Stephen says...

Joyce: Star and I really want to go to Taiwan! We always hear about the amazing food and culture and really, really, REALLY want to go!

On a related note, because we can't afford to go to Taiwan but need to travel anyways, Star and I are leaving for Mexico this Wednesday, and come back on the 24^th. Unfortunately, this means that we will be missing the party and may not see some of you for a long time. So, for those of you leaving while we are away: good luck and have fun! Unlike Joyce, we will not be giving you updates from Mexico with any regularity (if at all) because we don't have a computer there, and my past experiences at Internet cafe's in Mexico have shown me that they are WAY too expensive (up to $10 USD for less than 15 minutes), so it will be an email-checking endeavour only (that's how med-school will contact me while I'm away).

I think that's about all I have to report... Last minute travel is the only way to go.

Gordon says...

JOYCE!: I left you a surprise at your gmail account =P

vivienne says...

Man, you make me want to go to Taiwan, too, Joyce! Speaking of which..umm...the noodles you're talking about...you meant wonton, right? 'cause wanton noodles...well, it means something really different...LOL

Anyhow, the jumbo size pudding you're talking about..I can't read the first chinese character *sob* what does it say?

Joyce says...

Sweating in Taiwan
I did my duty round to the "ancestor's attic" and two local temples with my grandma. My grandma actually asked the Taiwanese pagans' blessing when I did my interviews. Now, not only I had to do the worship for my future safety in NY, I have to thank them for their blessings during those crazy interview trips. Well, abiding by the traditions, I did thank them, but I asked them to take care of my grandma instead cuz I thought I can take care of myself and study hard anyway. hehe.. we'll see. The pagan temples are impressive though. The archetecture's detailed with chinese style sculptings that must take YEARS to complete.


aiwanese food, need I say more?
There's this on thing we rarely mention about Taiwanese food - tropical fruits in Taiwan. Taiwan's an amazing place for fruit, especially tropical fruits. I had some very fresh and HUGE lichee. Canned lichees can't even be compared w/ the fresh ones. I also had this "budda's head" thingy. It's called 釋枷 for those who can read chinese. I've seen it in Vancouver, but those are small and almost rotten. The ones here are fresh and HUGE!!! It's one of my favorite fruits! (yes, I do love fruits....the tropical ones...). Other than that, I had the chicken rice that my home town's famous for, thick pork stew, wanton noodle that I love since childhood, rice ball from 7-11.... Oh.. Cindy, I also had 統一布丁. They make jumbo size now!!!!

Taiwanese girls are skinny as expected, but some have very bizzarre sense of fashion. When I was sweating on the street, I saw two girls with mini skirt, tights (sp?), and boots ...... errrrrrr
Since I like to check out skinny girls (ahem... and guys).. I'm having a good time here. hahaha

ok. this is it. Stay tuned for more reports from Taiwan

Joanne says...

That's a good question! I really don't know. But since it's been hurting for weeks and finally culminated yesterday, I'm guessing it's a combination of the prolonged sprinting (to cover my check) during the Ultimate games and bracing in the boat for leg drive during Dragonboat. Throw in all the hiking in May, my daily walking...I guess, it was slowly building up these past couple of months and the stupid muscles around my tibia decided they had enough and went on strike...

Maybe I should join a union, hehe.

NeverGonnaGrowUp says...

joanne: ouch. hope u get better soon...my question is, what have u been doing to put too much stress on ur tibia???

p.s. it was fun yesterday...thanks girls for letting me play :) (yup yup joyce, hiu wah called me 5 minutes before he left his house to see if i could play for u guys...and i did!)

Joanne says...

Hey Everyone

Sorry to let you down for the second year in the row during the Summer playoffs, but I apparently have been putting on too much stress on my tibia, so the doctor told me to ease off the running for the next two weeks or else it might fracture.

Sorry 8'(.

Gordon says...

Steve: yeah...i WAS catholic (notice the quotations?) but now i'm atheist... so i'll be more than pleased to join you in some religious rants =P

Stephen says...

Whoa! Gordon, you're a Catholic? Really? Is anyone else part of some religion I'm not aware of? I'm really going to have to start watching which faiths I slag off...

Anyone a wiccan?

NeverGonnaGrowUp says...

joyce: heehee, i enjoy your daily updates of tw very much. tell me more about the food when u haf time to enjoy that!

p.s. the rounded female object that is chris' temporary tripod is my SHOULDER! he told me hold my breathe for a long period of time, too...

Gordon says...

Cool, so I guess it is pretty similar in HK and Tw. I have that ancestor stand thingy too (except at my house, it's the china cabinet and the MJ table ends up being where we put the chicken, those stick things, etc). But usually, I just go to the cemetary to visit my deceased ancestors because I'm "Catholic" so I can't do all of that buddha stuff.

Joyce says...

Another day in Taiwan
mwhaha, Joanne, I already have buns of steel.
As for the 4.5 flight of stairs.... i'm getting better at grabbing all the stuff i need at once. It is amazing how much stuff on can carry with 10 fingers and 2 arms.

Here's something very different.
My town is filled with clinics of all specialties in medicine and dentistry. This is probably because we lack proper medical complexes. And, according to my parents, private practices here make more $$. This is not the odd part. The common theme of all the signs for these clinics is the doctor's resume. Yes, they advertise where they graduated from and where they've done their trainings. Here's an example -
Dr. Lee Pediatric Clinic (sometimes u get weird name, like "good health" or "kindness and peace"....)
M.D. from Taiwan National University
worked in pediatrics of Certain Hospital
Attending at Somewhere Hospital
And if the doc received any kind of training from Jap, or any place in North America or Europe, it will be advertised in bold letters.

Tomorrow, I will be back to my grandparents house and will go "bai" my great grandfather. He past away when I was 8. However, by Taiwanese tradition, I still get to "talk" or... "report" to him in front of his pic and this uhm... stand thingy that represents all my ancestor by holding 3 burning inscents. After that, my grandma wants me to do a worshiping at this "Lady Mother" in a local "Lady Mother Temple" - another typical Taiwanese thing. To my grandmother, a visit to "Lady Mother" and telling her my request for her care will ensure my safety when I study abroad; to me, the visit would me my grandma more at ease, knowing that I will be taken care of.

k. that's about it. Nice pics, Chris. I wonder what rounded female objects you used as a tripod.

Christopher says...

I'm tremendously bored and I'm sifting through some of my photos, so I decided to post a pair of pictures that I like.


A Curious Visitor
Cindy took this picture at the docks at Jericho on Wednesday's Celebration of Lights. (She is tremendously proud of this picture as it took her some 20 minutes of running up and down the dock trying to get a good shot)


The Sun Sets
I just really like how this picture turned out. The weather was absolutely perfect and the colors turned out very well. Who else thinks white sports socks look horrible. I should never wear shorts.

Anyhow if any of you guys are planning to enjoy the Celebration of Lights, the pier at Jericho Beach is a good location. Its easy to get too and the traffic in and out isn't too bad. The view is absolutely unblocked and you can see every single detail, albeit a bit smaller. (This picture is blurry because rounded female objects don't serve very well as tripods) Plus you get all sorts of fun distractions and heck, maybe you'll catch some dinner.


On a more serious/fun note (I know this doesn't make sense, but its completely true pending the audience). Here is a very good article that I feel should get some attention.

Caution: Children At Play: The Truth About Violent Youth And Video Games

Here is a brief quote:
In an analysis of the risk factors of youth violence by the Surgeon General of the United States of America, violent media is categorized as “Small Effect Size.” In fact, there are 27 risk factors rated higher than exposure to violent media, like socioeconomic status, academic failure, poor parent-child relations, weak social ties, and being male. Quick! Ban all the males!

Gordon says...

I must watch!

Joanne says...

Sounds like Joyce will have buns of steel when she comes back. I must slap!

vivienne says...

Joyce: Sounds like typical asian country. LOL As for the penthouse thing....the novelty of having a whole floor will soon wear itself out. :p speaking from personal experience...having the whole second floor/renovated attic was fun for about 2 months and then the trouble of running up and down to get books/coat/stuff will start to gnaw on you. LOL But enjoy it while it's still fun! Send pics pics of room! :D

Stephen says...

Joanne: Star and I are definitely coming to the show. As for the dinner and afterparty, I will need to consult with the wife before committing. I'll let you know tonight.

Joyce says...

My 1st few days in Taiwan
It's hot; it's humid, and, yes, it is scary! well, not everything's scary, but the traffic definitely is. Everyone here follows the unwritten rules - 1) traffic lights are for reference only, especially for motorcyclists 2) there is no rules. I freaked out everytime someone changes lanes, and that someone includes my father. Yes, he does NO shoulder checks and is usually 1/2 way in the other lane when he signals the car that's right behind him.
What's written on a sign from a chicken .. uhm.. stand... really caught my attention.
1) Killed right before being sold, freshness guranteed
2) we do not sell overnight chicken
3) we do not sell bleached chicken
The chicken stand consists of chickens (live ones) in birdcages (v. crowded, btw), some machineries that removes the feather, and a table for ... transaction... I don't think i need to point out what's wrong there w/ the sign. When I was reading it, I couldn't help but notice a slaughtered chicken on the table, throat slit, claws (what's the real name?) tied, NOT refrigirated and was waiting to be sold or picked up. Now the thought of Nando's it not too appetizing eh.

Our new house and the neighbourhood are at their last stage of construction. It's livable, dun worry. I'm pretty excited about this new house actually. The interior's very nicely designed. And when my parents ordered it, I claimed the "penthouse" room. O.k. I'll have to explain you what a typical Taiwanese house looks like. Think about those semi-crowded town house in Richmond. It is like that and usually 4 to 5 stories high. The "penthouse" room, as my parents called it, is the room at the top floor. It is my childhood dream to have a whole floor, and a petite room, to myself. Now I get to sleep there. HOWEVER, it requires me to climb up 4.5 flights of stairs, everytime I need to go to my room. Ha, now I really don't need to worry about the weight i'm going to put on w/ all the eating!!

From some odd reason, people think I'm in highschool, and when my mom reveals my real age, ppl are like "oh. it's ok. she can still grow." (girls can grow taller til she got knocked up, according to a twnese saying) I'm nowthe second shortest amoung my cousins, and I'm the second oldest one next to my brother. ugh, my 11 (or 12)-year-old cousin has outgrown me already.

hmm, what else is scary. Oh. I went to this Home Depot-like hardware store. They have kitchen displays. (Not scary eh.) But, the display is ON THE WALL. Yes. It's like a kitchen.. space.. on the wall. (this is not the scariest part) And it is slanted. If you were there, you'd have the impressiong that the whold kitchen is sliding down towards you. "so THIS is how people here solve the space problem," I thought to myself. I took a pic w/ my dad's cell, you guys HAVE to see it.

k.. that's about it for today. stay tuned for the exciting or scary things in Taiwan.

Joanne says...

Itinerary for Bard on the Beach

Date: Friday, July 29th, 2005
6:00pm Dinner at Tangerine - any other [cheaper] suggestion?
7 - 7:30pm Walk/drive down to Vanier Park
8:00pm Love's Labour's Lost
11:00pm Dessert at Sweet Obsessions at Trafalgar's (or cheesecake at Cheesecakes Etc.!...sorry, not many places are open late in Vancouver)

It might get cold as the sun sets, so bring a jacket/blanket. The cost of the show is $28.50. If you're coming to any part of this, LET ME KNOW NOW!!!

Joanne says...

Speaking of saying goodbye to this group...will the results of Pat's survey ever be revealed? I really wanted to know who was voted most likely to take over the world, marry rich, end up on CBC, etc.

Karen says...

waaaahhhhhh...chris, you have to be at the goodbye party!! i suppose the only solution is to have goodbye parties parts 1 and 2?? goodbye party: departure of christopher ng - episode 1 and goodbye party: brief return and immediate departure of joyce/gordon/joanne - episode 2 ?? hahahaha. =P do you guys REALLY have to leave??? goodbye parties are so final...*sob*

steve: slight correction to joyce's post. we were gushing about how cute you and star are as a married couple all the way down the hall from your apartment, in the elevator, in the car all the way to my final and then again when we were talking again later that night after my final. we were saying how marriage looks good on you guys. congrats again. we're SO SO happy for you guys. =)

vivienne says...

Joyce: blog footer noticed. ;)

Joyce says...

PAPA Ng!!!!! You are leaving on 11th? What time?
Noooooooooooooooooo. darn. I'm comming back in the morning of 11th. BAH.

Now how are we going to do this???

Christopher says...

Bah, I can't make that fun beach party. I'm leaving for Toronto on the 11th of August not the 14th.

Anyhow, we should exchange those tiny grad photos before we all leave and such. I mean thats what they are there for, aren't they?

Joyce says...

Mark this on your calendar:
Friday, August 12th, 2005
Beach party with the P&C group followed by drinking party.

Steve: maybe we can incorporate your wedding video showing into this party schedule (given how "busy" ppl are in this group). Howbout.. hmm... post-beach and pre-drinking. Posting a deadline will definitely get Tim and Peter's asses moving on the video, haha. btw, you are star look so happy and cute!! wheee, so happy for ya! (karen and I aww and ohh-ed all the way on the elevator.)

Karen says...

gary's coming back august 31st! (a mentionable for the c & a sidebar.)

Christopher says...

Ooh Theatre!

Since when have we decided to become cultured??

Bah anyhow, my uncultured self still can't bring myself back to Bard (Did I mention my overwhelming unswerving animosity for that place? 5 years of volunteering tends to do that to you.) but I would love to come out for dinner or deserts after, so keep me informed!

Also I'd most likely be up for a showing of Tony and Tina's Wedding. Sadly enough I still haven't watched that show.

Joanne says...

Saturday is fine too, I'm just worried about the noonday heat. And just checked the schedule, there isn't a 1pm show for Love's Labour's Lost until September 10th.

Stephen says...

I'm at work, Joyce. Call me at 822-3344.

Stephen says...

That sounds really good, but Friday night is the most expensive night to see those plays. A 1 pm Saturday or Sunday show is only $19.50. Given the depth of the pockets of our group members, I think it would be prudent to point this out.

Would Saturday work better for anyone else?

Joyce says...

STEVE, CHECK YOUR VOICE MAIL!

Joanne says...

Yar, indeed we walked from one end of Vancouver to the other. It only took us 3.5 hours! A stark reminder of how small our city is. What prompted us on this wild endeavour you ask? To satisfy our thirst for knowledge of course! Haven't you always wondered how long it would take you to walk home from UBC? Haven't you always longed to discover your beloved city on foot?

Actually, we don't know. Or at least I don' t know, perhaps Gordon has an actual reason. We had an entire Sunday free, and thought what the hey, it's good for your cardiovascular and pulmonary health. Just avoid Kingsway.

And on that note, your friends obviously need other things to do with their time, so why not join them in something more...fruitful? (Actually, walking to UBC WAS fruitful in my opinion, and I would do it again if I had the time! Actually, we're thinking of walking to the border, all those who want to join speak now!) Come watch Love's Labour's Lost at 8pm this Friday, 29th at Vanier Park. (Sorry Stephen, I know you're asking Star if it's ok, but I'm hoping this assertiveness will get things rolling.) Tickets are $35, and we can have dinner in Kitsilano beforehand OR dessert in Kitsilano afterwards! (It just so happens that about 80% of my absolute favourite bakeries/dessert spots are in that neighbourhood...how those Kits chicks manage to stay so hot is beyond me).

Peter says...

what's the deal
with my brain?
why am i so obviously insane?
in a perfect situation,
i let love down the drain.

there's the pitch slow and straight.
all i have to do is swing and i'm a hero.

but i'm a zero...

Perfect Situation

Stephen says...

Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work! Last day of work!

NeverGonnaGrowUp says...

just saying hi on the blog cuz it's been a very quiet couple of days...

viv: whats this new thing about layered hair? did u cut ur hair? CAN I SEE A PICTURE????

gordon and joanne: whats this thing about walking from ubc to bby? i hope u were in very comfy shoes...lol and i hope u had a good workout out of it! i used to complain all the time about walking from wesbrook to buchannan...lol. maybe i should be ashamed of myself...:(

Gordon says...

I'm good for both (even though i am no Shakespeare fan..)

Haha..when I first read jo's post, i thought it was Joyce talking to me.

Anyway, what's Tony 'N Tina's Wedding :o??

Stephen says...

Hamlet's a little overdone, did it in high school and everyone loves it a little too much. I'd much rather see Love's Labours Lost. I know that's Star's first priority, so why don't we try that for next Friday. I'll ask her and see what she says.

Joyce: Cuba's been hit the hardest by the hurricane, over 80% of the country has no power. Maybe we'll go another year. As for Australia, it's the same problem as Vietnam, waaaay to expensive to get there, and we'd only be able to go for a month. It's just not enough time to be able to justify the money spent on getting there, never mind how expensive the country is while you're there. Thanks for the ideas though!

Joyce says...

hmm, bard. *ahem* hamlet...

Steve: are you in vancouver? oh, howbout Cuba for ur honeymoon? I heard from the staff at my volunteer place that Cuba's both cheap and nice, with white sand beach too! Australia is fun too, but i wonder if it's going to be $$$$.

I wonder if my neighbours are glad that I don't have the piano anymore... (oh, well, there's still my violin). This is so weird, not having a piano in the house.

darn, i didn't notice it last night. it looks more like woot than w00t on the header. stupid font.
54rerfdt - and this is hitting the keys w/ my forehead. This is fun!

Joanne says...

DUDE!!! Finally somebody who wants to watch Love's Labour's Lost. Practically everybody else on this blog wants to watch Hamlet. I love to see uncles betray their nephews as much as the next guy, but frankly, I'd much prefer a good laugh. So I'm up for both as well. Why don't we organize somethign for next Friday? We can go for Tony N Tina's Wedding at 6:45pm or Love's Labour's Lost at 8pm.

Hmm, good point. How would we say "your" if "you" is "yar"? Would it be "yarr"?

Stephen says...

I really want to go to Tony 'n Tina's Wedding! Star also wants to see Love's Labours Lost at Bard on the Beach. Who else is up for it? Tickets are cheaper than Tony 'n Tina's but I'll go to both.

The wife and I are looking into honeymoon destinations, it's too expensive to get to Vietnam, and Cost Rica's really pricey once you get there even if the flights are cheap... We'll probably do Mexico again (w00t!!).

asjghs;h uhg <-- Random slamming of the keyboard, also probably a word in Hungarian.

Gordon says...

Nice Joyce...looks good. I like the top title part (especially the repeating yar =P)...except I think you meant "YouR daily does of news and grease" instead of "You..."

Joanne says...

Yar, I am bored as well. What to do...what to do... When's your cooking party/shopping with Star? After hearing about how she snagged Dior shoes for $200, I SO gotta check out the shops with her!!!

A couple of things I've been wanting to do:

Check out the Rodin Exhibit at the Vancouver Art Gallery - it's $10! And the sculptures are HOT. I mean *ahem* such craftsmanship *ahem*.

Tony N Tina's Wedding - Probably not as awesome as Star Nap's family, but I heard from Becca that this show is hilarious (AND it's labelled as a "musical"!!!). But this is not the best part: For the summer, to celebrate its 10th anniversary, TICKETS ARE HALF PRICE. I know $45 from $90 is really steep, but it's an excuse to dress up, and they provide food. Food...

Stephen says...

BBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRREEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDD

Board?

Stephen says...

It's my second last day of work and I'm BORED bored ^B_O^R_E^D

Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

Stephen says...

Heh. I love the header and the little speech balloons at the upper left corner of each post.

Joyce says...

this is it for today, folks. Hope you like it.
Bah, I really like that tile phich pic taken by leo, and I've redesigned it and been trying to fit in the title block for the whole night!! Somehow the

tags defined by CSS does not work well w/ the align commend in the image tag.. .. arrrggggg, need to learn more CSS.

hehe, this is phun! it reminds me my high school days

vivienne says...

I think pink is a *bea-yeutiful* colour and EVERYONE should wear it! Yay!

I can already hear Joyce lamenting in the background....

Gordon says...

Hmm...I think the layout is ALL RIGHT...except maybe the tiled fish pic. The colors definitely give this blog a more unisex feeling =)

Anyway, so Tim and I were at this AE in Toronto and while i was looking at a series of AE polos, this cute sales associate came up to me and told me to buy the pink polo if I were to buy one cause PINK looks good on ASIANS while pink would look ugly with pale, white, blonde dudes. This is the exact opposite from what the girls on this blog have said (well, for the asian part anyway). Anyhow, a few days before that, jo and I went to metro and I actually tried on that pink polo the sales associate suggested and I personally thought pink wasn't too bad (of course jo thought otherwise =P). Anyhow, this brought me to some dilemma: what a cute girl thinks...or what the girls on this blog think. Well, the decision was easy, and i will probably buy that pink polo back here in Vancouver. Personally, again, i don't think pink looks bad on asians. I can probably picture every guy on this blog wearing a pink shirt (with possibly a few exceptions). I think the MAJOR (if not only) taboo color for asians is YELLOW (no offence to leo or anything =P).

Now, for those of you who object asian males wearing pink because of their skin tone, why do some of you SAME girls wear pink yourselves? Last time I checked, asians tones are the same for both sexes.

Just my fashion two cents =P

Now...TIME TO TAN!!! weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Stephen says...

I'm more of a fan of textured backgrounds. I think solid colours look really childish. However, I'm not about to learn CSS and Dreamweaver (I don't even own Dreamweaver) just to make the blog pretty so Joyce, you do what you want.

Maybe instead of lines beneath the posts we could make it say w00tw00tw00tw00t in tiny letters! Mmmmmm.... seizure inducing.....

Gordon says...

MAYBE, the fish icon is actually a chip! so he's a fish chip...?

Joyce says...

o.k. that's it for tonight. i'll fix the fish image tomorrow.. err.. i mean later today.

Joanne says...

Brighten up the colours (I like to see things like I'm smoking up)! Otherwise, all other formatting seems wonderful to me. My one qualm is our logo. Our name is "Phish and Chips" but there's only a fish - where are the chips!?!?! And mind you, it's more like...half a fish. Like, the bone part. Can't we get a cheerier logo?

NeverGonnaGrowUp says...

awww poor joyce!

i do have to say it's a good idea to put in the bars though :) cuz you could clearly see each person's post that way. i used to have problem trying to decipher whose post is which cuz the "posted by blah blah blah" is too tiny for me to see. and also steve used to do the whole wootwootwoot thing and it just always goes off to the margin and makes the blog look ugly. hahaha...

just a minor issue. how come some fo the post have like, "lines" across them?

Joyce says...

*hide tails between legs*
*wimper in the corner of the room*

i.. i... i'll put up something not as experimental....

Karen says...

steve: congratulations!!! wish i could've been there...but you owe us a vancouver post-wedding party right?? =) soo looking forward to seeing the video! perhaps we could have a group viewing of the wedding video at the party...so we can hear all the itty-bitty details!! pass along the best wishes to the mrs. =P

hahahaha. is it just me or do all of peter's rims look the same to any one else? heh...heh.........hmmph.

joyce: you know i love you...but i think the layout's maybe...perhaps...a little...kinda...just a TINY bit...ugly? but since you spent so much time on it...we should keep it. hahahaha.

Joyce says...

Steve!!! Man, you are MARRIED!!!! I got goosebumps from just reading your post! What should I do if I want to shop with Star, another shoe fanatic, but also want to learn how to cook for real. (*cough* the most complicated cooking for me still involves pouches, canned sauce or frozen material. I'm hoping that my roomate cooks to realive stress.)
I'm going to Taiwan for two weeks on the 26th, and I've yet to hug you guys and give you the wedding presents.

Peter: CSL for ur mysterious and sophisticated lawyer look. You don't want to be like a burnt-out middle aged businessman or a loaded flamboyant asian teen.

Stephen says...

Hey again.

I didn't actually scroll down that far to see what I had missed when I was on before.
Thank you all so much for your nice wishes (Viv, that looks really awesome! Can I have a large copy to use as my background?).
Also happy belated's to Ben and Cindy!

Also, I will be starting the "Cooking for Bachelors" program shortly. The program will be to teach the menfolk to cook. The course will be free, but you will need to bring your own ingredients. Women are allowed, but Star and I thought that the program should be focusing on the mens while the women go shopping with Star, then come back to our place for a nice meal. Send me your dates of availability, we're going up to Lion's Bay this weekend, but we're free in the evenings all of this and next week, and next weekend too.

Stephen says...

WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everything was amazing! Click the wedding blog link in the links area to get the full scoop!

Peter: The 5-spokes are too teenagerish, and the GT's are too busy. I'd go with the CSL's too. Whatever you choose though, they had better not be those crappy ones that spin even when the car's not moving. Those are really tacky, not part of your mysterious look.

Viv: You probably know my opinion on wedges, but in this case I would have to agree with Joanne. Avoid chunky heels though... VERY dated.

vivienne says...

Pete: CSL for sure. The other cars are....very.....mature looking. >.<;;

Joyce: The new blog is too dark! Ack!! Why can't we have something brighter for summer? :p we can save this new blog look for the school year, to match the feeling of impending doom....

Joanne & Cindy: Thanks for the advice! :D

Joanne says...

DEFINITELY the CSLs.

Joyce says...

o.k. Before I figure out the code for a Google styled P&C, we are having THIS as the new look. yes, I finally got sick of the pastel green.
See the green box for our blog name, pic and description? In the original templace, it's where user profile goes. And I spent some time figuring out how to change it to our traditional profile while retaining the green box. The code was a bit tricky for me the CSS newbie.
Remember when someone posts a long link or pic that's bigger than the post area, the sidebar get squizzed to the bottom. The problem is solved, my friend (finally found the right command!!!). A scroll bar will appear to tide you over!!! test and see yourself!
I also adujsted the original template here and there to make it look nicer.
http://www.blogger.com/templates/rounders3/sample.html -- the original template

hmm, spending tons of time in minute details that go unappreciated by people. No wonder I want to be a dentist.

Peter says...

in my latest installment of lame attempts to inject masculinity into this page:

there is a slight chance that if one of the great univesities in this country decide to accept my sorry ass into their school of law, that i may get to take the family car along with me. of course, this first thing i would do is slam it hehehe. after i get a full time job of course. i'm trying to go for a sleek, mysterious, kinda look. what do you guys think would be the best rims for the car of my (pipe) dreams?

BMW (OEM) CSLs:


BBS GTs:

ACS 5 spoke (note sure of name):

Joanne says...

*back to Joanne ditz mode*

1) Definitely no stilettos or kitten heels or else you'll get stuck in the grass

2) If you must do chunky heels, try to pair it with a peep toe (REALLY cute ones from Marc Jacobs - on sale at Gravity Pope!) to avoid looking too 1997

3) Wedges will keep you from sinking, but keep them thin, like a pair of Jimmy Choos that Joyce posted up a while ago. I've seen nice Nine West Ones. BUT NO ESPADRILLES.

4) Keep it open-toed. A pump would demand a pastel-coloured tweed suit that screams GARDEN TEA PARTY rather than WEDDING. Plus the Okanagan is HOT. You'll want the extra breathing room in your toes.

5) White isn't a bad idea, as long as it's patterned. It's still before Labour Day, so enjoy the wedding while you can...

6) An easy way to take a summer dress from day to evening is to wear bright colours rather than pastels. Make it printed to take advantage of the novelty of a summer wedding. Try something like this Diane von Furstenberg dress (which I KNOW you can afford if you buy $100 shirts...)

NeverGonnaGrowUp says...

WOOOOO...fashion question! me like them berry muchie. here's what i've discovered while doing researching for steve and star's wedding (i DID think i was going to attend until stupid MCAT came up)

i know you should avoid BLACK in a daytime wedding

and also avoid puffy, clunky things in an outdoor wedding (so no clunky heels or even stilettos cuz you might get stuck on the grass/sand)

by the same token, dont wear excessive makeup or heavy perfume since it's supposed to be a breezy relaxing outdoor daytime wedding

so....maybe go for a cocktail, knee length fun dress. the color white is actually okay as long as it has patterns or other things in it that makes it not a a plain white dress

oh, and remember to check to see if the wedding reception will go well into night to include some dancing, in which case you'll need comfy shoes and accessory (like a shawl) to transform your daytime wear to evening wear

vivienne says...

*stands to the side with Pete and Karen while others argue about whether time is a vector or a scalar* O.o;;;;;

Oh-kay guys...it's summer. Why are you tormenting your brain cells like this?

On the other hand, I have a fashion question for you guys. I have to go to a wedding in August at Summerhill Winery Estates. What kind of outfit should I be wearing? It's probably outdoors to some extent, probably not *super* formal either. I will be happy to receive any advice. ;)

Peter says...

just when i thought it couldn't get any worse on here... (and we've had nothing but sunshine for the last few days) i just don't get it

Joanne says...

ACTUALLY, you CAN multiply two vectors, either by dot product (which gives a scalar product) or the cross product (which gives you a perpendicular vector product). SO, now that we established that two vectors can be multiplied, we can conclude that in the equation, vf^2 = vi^2 + 2ad, acceleration is a vector and "d" refers to displacement. The question that remains is, what kind of vector multiplication is involved here? Obviously, vf = vf so they're heading in the same linear direction, indicating that a cross product could give two possible solutions (since we work in three dimensions). Now, such ambiguity cannot be tolerated in physics! As well, squaring a value yields the same solution, regardless of sign (ie. positive times positive equals positive, negative times negative equals positive), so it becomes apparent that multiplying two vectors in this physical equation involves a dot product to yield a scalar quantity.

So how does this proof relate to my original question of the nature of time? First, we must refer back to one of Cindy's equations, vf = vi + at. We know that vf, vi, and a are vectors, meaning that vi + at = vector. And we know that the vector multiplication we are concerned with in physics is a dot product. If t was indeed a vector, then vi + at = vector + scalar, which does not equate vector, indicating t would have to be a scalar for the equation to hold true. Otherwise, the world of elementary mechanics would spin on its head!!!!

To consolidate the fact that time works in one direction, it may help to refer to gravity. Yes, gravity works in one direction (it's towards the centire of mass of a body, ie. not just down!), but it's a vector since it's a force. Recall that F = ma. Note that as we established before, acceleration is a vector, and it's not disputed that mass is a scalar quantity. Therefore, it's very likely that the concept of forward-moving time is a completely different function altogether (hereafter referred to as X) that involves multiplying the scalar quantity time with another vector that indicates directionality (hereafter referred to as b). Thus, the progression of time can be expressed as X = tb.

So perhaps that's why we have not yet succeeded in building a "time" machine, since there's no direction in time to travel in. Rather, we should turn our attentions to an "unknown function machine."

Karen says...

*ignores all time arguments as the physics section was MY weakest mcat section...and it's WAY too early to understand all that...*

what a beautiful picture viv!!!

Tim says...

Hmm, that's true...guess I was wrong. However, gravity doesn't necessarily point down. It depends on your point of view. If you were in space, if you could 'see' gravity...it would be pointing towards the earth :p.

Anyways, I am now on the internet the next morning after Gordon. It sucks 'cause there is only one computer in the entire hotel that is for public use and there are usually some form of lineups for the computer. This morning, Niagara falls tour calls us and informs us that the bus driver is outside the hotel waiting for us so we had to tell them we weren't going. However, they weren't satisfied and kept on calling and told us to call the manager etc., who complained that they sent a limo to come pick us up blah blah....(funny guy with accent...can they ever be trusted? Limo?? I mean come on!!) So yeah, today we'll be heading to downtown by bus (we think we are starting to get the hang of this toronto transit system) and hopefully buying lots to bring home mwahahah!

Gordon says...

Thanks for the correction Cin =). Just wondering though, if we can't multiply two vectors together, isn't acceleration and displacement both vectors? Unless d is actually distance or "a" is just the magnitude of acceleration, then that equation would be multiplying two vectors. And for vf and vi, isn't v^2 multiplying two vectors as well? Blah, grade 12 physics...totally forgot how it works :P

NeverGonnaGrowUp says...

take it from a current MCAT-study-er (pardon my crappy English. then again I never said Verbal Reasoning was my strong section:D): time is a scalar.

minor correction on Gordon's equation: vf^2 = vi^2 + 2ad. But working with Gordon's logic, using a slightly less complicated physics equation, if vf = vi + at, and assuming vi = 0, vf = at. now, we know we cannot multiply 2 vectors together (that's a physics rule), and a is a scalar so t must be a scalar as well.

now the bigger question is, if time is a scalar, why do we always associate a direction with it? maybe a vector that can only move in 1 direction (i.e. forward) doesn't count. then again gravity works in only 1 direction...down!

Gordon says...

If I recall correctly from first year physics, time is defnitely a scalar. Remember that whole equation of v^2=vf^2*t +2ad? Since all of the other variables in that equation are vectors, time cannot possibly be a vector. Mathematically, if you equate both sides, it has vector square on both sides. If time were a scalar, it would be vector square = vector cube + vector square, which doesn't equate. On a more conceptual basis, time only has a magnitude. There is NO direction with time even if it does move "forward"...forward in time's sense is not a direction. Anyway, i hope i didn't make things more confusing.

Yes, I'm actually on the internet in Toronto right now because Tim decided to sleep. And man, the weather has actually not been too hot. Tim and i went to wonderland today...and of course, Tim was tired pretty much the entire time. We went on almost every single rollercoaster amongst others and I think we are at this age where no rides are fun anymore. Sad..but true. But we had an awesome time trying to get back with the TO public transit. it's awesome during rush hour. The buses are like 5 minutes apart. We made like 5 transfers to get back to our hotel, but we made it. Last night, Tim, Leo and I went to this Casino/Race Horse place. How can we go to some place without a lil gambling huh? It was kinda sucky though since there were only slots and no racing was happening when we went. But we did each get $15 from the casino just for being with our hotel!! We are gonna ditch Niagara tomorrow, since we dun wanna wake up at 7am to catch some tour bus. We're gonna just hit up downtown (mwhahaha..jealous joanne?)

Now, about the wedding...it seemed like all we did was eat 24/7. The cook was amazing and created the most delicious desserts. At the reception, there was this chocolate hazelnut chocolate mousse cake!! And like tim mentioned, star's family is awesome. They are so close and laid back and have so much heart. Especially Star's granny. She is probably the nicest person i have ever met. But Elora itself was small, yet homey. Kinda like a Kingston and an American county combined. Anyway, i think i've done enough blabbing. See ya'll soon!

Oh...and Joyce, i am actually leaving on Aug 14th as well =)

Tim says...

Time is definitely a vector. Since time can't move backwards, only forward, time has a direction and therefore, is a vector (at least, I believe that is the definition of a vector)

vivienne says...

A little tribute to Steve and Star. I have obviously taken artistic liberties in converting them to anime....



Thank you to Joyce for resizing the page. :)

Joanne says...

Here's a noggin-scratcher:

Would time be considered a scalar or vector quantity? Because you can say "It's a ten-minute walk" suggesting scalar, but then there's also "I lost my virginity four years ago" (haha, I wish) suggesting vector.

What's everybody's opinion on this?

Joanne says...

LOL. Don't worry Cindy, I'll take no offense. I myself wouldn't leave the house with so much eye makeup...

Joyce says...

want a new blog look?
Blog admin P. Tam has gone MIA, and S. Nap is on his honeymoon.
Now, who's working for you the phish and chippers??

k. I like cakes (cheesecakes especially), jewellry and gossips. Of course cash is always welcomed.

NeverGonnaGrowUp says...

indeed, congrats to steve and star for finally tying the knot!~

oh, and thanks girls for the awesome sleepover party :) sorry that viv you could not make it, but maybe next time!

p.s. i went online to show chris my whorish makeup. i think the makeup masters (esp. the one w/ the big knuckles) would probly give him a good beating if they hear what he had to say. to prevent the loss of my potential husband, i'll just leave it at that...

Tim says...

This is Tim hailing from Guelph, Ontario along with Gordon and Leo. Just finished the wedding. We had an AWESOME TIME and you guys ALL missed out ^^. Haha, their family was great and a lot of fun. I kinda miss them already. Anyways, I have the wedding ceremony filmed on video camera so I'll be getting Peter to do some editing on it and then have it sent to everyone and hopefully that can get sent along to Steve and Star Nap's Wedding (Yes, their names are officially changed...but I'll let him describe the wedding when he gets back.) Anyhoo, the reason we're in Guelph is 'cause we need to catch the greyhound bus back to TO. Tomorrow we'll be heading to wonderland and then on tuesday we'll be heading to Niagra falls. Ok, gotta go now. Happy belated B-day to Cindy and Ben!

NeverGonnaGrowUp says...

lol happy birthday to you too, Ben!

Unknown says...

Thanks peeps! Heehee, I can't believe you guys remembered...
Also, happy b-day Cindy! and Congrats to Stephen and Star on their taking their vows today (sorry I couldn't make it)...

And Where's Gaylo!? Even though Karen is BRO, Gary has no excuse, what with his secrete santa gift and all haha...

Have a wonderful day!

NeverGonnaGrowUp says...

thus we see, karen is truly deserving of her B.R.O. appointment :D

thanks guys for remembering - and for changing the blog for it! now i truly feel special :)

Karen says...

also,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!

Karen says...

i apologize for overshadowing the memorial notice...but...as newly appointed B.R.O., it is my honour to announce a most wonderful occasion.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CINDY!!!

Peter says...

SWC IBers: Tom Henderson's memorial info can be found here http://churchill.vsb.bc.ca/

Karen says...

cindy: hahahahahahahahhahaaha. the estrogens?!?!?! is that all we are to you?!?! haha. the supremes...the estrogens...ehh...sorta has a ring to it...or not. =P hahahhaa. thanks for organizing. i'll be there!

NeverGonnaGrowUp says...

steve: even tho we cannot be there, the estrogens and i will make a toast to you and star getting married. good luck at the wedding (do u really need luck for a wedding? i guess it never hurts)!!!

NeverGonnaGrowUp says...

ESTROGEN ONLY PARTY!

details as follows...
What: estrogen-only party
Who: estrogen-filled females ONLY
When: party officially starts saturday at 9:30pm and will involve a sleepover. estrogen-only dinner before 9:30 can be arranged for those interested but Joanne will be unable to join us unfortunately...
Where: cindy's place
How: we will watch movies, gossip, have a makeup thing the next day, use my pool...sleep is optional, and anything else will be decided as we go. we do need to decide on a movie tho cuz i'll need to go rent it...
Why: hmm. why do we party? cuz it's fun? :D

p.s. what to bring: your everyday utensils (toothbrush, that kinda thing), your swimming suit, your makeup kit, and a sleeping bag!

Stephen says...

Heh... Sorry I've been gone for a while. I'm in Elora right now and using Granny's computer (a Mac...Yuck!).

I'M GETTING MARRIED ON SATURDAY!!!

Peter: Definitely the Lambo. With that kind of car, you can pick up thousands of good looking girls. Or, you can look really good with the girl you already have! Also, I hate Tara Reid too....wench.

w00tw00tw00tw00tw00tw00tw00tw00tw00tw00tw00tw00t
w00tw00tw00tw00tw00tw00tw00tw00t

Joanne says...

YYYYYYEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Looks like a chunk of my scholarship will go to the Air Canada Centre after all 8).

But for the sake of continuing the current estrogen overdrive: SUMMER HAS ARRIVED. And to celebrate, I bought myself a VERY cute pair of Kenneth Cole sandals yesterday. Flat, and a blue flower at the intersection of two crisscrossing yellow leather straps.

And to continue my fiction frenzy, my latest purchase: "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro.

Peter says...

had to post this. man, grewal is such a shady character... by that i mean he's exceeded the maximum allowable shadiness for a politician (which is saying alot).

Christopher says...

Aye he will be dearly missed...

RIP

Peter says...

churchill IB graduates: i've just learned that our beloved English teacher Mr. Tom Henderson has passed away (apparently due to a heart attack). I'm as shocked as anybody that this has happened so suddenly. Without doubt, Mr. Henderson is the single most influential teacher I've ever had in my life. His classes were the main reason why I ended up taking an English Major at UBC. He will certainly be deeply missed by all who have had the honor of being his students.

I've called some people (including Li Kai) in an effort to spread the news and find out when the memorial service is being held. I'll be posting as soon as the information becomes available.

Peter says...

schooled by girls at our own game... all i can say is, i bet the founder of this blog would have never imagined this... wherever he is...

Gordon says...

Hmm...I dunno if having females dominating the blog during the SUMMER VACATION is something to be proud about for you girls... =P

Anyway, definitely Elisha Cuthbert. She's definitely got the sweet girl-next-door attitude (yeah, i remember her hostin the kiddie show as well =P) and of course the pic peter put up explains the other reason.

vivienne says...

Phish & Chippers' replies to Pete's post:

Girls: 5 (which is all of the girls in the group, btw.) for Elisha Cuthbert
Guys: 0

Joanne says...

Yar, Elisa Cuthbert no question. When I first saw that picture, I couldn't help but think, "Man, I can SO bury my head in those boobies." (Haha, let's see the boys want to inject testosterone into this blog after they hear THAT comment.) Tara Reid is too skinny as well.

Good question, if it's an old movie, I want to watch Gone with the Wind as well! Or When Harry Met Sally. I was watching Scrubs the other day and Karla's brother was reciting a really sweet line from that movie...sigh...

Addendum to previous bug bite count: It's actually 5 on shoulders, 3 on arms, 1 on ankle, 1 on neck, and 1 on boob. Aaaaggggh, someone make the itching stop!!!!!!!!!!

Joyce says...

I have no idea who Elisha Cuthbert is until Peter posted her picture. YUM, i must say. As for Tara Reid, yeah, totally scanky and overly exposed, AND her boobs are fake. Google "tara reid +breat" for pictures then you will know. By the way, I didn't just randomly google celebrity's name and the word breast. This info actually comes from www.awfuleplasticsurgery.com (bah, not like reading it is any better). I googled for other pics just to see if the website modified the picture.

hmm... tara reid used to be quite cute in American Pie 1. tsak...

Karen says...

yep, my bug bites are also the size of quarters... *applying post-bite medication as we speak!* those tsawwassen mosquitoes!! soo much bigger than the bites left over from ultimate the other day from vancouver mosquitoes...

my first makeup party ever!! something tells me this is gonna be so intensely educational...hahaha. =P ohhh chick flicks...are we thinking newer ones or older ones?? grease!! or...i've always wanted to watch gone with the wind...=) OR, princess diaries!!! one or two!! (something about girly topics that require multiples more exclamation marks than normal posts!!!)

elisha cuthbert is much prettier but i always remember her as the little girl who hosted popular mechanics for kids (you all watched that too!!)...tres weird to see her all grown up and in a bikini...

NeverGonnaGrowUp says...

ya, totally agree

tara reid is overexposed...literally :D

vivienne says...

Sorry Pete, but if you haven't noticed, the girls in this group will talk about almost anything, and your testosterone-laced post isn't likely to deter us from discussing this one either. ;)

Personally, I'd pick Elisha Cuthbert. She's relatively new, Canadian, and freakin' HOT.

Peter says...

hey guys, quick question: would you rather have...

Elisha Cuthbert or

Tara Reid sit in the passenger side of your own

$315,000 (USD) 580hp Jet Black Lambourghini Murcielago Roadster?

...just had to balance out some of the content on this blog. apologies to those lacking testosterone who may not appreciate my post, but hey... you were soooo asking for it.

Joanne says...

Bite counts: 2 on arms, 2 on shoulders, 1 on ankle, 1 on neck, and 1 on boob.

"What a Girl Wants"! It's got Colin Firth...*swoon*

Joyce says...

yay~~ make up party. I'll review my tw beauty shows and share the tips!!

chick flick... hmm.. too many to choose from..

bug bite counts: 3 minor ones on arms. 2 major ones (swelling diameter exceeding 3cm) on right arm and ... back of the knee.

oh, and, a BIG thank you for Chris and Cindy (papa and mama) for organizing the fun day yesterday!

NeverGonnaGrowUp says...

re: pedicures?! oh my...i don't know if i am prepared to show the world my ugly toes...but i'll watch :D

re: chick flick. anything goes! even if i've already watched them a million times, cuz chick flicks are ALWAYS worth it!

oh, i just found 1 more bug bite on my face. bug bite count on face: 4. bug bite count on legs: 3. bug bite on arms: 1. how did the rest of you do?

Joanne says...

Hurray for emergency supplier!

Saturday is perfect! I can bring over all of my makeup - prepare to witness my eyeliner addiction. Should we do pedicures as well?!?!

Anyhow, any suggestions for a chick flick?

NeverGonnaGrowUp says...

karen: thanks for the you-know-what and for the band-aid (for chris)! u were our life-saver yesterday! ;) good to know i always have someone to count on for emergency supplies when i forget!

estrogen-only makeup party: this coming weekend, specifically Saturday, is actually a pretty good date. any later, and people will be gone (to tw or somewhere else) and it's getting close to my MCAT so i will need to start studying hard soon. Does that work for everyone?

Christopher says...

Yeah, Red Tide has gotten bad these days. We are going to head to the Tsawassen side where the regional park is. Realistically clamming is just for fun and for the sake of digging up something. For the thrill of the catch, ala fishing. I mainly just like collecting living things and then watching/poking them.

Tim says...

Are you going to the white rock side or the Tsawwassen side? Anyways, just thought I'd let you know that clamming/musseling will be out of the question since it has been closed due to sanitary/toxin warnings. However, if you can manage to catch a crab, good for you :p..just don't know how you plan on doing it without it pinching you :p

vivienne says...

Little kids "scurry." :p Let's catch those.

Christopher says...

Boundary bay?!!

Submitted for your approval: A great vista of endless blue waters draining away from the largest tidal plain area around us. People strolling and wading through the crystal waters teeming with life. Under your toes, crabs, clams and all sorts of wildlife spend their aimless life cycles. On the shores, large open fields perfect for ultimate, tennis courts for those so inclined.
It lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area we call the Twilight Zone *err* I mean Boundary Bay!

Anyhow, the pit would be Tsawassen and the summit would be White Rock. Its about a 30 min drive away from Vancouver. We are going in the morning just to catch the low tide so we can walk out for miles on the beach front and try to catch crabs and other scurrying things.

Karen says...

PS: ONE WEEK TIL HP6!!! (same day as the NAPHEGYI WEDDING!!!)

Karen says...

cindy: yes yes yes, totally agree with the empire waist on wedding dress. when empire waists were first mentioned, that's what i was imagining, a wedding dress...it'd be so pretty!

chris: what joyce said...boundary bay?! =]

Joyce says...

*embarrassed*
where's boundary bay?

Christopher says...

Beach Party~!!

Who is up for a party at Boundary Bay on Sunday! I'm looking to go in the morning (9 AM ish), and on the way we can stop by a U-Pick farm to harvest some strawberries/blueberries and such. Activities include, tennis courts, wondrous beaches, clamming, musselling, crabbing and in general just wading in the wonderful crystal clear waters of our beaches.

Lemme know if you guys are in!

NeverGonnaGrowUp says...

herbal essence shampoo + herbal essence conditioner + herbal essence body wash later...

i think i just lost all my sense of smell

bleh! way too perfume-y!

NeverGonnaGrowUp says...

i've always believed in fitted shirts (says the girl who owns 7+ baggy sweaters). baggy stuff just makes whatever it's covering look bigger...so i dont know if joanne's theory about giving room for well endowed girls to make the breasts look smaller works...(then again, it's fashion-savvy joanne vs. sloppy-haired cindy lol...)

joanne: a fitted top that accentuates boobs and waist is a blessing not a curse :D i would love to have ur body!

note: i think dresses w/ an empire waist with a flowy bottom are flattering for those who have a longer torso (thus longer waist) cuz it looks as if they have killer legs instead :) i would probly go for a wedding dress w/ an empire waist so my legs look like they just go on and on and on...

vivienne says...

Hmm...I remember Jessica Simpson saying something in InStyle along the lines of...if one is busty, it's better to have clothes fitted all the way because if it's loose on the torso then it makes the person look like she's pregnant.

Heheh...I can see that happening, especially after a round of all-you-can eat...

Joanne says...

I think all the "manly" men would hate to admit to this, but haven't you noticed that whenever a fashion debate arises, the posting rate increases threefold?

Thank you Karen! FINALLY, someone here who is fond of empire waists. They've got a certain coquettishness (yah, making up words here) here. Even though it may overwhelm a less well-endowed girl (like those 92-lb Honger girls who don't have enough fat to generate estrogen, nevermind enough fat for that estrogen to mold into two fatty lumps), big-breasted gals will find this style a saviour (again, I'm an atheist, but your Christian language makes for great writing!). It gives more room for the boobs, gives opportunity to bare some cleavage, and heck, the extra volume underneath may even impart the illusion of slightly smaller breasts. Come on, when a well-endowed girl wears a fitted top that accentuates her boobs AND waist, she just ends up looking slutty, right?

On another topic, I never thought that Chris's fashion preferences would be in vogue again, but alas, I found veiled hats in the July issue of British Vogue. Empire waists, pearls, Victorian styling, corsets, veiled hats - now that we've gone through all the decades of the 20th century, time to start turning to other ones...

Karen says...

re: empire waistlines...i think they're kinda pretty!!........of course not everybody can pull them off but like the top joyce linked...it's pretty nice...and i don't think it looks like lingerie...all tank tops show off that much skin...no??

PS: congrats on your promotion cindy!

vivienne says...

re:re: Joyce's link.

Totally agreeing with what Cindy said. LOL And it's not just in Taiwan, too...at least the ones in Taiwan are somewhat more conservative...it's conservatively slutty. :p

While perusing certain "trendy" stores at Metrotown with a style-conscious friend,I came across the said "fitted tank tops," to quote Joyce. They are, to me, nothing more than bras with some fabric sewn along the lower edges in order to cover some skin and appear to be less risque than it actually is. But seeing how the fabric is usually sheer, the resulting combination makes them look like some outfit a horny Sheik would put on his wife or one of his many concubines.

Which makes me wonder, if someone were to sew sheer fabric onto panties in the same method, would people still wear them in the name of fashion?

NeverGonnaGrowUp says...

re: joyce's link. that looks like lingerie...wait a minute, it IS!

Gordon says...

" it should be style that you go after, your own unique and timeless style."

AMEN to that! (even though i'm atheist =P)

Joyce says...

Ditto to everyone on the empire waist subject. One thing though, what if the rest of the top is fitted, like this one (from twnese shopping site), but with the "line" gathered just below the breasts? Is this an empire waist top? or is it just a boob-enhancing tank top? I myself wouldn't mind empire waist in two special occasions - all-you-can-eat and baffet. :p

Another very unfashionable fashion trend is those ballerina (sp?) shoes with 2 or 3 cm high stiletto heels. Shouldn't a ballerina styled shoes be flat like those Puma flats. Any stiletto that's less than 2.5" makes the person look sqautty especially if her leg to body ration approaches 1:1. Maybe it is the lack of appearant heel that makes them look weird. man, Buchanan is full of honger girls with oddly layered clothes and a pair of those shorty stiletto. I think Manolo Blahnik will throw himself off Buchanan tower if he sees that.

Fashion sometimes can be rediculous, for all the ladies and ... uhm.. tamed house husbands out there, it should be style that you go after, your own unique and timeless style.

Christopher says...

Empire waists are horrendously ugly...

It makes girls look either like their torso is freakishly mutatedly short or that their belly is round beyond belief.

Its funny to see Hongers dressed in them now, as it doesn't at all fit with their freakishly self destructive skinniness.

In short don't do it.

NeverGonnaGrowUp says...

re: empire waist. that is exactly what i thought when i saw the weird tops people were donning on this spring/summer...it's maternity wear!

aplogies to those whom my mom called directly or indirectly...lol. i went camping,...and clamming and crabbing and shell collecting. but the point is, i'm safe!

back to stupid MCAT studying i go...i'm taking my test in BCIT this year. dang it!

p.s. i've been promoted. i'm gonna be the next superintendent for my division for st. john ambulance! or, officer in charge for now (cuz i need to take a 3-star test first)! HURRAY!

Stephen says...

I think that fashion is kind of ugly this year. It's all hippie-wannabe with empire wiasts. Do you know who empire waists are for? Pregnant people. Maternity wear is all empire-waisted because you can comfortably have a belly underneath the clothes since the weiast is right beneath your breasts. The reason it's all maternity wear this season is because all of the celebrities are pregnant, so rather than have them look like outcasts in their dumpy clothes, the mall fashionistas force the styles on the general public.

Do not follow this years trends unless you wish to look as though you've got a bun in the oven.

So speaks Stephen, pop culture demigod and GSP.

vivienne says...

Joyce: Green is pretty. At least, it's better than hot pink being the trend, right? right? *evil, evil smile*

Joanne: Victorian-inspired clothes, eh? Does that include corsets? They are pretty to look at (makes figures sexy too!) but hell, to actually WEAR them...

Karen: Not to take home, eh? Hmm....when I did work at church with kids, it was the other way around...THEY wanted to take ME home with them. What does that tell you? O.o;

Joanne says...

On an another note, I have this coupon for Morton's of Chicago in downtown. It's this really upscale steakhouse and even though $50/person doesn't seem like a good deal, keep in mind that a $100/person meal is pretty much standard in this restaurant. Plus, their steaks are HUGE. I once ordered a filet mignon because it was the smallest piece of steak they served, and even Joanne was stuffed! And Godiva Hot Chocolate cake...how could one resist?

Best of all, there's not limit per table or anything, so feel free to grab a group and go.

Joanne says...

Green was the IT colour this spring. And since designers only put out a Spring and Fall line, you should be fine until Labour Day, at which point you'll have to switch to Edwardian-inspired blouses and basically all things Victorian...or so this British Vogue is telling me...

Stephen says...

It's summer, so pastels are in. Joyce, green would totally be appropriate for this time of year.

Viv: Don't worry, I've always been kind of creeped-out by Hello Kitty anyways. You didn't ruin anything for me.

Joyce says...

In a rainy Tuesday morning, Joyce is having her morning/noon coffee and checking out the blog...
Joyce: hmm, Viv's post. Well, I was a Hello Kitty fan once, let me check this out
(clicks the link)
Joyce: (gasps) oh-my-god, HOT PINK (faints)
---- and .... scene ---

hmm... I used to be a pink-loving hello kitty-collecting girl. Now baby pink is the only pink that won't suffocate me, and I occasionally wear the pick polo my aunt in tw got me.
oh, my dear fashion, when will green be the IT color??

vivienne says...

Stephen: Sorry for making Hello Kitty sound like a side-show freak. LOL

Karen: YES! Hello Kitty, Little Twin Stars, Keroppi, etc. were like, THE stuff to have in HK. If you didn't have those licensed characters on your pencil, pencil bag, rulers, rice cooker, kettle or vaccuum cleaner, then you're not cool!

But...that stuff IS awfully cute. My mom has a Badtz-Maru umbrella that's just TOO darling to use! But that's exactly the problem...I have all this cute stuff that's just TOO cute to use in everyday life. Hence I have a pile of Sanrio products that's in pristine condition, lying in a drawer collecting dust.

Heck, check out Sanrio's website for more products to buy and not use! Joyce, shield your eyes lest there be a pink-tinted layout!

Karen says...

*lol* it wasn't until i read joanne and viv's posts that i knew the template was hello kitty! seeing joyce's comment, i had just assumed that it was a template with some half-naked chick sprawled across it in some unsightly manner and thus ignored the link. hahaha.

and i have to agree with joanne and viv here, LOVE the hello kitty. =) (as a girl growing up in hk, one must've had EVERYTHING hello kitty, from pillow cases to toothbrushes to lunch bags to hair clips to kitchen utensils to socks...wahaha, right viv?? oh the good ol' days.)

viv: pochacco doesn't have a mouth either!! neither did the little twin stars and dd duck but keroppi does!! =P

currently listening to john mayer - covered in rain ...

Stephen says...

The fact that you call it an "oral cavity" makes it's absence even creepier, Viv.

vivienne says...

Agreed--it is very cute. However, due to Joyce's immense dislike of anything PINK in general...I figured it would've been risky to incur her wrath.

Personally, however, instead of Hello Kitty, I would have preferred Pochacco instead. I mean, H. Kitty doesn't even have a mouth! Doesn't her lack of an oral cavity strike anyone as weird? It's basically a disfigured cat with an abnormally big head--megalocephaly, anyone?

Joanne says...

OMG!!! THAT IS SUCH A CUTE TEMPLATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I'm serious!

Joyce says...

During my search for a new blog template, I came across this template of a horrendous nature. View at your own risk.

Gordon says...

Happy Canada Day! In celebration of this joyous day, see how much you know about your country with this Canadian History Quiz.

Christopher says...

It has come to my attention that there are certain members of our population, deviants some might say, who actually enjoy the writ of old dead englishmen. *gasp*

I hold in my hand a voucher for two free tickets to Bard on the Beach. The catch? They must be used before July 3rd. Which, unfortunately would be the Sunday. All I ask in exchange for my hard work, sweat and blood is the soul of your first born, or undying friendship. Anyhooo, if you are interested, please msn me or call my cell asap. I'll do my part and actually relocate that ticket (I lied when I said I had it in my hand).

Cheers and Happy Canada Day!!
(BTW anyone going to listen to the free performances at Granville Island?)

Oh and PS Yay that the Same Sex Marriage Bill passed, albeit with shady practices!

Karen says...

ohhh...great idea...can we all get an original rhyming couplet for our birthday banner also??? =)

like i told joyce, i wanna have an 'officer' title. so if it's okay with all other admins...i can be karen to, B.R.O. (birthday records officer...you know...SORTA like CEO...but...not...). and steve can be steve naphegyi, co-administrator and GSP. wahahaha.

viv: with little kids, the key is to grow a backbone. if you're a softie, they will run the show. but it's hard and thus i can never get kids to listen to me. most of them are so cute that you're almost wanting to say 'awww it's okay that you didn't do your homework cuz you're so adorable!'. hehehe. and, AND...most importantly, must fight the urge to take them home with you. =)