TBT :P

-joy

Canada = Family, Food, and Nature

Day 1:
I've taken the Amtrak train up to Canada dozens of times. Really, I've gone so many times that it's second nature to wait in line in the dim, spacious hall of Union Station, board the train, and sit back to watch the flickering scenery through the huge windows.

Maybe this familiarity caused the huge problem that I was about to face. After boarding the train with my grandma, I sat back and dozed off for the next several hours. An hour away from reaching our destination (Bellingham, WA - a 10 minute drive from the border), I realized something that sent a wave of dread down my stomach.

I forgot my passport.

As a result, we had to stay a night in a dingy hotel. My mother came to the rescue, however, by driving early the next morning to bring my passport, and thus, joined us on our trip as well.

Day 2:

It was a good thing she arrived at the hotel early. The next morning was my cousin's graduation from college, and we made it there on time. Kwantlen University's campus was lovely, but the reception hall was freezing cold - nonetheless, we had a great time watching her receive her diploma, taking pictures, and spending the morning celebrating with her.. My aunt and uncle came to visit us at her place as well.

For dinner, we had the most incredible pizza ever. Desi-style pizza - topped with onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, pineapple, tomato, olives, ginger, and cilantro. It was like a symphony of flavors in my mouth. It was utterly divine.

Day 3:

After sleeping in, we had good conversation with our relatives who came over to visit. Afterwards, my mom, grandma, cousin, and I headed over to Prabhu Sweets, and we just about ordered the entire shop.

Rasgulas, ras malai, gulab jaman, various mitais. Delicious tikki chole, masala paneer pakoras, hot samosas, papdi chaat. All of which was unbelievably amazing, and was made even better by sharing it with family.


Day 4:

We went to Whistler - a mountain resort, early the next morning. The drive up there was sublime - we drove by the side of whispery-blue waters which wove around distinct island peaks. It was probably one of the most beautiful views I've seen in my entire life, transporting me to some ancient sense of British Columbia when natives would row through the inlets of these silky waters by the pastel light of the morning.

Once we - myself, my mom, my cousin, my grandparents, and my uncle - arrived, we headed straight for the gondola - a covered cabin of sorts - which took us up the mountain. This gondola took us to a snowy height where we got off to be met by a crisp Canadian artic breeze.

We ate lunch at the restaurant up on the peak. They had a variety of hearty, unique vegetarian options. We had carrot-couscous soup, sweet potato fries with pineapple sauce, a tossed cold pasta salad with zucchini, and a delicious veggie burger. Everything was absolutely scrumptious. After taking in the view of mountainscape from the window for a while, we headed over for the next gondola, which would take us even higher up.

This one was the highest gondola of its kind in all of North America. It was like climbing the sky, a heart-stopping vision of a soaring mountain valley surrounding us. The pitch blue outline of mountains loomed all around us. Endless white expanses of snow were dotted with the tops of pine trees like blades of grass. The meandering green valley below was illuminated by the sun. We were 1500 feet above the valley floor, and because the bottom of the gondola had a glass viewing area to see the scene below - a rush of pine trees - it was quite like flying.

The peak at which we now arrived was bitterly cold and blindingly white with snow - I couldn't see without sunglasses on. We were now ready for the final "gondola", which wasn't really a gondola, but a chair lift - literally just a metal bench hanging from a cable, with no cover.

It was most certainly the most thrilling yet tranquilizing part of the trip. The mountain air against our faces as we rode down snowy slopes, our feet dangling in the air - was nothing short of extraordinary. The vision of the blue mountain valley in front of us and the regalness of the trees around us was dreamlike. And the most amazing part - the absolute, crisp quiet. It was the kind of quiet that make your soul tingle.

Finally, we descended further down into the town of Whistler, itself, where it was light and sunny. We sat by a rocky creek for a while, playing and getting our feet wet.

When we headed back to Surrey, we had an amazing dinner at my Titu Tayaji's house - homemade dosas and sambar.


Day 5:


The next day was a day to relax. My little cousin came to visit and I had a lot of fun playing games with her and going to the park as well.


Day 6:

My mom, grandma, cousin, and I had lunch at Bombay Se - an Indian restaurant. Except instead of ordering sabji or whatever, we had a variety of delicious snacks.


We started off with two delicious plates of dahin puri - gol gappes stuffed with aloo, dhania, masala, and dahin. It was light yet addictingly good. Then, we had pau bhaji and papdi chaat, also good but nothing beat the to-die-for dahin puri.


After doing some shopping at SuperStore, we headed to Titu Tayaji's house for dinner once more.
We had amazing gol-gappe, and some more of that ultra-amazing-mouth-watering Desi-style pizza with the crispy crust and burst of flavors, and we watched the Canucks game. They lost.

The next morning, we went home. Now I miss my family there, my eyes miss Whistler, and my mouth misses all the delicious food I had. It was a great trip that I won't soon forget.

President Obama rallies for Kitzhaber

        Hours of waiting led up to the moment when I saw President Barack Obama walk up the raised podium at the Oregon Convention Center in downtown Portland. My mother, sister, and I arrived at the venue at 2:00 P.M, and withstood people handing us all sorts of fliers and stickers, clustered crowds, and glaring sun before being admitted through airport-like security to the spacious ballroom at 4:00 P.M.  Only V.I.P ticket-holders were admitted to the very front area, but we were among the closest people in the area for the public, only 50 feet away from the stage. 10,000 people filled the hall, and it was a diverse group, ranging from kids to seniors, political types to regular folk.

        The rally kicked off at 6:00 P.M with a few warm-up speakers, leading up to a recitation of the National Anthem and  a stunning rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner by China Forbes. The crowd broke into applause when U.S Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, as well as Rep. David Wu, took the stage. After they briefly spoke, they introduced the subject of the rally, former governor John Kitzhaber, who in a very tight race is running to return to his office. Kitzhaber spoke of the challenges facing Oregon and pledged to bring his experience to focus on jobs and education in particular. He humbly admitted that he knew why most people was there, and proceeded to introduce the 44th President of the United Stated of America, Barack Obama.
  

     The President was met with deafening applause. When the screams of "we love you!" calmed down, Obama opened by mentioning that he had "a special place in his heart for Oregon", referencing his personal connections to the famed Oregon football rivalry. Humorous and engaging, he made a passionate case for Oregonians to elect John Kitzhaber, citing his experience and commitment to the state. He also made a broader appeal for Democrats in general, getting the crowd riled up with the metaphor of a car driven into a ditch by the opposing party, saying that it takes time to get out of said ditch. He called for patience and civility in our "big, messy democracy." Finally, he hit an even broader note, speaking to us as Americans, urging the common goal of continued progress as he wrapped it up.
        Immediately after the rally ended, thousands of people pressed together tried to move towards Obama, who was shaking hands. I got within 5 feet within the President, but then to my disappointment, he was escorted out blue curtains being guarded by well-dressed, young staffers.
       When the event was over and we were waiting outside for my dad to pick us up on an empty street, we ran into the candidate John Kitzhaber himself! He was being rushed by a staff woman, but he did stop to shake our hands. I told him that in my first vote as adult, I would cast my ballot for him, and he thanked me for my vote. He seemed tired but appreciative, signing a shirt my sister bought. I was honored to meet him.

    Hearing the President and former governor Kitzhaber speak was a monumental thing for me, politics aside. It was a great experience - although my legs are still hurting from all the standing.

Movie Review: Anjaana Anjaani

This movie is a typical "boy meets girl" movie. It was directed by Siddarth Anand. It stars Priyanka Chopra who portrays, Kiara, and Ranbir Kapoor as Aakash.  This movie was rated "sweet date flick" by one of the most prestigious Indian movie critics, Naresh Kumar Deoshi. he rated it 3/5 stars. Others say that this had nothing new to offer, it was typical "seen it all before movie". And the Music was also not very interesting. 


This movie was set in the times of economic meltdown on Wall Street. A young man who is not happy with his life, tries to commit suicide but then finds light in the distance, a girl who is also unhappy with her life but altogether for a different reason. these two strangers who out their relationship and then fall in love.......so typical.


My review: dont watch this movie unless u have nothing better to do. i give it 2.5 stars


to take a peek at the trailer go to this site. http://www.apunkachoice.com/titles/anj/anjaana-anjaani/mid_29959/videos/movid60914/director_siddharth_anand_talks_about_anjaana_anjaani.html


  

Toy Story 3

 Toy Story 3
 PopcornScale Rating: Gourmet Popcorn
Bottom line: Toy Story 3 is both highly entertaining and deeply moving. It will bring back old memories and make you ponder the future.

I watched the first two Toy Story movies when they were released in theaters in 1995 and 1999, respectively. They are deeply ingrained in my memories of early childhood. The unquestioning sense of wonder they made me feel when I was young is something I never want to let go of. Luckily for me, Toy Story 3 exceeded my highest expectations and brought me back to those early memories. It is easily an instant classic and one of Pixar's best.

Right from the opening scene, the movie made references and connections to the previous movies in the series. From the use of the old soundtrack to the familiar, crazy antics of beloved characters, Toy Story 3 felt like a natural continuation of the series. It had the same spirit and magic as the previous movies while still maturing the characters and the storyline to show that time has passed.

The toy's worst fear seems to be unfolding before them. Andy is heading off to college and so he is unpacking his belongings and throwing away the old things he doesn't need anymore. He has not played with the toys in ages, and they feel a sense of abandonment. They wonder if Andy really loves them anymore. He has thrown all his toys into the "Attic" box, keeping only one toy to take to college: Woody.

But when the cowboy sees that Andy's mom accidentally thinks the "Attic" box is trash, he leaves Andy's room and follows the other toys on their misadventures which take them everywhere from Sunnyside daycare to a child's house to the garbage dump.

This journey is constantly hilarious. Some highlights include Mr. Potato Head becoming a tortilla, a Ken doll appearing to wear high heels, a screaming monkey toy, and countless others. I actually choked on my candy from laughing so hard.

However, the journey is also very bittersweet. The theme of moving on is one that will resonate deeply with people of all ages.  Part of the sadness, for me, came from  remembering all those childhood memories of this movie, that I can never truly return to. Similarly, the toys must face the prospect of Andy growing up and the emotions that go along with that.

The climax of this movie shows the enduring friendship the toys have formed. The final end scene to to the series is beautifully done and epitomizes the word "bittersweet". I was holding back tears even as I knew that this was the best ending for everyone in the story. Let's just say that being at the same stage of my life as Andy is in this movie, it hit close to home.

Overall, if you saw and enjoyed the first two Toy Story movies, you will love this. It is a must-see worth every penny of the admission ticket. It will almost certainly make you laugh and cry. It is a movie that manages to include elements of both fantasy and reality, and will bring out the child in anyone. The clever, realistic animation is only outdone by the immense amount of heart this movie has. Don't miss it.

Manjeet's Mini Sticky Buns©

Manjeet's Mini Sticky Buns©
So as some of you guys know, I love to cook. It has become one of my most enjoyed hobbies over the past year or so. Desserts would probably have to be my favorite because I have a huge SWEET TOOTH! Anyway, a few weeks ago, I was watching a cooking show and they were making cinnamon buns so I decided to take the basic ingredients and turn it into my own. I took the regular size and made then "mini". I also took out the raisins, added the glaze and tweaked many of the other things that didn't suit me or my taste buds. After a few times of making them, I finally got it down and they have turned into a family favorite. Here is my top secret recipe that I am happy to share with you! :)

You will need:

• Food processor
  
• Oven
  
• Dough roller
  
• 1/4 cup of water
  
• 2 cups of all purpose flour
• 1 1/4 sticks of butter
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 1/8 cup of sugar
• 1/4 cup of cinnamon
• 1/2 cup of confectioners sugar (powder sugar)
• 1/4 cup of milk
• A LOT OF PATIENCE!

You can change it up if you'd like. Here is how to do it:

• First put your flour and 1 stick of butter (cut into pieces) into the food processor and pulse until it looks like wet sand
• slowly at 1/4 of a cup of water until it has formed a ball in the processor
• Take it out and shape it just a bit and then put it in the fridge for 30 minutes
• Take it out and roll it until it is 1/4 of an inch thick
• Make it a rectangle (you might need to cut the edges off)
• Melt 1/4 of a stick of butter and spread it on the dough
• Spread the cinnamon, sugar, and brown sugar but not the powder sugar!
• Roll it in to a log shape
• Cut the log into pieces and place them in a cupcake sheet
• Bake for 25 minutes at 360 degrees (remember to spray Pam© so they come out easily!)

This is the glaze:

• Mix 1/2 cup of powder sugar with 1/4 cup of milk and pour it on top of a warm, yummy, sweet sticky bun!

I hope you enjoyed it because I know me and my family did!

Alice In Wonderland

                                                                                      

PopcornScale Rating: Caramel Popcorn

We've ALL heard about the legendary classic, Alice In Wonderland. We've probably heard about it millions of times in our lives. From the book, to the movie, and our everyday conversations, Alice In Wonderland is an amazing story only a genius could come up with. But, what happened AFTER Alice woke up from this dream? Was it a dream at all? Well,19 years later, Alice is still lost in thought about her haunting dream. She must get married(which has been planned since she was born) and when her and her future husband are exchanging rings, Alice sees the white rabbit racing in and out of the bushes. Alice is shocked to see him and chases the white rabbit. There once more, she falls in the hole becomes short and tall, and at last opens the door. All the creatures of Wonderland are waiting for her. She must defeat the Red Queen to bring the White Queen back in rule. Is she the real Alice, is this a dream, will she defeat the Red Queen? Watch this solid sequel to Alice in Wonderland. You will definitely be satisfied if not impressed. (All the other Hunjan Cousins should definitely watch this!)

"Prince of Persia: Sands of Time" Movie Review

So yesterday my dad and I went to our local AMC movie theater to see the new and much-awaited "Prince of Persia" movie distributed by Walt Disney Pictures and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer Films and this film stars Jake Gyllenhaal as the title role and leading male and Gemma Arterton as his love interest and Sir Ben Kingsley as the evil anti-hero Nizam. My dad and I went to the 5:15 showing of "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" in Theater 9 at the AMC Eastridge 15 Movie Theater at Eastridge Mall in San Jose, California, USA on Saturday, May 29, 2010, one day after the movie was released. I thought Jake and Gemma were great choices for the film and the locations were amazing, the Middle Eastern background music seemed to fit with the movie, and that young kid who played the younger version of Jake's character, Prince Dastan, was amazing. The film tells of a young street urchin named Dastan who is adopted by the King of Persia and fifteen years later, Dastan and his adopted brothers lay siege on the city of Alamut and Dastan falls in love with Princess Tamina and when Dastan is falsely accused of something he didn't do, assassinate his own father, the prince and the princess must find the Sands of Time and save the world from Nizam. I highly recommend the film! Five stars! I want to see The Karate Kid, releasing June 11, 2010, and starring Jaden Smith as the Karate Kid and Jackie Chan as his teacher, I am expecting the same awesomes! Go watch it, it is FANTASTIC, don't listen to the critics. 5 STARS!

President Barack Obama's Second San Francisco Visit

United States President Barack Hussein Obama is in the San Francisco Bay Area for nineteen hours. He arrived at San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco, California to rainy weather and cold temperatures at around 5:19 PM local time on Tuesady, May 25, 2010, today. Upon touching down at SFO this evening, the President of the United States seemed to salute San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and Mr. Newsom threw up his hands as if to say, "Dude, what the heck are you doing? You're not supposed to salute me!", after exchanging a brief talk, the president hopped into his limousine and drove to San Francisco through Highway 280 traffic and the motorcade was met with protesters and fans alike. It was a beautiful and exciting moment, I wish I got a chance to meet the President of the United States. The President is in town for a fundraising dinner for Senator Barbara Boxer. Security was tight and there were more police officers and routes were altered and the President's visit was covered by local media and the media was at the airport and they saw Air Force One land. It was a great time! This is the President's second visit to San Francisco, his first one was in October 15, 2009. Enjoy!

A Convenient Truth: Meeting Al Gore in Monterey, California

I am back! And you know what that means! I have a brilliant blog story to share with you all. Today, Monday, May 17, 2010, at California State University Monterey Bay in Monterey, California, a lecture presented by the university's Panetta Institute of Public Policy on the environmental climate change facing our nation and the world featured former Vice President of the United States and famous author, Al Gore, and moderated by award-winning journalist Frank Cesno, and our class, along with our teachers, Mr. Mansfield and Mr. Yau, got to attend and hear Mr. Gore speak live and in person. I sat in the very front row and had a good view of Mr. Gore talking with the moderator about the issue of global warming. The talk moved me very much and it made me realize that our Earth is very precious and we must do all we can to save our beloved mother planet. Mr. Gore was really cool, he was funny and a very talented speaker. I enjoyed it very much! What a day! Oh yeah, livin' the dream!