OK so I only recently finished The Mysteries of Pittsburgh, which I really did not enjoy.
Then I read a piece online that slams Kavalier & Clay.
"But I do not at all agree with the common line that Kavalier & Clay is Chabon’s best book, or even that it is a good book. The Mysteries of Pittsburgh was small, but it was piercingly direct; Kavalier & Clay attains breadth, but at the loss of focus. Larger in scope, it is smaller—and shallower—in spirit."
He makes a fine argument but how can Kavalier & Clay ever be described as being shallow in spirit... that's just... stop ruining the book for me!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Top of my wishlist: http://www.hp.com/united-states/campaigns/mini1000/hpmini1000_vivienne.html
OK just kidding. I will settle for the black one. Seeing as how the Vivienne Tam edition (which I find stunning) is double the price. So the hp mini! Because I want to be able to write stuff on-the-go. I want to fit a laptop in my purse. And I like anything that has the word "mini" attached to its name.
One thing I realized a long time ago: I write better when I am sick/tired/dizzy/drunk. Actually I do just about everything better when I'm tipsy. I sing better, I talk better, I probably drive better, not that I'm going to try that.
I am totally serious about the driving thing, by the way. My main problem in life is that I am a control freak. There are merits to being a control freak, but thsoe are vastly outweighed by the problems that arise from this malady.
Well yesterday I was sick and at work, and although it took me three times as long to read things, I could write three times as fast. So I'm thinking, once I get my hp mini (in my current semi-sick state I think it is an inevitability), I can go out and have alcohol and then go hide somewhere and finish a week's worth of writing in say 2 hrs!
Please excuse my current condition. I haven't been getting much sleep b/c of my lack of oxygen due to congestion.
OK just kidding. I will settle for the black one. Seeing as how the Vivienne Tam edition (which I find stunning) is double the price. So the hp mini! Because I want to be able to write stuff on-the-go. I want to fit a laptop in my purse. And I like anything that has the word "mini" attached to its name.
One thing I realized a long time ago: I write better when I am sick/tired/dizzy/drunk. Actually I do just about everything better when I'm tipsy. I sing better, I talk better, I probably drive better, not that I'm going to try that.
I am totally serious about the driving thing, by the way. My main problem in life is that I am a control freak. There are merits to being a control freak, but thsoe are vastly outweighed by the problems that arise from this malady.
Well yesterday I was sick and at work, and although it took me three times as long to read things, I could write three times as fast. So I'm thinking, once I get my hp mini (in my current semi-sick state I think it is an inevitability), I can go out and have alcohol and then go hide somewhere and finish a week's worth of writing in say 2 hrs!
Please excuse my current condition. I haven't been getting much sleep b/c of my lack of oxygen due to congestion.
Maria Elena!
I was at work during the Oscars but V.Li and Tim kept updating me via chat. It was pretty funny, actually. But anyway I watched a lot of it that night during the evening re-run, and Penelope Cruz's acceptance was the best. I was really surprised when I was informed that she won, but really excited!! And I have even more of a crush on Maria Elena now, or rather the whole crazy-artist-lovers-who-want-to-kill-each-other concept. I heart Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Well, I was reading Kris Carr's website and felt motivated again to eat healthy and fast and juice. That was about 30 minutes ago. Now I feel like my lunch is going to consist of coffee. Just coffee. I'm so bad at life. But then I feel like people are constantly saying things along the lines of "stop having a stick up your ass, live life, have a Brownie (thanks Bliss Spa), have lots of wine (thanks parents), have our signature mojito and 3 set lunches and coffee (thanks PRs), go on vacation," blah blah. But then here's Kris Carr's website telling me "live life as long as you eat bland and raw, try fasting, rock it out girl!, don't stress!, be anal about food or you'll die a horrible death some time too soon, ok have fun!" So I dunno... this is causing me a lot of stress, know what I mean?
I know there's a way to reconcile it all but I can't be bothered to figure it all out.
I know there's a way to reconcile it all but I can't be bothered to figure it all out.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Last night I watched Proof on cable. The first time I watched it, in an Evanston theater, I liked it enough, and it was great again last night.
Yesterday I was sleep deprived and wired on caffeine, big time. I'd taken four of those painkillers full of caffeine that says Don't drink too much coffee or tea with this, but of course since I was sleep deprived, and the label said "not too much," I had my cup of coffee. So I was feeling a little crazy with all the no sleep too much caffeine.
Then Proof was on and I was like, "Wow, I can really identify with Gwyneth Paltrow's character. Like, omg!"
She's kinda crazy, spacey, thinks a lot, depressed, sleep deprived, whiny, and argumentative. And it made me feel even more insane. She and Anthony Hopkins get into this whole discussion about how crazy people would never admit to being crazy, and how... well I don't remember exactly, but it made sense at the time. And I love how so much of the movie's dialogue is arguing logically - yeah, tie-in to the whole idea of "proof." What you can and cannot prove in life...
(Although I do dislike how the movie, adapted from a play, really feels like a play, especially multiple sequences when people are arguing REALLY loudly, and yet other people in the house have no idea what's going on.)
Of course, another reason I like this movie is Chicago. One of the best lines: "You actually want to live in Evanston?" - Anthony Hopkins, upon hearing that Gwyneth Paltrow will attend Northwestern. The score is also beautiful and really reminds me of A Beautiful Mind's score, which makes me feel like there's probably some kind of formula for writing scores for movies about math and geniuses.
Well, the whole thing made a lot of sense to me last night when I was feeling like I had multiple Red Bulls, and it was really sad and smart and... well, there IS something dissatisfying about the ending though.
I only slept maybe 2 hours last night so I'm not sure what I'm thinking now.
Yesterday I was sleep deprived and wired on caffeine, big time. I'd taken four of those painkillers full of caffeine that says Don't drink too much coffee or tea with this, but of course since I was sleep deprived, and the label said "not too much," I had my cup of coffee. So I was feeling a little crazy with all the no sleep too much caffeine.
Then Proof was on and I was like, "Wow, I can really identify with Gwyneth Paltrow's character. Like, omg!"
She's kinda crazy, spacey, thinks a lot, depressed, sleep deprived, whiny, and argumentative. And it made me feel even more insane. She and Anthony Hopkins get into this whole discussion about how crazy people would never admit to being crazy, and how... well I don't remember exactly, but it made sense at the time. And I love how so much of the movie's dialogue is arguing logically - yeah, tie-in to the whole idea of "proof." What you can and cannot prove in life...
(Although I do dislike how the movie, adapted from a play, really feels like a play, especially multiple sequences when people are arguing REALLY loudly, and yet other people in the house have no idea what's going on.)
Of course, another reason I like this movie is Chicago. One of the best lines: "You actually want to live in Evanston?" - Anthony Hopkins, upon hearing that Gwyneth Paltrow will attend Northwestern. The score is also beautiful and really reminds me of A Beautiful Mind's score, which makes me feel like there's probably some kind of formula for writing scores for movies about math and geniuses.
Well, the whole thing made a lot of sense to me last night when I was feeling like I had multiple Red Bulls, and it was really sad and smart and... well, there IS something dissatisfying about the ending though.
I only slept maybe 2 hours last night so I'm not sure what I'm thinking now.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Wells. You know what blows?
I am officially scared of Chinese New Year. Forever and ever. And must be far far away from it.
On the other hand, after the holidays, for about a week, my bus stops and supermarkets and work email are so empty and quiet and ahhh nice, I'm gonna miss it once things start to pick up again.
Anyhoo...
My magazine started doing regular spa features again since January, after not really having done them for over a year, and while I am far from a spa connoisseur and have only been to a few, I pretty much get the gist and must say I am already quite certain of my favourite. I can't imagine a cooler spa, basically. It's the one in the W Hotel. Bliss Spa. I love Bliss products and was really excited to go for the treatments, just b/c it's freakin' BLISS. Best smelling (and great working) beauty products ever. The hotel had set up two treatments for me: oxygen blast facial and double choc pedicure. OMG! I was excited just hearing the names. How can oxygen be bad? And chocolate? I had no idea what a chocolate pedicure is but I'll take it!
Anyway, it was ultra cool. That's all I'm gonna say. Read all about it in our March issue. Teehee. Oh, sidenote, I love W Hotel (at least the one here). It helps that it's brand spankin' new, but it's the coolest hotel (hyperbole coming...) EVER. People who think it's too modern, pointless and random... well I don't understand those peeps. All new hotels are gravitating toward the modern look, so they better get used to it. The PR took me on a tour and I was gasping at everything in the rooms, the avant garde art in the restaurants, the cool employees in their cool outfits, aiii I love it. And sometimes I see how jaded people are and it's sad in a way to be jaded about modern marvels, technology, design, luxury, etc. Let's all be dai heung lei's and aliens and find everything fascinating.
BTW, Bliss Spa is freakin' expensive. I think BEST VALUE high-end spa in HK (from the ones I know at least) is Landmark Mandarin Oriental's Oriental Spa, especially their monthly specials.
I am officially scared of Chinese New Year. Forever and ever. And must be far far away from it.
On the other hand, after the holidays, for about a week, my bus stops and supermarkets and work email are so empty and quiet and ahhh nice, I'm gonna miss it once things start to pick up again.
Anyhoo...
My magazine started doing regular spa features again since January, after not really having done them for over a year, and while I am far from a spa connoisseur and have only been to a few, I pretty much get the gist and must say I am already quite certain of my favourite. I can't imagine a cooler spa, basically. It's the one in the W Hotel. Bliss Spa. I love Bliss products and was really excited to go for the treatments, just b/c it's freakin' BLISS. Best smelling (and great working) beauty products ever. The hotel had set up two treatments for me: oxygen blast facial and double choc pedicure. OMG! I was excited just hearing the names. How can oxygen be bad? And chocolate? I had no idea what a chocolate pedicure is but I'll take it!
Anyway, it was ultra cool. That's all I'm gonna say. Read all about it in our March issue. Teehee. Oh, sidenote, I love W Hotel (at least the one here). It helps that it's brand spankin' new, but it's the coolest hotel (hyperbole coming...) EVER. People who think it's too modern, pointless and random... well I don't understand those peeps. All new hotels are gravitating toward the modern look, so they better get used to it. The PR took me on a tour and I was gasping at everything in the rooms, the avant garde art in the restaurants, the cool employees in their cool outfits, aiii I love it. And sometimes I see how jaded people are and it's sad in a way to be jaded about modern marvels, technology, design, luxury, etc. Let's all be dai heung lei's and aliens and find everything fascinating.
BTW, Bliss Spa is freakin' expensive. I think BEST VALUE high-end spa in HK (from the ones I know at least) is Landmark Mandarin Oriental's Oriental Spa, especially their monthly specials.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (oh oops, edited to say: no spoilers!)
Sigh. So depressed during and after watching this movie.
I could go into a long spiel about the various themes of this movie that I find interesting... but maybe not...
Thing is, epics like these always make me depressed, which is I guess why books always depress me. They are more often epics. And the thing about epic movies that cover a person's life from birth to death, is that a person's life is covered in the 2 or so hours... it's like a person's life in a nutshell, no matter how detailed the movie is, it's still just a few hours... which is a reflection of the length of a real life, just a blink on this speck of blue.
I could go into a long spiel about the various themes of this movie that I find interesting... but maybe not...
Thing is, epics like these always make me depressed, which is I guess why books always depress me. They are more often epics. And the thing about epic movies that cover a person's life from birth to death, is that a person's life is covered in the 2 or so hours... it's like a person's life in a nutshell, no matter how detailed the movie is, it's still just a few hours... which is a reflection of the length of a real life, just a blink on this speck of blue.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
This just in: Oscar noms
OF COURSE, currently living in Hong Kong, I have hardly had the opportunity to see any of the Oscar-nominated movies. Except of course I've seen the Dark Knight. And Benjamin Button arrived yesterday in theaters, but other than that... which is depressing to me. The fact that I am BEHIND in movies is depressing to me. And the fact that I find that depressing is depressing to me. I am a troubled girl.
But let me just say... Penelope Cruz! I must say that my favorite movie of the year is a tie between Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Dark Knight and Iron Man. Actually I hardly liked any movies this whole year and didn't watch very many either, so these three are my favorites but compared to last year's favorites the degree to which I like these pales in comparison.
But back to Penelope Cruz. She is so great in VCB! I'm guessing she's not going to win, just because I'm sure the films she's up against, which I haven't seen, are major award types. But I heart VCB and Penelope Cruz in it.
But let me just say... Penelope Cruz! I must say that my favorite movie of the year is a tie between Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Dark Knight and Iron Man. Actually I hardly liked any movies this whole year and didn't watch very many either, so these three are my favorites but compared to last year's favorites the degree to which I like these pales in comparison.
But back to Penelope Cruz. She is so great in VCB! I'm guessing she's not going to win, just because I'm sure the films she's up against, which I haven't seen, are major award types. But I heart VCB and Penelope Cruz in it.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
"If I am half a scrap of paper, let me turn into a butterfly"
So obviously, origami will always have a special place in my heart.
The above passage is this whole multi-sentence description that gets wrapped up in one last word. Origami--intricate, elegant, folded, balanced, etc.--says it all.
I also collect moments in movies and TV shows when origami is used. I hav
e a bunch of screencaps. Weird huh. This unicorn from "Bladerunner," I made 70 for a wedding back in the day.
I would estimate that each contemporary English-language novel makes on average one mention of the word origami. I haven't always been diligent about marking passages that use this word but am trying to do so more and more. I just find it very interesting in a weird obsessive way. Since these are pretty good authors I am reading, the word origami isn't written haphazardly. It's always just the right word. It implies intricacy, elegance, foldedness, balance, etc., what origami is all about. I guess I can't stop thinking about "American Pastoral" (Philip Roth) which, in passing, uses origami to describe a vagina.
From "Survivor" (Chuck Palahniuk):
"The journalist sits across from me. How her legs look with the rest of her body is not too long. She shows just enough ear for earrings. All her problems are hidden inside. All her flaws are underneath. The only smell she gives off, even her breath, is hair spray. How she's folded into her chair, her legs crossed at the knee, her hands folded in her lap, is less good posture than it is some flesh-and-blood origami."
The above passage is this whole multi-sentence description that gets wrapped up in one last word. Origami--intricate, elegant, folded, balanced, etc.--says it all.
From "The Mysteries of Pittsburgh" (Michael Chabon) (Thanks althealthfreak for the lend!
"I gathered up my books and papers and noticed that the Spanish Potboiler Guy had left. Where he'd been sitting there were a small empty can of pineapple juice and a little scrap of origami that was like a dog or a saxophone."
Well, Chabon's "origami" is literal. But anyway. I, in my obsessive way, find the use of this word/description very interesting/cool... it also makes me wonder how it's possible that so many people in the US do not know what origami is. I mean, it's a pretty commonly used term. (Having lived in Florida, I would guess that only 50% of the population knows what origami is, crazy as it sounds.)
I also collect moments in movies and TV shows when origami is used. I hav
e a bunch of screencaps. Weird huh. This unicorn from "Bladerunner," I made 70 for a wedding back in the day.Sunday, January 11, 2009
Stop Me
I am crazy about this song...
Interestingly, for a Marie song, no "bridge" section...
Oh Marie, u r so talented and awesome and I heart this song.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Saw "Twilight" two weekends ago.
I guess the whole situation was kinda funny. I was really dying to see Twilight because I was craving an entertaining no-brain-required somewhat-actiony slick movie. This was before Stephen H. started gushing about it. OK I've always known he is partial to chick flicks in a weird way, and he made this Anne Rice connection which makes him even more biased... because he LOVES Interview with a Vampire (the book). But he couldn't stop gushing about Kristen Stewart. And I sort of have a girl crush on Kristen Stewart, which was another reason I really wanted to watch this.
So I drag my husband to the midnight show (although I said I was perfectly fine with seeing it myself), as did many a spouse around the world, or so I hear, and he really didn't like it.
I didn't love it, ar! I wasn't exactly expecting to love it because of the Tomatometer rating, but I still wanted it to be a slick entertaining movie. I think I should read the books because I might love the books. But the main reason I didn't love it was the filmmaking was sloppy. I want to love this movie! The characters/acting was great, and I love Bella's dork posse actually. Those were realistic high school kids. But it was edited all weird, and I didn't particularly like the special effects when it came to the super powers. And Kristen Stewart didn't mesmerize me like I'd hoped.
Boo. Anyway, can't wait for Benjamin Button.
I guess the whole situation was kinda funny. I was really dying to see Twilight because I was craving an entertaining no-brain-required somewhat-actiony slick movie. This was before Stephen H. started gushing about it. OK I've always known he is partial to chick flicks in a weird way, and he made this Anne Rice connection which makes him even more biased... because he LOVES Interview with a Vampire (the book). But he couldn't stop gushing about Kristen Stewart. And I sort of have a girl crush on Kristen Stewart, which was another reason I really wanted to watch this.
So I drag my husband to the midnight show (although I said I was perfectly fine with seeing it myself), as did many a spouse around the world, or so I hear, and he really didn't like it.
I didn't love it, ar! I wasn't exactly expecting to love it because of the Tomatometer rating, but I still wanted it to be a slick entertaining movie. I think I should read the books because I might love the books. But the main reason I didn't love it was the filmmaking was sloppy. I want to love this movie! The characters/acting was great, and I love Bella's dork posse actually. Those were realistic high school kids. But it was edited all weird, and I didn't particularly like the special effects when it came to the super powers. And Kristen Stewart didn't mesmerize me like I'd hoped.
Boo. Anyway, can't wait for Benjamin Button.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
I read...
"Survivor" by Chuck Palahniuk (the guy who penned Fight Club)
Didn't love it, didn't hate it. The whole book is like a parody. Hyper symbolic. But his sentences and passages are really smart. Like each and every one is mocking. Well I think I just prefer lushness.
It makes me think of Fight Club, the film. The thing I really didn't like about the film was the narration, because it was so sharp and scathing. I actually thought that the narration would work fine in a book but it's just too much when spoken outloud.
So I can totally see that this Palahniuk guy is sort of a genius with words but I dunno, I will never like mean-spiritedness, hostility, mockery, etc.
"Survivor" by Chuck Palahniuk (the guy who penned Fight Club)
Didn't love it, didn't hate it. The whole book is like a parody. Hyper symbolic. But his sentences and passages are really smart. Like each and every one is mocking. Well I think I just prefer lushness.
It makes me think of Fight Club, the film. The thing I really didn't like about the film was the narration, because it was so sharp and scathing. I actually thought that the narration would work fine in a book but it's just too much when spoken outloud.
So I can totally see that this Palahniuk guy is sort of a genius with words but I dunno, I will never like mean-spiritedness, hostility, mockery, etc.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Glorious wares
I’ve been having fashion on my mind lately for the following reasons: 1) V.Li started a fashion blog that loves discussing two recurring fashion-related themes in my life: Marc Jacobs and Kate Moss; 2) I bought Lucky magazine’s Dec issue and Tim brought back the Jan issue, which never fails to inspire me to buy a crapload of stuff; 3) this particular winter in HK sees very wearable and cute fashion, namely the combo of riding boots, fancy tights, and mini skirts (top and outerwear styles are flexible), which makes me feel like I have to try extra hard to not be a jeans-and-tee wallflower.
Hence all the stuff I bought over the weekend, which must be chronicled! Too fabulous to be forgotten! This is them in order of purchase (I hope photos are to come):
1. Biker jacket, grey denim, DKNY, 60% off, I’m in love
2. Two of the same things that I can’t disclose because one is for V.Li, 66% off
3. Super amazing perfect little black minidress (pictured), French Connection, at least 60% off
4. Black knit top with craftsy embroidered crown and FC logo, French Connection, 50% off
5. Black short pleated preppy skirt with buckle, French Connection, around 40% off
6. Small blue shoulder bag with thin knotted strap, H&M, cheap
Still no black moccasin boots. I’m also coveting riding boots but the selection overwhelms me.
Hence all the stuff I bought over the weekend, which must be chronicled! Too fabulous to be forgotten! This is them in order of purchase (I hope photos are to come):
1. Biker jacket, grey denim, DKNY, 60% off, I’m in love
2. Two of the same things that I can’t disclose because one is for V.Li, 66% off
3. Super amazing perfect little black minidress (pictured), French Connection, at least 60% off
4. Black knit top with craftsy embroidered crown and FC logo, French Connection, 50% off
5. Black short pleated preppy skirt with buckle, French Connection, around 40% off
6. Small blue shoulder bag with thin knotted strap, H&M, cheap
Still no black moccasin boots. I’m also coveting riding boots but the selection overwhelms me.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Shallow thought of the week...
-I am so in the market for a pair of black moccasin boots and miniskirts to go with them. Can't find them (the boots) though.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Re: the restaurant I featured as being really good that my parents said was really bad. They went to the right restaurant this time and said it was REALLY good, which makes me feel a lot better. Yeah they managed to go to an entirely different restaurant last time and not know it... I also went back and it was really good again... so it's true, M---- R-- in D-Bay is really good!
This month I went to three places for afternoon tea and surprisingly, InterContinental was amazing... they served their future set that won't be out until February... the set came with two scones, two mini CHURROS (!!!), a madeleine and a canelle... which is a French carb thing that was yums... but OK I have never seen churros in HK :) unusual reason to be excited I know but... it's very nostalgic American carnivale...
Anyway their sandwiches were to die for too... best tiny sandwiches ever... and the tea (from this major French company Mariage Frères) was soo goood... I would post pics but might seem inappropriate since it's still Dec... and it would give away my not very secret blogger identity... but anyway... yah, InterContinental for afternoon tea!
This month I went to three places for afternoon tea and surprisingly, InterContinental was amazing... they served their future set that won't be out until February... the set came with two scones, two mini CHURROS (!!!), a madeleine and a canelle... which is a French carb thing that was yums... but OK I have never seen churros in HK :) unusual reason to be excited I know but... it's very nostalgic American carnivale...
Anyway their sandwiches were to die for too... best tiny sandwiches ever... and the tea (from this major French company Mariage Frères) was soo goood... I would post pics but might seem inappropriate since it's still Dec... and it would give away my not very secret blogger identity... but anyway... yah, InterContinental for afternoon tea!
Friday, December 05, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Recently watched "Ella Enchanted" when it was on cable... love these lines:
[Ella confronts three thugs who have captured Slannen]
Ella: Look, I think it's only fair to warn you that I'm practiced in the ancient art... of origami.
Bluto: Paper folding?
Ella: Oh... I was hoping you wouldn't know what that was.
[Ella confronts three thugs who have captured Slannen]
Ella: Look, I think it's only fair to warn you that I'm practiced in the ancient art... of origami.
Bluto: Paper folding?
Ella: Oh... I was hoping you wouldn't know what that was.