Organizer: North American Association of Asian Professionals
Cost: $15 for non member ($10 if RSVP)
Pre-event estimate: 2 out of 5
Post-event rating: 1 out of 5
I attended the show last year and set a high expectation, perhaps too high, for this event. There were no more than 20 outfits shown. The place was also too noisy to hear the commentaries or to have a decent conversation. It is for a great cause though: There was a clothing drive for "Dress Your Best" charity. I will definitely support next year's event.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Forgotten Women (April 24, 2008)
Organizer: Hot Docs Film Festival
Cost: $12
Pre-event estimate: 4 out of 5 based on interview from Toronto Star and comments from friends on the movie "Water"
Post-event rating: 2 to 3 out of 5 *Please read comments below
One day after I wrote on the blog that I have only watched one Indian movie, the law of attraction pulled me away from two other events to attend the world premier of "The Forgotten Women." It was written and directed by Dilip Mehta, the brother of Deepa Mehta (director of 2006 movie "Water"). This documentary showed us widows in India are still being treated poorly at this time. Many of them spend their days in temples chanting in return for a handful of rice, or beg on the streets. Some say they now devote their lives to God while others blame their fate. However, I think the saddest part is the ignorance of other people. It made sick to see the loving couple paddling away from the camera and the lady at an upscale salon critisizing widows for not being educated.
Dilip also interviewed two activists who are fighting for the widows' rights. Dr. Mohini Giri was in attendance that day. Her passion and energy in the few replies at Q & A would motivate anyone to join her in this fight. The other activist was Ginny Shrivastava. Raised in Burlington, she moved to India with her Indian husband and founded the Association for Strong Women Alone. She delivered a powerful message: She wanted to empower widows by giving them education, supporting them to make a living, so that they feel confident to challenge the inequalities imposed on them.
Mehta probably deliberately kept the gloomy tone throughout to reflect the reality. However, I would have liked Shrivastava's message and interviews of the few widows who resisted the pressure to be shown at the end to shred some light on this sad subject. Nonetheless, the documentary was beautifully shot and the message was loud and clear. It also brought awareness to the less fortunate in each society.
("The Forgotten Women" is screened at the Varsity now.)
Cost: $12
Pre-event estimate: 4 out of 5 based on interview from Toronto Star and comments from friends on the movie "Water"
Post-event rating: 2 to 3 out of 5 *Please read comments below
One day after I wrote on the blog that I have only watched one Indian movie, the law of attraction pulled me away from two other events to attend the world premier of "The Forgotten Women." It was written and directed by Dilip Mehta, the brother of Deepa Mehta (director of 2006 movie "Water"). This documentary showed us widows in India are still being treated poorly at this time. Many of them spend their days in temples chanting in return for a handful of rice, or beg on the streets. Some say they now devote their lives to God while others blame their fate. However, I think the saddest part is the ignorance of other people. It made sick to see the loving couple paddling away from the camera and the lady at an upscale salon critisizing widows for not being educated.
Dilip also interviewed two activists who are fighting for the widows' rights. Dr. Mohini Giri was in attendance that day. Her passion and energy in the few replies at Q & A would motivate anyone to join her in this fight. The other activist was Ginny Shrivastava. Raised in Burlington, she moved to India with her Indian husband and founded the Association for Strong Women Alone. She delivered a powerful message: She wanted to empower widows by giving them education, supporting them to make a living, so that they feel confident to challenge the inequalities imposed on them.
Mehta probably deliberately kept the gloomy tone throughout to reflect the reality. However, I would have liked Shrivastava's message and interviews of the few widows who resisted the pressure to be shown at the end to shred some light on this sad subject. Nonetheless, the documentary was beautifully shot and the message was loud and clear. It also brought awareness to the less fortunate in each society.
("The Forgotten Women" is screened at the Varsity now.)
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Doing Time (April 18, 2008)
Organizer: Canada Japan Society
Cost: $8 for non-members
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
This is not your typical Hollywood movie on inmates: There is no inmate fighting, no escape planning or conspiracy. It is more like reading Kazuichi Hanawa's diary as he reflects upon the three years he serves for weapon possession. Life in a Japanese prison is highly organized! Every activity (including the number of steps they are allowed to take from their cell to the hallway) and every minute of the day are meticulously planned. Regulations of what are allowed (one coke and one chocolate treats during movie night) and what are not allowed (completing someone else's puzzle) are strictly reinforced. There are also procedures for what seems to me to be the most insignificant act (asking for permission to pick up an eraser that falls out of the assigned path). It is hilarious, yet incredibly sad as the movie goes on, to see Hanawa and other inmates doing everything perfectly for a praise by the guards, and reminiscing on the many different kinds of treats they had at last New Year's celebration. This movie is a comedy with a message--Even though life is much easier if you stay on the assigned path, having the freedom to explore and to choose what you really want to do is definitely priceless. I can't wait to see the last 10 minutes of the movie! (The fire alarm went off near the end of the movie!! argh!)
Cost: $8 for non-members
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
This is not your typical Hollywood movie on inmates: There is no inmate fighting, no escape planning or conspiracy. It is more like reading Kazuichi Hanawa's diary as he reflects upon the three years he serves for weapon possession. Life in a Japanese prison is highly organized! Every activity (including the number of steps they are allowed to take from their cell to the hallway) and every minute of the day are meticulously planned. Regulations of what are allowed (one coke and one chocolate treats during movie night) and what are not allowed (completing someone else's puzzle) are strictly reinforced. There are also procedures for what seems to me to be the most insignificant act (asking for permission to pick up an eraser that falls out of the assigned path). It is hilarious, yet incredibly sad as the movie goes on, to see Hanawa and other inmates doing everything perfectly for a praise by the guards, and reminiscing on the many different kinds of treats they had at last New Year's celebration. This movie is a comedy with a message--Even though life is much easier if you stay on the assigned path, having the freedom to explore and to choose what you really want to do is definitely priceless. I can't wait to see the last 10 minutes of the movie! (The fire alarm went off near the end of the movie!! argh!)
Sample MBA class (April 16, 2008)
Organizer: Rotman School of Business, University of Toronto
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: 1 out of 5 -estimate based on "Tax efficient investment"
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5
Events after five do not have to be entertainment-related, but they are not necessarily boring either. The lecture topic "Rational Transactions or Irrational Exuberance-Understanding How People Act in Financial Markets" sounded like Greek to me at first. It was in fact thought-provoking and informative! Dr. Mahrt-Smith was able to explain financial terms in simple language, and to engage everyone with or without business background in his questions and activities. I am not sure if this is what I want to do next; I thoroughly enjoyed the experience for sure!
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: 1 out of 5 -estimate based on "Tax efficient investment"
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5
Events after five do not have to be entertainment-related, but they are not necessarily boring either. The lecture topic "Rational Transactions or Irrational Exuberance-Understanding How People Act in Financial Markets" sounded like Greek to me at first. It was in fact thought-provoking and informative! Dr. Mahrt-Smith was able to explain financial terms in simple language, and to engage everyone with or without business background in his questions and activities. I am not sure if this is what I want to do next; I thoroughly enjoyed the experience for sure!
Wild Chicks in Love (April 13, 2008)
Organizer: Sprockets (Toronto International Film Festival for Children)
Cost: $13
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5 based on review on Toronto Star
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
I love watching cartoons and reading children's books. I do not like cartoons and children's books because their world is simple and care-free. On the contrary, their life is more complicated as children have less means and control over things. What attracts me is that children have the courage to face the wrongdoings and learn from the experience. I had hard time picking which movie to see!
"Wild Chicks in Love" was about five girlfriends in their teenage years. It was sweet going through the emotional ride with them as they started dating, experienced jealousy, struggled with accepting others' differences, and finally came back together with a stronger bond in friendship. I agree with the character Sprotte that "love(life) is complicated," but I hope the end is worth the bumpy ride.
Cost: $13
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5 based on review on Toronto Star
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
I love watching cartoons and reading children's books. I do not like cartoons and children's books because their world is simple and care-free. On the contrary, their life is more complicated as children have less means and control over things. What attracts me is that children have the courage to face the wrongdoings and learn from the experience. I had hard time picking which movie to see!
"Wild Chicks in Love" was about five girlfriends in their teenage years. It was sweet going through the emotional ride with them as they started dating, experienced jealousy, struggled with accepting others' differences, and finally came back together with a stronger bond in friendship. I agree with the character Sprotte that "love(life) is complicated," but I hope the end is worth the bumpy ride.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Artist’s Talk by Daisuke Takeya (April 10, 2008)
Organizer: The Japan Foundation
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: 4 out of 5
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
I consider any form of artwork a concrete expression of an artist’s emotion and thoughts. I respect this intimate connection and do not want to interpret the artwork through my own bias. This event offered a rare opportunity for the artist to tell us the story behind his creation. Daisuke explained how he started “Everybody loves me” collection. It made me sad that some adults say or do things when they do not really mean it. I also wondered why the model in the protaits looking directly at me made me feel uncomfortable—Am I keeping a distance with others for fear of being hurt again? I think this collection will stay in my memory for a long time.
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: 4 out of 5
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
I consider any form of artwork a concrete expression of an artist’s emotion and thoughts. I respect this intimate connection and do not want to interpret the artwork through my own bias. This event offered a rare opportunity for the artist to tell us the story behind his creation. Daisuke explained how he started “Everybody loves me” collection. It made me sad that some adults say or do things when they do not really mean it. I also wondered why the model in the protaits looking directly at me made me feel uncomfortable—Am I keeping a distance with others for fear of being hurt again? I think this collection will stay in my memory for a long time.
Tax efficient investment (April 16, 2008)
Organizer: Wellington West for alumni assoications of various universities
Cost: Free
Pre-event estimate: 2 out of 5
Post-event rating: 1 out of 5
Alumni news is a good source for informative events. I have been to talks on mortages and other financial related topics. This talk covered topics on various investment options but it is a little basic for me. I managed to get some free finanical advice though!
Cost: Free
Pre-event estimate: 2 out of 5
Post-event rating: 1 out of 5
Alumni news is a good source for informative events. I have been to talks on mortages and other financial related topics. This talk covered topics on various investment options but it is a little basic for me. I managed to get some free finanical advice though!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Air Farce live taping (April 4, 2008)
Organizer: CBC
Cost: Free (Bring a non-perishable food item for 2nd Harvest if you can help out)
Pre-event estimate: 2 out of 5
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
I am not fans of “Saturday Night Live” or comedies. But when my twin sister suggested to see the live taping of the season finale of the “Air Farce,” I thought I would give it a try. It turned out to be an increbile experience well worth the long line up (of over one hour!). It was more entertaining to see how the actors get ready for each segment and to see the special effects than watching the show at home. The chicken canon was definitely the crowd’s favourite. If you are interested, you’d better act fast—The show will be cancelled in 2009.
Cost: Free (Bring a non-perishable food item for 2nd Harvest if you can help out)
Pre-event estimate: 2 out of 5
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
I am not fans of “Saturday Night Live” or comedies. But when my twin sister suggested to see the live taping of the season finale of the “Air Farce,” I thought I would give it a try. It turned out to be an increbile experience well worth the long line up (of over one hour!). It was more entertaining to see how the actors get ready for each segment and to see the special effects than watching the show at home. The chicken canon was definitely the crowd’s favourite. If you are interested, you’d better act fast—The show will be cancelled in 2009.
Ichimokukai (April 3, 2008)
Organizer: Canada Japan Society
Cost: $5 for non members
Pre-event rating: 1 out of 5 based on other networking events
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5
I really enjoyed chatting with people of different backgrounds. Four of us had a lively discussion on a highly controversal international news until 11pm! It would be better if there were some sushi…. (hint hint!)
Cost: $5 for non members
Pre-event rating: 1 out of 5 based on other networking events
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5
I really enjoyed chatting with people of different backgrounds. Four of us had a lively discussion on a highly controversal international news until 11pm! It would be better if there were some sushi…. (hint hint!)
Leacture by Gordon Hatt on Kara: New Paintings by Daisuke Takeya (March 27)
Organizer: The Japan Foundation
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: unable to assess-first time to lecture on artwork
Post event rating: 3 out of 5
One of my goals this year is to be more knowledgable on visual arts. This event fit the bill completely. Gordon Hatt pointed out how details in Daisuke’s paintings such as dark alleys and grey-colour sky reflected the artist’s personal experience at that time. I also got the opportunity to ask Daisuke a few questions directly. But the part I enjoyed the most was the lively discussion I had with other participants. We had such a great time that the staff at the foundation had to wait for us to close the place for the day! Needless to say, we made plans to attend the Artist’s talk on April 10!
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: unable to assess-first time to lecture on artwork
Post event rating: 3 out of 5
One of my goals this year is to be more knowledgable on visual arts. This event fit the bill completely. Gordon Hatt pointed out how details in Daisuke’s paintings such as dark alleys and grey-colour sky reflected the artist’s personal experience at that time. I also got the opportunity to ask Daisuke a few questions directly. But the part I enjoyed the most was the lively discussion I had with other participants. We had such a great time that the staff at the foundation had to wait for us to close the place for the day! Needless to say, we made plans to attend the Artist’s talk on April 10!
Karaoke (March 21, 2008)
Organizer: Federation of Chinese Canadian Professionals-Student and Young Professional Chapter
Cost: $10 (including 2 non-alcoholic drinks + tips)
Pre-event estimate: 2 out of 5
Post-event rating: 1 out of 5
Don’t despair! There is always next year if you did not make the cut for Canadian Idol this time!
Cost: $10 (including 2 non-alcoholic drinks + tips)
Pre-event estimate: 2 out of 5
Post-event rating: 1 out of 5
Don’t despair! There is always next year if you did not make the cut for Canadian Idol this time!
Piano concerto by Evgeny Kissin (March 29, 2008)
Organizer: Roy Thomson Hall and tsoundcheck
Cost: $12
Pre-event estimate: 4 out of 5 based on Chris' recommendation
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5
One piece of advice for tsoundcheck members: Avoid sitting in the choir section (seats directly facing the audience), or confidently move in vacant seats in the intermission. Any other comments, Chris?
Cost: $12
Pre-event estimate: 4 out of 5 based on Chris' recommendation
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5
One piece of advice for tsoundcheck members: Avoid sitting in the choir section (seats directly facing the audience), or confidently move in vacant seats in the intermission. Any other comments, Chris?
Piano recital by Yundi Li (March 18, 2008)
Organizer: Roy Thomson Hall and tsoundcheck
Cost: $12
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5 based on comments in one Sound Advice show a few years ago
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
This is another great deal for those under 30 (or those with friends under 30). Yundi Li is the youngest pianist to win the International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition in 2000. So I was ecstatic to finally see him perform live! I am no Rick Phillips (former host of Sound Advice at CBC radio), but tunes of Chinese folk music on the piano made Yundi Li’s recital an unique experience. Another source of the unique yet not-so-pleasant experience was the screaming fans at the autography session after the concert!
Cost: $12
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5 based on comments in one Sound Advice show a few years ago
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
This is another great deal for those under 30 (or those with friends under 30). Yundi Li is the youngest pianist to win the International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition in 2000. So I was ecstatic to finally see him perform live! I am no Rick Phillips (former host of Sound Advice at CBC radio), but tunes of Chinese folk music on the piano made Yundi Li’s recital an unique experience. Another source of the unique yet not-so-pleasant experience was the screaming fans at the autography session after the concert!
A Nanking winter (March 9, 2008)
Organizer: Nightwood Theatre
Cost: Pay what you can on Sundays
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5 based on reviews in press e.g. Now
Post-event rating: 5 out of 5!!!
Those who receive my event reviews regularly know that I rarely give out a 5 out of 5!! (The last one was for “Ratatouille”). I was completely blown away by the team’s ability to present such a powerful message with five actors and minimal props. I was shocked to learn that it was John Rabe, a German businessman and highest ranking Nazi in Nanking, along with Minnie Vautrin, an American Missionary who ran Ginling College, who fought to set up a safety zone and protected as many women and young girls as they could. I was in tears when Sister Anna (the character resembling Minnie Vautrin in the play) pointed her finger at the audience and counted out 20 girls for the Japanese troops in return for food and safety for the others at the Ginling College. I felt the anguish of the author (a character in the play) when others refused to face the facts and prefered to take the matter lightly. I also had empathy for the author’s husband, a Japanese-American in the play: He was torn between supporting his wife and keeping his fond memories of his grandfather who was in the army at the time. Most importantly, I questioned whether people today have learned from tragedies like this, and what I can do to make a difference. This is certainly a play you don’t want to miss; Bring a friend for a shoulder to cry on if you can.
Cost: Pay what you can on Sundays
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5 based on reviews in press e.g. Now
Post-event rating: 5 out of 5!!!
Those who receive my event reviews regularly know that I rarely give out a 5 out of 5!! (The last one was for “Ratatouille”). I was completely blown away by the team’s ability to present such a powerful message with five actors and minimal props. I was shocked to learn that it was John Rabe, a German businessman and highest ranking Nazi in Nanking, along with Minnie Vautrin, an American Missionary who ran Ginling College, who fought to set up a safety zone and protected as many women and young girls as they could. I was in tears when Sister Anna (the character resembling Minnie Vautrin in the play) pointed her finger at the audience and counted out 20 girls for the Japanese troops in return for food and safety for the others at the Ginling College. I felt the anguish of the author (a character in the play) when others refused to face the facts and prefered to take the matter lightly. I also had empathy for the author’s husband, a Japanese-American in the play: He was torn between supporting his wife and keeping his fond memories of his grandfather who was in the army at the time. Most importantly, I questioned whether people today have learned from tragedies like this, and what I can do to make a difference. This is certainly a play you don’t want to miss; Bring a friend for a shoulder to cry on if you can.
Tosca (February 17, 2008)
Organizer: Canadian Opera Company
Cost: $20
Pre-event estimate: 2 to 3 out of 5
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
Tosca is the fourth opera I have attended and the one I enjoyed the most. The storyline was easy to follow. Although part of the stage was obstructed from the balcony seats in the 4C ring, I got to see the facial expression and acting much better. Operas may seem difficult to understand and enjoy at the first glance, but I encourage everyone under 30 to take advantage of the New Age ticket for the rich cultural experience
Cost: $20
Pre-event estimate: 2 to 3 out of 5
Post-event rating: 4 out of 5
Tosca is the fourth opera I have attended and the one I enjoyed the most. The storyline was easy to follow. Although part of the stage was obstructed from the balcony seats in the 4C ring, I got to see the facial expression and acting much better. Operas may seem difficult to understand and enjoy at the first glance, but I encourage everyone under 30 to take advantage of the New Age ticket for the rich cultural experience
Fear and Trembling (Feb 15, 2008)
Organizer: Canada Japan Society
Cost: $8 for non members
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5
This is a movie about a young girl returning to her birthplace, Japan, for a work contract. She is fluent in the language but is not a Japanese by blood. It is described as a cross between “Lost in Translation” and “The Office.” Other than the obvious cultural differences, the movie also protrayed the insecurity of being the new kid on the block and the pressure to prove your ability. Many of us, including myself, could easily identify with the challenges the girl faced. However, when the movie did not offer a resolution to the crisis, it was not funny to see her doing and re-doing meaningless jobs anymore. The lively discussion with the other movie-goers at the post-party lifted my spirit though.
Cost: $8 for non members
Pre-event estimate: 3 out of 5
Post-event rating: 3 out of 5
This is a movie about a young girl returning to her birthplace, Japan, for a work contract. She is fluent in the language but is not a Japanese by blood. It is described as a cross between “Lost in Translation” and “The Office.” Other than the obvious cultural differences, the movie also protrayed the insecurity of being the new kid on the block and the pressure to prove your ability. Many of us, including myself, could easily identify with the challenges the girl faced. However, when the movie did not offer a resolution to the crisis, it was not funny to see her doing and re-doing meaningless jobs anymore. The lively discussion with the other movie-goers at the post-party lifted my spirit though.
Sachiko Kato-Pianist in Concert (February 13, 2008)
Organizer: The Consulate General of Japan & Canada Japan Society
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: unable to assess-first time to a concert hosted by the organizers
Post event rating: 3 out of 5
I can’t say contemporary music is the genre of choice. The atonal arrangement challenged my classically trained ears. I did find “Little Crystal Romance” and “Lullaby in the Celestial Night” (by Takashi Yoshimatsu) as charming as “Pictures at an Exhibition” (by Mussorgsky). Overall, it was an enlightening exposure to some well-known Japense composers of this era—This is one of the reasons for attending cultural events in Toronto. The yummy sashimi and sake at the end was a surprise bonus!
Cost: Free!
Pre-event estimate: unable to assess-first time to a concert hosted by the organizers
Post event rating: 3 out of 5
I can’t say contemporary music is the genre of choice. The atonal arrangement challenged my classically trained ears. I did find “Little Crystal Romance” and “Lullaby in the Celestial Night” (by Takashi Yoshimatsu) as charming as “Pictures at an Exhibition” (by Mussorgsky). Overall, it was an enlightening exposure to some well-known Japense composers of this era—This is one of the reasons for attending cultural events in Toronto. The yummy sashimi and sake at the end was a surprise bonus!
How I rate the events
Disclaimer: This is definitely a biased review: I go to events that are of interests to me in the first place and rate them according to my experience at the event! I must stress that I do not receive any profits directly or indirectly from event organizers. Feel free to add some comments and share your experience with others and me after the event!
Jade’s Fun Index
1 Not a bad way to unwind after five!
2 That’s why I am proud to be a Toronto gal
3 Tons of fun + intelligent conversation + enriching experience = what more can you ask?!
4 Exceeds my expectation—you don’t know what you have missed out!
5 Once in a lifetime experience!!! (A rating not given out lightly!)
Jade’s Fun Index
1 Not a bad way to unwind after five!
2 That’s why I am proud to be a Toronto gal
3 Tons of fun + intelligent conversation + enriching experience = what more can you ask?!
4 Exceeds my expectation—you don’t know what you have missed out!
5 Once in a lifetime experience!!! (A rating not given out lightly!)
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