Experimental Cooking

Salt and Cheesecakes do not mix. They do not mix at all.

That's a statement most people would not struggle with. I, on the other hand, had to go through the experience personally to really learn that one. Normally I don't mistake salt for sugar, yet today I did, and the resulting cheesecake had to be the most foulest thing I have ever eaten in my entire life. I've never been so repulsed by food before, and never has anything flown out of my mouth uncontrollably since I was an infant.

I blame my exams. The idea was to "eat my feelings" as my flat mates have called it. A cheesecake sounded a perfect antithesis to stress and study. I didn't realise that it would mean I'd fail to notice I was putting in one whole cup of salt instead of sugar. Alas I did. I now I am cheesecake-less. Not happy. Not at all.

And for some reason I now have Friday I'm in Love by the Cure stuck in my head. I have no clue why or how.

So True

Following on from my previous post about landscapes, this little gem was brought to my attention:


Perfect demonstration of Kiwi landscapes, as well as a brilliant Kiwi Band: The Black Seeds. Primo. If you want a decent version for yourself, you can download it here.

I also stumbled across a fantastic little satirical series about Wellington based on the whole lolcats phenomenon. Strangely enough, it's entitled Lollington, and damnit, I laughed. Anyway, just meant to demonstrate the idyllicness of Wellington. Enjoy.

The Good Stuff

It's interesting how many things we take for granted in New Zealand. I'm not talking about the serious things like the freedom from discrimination or access to education. No. This is a discussion about big things. Like licorice and landscapes.

The view from my office is pretty spectacular, and with the recent cold weather we've been having it's turned into a stellar view. The crisp, cold, clear days of late have resulted in a dusting of snow on the Tararua Ranges to the North East. These clear days have also meant that my view has become picturesque in the evenings looking across from my office window when the sun sets. I keep meaning to photograph this, and I promise to do so next time I'm caught looking at them. But in all honesty, where else in the world can you find a bustling cultural city served by calm harbour surrounded by rolling green hills resting at the foot of idyllic mountain ranges. All of which sits outside my office window.

The other things we sometimes tend to take for granted is out sumptuous licorice. RJ's Black Licorice is world-famous. It's so sought after in the states that Amazon is contiunaly sold out. I've seen this stuff be chomped down by people despite their previous promclamations constantly proclaiming their distaste for the "foul black goop".

Anyways, I keep forgetting we have such glorious treats. Then I walk past them in the supermarket, my eyes caught by the Special signs, and I remember. I remember. And then I gloat about it to those less fortunate souls. For the briefest of moments.

iProphet

I've always held the offbeat belief that my iPod is intuitive. Not in a user friendly, scroll to the song you want manner. No, my iPod has divine powers, and it proved it again today.

I had been listening to my iPod as I was preparing for a meeting, and low and behold the song "My Stupid Mouth" by John Mayer starts playing, and its during mid-song that I have to stop it and be on my merry way. An ominous sign if ever there was one.

Low and behold at the meeting, I manage to shoot my mouth off, firing questions left right and center that were rather long winded, complicated, and tended to cause some tension, anxiety, and confusion. I clearly understood what I was talking about, yet no one else seemed to be able to grasp my concerns. I felt foolish by the end of the session. More so considering the closing request for more questions aimed, and spoken directly to me. Fun.

I have to admit, I'm less down about my questions getting me into a spot of bother (anyone who's ever sat in a lecture, meeting, or other such gathering with me knows I tend to steam down the track of convuluted questions rather quickly if not absent mindedly), and I'm more upbeat about the fact my iPod can produce songs into which I'm able to read almost anything regarding my current situation.

It's almost like astrology. I suggest you try it, and I guarantee that if you make yourself aware of it, then your iPod on shuffle will seem prophetic. There's a sense of reassurance there. Albeit a self constructed, but nonetheless amusing, one.

Speaking of iPods, I have been caught in fits of laughter after stumbling through The Secret Diary of Steve Jobs. It is by far, one of the best satirical websites I have encountered in a long time. Simply reading the initial posts regarding Bono, Richard Branson, and the loss of Steve Job's iPod is worth it alone.

But if you're not to fussed on satire, simply check out Cyanide and Happiness and their endless archive.

Infinite Threads

I've just returned from seeing the Coregraphy Season - Infinte Threads from Te Whaea, the New Zealand Dance School. It was pretty stunning. I was worried for a moment that lacking experience and exposure to live theatre and live dance, I wouldn't find it entertaining. Gratefully, I did.

The show did exactly what it set out to do. I felt connected to the pieces, with a number of dances making me feel intense jealousy, distress, exuberance, and compassion. I can't quite explain it. I had a brilliant night, and I'll be attempting to head to more shows from Te Whaea.

A huge thanks to my flatmate, whom without I never would have even known this was going on or taken the time to watch it.

Another surprise was that a piece used on the show was one I had heard not last week while listening to Concert FM. That alone was a rare occurence, which is becoming more frequent, but to hear the same piece used in an unrelated show a week later is just bizarre. It tickled my interest, and I'm going to see if I can track a recording of it down - John Psathas' View From Olympus.