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30th November 2009
Hins Cheung@Taj Mahal
At 1AM on November 26 (Thanksgiving), I had the pleasure of watching Hins' concert at Atlantic City. Last year I also went to Hins' concert at Atlantic City, but the venue at Taj Mahal was much bigger and we also had very good seats so it was an amazing experience.
I think the trip itself was amusing. Since the concert (as wont with these Chinese concerts) is so freakin early (late?), we had to figure out how we would be getting there. Finally, I decided to drive down to AC, watch the concert, then drive back.I booked a zipcar for the day. I'm not sure if it was because of the holidays, but it was extremely hard to reserve a car and the latest I could book up to was 12PM on the 26th. Regardless, we got the car and drove down to have dinner at Shogun Legends. It was an AMAZING dinner. We had some crazy fresh sashimi (the uni and paradise shrimp was out of this world!) and great cooked food. We were even fortunate enough to talk a little to the owner, who was extremely nice and gave us some insights on how they get their fresh food and their standards for the food. Yup, you get what you pay for.It was misty and rainy and foggy that night, so the roads were a bit slippery. I only had about 6 hours of sleep the night before and it was the first time I had to drive this far in the dark on NY/NJ roads so it was a bit scary. Fortunately, the time spent in the city was very short and most of the time was on the highways... which, thanks to my training in Cali, I was ok with. On the way back, I was able to catch a nap at my friend's house before driving back to the city (we made it there 13 mins before the car was due - whew). By the time I got there, I was so out of it that when the guy at the parking lot told me to park on the right side of the ramp, I promptly drove the car to the left side of the ramp, with the 2 girls in the car staring at me and me staring back clueless. Then I got out and let the guy at the parking lot finish the job. Yep, it was bad (in a funny way). But WORTH it.The concert was amazing. Simply amazing. Hins is one of my favorite singers, and I'm very extremely stupidly picky. There are very few singers I would pay money to see, and he is definitely one them. It's not just that I'm paying to see HIM live... it's also to show him support. I always think that if you truly love someone's music, it should be worth paying for because it's one of the few ways they know that they have fans out there. And clap for them when you're there. Hins has a beautiful voice that he has learned more and more to control and manipulate. I would say right now it's the best balance. He should not go even further with hitting those crazy high notes because albeit I like Mariah Carey, she does get my nerve with her showing off of those high notes. Moderation is the best. There are still some songs for which he cannot completely capture the feeling (perhaps from lack of personal relation), but I think that's a good thing. We always hope that we can go even further, and for him, who is superior even now, going even further would be an amazing feat.Vocal talent aside, I also love his personality. Now, I know that it's very easy to hide the true self and put up a good front, but he's doing a mighty good job of it if this is not his true face. His little habitual gestures, such as touching his ears and extending his arms (a bit stiff, but adorable), his half embarrassed laugh and smile after he said something that even he thought was a little too playful or silly, and the way he ran for his life back on stage after he was mobbed off stage while trying to shake hands, or his genuine surprise that everyone would wait and call for a second encore. Especially the way he knelt down on stage to thank his fans. Everything is so innocent and lovable, not just from the point of view of a fan who loves his music, but from someone who appreciates a person who can keep his true heart even after so many years in an industry that is known to be rather unkind to those who are in it. It's so very precious. It's only possible in someone who knows what he truly loves and is determined to pursue it his way. Yes, perhaps it's luck (And family background? Though I highly doubt it had much to do with it) that he was well protected and able to keep his true personality while pursuing his dream, but it's also to be able to not get distracted by everything that comes his way. He is confident enough to make fun of himself, which is a real sign of maturity, and can even brush aside comments that may have caused awkward moments. There's quite a soul and mind in there.My friends and I stood up and danced for part of the time. Ok, Hins is not known for his fast paced songs or dancing ability (coordination-challenged? lol), but I think standing up shows him that he is loved and supported. Some of his songs that I like the most are ones that he wrote himself, including 無能爲力 and 斷點. It makes me wonder sometimes what kind of mind and heart there is in that petite body of his, that he is able to harbor such intense feelings and talent. He is truly blessed. And I'm grateful that he is still here to support music, and to crate beautiful music for us. The only thing I would ask of him is that he would write more music. I know he loves creating music as much as he loves conveying it. And I will always support him.
One interesting note, I notice that a lot of stars do a great job at doing covers of other artists' songs, perhaps even better than their own. I think it's because whichever song you choose to sing (that's not yours), there must be something that makes you feel connected to that song, whether it be that you love the song itself or you can relate to the feelings, and you spent time thinking about it. It's a good thing. Different renditions of songs by different artists really help to make the song and its hidden layers shine and sometimes remind us that this wonderful song is out there... I'm all about sharing good things. :)
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4th November 2009
Dinning Heaven
I find that I am unable resist good food. And I get spoiled when I've had TOO much good food. Ok, this is the sign of a real foodie (not that anyone would argue).My meal at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon is probably THE most decadent and delicious meal (and expensive of course) meal I EVER had. I was fortunate that my friend so kindly offered to treat me to a birthday dinner. Otherwise I would not have the money to walk in there for a few years.[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="320" caption="Foie Gras~ (*hand over heart*)"][/caption]This review really tells you what was included in the discovery menu and the author does a better job than I could ever hope to. My post is basically to rave about how much I enjoyed this experience. It's much like when I had REALLY good sushi/sashimi at Sasabune. Once you've been there... you can't quite go back. I don't regret it. At least that means I will work hard at improving my own cooking skills (which are lacking as of this moment)However, I really wish I had gone to L'Atelier earlier, because as I do more research on the restaurant, I think I have positively fallen in love with the previous Executive Chef, Mr. Yosuke Suga. The last thing I could find on him is that he's now currently the Executive Chef of the Taipei branch of L'Atelier. No matter, I will visit the Taipei branch one day and fawn over him then.Another thing that impressed me is that they gave me a special treat - an extra dessert plate - for my birthday! the service definitely has to do with how much you love a restaurant. And I think a lot of times people pay the money not only for good food but also for the service.[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="320" caption="Extra Special"]
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That said, there are still many more wonderful restaurants that I have yet to visit in New York. But I'm making my way there!
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2nd November 2009
Life of a Translator III
Thanks to the ATA conference being held in NYC this year, I had the most wonderful pleasure of meeting with the lovely gentleman Alejandro Moreno-Ramos, the author of the Mox comics, and his beautiful wife.
I've heard many people say that translators are often anti-social (or socially awkward) people because they are always home alone doing their work. There's very little outside contact. That is very true (the home alone part), but some of us like going out to meet new people and have varied interests too.We had come into contact when I linked his online comic on this website. He tracked the link back to me and then we made plans to meet and feast when he's in NYC for the ATA conference. I am truly thankful for all the wonderful people that I've met because of my profession.I took them to Minca for ramen (gave them a list of foods to choose from), then to (of course) Cha-an for desserts. They seemed to really like both places and agree with me that the black sesame creme brulee was probably one of the best desserts that they'd ever had. It was a true pleasure to see others enjoy food that I love! Alejandro was also kind enough to draw me a little mini-comic at Cha-An. WHOO! I can't express how excited I am! My own cameo in the famous Mox comics!!![caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="461" caption="Souvenir!"][/caption]Thought bubbles:
Alex:I want an amazing toilet too! (referring to the wonderful women's bathroom at Cha-An)
H (name hidden for privacy reasons): Finally, I met someone "foodier" than I am!
Aka: They're very nice but they're awful with chopsticks!So... this post is mainly to let people know that - YES! We translators have lives! And we like to be social too!And of course... that friendships can come very easily if you're willing to make yourself available to receive them. -
10th June 2009
Day 1 with Lan in SF
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="239" caption="Union Sq, SF"][/caption]This morning I went to SFO (M to Balboa Park -> SFO Bart) to pick up Lan. I actually got there right on time to wait for her at the baggage claim and surprised her there. Even had time to pick up lots of maps and guides for her. I think... I just have issues being late, no matter how hard I try.Then I texted Sisok Dan to find out the location of the restaurant that he's been raving about so I can take Lan there. Let's just say, dragging her two pieces of luggage up those Chinatown hills were NOT easy but we got there! We went, we ate, and we LIKED!We ended up roaming around Chinatown chatting with random people and giving out our phone numbers (yea wth is the right reaction) and had a great time.A little icing on the cake, after dinner when we were dragging Lan's luggage uphill I took a small break, then looked to my right, and there was a flyer for Sipakgung Elmond's school right there! Apparently I had COMPLETELY missed the sign but... spotted Sipakgung Elmond's tiny picture printed on the flyer. Erm... yea.[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="576" caption="... as long as I found it..."]
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29th May 2009
Puppy Dog Face scores again! (er... and Kunjip)
My friends and I dropped by my favorite Korean restaurant in New York, Kunjip, for a late dinner last night (after watching Star Trek a second time - ahem).As some of you know, besides the fact that Kunjip has (I think) the tastiest Korean food in K town, I also love them for the steamed egg. That's absolute heaven right there. Three foods that I LOVE - egg, tofu, and eel (ahh the eel tofu at Yakitori... mmm), and this place just does their egg the RIGHT WAY!So... every time I go there, I would look forward to the moment when they would place that dish of steaming steamed eggs on my table and I would slowly dip my spoon in for a scrumptious (and HOT - watch out for that) first bite.[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="288" caption="First bite already gone :p"][/caption]But!!! This time they almost denied me my egg!!! We had been there for about an hour and my friends were starting to get annoyed with my constant whining ("where is my egg~~~") and waiter harassing ("you have the egg right?") when I saw a waiter come out with a dish of steamed egg and put it down on the table next to us that JUST sat down!!!
Sensing danger, I immediately locked his eyes and gave him the Puppy Dog Face.
... it was a reflex reaction, I didn't even think about it. (apparently Sarah saw and cracked up because I looked so funny >_<)But no matter! It worked! The waiter looked at where I was looking (ok so I wasn't exactly looking at him), gestured toward the steamed egg he was holding and mouthed "you didn't get this?". I shook my head violently (while continuing my *look*), upon which he apologized to the other table and brought the steamed egg over to our table.So... HAPPY ENDING FOR ALL!!!This lesson teaches us - the puppy dog face, when applied in the appropriate situations, can be a useful and necessary weapon. I don't know how long I'll continue to have possession of that weapon, but as long as it works - I'm HAPPY!P.s. I usually don't do reviews of restaurants on my blog because I just post them on Yelp. But if Kunjip is my favorite and I'm pretty picky, you can be sure that it's *good*. -
21st April 2009
Beauty and Zen in an Unlikely Setting
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="207" caption="Yum!"]
[/caption]This is a photo of me at Hiroko's Place that many people have seen. The gigantic and endlessly delicious green tea parfait is the focus of this picture of course... and from then on, Hiroko's became one of my favorite places in the city. It's a bit pricey, but the food is good, the setting is wonderful, and the service is top notch. It's basically a place that serves Japanese style "Western Food"... such as "omu-rice" (think omlet+rice+a happy face written with ketchup). I love ordering their seafood doria, then their green tea parfait, and end with the British milk tea (tea brewed IN milk). Mmmmm.... hard on the wallet, but so good for the tummy (?) and soul. The decoration is all artwork from a collection of local artists and range from esoteric to funky, complete with shelves of manga that guests are welcomed to read.The other day, I took a few friends there (one of them really craved omu-rice) and happened upon a rather pleasant surprise... (wouldn't you figure) in the bathroom. I noticed these beautiful pictures on the wall and (yes) kept on going back to the bathroom to take another look... the more I looked the more I liked... and I finally couldn't help it but ask the waitress about the artist who did these. Fortunately, they had her name on the bottom of the menu and also her website.What touched me so deeply is the simplicity and profound wisdom contained within these pictures. We all *know* the messages that are in these pictures, but do we really understand them? It's not until you get to the point in your life that the message finally hits you right in the gut - Oh! So that's how it must feel! Yes, we all have to feel it. And I did. I hope that if you haven't yet, that you will feel it some time. Of course, all feelings are fleeting, but that doesn't take away from the moment when we actually experience them! That's what makes life so interesting and lovable!The artist is a lovely lady named Junko Miyakoshi. Of course... being the super proactive (?) dork that I am, I contacted her about her artwork and she was kind enough to create desktop wallpapers for me! The pictures below are edited from the originals. You should go check out the originals if you want to see the full picture. She has them (and her other artworks) up on her website.It's the most encouraging and moving thing when an artist gets an email or a post from a stranger or friend regarding her craft, be it art, writing, etc. As a writer (er), I completely understand how it is and I am glad that I let her know how much her artwork touched me and influenced me in a positive way. Please do drop by her website to let her know if you like her art... and if you want to see them in person, just go to Hiroko's... and check out the adorable bathroom. :)
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="233" caption="What seems impossible are from limitations you set upon yourself."][/caption]
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="233" caption="Successful or not, winning or losing, the journey is more important than the result."][/caption]
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="233" caption="Every parting is the start of a new beginning."][/caption]
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="233" caption="When you know pain, you will come to understand true happiness."][/caption]
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="233" caption="Kindness needs no reason."][/caption]
All translations are adapted from the translations by Junko-san. Junko-san, ARIGATOU GOZAIMASHITA! -
26th March 2009
[Reading] Tea Spot duo - Ms. F
This past Monday I met up with two good friends and had dinner at Boqueria and then onward to Tea Spot around the NYU area to do some readings. It was actually an accident that I had my cards (and no I do not carry them with me everywhere), but they certainly came in useful.
Ms. F had two questions, for which I did two different spreads.[column width="45%" padding="5%" ]1) Should she stay in New York or move to San Francisco? (1 in 2)Current situation/state-of-mind: Six of Pentacles
NY - Current: Justice, Future: Eight of Swords (R)
SF- Current: Ten of Pentacles, Future: Eight of Cups (R)
Suggestion - Five of Wands
Fell from deck while shuffling - Six of Wands, High PriestessShe is in a very unique and (some may consider) enviable situation. She has just finished her studies and basically is free to go where ever she chooses. She loves NYC but wants to explore other locations while she is young and has the drive to move elsewhere. So she asked this question, wondering if it would be a good idea for her to move to SF, where she feels like she'd good a fair share of culture but it would still be very different than New York. She is currently in a position of prosperity, with the ability to share her "wealth" (this could be mental or financial riches) with other people. [/column][column width="45%" padding="5%" ][/column]But internally and in terms of next step in life, she is at crossroads and at battle with different parts of herself - which initiative should she take?New York - as a fellow Libra, I can totally understand the importance of Justice. New York is the place that drives her, that fits her, it's where she can realize all her dreams and wishes. 她在紐約，將會如魚得水，機遇無限。 This is an overwhelming drive in her life and she cannot avoid it. No matter what she does, this drive will still remain. However, if she continues to stay in New York, in the future, she will start feeling trapped beyond her own control. S8 is in most parts self-inflicted, but when it's in reverse, it's a situation you cannot foresee, feelings you cannot control, situations you cannot predict. Therefore, there will be major mental drama waiting for her should she stay in New York. 劍8在很大方面是自身思想所帶來的困鎖，但是，如果逆了，就代表你自己並不能控制自己的思緒，而且淨是往不利的方面倒。Home is within reach, but S8 is unable to see it anymore because she is unable to take off her blindfold.San Francisco - in the short term, SF seems very plausible. She has all the resources in her environment and abilities to make such a move. She does not feel as naturally drawn to SF as she to New York, but she feels that she can gain security and happiness there, especially in terms of financial success and perhaps even a potential "family", build a great life for herself. Although at first it seems as if she turned away from the happiness and fulfillment of a good life, but she knew she is taking a journey for a high purpose, and with C8(R), she will find this direction and what she is seeking. C8 is an interesting card. The person within is dejected and disappointed, but he is not giving up his search. And when in (R), turning back on what everyone thinks is a fully fulfilled future turns out to be the better answer.So although her natural instinct is to stay in NYC, for the outlook, SF is a better option for her.She dropped two cards while shuffling (not very careful or good at shuffling), 6W and the High Priestess. 6W is victory and HP clearly indicates that she is an intuitive and wise woman who already knows what she wants to and has to do. 6W is a card of action - victory from actions performed. Regardless of which direction she chooses, she will find her victory.2���What will her outlook for the next three months be like? (three month look)
April: Page of Pentacles, King of Pentacles (R)
May: Knight of Pentacles (R), the Devil(R)
June: Ten of Pentacles (R), Eight of Cups (R)
Suggestion: Lovers (R)First off, I told her to give up on the relationship. Lovers (R) indicates that even if she finds a romantic interest, it's not for her own good and it won't last long even if something does come to fruitation. 就是説，桃花會有，但會是爛桃花，不會長久，也不會讓你覺得滿足。Her cards are dominated by Pentacles, which speaks to her need to concentrate on her finances. There may be an opportunity or opportunities for a job in April, but they are the stable and steady type, and if she takes them, she may end up feeling bored and trapped - too controlled by the sense of stability. For May, on one hand, the concern with money still continues and life calls for her to be more sensible and choose a steady lifestyle, but there's a stronger wish to break through it all, to break free from the grasp of the Devil. She does not want to be hold down to bondage anymore because it will only lead to unhappiness. June seems to be an interesting month. The struggle against the Devil has led to clarity and direction.An observant reader will find that the 10P and 8C(R) both appeared in her previous spread (just to make this clear, Water Rat actually did his reading between Ms. F's two readings so the cards were thoroughly shuffled) in the SF side. The 10P in the Present position is now reversed and leads to 8C(R). This means that whatever stable situation she had in the SF reading (whatever gave her a sense of security) changed and she shall make a decision to take a journey to achieve the happiness that is in the 8C(R). Whether or not this indicates that she should move to SF in June remains to be seen. -
14th March 2009
[Reading] Saints Alps Random Readings
It was GuyA's birthday and we had a (sort of) surprise dinner for him at a lovely Japanese restaurant, we ventured over to Apple (fail), then Cha-An (fail), and finally settled at Saints Alps. For those of you who are familiar with the area, the place is often filled with teenage youngsters drinking bubble tea. But no matter! Tarot does not wait for anyone! Rather... it seems people's curiosities really tend to overcome circumstances. So over a nice cup of Lichee Green Tea w/ 2 slices of Lemon and a cup of herbal jelly, I did a few readings for the crowd.
GirlA:Q1) What can she do to improve her health? [Diamond]Fell out of deck: Hermit
Past: 8 of Wands (R); Present: Queen of Cups+Hierophant(R); Future: Wheel of FortuneThe questioner has been sick on-and-off for quite a long period of her life and has just found an assortment of specialists to help her. She is hopeful yet unsure about the future of her health and thence asked this question. It has been a rough and unnecessarily long road for her to get to the current moment. She hopes to be able to finally become open and receptive of advice and help from others, but she still lacks trust in the authorities. There may be due cause for her lack of faith in the doctors and professionals because although there are many, will they truly help her? Unfortunately, the future is a toss-up, falling back on the mercy of luck and fortune. The wheels are slowly turning for her, but they are out of anyone's control. All she can do at the present moment is to seek for guidance from more experienced friends and family around her and achieve an inner peace, whatever it may bring.Q2)How can she get past her aversion for trusting people and her fear of being taken advantage of? [Celtic Cross]
Situation-as-is: 2 of Pentacles (R); Obstacle/assistance: Queen of Wands (R);
Best that can be achieved: 3 of Cups (R); Past: Star (R); Present: 5 of Wands; Future: Ace of Swords
Self: 10 of Swords (R); Environment: 5 of Pentacles; Hopes/fears: 9 of cups (R); Outcome: Ace of PentaclesThere is anxiety and turmoil underneath the situation and she lacks the will and desire to change it or resolve the trouble within. In the current state of mind, she will remain shy of groups and shut in her own world, only with a few whom she trusts around her. It seems odd, that although there are no specific situations she can base her fear of strangers or groups on, she feels an intrinsic distance and need to avoid. She feels disappointed by certain truths of humanity and she does not know where to seek hope. This fear has permeated her life and continues to affect her. Currently there is conflict around her, but she can resolve them with a clear mind and initiative. Then she will realize how trivial they are. She wishes to be rid of her (perhaps unfounded) fear of betrayal, but there are very few supportive elements around her. She is afraid of getting disappointed, in losing herself or what she has given out, but truly, if she is fulfilled and grounded in her heart (and she has all the resources to be), she will be able to break out of her situation.GuyA: What should he do with his career? [Diamond]Past: 4 of Pentacles (R); Present: 3 of Swords (R)+9 of Pentacles; Future: King of Wands (R)
Suggestion: LoversWhile shuffling he almost accidentally flipped over the 9 of Pentacles. I saw it but left it to be shuffled with the other cards because he had not seen it. As expected, the card turned up in his present situation, which indicates that it is an issue he is very concerned with at the moment. He has always been someone who didn't spend much and although money had been somewhat of an important issue in his life, it is being transformed. He is no longer satisfied with money without emotional or intellectual development. He is unhappy and wants to be able to find something that stimulates him, that makes him want to build and create. He longs for something artistic, something more important than money. If this tug-of-war continues without resolution, he will end up depleated of his energy and drive, which makes life even the more boring and frustrating. In order to break out of the situation, he would need to build out his social network. Seek things/people that move him on an emotional level and form a connection. Many things in life are not just about the money or the practicality.He and I had a slight disagreement over the 9 of Pentacles. I saw it as money not being that important and him having enough of it so that he can (wants to) focus on more spiritual things, but he insists that he does not have enough of it. Indeed we may both be right. Although the person in P9 is more focused on the luscious garden, it is out of the comfort of having enough money already stored away. If that source is depleated, or is not built properly, then he would not have the leisure to enjoy life. So perhaps the important thing is to find a balance between finding an artistic pursit and also making sure everything is taken care of on the practical front.GirlB:Q1) Will she be financially and professionally successful in this year (2009)? [no spread]3 Cards: Ace of Cups, 9 of Wands (R), 6 of Wands
Suggestion: King of Cups (R)She has been struggling in both her career and also her financial situation (I mean this is NYC, you can trip on a struggling artist every other step). She has high hopes for a pitch she and her friend is doing and things are looking up for her. The power of the 6W assures her that victory is on the way, and she will definitely be very happy and satisfied by it. However, on the money front, she has been waiting long and hard, but unfortunately, the waiting is not over. It's also likely that she is so focused on this issue that she is neglecting to set her foundations (i.e. she has no Pentacle cards, which denote proper monetary and actual foundation). Perhaps she must be aware that this drive for success has the danger of turning her into someone non too gentle.Q2) Will her family's financial situation improve? [no spread]3 Cards: 6 of Swords, 10 of Wands (R), Temperance (R)
Suggestion: King of Swords (R)To add to her troubles, on the family front things have never been smooth. Unfortunately, again she has no Pentacles. It's a long and frustrating journey, one filled with anxiety and fear, and it is far from over. She and the others may wish to evade the responsibilities, but no one can run away. The lack of balance in her family situation and a male element's desire to use his intellect and power to manipulate the situation will only make things worse - and she must be wary.In general, doing readings in public places are discouraged. I am only recently beginning to do these readings although I do not prefer to do them out in the open. It is harder to concentrate and also speak about more private matters. The good thing about being in NYC is that even though everyone may be thinking: %@(*, they just cast a causal glance in our direction occasionally, but no one actually comes and asks what going on. :)
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Sze K. Aka Chan's Posterous
歸去，也無風雨也無晴。
Walking the Fool's Journey.79316 ViewsTwitterFacebook -
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