Food Matters as it Turns Out

Yesterday I knew I needed to go grocery shopping, but I didn't want to just make a random list and hope for the best (like I usually do). I also really wanted to go down to Granville Island again and at least get all of my fresh produce there.

Everyone knows they need to eat more healthy, but there seems to be this fine line between being able to eat healthy and actually having a diet that is sustainable - by that I mean you can actually carry on with it for more than two weeks without chewing your own arm off.

Recently I've had some really good vegetarian that was healthy but also satisfying at places like Bandidas (vegetarian mexican!) and Cafe deux soleils. I really wanted to find some recipes similar to what these places offer. So I headed to Chapters.

After about 45 minutes of wondering around I found this book called Food Matters by Mark Bittman, which seemed intriguing:

I don't want to go to far into it but basically it talks about why eating junk food and a lot of meat is not only bad for you health wise, but also bad for the environment. That the energy required to produce say a zero calorie can of diet soda is about 2200 calories. Its the same for most processed foods and meat (animals take a lot of energy in comparison to fresh produce etc). Apparently 10 animals are raised every year for each human on earth so thats like 60 billion animals! Whoah.

I'm not a vegetarian and the book isn't trying to convince you to be one, its just stating that we tend to think we need a lot more meat than we actually do - mostly thanks to good marketing. And that's just the first chapter! I just got the book yesterday so I still have a lot of reading to do.

At the back of the book are recipes to get you started, but the basic idea is to eat foods that are still close to their natural state (peanuts vs a snickers bar for example). I decided I really wanted to try and make this great salad I had years ago at a veggie restaurant here in vancouver called The Naam. The salad is called Thai Gado and here is my attempt:

I varied it slightly but it was pretty darn close. Basically this is what I added:

Shredded Carrot

Shredded Raw Beet

Pea Shoots

Green Onion

Tofu (Sauteed with a bit of garlic and peanut sauce)

A few cubes of cooked yam

One hard boiled egg

Trader Joe's Peanut Sauce (only 30 cal a tbsp which I was okay with)

This salad turned out to be delicious! And it was super satisfying plus I got a lot of good food inside me!

This morning I took a recipe from the book and made myself a blueberry yogurt shake:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Yogurt

1/4 banana (should have been frozen but wasn't)

1 1/2 cups of fresh blueberries

1/4 cup apple juice

Splash of maple syrup

Blend! It's delicious! I had this with some whole wheat toast and I feel full which is so important (but not too full).

Later today I am going to try the homemade granola the book suggests you make to avoid all the sugary ones that are out there on the market.

Apparently Oprah is doing a show today about grocery shopping and I have a feeling she may touch on some of the same things that were mentioned (so far) in this book. Alicia Silverstone is due to chat too - she is a vegan and healthnut so it should be interesting to see her perspective.

IN OTHER NEWS:

I finally found a frame for this photograph I bought of etsy before Christmas. I love it and can't wait to find the perfect place to hang it in my apartment:

And I got a new black bag by Matt and Nat. Again, I'm not a vegetarian but it's nice to know that my bag is totally vegan. Apparently the interior lining (which is a beautiful indigo blue) was made out of 21 recycled plastic bottles. I don't want to think about how much energy that took - but still - it's kind of cool:

Ground Control to Pork Buns

If you can believe it, I have reached my last week off - noooo I'm back at work next Monday. Sigh. I don't have anything too crazy planned. I'm really just enjoying taking it easy and not having too much on my plate.

When I woke up today my vague plan was to do some shopping. There are quite a few things I want including some new clothes, another airport express and speakers for my bedroom, shoes, stuff from IKEA. Today I was going to put a dent in that list.....

.....until Heidi messaged me on MSN and said she was heading downtown and would I like to hang out? "Umm yes!" Of course, there's nothing like a spontaneous day with one of your good little buddies!

Heidi came by and picked me up and we headed over to Main street. She had a quick appt. to go to but beforehand we went to some crazy used midcentury furniture stores. In the first store, the guy was playing David Bowie. Heidi liked it and said "I want to know what album this is from."

"Ask him" I said.

"I plan to" she said.

And she did and it was the biggest can of worms opened I've seen in awhile.

The store owner was a thin guy in his mid 50's (I'm guessing) who had obvious clues of a former (and current) cool life. As soon as Heidi asked him about the music, he jumped onto a lounger in the store, crossed his legs and began to tell her in a lot of detail about all of the obscure Bowie albums he listened to and their influences. He even started showing her album covers an an old ipod. He referred to Nine Inch Nails as "Nails" only and even said that in the 80's, Bowie's music wasn't as good because he had no one around him to suck influence off of. He told us about one album that Bowie doesn't remember recording because he only consumed coke (not the soda) and milk at that time. If you have any questions about the Bowie discography, this is your man.

I'm pretty sure I was silent throughout the whole episode. Heidi is much better at dealing with these types and expressed genuine interest. She told me later that the last time she went in there, the guy was dressed like Andy Warhol and she wished I could have seen that. Hard core!

While the guy was going on about what we should search for on You Tube (not the fan videos) I reminded Heidi of her appt that was fast approaching and we edged out of the store.

Don't get me wrong, the guy was actually really cool - and what was cooler is that while he talking to us a random Russian came into the store and handed him two pieces of delicious looking bread and left. That was a nice touch.

A little later we continued up Main street and I mentioned that I was thirsty and perhaps we should get some bubble tea. WELL - a bubble tea place magically appeared in front of us! I had never noticed it there before. We went in and it was one of those places that the people working there are like just waiting to pounce on new costumers. We ordered our strawbeery bubble teas and noticed they also sold those yummy asian pork and coconut buns! If you haven't had one of these get one now! They are mysteriously sweet and delicious and usually super cheap (95 cents).

We shopped at a few stores on Main Street and I bought an oversized men's hoodie in green. It is so comfy. I am wearing it now. I was thinking of getting a bathrobe, but this will do nicely.

Anyways, another store we went into was this crazy vintage store that had a funny smell and a small dog inside (likely the source of the smell). Vintage stores are curious. Some are really obvious why they are reselling an item, others are a little more all over the place. This one was like that. Heidi and I even commented "Doesn't it make you wonder what kind of mind decided this was the stuff to sell?" I didn't buy anything. The last time I bought vintage I was in way over my head. I'll stick to new thanks. Better chance of it looking half decent.

We headed back to my place and hung out, ate our pork buns and some gyoza, drank a little wine (well I did) and then Heidi headed back home with three DVD's from my stash in hand: Royal Tennenbaums (I actually don't care for this movie), Canadian Bacon and Strange Brew!

Okay time for bed. I totally want to sleep in this hoodie. Don't worry I won't....or will I?

The numbers all go to eleven

During my time off I've been trying to catch up on all the little things you put off when life gets in the way. Things like organizing my place (you saw my fridge in the last post), working on personal projects, going for runs, catching up with friends and most importantly watching 80's movies that I have never seen. Here is a review of the ones I have seen so far:

The first was This is Spinal Tap

I had vaguely heard of this movie and knew it was about a fictional band, but I don't think I ever realized that it was actually a comedy. And I certainly didn't know that Christopher Guest was in it (and honestly I had only heard he was a genius but hadn't yet witnessed it first hand). Now I have witnessed it. Seriously, this movie is fantastic and amazing that it was made in 1984. The wardrobes are so true to life and strangely alluring.

Here is my favorite part:

Can you handle it?

The second was The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride is one of those movies that when you tell people you haven't seen it they freak out. Having not seen this movie it seemed very vague and strange from afar. In high school my friends reenacted scenes by rolling down a hill and I stood embarrassed for them on the sidelines. Like what the fuck was the big deal?....but as I watched and soon as I saw Columbo AND Christopher Guest were in it I understood. The story is super cute and very funny. It's actually weird when you think about it - this movie shouldn't be good. If it came out today it wouldn't be, but the timing and casting was somehow perfect. I really enjoyed it.

And finally I had to watch The Secret of My Success with Michael J. Fox

Okay this movie is a different kind of 80's movie. It's one that had a popular 80's story line where a kid from Kansas goes to the big city (NYC) and tries to make something of himself. Against all odds he wins everyone over in the end (sorry spoiler). This was seriously a common theme in the 80's but the best part is not the story line, it's seeing how young Michael J. Fox looks in this movie (young) and watching the business world of the 80's where there were very few computers, rotary dial phones and of course shoulder pads and big framed glasses (which are back in style consequently).

There is something about this movie that makes me ache for the past when times seemed so much more simple. Okay this is where the dork part of me comes out - but I always picture myself teleporting into this movie with my macbook and ipod and being like "check this shit out" to the main characters. Wouldn't an ipod just blow their minds? They were using typewriters and drawing graphs by hand!

Anyways, I still have one or two more movies to catch up on this week - Say Anything (I know I know - I'm pretty sure I haven't seen it) and Best in Show (I own it on VHS - but have never watched it).

What movies would you re-watch from the 80's or do you NEED to watch because everyone gasps when you tell them you haven't seen it?

Thoughts

1. Last night I cleaned out my fridge and there were like four jars of salsa in there. I think I have a problem with salsa. Now it's much cleaner - but whoah why do I have two things of HP? I can't even remember the last time I made steak.

2. The caption "Wolf Parade to Tour with We Are Wolves" made me laugh. It's real!

3. Have you heard of the website ChatRoulette? I'm not putting a link because I'm afraid to go to the website - I have no idea if it just starts using your computer camera or what. Anyways, the idea for those who haven't heard of it, the idea is that you go and it randomly connects you with someone else via video chat. Actually here is a really great video that explains it all:

chat roulette from Casey Neistat on Vimeo.

What do you guys think about this idea?

Photos and a Video

From last night - one of the last party nights here in Vancouver. How will we go back to being a regular old city after this?

The crowds:

Projection on the side of a building:

A private Russian party at Joey's:

This is what it's like downtown (press play and the video will appear):

If we win gold in hockey tomorrow I think the city might implode!

Five things that may intrigue you - or not.

I need to veer off the Olympics for a bit and bring you some other interesting items that have come across my plate recently.

Here they are:

5. Japanese Herbivores

I was listening to a podcast on my trip down south a few weeks ago and there was a tidbit about a new kind of guy that is emerging in Japan called the "Herbivore". Basically it is a term coined for Japanese men in 2006 who are not interested in romantic relationships or sex with women - BUT they are not homosexual either, they're just not interested at all. They can be into fashion, baking and even sewing and have been said to be more low key, spend less money and enjoy spending time alone. I think the way a person wants to spend their time is completely up to them regardless of age or gender, but I kind of feel bad for Japanese women. As much as women love their personal freedom, I think most women still like being pursued by men. I hope these guys don't move to Vancouver, we don't need more unavailable men here! Sigh. You can read more about it here.

4. Ikea Heights

This little tidbit was brought to me by my good friend Moni. There is a website called Ikea Heights (duh) where a bunch of people shoot a mini soap opera at a local Ikea store in California. They shoot while the store is open and customers are around the store and somehow they haven't yet been discovered by the staff. It's really hilarious and I've only watched one episode so far! Moni pointed out that it reminded her of a horror movie she and I made back in junior high. I can't remember what it was called but we didn't have ketchup so we ended up using BBQ sauce for the blood. There was even a scary shower scene! Anyways check out Ikea Heights when you've got some downtime.

3. Music I Love Right Now

Last year SUCKED for music which was too bad because 2008 rocked. I think 2010 is going to be a great year for albums. Right now I'm am listening to some great stuff including:

The Go Find - Everybody Knows it's Gonna Happen But Not Tonight

• Favorite songs: Just a Common Love, One Hundred Percent, Running Mates

Wild Beasts - Two Dancers

• Favorite songs: The Fun Powder Plot, We Still Got the Taste Dancing on our Tongues

Local Natives - Gorilla Manor

• Favorite songs: Sun Hands, Warning Sign

Beach House - Teen Dream

• Favorite songs: Walk in the Park, Used to Be

If you're only going to listen to one song - check out Just a Common Love by The Go Find. Definitely my favorite song today and it has girl vocals that come in later....love that! Download it off itunes - come on it's only 99 cents.

2. Twitter

I started a Twitter account a few weeks back and I am finding it super fascinating so far. Last night I was watching the Russia/Canada hockey game (sorry Olympic reference) and Twitter was going crazy. Every time a goal was made there were a ton of updates. I am following the Hockey House and Translink and the two were out-putting non-stop. It's a really interesting way to stay connected. Conan Obrien just got a twitter account and his last (and only second post) is hilarious:

"This morning I watched Remington Steele while eating Sugar Smacks out of a salad bowl. I was naked."

I just wish more people I knew in real life were on Twitter! Hint hint....hehe

1. Drawing

I need to draw more. I used to do it all the time! Remember? I bought a sketchbook last week and have filled a few pages. We'll see what happens with that. Stay tuned.

Canada and the U.S.

I loved this video narrated by Tom Brokaw that aired before the Opening Ceremonies on NBC:

And the Crowd Just Gets Bigger

I remember thinking before the Olympics started "What if no one comes?"

Well they came, they are here and it's NUTS, but I'm enjoying every minute of it. Friday night I went downtown around 4pm to meet up with friends from White Rock for some drinks. We were lucky to get a big table at a cute little pub called Loose Moose.

After several drinks (I now realize), four of us broke away from the group and decided to roam the streets of downtown. It's hard to tell from the pictures but there are people everywhere. In Yaletown there were little street parties set up where people were pumping out music and just dancing:

There are also millions of street performers. This guy has been around since the start of the Olympics and he spreads his batman wings and lets people take their picture with him:

This guy is a silver Elvis:

Random shot of some guys ass I took completely by accident:

We decided after walking around for a bit and hearing "I like to move it move it" being pumped in the street, to head back to the Loose Moose where some of our friends were still hanging out.

After a few more drinks (mistake) we saw some commotion outside. Everyone seemed to be looking at something. I decided to investigate.

When I went outside there was a guy at the very top of a lamp post (he had climbed up there), well above the streetlights. It's hard to see in this picture but he's below the bright light in the center leaning away from the light standard:

You can see him a little more (again in the centre) in the picture below. A really dumb move as there were cops EVERYWHERE. He came down after awhile but I'm not sure if he was arrested:

One of the venues downtown is the ice-rink at Robson's Square. One of my favorite bands was playing called Said the Whale. It's cool because people are skating behind the band:

Check out the crowd watching:

After we watched these guys for a few minutes, quite a few of us were ready to go home. It was almost midnight which doesn't sound late, but it is when you start at 4pm.....

Here is a shot of The Bay right near the entry to the Canada Line. It looks good at night!

Even at 12am there was a line up to get onto the train, but it goes fast. I decided to take a shot while waiting:

I got home safe but woke up feeling really bad on Saturday, which was unfortunate because Jabba was in town to check out the scene (hopefully she will do a blog post). I couldn't meet up with her until later in the day when I was feeling better. But we did get to see each other which was great and again downtown was SO BUSY.

We were noting how well the crowd control has been handled here in Vancouver. I mean you are literally wondering the streets with tens of thousands of people. There are line ups for the Skytrain and Canada Line but they go way faster then you might think and all the trains are running at full capacity. Its very impressive. A lot of thought has gone into all of this. My Twitter account has been really neat as I follow Translink and 2010Tweets which give constant updates about what's going on.

I'm off to my brother's tonight for a really intense Hockey Game! Canada vs U.S.. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Oh and I'm feeling much better today!

More Olympics!

This post is for Miss Ash who just loves the Olympics and can't wait to see more. Hehe okay no, it's not.

Side note: Click on the photos to get the best sense of all the people!

Today it is so beautiful here in Vancouver I thought I would take a walk around and see what's going on. So I headed out the door and down the street and I had to take a picture of my favorite view just four blocks away (I know you've seen this before):

Here is a shot much closer to the water. You can see BC Place off on the right where the opening ceremonies took place. Can you believe it's February?

Walking along the water you can see the Cambie Street bridge off in the distance which is where I was headed:

This is a shot towards the olympic village from the Cambie Street bridge:

Panning to the left - mountains in the background:

Panning more to the left. If you click on the picture you can see tiny little people on the walkway by the water:

As I got closer to BC place:

Back on the seawall walking towards Science World:

As I was walking here, I didn't really know what the big deal was:

Until I looked down at the water. Look at all of the rock piles:

This went on along the whole water's edge. That's the Olympic village across the water:

This picture gives a good sense of how many there are:

Okay see the two guys in the blue and yellow jacket? A moment before I took this picture they were signing autographs. Swedish atheletes! There were also Russians everywhere!

A shot by Science World:

A group of people that look like they know something (hehe):

Looking back at Science World. There is a huge lineup to get in. It's hard to tell from the picture but there are literally people EVERYWHERE. It's very cool.

More Comedy I like (While You Wait Anxiously for the Next Post)