GODS in the world to help me out in this one....
Sad how I always say the same thing for every semester even though I am 2 semesters short of graduating and I still haven't pulled my socks yet (metaphorically.)


See you guys on the 20th. I'll have some good stuff to talk about.

Hawker's Delight

We arrived at Main Street slightly past the norms of dinner time. The map said that we were aprroximately 500m away from it but being unfamiliar with the surroundings we cautiously parked just so that we wouldn't miss it. Most stores and shops were closed and we wondered: could we be lost? Finally, after what seemed like eternity walking in the chill, we spotted a block of shops that were brightly litted and seemed to be bustling with life. And there it was, Hawker's Delight.


Initially, I was slighty apprehensive at its surroundings. In full honesty, the lighting of the restaurant (or deli as they would like to be referred to) and the lack of interior design, in unison create a somewhat dingy atmosphere. Gaudy posters are pinned up on the walls, portraying typical Malaysian tourist destinations but oddly enough, no posters of Singapore (even though the owners are Singaporean.) Well, knowing what I'm working with, I conclude that are no esthetics to pleasure myself with and head to the counter to order. Right there, I am surprised at its diverse and eye-catching menu. Ranging from Hainanese Chicken Rice to Laksa and Gado Gado, I am lost at what to order because never have I been to a South East Asian eatery that offered so many endearing dishes in which I miss whole-heartedly from Singapore. Eventually, we came to a decision:

Our Spread


Mee Goreng: Indian-style noodles in South East Asia



Mee Rebus: Malay-style egg noodles served in a thick tamarind sauce served with bean sprouts, boiled eggs and minced meat.


Grass Jelly Drink: I remember as a little girl, after school my grandpa would come pick me up and he would buy me a can and it tasted so wonderfully refreshing in the sweltering heat of Singapore.


How mouth-watering

Dazzle
Food is relatively authentic to Singaporean/Malaysian cuisine. You will love the prices, for it won't dent your wallet. Quite a spread of dishes start from $4.25 and you will receive it in a pretty large plate. Leaves you in a state of satisfaction. Order flavourful Mee Goreng and Mee Rebus (as if those pictures don't tempt you already), also Mee Pok (dried noodles) is a good choice. Dine early in the day and get a chance to order a plate of Satay (kabob-ed chicken, beef or pork served with creamy peanut sauce.) I didn't get a chance to order some my first time there, but I came back for it the next time.


Frazzle
Dining in is slightly uncomfortable in their small and dingy space. Don't expect any privacy between yourself and others, all conversations can be heard throughout. Showing up with 3 other friends in tow is abit of a hassle especially at lunch-time where it starts to get packed. Take out is perhaps a better way to go. At peak lunch-time expect food to take a little longer to arrive. Cleanliness is abit of a question mark. Some sit well and others might not. You might put yourself at risk by ordering the Tahu Goreng.


Overall
$
7/10


Hawker's Delight Deli
4127 Main Street
Vancouver
604-709-8188

Click here for LEGEND and RANKING

Vancouver Auto Show '06

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the line. My years (though not many) of going to the annual Auto show, I've never had to wait in line to buy tickets and this year, in the accompaniment of rain. I suppose we went at its peak time and it was packed ! Due to my absent-mindedness I didn't bring my own camera. How stupid !
Thanks Dan for letting me use yours.


Feast your eyes.

Bentley Continental Flying Spur, the four-door sister of the Continental GT




Chevrolet Camaro, Concept: Cool-looking nostalgic car




The venerable Lotus Elise: Quite surprised that someone on my hill has one. I heard there was a long waiting list for this car. I'm utterly in love with this fearsome beauty. Remember the scene in 'Pretty Woman', where Julia Roberts takes over the driving from Richard Gere? She was driving a silver Lotus Espirit and I remember her saying 'It handles like its on rails.' Well, this handles superbly in the exact same manner.




Rolls Royce Phantom: A gargantuan of a luxury saloon. You must personally see it to recognize its size. It holds a 6.7L V12 engine and weighs 5577 pounds ( hefty). Dan tells me one of the reason it needs to be this heavy is to ensure a seemingly smooth and frictionless ride. After I've seen it in 50cent's 'P.I.M.P.', I can't help but think of this car as what one would purchase to blatantly make known to others of his/her prominence. My 2 cents.




BAR Honda F1 car


Regrets: I'd love to post up more pictures, but Blogger only allows me 5.


Other highly notable mentions:

• Porsche Cayman S
• BMW Z4 'M' version convertible, the esteemed M5 and M6
  
• new Mercedes GL class (thank god, I thought this was actually going to be the replacement of the G-class and it is not.)
• Lamborghini Murcielago convertible

Perhaps Dan and I have been to the Auto show too frequently (as in too many consecutive years) because we seem to have lost abit of our enthusiam for it. Even though he still has more engrossed in it than I am, the excitement has diminished. No vast improvements that are mind-blowing so to speak. Until then, our interest has stagnated.
Anyone else feel the same?

Guu

Presently located in various hot spots in Vancouver, I must admit, Guu has really come a long way as an innovator and trailblazer.

An enthusiast of their work since their first project on Thurlow, I find myself regularly frequenting their restaurants. My favourite being the one on Robson Street. Downtown Vancouver is a residing place for many native Japanese and Koreans whose agenda is to learn the English language. This undoubtedly explains the string of Japanese/Korean restaurants and internet cafes that clutter the tip of Robson, in hopes of catering to their own in comfort. Though I am quite certain that they are not worried about this competitive atmosphere by the looks of groups of people crowding impatiently (in the cold no less), outside of their establishment.

Stepping in the restaurant as a first-timer, one perhaps will be slightly taken aback by the boisterousness of jovial staffers shouting orders across the room. Their style is Izakaya, meaning a Japanese style bar popular for after-work drinking. So no need for the pretentious etiquette and structure of dining in a traditional sushi house. Their fame, spread like wild-fire has caused emulation in a few other restaurants in the Downtown area and even one in my small surburban city.

The interior is nothing fashionable and will not leave you in awe. Helps in minimizing distractions and gets straight to the point.
Is the food good? The simple and boring answer is, Yes.
The variation in their food offering is their potent lure in achieving a customer's continuous return. Their menu is vast in a manner which I favour in comparison to my previous review of Havana Cafe, in which case they do not veer away from their Japanese roots. Select from their 'Specials' menu or from their Ala Carte menu. From their Ala Carte menu, order the Japanese-style pizza, 'Takoyaki' (octopus balls, no pun intended), Beef sashimi (carpaccio-style), Spicy Sharks' Fin, Baked Oysters and potatoes in cream sauce covered in cheddar (highly temptable isn't it?) If these don't whet your appetite (I am appalled), but not to worry, order their dry-fried Udon noodles (Kimchi Udon is my pick.)


Dazzle
Unshackle yourself from too-comfortable staples and order from their 'Specials' menu, I assure, they won't disappoint you. Constant monthly variation in their 'Specials' keep customers on the edge of their seat. Dishes come in small yet satiable portions, works well for those who are calorie-counting. Food is fusion and creative, well worth the price as long as you don't order any alcohol. Try their different-flavoured Japanese soda. Atmosphere is informal and a touch rowdy, so don't worry about people giving you dirty looks, chances are, they're probably drunk as well.


Frazzle
Showing up at peak dinner time is a wrong move, face the same fate as other hordes of people and wait up to 1.5 hours. Preferably go before 6:30pm or after 9pm. Otokomae (one of the other chains) is big enough but Guu with Garlic on Robson is a little tight, not too great if you have a large party. A secret to share: I once knew a friend who worked there who said she would never bring herself to eat any of their food, explaining that since she knew how the food was prepared she couldn't put herself through it. Something to keep in mind, though I have not had any mishappenings from dining there.



Overall:
$ $
8/10


Guu
1698 Robson St
Vancouver BC
604-685-8678

Click for LEGEND and RANKING



PS. I apologize for not having any pictures. I will try my best to go there again soon (maybe with my parents?) and entertain you with captures of their food. Hope this entry still managed to amuse you.

Havana Cafe

The lack of Cuban restaurants in Vancouver and curiosity itself drove Dan and I to Havana. As a greenhorn to Commercial Drive, I was delightfully surprised by the colourful and vibrant atmosphere that surrounds this street. A quick stroll on this street and one can identify with its hobo/bohemian way of life. With many vintage clothing shops and record stores it seems to stand defiantly against anything mass-produced one would be bombarded with once one crosses the bridge into Downtown.

Havana Cafe is generally packed outside on the patio with opportunistic people exploiting the availibility of sunshine I assume, its popularity gained from reviews made previously by Vancouver magazine.


The menu is highly diverse, like Starbucks, perfect for conservatives who might want to dip their toes into the pool to test the waters. They offer choices such as pasta and the tiresome greek and caesar salads. The drink list is also an eyeful with some interesting concoctions.


Mojito on the left and a some sort of Cuban rum mixure on the right.

The Chorizo embodied immense flavour and its taste enhanced by mustard seeds which made taste buds dance. Papaya chicken makes an interesting choice of pairing, however the firm papaya chunks seems to overpower the flavour of the grilled chicken. The service was quite interesting. The waiter straightfowardly discourages from ordering anything to expensive and suggests that we order the Creole tiger prawns since its bang-for-the-buck.


Dazzle
A nice getaway from Downtown and its scene into an organic establishment. Draws a beautiful crowd if that interests you. Quite intriguing that there is an art gallery and theatre connected to the restaurant which I have yet to visit. An alternative place to stop by for spirited appetizers.


Frazzle
Although food is pleasing enough, its nothing too impressive and its quality and creativity does not justify its price. Menu is too diverse for my liking, it seems to show that the chefs couldn't come to a specific decision on what to offer. I like specialization. Order appetizers or the burger platter (although this refutes the purpose of trying Cuban cuisine) to get your bang-for-the-buck. Bathrooms are eclectic.


Overall:
$ $
6.5/10


Havana
1212 Commercial Drive
Vancouver BC
604-253-9119


Click for LEGEND and RANKING

My system

Food plays a substantial role in my life.
They say one should eat to live and not live to eat, but I have taken upon myself the philosophy of the latter. I do admit that I have a problem: I love to gorge on food.

Since this is one of my passions, I have decided that most restaurants, cafes, delis and bars that I visit will be subject to my ranking system. Criterias to be considered will be categorized into:

• Ambience
• Food quality
• Creativity
• Cleanliness
• Service
  
• Price
  

Do remember that people have different tastes and expectations, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I hope that any disparity in opinions and perspectives would not cause any conflict. This is merely my opinion and please do not take these reviews as biblical truth.

LEGEND :
$ - Relatively cheap
$ $ - A little pricey
$ $ $ -Be prepared to fork out the green
$ $ $ $ - I won the lottery and I don't give a damn

Ranking:
0 -My god, I'd rather plunge my head into the sewers for a meal
10 -Heaven... I'm in heaven

What he got

A few posts ago, you were informed that I couldn't spend so much on my quest to discover Vancouver's diamonds in the rough. This is what I spent abit of my money on.


This is a box camera by the company Lomography. Its technology is close to obsolescence in this digital age. Although one might be curious to know why I would choose such a gift since supposedly, the more sophisticated the technology the better, my response is... who cares??!

Occasionally, I grow weary of the rat race we engage in all aspects of our lives.
Is better necessarily more satisfaction?
I seem to have stumbled into this self-questioning phase in my life. An astute individual once said that an unexamined life is not worth living. Undeniable.

This toy-like contraption cannot boast of its megapixels, its 10x optical zoom or its thin and portable size. It is unjust to compare it to today's tempting digital pocket cameras we all strive to purchase on ebay. This is not about precision. The joy in this camera is actually in its unpredictability. No one camera will ever capture the same topic with the same characteristics. In fact, the red little box you see on the camera is the colour filter for its flash feature. So your pictures, once developed, will have either a blue, red or orange tint. Pictures taken show distortion from its realistic components and sometimes portrays a faded or washed-out appearance, all due to the fact that the camera leaks light. All visible colours it senses are immensely saturated
It is loved and appreciated for its dramatized and cinematic feel it produces, almost poetic.

Until his and my photography skills improve, then will Il post some of our creations. Due to our insufficient experience, the first roll of film have been... sub-par.

Girlfriend vs. Prostitute

Once, I had a conversation with someone about relationships and no-strings-attached encounters. It is widely believed that in the case of longevity and future prospects, one would be happier and more emotionally and mentally satisfied with a healthy, loving relationship.

Of course, who am I to say that intimacy is necessarily enjoyment? In retrospect, I look at my past relationships and everything in between and I dare say I am not filled with pride. But in any case, no one should ever have to carry guilt or shame, those heavy bricks, on one's back.

When someone soughts a prostitute (sounds abrasive, but I think this is the politically correct term), it is expected that after completing those actions, a payment is due and nothing more can be considered of it. What would it cost? If you have 'refined' tastes, maybe a few hundred dollars and the possibility of getting a venereal disease. Frequency of this hobby positively relates to how much one earns or accumulates.

Consider this. Having a partner may bring much joy and delightment in one's life, not forgetting an intangible benefit to something called companionship. Perhaps, to anyone's consolation being in a monogomous relationship decreases the chance of STDs. Realistically however, the success of a relationship cannot be dissociated with the monetary value both would invest in each other. You do not believe that love would feed itself, do you? Every occasion that society has taught us to be important is celebrated with gifts and affection. Birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, and how can I fail to mention the insidious Valentine's Day. Even days without an occasion calls for little 'gifts of thought'. A husband and wife depend on money to build a family, without it would arguably lead to the demise of 'togetherness'. In fact, the basic instinct to survive is so fervent in our being that all else fails to trump it when there is a deprivation in this category.

Don't misunderstand me, to a certain extent I am a forlorn romantic and I thoroughly enjoy large eminent occations and those little moments I can spend with my partner. All I am bringing up is a perspective that most have probably not considered. It is something to ponder on, about the reality of life.
Love needs money.

Makes one contemplate. Perhaps both terms are not as contrasted as we believed them to be.

Transformation

FROM THIS TO THIS



WHOA ! DAN WAS SO JEALOUS OF MY BEAUTIFUL BEING THAT HE DECIDED TO MORPH INTO ME !!!!!
Just kidding.

A continuation of 'Beard'.
What a difference between keeping a beard and shaving one's face clean. Commonly, I believe when a man rids his burly beard and opts for a squeaky-clean chin he also rids years of age to his image.


PS. That is a very retarded picture of me, quite a few pictures of me seem to depict myself scartching my head, like a silly baboon......

Terrorizing

Now that I'm free for awhile. This is my bible. Gonna check out all the diamonds in the rough of sunny beautiful Vancouver ! Did I tell you today is a glorious sunshine-filled day? Anyone of you who reads this should most definitely be getting out there !

*I'm sort of poor right now, after what I spent on yesterday.... tell you more about that later, so you won't be seeing reviews of high-end restaurants. Sorry.

I'M BACK !

That's right I am ! Finally, all my pain and suffering is put to an end, momentarily...
Truly, my experience of 3rd and 4th year university has taught me one thing : It is NEVERENDING (somehow similar to a track stuck on a groove.)

My desk is now cluttered with a different spread of books. Its one more day before Dan has his 22nd birthday and I'm in deep contemplation of which gourmet food are palatable to his taste. French, Italian, Thai ?

On a side note, I have tried a few gourmet cuisines, gourmet French, gourmet Italian, gourmet Chinese, even gourmet West Coast (probably only familiar to those residing in the area itself) but I haven't seen any gourmet Thai food that anyone has dared ventured into ! I seriously believe that there is a market here for that cuisine and there's a fairly good probability that it will thrive. But, in most cases, what do I know about being a restauranteur?

So what do you guys think?
Couldn't post pictures of Italian and Thai because their pictures don't make my mouth water, the French ones are delightful though.

Gone for a short while

I apologize for not blogging for a few days now. I usually have some topic or event to talk about every 1 or 2 days but this week, I'm really busy with both an important exam and assignment.

I say something like that because I'd like to think someone is reading this. Hah.

So don't worry, I'll be back on Friday. I've got some good stuff for ya !

Needing prayers and luck for school work.