It all began several years ago when one of my dear law school friends, in our many adventures and misadventures, suggested that we watch the movie, “Pride and Prejudice,” with Kiera Knightly and Matthew McFadden. Having lived with a roommate during law school who would tug that very novel everywhere, along with her many casebooks, I was surely intrigued to finally sit down and understand the story that has captivated so many. I agreed and we set a date.
Today, I can still recall that day with such clarity. We were in San Francisco, my favorite city inthe world, and we had dinner at Nordstrom Café close by in downtown. It was a good meal, and thereafter, we met another friend headed to the theater. There were giggles and sighs throughout the movie. At the end, we sat speechless. Although we thoroughly enjoyed the movie, one question persisted in each of our minds – “Will I ever meet my Mr. Darcy?” Or in my case, given I am married to a dashing young professional (he reads my blog on occassion!), “Have I met my Mr. Darcy?” We had a down and out post-screen discussion regarding Mr. Darcy and Lizzie, we all talked about our ideal mate, our current mates (whether married or not), and how they all may never measure up to Mr. Darcy . . .
How has Jane Austen so successfully written a character who continues to intrigue the psyche of so many women hundreds of years later? I recently watched the 1995 BBC version of the movie on Masterpiece Theater which is the version I prefer. Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, in my opinion, prove a better Lizzie and Mr. Darcy. The characters continue to intrigue. However, I do not think it is all about the main characters and how fabulous and sweet their romance is. When I searched for fan sites and blogs on Jane Austen and her most famous novels, I unearthed so many wonderful sites with a focus clearly on the romance. Yet, for me, the intrigue evolves from the time and place of the story. To begin with, I love period pieces -- I love (love!) the clothes, the apparent gentle manners of people of that time, and just how life was so leisurely. But the other questions I have are not, “Where is Mr. Darcy?” or “Have I met my Mr. Darcy?” But really, my questions are these:
1. Why must a woman feel as though she needs to find a Mr. Darcy?
2. Why must women feel they should be rescued by a Mr. Darcy?
3. Was marriage that much of a focus for young women of that time?
4. If so, what was Jane Austen’s predicament when she became a spinster?
5. What is so appealing about Mr. Darcy? His money? His rescue of the Bennet Family?
Clearly, I don’t have the answers. But it is entertaining for one to try to them. Afterall, isn’t that what the good Jane Austen wanted?
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Nice Rides on Rodeo
Back to work after a nice, long three-day weekend. Those are the best and one of the very reasons why I love working for a government agency. Yesterday, hubby and I strolled along Rodeo Drive for window shopping and I noticed an incredible sense of luxury the locals exuded. Call me a true "Downtowner" having lost her Westside roots, but I was floored with the repeated $1,000,000+ cars whizzing by me. I guest I was desensitized after having lived in the Westside for over three years. Now, with my Downtown LA address for nearly a year, I notice every luxury car that drives past! It doesn't mean that I don't get my fair share of folks made wealthy by the entertainment industry, its just that the ones in downtown don't appear nearly as drenched with money that those "Westsiders."
Saturday, February 16, 2008
New Discoveries
With a tough week of work behind us, we decided to reward ourselves with a nice, long walk down Broadway Street this evening with our two pups. Selfishly thinking of an extra bonus, a downtown favorite, a true Bacon Hotdog, I was disappointed to learn that my usual vendor was not at her usual spot tonight. Nevertheless, our after-work walk on Broadway led us to discover other stores we don't normally notice driving down the same street. For example, there are a dozen of jewelery stores that sell very inexpensive 14kt gold jewlery, sneaker shops, a store with a variety of cowboy boots and a store in which every clothing item is $2.99! For those LA-Downtowners, do check out the Broadway shops soon because they may not be around for long if the City has its way with the proposed Broadway redevelopment.
Speaking of the City, we, along with P, our artist friend from Koreatown, headed to Masa for dinner. It was the first time for all of us at this Echo Park restaurant/bakery. What can I say? I loved the vibe and highly recommend it for late-night coffee dates. There is a "living room" section which reminds me of some great cafes in San Francisco. The tuna nicoise salad, baked minestrone and Scott Pizza were all acceptable but nothing to write home about. Yet given the wonderful vibe and its corner location on Sunset and Lemoyne Streets (prime for people watching), I will return for coffee and their Chocolate Creme Brulee which was delicious!
What does Masa mean? According to Wikipedia.com:
Masa (Spanish, from Latin massa, "mass") is a dough made by adding water to the harina (flour) of any grain. It is an ancient foodstuff, prepared and used in pre-historic times. For example, an exhibit at the Getty museum includes pottery from the Cycladic cultures (ca. 6500 BC) with decorations showing the entire bread-making process.
Masa of Echo Park
1800 W Sunset BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: (213) 989-1558
http://www.masaofechopark.com/
Speaking of the City, we, along with P, our artist friend from Koreatown, headed to Masa for dinner. It was the first time for all of us at this Echo Park restaurant/bakery. What can I say? I loved the vibe and highly recommend it for late-night coffee dates. There is a "living room" section which reminds me of some great cafes in San Francisco. The tuna nicoise salad, baked minestrone and Scott Pizza were all acceptable but nothing to write home about. Yet given the wonderful vibe and its corner location on Sunset and Lemoyne Streets (prime for people watching), I will return for coffee and their Chocolate Creme Brulee which was delicious!
What does Masa mean? According to Wikipedia.com:
Masa (Spanish, from Latin massa, "mass") is a dough made by adding water to the harina (flour) of any grain. It is an ancient foodstuff, prepared and used in pre-historic times. For example, an exhibit at the Getty museum includes pottery from the Cycladic cultures (ca. 6500 BC) with decorations showing the entire bread-making process.
Masa of Echo Park
1800 W Sunset BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: (213) 989-1558
http://www.masaofechopark.com/
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Paper Trading
Based on my web research thusfar, if one wants to learn to buy, sell and trade stocks, one should learn to do so with "simulated trading" or "paper trading." A website I am excited about is: http://simulator.investopedia.com/. This Forbes subsidiary is helpful in explaining the basics and has a simulator for one to just dip into the pool a bit without the risk of losing her shirt. Happy Investing Yo!
Monday, February 11, 2008
February Summer in SF
Speaking of San Francisco . . . During our trip in SF this past weekend for Chinese New Year, the fam and I stopped by the Mission Dolores Park. After all those rainy, cold dreadful days, there was finally sunshine in the City. (I know about those cold dreary days because I had flown in the weekend before for an event of the California Minority Counsel Program (http://www.cmcp.org/) and was delayed flying to and from SFO). As any good San Franciscan can guess, folks came out to the park in the hundreds to enjoy the much-missed prodigal Sun. It was definitely a crowded Saturday afternoon at Mission Dolores.
A passerby, astounded by the crowds shared with a friend on his cell phone, "It looks like a beach on July 4th in LA." Being an "LA person" now as some SF locals would tag me, I would have to agree. There were bodies upon bodies of friends enjoying picnics, relaxing, sunning on blankets, newspapers, and whatever else is around. There was even a DJ at the top of the hill. Even cooler, San Franciscans with bikes crowded one side of the park while the yuppies with wine and cheese and the ocassional Chihuahua, English Bulldog, Pug, or in my case, a Mini Doxie and Chussel (Chihuhua-Jack Russell), hung out on the other side. At the top of the hill, the loners hung out watching the crowds and in the middle, there is a playground for tiny tots and their parents and pets. It was amazing to be there among so much humanity in a green space.
Hubby asked if the planned Grand Park in downtown LA has the potential of becoming a similar space. Call me negative, but I thought to myself that there is just no way LA can duplicate this. With such diversity and welcoming of the freedom of expression, I just cannot see LA having a space for everyone to enjoy in the same way. All humanity in a city coexisting in a small green space as if you are enjoying your own day at the park with your friends, yet feeling like you are enjoying the same with a park full of your neighbors, it is such moments that make living in San Francisco so special. LA just can duplicate the feeling I got enjoying the park that day. It ain't your momma's fake LV bag she got at Santee Alley. No way. It was truly an authentic, near-Woodstock kind of experience.
After some frolicking in the park, we walked over to Tartine, one of my most favorite bakeries in the City. The fam got a cool outside table and the four of us, two with two legs and the other with four each, devoured a Banana Cream Tart. It is delicious. Moist slices of bananas with a custard and whipped cream atop a cruchy yet flaky crust lined with dark chocolate. It was "Yum-O" (in Rachel Ray's own words). Other favs include the lemon tart and chocolate eclair. Next time, one to try is the Coconut Cream Tart and the Croque Monsier. Double Yum-O. For those interested in checking it out:
Tartine Bakery
600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA - (415) 487-2600
http://www.tartinebakery.com/
A passerby, astounded by the crowds shared with a friend on his cell phone, "It looks like a beach on July 4th in LA." Being an "LA person" now as some SF locals would tag me, I would have to agree. There were bodies upon bodies of friends enjoying picnics, relaxing, sunning on blankets, newspapers, and whatever else is around. There was even a DJ at the top of the hill. Even cooler, San Franciscans with bikes crowded one side of the park while the yuppies with wine and cheese and the ocassional Chihuahua, English Bulldog, Pug, or in my case, a Mini Doxie and Chussel (Chihuhua-Jack Russell), hung out on the other side. At the top of the hill, the loners hung out watching the crowds and in the middle, there is a playground for tiny tots and their parents and pets. It was amazing to be there among so much humanity in a green space.
Hubby asked if the planned Grand Park in downtown LA has the potential of becoming a similar space. Call me negative, but I thought to myself that there is just no way LA can duplicate this. With such diversity and welcoming of the freedom of expression, I just cannot see LA having a space for everyone to enjoy in the same way. All humanity in a city coexisting in a small green space as if you are enjoying your own day at the park with your friends, yet feeling like you are enjoying the same with a park full of your neighbors, it is such moments that make living in San Francisco so special. LA just can duplicate the feeling I got enjoying the park that day. It ain't your momma's fake LV bag she got at Santee Alley. No way. It was truly an authentic, near-Woodstock kind of experience.
After some frolicking in the park, we walked over to Tartine, one of my most favorite bakeries in the City. The fam got a cool outside table and the four of us, two with two legs and the other with four each, devoured a Banana Cream Tart. It is delicious. Moist slices of bananas with a custard and whipped cream atop a cruchy yet flaky crust lined with dark chocolate. It was "Yum-O" (in Rachel Ray's own words). Other favs include the lemon tart and chocolate eclair. Next time, one to try is the Coconut Cream Tart and the Croque Monsier. Double Yum-O. For those interested in checking it out:
Tartine Bakery
600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA - (415) 487-2600
http://www.tartinebakery.com/
Bear or Bull Market
All this talk about the US in a recession is getting me nervous. I am a "Nervous Nelly" to begin with, and now, with the debate of whether we are or are not in a recession being played out in the media each day, the money talk can be a bit overwhelming for a constant worrier like me.
While we are on the subject, Ken and I got a few stock tips from my uncle this past weekend at my family's annual SF Chinese New Year dinner. Uncle A suggested that we buy stock in Wells Fargo, B of A, or any of the other banking outfits flailing in the subprime crisis. He apparently made a ton of money on stocks when he bought bundles for each of his two children shortly after they were born. Good tip to keep in mind . . .
As for the stocks, I am definitely looking into it. I have never owned stocks before and in the past, it was more appropriate for me to flip to the sales or movie sections of the paper before even peeking in the business section, but now that I am getting up there in age, I feel it is time to look toward the future instead of the immediate present and my need for cool jeans for a party tonight. With a cursory (5 minutes tops) search on Google , I found the following websites:
Cool blog about investing written by a Stanford grad with a book deal:
http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com
Blog about solar energy and reference to performance of stock companies:
http://evoenergy.wordpress.com/category/solar-panels/
Scottrade which has an office in Pasadena:
https://trading.scottrade.com
While we are on the subject, Ken and I got a few stock tips from my uncle this past weekend at my family's annual SF Chinese New Year dinner. Uncle A suggested that we buy stock in Wells Fargo, B of A, or any of the other banking outfits flailing in the subprime crisis. He apparently made a ton of money on stocks when he bought bundles for each of his two children shortly after they were born. Good tip to keep in mind . . .
As for the stocks, I am definitely looking into it. I have never owned stocks before and in the past, it was more appropriate for me to flip to the sales or movie sections of the paper before even peeking in the business section, but now that I am getting up there in age, I feel it is time to look toward the future instead of the immediate present and my need for cool jeans for a party tonight. With a cursory (5 minutes tops) search on Google , I found the following websites:
Cool blog about investing written by a Stanford grad with a book deal:
http://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com
Blog about solar energy and reference to performance of stock companies:
http://evoenergy.wordpress.com/category/solar-panels/
Scottrade which has an office in Pasadena:
https://trading.scottrade.com
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