Patting myself on the back and complaining

So since I started running last week, I've stuck to going out every weekday. Well, I didn't go yesterday, but it was a bank holiday (a three-day weekend). So, yesterday doesn't count. I'm running about 20 minutes a day, and I honestly can see/feel the results already. But ... I still fricking hate it! It's just so boring. I mean, all I hear is the pounding of my shoes on the pavement. Of course, that's probably a good meditative thingy for me, but but but but but but but ...

Anyway, if this is all I have to complain about, I guess I'm doing alright.

Hanging in there,
Tiki Chris

Weekly update (Friday 25 May 2005)

Hey, I'm Tiki Chris, and I administer four blogs: ontoLondon, Rapa Nui News, Tiki Chris, and WePlanYourTrip. Each Friday, I hope to provide a weekly review of what I've posted. If a particular blog interests you, keep in mind that I’ve been blogging since well before this past week. You may want to take a look through the archives of any blog that interests you.

Hmmm. Some very interesting opportunities have been presented to me this week, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what evolves. Yes, I know that last sentence was pathetically vague. Please bear with me (I don't want to speak too soon and jinx myself).

Essentially, everything's still up as in the air as it has been for weeks now, but important things, such as home, employment, and daily routine, are coming into crisper focus and appear to be set for gentle landings.

Highlight of the week? I started running.

Have a great weekend,
Tiki Chris

ontoLondon
http://www.ontoLondon.com
Site feed URL: http://ontolondon.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Gordon's Wine Bar
And you thought London was expensive? Try Oslo.
3 x 15 = Jamie Oliver in Cornwall
Undercover Surrealism at the Hayward Gallery
Did you know that London has an official stone?
GBK: Gorgeous Burgers Kiwi-style
Modern (f)art
Weekly Photo: 26 May 2006

Rapa Nui News
http://www.rapanuinews.blogspot.com/
Site feed URL: http://rapanuinews.blogspot.com/atom.xml

United Nations exhibition displays ancient Rapa Nui art
National Geographic Expeditions to visit Rapa Nui
Rapa Nui tourist support?
Rapa Nui is 'loneliest place on earth' according to Google

Tiki Chris
http://www.tikichris.blogspot.com/
Site feed URL: http://tikichris.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Jean Painlevé, surrealist filmmaker and oceanographer
Plumb tuckered out
The Sheeples
Should you ever wonder why I love London so much ...

WePlanYourTrip
http://www.weplanyourtrip.blogspot.com/
Site feed URL: http://weplanyourtrip.blogspot.com/atom.xml

And you thought London was expensive? Try Oslo.
MySpace dream destination poll
Got teens will travel?
Easter Island Travelogue
Luxury Travel Fair in London 29 June - 2 July 2006

Should you ever wonder why I love London so much:

Check out what's causing a stink at the Tate Modern:

http://ontolondon.blogspot.com/2006/05/modern-fart.html

Cheers,

Tiki Chris

The Sheeples

The Sheeples are a reclusive race of forest dwellers descended from a few stray sheep that settled within the dense rainforests of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Unhindered by human interference, and without the worry of natural predators, these sheep adapted well to life in the rainforest. Indeed, resources were so abundant that, rather than meet their demise, the sheep actually thrived and incredibly mutated into a new bipedal species capable of speech and rational thought.

Find out more about them and become their friend at http://www.thesheeples.com.

Expect much more information about the Sheeples in the next few months.

Baa,
Tiki Chris

Plumb tuckered out

I'm just back from a short run along the Thames. How short? Let's just say that it took me longer to muster up the gumption just to go run than it actually did simply to run.

I don't like to run. In fact, the last time I ran for any real distance was probably because I was chased (or late for a plane). However, I haven't joined a gym yet, and I won't until I'm out off this temporary flat - another two weeks from now. Compared to the past few years of suburban living, I'm walking quite a lot these days - but that's not real exercise. One look at my post-move-to-London belly proves this fact. Apparently, one night in bed with me proves it too. Lack of exercise = excess weight = snore-fest!

So I ran, and now I sweat. And hopefully tonight, I won't snore as much as I have been and hopefully in the near future (as I plan to keep at this 'jogging' thing) I won't snore at all. Heck, I might even lose some of this pudge o' mine.

Heaving ... gasping ... clutching for breath ...
Tiki Chris

Jean Painlevé, surrealist filmmaker and oceanographer

What if Dalí had directed 'The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou' ... or if Jacques Cousteau and Jean Cocteau had combined their super powers … or if ‘Spongebob Squarepants’ were live action film noir? Well, the results of any of those options might have looked fairly close to the work of Jean Painlevé.

Jean Painlevé (1902-1989) was one of the first filmmakers to shoot underwater. A contemporary of Artaud and Bunuel, he was one part surrealist and one part scientist. His over 200 short films elegantly string together moments of magic realism, such as male seahorses giving birth, for cinematic experience that is utterly fantastic, in the truest sense of that word.

Beyond the pure eye candy factor, Painlevé's films are remarkable for their innovation. In fact, Painlevé's handmade watertight camera box served as a model for its modern equivalents. Arguably, much of Jacque Cousteau's success rides in the wake of Painlevé's accomplishments.

As part of the UNDERCOVER SURREALISM: Picasso, Miró, Masson and the vision of Georges Bataille exhibition at the Hayward Gallery (11May - 30 July 2006), a selection of his films were screened tonight. More about the exhibition may be found at my ontoLondon blog:
http://ontolondon.blogspot.com/2006/05/undercover-surrealism-at-hayward.html.

I thoroughly enjoyed these works with their cheeky narration, sensational anthropomorphism, and sublime imagery. The soundtracks for these films, ranging from jaunty Duke Ellington arrangements to goofy electronic farts and bleeps, are equally noteworthy. Painlevé’s films, some of which are over 70 years old, are refreshing and show a natural world that is still very much enchanting and mysterious.

Jean Painlevé's work is now available on DVD from Les Documents Cinématographiques: http://lesdocs.com/.

A hardcover book about his films, ‘Science Is Fiction: The Films of Jean Painlevé’ is available through amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0262024721/102-5211691-1902500?v=glance&n=283155

Cheers,
Tiki Chris

This week in Tiki Chris (Friday 19 May 2006)

Hey, I'm Tiki Chris, and I administer four blogs: ontoLondon, Rapa Nui News, Tiki Chris, and WePlanYourTrip. Each Friday, I hope to provide a weekly review of what I've posted. If a particular blog interests you, keep in mind that I’ve been blogging since well before this past week. You may want to take a look through the archives of any blog that interests you.

Pretty busy blogging this week. I feel like I’m still catching on and learning how to best administer these sites, but (honestly) that’s half the fun. I have lots more idea - short stories, interviews, more photography - that I plan to implement. However, with much of my household containerized and en route between New Jersey and London, there’s not much I can do right now aside from plot and scheme.

Highlight of the week? Emi started blogging too.

Have a great weekend,
Tiki Chris


ontoLondon
http://www.ontoLondon.com
Site feed URL: http://ontolondon.blogspot.com/atom.xml

· WEEKLY PHOTO: 19 May 2006
· Long weekend of modern art on the South Bank
· The Mothership to land at Heathrow
· SHOPPING: EVENTS: Battersea Vintage Fashion, Accessories & Textiles Fair
· DINING: Quick yummy Japanese near Moorgate
· Anatolian Cuisine in North London
· What have they all got in common?
· 19 Princelet Street, Spitalfields
· London's Largest Antiques Fair
· Bangali New Year on Brick Lane


Rapa Nui News
http://www.rapanuinews.blogspot.com/
Site feed URL: http://rapanuinews.blogspot.com/atom.xml

· More about Rapamycin (Could it cure cancer?)
· QE2 to visit Rapa Nui in 2008
· Rapa Nui fungus drug, Rapamycin, may help against tuberous sclerosis
· Polynesian exhibit in Norwich, UK includes objects from Rapa Nui
· 'Sumptuous' hotel planned for Rapa Nui
· Rapa Nui travel info from the New York Times
· Rapa Nui on the verge of tourism boom?


Tiki Chris
http://www.tikichris.blogspot.com/
Site feed URL: http://tikichris.blogspot.com/atom.xml

· WePlanYourTrip - the blog
· Blogging is communicable
· Are you onto London? ontoLondon http://www.onton...
· Check out my other blogs!
· I guess Hillary would be good for Fox News ratings
· Emerging from the jungle completely bushed?


WePlanYourTrip
http://www.weplanyourtrip.blogspot.com/
Site feed URL: http://weplanyourtrip.blogspot.com/atom.xml

· Ocean fun for the whole family on the Jersey Shore
· The Mothership to land at Heathrow
· Which budget airline goes where?
· Pacifika: New York Hawaiian Film Festival
· See Hawai'i as Mark Twain once did
· Trail Days
· Best-seller destinations
· Around-the-world on a big budget

WePlanYourTrip - the blog

WePlanYourTrip
http://weplanyourtrip.blogspot.com/
Site feed URL: http://weplanyourtrip.blogspot.com/atom.xml


Here's the last o' me blogs, WePlanYourTrip (not to be confused with WePlanYourTrip.com, the online custom travel service that my wife and I own and operate).


WePlanYourTrip (the blog) is full of all sorts of interesting travel info. You'll also find testimonials and information about WePlanYourTrip (the online custom travel service). Hopefully, as Emi and I continue to travel, I'll have more firsthand accounts of destinations to present.


Cheers,
Tiki Chris

Blogging is communicable

I reckon the missus got tired of me having all the fun ... and hogging the laptop.


She's started her own blog: http://emiana.blogspot.com/, which chronicles her 'life in London.' So far so good!


Maybe in the future, readers will be able to view both sides of an argument between us? Who knows? The possibilities are endless.


In addition to her stellar writing (she's really good, folks), I hope her blog will feature lots of her great photos, such as the one at the top of this post.

(How's that for a plug, honey?)


Cheers,

Tiki Chris

Are you onto London?


ontoLondon
http://www.ontonlondon.com/
Site feed URL: http://ontolondon.blogspot.com/atom.xml


Another one of my blogs is ontoLondon, which is about (yep you guessed it!) London. Basically, if I eat, shop, experience, read about, or otherwise come across somewhere or thing noteworthy in London, I blog about it there. I’ve already posted quite a bit, and as I become more settled here in London, I expect to continue at a similar pace.


London is a great city and, as best I can tell, the world’s most culturally diverse. It’s fun to explore and equally fun to share my findings with the world.


I have a lot of big ideas for this baby. Unfortunately, some of of these ideas are not doable until certain toys arrive, which are still in a container somewhere between New Jersey and London.


Keep reading for regular updates. Your comments and suggestions are certainly welcome.


Cheers,
Tiki Chris

Check out my other blogs!

As I mentioned on Friday, I administer a few blogs. In this posting I'll focus on one in particular, Rapa Nui News. In the next week or so, I'll try to post a brief description of my other projects.


Rapa Nui News

http://www.rapanuinews.blogspot.com/
Site feed URL: http://rapanuinews.blogspot.com/atom.xml


This blog can be described as 'one man's humble attempt to keep abreast of the news pertaining to one of the world's most fascinating places - Rapa Nui.'


If you dont know, Rapa Nui is also known as Easter Island (you know, the remote island in the South Pacific with the big, inexplicable, stone heads scattered about). I had the pleasure of visiting Rapa Nui earlier this year, and now I'm even more fascinated with the place than before.


Rapa Nui hangs in a precarious balance between its mysterious past and an uncertain future. The goal of Rapa Nui News is to present current news about the island, its people, and its culture in such a way as to allow readers to determine their positions for themselves. My short stay on the island made such an impact that sharing this blog with the world seems the least I can do.


By no means am I an expert on all things Rapanui,*** and I do not purport to represent the views of anyone, let alone those of the Rapanui people. With that said, I certainly welcome any comments, opinions, suggestions, or leads from others interested in staying up-to-date on Rapa Nui happenings.


***Rapa Nui (two words) refers to the island. Rapanui (one word) refers to the indigenous people of the island, their language, and their culture.


Maururu!
Tiki Chris

I guess Hillary would be good for Fox News ratings

Hillary an ‘effective’ senator – Murdoch
Reuters

Gulf Times
Published: Friday, 12 May, 2006, 01:08 PM Doha Time


NEW YORK: Media mogul Rupert Murdoch, whose New York Post newspaper lambasted ex-president Bill Clinton during his impeachment, on Wednesday praised New York Democratic Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton as an effective leader.


Read the full article:

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=86093&version=1&template_id=43&parent_id=19

Emerging from the jungle completely bushed?

The essence of the freedom versus security issue seems to be at the heart of this fascinating article about a tribe of Amazonian hunter-gatherers who've apparently had enough of hunting and gathering. Heartbreaking - with no easy side for me to come down on.


Leaving the Wild, and Rather Liking the Change

By JUAN FORERO

(Photography by Luca Zanetti)
New York Times
Published: May 11, 2006


While it is not known for sure why they left the jungle, what is abundantly clear is that the Nukak's experience as nomads and hunter-gatherers has left them wholly unprepared for the world they have just entered.

The Nukak have no concept of money, of property, of the role of government, or even of the existence of a country called Colombia. They ask whether the planes that fly overhead are moving on some sort of invisible road.


Read the full article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/11/world/americas/11colombia.html?ex=1148097600&en=98f1816925a9ae70&ei=5070&emc=eta1

This week in Tiki Chris


I administer four blogs. I thought today would be a great time to take a look at and share with others what I’ve posted across the blogosphere this week. Enjoy.


If a particular blog interests you, keep in mind that I’ve been blogging on all these since well before this past week. You may want to take a look through the archives of any blog that interests you.


ontoLondon
http://www.ontoLondon.com
- EVENTS: London to stage anti-racism event
- EVENTS: Freud Museum marks 150th anniversary of Sigmund Freud's birth
- CITYSCAPE: Foxes in London
- DINING: Chocolate goodness just off Brick Lane
- DINING: Stony Street Café
- SHOPPING: LA Times fashion critic on London's retail scene
- CITYSCAPE: New 3D digital map of London
- SHOPPING: Simply MUJI
- CITYSCAPE: Have you seen this man?
- EVENTS: Modernism at the V&A
- WEEKLY PHOTO: 12 May 2006

Rapa Nui News
http://www.rapanuinews.blogspot.com/
- New Museo Andino in Chile features Rapa Nui exhibit
- Rapa Nui on the verge of tourism boom?
- Rapa Nui travel info from the New York Times
- 'Sumptuous' hotel planned for Rapa Nui

Tiki Chris
http://www.tikichris.blogspot.com/
- New Google Calendar rocks!
- Nduia!
- Salon.com interview with 'The Way We Eat' author Peter Singer
- Having a Mai Tai at the Ritz
- Keith's okay (did you ever really doubt he would be?)

WePlanYourTrip
http://www.weplanyourtrip.blogspot.com/
- Around-the-world on a big budget
- Best-seller destinations

Tiki Chris

Keith's okay (did you ever really doubt he would be?)


Stones' guitarist leaves hospital

Rolling Stones star Keith Richards has been discharged from a New Zealand hospital after suffering a head injury, his publicist has said.

BBC NEWS

(Photograph by Getty Images)

Last Updated: Thursday, 11 May 2006, 08:14 GMT 09:14 UK

In a statement, Richards thanked "the doctors" and "the beautiful ladies who make painful nights less painful and shorter... many thanks, Kiwis."

Read the full article:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4760607.stm

Having a Mai Tai at the Ritz

Last night I attended a posh sort of event with Emilia and friends. Since we were already dudded up and in the neighborhood, we decided to stop by the famous Rivoli Bar at the Ritz Hotel.

Perusing the drinks menu, I was surprised to see 'Mai Tai' listed in the 'long drinks' section. Of course, I ordered one. It tasted alright but, according to my taste buds, not really like a Mai Tai. the drink's description in the menu read: golden rum, dark rum, orange curacao, grenadine, and orgeat syrup. it was garnished with a Maraschino cherry, a pineapple slice, and a sliver of a bay leaf (I think) instead of a sprig of mint. Excusing the variations, I was still a bit thrown off by its taste. I asked the waiter what rums were used. He zipped back to the bar and soon returned with two bottles of barcardi neatly displayed on a silver tray.

So, there ya go. Not the best Mai Tai (not even the best in London). Still, if you ever want to immerse yourself within an elegant example of art deco luxury, the Rivoli's probably you're best bet - it's gorgeous in there and the service is impeccable.


Cheers,

Tiki Chris

Salon.com interview with 'The Way We Eat' author Peter Singer

The practical ethicist
"The Way We Eat" author Peter Singer explains the advantage of wingless chickens, how humans discriminate against animals, and the downside of buying locally grown food.
By Oliver Broudy

Salon.com

May 08, 2006


Singer's new book, "The Way We Eat," co-written with Jim Mason, looks at the eating habits of three different American families: vegans, "conscientious omnivores" and a family eating the "standard American diet." The elements of each diet and the production chain that brought it to the table are then carefully considered in light of environmental impact, fair trade, the organic movement, the grow-local movement, genetically modified foods, animal rights and the depredations of agribusiness.

Read the full article:

http://www.salon.com/books/int/2006/05/08/singer/index_np.html

Nduia!

One of the (many) reasons I love being back in London is the easy access to yummy pork products from all over Europe. Saturday morning, Emilia and I went to Borough Market (which, in and of itself, is a more than adequate reason to love being back in London) and picked up some nduia – a spicy-hot salami-like loaf of flavor comprised of finely minced pork, lard, liver and lungs packed into a skin of intestines and jacked up with super hot peppers.


This treat, from the southern Italian region of Calabria, is a bit like a really hot version of chorizo but with a mushy texture.


Nduia is traditionally known as an aphrodisiac and, as is the case with so many southern Italian foods, its name is allegedly derived from a naughty reference to its restorative powers.

- Tiki Chris

New Google Calendar rocks!


Okay, so I'm already enamored with Google for the super duper gmail features, but, now with their new online calendar, I'm even more hooked!

Groovy features include:

• Calendar sharing
• Invitations
• Quick add
• Gmail integration
• Search
• Mobile access (unfortunately this doesn't seem to be available in the UK)
• Event publishing

Create your account here:
https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount?continue=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fcalendar&service=cl

Have fun keeping up-to-date,
Tiki Chris

Dolly Parton as "Madam Pele, Goddess of Fire"


... ah, but you're beautiful when you're mad ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxtC0dDF6kk

I came across this fantastic snippet from Dolly's early 80's variety show after reading MrBaliHai's Tiki Central post about it. Dolly 's the best and here she is in Hawai'i, singing about Madam Pele. Give it a look-see; you won't regret it.

Fun stuff,

Tiki Chris

The London Luau June 9-11!
http://www.thelondonluau.co.uk

Cheers,
Tiki Chris

Keith Richards falls from coconut tree - must have skull drilled

Originally diagnosed with mild concussion, Rolling Stones guitartist Keith Richards is due to have his skull drilled to relieve suffering from a brain haemorrhage incurred from falling from a coconut tree at the Wakaya Club luxury resort on Fiji, according to the Sun:

Keith Richards brain op
By GORDON SMART

Deputy Showbiz Editor

The Sun

May 3, 2006

Keith had the accident as he and bandmate Ronnie Wood tried to climb the tree to get coconuts at a luxury resort ... If all goes well, he is expected to be fully fit in time for the European leg of the tour which kicks off in Barcelona on May 27.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006200392,,00.html


Cheers,
Tiki Chris

Want to join a tribe and live on a remote South Pacific island?

Then check out http://www.tribewanted.com.

This is your moment to make history on a tiny ripple of rock, jungle and sand in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean.

I'm cynical about this 'tribal' contrivance but also intrigued. I suppose that if one had the time - and the money - and the inclination to spend said time and money among - and subject to - a bunch of fellow 'tribe members,' this might be a fun way to spend 7, 14, or 21 nights in the South Pacific. Of course, it should be noted that tribe membership fees do not include airfair to Fiji. Nevertheless, for someone possessing a round-the-world ticket, this would make an interesting side trip. And, who knows what sort of singles scene or networking possibilities might exist in the tribe's insta-society?

It should be interesting to see how this unravels. And, I admit that tribewanted's aim to create a sustainable and ecological community is to be commended (but, I'm not sure how eco-friendly those flights to Fiji are).


Cheers,
Tiki Chris

Hiya