I'm listening

It's debatable whether the new album is better than the old one, but I indeed enjoy the new one more..melodic and sweet. It has been repeating in my ipod for two weeks straight, here are the two that I love the most:

#4 - Same Mistake


#5 - Carry You Home


$8bn write-down and the CEO is now forced to step down... how come luck is always not on your side.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/business/30cnd-merrill.html?ref=business

Exhausted weekend 2

The Black Eye Peas' concert was actually held at the new Venetian hotel in Macau..well, if it wasn't for the concert, I wouldn't be visiting Macau this soon..

I was pretty excited visiting the new Venetian, just wanted to compare how it is different from the one in Vegas. Decor, shopping arcade, architectural design, all replicate the original in the states, but this one indeed is much bigger, I ran a little calculation in my head, the block that it occupies almost seems like covering the whole cwb, it would probably take 20 mins to run from one end to the other end.




Not that much into gambling, we spent our idle time at the shopping arcade instead. randomly ran into black eye peas getting off the gondola, Fergie got very skinny legs....




The show was awesome! We stood for the whole night, regretting for wearing high heels, everybody was jumping and dancing to the music, with some were even half drunk. Fergie has such a powerful voice, her solo part is the best part of the show.







If you love partying, you should definitely work at CLSA. Yeah.. not only did they invite clients to concerts, they also give out complimentary CDs.



Although I did enjoy the show a lot, something happened that night annoyed me egregiously...yah, I witnessed how dogs eat dogs, and cats eat cats, X was originally with Y, and then Y hooked up with Z who was supposed to be with A... everything within the same night.

This finance industry was undeniably corrupted with disdain and infidelity, when I looked around, relationships seem to be so frivolous and short-lived... that led me to deeper thoughts, what make the finance people think they are so special and respect no longer is part of their morality. There's no doubt that they are rich and successful and important at very young age, but money seems to have blinded them from maturing into a responsible and better being. Don't they understand having fun at the current moment doesn't guarantee an eternal happiness?

On a side note, people like to equate money and power to their eternal goal, I've seen boys and girls working very hard, aggressively moving up the corporate ladder, competing for promotion, bonus share, fame, etc....are they ever willing to slow down a bit and think about the actual desire of the people who care for them? I don't want to be one of these people as I don't want people who I care for be one of them.

That's Fergie's newest single that I love..

Exhausted weekend 1

Yeah.. this is quite an exhausted weekend for me. Two concerts in two nights, traveling back and forth from hong kong to macau...we didn't even have the time to have proper meals. I was amazed that I still had energy to get up early in the morning.

Starting with Friday night, a group of us went to see Eason Chan's concert at the coliseum. I didn't go with a great expectation..I agree that his songs are really good, but I just didn't know whether he was able to put up a good show like David Tao.

I was sso glad that we got very good seats. Not exactly at the front rows, we were sitting the second section in front with Eason's wife and daughter and a few celebs just a two rows ahead of us. We were dodging the paparazzi cameras when they were snapping pictures of the celebs right before the show.. we really didn't want to get into the pictures, and next day saw a glimpse of our faces on some crappy tabloids.


The stage was really pretty. I see why people now like to use three sides instead of four because they can do a lot more on stage design. This colossal staircase was where all the dancing took place and created all the glamorous visual effects, with the musicians were blasting on the sides of the platforms.

And yes, Eason was in a quasi wedding dress... when he first came out, he looked like a drag queen.. that's something new.


The show was all about visual effects, with the screen on top playing funky cartoons, that's match up with Eason's naughty big boy style.



The guy sitting next to me was dripping saliva as soon as all the dancers took off their shirts, dancing with barely nothing but lingerie, gyrating with Eason.

All the girls were screening so loud when he was gyrating with the guy.. that's sooo gay.


With three girls at the same time... isn't this all the guys' dream moment?


I bet Eason's daughter must be learning ballet now.. his daughter was dancing along and clapping her little hands when all the ballerinas showed up.. his little daughter is so cute!



The show is awesome..although he took some time to warm up his voice as well as the crowd, and I am not fond of his dance music, he sang very very well and even better than in the cd. Now, same applies to David Tao, he is a true singer and entertainer.

Stay tune for more reporting on the Sat night concert...

Micheline guide for bay area 2008

THREE STARS
The French Laundry - I truly had my best and most memorable meal there. Although they are not exceptionally innovative, their ingredients and service were undeniably the cream de la cream.

TWO STARS
Aqua - hum..I don't think they deserve the hype. The food was just so-so..they let you walk in with the great expectation, but walk out shaking your head.
Chez TJ
Cyrus
Manresa
Meadowood
Michael Mina - what's up with that trio theme... never tried it before, I would expect the same as Aqua...since michael comes from Aqua.

ONE STAR
Acquerello - yummy! the penne in foie gras sauce with black truffle is something that you hate so much for its fat and grease but at the same time falling in love with the rich and sensational flavor.
Ame
Auberge du Soleil
Bistro Jeanty - homey french food.
Boulevard
Chez Panisse
Coi
Cortez - everything tapa style, quite interesting restaurant with good food.
Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton - this is called dining with class.
Farmhouse Inn
Fifth Floor - can you believe it, I once being asked which floor is fifth floor?! .. I was drinking too hard when I was dining there...don't remember much about the food. nice ambience.
Fleur de Lys
Gary Danko - is it really that good? I need a second visit to justify.
K & L Bistro
La Folie - french fine dining go family style. I really enjoy the coziness. extremely difficult to find parking though.
La Toque
Madrona Manor
Martini House
Masa's San Francisco
One Market - my god, I have the worst meal there... what are they serving btw.. probably have changed over time?
Quince
Range
Redd
Rubicon - it is okay.
Sushi-Ran - NOWAY... I wouldn't wait for 1 hr to get in. It's just Sasalito doesn't have another Japnese restaurant.
Terra

Monday Hype

Home alone and made myself a good dinner. I've got spicy fish roe fresh from Japan, tastes soo much better than what's available at the local supermarket, surprisingly not salty at all.. that's why I added so much..hehe..


My first attempt caramel cake.....caramel is fun to make yet creates a big mess at the end. I got the consistency right, next time I would add some orange peel to enhance flavor.


Although spending an hour cleaning up the mess, I am glad to have made this batch of caramel cake. Something that got my heart tied up, suddenly hail for release. These little muffins mark the beginning of another journey, although it would be the end for the others.

I promised myself to pick up Chinese painting again during my first year in HK.... excusing myself for not having enough time and patience, for the last two years I have only completed two.. what a shame.

I intentionally used ink as supposed to dark blue to paint the leaves, in order to accentuate the bright red of flowers petals and golden buds.


The whole idea of painting on a satin cloth is fancy and royal, that save me time in coloring the background.

Craving for fashion

When men are facing relationship crisis, they usually would drown themselves into work and alcohol, shifting their focus to doing something constructive and meaningful. Unfortunately, women as nonsense by nature, usually would take a more destructive approach, shop til they drop, don't ask them whether they can afford it or not, anyhow they are showing their credit cards more often than their business cards.

A sudden crave for fashion hit me recently.. glad that I am still a sensible girl, I rather satisfy my cravings with fanatic search on internet than doing the actual leg works.

I have ironed out a few items that I would want to get this season. This pair of Miu Miu pumps is so chic!!..that fit into my category of classic black leather pumps that fit all occasions.

Ankle boots are hot this season. I found this pair of Christian Louboutin most appealing.
I have been looking for a formal evening clutch for the longest time. This satin Dior clutch looks quite nice.. yet not exactly the kind that I am scouting for. I fancy a supersize clutch, made with lamb skin leather with buckle on top...anybody knows where I can find it?
OMG, this dress looks sooo pretty.. it's like a angel from above, designed by a newcomer, Christian Cota.


Surprisingly Emporio Amarni has quite interesting collection this fall. I like the cutting of this dress, and the contrast of pastel color with black and dark grey, doesn't it resemble ladies having tea at four seasons?! ^0^


I am obsessed with Zhang Ziyi's Chanel look at the Cannes Film Festival, although I don't think she carries the dress very well, she is a bit too small for the masculine look. This one is similar but much more feminine. I am crazy with the lace works and the ribbon bow..

Okay, ladies, all designers unanimously decided to go super short and high waist next spring. This seems like getting out of control, why making something that we cannot wear to work... well, depends on what work they do... doesn't this outfit look any more CFM??!! My popularity index will skyrocket if I am wearing this striding in central!


Miuccia probably has just watched the little creamy the cartoon, isn't she 20 yrs late...? This look exactly like little creamy to me, with a blond wig and a magic stick, you are ready for the halloween party.. oh.. I missed her puffy dress.. and the ribbon shoes.


I think all firms should pay their employees bonuses before Christmas.... What's the point of paying me not until CNY if I am going to miss all the holiday sales!

Sham Tseng roasted goose

Sham Tseng shocked me by surprise that it became such a developed district comparing to 10 years ago when people still lived in primitive housing next to mom and pop stores. Now people lives in "bellagio" the estate with 7-eleven around the corner. The traditional roasted goose restaurants are hidden behind the developed high rise and rested on a no name street.

There're a few roasted goose restaurants in ST but Yue Kee probably is the most well-known. The place is still crowded with people and as run-down as it is 10 yrs ago. Their roasted goose is pretty good, roasted perfectly with very crispy skin and tender meat, although a bit too greasy for me. I also like their special preserved eggs..the yolks are extremely soft and creamy and goes well with ginger. But I still think Yung Kee is better....the food and brand deserves the premium.. at least it is in proximity.

I feel like I am hitting a road block again..Today is my first time riding Rock n' Reel...sing and raymond both said I could handle him easily, but so happened I didn't ride as seamlessly as expected. I wasn't used to his short strides and he didn't respond to my leg aids very well..all trot circle became trot oval, poor transition from canter to trot, and at the end he didn't even picked up canter for me.. so frustrating. Raymond made fun of me by saying how come I could ride a difficult horse but not a beginner horse. Is it because I ride too much and too frequently and that push me backward instead of forward.

That makes me wonder: No matter how hard we try, there's always limitation on how far we can excel, whether it is physical or mental block, that's something not within our control. How come we are always upset about not able to surpass our limitation, why not take a break and stay chill.

I missed my Yummy Yummy and Chippie, with which I can ride with ease.

2007

This is not new news for people who know me. Although the stock market has the greatest run this year, it has been the worst year for me. Too much dispair, disappointment, worries, uncertainities, unfairness, unfaithfulness, back-stabbing, frowning, tears.... One large gain is to be able to solidfy my friendships, and increase my expenditure on my look and health.

I hate 2007. When is it going to be over.. sign...

International Horse Shows

Some pictures from the International Horse shows yesterday. I am still trying to master the skills of cantering and have yet to learn to jump.. well, actually I did try once, but just a little cross, the horse barely leaped over.

I wish to be one of them one day. Dressed in black blazer with red lining and white jodhpurs and black leather boots. G and I were talking about how good they look with their competition outfit. They looked proud and confident, especially when they jumped in full force, performing in perfection, audience were cheering away and have pictures taken by some anonymous photographers.

Suggest to adjust the slideshows to 1 sec per frame to get a sense of the swift motion of the jumps.

Luxury in Japan

I treated my parents a 5-day trip in Japan last week. Part of the itinerary is a stay at a traditional Japanese onsen in Hakone. This is not their first time visiting Hakone, but the main purpose of staying at an onsen is to enjoy the hot spring and kaiseki meal. I've done a lot of research on web and eventually took the recommendation of my local friend, I made the reservation at #1 rated onsen, Gora Kadan.

Everything comes with a price and this one is not an exception. With the price ranges between 55000yen to 75000 per person, it would easily cost more than 1000USD per night. The price range implies the difference in room size and facilities, and the kaiseki menu remains the same. The more expensive ones have better view, more spacious, bigger open-air bath, etc. I chose the mid-end one with a private stone open-air bath, just in case if they don't want to dip into a public hot spring.


All in all, they came back with a rave review of the onsen. The service was impeccable, their room had a gorgeous view, very spacious room that could fit 2 more people. The main highlight would be the two meals they had, one kaiseki dinner and one breakfast before they checked out. They praised the freshest seasonal dishes, everything was in the right portion, the homemade choya, tender beef steak, fatty otoro, toro fish ball, grilled fish, etc.. I would really love to spend a night there as well....

They brought back a lot of fruits for me to enjoy. These are my favorite, 巨峰 grapes. I love how the meat inside so tender and quickly transform into grape juice inside my mouth. The distinct aroma is almost like some fruity merlot, with sharper freshness and sweetness, with a hint of alcohol. The white powdery mold (not mold exactly) reminds me of a misty rain forest, that make me wonder how come they can be so naturally looking.

I'm reading

Suddenly feel like smothering myself with novels, fictions, non-finance related readings, that don't require much application to real life. This is my favorite read at this moment, I found it quite enjoyable, but the distressed plot continues to weigh down my heavy heart....


What keeps haunting me is the revelation of truth, the idea of familiarity, trust and honesty means humiliation as much as despair. Sometimes you need to get out in order to see what's clear inside, does it mean that's good for you? Delusion is the mask of reality, although dreams and hopes can be unattainable, but at least leave some good memories. All along I thought I took the driver seat in everything, not because I am capable to do so, but rather being forced to pave my own path. Now that I realized it is some stick shift I cannot master, I was just bumping my ride and leaving skid mark on the ground.

Scrumptious long weekend

I found this long weekend has been exceptionally quiet. Mainland chinese tourists decided to pass up HK this year, all flocked to Macau following the opening of new casinos. Locals also joined the crowd, were being afraid of not seeing enough people in their lives. The only ones left in the city are bun bun and people like me who are too lazy to get out of the city.

I enjoyed a weekend of healthy escape, going to yoga classes early in the morning, hanging out with close friends, getting a deep tissue massage which made me scream and tear, working in an empty office, seeing an artistic movie, wining and dining every night..

A group of us went to Hei Kee in Wanchai for fried crab. It was famous for bay phoon town seafood especially spicy fried crab and was originally running the restaurant on a boat. Of course civilization brought it to the land and due to snowball effect many similar restaurants soon opened in that neighborhood.

The owner was very cute and funny and fond of us pretty ladies. He even sat next to us to place order and gave us some freebies. We ordered two signature spicy fried crab, one little spicy and one medium, kau fish fillets, clams with vermicelli, mantis shrimp, etc. Everything is flavorful and spicy, I like the fish fillet dish the best, it was extremely meaty and fatty and the batter was thin and crunchy. The crabs were peppery, the spiciness almost burnt my lips while trying to get the meat out of the shell.





Thanks to G, we got some JB dessert to compliment another hairy crab meal. We had Fleur de orange dome, cappuccino chocolate dome, lemon tart, salted caramel tart, passion fruit with dark chocolate tart. Everything's in perfection..I don't remember when was the last time I had the traditional mei sum cake.. probably more than 10 yrs ago...


My stomach does need to take a break after a marathon of feasts...