Sweet Pain

I ate too much. Couldn't move. Lying on a couch like a seal.
My sweet boyfriend picked me up. Heavy me. To the bed.
He released himself on the bed,
with me lying over his chest.
To save my darling from being smothered.
I rolled over off his body, like a sushi roll.
In half sleep, I did not know that
we were already on the edge of the bed.
I beautifully fell down on the floor.
My big, fatty butt was not enough cushion.
My left side of the body, head to toe,
was hurting so bad. Especially my hip.
Sweet darlin, I am okay. It was sweet of you.
I got terribly hurt. But it's okay.

MTA Has a Rule

Little Miko was already running a bit late for work that morning. She waited for the notoriously unreliable L train for 15 minutes. A hint of dull pain stroked her stomach. The pain that comes with some shiver before an emergency situation—W.C. Little Miko needed to make an instant desicion whether to remain on her commute and hold it or to get outside and find a place to take care of business, which could cause further delay of her commute. She decided to leave the platform. After quickly coming back from a nearby cafe, refreshed, she returned to the subway station to find that her Metrocard didn't let her through the gate: "Just used." She returned before the 18-min interval was up. She spoke with the lady in the booth. The MTA BITCH (MTAB hereafter) told her the card couldn't be used for 18 minutes after used and she needed to inform the MTA personnel if she needed to come right back. Little Miko explained she was aware of the 18 min but, usually, they let her go through. MTAB went, "If you know the rule, you have to follow the rule." Regardless of Little Miko's plea, MTAB didn't let her pass but made her wait for another 8 minutes standing like a little kid.

How many people know this rule which isn't written anywhere but on the MTA's ugly website in the tiniest font in the hardest place to find. Who has time and space in their mind to go talk to the MTA person when he/she is in an emergency. MTAB should learn that there's something more important than simply following the rule; being reasonable. Little Miko couldn't help thinking that MTAB was overly unreasonable and ungenerous because she is a little Asian girl.

Matzah Ball Soup

Broadway in Williamsburg runs as a drawline between a hip youth neighborhood and one of the biggest Hasidic communities in the States. One block south of B'way can bring you into a very distinctive atmosphere. Men are dressed in black rekel suits with shtreimel hat. Ladies in the morning roam on the street with heibors, wearing a hair band usually in baby pink or blue—in a contrast with their dark, brown clothes.

I researched or actually tried a good Polish restaurant in and around Greenpoint, a pretty authentic Hispanic eatery in east Williamsburg/Bushwick, and covered most of the best restaurants in the central Williamsburg. Now it's time for a representative from the Jewish 'hood. I really don't know what Jewish (Hasidic Jewish) families have on a table. All I've heard is Matzah Ball Soup. Some web-browsing found out there is one deli that serves Kosher Matzah Ball Soup. Gottlib's is a laid-back deli opened since 1860s. The menu is almost multi-cultural: Chinese sesame chicken, Buffalo Wings, Hungarian Goulash, etc. The soft-spoken waiter suggest us start with the chicken soup, aka Matzah Ball Soup. The only way I can describe it is: the best chicken noodle soup I ever had. Matzah Ball is basically a dough made of flower and water, no flavor in and out of itself. Their soup has no veggies. Clear chicken broth with white noodles and white ball. It looks bland but the flavor was really hearty.

The price range of this deli is set a bit high for what they are. Perhaps due to the Kosher ingredients. But the soup is only $3.50. If you are in the hood and crave for a warm bowl of soup, try it out. It's a good dish for kids too.

Gottlieb's
352 Roebling St, Brooklyn 11211
At Division Ave
MAP

Veronica Guerin - The Magdalen Sisters

Last two nights, I watched based-on-true-event movies, both set in Ireland.

Veronica Guerin—an Irish journalist who reported to unveil the drug dealing crimes that particularly contaminated youth. Regardless of the truth, she was depicted somehow as an imprudent female journalist, at least to me. Even a male journalist wouldn't go unarmed alone to confront a perilous gangster, which she did and got beaten up so bad. I admire her determination to continue the investigation even after couple sever attacks. But shouldn’t she be more careful? I feel like there was a chance that she could have win the battle with the brutal evils without losing her life. I probably shouldn’t say this because this was a real event but I don't mean to be disrespectful for her death. It’s also unfortunate that the society didn’t respond until after her death.
(Recommend to learn about her rather than watching this movie.)

The Magdalen Sisters—a story of three Irish young women who suffered and endured mental and physical abuses at the asylum. This is probably one of the most depressing movie I’ve ever seen. The girls were sent to this church-owned "hell" by their own family for the sin they’ve made; being raped by his cousin, being a un-wed mother and being beautiful and flirty. Ironically, the asylum was originally founded as a part of Rescue Movement, founded for rescuing and educating the prostitutes. The depraved discipline and abuses by the villainous nuns have completely lost its uplifting origin but rather made it a hopeless, dehumanizing prison. Coincidentally, the last asylum was closed on 1996, the year Veronica Guerin was killed.
(Movie highly recommended but be aware it’s painful to watch.)

I picked these two tragic stories randomly and ended up thinking about two issues relative to both movies.

Is it necessary or appropriate for the viewer to know that the movie is based on a true event? The viewers may be compelled to feel more empathy toward the film—simply because the event actually happened. But it’s not a documentary. Tweaks and some details are added. Then shouldn’t that be treated and seen as a drama?

Each movie, in a way, illustrates the issue of women’s right. Today, none of the Magdalen Sister wouldn’t be a shame or accused for their "sins." But it’s still not the safe and fair society for many women weather to pursue a decent life or a rather challenging professional career. And the two movies did feature strong women who tried to uphold their spirits and dignity to their lives.

Facial in Chinatown

This winter has been an undeniable proof of global warming. We had a summer-like day with 70 degrees and then 20s next weekend. Cold dry weather is one of the biggest enemies to women's skin. Even those expensive moisturizer won't penetrate well into the dry skin. I have a quite healthy skin, very economical. I barely use cream either. But the recent series of excessive dinning and drinking had given a little problem to my normally egg-like healthy face.

Luckily, I have a Japanese friend who works at a beauty spa in Chinatown. This place uses high-quality european products and a whole process of facial you could get in the city for couple hundred dollars. The regular price for 90 minutes facial is about $60. They have a 10-ticket set which makes a single visit only $40. Chinese customers like to have every pour squeezed out empty, which is actually bad for your skin. But my Japanese friend, unlike other Chinese estheticians at this spa, does a very gentle practice.

The place is right on Canal street and the room is small but clean enough. It starts with cleansing, steaming, pour cleaning, masking, massage. She massages not only the face but the neck and shoulder as well, promoting the blood circulation around the lymph gland. All this for $40 is a very, very reasonable. I've sent a few friends of mine, including a Czech girl who has a very dry, sensitive skin. She liked this facial as well and didn't have any problem with the products they use. With my healthy skin, I don't NEED to go there so often, but I love it for the facial experience as well as the relaxation.

Ci Ci Beatuty Spa
221 Canal Street, 2nd Floor
212-680-3526
MAP
Let me know if you are interested in going!

Bronx Zoo

The off-season Bronx Zoo is almost deserted. All the shops are closed and most habitants need to stay inside the buildings. But I'd rather take a rainy, cold day than a sunny, warm spring when all kids block the view, screaming and kicking the glass window. First animal I saw was three camels in a tiny field. I later found out that they were for the camel ride. I had to question myself: "Should I protest against zoo by not visiting or is my $14 admission used to feed these poor animals who cannot survive in the wild nature any more?"


This zoo is in the middle of Bronx. People from surrounding apartments can probably see some animals through their window. But here I am, I stop worrying and rather enjoy the day trip. Besides the fact that they have lots of frogs in this zoo, I pretty much enjoyed all other animals. My favorite was this long-nose, b/w, panda+elephant animal. It doesn't move at all. Seemed really sad or completely enlightened.


Across from it was two black panthers, with beautiful pattern on their black fur. The zoo is famous for it's exhibition. Their fake forest was quite well done. It's like a mini amuzement park.



Bronx Zoo
2 or 5 train to East Tremont Ave/West Farms Square. 5 minutes wall from the station. 30 minutes from Grand Central. Open 365 days!

Inland Empire

I got completely lost in Mulholland Dr. I did enjoy Straight Story. I was afraid of Elephant Man. I was amazed by Inland Empire.

My friends invited me to see David Lynch's new movie, Inland Empire, in which the reality and imagination loses its boundary. It's absolutely confusing and it's supposed to be so. You see some links between each scene yet it never establishes a linear narrative. It's like a circle that's linked with another circle that's surrounded by another circle that's actually one of the circles within. Everyone would try to re-connect the dots and figure out the story. But at the same time, it might be wise not to try think too much about the narrative. The visuals and actinings are wonderful. Laura Dern is great. In the movie, the portrait of women in Hollywood, or perhaps not limited to Hollywood, seems to be one of the messages/theme.

3 hours is long. Especially since this movie doesn't give you much idea of how far it went. It could continue forever. But after letting myself sank in the story and finishing the task, I found myself refreshingly recalling the scenes and not even annoyed with accumulated halluciantion and intensity of the movie. It's a bit scary—perhaps the digital camera added further creepiness. I was pleased and proud of my capability: Little Miko can enjoy surreal masterpiece!

Elling

A charming, funny movie from Norway about two 40-year-old guys with mental disabilities. Elling, the main character, has spent most of his life alone with his mother until she dies and the Norwegian government sends him to the institution. His roommate in the institution is Kjell Bjarne, a huge guy with strong passion for sex and women, in non-harrassing way. While Kjell has an easier time adapting himself in a new environment, Elling keeps himself inside the apartment, avoiding his life-time enemy: depression/anxiety. This is a movie about mentally and socially challenged men. Yet, the director smartly put it in a unique, humorous way. The script is also very elaborate. If you aren't in the mood for some serious dramas or simply ridiculous comedy, this is highly recommended.

China - Forbidden City

The Forbidden City and Great Wall were the two places I wanted to visit. With a limited time scheudle, I only got to see the Forbidden City.

Once you pass the Tienamin square, where the big picture of Chairman Mao looks out the city, you see the City covered by tall red brown walls.The outside of the square is surrouned by water. In winter, the fog/pollution creates an exotic feel. Sadly, Beijing is renovating many parts of the city for the Olympic, including many buildings inside the Forbidden City.

This is a gigantic square in which the last emperor spend his most of life in. To him, this was the whole world. If you haven't seen the movie, Last Emperor, I strongly recommend it. My vivid memory from some scenes of the movie gave me further excitement and appreciation.

Besides the recommendation of the movie, a guide will help learn the history and trivias you would never know. I had a student with me who visited the City many times with a personal guide. He was full of knowledge and it totally helped me enjoy the tour.

One of the buildings is a treasure library full of lurxious ornaments and objects made with jade, crystal, diamond, coral, pearl, gold... What's surprise more than those visually stunning pieces is the way they're exhibited. Guards are sitting by the entrance but they don't really seem to care what people do. I guess nobody would try do anything crazy.

If you visit in the winter, it's harshly cold. I had a quick 2-hour tour but this place can entertain you for at least 4 hours.

China - Food

It requires a bit of courage and a tough stomach to enjoy real Chinese food. Especially since the local water is not drinkable yet people use the tap water to make soup, my boss and western travel-mates avoided any liquid dish. Luckily, I had both the courage/curiousity and a tough stomach. I tried authentic to internationally-famous dishes like Bejing duck. I rarely have Bejing duck in NY so I cannot exactly claim the local one is better. But the price was definitely cheap. The whole course with appetizer (soup, fried-beancurd, duck's leg skin that was not my favorite) comes with the roasted duck. The crepe had a perfect softness and thickness. All for 6 people came under 40 dollars, with beer!

Off the famous shopping street in Bejing, local street snack shacks line up. Over 20 vendars sell same stuff but a few had something unique: scorpions, crawfish, grasshopper, warm-looking species. Even my Chinese friend gave a disgusting look and I saw no one eating it. It's supposed to be eaten deep-fried.

The weirdest thing I ate during the trip was duck's tongue. It was steamed, still with the throat bone like a deer's scull attached. I could see the bumps. I knew it wouldn't taste good. But since it was an official dinner hosted by the school we worked with and none of my Western travelmates seemed to try, I did it. I kissed the tongue and bit it. As imagined, no taste but just an uncanny texture. Maybe, musturd could have helped.

So far, it was mostly 'fancy' dinners and I was unsatisfied. I wanted authentic, local food. With local students as my guides, we stepped into a very small restaurant—just a few small tables and stools and absolutely no foreign customers. Even the Chinese students asked me if I would want to try, worrying that I might get sick. At that point, I had to fight with my dillenma: 'Try local food nobody else would try' vs. 'I don't want to kill my stomach (it's almost impossible to find a clean bathroom in case of emergency).' I said 'Yes' for just a bite. This was the last place I'd have any soup, like instestin-extravaganza stew, or a sour plum tea. The severly cold weater, however, had me drink up the tea while the intestin soup didn't entertain my palette. My stomach was tougher than I thought. I was content that I at least tried very authentic Beijing food (i.e. lots of intestines and peanut paste dipping sauce). Coutinued walking on the street, we ran into a hot-skewer stand. Skewers with meat, blood jelly, veggies, fish cakes are cooked in a spicy hot sauce. You get a steel plate covered by plastic bag (so that no need to clean the plate) and pick whatever you want. This was my favorite dish and experience. I didn't see this type of vendar anywhere else. It was a night of super local food marathon.

In Shanghai, you must try Shao-long-bao, a steamed dumpling with soup inside. I went to a famous place with my local friend's recommendation. It was good. But honestly, Joe's Shanghai in NYC does a really good job. If I must compare, real Shanghai ones are lighter. What we don't have in NY is a deep-fried soup dumpling. My Shanghainese friend took me to a famous place whose storefront is full of local people. They were so good—crispy bottom and lots of juice inside. This dumplings are huge and the dough is much thicker than Shao-long-bao. I was hungry but 5 pieces was the max.

Do Chinese people eat anything? Pretty much. Some are so dlicately cooked with very intricated flavor. Some are not flavorful, rather bland or a bit stinky with the ingredients' original smell. A suggestion: the information from websites tend to change rapidly, so it's better to make sure that place does exist. I tried to find couple restaurants that were already closed.

China - Beijing

Ni-hao, China! Many people think I'm Chinese. But I am 100% pure Japanese. In fact, I've never been to China. With some good and bad pre-conceptions about this country, I began my 2-week trip in Beijing. Honestly, I was surprised how wide and clean the streets are. NY's one block is nothing compared to the one in Beijing. And guess what keeps these big streets so clean; the cleaning people who literary pick up trash with a large pinset, driving a tricycle from corner to corner. Hats off!

As the city is getting ready to welcome people from overseas for the Olympic and becoming more and more modernized, many old buildings are getting turned down. Most of the old Beijing scenes is now covered by construction walls. Like many other cities, it's a sad development. Even the local people don't necessarily appreciate this modernization. I wish the city tried to keep the exteriors old and renovate interiors. In a long-run, this modernization may keep the travelors away.

Did I get to go to Great Wall? No. It's my plan for the next visit, if ever.

Pacific Coast Highway

Driving could be really fun. Last summer, we had a great time driving rough, curvy roads through trees in Vieques island, Puertorico. This summer, the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) got us one of the most memorable driving experience. SF to LA. 3 days on the road. We could have spent extra days easily.

I didn't think the West Coast ocean scenery could be that beautiful. Part of the scenes even reminded me of the sea in Japan. The waves are high and rough. Huge splash against the coast. Along with many scenic spots, there were some places you could drop by. Local breweries and farmers shop.

Drawn to the sign 'Fresh Strawberry,' we tried a basket of organic strawberries and a cup of strawberry cyder. That was one of the best strawberries I ever had.

In Monterey, we took a detour through the 37-mile drive. It's a reserved residential erea where non-residence pay and drive through. All the houses were like castles! It was so much fun to just see those houses by the sea shore. Another memorable spot is Big Sur, the most exciting and magnificent sceneries along the curvy narrow roads. It leads into the forrest in the mountain. The inns by the river put chairs right in the water. People can read or have beer with their foot dipping in the clear water.

Little Miko's Japanese Dinner

Just wanted to share my dinner I cooked for myself the other day. Usually, my Japanese meal is stir fries or something my American boyfriend can easily eat. But once in a while, I need a real Japanese food. When my boyfriend doesn't need dinner, I normally cook super authentic Japanese meal. The recent menu was mixed vegitable pickles and yam potato soba noodle.

Japanese yam potato called Yama-imo is really slimy and it itches around your mouth. It's realatively reasonable and is a great energy food for stronger stamina. We usually eat it graded over tuna sashimi or float in a soup noodle. The other evening, I jullianed the yam and served with hot Soba noodle with lots of fresh Japanese scallion, Naga-negi.

This is probably one of the healthiest foods since soba noodle itself also has low calorie. Slimy but crunchy yam was so satisfying in taste and volume. I screamed, "Umai!" (Damn Good!), alone in my apartment.

Fying Pan

If you haven't been to the Frying Pan at the Chelsea Pier on 23rd street and you love to dance, you should give it a try. It's a salvaged lightship from 1929 and the dock has a big dancing space and bars. They are only open in the summer. We went there primarily because we know the bartenders there. But I had a really great time.

Pros: You can sit and drink on the Fying Pan or on a dock feeling the breeze from the Hudson River. They have a smaller dance room in the basement of this ship (2nd pic). Exploring this salvaged ship is reallly fun. You can go into each room: kictchen, bedroom, and the controling room. It's good for a date scene but also great for a group.


Cons: The bathroom is awefully dirty, especially for ladies. Many non-NY people and youngsters were the majority. You don't wanna go if it rains. The music is different every night. Last night, Friday, was a mix of house music (we didn't really enjoy this selection) and some hip-hop.

Overall, it was a lot of fun for Little Miko.

Art Deco in NYC

Arguably the worst area in Manhattan is 42nd street. Every time I have to go to that neighborhood, I simply wish to get the fxxk out of there. Around Port Authority, tourists and alcholics occupy the side streets. This is the street I always walk by as fast as I can. To my surprise, I found this Art Deco-style building. It's mostly covered by scaffolding so the picture unfortunately turned out a bit dark. The silver metalic element gorgeously reflects the light of the ceiling lamp and brightens the mossy green-solid black border design. Many new buildings use chic, modern designs. These new ones, if done poorly, can be uninterestingly bland architecture. I wish to see more buildings with character and history.

Turmeric Tea

It's probable that everyone knows what Turmeric is. The yellow spice is often used in Indian dishes. I knew that Turmeric is somehow good for your health. And the other day, I found Turmeric Tea at a Japanese grocery store.

According to my online research, Turmeric (ginger root family) has a very effective component called Curcumin. This element has a proven effect in promoting the liver fuction. Turmeric is also known for anti-oxidant and cancer prevention. Some caution the chance of strong side-effect for those who have hepatitis and other liver problems. But it sounds like it's a very healthy thing if you dont' have major health problems.

I started drinking lots of Turmeric tea ($5 is a bit pricey but you can probaly make with Turmeric powder economically), and I feel like I get much less hangover. There's also extract tablets at health stores.

Chili Crab Festival

Looking up the Brooklyn Bridge and a clear blue sky, the street behind the old tabacco factory in DUMBO was filled with people. It was the annual Singapore Chili Crab Festival, sponsored by Tiger Beer. We got there around noon, right after the event started, and there was already a good crowd.

The main dish, chili crab, was served out of woks along the tables on the streets. The competition over seating was really tough, especially since there were many families with kids. Of course, you cannot eat crabs in shells standing. There was no other option for us than to sit on the concrete ground. The chili crab came with a piece of bread and the broth was very rich being mostly coconut milk and chili. To my disappointment, the crab was overcooked and the meat was crumbly. With all the mess on my face and hands, I diligently sucked all the juice and picked meat from thin legs of the crabs. My favorite dish was the Singapore cold noodle with grilled calamari. It was also flavored with coconut milk and shrimp paste, but differed from the chili crab with its refreshing scallion and cilantro.

Food wasn't the only thing you could find at this festival; my friend found a free massage. It was a good 10-minute massage and far better and professional than those you can get at nail salons. I tipped her with my gratitude. I also happened to see one of the cutest dogs in Brooklyn (pic posted). Though the crab itself didn't meet my expectation, it turned out to be a nice summer afternoon in DUMBO.

Been Rich All My Life

Isn't that a pleasure to discover a great movie? Pick a movie simply by a brief review and see it without knowing much about it. And that happens to be one of the best movies you see in a year. Been Rich All My Life is my recent discovery at Quad Cinema in Union Square, NY.

I picked this documentary simply because of a NY Times movie reviewer's suggestion. Did a bit of web surfing to find out about it. It's about a group of old black ladies–average age of 86–who used to be chorus dancers in pre-war Harlem. Now after over 60 years, They reunited to start a dance team, Silver Bells, and had shows throughout the city.

Even though they can't lift their legs high to the face or stretch their backs or the steps are not as powerful as they used to be, theie dance is steady enough to keep the rhythm. One of the ladies still teaches dance to young dancers. Their dance is not counting 1, 2, 3... It's all with the rhythm that remained in their soul and body. Perhaps, young dancers can dance faster steps but they still cannot dance the way the Silver Belles do.

As entertaining and encouraging as it is, this movie also deliveres the real, sad truth. None of these ladies is an iron grandma: They are old, undeniably, and they do have to face with issues and fears of aging. Surrounded by many senior audience and a group of teen dance team, I cried and laughed. I recommend this movie to all women regardless of age. You will surely learn and feel something out of this movie.

Little Miko Needs to Paddle

Born and raised in Tokyo, I grew up without chances to enjoy the nature regularly. When I first came to America, in Boston, the city park took my breath away and I felt like I was in a movie scene. After years of stay in the States, I get to visit many places including Minnesota I went to the other day.

Minnesota, a state with ten thousand lakes, is where my boyfriend's parents live. His father owns a canoe and kayak and has canoed almost all rivers throughout the country. Not to miss the gorgeous summer day, we went to a lake to paddle. I started in a canoe with his dad. We anchored the canoe and set up the chairs. Giving the son and father a private time to catch up, I got on the kayak by myself. Kayak was actually easier and smoother. Dip and paddle, dip and paddle. Having cooled down our body heat, we got back on the ride. This time, I took the kayak and followed the guys in a canoe. After 30 minutes of paddling, my back started to hurt a bit. Little sore on my stomach. It must be a good exersize if you do it once a while.

On the way back, I enjoyed seeing beautiful houses by the lake. Just for a few hours, I forgot about the busy, dirty Brooklyn where I live.

Fair Play

Head butting in the middle of the World Cup is not nice. Everyone who saw what Zidane did yesterday during the World Cup final, the last game of his career, must have felt many different thoughts. People are talking about it and nobody knows what happened. What did Materazzi say to Zidane? Was a red card legitimate since neither of the refrees actually witnessed the incident? Unfortunately, these questions don't matter. But the bigger question is, "what's fairness?"

Technically, players don't get a penalty for any, literally any, comments made to each other during play. There is no rule for FIFA to give a penalty for what players say, simply because it cannot be recorded and played to the audience. But it was a replay which gave Zidane a red card. So players can use verbal epithets to provoke opponents. Think of the worst thing people from other country could say to your country. It's a war. Not a game. It's a crime. Not a joke. And these people who say these things can get away with it? FIFA has something to think about. Lucky it wasn't a game between Al-Qaeda and American army or between Japan and China. A red card wouldn't have solved the problem.

I won't say what Zidane did was forgivable. But at the same time, I hope Materazzi will be punished and receive equally negative responses from the media as well as people who watched the game. Zidane was arguably the best player of the last decade. Even some Italian players admit that. Not only was he a great player, he was a heroic icon to many Arabic French. He knew what he meant to the people and kids who admired him. He knew that was his last game. And he didn't want to leave the field in such a way. I'm sure that he's shut his mouth or held his head to many bad words so far in his long career. It's sad that some player pushed him to the edge, to ruin his career and achievement, simply by saying brutal words to him. Materazzi, if he wasn't a complete asshole, must be realizing what a terrible thing he did, and I hope he is.

Zidane's still keeping his mouth shut and doesn't intend to reveal what Materazzi said to him. That's another sign that it was something quite provocative. Social rather personal. If Zidane revealed the exchange, there could be a war, or at least a huge conflict between Italy and Algeria, or many other Arabic communities. I am sure Zidane can take responsibility for what he did. Can Materazzi do the same?