triggering Action Potential

The Taste of Chicago

Heading to another year of Taste, only this time, I'll be going without the usual "awkward" crowd. The downside is that, today is going to be hot, heat index in the triple digits.

I hope I don't get more fried than the fried dough!

Dishes I plan to try this year: Kobe beef strip, Cajun alligator, fried mustard catfish... etc.

Officiating--laying down the rulz

Actually, it's more like laying down the smack, haha. The previous blog of "Bring it" and reading my competition's blog on it as well, I would like to public propose the following rule with regards to the high steaks at hand.

Of course, we are going by the honor system, and assume that no one will take short cuts. But music is meant to be heard. Therefore, I think it's fitting that the first person who finishes learning the piece will have to record the music as a proof, and post it.

How about that?

Bring it on!

A friendly competition is always a good incentive to achieve a shared goal, in my opinion.

The challenge: Chopin Op.3, Polonaise Brillante
The stake: Kobe steak
The rule: First one to complete the challenge mission
The true objective: To learn the piece and have fun
The projected winner: hmmmmm, TBA

Which is Which?

When is a tangible item offered a bribe vs an incentive? If one were to trying to get others to do work by offering, say a new car, would that be considered an incentive to work or just a bribe?

maybe it depends on the effect and consequences... or just up to personal interpretation. Which way do you rather see it as if you are offered a valuable for doing something?

Can it be distinguished or must we walk a fine line?

On track

At the start of this year, I stated my piano goals--to finish and record Beethoven's Moonlight and Tempest Sonata. It's half way through the year, and I'm almost finished learning the Tempest Sonata. I just have to start on the 2nd movement and polish up the first and third. So far so good.

I also said I would practice Diabelli Variations.. and I still intend to do so. However, I have gotten a little side track. Well, I want to add two additional pieces to my repertoire--Schubert Fantasy in F minor for 4 hands, and Chopin's Op3 Polonaise Brillante for Cello/piano. I guess I just need to get away from Beethoven, as an distraction. I really enjoy the Chopin piece, especially for piano solo (transcribed).

The other reason to add the latter two pieces is so that I don't have to compete with other pianists at the practice hall--there are those who want to show you up for no reason. They like to compete and make you think you stink, when in fact, they are not that good either (otherwise, they would be at a conservatory instead of U of C).

I'm very happy with my progress, with the time that I find to practice, I think it's going well.

Sushi Action--wuz-sa-beeee!

Went to a recently opened upscale sushi restaurant, Meiji. First glance: nice shades of brown, with bamboo sticks along the brick wall... Although I almost walked passed the place w/o notice because it's not shouting with neon lights. A semi-lounge with dance music--trendy sushi.

A browse through the menu, and I found unusual sashimi offerings and innovative rolls. To top it off, Meiji realized one of my ideas: fresh wasabi for a price. to be exact, I got a teaspoon worth of freshly grated wasabi for $3. Not a bad price, considering the green tea is $3 itself!! This is the first sushi place I've found that sells fresh wasabi, and since I had fresh wasabi myself, I was able to tell that I wasn't getting jiffed.

The rolls were great. What stood out was the fruit roll, with mango, strawberry, avocado. Fruit roll was a nice finish to the meal, that also included the rolls with names that I forgot. What I do remember is the ice fish nigiri-- like fish larvae.. very nice.

I'll definitely be going back to Meiji again... and while the prices were high, for a dinner for 2, I ended up spending about $80... not bad at all considering the tea cost $3 each!

In the end, I would have given Meiji 4 out of 4 (because of the fresh wasabi and excellent food), but I take one away for the tea. After all, I could have ordered more fresh wasabi instead of the tea in the first place.