After a very long hiatus, I am back again on my nosebleed-inducing hobby of mine – blogging. :)

I start the year with a review of the World Buskers Festival 2009 held annually in Christchurch, New Zealand. It features some of the best buskers in the world performing on stage or right on the streets of Christchurch. There are acts from Argentina, Israel, Japan and the US to name a few.

Busker (Noun) – A person who entertains people for money in public places (as by singing and dancing).


Watching buskers perform is very entertaining for me because they are the experts of what they do, which is to make people laugh. From January 22, 2009 until February 1, 2009, more than 40 acts, ranging from acrobatics, magic, comedy and musicians will be performing; and it is a shame not to catch at least one of the performances.


I have come up with my list of most notable buskers that are really worth seeing:



1. Mr. Fish (Australia) – None can match the sheer energy of this busker from Australia. He is great in making unpredictable witty comments on everything. His acts are varied and original. His props are very ingenious and wacky. He’s fond of making satirical comments on the unsuspecting and unfortunate audiences seated in the front, all to elicit the loudest laughter everyone can muster. He is very gifted in making people laugh, and his acts are highly recommended. Mr. Fish is my vote to win the recognition: THE PRESS PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD for 2009, which will be announced on February 1, 2009.





2. Sam Willis (NZ) – Sam is very creative in making fun of everything. I saw Sam as an emcee for the Christchurch International Airport BUSKER COMEDY CLUB, and he is good. As an emcee for the show, he was able to keep the momentum going in between acts. His tricks are very imaginative and funny. Unfortunate audiences in the front are sometimes ridiculed to perform or be part of his tricks. He can be harsh, but it is good that people do not take it seriously. Some of his tricks are bordering on the gross, but he does it so humorously that you forget it. He is very talented and his acts are a must to see. Proof of his immeasurable talent is he won the most favourite performer, THE PRESS PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD for 2008.


3. Cirque No Problem (Israel) – The couple, Noa and Uri gives a performance unlike no other. They successfully combined conventional circus with wild antics of humour. They have a mobile trapeze where they get to show their acrobatic talents and most importantly their great sense of humour. Even though Noa has a very thick English accent, his jokes are still spotless and very funny.

You can feel the American ambiance when you step in a Denny’s restaurant. I was not able to check it out when we went to Los Angeles, but I have heard positive reviews about Denny’s Restaurant in the US. In that regard, Denny’s Resto in Christchurch is next in my review.

Being open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week is a great help for people who are hungry in the oddest times of the day. The place is clean and spacious. Parking is also easy and plentiful. However, unfortunately those are the only positive notes that I can give.

Food ranges from bland to average. There is nothing special or outstanding with the taste. I also feel that menus are overpriced. Orders take very long. Service is acceptable, but screams improvement. Adding salt to the injury is the obnoxious and annoying “security guard” stationed when we were there past midnight. He is very unfriendly, he frowned at us and he keeps looking at us as if we are stealing cutleries. I realize he is just doing his job but there is a way to do it without irritating people.

This is not a value-for-money-restaurant. I have no plans on eating there anytime soon.

Denny’s Restaurant is located 382 Moorhouse Ave, Christchurch, New Zealand. Call 03 365 5535 for reservations.

Verdict: Don’t bother.





Later tonight, UK and former British colonies New Zealand, Canada and Australia will be celebrating Guy Fawkes Night or sometimes known as Bonfire Night. It commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of November 5, 1605 wherein a number of Catholic conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, attempted to blow up the House of Parliament in London, England. His target was King Janes I of England, his family and most of the Protestant aristocrats. The Parliament at that time persecuted the local Catholics in England. He and other conspirators were caught and consequently tortured before executed.


It became mandatory in the UK to celebrate the night of November 5 every year as Guy Fawkes Night. It became a day of thanksgiving for the failed plot. Lighting bonfires and street festivities mark the events. They would usually make effigies of Fawkes to be burnt on the November 5 bonfire.

In modern times, people in Britain and other former British colonies still let off fireworks during Guy Fawkes Night. Here in New Zealand, the sale of fireworks was progressively modulated after cases of fireworks -related fires and injuries. I think it makes sense to ban personal fireworks altogether, and leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Some may argue I did not grow up in New Zealand, therefore, I would not know how fun fireworks are. Actually I do, every New Years Eve, the Philippines becomes a like a battleground from the fireworks and firecrackers. However, year after year, injuries are still very common, and there should come a time when it should be strictly regulated.

I am all for fun, but if “fun” results to damage to properties and injuries (not to mention animals are so scared of the noise), then I am out.

Today Americans decide on who will be the next president of the United States of America. It is a big responsibility because they elect one of the most powerful men on Earth: the leader of a superpower, the president of the US.


The opinion polls puts Obama ahead of McCain, but it is foolhardy for Obama to be overconfident at this stage. The results of the election will be revealed soon, but in the meantime, the financial crisis is not waiting for the results. Bush still needs to foresee the US until the announcement of the winning candidate. The new president will then have to take the reins of a nation facing difficult times ahead. The alarming rise in unemployment, climate change and the housing slump are a few pressing issues that the new president will face.

I personally prefer Obama to McCain, because I feel McCain will just continue the same government that Bush started (being both Republicans). It was the Bush administration that invaded Iraq in response to the September 11 attack when clearly there is no connection. The Iraq war that continually bleeds millions of dollars that should have been used for the restoration of the economy.

While Obama’s race should not be an issue, I am afraid it is. Racists do exist, and many will not vote for Obama just because of his race. There have been rumours of attempts for Obama’s life (reminds me to watch 24 Season 1). This is very unfortunate because the man is very talented and I feel he will bring change. He believes in global cooperation and development, and not dominance through bullying. He wants peace, and he wants to talk to nations that do not agree with the US policies rather than go to war with them.

This is not a mark of cowardice, rather wisdom.

Osaka Restaurant is an excellent value for money restaurant. The average price for a set meal is $10.00, now how can you top that? A set meal consists of rice, miso soup (made of fermented soybeans & salt), Japanese salad and your chosen mains. You get to choose from a whole range of yummy Japanese mains from the pork tonkatsu to the Japanese-style Chicken Barbecue. There are some set meals where the rice, soup and salad are unlimited (or bottomless, whichever you call it). Given the generous servings for the meals, you would be sure to be full. The soup is exceptional, the salad fresh and the dressing exquisite.


For the price that you will pay, do not expect a posh venue though. This is not the place for a formal dinner. The place is very homely and you really feel that you are in a restaurant in Japan when you step in. There are heaps of Japanese eating there so that will tell you that they serve authentic Japanese dishes.

The staffs are very helpful and friendly. Food is prepared fast. Tables are clean. Awesome place :)

Oishi des ne!

Osaka Restaurant is located 129 Gloucester St, Christchurch Central, New Zealand. Call (03) 377 7377 for reservations or takeaways.

Verdict: Recommended. Their motto says it all: cheap, but yummy.

Being a multilingual has heaps of advantages. You get to exercise your brain and you get to learn new stuff. Here are some common Nihongo phrases that may be useful:

Nice to meet you! Hajimemashite!

Good morning ohayou.

Hello konnichiwa.

Good evening konbanwa.

Good night O yasumi nasai.

Good bye sayonara.

I am (really) sorry Gomen nasai

Excuse me/Pardon sumimasen.

How are you? (polite) O genki desu ka.

I am fine Genki desu

Yes Hai

No iie

Thank you Arigatou

Wait a moment, please Chotto Matte kudasai

Thank you for this delicious meal! Gochiso sama deshita

I am hungry Onaka (ga) suita!

I am thirsty Nodo (ga) kawaita

How much is it? Ikura desu ka?


 

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