魯迅「故郷」(1921)

我想：希望是本無所謂有，無所謂無的。這正如地上的路；其実地上本没有路，歩的人多了，也便成了路。（中国語原文）

思うに希望とは、もともとあるものとも言えぬし、ないものとも言えない。それは地上の道のようなものである。もともと地上には道はない。歩く人が多くなれば、それが道になるのだ。（訳）

Crustaceans Beverly Hill

Populating a swank Vietnamese Beverly Hills joint with a fun-loving lawyers from all over the world, including those from big movie studios and CEs.

The night was young, and the table was definitely overflowing with Pho.

"Beware, culinary spies, thanks to the Secret Kitchen, the An Family's recipes are well protected!

The Secret Kitchen is a fascinating element of Helene An's culinary legacy and the An Family success story. The Secret Kitchen is a completely enclosed kitchen within the main kitchen, off limits to all employees except An Family members. Here, Chef Helene and the Ans prepare their secret family recipes: An's Famous Roasted Crab and Garlic Noodles. These dishes are the key to the restaurants' success.

As explained by Helene, "We left Vietnam with nothing. I had neither property nor personal wealth to pass along to my girls. When I realized that my restaurant was going to succeed, thanks to my family's recipes, I knew that I must protect their integrity." In much the same way that Coca-Cola® company stowed their recipes for Coke® in a vault, the An Family Secret Kitchen was created. In short, her culinary legacy is her daughter's inheritance."

Ben & Jacks in NYC

Speaking of steakhouses that look and sound and "feel" like how steakhouses ought to...on a recent trip to NYC prominent litigator Scott Emery and I invited ourselves out to Ben & Jack's Steak House in Midtown, which "takes its cues from Peter Luger in Brooklyn" as aptly described by the NY Times. 219 East 44th Street, Midtown; (212) 682-5678.

The Vic Theater

On a free night during a NAPABA business conference I went to a show by LCD Soundsystem and The Juan MacLean at the Vic Theater in Chicago. The Vic is a great place and the electro hop was awesome. Reminded me of all those dark, "underground" taverns where I used to go clubbing back in San Jose during high school days. Thanks Monica!

Here is a sample of remainder of the schedule at the Vic this month and November.

10/25 Liz Phair
11/8-9 Bauhaus
11/14 Front 242

Speaking of the windy city, Gibson's Steakhouse appears to be highly recommended by locals and visitors alike (although I did not have time to go this time around).

基隆外木山日出

IMGP9405
Originally uploaded by Free_Willy.

This is Taiwan, where I spent a large part of my childhood. Although we are originally from Shanghai, Taiwan treated us, well, fairly well. We were sort of outsiders, but then again we have always been outsiders everywhere we've lived: Nagano, Yokohama, Hiroo, Hong Kong, Cupertino, Santa Monica, and now Hollywood. (Note that we always happen to end up at these tourist spots.)

This shot from 基隆 isn't all that typical of something you expect to see in Taiwan. Nonetheless it reminds me of my home for a brief part of my pre-Japan days and is beautiful as it is inspiring.

招待なしでの新規登録は行えない

俺は既にメンバーになっているんですが、やっぱり新メンバーに対しては厳しいなぁ、mixiさん。

「mixi (ミクシィ) では、健全で安心感のある居心地の良いコミュニティを醸成して行きたいという想いから、招待なしでの新規登録は行えない仕組みになっております。

既に招待メールをもらっている方は、メールの文中にある登録用のURLをクリックするか、そのURL をアドレス欄に貼り付けて「Enter(Return)キー」を押して登録作業をおこなってください。

まだ招待メールをもらっていない方は、既にミクシィに参加している人から招待メールを送ってもらうか、招待メールが来るまでしばらくお待ちください。

みなさんのご登録&ご利用を心よりお待ちしております！

mixi 運営事務局」

Anton Corbijn. Definitely.

From a recent wedding where I served as a groomsperson. Anton Corbijn material. Definitely.