Interesting Photo

Asian grocery shopping was done today. Here's an interesting photo at the store. Yes, that's right. FOR THE CHINESE IN YOU... *points in Uncle Sam fashion*

Yes, I'm short on blogging material.

Book Review: A Million Little Pieces

It's never a wise choice to lie to Oprah Winfrey. Despite her kind persona, she has the power to bring you down... down, down, down way into the ground. She could probably start a very successful religious cult if she desired. Maybe Oprah's Book Club is just a facade. Ok, enough about Oprah - I like her - I do watch her show and I particularly enjoy the makeover specials.

I have to admit I was completely oblivious to the controversy surrounding "A Million Little Pieces" and was a tad surprised at the furore it caused in the literary world. (In all honesty I bought this book because the cover was pretty and Lil Miss J made a vague reference to it hehehe).

It was only upon searching for an image to post on this blog that I stumbled across a book review which mentioned that parts of the story were fabricated. Whilst this did deter me somewhat, I continued to read. I guess in a way, I didn't feel too 'cheated' as the style of writing does have a fictional essence to it. At one point, I did think that this would make a good Hollywood script. Of course, I can say this because it is all in hindsight to the controversy.

A memoir by strict definition is an account of someone's life experience, but I for some reason have always differed this to an autobiography. Whilst there is a fine line, I've always considered the latter being more factual and the former having allowances for imagination and personal observation. I'm not here to fight a dictionary but that is my own interpretation. All this just gets to my point - does it matter that this book is partly fictionalised?

"A Million Little Pieces" is James Frey's account of his time in a substance abuse rehabilitation centre. It is written in first person and utilises an interesting prose whereby quotations marks are completely omitted, instead a new line is begun for each conversational exchange.

His repetitive use of words equates to a brisk, abrupt feeling which effectively depicts the thinking process of a drug-addled mind undergoing a recovery, detoxification process. It can be difficult to sympathise with the protagonist, however, this book succeeds what many do not - capturing your attention. That being said, I can understand if someone found this particular prose annoying to read.

For those who were under the impression that this story was entirely factual, then yes, the author did betray your emotions. People were soooooooooo furious that at one point, the publisher even offered refunds! Also, as a result of The Smoking Gun letting the cat out the bag, many parodies flourished. Here's one. And another. And yet another. Oh and one more I found.

Oprah was FUMING! She confronted him live on her show. A WHOLE show. Check out her interview.

Alright, enough enough enough about how this book is essentially an exaggerated encounter in rehab. In all fairness, it probably would not have been published had the author not marketed it as a memoir. But I guess the ball was rolling, so he decided to take it all the way. Aaaah the repercussions.

Should you read this book? I'm still on a Yes/No scale and I would have to rate this a "Yes". If not for the story - nothing new, he overcomes his addiction and falls in love - then for the prose.

Yummy Yummy Wafers

I had forgotten to mention one more thing about our recent trip to Vienna.... Yummy yummy Manner wafers! My favourite ones so far are the blackcurrant yoghurt ones.

These wafers are so much better than the Garden ones I snacked on as a child. I do love Arnotts Tina Wafers, however they are a little too sweet at times.

Anyone who visits Vienna next will have to submit to my wafer request.

World's Worst Kept Secret

After being inspired by Moo's entry, I'd thought it would be a good idea to see what celebrity I most resemble. Off to My Heritage I surfed to see what the computer would tell me. Computers don't lie you know?

First pic. Well I supposedly look 75% like Hilary Duff? Whaaa? At least there are few asian faces. I'm 70% Tata Young? Who is she? Not sure about the African American listed there but Smee might dispute that.

I thought I'd try another picture given that the results vary depending on the photo. This was little more promising - 83% Japanese singer. Tata Young again. HOOoold on? Jay Chou?!?!?! This was rather upsetting especially since I called him an Ugmo.

Trying another photo, Tata Young appears again. Tori Spelling?!?!?!?!? I LOOK LIKE A HORSE?!? Ashlee Simpson? Ugh...

Moving on, I look 83% like William Moseley. Who's that? Well according to the computer I look like a pansy Narnia child. Peter Pevensie to be exact.

Nothing belies the legitimacy that is computerised face analysis. It managed to revealed what we've known all along.......my true gender is male! And maybe I can pass for Tata Young's sister but not my own biological one. Sorry Moo.

Dave's Brithday at The Dorchester

Tonight, DL trundled all the way over from Stockholm to join us for dinner at The Dorchester. None of us were meant to know, but this 'catch-up' dinner also coincided with his birthday. The last time I saw DLwas when I ran into him at the Australian Open 2005, when Marat Safin took the crown.

DL looks exactly the same. In fact, he hasn't changed since first year uni. Take that as a compliment DL!

Leesh and Mona.

Mona watching with interest.

Such a small world. Caz and T hail from Sydney but know DL too. Oh yeah and Caz is Smee's work colleague.

DL and T crashing into the photo.

Lil Miss J and I with our Lindt chocolate from Zurich couresty of Leesh.

Vienna - Day 3 ... More food!

Our final day in Vienna began with a pose at the Danube Canal.

A re-visit to the Stephansdom allowed us some time to have a look indoors.

Outdoors first.


And now we're inside.

Vienna doesn't really have a Walk of Fame but the closest thing to it includes classical composers who resided or performed in Vienna. I could have taken more photos, but really, it's just boring to see a composer's name on a star.

So here's just one - Johann Strauss Snr.


Figarohaus, 5 Domgasse, where Mozart composed The Marriage of Figaro.

It was 'hungry time' again.

Trying to snap each other with the Wiener.


I've got it all under control.


Smee battling with his lunch.


Viennese hot dog stands win over McDonald's any day.

We decided to skip the Belvedere Palace, choosing to visit the Naschmarkt instead. This is a great place for produce and cheap eats. By now, we were full from the wieners but that didn't stop us from eating more!

Cured meats. More specially, Pancetta Lardo. That's right, pancetta made entirely of LARD. Gross.


Vienna = Doggie friendly city. The bag that the man is carrying is actually just a doggie bed.


Snake fruit. I've seen many tropical fruits but not this one.


It really does look like a snake. Creepy.


Not so snake-like inside.

Me and an interesting pipe. Smut free? Not Smee!

The boulevard of eateries. Nice, nice, where all the locals go.

Smee and I passed two locals eating a yummy looking crepe, Palatschinken. They happily showed us what was inside which sold us on the idea of sitting down and eating despite not being terribly hungry. If I ever return to Vienna, I will sooooo go back and eat here again.

Yep, we took a photo of the menu.

Our appetites were whet with Almdudler and a Becks

Smee pouring his own Becks.

Mmmm, spinach, cheese and ham for Smee.

Always with a sweet tooth, I opted for the Topfen (curd cheese) and vanilla sauce. Awesome!

Inching my way through.....

Finished!!!

Not so happy now are we? I ate far too much :(

Oh look! I found a Pho store! The only one we saw.

Afterwards, Smee and I made our way towards the airport. Holiday over.