To read
Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger
(what a lovely cover!)
I believe in karma. If it is not karma, then why does everyone feel the need to recall my books at the library? The two books I am reading at the moment have just been recalled and now they are due on the same day. I thought I could read them s l o w l y until November, like several pages every night…
One of the two books I have been reading (now finished) is Nine Stories by J. D. Salinger. I am surprised by the fact that how few people (in Hong Kong) know Salinger. Nine Stories is an interesting read. Give it another read it will probably become my new love. My favourite stories are "Uncle Wiggily in Connecticut" (though it is not generally a favourite), "The Laughing Man" and "Teddy". The Chief in TLM reminds me so much of Jason Schwartzman! That is the wonderful thing about books – there is space for imagination. But I have a personal problem with Nine Stories... I SUCK AT ENGLISH LIT. I needed the help of sparknotes and gradesaver and whatnot. I recommend the book if you are good/OK at English.
Introduction to Probability Models by Sheldon M. Ross
If I put this book here, will you accept my recommendation and read it?
MARKOVCHAINSPOISSONPROCESSESBROWNIANMOTIONIHATEMYLIFE
To listen
EMO ALERT: When I am unhappy, I sentimentally turn to my iPod Video for comfort. _____ (name censored) has been with me for almost seven years. I listen deeply to the melody and the lyrics and reconnect with the old me that was always happy, or happier. I listen to sad songs I used to love. They make me feel I am not alone in the I’m-a-depressed-wreck zone. They remind me everything will be all right tomorrow morning.
Here is a small selection of such songs:
Radio – The Corrs
With a full glass and an empty heart / I search for something to occupy my mind
Half Life – Imogen Heap
As a massive science geek, it is really hard not to fall for this song, though it has nothing to do with science whatsoever. Becquerel, anyone?
The stickler is you've played not one beat wrong / You never promised me anything / Even sat me down and warned me just how they fall / I knew the odds were I'd never win / Yet here I am
My self-worth measured in text back tempo / It's been two days and eight minutes too slow
You Were Mine – Dixie Chicks
I can give you two good reasons / To show you love's not blind / He's two and she's four and you know / They adore you / So how can I tell them you've changed your mind
All Good Things (Come To An End) – Nelly Furtado
Flames to dust / Lovers to friends / Why do all good things come to an end?
To watch
As I have already done a pretty big movie post a while back, I will keep this section short.
Mark your calendar…! HK Release Days of films I look forward to:
Upside Down – in Cinemas now (not sure if I want to watch it anymore)
Ruby Sparks – 18 October 2012
The Perks of Being A Wallflower – 31 October 2012 (have to watch this because I love the book and the writer is directing it)
Helter Skelter looks interesting but it is probably too intense for my taste... may pop into the cinema for Arbitrage because it reminds me of no-arbitrage theory which reminds ActSci but it looks like the kind that my dad watches on the plane.
To go
Island East Markets
It is a temporary weekly market, held every Sunday in September and October for four weeks. At Taikoo Place, the location is extremely convenient for me. I had the chance to have a look around on its second Sunday after gym.
I saw roselles. I saw massive chunky brownies. I saw freshly baked pies. There were also stalls selling clothes and accessories... and many dogs. I am a sucker for dogs.
Though I didn't see the coming of an Asian Borough Market, Island East Markets is a stellar idea. I just wish it were larger, permanent, and came with more stalls selling food. Two more Sundays left! I would go again this week to have a closer inspection with mother.
Island East Markets
Tong Chong Street
Quarry Bay
Hong Kong
Website
To eat
Maureen
Do not be scared off by the seemingly remote location of this noodle house. It is quite a walk from the Wan Chai MTR Station but it is an interesting walk too. You will walk past the wet market, the infamously impractical Queen's Cube apartments and the Grade I historic building Blue House.
I have wanted to try their chicken for a while. Sharon and I ordered the six-course tasting menu, at $180 pax. The price at first seemed pretty steep to me, as a poor student. But the whole experience was basically a fine dining experience – the serving order, the plating, the food and the lemon in the water! The service was actually better than that of a fine dining house. Maureen did not do pretentiousness, in both their service and their food. The chicken did not let me down. I loved the soup and the noodles too. Rasupermen could really learn a lesson or two.
I am no food critic. So I will let photos do the talking.
According to magazine reviews I have read, Maureen, the owner, studied Food Sciences at university. She carefully crafted a menu using her vast of deep knowledge of food. For a second or two I thought of buying a sous-vide machine at home, but then a wave of sensibility hit me… that would be too much work. I have got a reason give Maureen another visit… Cannot wait to try their 48-hour beef.
Maureen
G/F 11 Hing Wan Street
Wan Chai
Hong Kong
Openrice
