Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Nancy and Peter's Wedding @ Sutton Place
The ridiculous wave of weddings continue to flood even in the month of lunar July which to the traditional Chinese is the month of ghosts and thus is unsuitable for holy matrimonies.
Nevertheless, Peter and Nancy were never brought up to be tied down by tradition and outdated values. This is their wedding and they did it their way, creative and independent. Honestly, for a day that is supposed to be the most special and important, most right-out-the-book weddings just leaves guests with nothing to remember, in other words, its boring and uninspiring. Anyways, P&N really made an impression and set a higher benchmark that wedding planners can learn from.
So first off, no Hongbaos please. It could become quite messy and a chore to keep track of the gifts and hongbaos but there is a much cleaner and tidier way. There are wedding lists online that you can pick and check off what the bride and groom desire. It is a vast improvement over getting gifts that you don't like and not know what to do with them.
I missed the morning ceremony so let's dive right into the wedding dinner. A wedding at Sutton Place will be classy to say the least. The pre-dinner reception which featured rooms with different wines and snacks, gave the guests plenty of room and time to mingle. This is important as it does not constrain the guests to the tables they will be ultimately assigned to. The tricky part is the duration of the reception, which needs not be too long, (somewhere within an hour will be sweet).
In any case, we waited for barely over an hour to be seated. At first sight, the high vases with fresh flowers, shiny cutleries and beautiful chandaliers spoke of boundless elegance. The waiters were hard at work presenting the wine choices. After picking your wine, the party offically begins. The bridal party started making their way in, dancing to pop/techno/rap music, much like what you see in "Hitch". As the newly married couple graced the room, the music slowed to guide them in a slow dance. Funny thing is Sharon and I get the feeling that Nancy is ready to break out some moves if not for that constraining wedding gown. Nancy was wearing the same white wedding gown as in the morning ceremony, and as it turns out there will be no gown changing (as compared to many brides who change 3 or more times).
The night has two MCs, both of which I feel are outstanding choices being light-humored and eloquant. The transition between dinner courses were well-filled with speeches, games, jokes and kissing allowing a seamingless flow. The hip-hop and robot dances by friends were rather spirited and entertaining, the maid-of-honor's speech was sincere and moving, the love-profession of a fake gay couple was...... funny and there were many more memorable moments. Still it puzzles me that there are so many people who fancy the shoe game - its not like there will be unexpected answers that friends and family wouldn't know already.
The food was nice but the main course "mignon steak" was badly prepared if I must complain. Dry and hard, totally unappetizing. But the chocolate dessert buffet more than made up for it, I swear.
As all good things must come to an end, there will be dancing and much more rejoicing. P&N will be leaving for Santorini, Greece for their honeymoon. It will surely be a new adventure filled with romance and fun. I am deeply honored to be invited to such a special wedding as it has inspired me that planning a wedding can be as much fun as you make it.
Nevertheless, Peter and Nancy were never brought up to be tied down by tradition and outdated values. This is their wedding and they did it their way, creative and independent. Honestly, for a day that is supposed to be the most special and important, most right-out-the-book weddings just leaves guests with nothing to remember, in other words, its boring and uninspiring. Anyways, P&N really made an impression and set a higher benchmark that wedding planners can learn from.
So first off, no Hongbaos please. It could become quite messy and a chore to keep track of the gifts and hongbaos but there is a much cleaner and tidier way. There are wedding lists online that you can pick and check off what the bride and groom desire. It is a vast improvement over getting gifts that you don't like and not know what to do with them.
I missed the morning ceremony so let's dive right into the wedding dinner. A wedding at Sutton Place will be classy to say the least. The pre-dinner reception which featured rooms with different wines and snacks, gave the guests plenty of room and time to mingle. This is important as it does not constrain the guests to the tables they will be ultimately assigned to. The tricky part is the duration of the reception, which needs not be too long, (somewhere within an hour will be sweet).
In any case, we waited for barely over an hour to be seated. At first sight, the high vases with fresh flowers, shiny cutleries and beautiful chandaliers spoke of boundless elegance. The waiters were hard at work presenting the wine choices. After picking your wine, the party offically begins. The bridal party started making their way in, dancing to pop/techno/rap music, much like what you see in "Hitch". As the newly married couple graced the room, the music slowed to guide them in a slow dance. Funny thing is Sharon and I get the feeling that Nancy is ready to break out some moves if not for that constraining wedding gown. Nancy was wearing the same white wedding gown as in the morning ceremony, and as it turns out there will be no gown changing (as compared to many brides who change 3 or more times).
The night has two MCs, both of which I feel are outstanding choices being light-humored and eloquant. The transition between dinner courses were well-filled with speeches, games, jokes and kissing allowing a seamingless flow. The hip-hop and robot dances by friends were rather spirited and entertaining, the maid-of-honor's speech was sincere and moving, the love-profession of a fake gay couple was...... funny and there were many more memorable moments. Still it puzzles me that there are so many people who fancy the shoe game - its not like there will be unexpected answers that friends and family wouldn't know already.
The food was nice but the main course "mignon steak" was badly prepared if I must complain. Dry and hard, totally unappetizing. But the chocolate dessert buffet more than made up for it, I swear.
As all good things must come to an end, there will be dancing and much more rejoicing. P&N will be leaving for Santorini, Greece for their honeymoon. It will surely be a new adventure filled with romance and fun. I am deeply honored to be invited to such a special wedding as it has inspired me that planning a wedding can be as much fun as you make it.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
矛盾
我是一个矛盾的个体。夏天时，期盼秋天。而秋天时，又想念夏天。
其实矛盾并不是因为不知道自己想要什么，而是有人是善变的。
这一秒，你想什么？
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Brooks - Canad's Greenest Condo Building
The Brook is a collection of ultra-modern, luxury condos on target for LEED Platinum certification.
It features high-efficiency geothermal technology to heat and cool the building, solar thermal hot water, heat recovery ventilation systems that constantly circulate fresh air throughout each unit, water recycling andlow-flow plumbing fixtures. These reduce consumption of greenhouse gases by 87 per cent, municipal water by 83% and energy by 70%.
Delivering Urban living in a suburban setting residences have open floor plans, nine-foot floor-to-ceiling glass window walls, charcoal grey cream polished concrete floors and cut oak cabinetry.
The kitchen is state-of-the-art and the spa-like master ensuites have extra deep soaker tubs, separate walk-in showers and Han Grohe fixtures.
It features high-efficiency geothermal technology to heat and cool the building, solar thermal hot water, heat recovery ventilation systems that constantly circulate fresh air throughout each unit, water recycling andlow-flow plumbing fixtures. These reduce consumption of greenhouse gases by 87 per cent, municipal water by 83% and energy by 70%.
Delivering Urban living in a suburban setting residences have open floor plans, nine-foot floor-to-ceiling glass window walls, charcoal grey cream polished concrete floors and cut oak cabinetry.
The kitchen is state-of-the-art and the spa-like master ensuites have extra deep soaker tubs, separate walk-in showers and Han Grohe fixtures.
It sets the platform for a greener and more environmentally-conscious lifestyle.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
七夕
七夕之夜，抬头望碧霄，时间在默数着过往，一点一滴都成为永恒，深刻如画，方佛那古老的传说。在凉爽的夏夜里，风在听着牛郎织女的脉脉情话。百雀筑桥，星梦传书，星语心愿，牛郎织女隔着银河遥遥相望，盼着今天的来临。那漫天遍布的繁星闪烁，不正是相爱的人不小心滑落的眼泪，守着相见不能相聚的心痛，等待着年年一次的鹊桥相会。
虽然彼此的记忆里没有山盟海誓的惊心动魄，没有诗情画意的郎情妾意，可那份情深意重的相扶相持，至死不渝的相守抗议，给这个传说增加了一种精神，使爱情在抗争中得到了升华。两情若是久长时，又岂在朝朝暮暮？
七夕之时，联系并记念着生命与逝波、怀愐与期望，提醒珍之惜之眼前人，用一世的情意绵绵，永世的思念交融，用那份真挚的爱架起彩虹。
思念如酒夜如梦，我们一同赏月，一起听它美丽的故事，而你眼里一处闪亮的光，仿佛透视着全世界最美好的事物。牛郎织女那份少了的幸福就由你我延续。
祝大家七夕快乐，幸福。
Monday, August 24, 2009
Harrison Hot Springs
It was a beautiful weekend as the sun smiled warm and bright. As I woke up on Saturday morning and prepared for our trip to Harrison Hot Springs some two hours drive east of Vancouver, I was bubbling with excitement. Before we left the house, we caught up on the latest episode of “Eureka” which will end up providing endless topics of discussion on the way. Then we loaded our bags, got some water/food, reviewed the map and off we go!!
The traffic was not really as dreadful as I would have imagined. It took us about an hour and forty minutes to reach the small town. There were some scatters of people on the shore, playing ball, swimming, sunbathing to name a few. Driving for long distances really does work up an appetite as we just bolted for the “Fish and Chips” store round the corner immediately.
After a fulfilling lunch, it was time to check in the Harrison Hot Springs Resort And Spa Hotel which owns all the hot springs rights in the area. We could tell we were early as the lineup was a little dragging but at the same time, we were pleasantly surprised with how nice the hotel looked. We checked out the pools and after weighing our options at the resort health spa, we decided to try the hot stones massage.
So we are staying at the 4th floor of the East Wing, which is newer though the design suggests it is at least 10 years old. Anyways, you get some view of the mountain and lake with a little balcony. Nice and comfy though for the price, it is rather pricey.
As we strolled down the dock, there were so many sea activities to choose from. The Sea Doo looks like fun but rather speedy. The Bumper boats are equipped with water guns but it only sits one adult with a kid per boat. The lineup suggested that people were turning up quickly after lunch and the shore was becoming more and more clustered.
Then we checked out some of the stores along the stretch, nothing really spectacular or eye-catching but there are some fun stuff like toys and games for kids. Afterall, it is quite obvious that this is like a family based resort, apparently because it is clean and proper. After seeing several couples cycling along, we decided that it would be fun to give it a try. So it was a tedious half hour cycling exercise around the neighbourhood. At parts, it was pure torture as we pushed and grunted our way uphill. On the way, we passed by two lovely ladies strolling their dog and they kindly took our picture for us. Interestingly, they were from Richmond and Maple Ridge, and they were just there for a day trip to relax.
After the exercise, our legs were weary and we walked along the shore back to the hotel. It was time for our private hot spring room. This one is hotter than the public pools capping at around 40 degrees. Everyone is restricted to 20 minutes in the private hot spring rooms as dehydration kicks in. Boy, it was hot. I was sweating like a bloated water tank and feeling dizzy as I made my way back to the room.
After a short rest, we were down at the docks again. This time, we looked at either pedal boats, canoeing or kayaking. Not wanting to risk getting wet, we took the safe choice of pedal boats. This was significantly easier than biking especially with the help of the wind.
By this time, we were quite hungry with all the workouts we had done. Dinner at the Copper Room was well recommended and did not disappoint. As the night progressed, the live music really took off, with olden oldies from, the 50s and 60s mostly, throw in some pop and a crazily enthusiastic crowd, soon the party was on. There were many old couple dancing, which is really romantic when you think about how many years they have been together and how in love they still are. Incidentally there was a 90 year old or so couple sitting behind us. While everyone danced the night away, the music lulled away our fatigue. When we finally dragged ourselves back to our room, it was almost ten.
The next day, we tried unsuccessfully to get a late checkout. Yes, business is that good. We tried the Lakeside Restaurant for a fabulous buffet lunch. You have to appreciate that they have a little corner with kids’ trays. Boy, we were so stuffed.
Finally, after tiring exercises driving and gourmet food, it was time for some relaxing hot stone massage which I have to admit, is the best massage I have ever had. Using hot basalt stones picked from Sunshine Coast, the massage improves blood flow and loosens muscles. My masseuse John, was nice enough to educate me on the culture and the neighbourhood when I was awake. But I was so relaxed that I fell asleep almost instantly for a good half of the massage. It was the perfect ending to a perfect trip.
This is my second trip to Harrison Hot Springs and still I am left wanting. We would probably need to prepare a three days stay next time to fully experience the fun and enjoyment that Harrison Hot Springs can offer. For a quick getaway, this is indeed memorable and satisfying.
The traffic was not really as dreadful as I would have imagined. It took us about an hour and forty minutes to reach the small town. There were some scatters of people on the shore, playing ball, swimming, sunbathing to name a few. Driving for long distances really does work up an appetite as we just bolted for the “Fish and Chips” store round the corner immediately.
After a fulfilling lunch, it was time to check in the Harrison Hot Springs Resort And Spa Hotel which owns all the hot springs rights in the area. We could tell we were early as the lineup was a little dragging but at the same time, we were pleasantly surprised with how nice the hotel looked. We checked out the pools and after weighing our options at the resort health spa, we decided to try the hot stones massage.
So we are staying at the 4th floor of the East Wing, which is newer though the design suggests it is at least 10 years old. Anyways, you get some view of the mountain and lake with a little balcony. Nice and comfy though for the price, it is rather pricey.
As we strolled down the dock, there were so many sea activities to choose from. The Sea Doo looks like fun but rather speedy. The Bumper boats are equipped with water guns but it only sits one adult with a kid per boat. The lineup suggested that people were turning up quickly after lunch and the shore was becoming more and more clustered.
Then we checked out some of the stores along the stretch, nothing really spectacular or eye-catching but there are some fun stuff like toys and games for kids. Afterall, it is quite obvious that this is like a family based resort, apparently because it is clean and proper. After seeing several couples cycling along, we decided that it would be fun to give it a try. So it was a tedious half hour cycling exercise around the neighbourhood. At parts, it was pure torture as we pushed and grunted our way uphill. On the way, we passed by two lovely ladies strolling their dog and they kindly took our picture for us. Interestingly, they were from Richmond and Maple Ridge, and they were just there for a day trip to relax.
After the exercise, our legs were weary and we walked along the shore back to the hotel. It was time for our private hot spring room. This one is hotter than the public pools capping at around 40 degrees. Everyone is restricted to 20 minutes in the private hot spring rooms as dehydration kicks in. Boy, it was hot. I was sweating like a bloated water tank and feeling dizzy as I made my way back to the room.
After a short rest, we were down at the docks again. This time, we looked at either pedal boats, canoeing or kayaking. Not wanting to risk getting wet, we took the safe choice of pedal boats. This was significantly easier than biking especially with the help of the wind.
By this time, we were quite hungry with all the workouts we had done. Dinner at the Copper Room was well recommended and did not disappoint. As the night progressed, the live music really took off, with olden oldies from, the 50s and 60s mostly, throw in some pop and a crazily enthusiastic crowd, soon the party was on. There were many old couple dancing, which is really romantic when you think about how many years they have been together and how in love they still are. Incidentally there was a 90 year old or so couple sitting behind us. While everyone danced the night away, the music lulled away our fatigue. When we finally dragged ourselves back to our room, it was almost ten.
The next day, we tried unsuccessfully to get a late checkout. Yes, business is that good. We tried the Lakeside Restaurant for a fabulous buffet lunch. You have to appreciate that they have a little corner with kids’ trays. Boy, we were so stuffed.
Finally, after tiring exercises driving and gourmet food, it was time for some relaxing hot stone massage which I have to admit, is the best massage I have ever had. Using hot basalt stones picked from Sunshine Coast, the massage improves blood flow and loosens muscles. My masseuse John, was nice enough to educate me on the culture and the neighbourhood when I was awake. But I was so relaxed that I fell asleep almost instantly for a good half of the massage. It was the perfect ending to a perfect trip.
This is my second trip to Harrison Hot Springs and still I am left wanting. We would probably need to prepare a three days stay next time to fully experience the fun and enjoyment that Harrison Hot Springs can offer. For a quick getaway, this is indeed memorable and satisfying.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Elisha Culbert - Girl Next Door
| Name : | Elisha Cuthbert |
| Birth Date : | November 30, 1982 |
| Birth Place : | Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| Nickname : | Heesh |
| Birth Name : | Elisha Ann Cuthbert |
| Nationality : | Canadian |
| Measurements : | 34C, 24, 35 |
| Height : | 5'4" |
| Weight : | 110 lbs (49 kg) |
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
夏日深思
早晨，泛着白致致的毫光，夏日理直气壮的蔓延。抬头仰望深邃又透明的天，低头而将思念传入掌心，它一线一纹写着你成长的故事。
匆匆跨越的时日，是明日或昨日？悠悠充当了过客，是我或是你？
光阴如箭总是飞逝，一个人，习惯在某个时刻让心也静默片刻。轻叹此生错失过的许许多多，或是某个画面，或是某段情感，更或是某天某地某人。深感不由戚然。
原来，年华已不再花样。
年过三十，骤然惊觉。为何自己沸腾多年以后，还是半生不熟？为何自己登上九百九十九层梯子后，还是不高？
在某种思维定势，一厢情愿的把独自想像强加在某人或某事上，并且深信不疑，哪怕一日真相大白。那是一种自以为是的固执，一种自不量力的愚昧，一种年轻的专利。 而我已不再年轻。
曾经听说过这样一句话，夏与冬有极大学问，可从其中衡量自己。
温之既至，华之欲放，迎接着寒之既临，叶之欲黄。一切循环不息，连绵不绝。没有永久的温，也没有永久的寒。温而后寒，寒而后温，故而温也好，寒也好，
不为温所动，不为寒所畏，温时思寒，寒时思温，是谓清醒。你清醒吗？
寒而不改叶，亦唯自制而能为。你自制吗？
温时不发烧，寒时不心寒，便有淡泊之境。但看云舒云卷，雨生雨息，日出日落，雪压雪溶，而心之悠悠，情之切切，意之澹澹，是谓特立独行。以不变之心应万变之境，还有比这更坦然豁然的吗？
浮生虚度，俗世空来。浮生皆苦，万相本无。人都说一死万事空，其实非然。许多事存留着，不堕不灭，无生无死。你能体会多少？
近年，身旁纷纷白纱红宴，亲友对对联谊，心中有一种说不清楚的涩涩之味在涌动。 想到每日在上班途径，都会经过坐躺路旁的老人，踽踽独行，逐渐的如夕阳般沉落老着，岁月沧桑的凄凉。没有伴侣，没有子女，没有亲人。他不强求什么，因为自己什么也没有了。落寞时就一个人在街上闲逛，偷偷的羡慕着牵着儿孙的老人，牵着手的情侣。有时，他把眼里的凄凉悄悄的咽入肚中，期盼逐渐在脑海中成型，希望可以同别人一样的享有天伦之乐，可惜的是他的身体和思念在日子熬过的一天天中失望剧增，脊背弯曲了，不在键朗，脸上的神色也灰暗了，心很快的被失落吞噬着。
而世上许多人，生长在无忧无虑的世界里，被幸福呵护惯了。能够和心爱的人在一起，做想要做的事。同时，幸福逐渐变质。哪怕有一天，你会发现幸福不再幸福，心里的贪念已经吞没了一切。温声提示，幸福不是必然，需好好珍惜。
最后，祝贺所有有情人终成眷属。
匆匆跨越的时日，是明日或昨日？悠悠充当了过客，是我或是你？
光阴如箭总是飞逝，一个人，习惯在某个时刻让心也静默片刻。轻叹此生错失过的许许多多，或是某个画面，或是某段情感，更或是某天某地某人。深感不由戚然。
原来，年华已不再花样。
年过三十，骤然惊觉。为何自己沸腾多年以后，还是半生不熟？为何自己登上九百九十九层梯子后，还是不高？
在某种思维定势，一厢情愿的把独自想像强加在某人或某事上，并且深信不疑，哪怕一日真相大白。那是一种自以为是的固执，一种自不量力的愚昧，一种年轻的专利。 而我已不再年轻。
曾经听说过这样一句话，夏与冬有极大学问，可从其中衡量自己。
温之既至，华之欲放，迎接着寒之既临，叶之欲黄。一切循环不息，连绵不绝。没有永久的温，也没有永久的寒。温而后寒，寒而后温，故而温也好，寒也好，
不为温所动，不为寒所畏，温时思寒，寒时思温，是谓清醒。你清醒吗？
寒而不改叶，亦唯自制而能为。你自制吗？
温时不发烧，寒时不心寒，便有淡泊之境。但看云舒云卷，雨生雨息，日出日落，雪压雪溶，而心之悠悠，情之切切，意之澹澹，是谓特立独行。以不变之心应万变之境，还有比这更坦然豁然的吗？
浮生虚度，俗世空来。浮生皆苦，万相本无。人都说一死万事空，其实非然。许多事存留着，不堕不灭，无生无死。你能体会多少？
近年，身旁纷纷白纱红宴，亲友对对联谊，心中有一种说不清楚的涩涩之味在涌动。 想到每日在上班途径，都会经过坐躺路旁的老人，踽踽独行，逐渐的如夕阳般沉落老着，岁月沧桑的凄凉。没有伴侣，没有子女，没有亲人。他不强求什么，因为自己什么也没有了。落寞时就一个人在街上闲逛，偷偷的羡慕着牵着儿孙的老人，牵着手的情侣。有时，他把眼里的凄凉悄悄的咽入肚中，期盼逐渐在脑海中成型，希望可以同别人一样的享有天伦之乐，可惜的是他的身体和思念在日子熬过的一天天中失望剧增，脊背弯曲了，不在键朗，脸上的神色也灰暗了，心很快的被失落吞噬着。
而世上许多人，生长在无忧无虑的世界里，被幸福呵护惯了。能够和心爱的人在一起，做想要做的事。同时，幸福逐渐变质。哪怕有一天，你会发现幸福不再幸福，心里的贪念已经吞没了一切。温声提示，幸福不是必然，需好好珍惜。
最后，祝贺所有有情人终成眷属。
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Outlook on Canadian Commercial Real Estate
PriceWaterHouseCoopers bearish on Canadian commercial real estate
“The credit crisis and ensuing recession have dragged commercial real estate markets into very trying times, marked by value losses, rising foreclosures, and reduced property revenues,” says Frank Magliocco, partner and leader of PwC’s Real Estate practice in Canada. “There is simply scarce money and therefore limited buyers.”
“Owners need to immediately implement monthly or quarterly cash flow reviews to understand exactly what their short-, medium- and long-term capital needs are and, perhaps even more importantly, immediately identify what options are available to overcome inevitable refinancing hurdles,” notes Magliocco. “In some cases, a formal restructuring process, equity injection or other non-traditional strategy may be beneficial.”
Furthermore, certain owners of CRE should consider divesting non-core or underperforming properties as a means to generate cash or capitalize on growth. On the other hand, well-capitalized investors may want to see if value can be extracted from the downturn via opportunistic acquisitions.
How can I be surprised? Businesses are suffering because of the weakened economy and will likely suffer more with hyper-inflation. Better to be prepared and bearish than optimistic and bull----- crap.
You might also be interested to know:
Canadian companies scaling back on investment plans
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