Monthly Archives: May 2010

Food experiment: Okonomiyaki (a.k.a. Japanese pizza)

May 18, 2010

I don’t even remember why I wanted to make this in the first place. But who needs a reason to make something so yummy?! Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) actually means “grill/cook (yaki) what you like (okonomi).” So basically you can put any kind of toppings/ingredients into the basic batter and cook it in the same way. Actually in Japan, when you eat this in a special restaurant, they have a hot plate in front of you for you to cook it yourself. […]

Profiting from poverty? The question of “development professionals”

May 17, 2010

I recently read this post http://chrisblattman.com/2010/05/12/poverty-professionals-and-poverty/ (reading the full original paper is highly recommended…it’s only 6 pages long!) I’ve had the same question in my head for a long time, especially when I was ‘out in the field’ in Uganda and Tanzania. Seeing the UN and other aid agency workers driving around in expensive 4 wheel drives compared to the people who could barely afford bus fare that they were trying to ‘help.’ There is no wonder that resentment abounds. […]

Food experiment: Risgrøt

May 15, 2010

Risgrøt (risengrynsgrøt (with raisins) or riskrem (with cream/whipped cream)) is Norwegian rice pudding. Probably my favourite from the Norwegian foods I’ve tried (a close second would be brown cheese). Ris=rice and grøt I guess is the pudding (:P). Grøt is pronounced similar to “grert”. It’s a traditional Christmas dish with lots of variations. You can make it with sour cream or mix in whipped cream to make a cold dessert etc. I only learnt to make it the most basic […]

The Disadvantages of an Elite Education

May 7, 2010

One of the few articles that I have read that really made me think and rethink and rethink. I think there’s a lot of truth in this article, please see for yourself! Along with David Orr’s “What is education for” this is quickly become my second education-guiding read. The Disadvantages of an Elite Education By William Deresiewicz It didn’t dawn on me that there might be a few holes in my education until I was about 35. I’d just bought […]

Summer goals 2010

May 7, 2010

Vancouver’s legendary beautiful summer is finally here. No more bipolar weather craziness! Hipp Hipp Hurra (as I learnt in Norway)! This year, I fully intend on working hard and probably achieving the goals I set out. Especially since I’m only going to narrow down my goals so they ARE achievable (for once :P) So here it goes… 1. Bike from home to UBC (or at least a similar distance) – I’m seriously going to start biking this summer and my […]

Food experiment: no knead bread!

May 5, 2010

mmmmmmmmmmm…..I’m soo full and happy with home made bread with margarine! (actually margarine isn’t very good for you…I’m just eating what is leftover, please support well produced butter!) Sorry I haven’t been able to keep updated on this experiment. But! I have kept my promise, for the whole semester, I have tried my best to not buy anything I can make. I’ve rarely eaten at restaurants or take out food (unless I was invited by a friend). I’ve bought the […]