Please and poncho

June 28, 2013April 7, 2014 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

Formerly published in The Other Press. Feb. 19 2013

The practicality and comfort of a great garment

By Elliot Chan, Staff Writer

Unlike cowboy hats and bolo ties, ponchos are a fashionable and practical southern style. It is a shame that Canadian culture has been reluctant to adapt this awesome form of clothing in day-to-day life. Often associated with Latin conquistadors and Peruvian mountaineers, ponchos are considered a style too hip to pull off in urban communities. But as Vancouverites we come into contact with atrocious clothing hourly, and if we are going to be avant-garde with our fashion sense, we might as well dress in something that is pleasing not only to the observer, but also to the person wearing it.

From the Andes to the Rockies, we all live in the perfect poncho environment. Subject to unpredictable weather patterns, it is always handy to carry a poncho in your bag. It might sound like a primitive garment—after all, how effective can a piece of fabric be at insulating the body and deflecting wind? But there is a reason that the poncho is one of the few articles of clothing that has gone unaltered since its creation in Inca culture in 500 BC. It remains more than traditional garb. Its simplicity and functionality make it perfect for poverty-stricken areas. That does not mean it is just for hobos; ponchos are dignified attire worn by military, merchants, and craftsmen alike.

Imagine spending the day in bed, wrapped up in a blanket. Unless you are an infant or in a coma, you are unlikely to have such an opportunity. Ponchos are the compromise for getting up in the morning. A day in one will feel less strenuous. For any social event with an optional dress code, I recommend a poncho. It offers the wearer an approachable demeanor, a carefree attitude, and a nonchalant sagacity. Like a person gaining the placebo effect of wisdom from putting on a pair of glasses, a person draped in a poncho will feel quiet confidence and comfort, one that a dress shirt and tie will never offer. So, why not?

There are countless of situations perfect for ponchos. During a day at a beach, a poncho can keep the sun off and double as a blanket. For a night in with a movie, a poncho becomes the stylish alternative to night robes and that horrendous invention—the Snuggie. Camping trips, wilderness escapades, dreary transit rides, and long road trips are all excellent occasions to cuddle up or stand proud in a poncho.

Food for thought

June 28, 2013April 7, 2014 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

Formerly published in The Other Press. Feb. 5 2013

Fast and smart snacks for study sessions
By Elliot Chan, Staff Writer

When we eat we often consider our waistline, but forget that food also goes to our head. Therefore, we must feed it the nutrition it needs to function at its full potential. But preoccupied students have no time to show their culinary prowess. Deadlines, responsibilities, and commitments take up time so that cooking properly is often placed on the back burner. Here are some quick recipes for eating well, so students can go from pots and pans back to pen and paper.

Tuna Taco: Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that increase brainpower assisting with comprehension, problem solving, and memory. Yet, fish can also assist in causing a big mess, so for now, let’s stick with manageable ingredients: one eight-ounce can of tuna, four corn tortillas, a quarter-cup of chopped cilantro (optional), half a chopped onion (optional), two tablespoons of mayonnaise, two tablespoons of sour cream, one tablespoon of lemon juice, two tablespoons of cream, and one teaspoon of oil.

Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the onion if you’re using one. Mix in the tuna. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and cream together. Portion the tuna into the tortilla shells. Add sauce, garnish with cilantro if desired, and enjoy.

Fried Rice and Eggs: Eggs are a good source of essential fatty acids and yolks contain choline, which is a building block for brain cells. Whenever there is leftover rice, consider combining it with eggs in a frying pan to save food and make a quick dinner. The ingredients are: one cup of cooked rice, a half-teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of vegetable oil, half a chopped onion, a half-cup of green beans, one beaten egg, and a quarter-teaspoon of ground black pepper.

Sauté the onions and green beans on an oiled skillet or wok and cook for two minutes. Pour egg, stir until cooked, then add the cooked rice and mix. Sprinkle with black pepper and serve.

Curry: Turmeric, the essential spice for curry, contains curcumin, which helps remove plaque from the brain. Although it may seem like a hard dish to pull off, a quick meal of curry is in fact pretty simple. So don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list: one pound of chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces, two peeled and chopped potatoes, one peeled and chopped red onion, one peeled and chopped carrot, two tablespoons of vegetable oil, two tablespoons of curry paste or curry powder, one cup of chicken broth, one teaspoon of granulated sugar, a half-teaspoon each of salt and ground pepper.

Heat up the oil in a wok and then add the chopped onion. When the onion is soft and translucent, add the curry paste or powder and stir (add a bit of water if using powder). Insert the chicken into the mix and cook until brown. Add the carrots and potatoes. After a few minutes, add the chicken broth, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir and mix well. Cover the wok and allow it to simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Eat, clean up, and then get back to work.

Too fool for school

June 28, 2013April 7, 2014 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

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Formerly published in The Other Press. Jan. 29 2013

By Elliot Chan, Contributor

Before you consider skipping class, try to remember why you’re in school. Some of you may desire a quality job or have a thirst for knowledge. Others may be searching for new interests or re-evaluating an important life choice. Whatever your reason for being in school is, I’m sure wasting money and time is not one of them.

But hey, it’s your money and it’s your time, so why should I care? Because education is a commodity. By missing class, you’re taking up a spot for a student who actually wants to be there and learn. Not all of us are blessed with the luxury of time. With class limits and waiting lists, you may end up forcing those people to wait another semester or another year. Hell, you might even be forcing them to forgo the plans of school altogether. That is a crime akin to stealing, and it should be punished. Of course, we all get sick now and then—that’s unavoidable—but to miss class just because of your indolence is unacceptable.

Incentives may help some students to focus and excel, but not all respond to positive reinforcement. Tough love is often required to assist in developing work ethic and responsibility. Some believe that it is the parents‘ or guardians’ choice whether or not to discipline a child, even when they skip class. But I don’t. I remember the old proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Many institutions in North America and the UK are starting to adopt that mentality by introducing fines to students and their families for unexcused absences. Those schools that implemented the proposal found attendance improved significantly. Although some students and parents view the law with skepticism, I believe that it might just be what we need, especially when tuition fees are so high. Use the fine for a scholarship, or to improve the education system; it doesn’t matter, so long as it’s going to a more deserving place.

School and work aren’t always fun, but life isn’t always fun. Still, you wake up every day and continue plugging away. If you don’t show up to work, you’ll be fired, so why shouldn’t it be the same with school? Just because you paid tuition doesn’t make it any less of an obligation, especially in a class that relies on you to have certain knowledge. Group projects are a vital part of most courses now. School should be a place to network and meet people and develop employment skills. It is not so strange to think of your classmates as co-workers, or even employers one day. Imagine that. Imagine the reputation you have in the classroom. Ask yourself, are you someone people would rely on to do a class project with? Or are you the chubby kid selected last in a dodge ball game?

Top five rising stars of 2012

June 28, 2013April 7, 2014 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

Formerly published in The Other Press. Jan. 29 2013

By Elliot Chan, Contributor

I brace myself for the unfamiliar. New does not always mean good, especially in the arts. Plenty of young actors, musicians, and writers fall between the cracks of entertainment and are forgotten. These are not the gutter artists; this is the list of 2012’s finest prospects.

5) Jay Pharoah

Perhaps the last good reason to watch Saturday Night Live, Jay Pharoah, the youngest member of the late night television cast, has been doing stand-up comedy since he was 15. Now at the age of 25, he is best known for his perfected impressions of Will Smith, Jay-Z, Eddie Murphy, and Denzel Washington. But the one that got him the most recognition last year was his impression of Barack Obama. Pharoah’s imitations alone were a good enough reason to not vote for Romney—there will be four more years of Obama, but many more of Pharoah.

4) Veronica Roth

For an author, nothing garners stardom like writing for young adults. Following in the tracks of Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Hunger Games, 24-year-old Veronica Roth has found her market with the Divergent trilogy. Divergent and its sequelInsurgent are both on the New York Times Best Seller list, and in 2011 she won the Goodreads Choice Award. But most importantly, in April 2012, she sold the movie rights to her first novel. With the third part of the trilogy preparing to hit stores in the fall, Roth is the next rock star of fiction.

3) Frank Ocean

Christopher Frances Ocean, better known as Frank Ocean, had been in the shadows of Kanye West, Jay-Z, and even Justin Beiber for many years. But those days are over, and the spotlights are on him now after his debut studio album Channel Orange. He combines classical R&B, 8-bit funk, and electronic with inventive lyrics. When Ocean’s personal life caused controversy after he announced on Tumblr that he had fallen in love with a member of the same sex, Ocean was able to find more support than backlash. Times are changing, and Frank Ocean is considered an inspiration for those coping with fears of acceptance.

2) Lena Dunham

Finally I can say, “I’m watching Girls,” without sounding as creepy as I am. Lena Dunham is the creator, lead writer, and star of the best comedy on television. HBO’sGirls was nominated for four Emmy’s and won two Golden Globes in 2012. With Judd Apatow as her ally, failure is impossible. For Dunham, the future could not look brighter. With the second season of Girls premiering earlier this month and signing a $3.5 million book deal with Random House, what can’t this 26-year-old do?

1) Suraj Sharma

It is easy to be overlooked when you share a screen with a Bengal tiger, but Suraj Sharma’s performance did not waver for a second. In Ang Lee’s adaptation of one of this generation’s most influential books, Sharma proves that he is another young Indian acting pioneer in America. But there is undeniably something special about this kid. Whether he ends up being a permanent fixture in Hollywood or a one-hit wonder, 2012 was the year of Pi.

Thanks for joining us for our best of the best lists of 2012. If you missed any of The Other Press’ top picks, head over to http://theotherpress.ca to see our top five movies, albums, and video games of last year!

Arnold’s back in ‘The Last Stand’

June 28, 2013April 7, 2014 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

Formerly published in The Other Press. Jan. 22 2013

By Elliot Chan, Contributor

3/5

If you want a night full of cerebral challenges and dynamic character development, just ignore Arnold Schwarzenegger’s major comeback to cinema last week. But if you fancy gunshots, car chases, fist fights, and explosions, then The Last Stand will be for you.

The Last Stand offers exactly what you expect it to, including Schwarzenegger’s bang-on impression of himself playing an American sheriff. Yes, there was a novelty to his return, but in the end it leaves the same empty feeling most get when a once popular film star attempts to repeat their all too timely success. Fans will ultimately be disappointed in the efforts of the aging Austrian action hero; he is no longer Mr. Universe.

For the price of admission, The Last Stand offers quick cuts, fast-paced action sequences, and cringe-worthy comedy. The film’s Korean director, Kim Ji-woon, beloved overseas, is clearly taking tepid steps toward the very different world of American cinema. But at the very least, his vision is clear and concise, which makes his collaboration with Schwarzenegger worth checking out.

Why can’t we be friends?

June 28, 2013April 7, 2014 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

Formerly published in The Other Press. Jan. 15 2013

Can you be friends with your boss?

By Elliot Chan, Contributor

Your boss, your teacher, and your local policeman—they all have two things in common: they can all cause trouble for you, and they are all human beings. We are often so concerned about the former that we forget about the latter. No matter how stressful our lives become, we must remember that despite it all, our superiors are people too, and they deserve the same respect and kindness that we reserve for friends and family. After all, so much of our lives are dictated by these individuals. Shouldn’t we at least get on their good sides?

I am not saying that you should take your boss out to dinner or buy your teacher an apple, but do take the time and develop a relationship with them. Start a conversation with your employer or teacher during coffee breaks; inquire about their interests, hobbies, and aspirations. The more you know about your superiors and the more they know about you, the more relaxing the working/learning environment will be. And whenever there’s the opportunity for perks, a friendship will only help your chances. Of course, don’t force it if a common rapport cannot be developed. But allow the chance for a relationship to evolve organically.

Any job with an authoritative status is stressful. Though it might not look that way from below, the view from above can be just as intimidating. Coercive or positional, the power is only an illusion. Your boss, your teacher, and the bouncer at the nightclub are governed by higher powers and are simply doing their job. Although their role in your life might be unpleasant, there is no reason you should detest them.

Many people see being friends with an authority figure as taboo, but that is only because those people are overwhelmed by their own hierarchical prejudice. Since the boss and the teacher are above them financially and in expertise, then surely they must also be above them socially. But that isn’t true. Social class is a fabricated idea and not a boundary. Others might see those people with friends of higher status as someone shamelessly attempting to climb some corporate or academic ladder. They might be—so what? Like everyone else, bosses and teachers can usually tell those sucking up from those who are genuinely friendly and approachable. Being able to present yourself in a well to do manner is an important skill and something to be proud of.

Imagine yourself as your superiors. Sure, you want to remain professional, and you want to remain authoritative, but you still want to be appreciated. You don’t just want to be the person handing out the pay cheque, or the one marking the homework. You want to influence and inspire, and the only way to do that is through clear interpersonal communication. Friendship is merely something that grows from the relationships we sow.

Realistic resolutions

June 28, 2013April 7, 2014 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

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Formerly published in The Other Press. Jan. 8 2013

Achievable goals for the New Year

By Elliot Chan, Contributor

Here we are again—another year—and yes, I know what your plans are. I know you want to get back in shape, get out of debt, become involved in a steady relationship, and move forward in the world. Hey, maybe 2013 is your lucky year, but let’s be honest: 365 days might not be enough time to accomplish all of that. So let’s take a moment and have a look at some fulfilling and achievable goals. It might not be the overall objective, but it will be better than nothing.

Use technology as a bridge for human connection, not as the means. You’re a busy person and it’s obvious you love the new phone you got on Boxing Day. But don’t waste your life staring at the screen. Set a limit to how much you text someone throughout the course of the day. If you exceed the limit, force yourself to call the person or hell, pay them a visit.

Quit complaining, or at least complain less. Develop a positive attitude for less than positive situations. Don’t huff and puff because there is a long line for coffee, or whine about the late bus or the idiots taking their sweet time making a left turn in traffic. The world is not out to get you, though sometimes it might feel that way. Complaining does not help. In fact, it makes every bad situation worse because you only focus on the negative. It’s time to change your perspective.

Try new food and music. Forget eating healthier, I have no intention of preaching about diets. I only want you to be aware that Vancouver has one of the biggest culinary communities in the world. You can walk down the promenade and order dishes from anywhere. It’s a shame to waste an appetite on McDonald’s or a granola bar. And don’t just listen to the radio where they force-feed you the mainstream rubbish. With websites like grooveshark.com and songza.com, there is no reason not to venture out of your genre and experiment. The discovery of good music is overwhelmingly satisfying.

Keep a sketchbook or a journal and stay creatively active. We worry so much about our physical health that we forget about our mental health. Keep your thoughts in shape by allowing them to be active during periods where your body is waiting to transport your brain somewhere else.

Relax and occasionally spoil yourself. The world won’t fall apart without you, despite what people make you believe. Take a siesta and wake up to work even harder. Instead of procrastinating, actually relax.

No matter what you end up doing, a good outlook and an open mind will help you achieve those high expectations. I wish you the best of luck, and I’ll check up on you again this time next year.

‘The Hobbit’: an unexpected trilogy

June 28, 2013April 7, 2014 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

Formerly published in The Other Press. Jan. 8 2013

Better than the book!
By Elliot Chan, Contributor

4/5

Like most, I was skeptical when I heard that The Hobbit was being stretched from a 300-page children’s novel into three movies. But as the credits interrupted the story I was so engulfed in, I realized that I could have sat for six more hours. The rumour of Peter Jackson making The Hobbit into a trilogy to milk money out of loyal fans had been vanquished, for Jackson told the story the way it should have been told.

J. R. R. Tolkien can be referred to as many things: academic scholar, linguistic genius, an imaginative author, yet nobody reading his novels can ever say that he was a compelling storyteller. The Hobbit, though immensely popular, always read like a second draft awaiting Tolkien to fill in some key information. Since discovering Middle Earth at the ripe age of 11, I revisited the novel twice, each with a declining appreciation. But don’t get me wrong, I love Tolkien, and I am forever thankful that he created his fantastical world, only so that Jackson could make it one that generations to come can enjoy.

However, the new technology caused the film to lose some authenticity. Some may argue that combining 3D with the new 48FPS made for better image, but during dialogue scenes and sequences with little to no action the film felt jarred and sped up. Unlike The Lord of the Rings, where Jackson relied mainly on stunt actors for battle scenes, the over usage of CGI in The Hobbit cannot be ignored. Many of the generated characters were unimpressive, and caused the film to actually look dated.

Still, the flaws were few and far between—and most of them were caused by Tolkien’s eclectic storyline. The 13 dwarves were the most problematic, but Jackson coped by centering the plot on Thorin Oakensheild (played by Richard Armitage). Like Viggo Mortensen and Orlando Bloom, Jackson has a knack for finding talented heroes. After two decades in the film and television industry, the dues have finally been paid. At moments pitiful and others despicable, Armitage shows off his range as a brooding dwarf king determined to reclaim his home from a dragon named Smaug.

Another gem of the film is Martin Freeman’s performance as Bilbo Baggins. The long time British television star famous for playing alongside Ricky Gervais in The Officeand Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock, has the charm and sense of comedic timing that gives classical gags an organic feel.

From dwarven tomfoolery to tension-building riddles, the first installment of The Hobbit has raised the bar for the second and third. But with its cliffhanger ending, one can only imagine that the worst part of the up-coming movies would be the waiting, and not the walking.

ode to the Grinch?

June 28, 2013April 7, 2014 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

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Formerly published in The Other Press. Dec. 4 2012

Christmas traditions that should be eliminated

By Elliot Chan, Contributor

The word “tradition” brings a shiver down my spine. How can intelligent people be subjected to these mindless habits, and worse, why must they pass them on from generation to generation? It’s time for us to kill some traditions and move on, before they do the same to us.

As the holiday season approaches, I brace myself for all the shameful acts we’ll do just for the sake of tradition. Of course, I don’t have to look far. All I have to do is open my curtains and there they are: my neighbours’ Christmas lights hung from their rafters, rooflines, and porch railings to prove to the community that an upper middle class family resides within. Every block has an overzealous decorator, and while most houses are quietly conserving precious energy, these homeowners decide to add to the light pollution. Even with the new LED lights, the festive tradition is still a complete waste of energy. According to the Department of Energy, LED Christmas lights in an urban city still consume over 31,000 kilowatts (10 times less than incandescent) during the course of the holiday season. Considering that on a regular day a household only uses 16-20 kwh, we must prioritize our First World privileges. The only people worse than those who put up Christmas lights early are those who are too lazy to take them down. We’ll speak again in February.

I’m not a tree hugger, but seeing a young, healthy evergreen amputated from the earth and set to slowly rot in a living room doesn’t seem right. “But fake, plastic Christmas trees don’t have the fresh smell,” you say. I really wish that was a legitimate argument, but it isn’t. It can’t be, not in this day and age when we slap someone over the head for not recycling. Stop being so stubborn and at least make an effort. That’s not to say artificial trees are any better. Producing plastic creates by-products that are extremely harmful to the environment. These inauthentic trees leave a far more damaging carbon footprint than real ones. So dismiss the Christmas tree this year and take a sniff: “Ah… A fresh tradition.”

The generous act of giving is perhaps one of humanity’s most positive traits—surely that can’t be a bad tradition. It isn’t, but the fanatic desperation to find a gift is. There’s no such thing as a perfect gift. Eventually it’ll become garbage—broken down or shoved in the garage alongside the plastic tree. There are meaningful gifts, and then there are thoughtless gifts. Most of us can recognize one from the other, there’s no hiding it. The stress to find something meaningful turns generosity into unpleasant despair. There’s no reason for the shopping mall to become a war zone. Change this tradition. I’m tired of receiving knick-knacks and coupons for 10 per cent off after a $50 purchase. Share an experience with your loved ones. Take them out to dinner, go on a trip, and create a memory that doesn’t revolve around a stuffed animal or a box of chocolates.

It’s not my intention to ruin Christmas or the holiday season, but we must acknowledge that as the world changes, so must our traditions. If we’re going to preach about a better environment, a better community, and a better life, perhaps we should replace our white Christmas with a healthy green one.

Movies for the history books

June 28, 2013April 7, 2014 / Elliot Chan / Leave a comment

Formerly published in The Other Press. Nov. 20 2012

The best portrayals of historical figures in cinema
By Elliot Chan, Contributor

Portraying a historical figure is a right of passage for professional actors. The challenge tests their limits, gives them recognition, and might even win them an Academy Award. Every year notable actors morph themselves into famous politicians, celebrities, and athletes. This year in the movie Lincoln, Daniel Day-Lewis will take on the title role as the United States’ 16th president. With one of the most renowned actors playing the part of one of the most revered historical figures, the star power is bound to cause a cinematic supernova. Therefore, it only makes sense to look back and mention five history- making performances.

5. Johnny Depp as Raoul Duke in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

Raoul Duke was the pseudonym for gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. It was Thompson’s alter ego, a character driven by a perpetual state of intoxication and in search of the elusive American dream. Depp was a close friend of Thompson prior to making the film—perhaps that was the only way to get into the mind of such a complex personality. One moment he’ll be exhibiting traits of a southern gentleman and the next he would be raging over a subject like a “manic beast.” Depp found reasonable qualities in a person that continues to puzzle the public and some might say that those Thompson traits still linger in Depp’s performances to this day.

4. Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen (2006)

In 2003, Mirren was dubbed a Dame in the courts of Buckingham Palace. Three years later, her performance in The Queen won her the Academy Award. Being the only actor to portray both Queen Elizabeths on film proves it, as she was able to bring sympathetic qualities to a seemingly emotionless figurehead, a mere image on our $20 bill. To do it all with respectable grace and dignity is a daunting feat, especially for a British decent.

3. Forest Whitaker as Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland (2006)

Whitaker’s chilling transformation into the Ugandan president ranged from subtle exchanges to dynamic teeth clenching sequences. The Last King of Scotland was far from an action movie, but Whitaker’s performance knocked me to the edge of my seat. There were close up shots where you looked into the man’s eyes and saw only the deep dilemma, the perplexity, and recognized the depth of the once too real dire situation.

2. Ben Kingsley as Mahatma Gandhi in Gandhi (1982)

There are films that blend historical legacy with cinematic performances forever. A quality portrayal can allow the person, the message, and the memory to span the stretch of time. Kingsley’s Oscar-winning performance was both a triumph for cinema and humanity. We may watch superheroes and aspire to have special powers, but to watch a movie and inspire to be a better person—that is truly something else.

1. Bruno Ganz as Adolf Hitler in Downfall (2004)

Keeping the infamous YouTube Hitler meme from this film aside, this hauntingly heartfelt performance by Ganz as the Nazi dictator created a boundary many were not ready to cross: sympathy for the devil exemplified to the fullest potential. The world is used to viewing Hitler as the merciless villain upon the podium, but inDownfall we catch a glimpse of the monster cowering, whimpering, and anticipating the end. A man, a character, and a performance are a multi-dimensional configuration; recognizing those facets takes great skill and effort, but only then can an actor understand another person’s decisions—another person’s life.