Mien Cuisine
Sep 14
Growing up in an Asian culture I’ve had a chance to try a number of unusual culinary dishes, everything from reproductive organs of the female frog to pork blood.
But what I still consider my most unusual food experience came from lunch with a college friend, who was a member of the Mien (or Yao) community. Following the meal, she served a soup that was cold, citrus-y, spicy, and filled with cooked rice flour blocks. It was a convergence of flavors and sensations that I had never experienced before, and my palette didn’t quite know what to make of it. I don’t think I had more than a few bites (probably due to the extreme spiciness).
I’ve written before about how my tastes have changed as I’ve gotten older, so I’m curious whether I would now enjoy the dish. I did a little research, and found out it’s called kaleng phen. It seems pretty easy to make, though I think I’d be wise to try it in a small batch.
Just B-Cosplayin’
Jul 16
Another San Diego Comic Con has come and gone. I wasn’t able to make it this year, but it’s been interesting living vicariously through the wealth of photos on Flickr. The best part is always the costume players (or cosplayers). The subculture being what it is, the women usually get the most attention, but this year seemed to have an unusually good showing from the men. Here are a few of the standouts:
The Joker: This guy’s wardrobe and makeup are great, but it’s the expression that sells it.
The Prometheus Engineer: Not many people (especially the nerds of Comic Con) can pull off this look. I’m thinking this guy was hired, but regardless, he’s pretty awesome.
Galactus: Impressive fabricating skills.
Red Skull: Amazing mask detail and color.
And the winner for most layers of genre, Female Steampunk Joker:
Based on the adage, “You’re only as young as you feel.” I would say I’m hovering around 28.
I’ve gotten past the awkward, post-college period of trying to figure myself (and my small section of the world) out, but not been around enough to think I’ve seen it all.
I suppose the latter will be true regardless of how old I get, and I’d like to think that as the years go by I will continue to have an open mind and heart to the things around me.
When the young complain about the old, it’s usually because they are resistant to change on various levels. One of my hopes as I move into that “older” category is that I never will be accused of being “set in my ways.”
If I do, I’m pretty sure there will be plenty of young people around to let me know what I’m doing wrong.
Halie Loren
Jun 26
June 24, 2012 at the Olympic Track and Field Trials at University of Oregon’s Hayward Field. Click on any image to get to the full set. Find out more about Halie Loren at halieloren.com.
