tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4176875308681616072024-02-19T09:34:28.778+08:00Between the linesMusings of a girl who took the midnight train going everywhere.Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-8553799341746289222011-01-14T23:50:00.002+08:002011-01-15T13:36:24.558+08:00Book Review: The Prophecy of the Sisters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxn8wwuMlIwYO7g3wBJF-ixyA0pbSN_XeJ_DrIXxw13YmA4JRQrRIWbOFaj8qU4xg-OFqwKujWqz9BG_Ayeo5rsIvaEfDm2kqiIk8l_g0o2WiDXxfG9tt0DhZhq4IhPUpSzA7LHiyV98c/s1600/65513652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxn8wwuMlIwYO7g3wBJF-ixyA0pbSN_XeJ_DrIXxw13YmA4JRQrRIWbOFaj8qU4xg-OFqwKujWqz9BG_Ayeo5rsIvaEfDm2kqiIk8l_g0o2WiDXxfG9tt0DhZhq4IhPUpSzA7LHiyV98c/s320/65513652.JPG" width="211" /></a></div><b>Author:</b> Michelle Zink<br />
<b>Genre:</b> Historical/Fantasy<br />
<b>Length:</b> 352 pages<br />
<b>Age Range:</b> Young Adult<br />
<b><strong>Publisher:</strong> </b>Little, Brown Books for Young Readers<br />
<b>Publication Date:</b> August 2009<br />
<b>My Rating: </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">★★★ 1/2<i> </i></span> out of 5<br />
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When I came across this title while I was browsing through <i>Barnes and Noble</i> and I became intrigued by the synopsis. A lot of other readers gave it good scores as well, so I picked up a copy for my Nook.<br />
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<i>The Prophecy of the Sisters</i> is the author's debut novel and the first book in the series of the same name. Set in 1890s New York, it tells the story of twin sisters Amalia [Lia] and Alice Milthorpe, orphaned at the beginning of the book. After the death of their father under mysterious circumstances, an equally strange mark appears on Lia's wrist. Readers are then introduced to the Prophecy, to which the destinies of the twin sisters are tied.<br />
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Here is an excerpt from the <i>Barnes and Noble</i> synopsis:<br />
<blockquote>"...Lia, who bears the mark of the Jorgumand (a snake devouring itself) on her wrist, soon learns that she and her twin sister, Alice, are fated to play crucial opposing roles in a mystical struggle that goes back to the dawn of time; unfortunately neither girl is temperamentally suited to the role she has been assigned."</blockquote>I liked the main premise of the story, being fascinated with prophecies and all. According to the author in this <a href="http://www.yatterings.com/2009/10/04/a-gothic-elegance-michelle-zink-interviewed-about-prophecy-of-the-sisters/">interview</a>, the prophecy is based on "...a biblical legend about a legion of angels called the Watchers that were sent to watch over mankind. In the legend, the Watchers fell in love with mortal women and so were banished. After that, they weren’t called the Watchers anymore but the Lost Souls... With that in mind, I fast-forwarded the legend a couple thousand years and asked what would happen if the descendants of those original mortal women had to pay a price for their ancestor’s relationships with the angels..."<br />
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But as with any story, I rely on the characters to pull me in. I consider them the heart and soul of any good work of fiction. One of the things I liked most about the book was how the nature of the characters were slowly revealed. Lia for instance, narrates the story. She is portrayed here as a teenage girl, in love with a boy, but also struggling with other responsibilities as a typical girl would. I like that the author doesn't make her out to be overly naive, or the type who misses out on things that are right in front of her. She is bright and determined, but not overly so, as she also struggles with some self-doubt and fear.<br />
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Also, I absolutely loved how the author portrayed the other sister, Alice. The mystery surrounding her is revealed gradually with an element of darkness, making for your good old love-to-hate antagonist. You get this feeling of being in danger in the presence of Alice as though you are truly seeing through Lia's eyes. But it is still obvious in the story that Alice has her own inner conflicts that she is battling against, that she is not written in <i>just</i> to be the evil counterpart. She does bad things because that is her "real nature", but somehow her love for her sister makes her think twice. Or at least until the end of the first book. It's good that the author also explores the role the relationship between the sisters plays in the unfolding of the Prophecy.<br />
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I think it was the intention of the author to write in the first person perspective so that the reader would feel a deeper connection with Lia. However my problem is that although the story gets really good when exciting events occur, when it's boring it really gets dragging. I actually almost nodded off at one point. There were some parts that were too well-explained, and some parts that were explained only in passing. Some problems also felt too easily and conveniently solved. The ending though really got me to shed tears. The novel is effective in taking readers through Lia's emotional roller coaster but only near the end of the book.<br />
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For the most part, it felt like an extremely long teaser. But all in all, it isn't a bad debut novel. The idea is good, sustained by developing characters. It's interesting enough for me to consider picking up the second book just to see what happens next.Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-35765683193910143802011-01-06T00:48:00.003+08:002011-01-11T09:37:13.298+08:00Wanderlust: The Last Days in Vietnam<i>December 29-30, 2010-- Ho Chi Minh</i><br />
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The city Ho Chi Minh is named after one of the most iconic figures in Vietnamese history. In fact many Vietnamese people worship Ho Chi Minh, giving him god-like stature.<br />
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Ho Chi Minh was born <b>Nguyễn Sinh Cung on</b> May 19, 1890, but is more well-known as <b>Nguyễn Ái Quốc (In Chinese that translates to "Lover of Country")</b>. During his lifetime, he employed more than 30 aliases while he worked and studied all over the world. After the last president Bao Dai (in my <a href="http://clarisseshaina.blogspot.com/2011/01/wanderlust-vietnam-day-3.html">previous post</a>) was ousted, a lot of political chaos ensued before Ho Chi Minh finally became the Chairman of the Communist Party in 1951. At the time, Vietnam was torn into a North side and a South side. In an effort to unite the two sides, Ho Chi Minh established the Democratic Republic Vietnam where he became the Prime Minister in 1946.<br />
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One of the things I like most about him was that he liked playing volleyball, which is also the sport I love playing most. He died on September 3, 1969 while assisting his countrymen in the Vietnam War. By this time, he had lost power as Prime Minister but remained a strong figurehead. When Saigon was recaptured after the war on 1975, they renamed it after him. Obviously such an influential figurehead would have a Museum exhibiting his life and his revolutionary work, and it wouldn't be right for a visitor to pass by Vietnam without visiting a <b>Ho Chi Minh Museum</b>. There are museums scattered all over the country, where children can come for educational trips, and visitors may learn more about Ho Chi Minh.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nfpCobPG1WUt71FrbWWMPZogW8Nm7nlPBoG1J_8iv6C98EtsBuW3s0ho0jLxrOOIad1RbOHeZlDs9v9bRu5CKzcO6OTqLWWe3NB4rI70g2uWgooXkVWqJ9Alhg-47b7Zykev-pLCpF0/s1600/HCM+Museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nfpCobPG1WUt71FrbWWMPZogW8Nm7nlPBoG1J_8iv6C98EtsBuW3s0ho0jLxrOOIad1RbOHeZlDs9v9bRu5CKzcO6OTqLWWe3NB4rI70g2uWgooXkVWqJ9Alhg-47b7Zykev-pLCpF0/s640/HCM+Museum.jpg" width="595" /></a><br />
Ho Chi Minh is mostly known for its colonial architecture and pagodas.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhwxA_tvQDqfA_esAxYiHLL0FSlPVmUBKCjyFRoiAfikpjm3-m0rgzidRDSKmftZs0a1RBaVWnU2R9B9uM7ej3ttDhzKMKwSAqasppDHmNQjItcYgjTk80W9oqQNMj-eC6PIeyoJ8NoM/s1600/IMG_4348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhwxA_tvQDqfA_esAxYiHLL0FSlPVmUBKCjyFRoiAfikpjm3-m0rgzidRDSKmftZs0a1RBaVWnU2R9B9uM7ej3ttDhzKMKwSAqasppDHmNQjItcYgjTk80W9oqQNMj-eC6PIeyoJ8NoM/s320/IMG_4348.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>One of the most famous landmarks is that of the <b>Reunification Palace</b> (so named after North and South Vietnam reached a truce). Before, it was called the Independence Palace, where the president of South Vietnam worked and lived during the Vietnam War. The whole lot is 12 hectares big, and the palace facade itself is 80 meters wide. There are many spacious sitting rooms, conference and meeting rooms, and even a very retro-looking gambling room. The Palace is said to have more than a hundred rooms. The main stairs itself is sealed off from the use of visitors, as it was restored after it was bombed in warfare. The Palace also has an underground war room and bomb shelter, where the family of the President would run to hide in in case of an attack. On the ground floor, in the hallway across the kitchen and past one of the courtyard doors, a father-daughter team set up shop selling locally made traditional musical instruments. The instruments themselves are interesting to play, and with proper practice, the music produced is rather pleasing to the ears.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5QDJlciHFzQmY-864I4Delm0gybtixtYjKsh649x4Wb_NiMFOgjXHrGqeMF9iDf25RHUJqF7iUqSj5yJV00MuJTC3IpBkbqGHf_oYtROxyuzj4YpJka9jhTKx2nQetLONf1SAHKlD0U/s1600/DAME.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5QDJlciHFzQmY-864I4Delm0gybtixtYjKsh649x4Wb_NiMFOgjXHrGqeMF9iDf25RHUJqF7iUqSj5yJV00MuJTC3IpBkbqGHf_oYtROxyuzj4YpJka9jhTKx2nQetLONf1SAHKlD0U/s320/DAME.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Vietnam also has its own version of the <b>Notre Dame Cathedral</b>. It was established by the French colonists around the 1860s. It has two bell towers reaching a height of 190 feet. All the materials used to build the Cathedral was imported from France. The reddish bricks are from Marseille. The Cathedral was built to showcase the magnificence of Catholicism and French civilization among the people of Vietnam. Vietnam currently has the fifth largest Catholic population in Asia.<br />
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Interestingly, in 2005, the statue of the Virgin Mary was reported to have shed tears, running down the right cheek of the statue's face. Thousands of people flocked to the area to see the phenomenon. However, the top clergy of the Catholic Church in Vietnam dismissed the matter and stated that the Virgin Mary in fact did not really shed tears. For several days after that announcement, many people still went to the area to see the statue, often causing heavy traffic around the Cathedra, as the people were too many for traffic enforcers to handle.<br />
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The Cathedral is located downtown, right across the <b>Saigon Central Post Office</b>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0895LVpL1I4oouC2oNopU4Mo6lzcP7yv53LpVGP_qjin9sUXUaALC368Vq078ZlJwsrVZv8wdjoKAWpqhiJjvzlb6Ad0N_seCiDoK4H3mde1yuCF2czaVdQuR0UPVKtd8f4V1p8yrtE/s1600/Post+office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0895LVpL1I4oouC2oNopU4Mo6lzcP7yv53LpVGP_qjin9sUXUaALC368Vq078ZlJwsrVZv8wdjoKAWpqhiJjvzlb6Ad0N_seCiDoK4H3mde1yuCF2czaVdQuR0UPVKtd8f4V1p8yrtE/s320/Post+office.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Aside from being a place to mail letters, the post office is also home to a souvenir shop which sells stamps and fridge magnets of Vietnamese landmarks and traditional outfits. There are two sets of stamps being sold inside, one older (I forget the range of the years), and one with stamps that have been more recently produced. The stamps sold are interesting and colorful in that they have drawings of the many different ethnic groups and minorities that live in Vietnam. They come in a book with plastic panels where the stamp is kept covered and flat, for the benefit of stamp-collectors and fans.<br />
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Here are some of the other places we visited in Ho Chi Minh:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGtuMIikFGW5ztR07Q4Y0XBpnUQlHnXPJpqsFZEPawtbF_16dCVlV0yev2x2rYOd58PKCEc37A2mwxloa3DG5IyTdieNJVvXYskt3Al2eHlTlgb7c0uYN_OjzZ-WJw7LcmzpPwJa8mxk/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGtuMIikFGW5ztR07Q4Y0XBpnUQlHnXPJpqsFZEPawtbF_16dCVlV0yev2x2rYOd58PKCEc37A2mwxloa3DG5IyTdieNJVvXYskt3Al2eHlTlgb7c0uYN_OjzZ-WJw7LcmzpPwJa8mxk/s640/Untitled-1.jpg" width="595" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we visited the <b>War Remnants Museum</b>, I caught a glimpse of the ugliest effects of war that fell upon a generation of Vietnamese people that had nothing to do with it. The special photography exhibit in the museum at the time of our visit was about the effects of the US Army's Agent Orange dioxin to the descendants, not only of the Vietnamese soldiers, but for the American soldiers in the Vietnam War as well. There were so many haunting and horrible photos of disfigured children that make you stop and wonder why there needs to be war and cruelty! The things people come up with to harm others can only end in tragedy for all parties. But I'll save my thoughts on that for another post before this one gets too long.</div><br />
To end this post are some interesting <b>food finds</b> in Ho Chi Minh:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnq3x6chMAVgl-LHNin1M-auTTHoWR_npLCOiwe0rAspnwZrbmUl2WRQOSIy06JGWqPJ3au5qnGtzWaBbKLmZKcRbSjsT0oSIU0jvoTLgvgc90d3Xz8YKlO7KxBWlx84QxXt-nLImE_I/s1600/Eats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnq3x6chMAVgl-LHNin1M-auTTHoWR_npLCOiwe0rAspnwZrbmUl2WRQOSIy06JGWqPJ3au5qnGtzWaBbKLmZKcRbSjsT0oSIU0jvoTLgvgc90d3Xz8YKlO7KxBWlx84QxXt-nLImE_I/s1600/Eats.jpg" /></a></div>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-16643240640328936362011-01-05T18:44:00.003+08:002011-01-11T09:37:26.565+08:00Wanderlust: Vietnam Day 4<i>December 28, 2010-- Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh</i><br />
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Driving back to Ho Chi Minh will take 8 hours by car, or in our case, by bus, so we spent most of our time in transport. When we got there it was nighttime already. However, we did stop by some places to stretch our legs and look around.<br />
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Ahead of leaving Da Lat, don't forget to get a taste of the Vietnamese green apples. I munched on these for a couple of days during breakfast and they are as sweet as they are tiny! It's one of the things I'm actually missing now that I'm back home.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02WZnhkvWxm6WeBk86VFyc8Sy_sDGuvnBrBU8ac_uLJA9AtQA-xUQaoi4KG9XKvNqEhpG9IlnhGF2ltlrALZsBE3heC8t0K-2u5uPU3NmNEQHWUH-v3CrwidWjwEkH-um-GCPS96WLK8/s1600/Viet+apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02WZnhkvWxm6WeBk86VFyc8Sy_sDGuvnBrBU8ac_uLJA9AtQA-xUQaoi4KG9XKvNqEhpG9IlnhGF2ltlrALZsBE3heC8t0K-2u5uPU3NmNEQHWUH-v3CrwidWjwEkH-um-GCPS96WLK8/s640/Viet+apples.jpg" width="595" /></a></div><br />
Before exiting Da Lat proper, we stopped by the Prenn Mountain Pass, which boasts the <b>Prenn Waterfalls </b>of Da Lat. If you've been to visit other waterfalls (ie. Yosemite Falls, Niagara Falls), this one is a far cry interms of being spectacular, as it is a relatively low waterfall. However the misty air near the falls is nice, especially when you stand on the bridge behind the waterfalls. There are a few things to do around the area, like archery or elephant and ostrich riding.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuruxyriB58n4vUPuMylAKx7zO5e0TCNp86xtyJncQ6o21RkTLaSLk8dvLyWRCMo3OU1NGrAz6TJllV_DyMTRSSsg5c1B863GasceuLxN_8a9boA9zw3xELflt7zz0aVwnD7f4enoFP8/s1600/Prenn+Pass+and+Falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="413" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuruxyriB58n4vUPuMylAKx7zO5e0TCNp86xtyJncQ6o21RkTLaSLk8dvLyWRCMo3OU1NGrAz6TJllV_DyMTRSSsg5c1B863GasceuLxN_8a9boA9zw3xELflt7zz0aVwnD7f4enoFP8/s640/Prenn+Pass+and+Falls.jpg" width="595" /></a></div><br />
An hour before lunch time, we arrived at the <a href="http://www.tamchau.com/default.aspx"><b>Tam Chau Tea and Coffee Company</b></a>. One of the major products of Da Lat are tea and coffee, and you can see many people here letting coffee beans dry under the sun outside their houses. Vietnam in general is known for their coffee, and the Tam Chau company is one of the biggest importers and makers of tea and coffee in the country.<br />
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The store itself is very spacious and impressive, with a restaurant at the back where we had lunch later on. Aside from their famous <b>Atiso Artichoke Tea</b>, they also sell different types of peanut brittle, candied strawberries, mulberries and tamarind. They also have the dried vegetable chips similar to the one I <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ne__WQWyrGjUnUXHFzxts3bmFhNQ83bOu9rE0Buhz1Jj5dFvwes82FYk5RfbL82l3MEZZ_dA0ESKwMaSBRWnzLM_wvJ5qv-E69U4c-Ub7o9OUn64KvlGLTlV03Lc2JpOaJmaZ3puDyc/s1600/Ben+Thanhs.jpg">photographed</a> from <a href="http://clarisseshaina.blogspot.com/2011/01/wanderlust-vietnam-day-1.html">Vietnam Day 1</a>, although here, the products are noticeably fresher as it is closer to the source. In comparison, the products found in the markets of Ho Chi Minh City have traveled from one of these factories and have been stored possibly for days before reaching end consumers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLM-eWA9o5o1a7v-veasYxoRSezbEbwwG-hdcMhITpDOEPXU-BHM2qHjwFvTbjriHcMTr6e3h_5BS939wftoFCm47iFBBomaiRXXak0j6ncUEExmSU6l7xSm4TkIFlZBpmLrlHaJsuVTw/s1600/TAM+Chau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="641" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLM-eWA9o5o1a7v-veasYxoRSezbEbwwG-hdcMhITpDOEPXU-BHM2qHjwFvTbjriHcMTr6e3h_5BS939wftoFCm47iFBBomaiRXXak0j6ncUEExmSU6l7xSm4TkIFlZBpmLrlHaJsuVTw/s640/TAM+Chau.jpg" width="595" /></a></div>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-72599713165509453412011-01-04T22:07:00.002+08:002011-01-11T09:37:32.015+08:00Wanderlust: Vietnam Day 3<i>December 27, 2010-- Da Lat City</i><br />
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The 13th and final king of Vietnam's Nguyen Dynasty was a man named <b>Bảo Đại</b> (born Nguyen Phúc Vĩnh Thụy) and we went to his <b>Summer Palace</b> early in the morning. Much of the interior and furniture were preserved, and efforts have been made to beautify and further maintain the exterior of the Palace. We were given a glimpse of the lifestyle of the Vietnamese ruler. We were able to observe as well some of the practices of the Vietnamese royal families, like how the children dined in a back room separate from the King and Queen, as only the crown prince, the eldest son, was permitted to dine with the parents.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/vi/thumb/8/8b/Baodai2.jpg/300px-Baodai2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/vi/thumb/8/8b/Baodai2.jpg/300px-Baodai2.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://community.vietfun.com/">VietFun</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>King Bao Dai ruled from 1926-1945. He was born on 22 October 1913 and died on 30 July 1997 in a military hospital in Paris, where he was living with his last wife who was French. His first wife, <b>Marie-Thérèse Nguyễn</b> (given the title of Empress in 1945), was said to be the most beautiful woman of Indochina during her time. He had five children with her, but he also had children with his girlfriends and his other wives. He married three other women while he was married to his first one as opposed to previous kings who married more, but he did have many other girlfriends. After the death of his first wife, he went to France and married Monique Baudot.<br />
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The summer palace was actually built for him as a gift from the French, which is why many people accused him of sympathizing with the French too much. He was ousted from position in 1955. Bao Dai spent most of his childhood studying in France. When he eventually ascended to the throne, many people perceived him to be a "puppet king" for the French.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirelv_MpJEocaRfY7HDdhyH8UrqlF56jBsqjgFthKeRn0nbY9hXLPyfH6QWOvPYTKKeZcQLspXa_iGK3HD4QKT33s7bmp63kCW-F-MgJh9RSQ0WpBP_WxgHufnFJjweMKssQCTfpt13Lk/s1600/King+Bao+Dai%2527s+Summer+Palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirelv_MpJEocaRfY7HDdhyH8UrqlF56jBsqjgFthKeRn0nbY9hXLPyfH6QWOvPYTKKeZcQLspXa_iGK3HD4QKT33s7bmp63kCW-F-MgJh9RSQ0WpBP_WxgHufnFJjweMKssQCTfpt13Lk/s640/King+Bao+Dai%2527s+Summer+Palace.jpg" width="595" /></a></div><br />
Inside the palace there is a room that allows guests to pay to dress up in traditional costumes of Vietnamese emperors and empresses. Be careful though as the photographers here snap a lot of photos and you might end up paying for more than you intended. Then again, if you do want to have a lot of photos taken and buy everything, have someone who can speak Vietnamese help you bring down the price.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTtSs5DQH_B01Pc3ktN-2P4oHEs4e6xySMNY4-i634krHJXnfrBNDlb_PLHKl2nVfANY6ZO5ZqS9NTlFDn7umOH-fs0Ulf5yAiPrWZx3uPSIH0dRuNnTCUk4y47PIk2-HJTR6aIIskKo/s1600/Tuyen+Lam+Forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTtSs5DQH_B01Pc3ktN-2P4oHEs4e6xySMNY4-i634krHJXnfrBNDlb_PLHKl2nVfANY6ZO5ZqS9NTlFDn7umOH-fs0Ulf5yAiPrWZx3uPSIH0dRuNnTCUk4y47PIk2-HJTR6aIIskKo/s320/Tuyen+Lam+Forest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>True to the Asian love for myths and legends, the Tuyen Lam Lake has many stories surrounding it, most ending in tragedy with the heroine dying for her true love. Riding a small <s>deafening</s> motored boat across the Tuyen Lam Lake, we visited the silent <b>Tuyen Lam Forest</b>. They say the sound of the forest is similar to that of the sighing man. The forest is known among birdwatchers and has many hidden trails and pathways. However you can opt to ride the elephant, which will take you on a tour around the forest. I personally didn't ride the elephant because it looked sad. Haha!<br />
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After the boat-ride back, the next location we went to was<b> Love Lake</b>, but first we passed by the <b>Truc Lam Temple</b> and its pagodas. If you've been to Japan or China, the pagodas in the temple are small compared to the majestic ones in those countries, but their designs are lovely nonetheless. The temple has many of the city's lovely flowers, and following a path to the back will lead you to a view of the Love Lake. You have to option of going down to get a closer view of the lake, or you can spin back around to the entrance where you can purchase some accessories, dried vegetable and fruit chips, or ice cream!<br />
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The last place we visited was the <b>Da Lat Flower Park</b>. As I mentioned, Da Lat is known as the "City of Flowers" so it makes sense that they have quite a few Flower Parks in the city. This particular one houses about 300 different kinds of flowers, from the exotic to the native. All the flowers are labeled by their common and scientific names.<br />
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<b>Some extra notes:</b><br />
The chicken curry from the Sammy Hotel's <b>Sunrise Restaurant</b> was one of my favorite dishes during our stay in Da Lat. The Vietnamese have a habit of dipping their crunchy French bread into curry dishes and they are absolutely scrumptious!<br />
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The Da Lat night market is located in the <b>Hoa Binh Zone</b>, in the area around Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Le Dai Hanh Street and Tang Bat Ho Street, within walking distance of many restaurants. (<a href="http://en.skydoor.net/entry/Exploring_night_market_in_Dalat_City_Vietnam/333">Source</a>)Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-85375625595135397802011-01-04T18:17:00.003+08:002011-01-11T09:37:43.959+08:00Wanderlust: Vietnam Day 2<i>December 26, 2010-- Da Lat City</i><br />
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<i></i>I might have employed four different sleeping positions during the ride to Da Lat. This is the first time I slept in a bus overnight, having had spent nights in a plane (where there's really no other choice but to recline your seat), and a train (where I had a bed). Having two empty bus seats to yourself can really test your <s>flexibility</s> creativity.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wikitravel.org/upload/en/b/b3/Dalat_PetitParis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://wikitravel.org/upload/en/b/b3/Dalat_PetitParis.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Dalat">WikiTravel</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>We left Ho Chi Minh at 10PM and arrived at around half past 5 local time (GMT +7 because Vietnam is operating on Daylight Savings Time). It was soooo cold my teeth started chattering on its own. I would guess it was about 15 degrees at the time, a vast drop in temperature from Ho Chi Minh's 30 degrees.<br />
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Da literally translates to "stream" while Lat is the name of the minority group that settled around the area. So Da Lat actually means "stream of the Lat people".<br />
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They call Da Lat "<b>The City of Flowers</b>" because a lot of different and rare flowers bloom here, mainly due to the weather. But it is also <b>"the</b> <b>City With Four Seasons In A Day"</b>: Mid to late morning is said to be springtime, while lunchtime to the early afternoon is summer. As soon as it hits 4PM to 6PM, autumn arrives (my favorite season!). Evening to early morning would then be wintertime. Da Lat also prides itself in being <i><b>"Le Petit Paris"</b></i>, even erecting a smaller Eiffel Tower in the small town. In the past, the French and Vietnamese Heads of State would come to the city to escape the heat of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh) and to vacation or relax.<br />
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We stayed at the <a href="http://www.hotelmaivang.com/"><b>Mai Vang Hotel</b></a> (3 stars). The thing about picking hotels for me is that, it doesn't have to be a five-star hotel, but it can't be anything close to the nightmarish <i>Travelodge Motels </i>(had the misfortune of staying in one during a trip to the US). As long as the room and the bed is clean to sleep in, and the bathroom is clean with water heaters, it's okay with me. Fortunately, the WiFi is actually quite fast in the hotel, and is inclusive in the room fees <s>unlike in some five-star hotels I've stayed in</s>.<br />
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After breakfast and freshening up, our first stop was at <b>Đồi Mộng Mơ (Hills of Dreams)</b>, a popular tourist spot in Da Lat. There are quite a few flower and bonsai arrangements all over the area, as well as some relics, statues and a wishing tree. In one of the old houses there is a table that is said to spin left or right by sheer mind-power.<br />
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Across the street is the <b>Su Quan Historical Village</b>, which houses a lot of magnificent needleworks by <b>XQ Embroidery</b>. They look like paintings and are extremely <s>expensive</s> intricate, each taking at least two months to finish. Photos aren't allowed in the showroom. In the backyard of the Historical Village is a quaint little cafe-restaurant where they serve fried sweet potatoes, mushrooms and tea (all must-try's).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHjyhDyBj2Hy0LzwYhAcvvLj0zk5slG-R8UZdmj1bdvM9fQh4y70qGNAt5v9uHLVXI_SefrK2anJWu2rqEZt7aXgfoIUf5hCeEjuttej5cbFmQZdQDHC9E7hyG-Ke-_40LJBRNNPId4s/s1600/Su+Quan+Village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHjyhDyBj2Hy0LzwYhAcvvLj0zk5slG-R8UZdmj1bdvM9fQh4y70qGNAt5v9uHLVXI_SefrK2anJWu2rqEZt7aXgfoIUf5hCeEjuttej5cbFmQZdQDHC9E7hyG-Ke-_40LJBRNNPId4s/s640/Su+Quan+Village.jpg" width="595" /></a></div><br />
After having lunch, we headed over to the <b>Domain de-Marie Church</b>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFY2Mt1_9owWZjdJAELktFnlapjMgXkKWtY9TbSPSp3C7X2Gbn6oZnZHPPvkC7FXxlS4pnVDIb57wT7-eNqDqz5KLZ7dOBkNZa-8tHhOIHeFzkLqpMJZOPEjo01j1o-0NWFIlXkCjHKA/s1600/Domain+de+Marie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFY2Mt1_9owWZjdJAELktFnlapjMgXkKWtY9TbSPSp3C7X2Gbn6oZnZHPPvkC7FXxlS4pnVDIb57wT7-eNqDqz5KLZ7dOBkNZa-8tHhOIHeFzkLqpMJZOPEjo01j1o-0NWFIlXkCjHKA/s320/Domain+de+Marie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Church was built through the generosity of Suzanne Humbert, wife of the French governor-general from 1940-1945. This was her favorite place of worship and so when she passed away in 1944 from a car accident, she was buried in the Church grounds in accordance with her will. The Church is now home to French-speaking nuns. At the side of the church is a small store that sells handmade sweaters, bonnets, trenchcoats and scarves, which are made by the nuns themselves, and are quite lovely and cheap. There are also dried foods and crackers being sold. Proceeds from purchases benefit the nuns.<br />
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Da Lat is a small city. You can get to one place from another in less than 20 minutes by car.<br />
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We drove to Da Lat's Highlands, specifically to <b>Lang Biang Mountain</b>, to get a better view of the city. You can either hike up to the top of the mountain, or hire a Russian jeep-driving man to take you there in less time. The view is fantastic and peaceful, as the sunlight makes the city's famous Golden Stream Lake sparkle and mirror-like. They also sell some rabbit, crocodile and snake meat up top if you're feeling gastronomically adventurous.<br />
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Having a taste of the <b>Golden Stream Lake</b>'s magnificence from afar wasn't enough, so we drove over to see it up close. The grasslands, pine trees and gardens surrounding the lake was so picturesque it was hard not to want to just sit down with a good book and the breeze blowing over your head. Golden Stream Lake is situated in the Golden Valley, and consists of two smaller lakes (Dankia and Ankroet). Walking around with the grass on your feet and the wind caressing your face, it is very difficult not to fall in love with the serenity and beauty of this place.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1KcpQYDxFFFuwprfUsC3HA5nftRTcXlu0yacw5thTGMQ0dqyYV60R4ocHGcgfUqYQJDuFFQ6tFID5PTIQXOc__nfDWu_YfVIRWl15PyI9NWCpps5mFNdx7x0NNndIxqwQeXHzq6aiuo/s1600/Golden+Stream+Lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1KcpQYDxFFFuwprfUsC3HA5nftRTcXlu0yacw5thTGMQ0dqyYV60R4ocHGcgfUqYQJDuFFQ6tFID5PTIQXOc__nfDWu_YfVIRWl15PyI9NWCpps5mFNdx7x0NNndIxqwQeXHzq6aiuo/s640/Golden+Stream+Lake.jpg" width="595" /></a></div>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-70970555481251160802011-01-02T00:47:00.010+08:002011-01-11T09:39:54.344+08:00Wanderlust: Vietnam Day 1<i>December 25, 2010-- Ho Chi Minh to Da Lat</i><br />
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This post took longer than I intended because I was distracted by the Liverpool-Bolton match [which we won]!<br />
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We arrived in Ho Chi Minh in the early morning even though we were to take a bus at 10PM the same evening for the 8-hour drive to Da Lat City. There wasn't much to do except take a look around and shop.<br />
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Be warned that there aren't many tourist spot photos in this post just yet, which means it'll be heavier on words. I'll be writing about some observations about Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam in general.<br />
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<a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs047.snc6/167793_487983673653_605788653_5747529_7796155_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs047.snc6/167793_487983673653_605788653_5747529_7796155_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><b>One.</b> If you ever wondered where the motorbiking capital of the world is, look no further. I would guess that the ratio of cars to motorbikes in the city is about 1:3. They could well form an army and invade the free world. This photo by a friend of mine, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/vic.sison">Vic Sison</a>, proves the point. The riders have this stop-for-no-one-and-nothing attitude. There's a running joke that the technique to crossing the streets in Vietnam is <s>suicide</s> by closing your eyes and just going straight forward. It's a little like being in <i>Frogger</i>.<br />
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<b>Two. </b>How do I describe <i>tiếng Việt</i>? It's a little difficult to pinpoint the origin of their language what with their letters full of diacritics. At times, it sounds like Cantonese and Korean thrown together. According to Wikipedia, Vietnamese is borrowed from Chinese/Cantonese but has changed over the years due in part to French influences during their approximately 100 years of colonization. To give you an idea, in Mandarin, the Romaji word for "middle" is "zhōng", while in Vietnamese it is "trung".<br />
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<b>Three.</b> Whenever I visit new countries, I enjoy taking their Subway or trains. Vietnam is not there yet in terms of development, so your best bet to going places is by taxi. The cabs come in two sizes: smaller ones can seat four people while the bigger ones can seat around seven. There are a lot of rumors about cheating cab drivers in Vietnam so always check that you're meter starts from the base rate, which at the moment is at 10,500₫. According to a Vietnamese friend, when choosing your ride, always pick the cabs that have repeating serial numbers (ie. 356 88 88 88) as these are the more legitimate cab companies. Personally, I like the <i>VinaSun</i> Cabs as they also have agents wearing bright blue polos and red neckties who assist you. Another good company is the <i>Mai Linh</i> Cab Company.<br />
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Most cab drivers cannot speak English so it's better if you have the name and the address of your destination written down for him. Ask for your hotel's calling card if you have to. There are around 24 Districts in Ho Chi Minh. Note that some establishments may have several branches located in several different districts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://library.thinkquest.org/07aug/01648/Pics/vietnam%20dong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://library.thinkquest.org/07aug/01648/Pics/vietnam%20dong.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Four.</b> If you want to be a billionaire that badly, this is a good place to fulfill that fantasy. The currency is called the Vietnam Dong (VND/₫), and their denominations are in the 000s. The smallest amount they have on coin is 200₫ (I don't think you can buy anything with that), and the largest is 500,000₫. Php1 is equal to around 445₫, or about 19,500₫ to a dollar. I'm not used to such a huge denomination and so I always carry a small calculator with me to compute between currencies. Take note that most establishments in the country do not accept credit cards, so make sure you always have at least a million Dong in your pocket, and lots more if you're planning to go on a shopping spree. Food and most items in the flee market are extremely cheap.<br />
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<b>Five.</b> Since we're already in the topic of shopping, Vietnam is very famous for its imitations of luxury items, mostly because the quality of their products are much better compared to those made in China. However, some luxury imitations are priced higher than others possibly because they are overruns. The secret to any flee market is haggling like there's no tomorrow. Chances are you can get them to go down by at least 30% of the sales price. I reckon that's what my Mum loves most about shopping in flee markets-- the challenge of getting the seller to surrender to the buyer's demands. However since most Vietnamese don't speak English well, haggling is a little difficult (and mostly funny), but manageable.<br />
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There are two popular shopping areas in Ho Chi Minh, both located in District 1 (also known as the wealthiest district). The first one we went to is <b><i>Saigon Square</i></b>. There are actually two, an old one and a new one, aptly named Saigon Square 1 and 2.<br />
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As you can see, Saigon Square 1 is less spacious and modern than the new one. Also the air-conditioning is much better in #2, not to mention there is FREE WI-FI. Among the "brands" that are sold here are Zara, Mango, Gucci, Burberry, Aldo, Esprit, Armani and the like.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBX8PK5YJskd6SgKkLTDBAHlHzbABHlsm9HLskWG59EjQuXKpTFIb3FBw6J7atKTICXy9Cwu_32ESUTXEeVRni_kV5_Ud5MUAZvCy9FbTMvHeP-PNbbyg3fsswlvkU2t6BK_iXs3QI9E/s1600/Holding+court.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBX8PK5YJskd6SgKkLTDBAHlHzbABHlsm9HLskWG59EjQuXKpTFIb3FBw6J7atKTICXy9Cwu_32ESUTXEeVRni_kV5_Ud5MUAZvCy9FbTMvHeP-PNbbyg3fsswlvkU2t6BK_iXs3QI9E/s320/Holding+court.jpg" width="320" /></a>One of the interesting things I found here is the Quilling Paper products by the company <i><b>VietNet</b></i>. They have small stalls on the second floor of both Saigon Squares. These handicrafts are very pretty and uncommon and would probably make for good gifts. On the right is a photo I set up for fun of the Chinese Zodiac Quilling Paper statues my Dad bought. Aren't they just adorable to collect? They are all made of paper rolled into small circles. Quite intricate and impressive really. They also have bookmarks, keychains and decorative pictures made out of quilling paper. Very nice works of art, in my opinion.<br />
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Another shopping spot is the <i><b>Bến Thành Market</b></i> where you can buy dried foods and herbs. The dried jackfruit chips are one of my favorites. A well-known brand in Vietnam is their <a href="http://www.trung-nguyen-online.com/"><i>Trung Nguyen</i></a> Coffee, particularly the one they call G7 3 in 1 Coffee Mix. It's in no way related to G6 of the Far East Movement (Was that supposed to be a joke?). The iced coffee is one of the most sought-after treats in the country. Most people would buy coffee beans to brew on their own, and then add a little bit of condensed milk and ice. Thumbs up!<br />
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Again, bargain. Bargain. Bargain.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ne__WQWyrGjUnUXHFzxts3bmFhNQ83bOu9rE0Buhz1Jj5dFvwes82FYk5RfbL82l3MEZZ_dA0ESKwMaSBRWnzLM_wvJ5qv-E69U4c-Ub7o9OUn64KvlGLTlV03Lc2JpOaJmaZ3puDyc/s1600/Ben+Thanhs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="631" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ne__WQWyrGjUnUXHFzxts3bmFhNQ83bOu9rE0Buhz1Jj5dFvwes82FYk5RfbL82l3MEZZ_dA0ESKwMaSBRWnzLM_wvJ5qv-E69U4c-Ub7o9OUn64KvlGLTlV03Lc2JpOaJmaZ3puDyc/s640/Ben+Thanhs.jpg" width="595" /></a><br />
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In case you're wondering, it's best not to buy "original" branded items or gadgets in this country because they are really expensive. Your best bet remains to be Hong Kong. It's also good to remember to always keep your belongings where you can see them- just to be safe- especially when you're walking through crowded flee markets or even the streets.<br />
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<b>Six.</b> Vietnam is very famous for its Phở. For lunch, our Vietnamese friend took us out to eat some Beef Pho in some noodle shop (the name of which escapes me). For dinner, we went to a restaurant called Co Do Restaurant in District 5. I cannot attempt to name the dishes because my attention span for Vietnamese words is low even if I tried lol. I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves. Click for the BIGGER, YUMMIER version.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VctEOspKBeQVLnEi-6Qc0dJWiua-f-3smLM8qoxxbnWJZ2a29JZwe5SFa1cDMrqMeXcZLRS8wF0wAJ45ADwvbUBCIZFJqDaEkyDC4K7JV3MYhAAzEeYVihiqhp8-nnZ8VrIUiX4WPk4/s1600/FOOD%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VctEOspKBeQVLnEi-6Qc0dJWiua-f-3smLM8qoxxbnWJZ2a29JZwe5SFa1cDMrqMeXcZLRS8wF0wAJ45ADwvbUBCIZFJqDaEkyDC4K7JV3MYhAAzEeYVihiqhp8-nnZ8VrIUiX4WPk4/s640/FOOD%2521.jpg" width="595" /></a></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">*Co Do restaurant</em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;"> 361 An Duong Vuong St., Ward 3, District 5, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Ho Chi</em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;"> Minh city</span>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-41747457949033046222010-12-22T13:24:00.002+08:002010-12-22T13:32:13.833+08:00Ho ho ho!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am really loving that song Train performed for Coca-Cola. It has the brand jingle all over it. It reminds me of the World Cup (which I sorely miss). Coke has really done something with that little jingle. Since people generally shy away from ads, they incorporated it into something people actually like- MUSIC. And now the tune is attributed to them. Smart move!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtz0D5DBaYrX1mFqBN_CAW7AX4F5LuRrNcu-tv8z1TYmz07ePtTZvbghpaaUhHtRZh05om9vMufZq1nKia91uTJEXWv2hfis2QZQJLo0a9dGi92gT99p8bLyQH4DNlx2lqKnIQbszq39Q/s1600/football.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtz0D5DBaYrX1mFqBN_CAW7AX4F5LuRrNcu-tv8z1TYmz07ePtTZvbghpaaUhHtRZh05om9vMufZq1nKia91uTJEXWv2hfis2QZQJLo0a9dGi92gT99p8bLyQH4DNlx2lqKnIQbszq39Q/s400/football.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>As we are now in the topic of the World Cup, I would just like to express my fondness towards the <b>Philippine National Football Team</b>. Although they did not manage to move on to the Final of the AFF Suzuki Cup, they did get to the semifinals despite the lack of training, decent training grounds, funds and sponsors. I am so proud of them for what they have achieved under the circumstances! As a true fan of football, I also like what they have done for the beautiful game in this nation that loves too much boxing and basketball. People who never watched football and know/care nothing about it tuned in to cheer for the team. I could only wish they [the players] can see this. But at the moment, they do not have a Home Stadium to call their own. All the previous games have been away in Vietnam and Indonesia. Don't even ask me how I feel about that. I can tell you I've been discussing it on Twitter with a good friend, and we are beyond unhappy.<br />
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I was supposed to go the cinema today to watch <b><i>The Fighter</i></b> today, because I wanted to write a review for this blog (Obviously the blog has been quiet as of late). The closest cinema to my house belongs to an SM Mall, and they took off the movie from their lineup all of a sudden! They should change their tagline from "We got it all for you!", because they certainly DO NOT. As if I needed any more reason to dislike the SM Corporation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg26tCTi-hVV5DRZ-oOJWPb4hiB-C26-lmg4ee79LJ6FKQeRg24sBX5uUlOu9Nq1t0hTWLzKEoG_5ciTwzQLiZZgMQD4_yzjZUGunXkHVEi0fjMhsc-Fqfz5ZTt9pKWXdep2ulzldz8Gw/s1600/IMG_3836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg26tCTi-hVV5DRZ-oOJWPb4hiB-C26-lmg4ee79LJ6FKQeRg24sBX5uUlOu9Nq1t0hTWLzKEoG_5ciTwzQLiZZgMQD4_yzjZUGunXkHVEi0fjMhsc-Fqfz5ZTt9pKWXdep2ulzldz8Gw/s400/IMG_3836.JPG" width="400" /></a>In other news, a few days ago my brother and I tried making these Cake Pops I saw from the <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/category/pops-bites/cake-pops/">Bakerella website</a>. These little treats have been getting some major attention. I even saw Bakerella in the <i>Today Show</i>. Unfortunately it was a great failure! And a traumatizing one at that! I guess I couldn't find the right kind of chocolate for dipping. We managed to make these three <s>decent</s> sad-looking ones. In any case...<br />
<b>HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!</b> :)Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-43397278207514999962010-12-06T14:13:00.005+08:002010-12-06T14:37:05.808+08:00Funny things for the week ended December 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">One.</span></b> Spartan Grill</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ricOt5sEubSdFXwB_c0nYVR54MRjj3uxKvVThHfmOC0eWyN8lTxTewjKSVWV0euCiMQFn3yeznKTq5SPtavzQZ69yO9T0VJA9SjO0vcGyp6Hfsek82gpCmDwP-csyOrrE9k5mPH68KM/s1600/Ahoo%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ricOt5sEubSdFXwB_c0nYVR54MRjj3uxKvVThHfmOC0eWyN8lTxTewjKSVWV0euCiMQFn3yeznKTq5SPtavzQZ69yO9T0VJA9SjO0vcGyp6Hfsek82gpCmDwP-csyOrrE9k5mPH68KM/s320/Ahoo%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Saw this in traffic on my way to Eastwood. I know 300 became quite iconic but this is just absolutely hilarious! Well for me anyway.<br />
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AHOO! AHOO! AHOO!!!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Two. </span></b>Auto Correct FAIL<br />
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Spent a good hour just laughing at this <a href="http://damnyouautocorrect.com/">website</a>, which was a good thing because something depressing just happened to me in school. Anyway, let's not dwell on that. There were times when I literally could not breathe from laughing. And every time I heard my brothers laugh, I would too even without looking at the screen yet. That was one of the best laughs I've had in a while. :)<br />
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Don't get me wrong. I'm a big fan of Apple products. Almost all my gadgets are Apple, but I've had my fair share of mishaps with the Auto Correct, which is why I turned mine off. HAHA!<br />
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Here are some of my favorites from the site:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEB0jYxS-Jl_j1Haf64pupPNbZOOax0vpMaQ18cC7nSFbZFaniT-d6Dy2J3pfEUtplyZ_a0LdE5GQy8Yf6WKo0LuNC_G_i0mDuUxBnzLmLPT3vBA8eFoJ8XwrJ7OX-7A1C61r2x-WPBFQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-12-06+at+1.19.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEB0jYxS-Jl_j1Haf64pupPNbZOOax0vpMaQ18cC7nSFbZFaniT-d6Dy2J3pfEUtplyZ_a0LdE5GQy8Yf6WKo0LuNC_G_i0mDuUxBnzLmLPT3vBA8eFoJ8XwrJ7OX-7A1C61r2x-WPBFQ/s400/Screen+shot+2010-12-06+at+1.19.35+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbduEZ-_cULHzfAOAXeMVGMAgw66gEKvXIzTdkqutFmFsGrgjzb21EzElP8ZYxvXJf0O-NOx_W6dMWSvIWRvF_5x8f61MGfEePetZ_6Gw_1ktmGVv1gYq1ZxvLEQXlcNS2rXstLNeQwA4/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-12-06+at+1.21.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbduEZ-_cULHzfAOAXeMVGMAgw66gEKvXIzTdkqutFmFsGrgjzb21EzElP8ZYxvXJf0O-NOx_W6dMWSvIWRvF_5x8f61MGfEePetZ_6Gw_1ktmGVv1gYq1ZxvLEQXlcNS2rXstLNeQwA4/s400/Screen+shot+2010-12-06+at+1.21.21+PM.png" width="385" /></a></div>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-69737765501522847332010-11-22T09:11:00.045+08:002010-11-22T10:28:47.836+08:00You'll know you're going stark crazy...1. When you spend your whole train ride home staring out into space. <br />
2. When you feel like your skull is empty because no thoughts pass through your mind <i>at all</i>. <br />
3. When you lose some of your apetite because you're too busy thinking about something else instead of food.<br />
4. When you utter words and terminologies that are not cohesive with what you actually mean (eg. Saying you need the pdf file of something you've been working on on another computer, when what you're really looking for is a psd file.)<br />
5. When you clutch your head in your hands and pull your hair while saying, 'Oh noeee... I'm gonna dieeee!' <br />
6. When you mutter something that even you yourself can't understand.<br />
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I feel like a zombie. There's really no other way to explain how I feel. Physically I've been awake on and off for 3 straight days just to finish all the work on collaterals, but my brain has been on hyper-mode since mid-October. It's difficult to forcefully try and squeeze ideas out. It's so much easier to think up something interesting when you're under no pressure. I have so much craziness planned up in my head for after I graduate, but all this is insignificant for the task at hand. Good thing my thesis-mates are able to keep my head at the present, because the future is so close and so tempting to think of.<br />
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What keeps me motivated to get everything done with?<br />
1. Graduation.<br />
2. The fact that I will no longer need to put my phone on silent mode. (Because I don't like keeping things in my pocket aside from a handkerchief, I get a lot of flack from people who try to call me without me knowing my phone is vibrating in my bag.)<br />
3. Travel plans. When I graduate, I can go places without having to worry about missing school days.<br />
4. The thought of doing a Stop Motion project with my brothers, among other projects.<br />
5. The thought of studying Digital Art and Cookery- my other passions!<br />
6. Being able to watch friggin' football again. I miss actually watching Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool matches. Highlights are just highlights, you know?<br />
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Our thesis defense is on the 4th of December. Wish me luck! I'll check back in two weeks.Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-60283451633928955042010-10-23T11:40:00.002+08:002010-10-23T11:44:29.855+08:00Thoughts after internship...I’m going to miss my little office corner in McCann, with my wheely chair and my own newly reformatted computer that required me to install Adobe Reader and the save as PDF option in MS Word. I’m going to miss my Healthcare Team, everyone on the 34th floor, and Joey from the 35th floor. I’m going to miss shivering from the super cold airconditioning, especially upstairs. I’m even going to miss the “cosmic elevator” that makes me deaf in one ear for at least 2 minutes after getting off.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">Though I’m probably not going to miss the violent and draining commuting thanks to bus drivers.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">I did and learned so many things in McCann Healthcare I probably wouldn’t have had the chance to in other departments, and for that I am thankful.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">And now…</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">THESIS TIME!! FIVE WEEKS TO GO!!! =)</div>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-89885571402625951742010-09-15T13:12:00.003+08:002010-10-01T11:50:59.494+08:00People and their expectations<div style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes it's ridiculous. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I live in a country that is in the general public's eye third world. We've survived dictators, anarchists, and perhaps even one of the worst presidents in the history of this country. I voted for PNoy last elections not because he was the public favorite (in fact I don't really rely on public opinion), but because I felt in my gut that it was actually possible to bring this country up to its potential through him. But I hate politics. And in fact I can't look a politician in the eye and not think that there is some sort of hidden agenda behind his actions, some hidden motive that we will only discover when it is too late. It's the sort of trauma that has been instilled in me when I think about politics of any kind. That's why I never really bother with it. But I do care about my country, and I do care about its future, and this is what drives me to consider keeping an eye on the politicians.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm not saying that the politicians should be blamed entirely for the state the country is in today. Sure, they played a big part, so much so than the powerless citizens who can only rally and get beaten up by the police. The citizens can only stand by as these midnight dealings are made, and the money of the nation is transported into a Swiss account under a false name. It's not fair for the people of the Philippines. Here, politicians are regarded not with respect but with credulity and a sarcastic remark. And the few politicians who we do respect, well, they seem to be getting fewer and fewer by the day. I don't suppose it takes much to fall into the snares of money and power, with the excuse that we are only human. But aside from the politicians, the citizens are not completely innocent either.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've learned to live with a lot of things in this country, like the ill-mannered tricycle, pedicab and jeepney drivers who lack road etiquette and disregard traffic rules; the people who ignore environmental warnings and throw garbage into the rivers (or everywhere); the parents who send their children out to the streets to beg for money even though it's dangerous. And here they are doing all sorts of things they could change and yet they prefer sitting back and blaming the government. I really don't know how to put into their heads that change goes two ways. For one thing, the government can keep implementing clean up drives but it will never work as long as people continue dumping their garbage anywhere they please. And then they say none of the government projects work.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">People have become too attached to convenience. It is so convenient for them to blame the government for every wrong thing that occurs in their life. Granted the hostage-taking situation could have been handled better by the government, can you really even blame them for sacking the policeman? They tried him and found out that he wrongly imprisoned a student because this student refused to pay P200,000 to the police for some sort of bullshit charge. And then because they couldn't get the money, this man and his accomplices decided to drag the student into jail and forced him to swallow some drugs, just so he would appear to have tested positive for drug use and therefore have reason to be imprisoned. People pull this crap everywhere I'm sure. Maybe they do a better job, or the people they've pulled this trick on do not have connections to city officials. Heck the only wrong thing the government did was that they didn't put these men in jail.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The shortcomings of the previous leaders include allowing the Police to do whatever they want, to take money from whoever they want by saying whatever they want. I'm guessing they're playing follow the leader, since the previous president was so very good at taking what was not hers. And then there is the issue of the people who are at this moment I would call stubborn. They still don't understand that they have to play a part in all this. How can we expect change to come so quickly?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I know a lot of people had high hopes for President Noynoy Aquino when they voted him in, just like they had high hopes with President Obama. But we have to understand that such a destructive state is difficult to repair. When President Obama did not pull out the troops from Iraq right away, people were complaining. It's not simple to just drag people out of there like that. People don't understand the underlying factors because they only see what is on the surface. We should be glad though that the soldiers are finally home. When GMA started appointing her stylist and manicurist into Cabinet just days before she had to step down from Presidency, anyone could tell she was purposefully messing things up as a welcome present for PNoy. She just had to go out with a bang didn't she? As if all the damage she did the past 9 years weren't enough.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are like a country savaged by war. It never takes 100 days to rebuild anything into grandeur. People want things resolved fast because they are afraid the situation might fester. I understand that. But I can feel the progress. It is coming, albeit slowly, but it by no means signals incompetence on the part of the new administration. I am not defending PNoy because I voted for him. This is true for all leaders. It's hard to fix something so rotten to the core. And in fact I would prefer to have a good, solid and clean foundation in every organization if it means <i>real </i>support for the country, even if it takes some time; rather than be shown what appears to be everyone doing their jobs but in reality the stain is still there, kept hidden under pretenses of hard work and commendations, kept hidden under the rug.</div>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-83707314727361968332010-09-14T16:31:00.001+08:002010-09-14T17:39:34.397+08:00Cheesecake-Swirled Brownies<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubvW4F0VFJ8sPpY03XjhPU8n2TYMwFBsxWJB9NOP0-gHoaWsmhkRTvzYiP6NTERPJgoA9ZmHSgdQwXNGMw4dJMZiBhPccFQfDK-SBa_njkc_iE4vbjBBN8QpAqEGaGrhMEyHuwQGx0Wc/s1600/brownie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubvW4F0VFJ8sPpY03XjhPU8n2TYMwFBsxWJB9NOP0-gHoaWsmhkRTvzYiP6NTERPJgoA9ZmHSgdQwXNGMw4dJMZiBhPccFQfDK-SBa_njkc_iE4vbjBBN8QpAqEGaGrhMEyHuwQGx0Wc/s320/brownie3.jpg" width="320" /></a>I woke up early this morning for some reason. I think I was a little too excited about continuing <i>Hunger Games</i> because that book is all kinds of fantastic. I was looking through the pantry for some coffee when I noticed the pack of expensive cooking chocolate given to us a long time ago by an aunt. My Mum tells me it will expire soon so she urges me to get rid of them, so I thought I'd go on ahead and use them. There's no point in wasting fine dark cooking chocolate, yeah?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I actually accidentally dropped some melted chocolate into my cream cheese mixture (insert sad face here) so my marbling doesn't particularly look as nice as I would've wanted. As you can see in the above photo, the marbling is almost non-existent. Sometimes these things happen and one can only sigh. But in all honesty I wanted to slap myself for doing something avoidable.<br />
<br />
<b>Cheesecake-Swirled Brownies</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Adapted from <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/09/cheesecake-swirled-brownies/">Smitten Kitchen</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Ingredients for brownie batter:</i><br />
1/2 cup (4 oz or 1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes<br />
85g (3 oz) unsweetened chocolate, chopped<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
2 large eggs<br />
1/2 tspn. pure vanilla extract<br />
Pinch of salt<br />
2/3 cup all-purpose flour<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOtzbNyGN9Gm3V455Q9hAcdjIpItrJuE0nkzveC3BzqaUNbx6dx_8r929dqHHcuKU_W_g8WccOXY1KsoP11kxj6NlZt_KdgPA_qBLmVUUwvFJdlnmTEBPMwVuP7Y-vG2Bihf2FCJr4Q4/s1600/Brownie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOtzbNyGN9Gm3V455Q9hAcdjIpItrJuE0nkzveC3BzqaUNbx6dx_8r929dqHHcuKU_W_g8WccOXY1KsoP11kxj6NlZt_KdgPA_qBLmVUUwvFJdlnmTEBPMwVuP7Y-vG2Bihf2FCJr4Q4/s640/Brownie1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<i>Procedure for the brownie batter:</i><br />
Preheat oven at 350F, making sure the oven rack is set at the middle of the oven. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan and set aside.<br />
<br />
Heat butter and chopped chocolate in a mixing bowl floating over simmering water. Make sure the heat is low to moderate so as the chocolate will melt more gently. Occasionally stir or whisk the misture until fully melted.<br />
<br />
Remove from the heat and immediately whisk in sugar, eggs, vanilla and that pinch of salt until well combined. Whisk in the flour until just combined, careful not to overmix. The batter should be kind of gooey and thick. Pour the batter into the baking pan and spread.<br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients for the cheesecake batter:</i><br />
8 oz cream cheese, well-softened<br />
1/3 cup sugar<br />
1 large egg yolk<br />
1/4 tspn. pure vanilla extract<br />
<br />
*1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips<br />
<br />
<i>Procedure:</i><br />
Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. The chocolate chips can be added into the cheesecake batter, but I would recommend topping them later on after marbling.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ493pFmPKuowOKUpauex3DCD2PCp4zCu-WsBMdZXN3BSjthaChUR4aXiO9-cOQFIK-hz7uAYKAT35o5W0YatrEi5nQDtc75aEkXAJPFIlfml9nHRlGSaxW5pPFJR7ndbDk1eGhhZLeu0/s1600/Brownie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ493pFmPKuowOKUpauex3DCD2PCp4zCu-WsBMdZXN3BSjthaChUR4aXiO9-cOQFIK-hz7uAYKAT35o5W0YatrEi5nQDtc75aEkXAJPFIlfml9nHRlGSaxW5pPFJR7ndbDk1eGhhZLeu0/s640/Brownie2.jpg" width="640" /></a><i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> Dollop the cheesecake batter over the brownie batter, then swirl with a butter knife by folding some of the cheesecake batter over the brownie batter in swirling motions. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the marbled batter if you haven't already put them into the cheesecake batter.<br />
<br />
Bake the brownies until edges are slightly puffed and center is just set. I baked mine for 35 minutes more or less. It can be served warm, at room temperature or chilled.</span> </i></div><i></i>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-80535341033858758672010-09-10T23:56:00.002+08:002010-09-14T15:43:33.068+08:00Sealed with a quiche<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrD1JX9XZrmkKTXVjehJHS8bxJKN7SbU7CV-UhkH0Ln-9dV7PrrQPS1s8F2vHByqOAB9vkQ58F9u02-Em8h1wdvSxFS8deTa3D28mAmMtA-C08XU6f4REXZkgn6TO3l6hGWB8ycDSmuoU/s200/KaleidoscopeHeart.jpg" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was pretty excited when one of my favorite music artists released her new record. Sara Bareilles' <i>Kaleidoscope Heart </i>most definitely did not disappoint! I can't pick just one favorite song, but at the moment <i>Uncharted</i> and <i>Hold My Heart</i> are my most played. If you haven't gotten hold of her new record yet, go out and get it. And I mean right now! Don't miss out on another amazing record by this talented lady.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
I was singing some of her songs as I made <b>Spinach Quiche </b>today. It was a pretty tough day because I was alone in the kitchen. No one was there to help me with the photos but I managed to do everything, albeit I was pretty tired afterwards. I made the dough, washed my hands, took photos, washed my hands, made the cream and egg mixture, washed my hands, took the photos, washed my hands, cut up the spinach... You get the idea. In hindsight, this is a funny way to show my dedication. I have a goal, you see. I made a baking and cooking notebook with select recipes I really want to accomplish. Whether or not it was a success, I take pictures and write notes on the page, chronicling what happened. This is the first recipe I chose to make from my General Cooking notebook, though technically I did bake this...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Quiche is basically a French pie made of eggs and cream/milk, along with some chopped meat, vegetables and cheese. The crust is usually blind baked, which I will teach you later on. The fancy name should not make it daunting for anybody to try making this, because it's actually pretty easy.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4n9KUER6BaoWqAd-GNn7cEDn02jEJQuO3FfqSQSMv4YhXwpGj8ur4av-LiAxqp3gUqGJQfMA8It3QEkxZY7wX-6xu9mJoTGJ0pUz7TzlpABYfbebVEea84HBfW7ZAO0Zp9tGVwmU9KAg/s1600/finished+product.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4n9KUER6BaoWqAd-GNn7cEDn02jEJQuO3FfqSQSMv4YhXwpGj8ur4av-LiAxqp3gUqGJQfMA8It3QEkxZY7wX-6xu9mJoTGJ0pUz7TzlpABYfbebVEea84HBfW7ZAO0Zp9tGVwmU9KAg/s640/finished+product.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I actually did not follow the recipe I wrote on my notes. It became a combination of several recipes, plus the Shortcrust pastry I learned from watching <b>Rachel Allen: Bake!</b> Easy, yummy crust. Quiche is actually pretty flexible, depending on what you want to put in there. This quiche was mostly made up of Spinach but since my brothers all like bacon, I decided to put a little in there even though I generally don't like bacon because, well, it's oily. I also put some onions to add a little extra something. Next time I'm thinking about putting in button mushrooms, just because I love them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A note to consider though, in your choice of cheese for the quiche, I wouldn't recommend going past 1 1/2 cups if you want to use all-Cheddar. Cheddar is a pretty salty cheese, and it overpowers pretty much everything else. I would recommend using half Cheddar, half Swiss (<i>Gruyère</i> is a good choice, says Rachel Allen). I did see a recipe somewhere using only Swiss cheese, met with positive comments, so I guess you can do that too.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXq84e9YO5CrojLo3dl6KNJWAkqa-F-OQd_uHsjvMu1ukKM6SQ8-NSNMZ9zf0dJaf_NYHGb_q0Q11HEItdo4pAdWqGOsHIJGKpp0xWobmpDHw-7gVlta-uZHut1cGXq5DYa4D0BnZPKzM/s1600/Shortbread+dough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXq84e9YO5CrojLo3dl6KNJWAkqa-F-OQd_uHsjvMu1ukKM6SQ8-NSNMZ9zf0dJaf_NYHGb_q0Q11HEItdo4pAdWqGOsHIJGKpp0xWobmpDHw-7gVlta-uZHut1cGXq5DYa4D0BnZPKzM/s640/Shortbread+dough.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><i>Ingredients for the Shortcrust pastry:</i><br />
Adapted from Rachel Allen: BAKE!<br />
<br />
200g flour (short of 2 cups)<br />
100g butter, cut into cubes<br />
1/4 tspn. salt<br />
1 egg, whisked<br />
<br />
<i>Procedure for the Crust:</i><br />
Bring together butter and flour with your hands until flour begins to resemble coarse breadcrumbs. Add half of whisked egg and mix together, still with your hands, until dough comes together. If half of the egg is not enough, add more of the egg until a dough forms. I used 1 whole egg.<br />
<br />
Wrap dough in cling wrap and flatten over a small flat metal tray. This metal tray will help your dough cool faster as you refrigerate it for around 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
When ready, put the chilled dough between 2 large cuts of cling wraps and roll. Using this technique saves you the trouble of flouring your counter, and avoids adding more flour to the dough. Roll the dough slightly larger than your 9-inch pie tin.<br />
<br />
Flip the dough using the bottom cling wrap into the tin and cut off the excess at the sides. The cling wrap will help keep the dough from falling apart. Now we blind bake the crust for about 20 minutes. Blind-baking is important as it prevents the crust from being soggy when it is baked with the egg and cream mixture.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xWBQ8m7brHc5-4JXrb-kNfP23_N-ZclRh0pGztRIgjpyvY0Ff-ac2l652H1HEutzbsWxicrO-UCxBNPxP-6uLOWRP1VvK-58xwYyCq0gNYpqcnPp9WOHEh5NvGyljIWjGWTA3-lbEDo/s1600/crust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xWBQ8m7brHc5-4JXrb-kNfP23_N-ZclRh0pGztRIgjpyvY0Ff-ac2l652H1HEutzbsWxicrO-UCxBNPxP-6uLOWRP1VvK-58xwYyCq0gNYpqcnPp9WOHEh5NvGyljIWjGWTA3-lbEDo/s640/crust.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">First put the cling wraps you used to roll the dough into the pie tin and pour uncooked beans/rice on top. This will help push down the bottom of the crust to prevent it from puffing up as it is being pre-baked. Make sure to fill the tin all the way to the top to prevent uneven cooking of the crust. Use the cling wrap to seal the beans/rice and put the pie tin with the crust and the beans/rice into the oven at 350F for 12-15 minutes. This will also serve as your preheating stage. Take this time to prepare your quiche filling (below).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After around 12 minutes, remove the tin from the oven and take the beans/rice and the cling wrap off. Return the pie tin into the oven for another 5 minutes to let the crust bake on its own. Take it out of the oven and proceed with putting in the quiche filling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Vvo4d2r77dDKW-3KAhlm24vBqHZGyO3iy_V3SxV80-MTIwnFcUYNmiNOWZc4VK1Sn_ByGuHa_q7hpUe99DFzFvYLvKpYtcB8fORIaoU3RYC19WQDUKv_IkcPZKm5Dle12b5c-vo-IdM/s1600/Filling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Vvo4d2r77dDKW-3KAhlm24vBqHZGyO3iy_V3SxV80-MTIwnFcUYNmiNOWZc4VK1Sn_ByGuHa_q7hpUe99DFzFvYLvKpYtcB8fORIaoU3RYC19WQDUKv_IkcPZKm5Dle12b5c-vo-IdM/s640/Filling.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Ingredients for the quiche:</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">6 large eggs, beaten</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 1/2 cups heavy cream</div><div style="text-align: justify;">salt and pepper to taste</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 cups chopped baby spinach</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1/2 kilo bacon, cooked in olive oil and cut into thin shreds</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 cup onions, cooked until slightly clear white in same pan used to cook the bacon</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Procedure:</i></div>Combine the eggs, cream, salt and pepper and mix together using a wire whisk. You may also use a food processor or blender if you wish.<br />
<br />
On your blind-baked crust, layer the spinach, bacon, onions and cheese, starting with the spinach at the bottom. Pour in the cream and egg mixture on top.<br />
<br />
Bake for around 50 minutes until the egg mixture is set, and the crust has turned golden brown.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHVgvm1kb_1E7DOeQtCqzmkNhcxKumTu9jLvCMLqmgqrylZypBSVmOfeKyRgE-z1JMo7SFHwPGAUVKlLqZICrBpvNE3Zwd4oJHmlWwZpWQB9NvBmWstLhB7YgZAMlHg3AAuRdWdUGY5k/s1600/finished+product1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHVgvm1kb_1E7DOeQtCqzmkNhcxKumTu9jLvCMLqmgqrylZypBSVmOfeKyRgE-z1JMo7SFHwPGAUVKlLqZICrBpvNE3Zwd4oJHmlWwZpWQB9NvBmWstLhB7YgZAMlHg3AAuRdWdUGY5k/s640/finished+product1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The quiche is very savory and yummy. In fact I have already received a request to do another one for a gathering on the 25th. You can add your own ingredients to make it feel more like your personalized quiche recipe. Like I mentioned, I would love to add mushrooms to this the next time I make one. And also maybe a little more spinach? Perhaps next time I will make that Rachel Allen Quiche Lorraine instead.</div>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-266461244253637392010-09-09T20:43:00.004+08:002010-09-09T21:03:45.449+08:00Tangy Lemon Tea Cookies<div style="text-align: justify;">I woke up this morning thinking of how I should drown my football-related sorrows, and I figured I would do it with baking! Yes, this is me being overdramatic about Spain losing in their friendly against Argentina yesterday. But let's face it, it's not like we saw the Spain that we know (no Iker, no Sergio, no Xavi?!). And because of that loss, I am permanently traumatized every time Iker is not the goalkeeper. Not to take anything away from Pepé, we have to admit Iker is always the safer choice because he's got the experience (And this coming from someone who likes both Real Madrid and Liverpool).<br />
<br />
But if there's one important lesson I learned, it's that I would like to shove my foot down the throat of the people who say Xabi Alonso is not Captain material. <i>Puh-lease</i>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static2.conlaseleccion.com/data/articles/000/056/816/normal.jpg?1280387553" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://static2.conlaseleccion.com/data/articles/000/056/816/normal.jpg?1280387553" width="640" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">On the upside, the U-21 team won against Poland in a Euro qualifier thanks to Sergio Canales! That guy has a bright future ahead of him. He's my age and he's already a star footballer. Makes me think about what significant thing I've done all these years... And also, my <i>pichichi </i>scored a goal for Argentina! I have to say I love Gonzalo Higuain more and more everyday! And even though Argentina's keeper scares me a bit, to see Gabi Heinze was a treat for me, though I do miss Puyi and his luscious locks. And Messi finally cut his hair short[er], though I could tell you what's messy is the hairdont's the other Argentine players are sporting, as was <a href="http://conlaroja.wordpress.com/2010/09/08/in-case-you-missed-it-argentina-vs-spain/#more-3603">pointed out by unamadridista</a>. I got to get the name of the salon where Carlos Tevez gets his hair electrocuted.<br />
<br />
In any case, thank goodness International Duty is over for now. And I just hope Alvaro tweets again because I miss him, and it seems he's taking this loss pretty heavily considering he usually tweets like crazy. On Saturday we will see Real Madrid back in action against Osasuna in their debut at the Bernabéu! Everyone is dubbing them the "new" Real Madrid. Eh, I just want Benzema and Higuain to go on a scoring spree. And of course if Xabi decides to do a couple who am I to complain?!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYkM7o4UAllwt0pQ8U4uEb-My2bnEXzBWfYuQxXspVHO9wPzduzLeMj7PDXbzJjnGhV7L-c-Ji80uOTRaJDJHdeDnVMs31nOq8yEfn8vQ2S-cLs6B-ENm56BO_5xem4klqgjmeuGR9Ao/s1600/Lemon+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYkM7o4UAllwt0pQ8U4uEb-My2bnEXzBWfYuQxXspVHO9wPzduzLeMj7PDXbzJjnGhV7L-c-Ji80uOTRaJDJHdeDnVMs31nOq8yEfn8vQ2S-cLs6B-ENm56BO_5xem4klqgjmeuGR9Ao/s640/Lemon+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The reason why I decided to make these Lemon Tea Cookies were simple. I was craving something lemony. And yes I was bored, and yes there were some leftover lemons in the fridge calling out to me. The other day my Mum brought home some my favorite Lemon Squares but she also ate them all without asking me if I wanted more. Of course I did! I just ate one square! :( But yeah, my Mum loves that stuff too and she teases me about making Lemon Squares, because I've failed before and I'm still looking for the perfect recipe. But let's not talk about the lemon squares, let's talk about these cookies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">They were really really easy to make. And these were literally cookies you consume with tea because they were kind of flaky when you bite into them. The lemon drop on top makes them really yummy, especially if you're into pastries with lemon. I had mine with a cup of Milk Tea and the sensation of the cookies in your mouth when they get wet is totally worth it! I wouldn't suggest the cookies to be eaten alone though. They don't taste like anything except butter, and the sugar is pretty minimal so it's not a sweet kind of butter cookie either. I guess you can eat it with your favorite jam, but I would recommend eating it with the lemon drop/filling. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFQWs3DzaLXadIJEIkavlW93WzmQyJ8xJkhjpD2UFoItjwv1HVSKgllSVMju2W90p3dNgiYC36eGyJk6-kAbz_7Pg1gMRZVCpW4xY2JnOFQdzJFRRWUjTRimfRLgy64jA7qqWBXnxewY/s1600/Lemon+Tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFQWs3DzaLXadIJEIkavlW93WzmQyJ8xJkhjpD2UFoItjwv1HVSKgllSVMju2W90p3dNgiYC36eGyJk6-kAbz_7Pg1gMRZVCpW4xY2JnOFQdzJFRRWUjTRimfRLgy64jA7qqWBXnxewY/s640/Lemon+Tea.jpg" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Lemon Tea Cookies</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yields at least 3 dozen cookies<br />
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<i>Ingredients for the cookies:</i><br />
1 cup butter, softened<br />
1/3 cup powdered sugar<br />
1 tspn vanilla<br />
1 2/3 cups flour<br />
1 tbsp. powdered sugar (for dusting)<br />
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<i>Procedure for the cookies:</i><br />
In the mixer bowl, beat cookies, powdered sugar and vanilla at medium speed until well-blended. Stir in flour until the dough forms. Cover the dough and refrigerated for about 30 minutes.<br />
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Preheat oven at 350F and take out dough from the fridge. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart from each other. Use your thumb to push down the center of each ball to make a deep indentation. Make it a bit deep because as it bakes, the cookies kind of puff up and expand a little.<br />
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Bake for around 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove to cooling racks and cool completely. In the meantime, do the filling.<br />
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<i>Ingredients for the lemon filling:</i><br />
2/3 cup granulated sugar<br />
3 tspn. grated lemon peel<br />
3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice (around 1 and 1/2 lemons)<br />
1 tbsp. butter<br />
1 tspn. cornstarch<br />
1/4 tspn. salt<br />
1 egg, beaten<br />
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<i>Procedure:</i><br />
In a saucepan, heat all the filling ingredients over low heat, constantly stirring to avoid burning and clumping. The mixture will gradually turn smooth and thick after about 25 minutes. Cool for about 15 minutes before handling.<br />
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Fill each cookie's indentation with the lemon filling shaped using a 1/4 measuring spoon. Sprinkle the 1 tablespoon powdered sugar over the cookies.<br />
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And now comes the best part: CONSUME! These cookies didn't even last a day in our home. My brothers are vultures. I had to hide away a few pieces so my Dad could have a taste. :D</div>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-70696029552484309592010-09-06T15:45:00.003+08:002010-09-06T16:46:49.032+08:00Rainbows take the cake!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">It's true what they say about rainbows, they're pretty anywhere! I've been planning on making these cupcakes for quite a while and after submitting my term paper on Strategic Management, which I slaved over and managed to write into 84 pages, I finally found the time! These rainbow cupcakes only made things a whole lot better when I received a 3.75 grade point average for my Strategic Management course. Celebrate? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Vqp8WQsWY2XqVj9BOCp4UrikYPk2nKBboituaEzj1bUQDDhpJ-K_KontS2MKBA3q2tp2XDpI1F_tPRDpCQUqXV9sxDGvH1HGG_OQP_DCkD-DBntuTMUNTRbuvONI56OVhyphenhypheng3yy50_nc/s1600/Cuppycakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Vqp8WQsWY2XqVj9BOCp4UrikYPk2nKBboituaEzj1bUQDDhpJ-K_KontS2MKBA3q2tp2XDpI1F_tPRDpCQUqXV9sxDGvH1HGG_OQP_DCkD-DBntuTMUNTRbuvONI56OVhyphenhypheng3yy50_nc/s640/Cuppycakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is pretty fun to make with kids- your children- or with your younger siblings, like I did with my baby brother. Or if you're making it alone, it absolutely makes you feel giddy! Or at least that's what happened with me. And it's pretty easy too!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28mc2Vz3szt4FHhydF8PmhUOhp1-ilKwbepidZJKoqKqqg4u-lbCvwanRjnoj_sSZQVRuicdlWyVrR8hhJqrPIETo2mdGe9YVdgOHUlwg5I_TOlTlvKVaoPyHbcGFBH2_7EkOKemaWds/s1600/Process.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28mc2Vz3szt4FHhydF8PmhUOhp1-ilKwbepidZJKoqKqqg4u-lbCvwanRjnoj_sSZQVRuicdlWyVrR8hhJqrPIETo2mdGe9YVdgOHUlwg5I_TOlTlvKVaoPyHbcGFBH2_7EkOKemaWds/s640/Process.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Rainbow Cupcakes</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Ingredients:</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3 tspn. baking powder</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1/2 tspn. salt</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 1/2 cups sugar</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3/4 cup or 1 1/2 sticks of butter at room temperature</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 large eggs at room temperature</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 egg whites at room temperature</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 tspn. vanilla extract</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 cup milk</div><div style="text-align: justify;">food coloring (I used red, yellow, green, blue and purple)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">any garnish you like</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Procedure:</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Preheat oven to 350F and line muffin pan with paper liners. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In another bowl, beat together sugar and butter using an electric mixer until well-combined, around 2-3 minutes. Put the mixer on low then add eggs and egg whites<i> one at a time</i>. Add vanilla.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Gradually add flour mixture in 3 additions, <i>alternating</i> with milk in 2 additions, ending with the flour mixture. Divide the batter into number of available food color (For mine it was 5). Add food coloring per bowl (the lightness/darkness of the color is up to you) and mix to combine.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Add batter into each cupcake liner color by color, around 1/2 to 1 tablespoon each color. Start with violet and end with red for a perfect rainbow. Don't worry about the colors mixing up when you add them on top of each other. All the colors together should fill the cupcake liner around 2/3 full.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bake around 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick/tester inserted into the cupcake comes out clean. If you don't want to poke holes into your cupcakes, you can touch the top of the cupcake and if it springs back, then it's ready.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Of course poking holes don't matter if you're planning on putting frosting atop your cupcakes. These cupcakes taste pretty good without frosting, and they're really cute to eat- almost too cute in fact. But we can take it a step further.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfF2Wq-JQL8kOQVGaJImu3gCWy83k5Tu6FAO0G68ccVTh1OWae8npeQ4wYhn3cIHxwV6HhVYd8EtQYLIIjHD4Rhy9VQwZBMUNX4ieErraicAlB0ezydJm4FPUWJbfaZ1aM66dxl9yIWEg/s1600/IMG_2996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfF2Wq-JQL8kOQVGaJImu3gCWy83k5Tu6FAO0G68ccVTh1OWae8npeQ4wYhn3cIHxwV6HhVYd8EtQYLIIjHD4Rhy9VQwZBMUNX4ieErraicAlB0ezydJm4FPUWJbfaZ1aM66dxl9yIWEg/s400/IMG_2996.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Cream Cheese Frosting</b></div><br />
<div><i>Ingredients:</i></div><div>1 8oz. bar cream cheese</div><div>3 tbsp. softened butter</div><div>1 cup sifted powdered sugar</div><div>1/8 tspn. cinnamon powder</div><div><br />
</div><div><i>Procedure:</i></div><div>Pour ingredients into the electric mixer's bowl and beat until light and fluffy.</div>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-36057876574119626832010-09-06T10:28:00.021+08:002011-01-11T09:41:10.940+08:00He's alive!! (On Twitter)<div style="text-align: justify;">La Roja has been training in Buenos Aires and I believe they will be meeting with the President of Argentina Cristina Fernández de Kirchner in Casa Rosada. I'm not sure what time that's happening tomorrow because I am in constant limbo when it comes to timezones.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BMwT7NruGKdokyTYkqtbol_MV1WXLXnx7YCvhuj_ImqaK1_pT-TJ1-8nosIIlJ1uMQcklZKpESfXIJbmYwJGs7xtJ6Te8nhASt1sTrIfC_IK99nqrm3HWRZq9uDvALAKmNxJQ3_r1fY/s1600/Alvaro.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiX-w_Wq-bB_gZC1Da3m-l_JRqgdfk72GBk43JPAzflI4Npe99qhAyLQndX3mAhmceRAFWhub3LeFBSZZ5obMvLAkWKOadJ-mzuEFvlGX7IHxyTDhEbQHByF_LfaWAfukZD3dTY1dtTcc/s1600/Sergio+tweets.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513631045599208658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiX-w_Wq-bB_gZC1Da3m-l_JRqgdfk72GBk43JPAzflI4Npe99qhAyLQndX3mAhmceRAFWhub3LeFBSZZ5obMvLAkWKOadJ-mzuEFvlGX7IHxyTDhEbQHByF_LfaWAfukZD3dTY1dtTcc/s400/Sergio+tweets.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 400px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 348px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">As the title suggests, this is all about Tweets and I really could not let this one pass! I waited and waited and finally Sergio Ramos tweeted again after such a long time! Because I'm iffy about punctuation and sentence structures, reading Sergio's tweets always make me cringe a little but I do adore him so much! On the other hand, Alvaro tweets rather nicely, even using quotation marks when quoting lines from movies to tease Xabi, "Mess with the best, die like the rest..." Alvaro's tweets are always way more interesting and humorous than Sergio's!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sergio presents us with a photo of himself in La Boca, Buenos Aires, inside the home field of one of Argentina's most famous clubs the <i>Boca Juniors</i>. The stadium is called <i>La Bombonera</i>, which is actually a different stadium from where they're playing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">On one of his first Tweets yesterday, he tells us about arriving in the beautiful country of Argentina. He's pretty happy about how La Roja started their campaign with a win (you're not the only one!), and how he is looking forward to the<i> Amistoso</i>, which he says will not be a friendly one. Frankly I'm pretty excited about what Gonzalo Higuain will do. I'm not really a big Messi fan though he is quite talented. This one's going to be quite a match to watch!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513635463545144082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BMwT7NruGKdokyTYkqtbol_MV1WXLXnx7YCvhuj_ImqaK1_pT-TJ1-8nosIIlJ1uMQcklZKpESfXIJbmYwJGs7xtJ6Te8nhASt1sTrIfC_IK99nqrm3HWRZq9uDvALAKmNxJQ3_r1fY/s400/Alvaro.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 346px;" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">On the other end, we see a similar photo posted by Alvaro Arbeloa in the same place (well, duh!) with none other than <i>mi favorito</i> Xabi Alonso! They posed with numbers 1 and 2 on their fingers, imitating the 12 in the box behind them. I wonder if one of these guys took Sergio's picture. I'm glad Sergio and Alvaro tweeted different photos but why don't they have a photo together?! I miss my <i>mosqueteros</i>! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our <i>futbolistas </i>are getting rather Twitter-savvy and that just makes my life a little happier, waking up each day to their fun tweets! Until now I haven't gotten the chance to appreciate Alvaro Arbeloa other than for his role in <i>La Roja</i>'s defense on the pitch, but this guy's one of the funniest around! Plus he's pretty addicted to Twitter, which I love, because it's contagious apparently. I never really expected Xabi to get on with it. So now Alvaro cannot drink Coca-Cola for two years because as we recall, he had said he would stop drinking Coke for a year if <i>La Roja</i> wins the World Cup. Recently he added that he would add another year to that if Xabi gets on Twitter. Maybe he will switch to Pepsi instead?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm not sure if this is a recent photo, seems like a World Cup photo because <i>El Chori</i> is here with them. Anyway, I jump at any photo with the boys in a suit! I mean, just look at the yumminess that is Jesus Navas!</div><div><img alt="" border="0" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l8aty6OCAr1qb7m0d.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 357px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">If you're tuning in to all of <i>La Roja</i>'s qualifying matches, here's a schedule of the rest of the qualifiers. After their match against Scotland they'll be taking a break from International Duties, and will hopefully still be sane enough to play well in their Club games. And by that I mean their respective National Leagues <i>and </i>the Champions League. I'm feeling tired for them already.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>EURO 2012 Qualifying Matches</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">October 8, 2010- Spain V. Lithuania</div><div style="text-align: center;">October 12, 2010- Scotland V. Spain</div><div style="text-align: center;">March 3, 2011- Spain V. Czech Republic</div><div style="text-align: center;">March 29, 2011- Lithuania V. Spain</div><div style="text-align: center;">June 9, 2011- Spain V. Liechtenstein</div><div style="text-align: center;">July 10, 2011- Czech Republic V. Spain</div><div style="text-align: center;">October 11, 2011- Spain V. Scotland</div></div>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-72427466919159243702010-09-04T10:26:00.027+08:002011-01-11T09:41:42.256+08:00The Return of El Niño and other things<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ze09B78gNm1N8lXhyieN8J0rUma_dYXDU4UwxZ9BuDjZJGZhI7gzijr69ZIVqmoEI93dnAKAV77IV9sMNTqD15DT03G_Ivp-zUERVAd4T6iqz0U9RP2CKkw_542dL7hDtABuTiDhEGo/s1600/Tweets.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnqmaiOvYJHN7DVBjFYqOdb14qe77NAT-SxXQFXPJl8wfTvMhw-h-SVWMrLr4SvPHRhsY_S0cnMnd1lUkSsCYt-v2GEFYPqyT4rtZU9fqc5ewCP-L5NOw4DtraYdNUBFIJwgcMlqoh_I/s1600/tumblr_l86y5gm47I1qca2i2o1_500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnqmaiOvYJHN7DVBjFYqOdb14qe77NAT-SxXQFXPJl8wfTvMhw-h-SVWMrLr4SvPHRhsY_S0cnMnd1lUkSsCYt-v2GEFYPqyT4rtZU9fqc5ewCP-L5NOw4DtraYdNUBFIJwgcMlqoh_I/s400/tumblr_l86y5gm47I1qca2i2o1_500.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512881916121552034" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So <i>La Selección</i> had their first Eurocopa qualifier last night and I have to say I am mighty pleased with the result! Judging by the photo it seems David Villa knew this was the night he was going to tie, or possibly top, Raul's record for Spain's all-time top goalscorer. Being as I am a huge fan of Raul, it's a bit sad for me to let go of this honor of his (especially because he's been bypassed for selection in the national team for quite some time now). And it doesn't help that Liechtenstein's blue jersey reminds me of Raul's new Schalke jersey. Aww. I watch Schalke games just to see him get tossed around and kicked in the face. It's totally sad for me. :|</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqmonYUVYQnkqR2QB3puvRTwf8vef5Ly3vaW95UFtwQXh8SISmKHgOpHld3xfR2yoIJbxuy8bP4x9oOnArR4VJQOBo1pwIBrcUhq9CTbAZ3uOhsMyfTaGWS06HGfHE7Ak_S9MgvMMfgs/s400/tumblr_l86vbw7szM1qca2i2o1_500.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512892232637262786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It appears <i>El Niño</i> is back in business! His form was rather fine, in my opinion, and I feel so happy for him! After that goal with Liverpool it seems he has woken up from this mental lull we saw him in during the World Cup. I understand he wasn't fit at the time, but let's admit he wasn't the Nando we are used to seeing. Well, the <b>Friendly on the 7th with Argentina</b> should be more interesting now! And we see that David Silva is going on a roll. As for me, I'm pretty happy as long as it's not always David Villa who does the goal-scoring duties. I am still waiting for Xabi to do one of his long-range goals ala his Liverpool days. I must admit, I do miss Puyi and his hair...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>FULL TIME:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Liechtenstein 0-4 Spain</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">18' 53' Fernando Torres</div><div style="text-align: center;">37' David Villa</div><div style="text-align: center;">62' David Silva</div></div><div><br />
</div><div>In other totally related news, <b>Germany won 1-0 against Belgium</b> during their qualifying match! I obviously didn't get to see that one since this all happened at the same time, but it's a Win-win for me! Of course Arne Friedrich was out because of his slip-disc and my Little Lahm is no longer first captain (BOO!). In any case, he word the band in the match last night, and the one and only Miroslav Klose did the goal-scoring honors. I do love me some Miro back-flips! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnqmaiOvYJHN7DVBjFYqOdb14qe77NAT-SxXQFXPJl8wfTvMhw-h-SVWMrLr4SvPHRhsY_S0cnMnd1lUkSsCYt-v2GEFYPqyT4rtZU9fqc5ewCP-L5NOw4DtraYdNUBFIJwgcMlqoh_I/s1600/tumblr_l86y5gm47I1qca2i2o1_500.jpg"></a></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ze09B78gNm1N8lXhyieN8J0rUma_dYXDU4UwxZ9BuDjZJGZhI7gzijr69ZIVqmoEI93dnAKAV77IV9sMNTqD15DT03G_Ivp-zUERVAd4T6iqz0U9RP2CKkw_542dL7hDtABuTiDhEGo/s400/Tweets.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513629049638721122" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 97px; " /><div style="text-align: justify;">On a final note, I just love how dorky Xabi and Alvaro are! They tweeted about playing trivia games on the bus. Xabi won several times until Alvaro won in the end, prompting him to give out his favorite line, "This is Sparta!!" XD</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>PS.</b> I'm still sad about the whole episode with Rafa Van Der Vaart. The management from Real Madrid are doing an absolutely pleasant job giving fans reasons to doubt/hate them. Seriously, you really can't treat the players like that. They're the ones doing all the work on the pitch, aren't they?</div></div>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-52551277624703960032010-09-02T11:48:00.014+08:002011-01-11T09:41:46.864+08:00Communication barriers<div style="text-align: justify;">I was sorely disappointed by the results of the match between my Real Madrid and Mallorca the other night. I didn't get a chance to see it but they tell me it wasn't as one would expect from a coach of Mourinho's caliber. In other words, it was a rather bland game. Well I can tell you that just by looking at the scoreboard. Not even a 1-1 draw, but a 0-0 draw.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512177995918890226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZ8vc9d1kZrFlhxSyhKKiVe6ajsCK9YMP8bMja7gZzw1Ndbe9GjuXvg-pWrTJBhwaLQS4QKdQG1TVsDJt8XGjBsaiQ-W0u0GrgMuvEZKxf8m_wx37gdfZect2jYBeYBv7PJ9RCUZiBbo/s400/tumblr_l7xv8nLodZ1qbi09wo1_1280.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 294px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I think Benzema is having confidence issues. And here I had thought after his performance in the match against Hercules he was going to go on a roll for RM but I guess not. I'm just surprised that <i>El Pipita</i> Higuain didn't score a thing. So much for wanting to become the <i>pichichi</i>... Heck I would even settle for Di Maria's goal celebration if it meant a goal. But that doesn't make me love them any less.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I came across an interview article on <a href="http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/soy-tecnico-ideal-tengo-miedo/dasftb/20100901dasdaiftb_12/Tes">AS.com</a> with Mou talking about the game, his decision to take on the job at Real Madrid, and his two German signings. Here's my favorite Q&A.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512164061127555410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OJoIyehs4pWwIZEMb0YRXkubeDXkUqVjggyev8xTXP6U9oumaT5hCw1OpAUciuPK9a8Yoo1PKy9l6t8RbhyphenhyphencZKmf1O2AiDtiH_XEvvtDzMQVJMmT9km70s94wNeld8Bxtax2-u4UzSQ/s400/Picture+1.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 101px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify; width: 400px;" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So the interviewer is basically asking about Mou's surprise decision to let Ozil and Khedira stay on the bench (for the most part) when in the first place he specifically requested to have these two signed to RM. Mou goes on to respond that at the moment it's very difficult for the Germans to have to adjust to their new life in Madrid in such short notice. It doesn't help that the only Spanish words they know are "Buenos dias" and "Hola", and that their English isn't spectacular. So Mou thanks the heavens that he has an assistant coach who speaks German, but he feels like his instructions have to be given directly by him instead of through a translator. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Plus, the two German boys don't particularly feel at home yet as they don't spend much time with the team, and prefer spending time with each other. Which makes sense since they wouldn't understand what everybody else is saying anyway. No English, no Spanish, <i>eso es difícil! </i>Methinks they should kick up the Spanish language lessons a notch. Then again, German and Spanish aren't exactly sister languages. I suppose the two are relieved that they temporarily get to be back with their familiar German Teammates for their International call-ups. (Did I mention Germany is my second favorite National Team?)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In fairness to Mou, his job isn't easy. And he's right to say he's no Harry Potter. I think the team is slowly improving their on-pitch, off-pitch relationships based on what I've seen so far. Things like these take time, and I'm sure the boys will pull it off and make us all proud. And like Mou says, "<i>Pacencia, hay que darles tiempo."</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">On a sad note, I seem to be losing quite a few of my favorite players of late. I lost Raul to Schalke04, Kaka to injury, and now Rafa Van Der Vaart has confirmed his transfer to Tottenham because we have an overflowing supply of Midfielders. Can I just cry now? God forbid I lose my Xabi Alonso.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And as it seems we have an overflowing amount of injuries as well, I wonder what Mou will do. But boy am I glad he signed Carvalho when he did because Sergio Ramos can't do it all alone. This weekend Real Madrid will face Osasuna, and just thinking about the Champions League makes my heart skip a beat. But I have faith. <b>¡Hala Madrid!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Here's something to look forward to for</b><i><b> La Roja</b></i><b> fans:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sept. 3 Eurocopa 2012 Qualifying versus Liechtenstein</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sept. 7 International Friendly versus Argentina</div>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-44595712727138193872010-09-01T19:58:00.032+08:002010-09-09T21:25:43.853+08:00Checkerboard Cookies<div style="text-align: justify;">I have a love-hate relationship with dough. Somehow the recipes I make involving dough don't always turn out as I expect them to. When I made these <b>Butter Checkerboard Cookies</b>, I was dangerously close to throwing a tantrum on the kitchen floor. It's always either I put in too much butter or I made a mistake of sifting the flour <i>after</i> I measured. I'm banking on the second option. It's always better to sift first so that you don't waste any flour at all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtd2bFRFsNMQ7msyr1izqg1TZsRt5x3kWBtrtGQq8ff7-O_hFi0mDt8e3URavTFCU9LNyXJOvulIkL643qcDVUFCXnfECyh0GecugwtofmV7Y5Tiz6WR9-iBjEeCXg3AWrZHP4C0zezO8/s1600/checkerboard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtd2bFRFsNMQ7msyr1izqg1TZsRt5x3kWBtrtGQq8ff7-O_hFi0mDt8e3URavTFCU9LNyXJOvulIkL643qcDVUFCXnfECyh0GecugwtofmV7Y5Tiz6WR9-iBjEeCXg3AWrZHP4C0zezO8/s640/checkerboard2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div>The dough became difficult to handle for the most part because it was too soft. I only managed to form sad little checkerboards of cookies, which made me equally sad. I really should've added more flour to the mixture. I broke my back trying to knead the dough and form the checkerboards. The procedure seemed simple on paper, but in reality it was a bit challenging. But don't be disheartened because the challenge is what makes it fun!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I made these cookies two days before my family and I left for a beach trip. It had been the long weekend (because of the holiday that fell on a Monday) before my final exams. I made sure I went through my notes before I made these cookies. Tomorrow I take the last Final Exam of my college life. It hasn't sunk in yet that it is my last, and that the four years of my life spent in university is coming to an end. Right now it seems I'm more emotional about the state of the cookies I baked rather than the fact that I'm leaving my school, my friends, and will soon be facing 'the world out there'.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-9nrOGJyA2AdG9wlj0MonsHMyB49sc8bwRLY8uUPOqFmqddV1ZNFdIq4FSrA-ryhB4egiBMabN7HcrDtjOT7-kT9lAiPMt_69AOfhbbo8qNfatHPgiZ-2cN_A9K7bIlU5SE3MmsSPbU/s1600/Checkerboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-9nrOGJyA2AdG9wlj0MonsHMyB49sc8bwRLY8uUPOqFmqddV1ZNFdIq4FSrA-ryhB4egiBMabN7HcrDtjOT7-kT9lAiPMt_69AOfhbbo8qNfatHPgiZ-2cN_A9K7bIlU5SE3MmsSPbU/s640/Checkerboard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Because the rectangular checkerboard dough was softer than it was supposed to be even after overnight refrigeration, it had a tendency to mash together while I was slicing it with the knife. I cut my cookies way thicker than I was supposed to, because I made them smaller than usual. I was disheartened by the look of the so-called checkerboards I made, but nobody ever said I couldn't use the dough to make other patterns, so I decided to form swirling patterns with the rest of the dough instead. There were lots of left-over dough to choose from. I even flatted a couple of vanilla and chocolate dough with plans of sandwiching the cream cheese frosting I had left over from some cupcakes I made the week before. I loved the idea of making them look like macaroons.<br />
<br />
The cookies turned out beautifully but they weren't crispy, nor were they hard. They were somewhere between chewy and crispy, which to me was perfect for butter cookies. But after a day or two they turned chewy, maybe because mine were made with too much butter? They did taste like the expensive-looking canned butter cookies with the expensive-sounding names from the Supermarket. Those cookies are my grandma's favorites so I let her have some of my freshly baked ones. And well, because she is my grandma I couldn't help thinking she felt obliged to tell me they were good. And because I obsess over my baking, which translates to I want to hear people say it's 'delicious' rather than it 'tastes okay/fine', I had to get a second opinion. Anything short of delicious to me is classified as somewhat a failure. I know, I'm sensitive with my baking.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1ekCmkeI1k1xRmmfCpSwDQO9akqYK0KfOFypgglOsfjVs6gkvOT_Oe_xtGZ2MSo8h1DNFaZ1NIjrRQnEC-hKG3QUHsY-Fb7NL_f68GJ_cw1i1j1eRJSu-WNlXzGqLq9kLEOaPzxsJNk/s1600/Checkerboard3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1ekCmkeI1k1xRmmfCpSwDQO9akqYK0KfOFypgglOsfjVs6gkvOT_Oe_xtGZ2MSo8h1DNFaZ1NIjrRQnEC-hKG3QUHsY-Fb7NL_f68GJ_cw1i1j1eRJSu-WNlXzGqLq9kLEOaPzxsJNk/s640/Checkerboard3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">So I have this younger brother who loves sweets. I fed him some cookies and he made a face as he said, "The cookies taste okay." At this point I was slapping myself in my head and vowing never to make these cookies again. Heck, I was scared to bring the other dozens of cookies that came out from this recipe to the beach trip, where we will be joined by family friends. My Mum encouraged me by eating quite a few pieces of cookies, and so did my Dad and my other brothers. I ended up bringing a big jar of cookies, which surprisingly became quite popular. This is one of those instances you are happy to come home empty-handed. Needless to say I'll be making these again one of these days. I do believe they taste better the day after they're baked.<br />
<br />
</div></div><div><b></b></div><b>Butter Checkerboard Cookies</b><br />
<div>Adapted from <a href="http://www.bakingobsession.com/2008/10/21/checkerboard-cookies/">Baking Obsession</a></div><div><br />
</div><div><i>Ingredients:</i></div><div>5 1/3 cups all-purpose flour</div><div>1 tsp baking powder</div><div>1 tsp salt</div><div>1 lb (2 cups or 4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature</div><div>2 cups granulated sugar</div><div>1 tbsp pure vanilla extract</div><div>2 large eggs, room temperature</div><div>1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa<br />
<br />
</div><i>Procedure:</i><br />
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.<br />
<div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Using the electric mixer, in another larger bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture and mix to combine. Finish the mixing with your hands or a wooden spoon. (It was easier with my hands though.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Divide the dough in half. It's better to make sure you've got two equal dough sizes for your checkerboard so don't forget to weigh your dough. Knead the ½ cup of cocoa into one of the two parted dough to form your chocolate dough.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Again, divide the chocolate and vanilla dough in half. Form each of them into a rectangle, wrap individually in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours up to a day. Since I couldn't wait, I took them out of the fridge after two hours.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Take one portion of the chocolate and one portion of the vanilla dough and let them sit on the counter for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly. On parchment paper (I like using this better) or a lightly floured surface, using a floured rolling pin, roll one portion of the vanilla dough into ½ -inch thick rectangles, with the sides about 12 x 5 inches long. Using a pizza wheel or a sharp knife, cut out total of 9 ½ -inch wide strips from the flattened dough. Do the same for the chocolate dough.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Handling the strips delicately, form two checkerboard logs alternating the chocolate and vanilla strips. The first log should have alternating chocolate-vanilla-chocolate as its first layer, and the second log should have vanilla-chocolate-vanilla as its first layer. (You can get the idea from the photos above.) Cover with plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate until firm, at least for another 2 hours.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">When ready to continue, roll the remaining vanilla dough into a rectangle about 1/3-inch thick and measuring 12 x 6 inches. Place the firmed checkerboard log with the predominant chocolate pattern (choco-vanilla-choco as first layer) into the center, long sides parallel, and with the aid of parchment, wrap the dough around the checkerboard log pressing firmly to adhere. Roll the finished log from side to side to form sharp corners. Do the same with the chocolate dough and the vanilla-choco-vanilla patterned log. Wrap in the parchment and/or plastic and refrigerate well overnight. You can freeze the logs then thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before using, but I just refrigerate mine.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu-_cYBiceinnGpwOVEABzDz5m1DPF9gWjU_Wla8u_zVUlU3-HB-IOw2AANrbIzXlNsE3LekIiIhH8kGvyEjPALGNKs45JvihrUCbL7l4mnBRUnMZtobm5bJuL3v0FZCNsgA6Ee41df0/s1600/Checkerboard4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu-_cYBiceinnGpwOVEABzDz5m1DPF9gWjU_Wla8u_zVUlU3-HB-IOw2AANrbIzXlNsE3LekIiIhH8kGvyEjPALGNKs45JvihrUCbL7l4mnBRUnMZtobm5bJuL3v0FZCNsgA6Ee41df0/s640/Checkerboard4.jpg" width="640" /></a>When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350F. Cover a large baking tray with parchment or a silicone mat. Using a very sharp knife, slice the cookie-dough log into ¼-inch thick slices. Place on the prepared baking sheet leaving more or less 1 inch all around each slice. Bake the cookies, in batches, for about 12 minutes or until firm and golden brown on the bottom. The website where I got this recipe says not to let them bake for too long, or the color contrast between the chocolate and vanilla dough will be lost. Cool on the baking sheet on a rack for 15 minutes. Then transfer the cookies to the rack and cool completely.</div>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-23798829911200897842010-08-24T22:20:00.008+08:002010-10-01T11:51:28.187+08:00The world is unfit<img align="left" alt="E" src="http://jhische.com/dailydropcap/E-7-cap.png" style="text-align: justify;" title="Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische" /><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">very day that passes is another day the world turns more dangerous, and in truth, more fragile. There are too many people from all angles of the globe doing all sorts of horrible things to others. There was the person who threw acid from atop a building, permanently branding innocent passersby with ugly burn marks on their skins. Then there was the ex-policeman who took several tourists hostage, and in a moment of mental instability gunned half of them down with the help of a failing SWAT Team, in the hopes of getting reinstated into the police force. On the telly comes the news of the usual news of a suicide bombing, and the viewer allows himself a moment of condescending, obligatory pity before moving onto juicy Hollywood gossip.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">People are afraid of the coming of the end of the world, but I say it's happening everywhere, right at this moment. It is not so much the end of the world but the end of civilization; the end of the evolution of man. At some point, men have turned back to the violent ways of their ancestors in attempts to solve their problems.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is the world that we live in now. And with the storms that have been flooding our streets these past few nights, the heavens have been mourning its lost children.</div>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-52357280425699446432010-08-22T21:56:00.007+08:002010-10-01T11:51:38.926+08:00Hitting the books<img align="left" alt="I" src="http://jhische.com/dailydropcap/I-6-cap.png" style="text-align: justify;" title="Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische" /><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">have an eBook reader. And though that gives me considerable amount of power in terms of carrying a shocking amount of books in a tiny device, there's something to be said about the feeling one gets upon opening the first few leaves from a freshly-bought book. Nothing beats the draw of a book store, with the sign "New Arrivals" beckoning like a freshly-baked apple pie cooling on a windowsill; that inescapable pull of the glass window display of books every time one passes the book store.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have an eBook reader- for the books I can live without having on my shelf. But for the books and authors I so dearly love, I don't believe I can resist the urge to grab the actual, physical book from the shelf, and pore through its pages like a hungry scholar. I will miss too much the feeling of the pages as I run my hands through the words of a particularly striking scene in the story, or as I turn the pages in anticipation. I will miss too much the smell of the pages- the smell of a new discovery, of a new adventure to be had in the comforts of my imagination.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had thought buying an eBook Reader would put an end to the piles and piles of books that are awaiting their places on our overly full bookshelves. But I realize that I will be one of those people who would trade the feeling of a real book in my hands for anything electronic. This goes for notebooks, drawing pads and writing/drawing programs as well. I appreciate technology and this modern time I live in. But the traditionalist in me will never be satiated. In fact, one of the first things I will do when I build my own home is to build a library big enough to store all my literary forays. That remains to be one of my greatest <i>goals</i> in life. And in time I fear there will be few of us left.</div>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-23104872291527925072010-07-24T16:14:00.016+08:002011-01-11T09:41:53.115+08:00Belatedly professing my love<div style="text-align: justify;">It's been more than a week since my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b>Spanish National Team</b></span> was declared as the <b>World Champions</b> in South Africa. Everything is swell in the world, even despite the fact that my week after was hellishly full of things to do for school. Allow me this late moment of celebration, as this is the first time in two weeks I manage to have my brain intact for thoughts other than academic ones.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSE5QZwwT0hwhHJQ8bymzjPmQ7kLKm-0PTRbHwSgxjwXfTuBl2hIA4hYIE4RLjzsdYtlV5qORVpILGo_vECz7g9ZEJ86AXeoGeMWdMwI2NQ-4F5LNzR0pIfJ9G-FcUbIJLQQ60XuTOO0/s400/tumblr_l5jyqfp6mM1qahqcno1_500.jpg" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 256px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497389870684518162" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I cannot forget how happy I was in the face of this hard-earned victory, especially for my favorite players like <b>Xabi Alonso</b>, <b>Jesus Navas</b>, <b>Cesc Fabregas</b> or <b>Sergio Ramos</b>. Sometimes I feel like a lot of fans give more attention to their good looks rather than their contributions on the pitch, which are of course, excellent ones. Admittedly though, the game could have been "better" in terms of looks and play, I cannot blame the tension and nerves that was so very apparent from both sides. The De Young Kung-Fu kick was unforgivable for someone like me whose top most favorite player of all players is Xabi Alonso, but I do respect the talented players from Oranje.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It didn't matter that I stayed up until 5.30AM just to watch every minute, every second count down until they lifted the trophy. And immediately I wanted to go out and get myself a '<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;"><b>Campeones del Mundo</b></span>'</i> shirt with the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;"><b>star</b></span> above the RFEF patch. It doesn't even matter that my body clock is messed up until this day, and that I'm sleepy in the mornings and wide awake in the evenings. I'm sure it'll fall back to pattern soon anyway.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Oh the things I do for the love of football.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I dream about <b>Brazil 2014</b> starting today. And what's more, I dream about being in Brazil and actually watching the matches with my own eyes. I can only hope the players I so dearly love are still present for me to cheer for.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: none; outline- margin-top: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; "><em style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: none; outline- margin-top: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; color:initial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Seré siempre fiel a la Roja. </span></span></span></b></em></span></span></div>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-12496491482557495312010-07-08T21:26:00.012+08:002011-01-11T09:41:57.115+08:00¡Que Viva España!<div style="text-align: justify;">I've always been a huge Spain supporter. The pride I felt after the win against Germany yesterday was so overwhelming you'd think I were a Spanish National! I was ecstatic! It was an excellent game from both sides that kept me on my toes! Germany is my second favorite national team but I just can't stop myself from cheering for <i>La Roja</i>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This shot at the title is the first in the History of Spanish football. Let's hope it doesn't stay a shot. I'm praying for it to become a reality.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyFfVTsnGeJU3WjrXuslGGqAWdZBhtPiLwBrUwc5i6NMW04-PNLuWwDjkNAT16kz1-AA6lvaD85Wxbdd5MTPS5iGb9muCxWbvFEQlLJVk8RnnZIWBrmM5w-4o8bjkKYKNXrQqbYVULbQ/s400/2625767788_136f0e5473.jpg" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 273px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491527729019220114" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Mi favorito:</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> Well I do like all of them. But my number 1 favorite player in the world is </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Xabi Alonso</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">.</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Cesc Fabregas is noteworthy as well</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The World Cup is truly a joy to watch in the midst of all the stress school gives me. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">¡España es el mejor! </span></b></i><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">¡</span></b></i><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Viva La Furia Roja!</span></b></i></div>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-46858271911552788162010-07-03T13:21:00.010+08:002011-01-11T09:41:15.827+08:00Because Brasil lost yesterday<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S9XjcMff3U4-Dkg_RXhcmnRcz4-QUZeZHM2DfHy48gGu06PL3doNhlo4atYxKaR4IhjpMEhkZkpQPguAfcvrE-gtCllXoKahZ17WjvszYnwsFWQz-35QyDdBgsIAs1nubzTCHZ_BX9M/s400/Picture+1.png" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489551567747929618" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm in a huge state of denial right now after last night's World Cup match between <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">Holland</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Brasil</span>. Not to take anything away from <i>Oranje</i>, but I think I might just be too attached to Kaka and co. <b>Most specifically to Kaka</b>, who next I will see with my other Madrid boys in <i>La Liga</i>. And also<b> Robinho</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I certainly hope <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><b>Spain</b></span> picks up its performance now. Else it will be a depressing World Cup for me.</div>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-417687530868161607.post-23502297858427353762010-05-31T21:10:00.002+08:002010-09-01T22:26:03.093+08:00I wish I could say<div style="text-align: justify;">I had an awesome first day back in school.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was... eh.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On the other hand, a Strategic Management prof did challenge the Advertising/Marketing undergrads. (Actually, tried to scare us would be more apt.)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We should all say, "I accept your challenge," and get on with it.</p>Clarisse Shainahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10612290025838758355noreply@blogger.com0