A Present - dull to bright *

Life tends to be somewhat dull when all one does is work, study and read. To add some meaning, my new year resolution for 2013 was to live a little, take more risks and not let time simply pass me by. After all, the present is a gift which can only be given once before it becomes the past. Unfortunately I did not practice what I preach, in this regard, yet... and it's May. But I guess, better late than never - so, as of today, I will try to pursue this resolution with renewed vigour. Keeping in mind my priorities yet remembering not to take the present for granted. 

Capturing the shades of grey, defining moments in more black and white, then maybe life shall unfold to be a wonderful reflection of bright bold hues ~ 

Joe Black *

"Acelera Comigo! 

(In God we Trust... all others pay Cash!)"

J and B hit the streets for our regular brunch date. Luckily, to meet Joe Black is only a ten minute walk from Sydney CBD. This delightful hole-in-the-wall cafe has an "alternative" interior decor that matches perfectly with the laid back vibe. 

The menu was entertaining to read, albeit offering only a limited selection. It includes: Pilate pancakes (you'll need Pilates after these chocolate covered bad ass mo foes); Bacon and egg brecky sambo (it's French for sandwich); and TRAGIC MAGIC mushrooms and hummus on rye. Delish!

stormin' norman

cherry tomato mix with spanish onion, avocado and a poached egg.. Or a bigger version 2 eggs more stuff

(healthy goodness, our pre-celebrations for cinco de mayo!)

chilli (on the willy) beef burger. comes without fries

(wholesome hearty burger with house-made beef patty. be prepared to get your fingers dirty, but it is definitely worth it!)

We bid farewell to the judges and commonwealth law reports...

then line up through the ages,

following the aroma of Joe Black's coffee

and cheekily take a part of Joe Black with us!

J & B

Joe Black

27 Commonwealth Street

Surry Hills NSW 2010

Trieste & Napoli *

"Inspiration drawn from two coffees emblematic 

of the cities of Trieste and Naples 

in homage to Italy's diverse coffee culture."

Like true artists, the experts at Nespresso have developed 16 Grand Crus with distinctly different aromatic profiles. And recently, there are 2 new limited editions: Trieste and Napoli. What I like about these little gems is that each capsule is completely protected from air to ensure the ground coffee remains fresh over time.

Every once in a while I miss J... and his Nespresso machine. My preference is Arpeggio, the purple capsule with a strong character and intense body enhanced by cocoa notes. The fruity malted profile is characteristic of South/Central American Arabicas. However this time I was invited to try Napoli which has a more subtle aroma. What's more - J's brother, KS, kindly offered me a green tea Kitkat to accompany my coffee! 

Poor millionaires *

Zimbabwe is the Land of plenty, well of money anyways. Even though the people barely have any. How can this be? With an annual inflation rate of 231,000,000% it is no wonder nothing seems makes sense. The financial authorities are forced to print increasingly larger denominations of currency so that people do not have to push trolleys of cash to pay for basic necessities.

Where 10 million is equivalent to US$10

and 100 billion is simply a piece of paper... 

(enough to buy 3 eggs, literally)

what is wrong with this picture?

Sacrificing privacy for Liberty *

In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings, a TIME/CNN/ORC poll released on 1 May 2013 concluded that the American people who were surveyed are far more concerned about civil liberties than the need for new law enforcement measures to prevent future attacks. Given a choice, 61% of Americans are concerned that new anti-terrorism policies restrict civil liberties, as opposed to 31% who worry that the government may fail to introduce strong anti-terrorism policies. 

Indeed, it seems we are entering a Time of homeland insecurity.

TIME 1 May 2013

Illustration: Ji Lee

Background: Martin Lladó

Two Queens *

Still sorely missed,
one of the great fashion minds of our times.
Accompanied by one of the great fashionistas of our times.
Caught in the moment, draped in scottish tartans,
strong black accents and a magical omnipresent beauty.

Met Gala 2006

Alexander McQueen & Sarah Jessica Parker

Thomas Jefferson *

"Determine never to be idle.

No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time

who never loses any.

It is wonderful how much may be done

if we are always doing."

The two sides to Thomas Jefferson.
All men are created equal - 
but are they really?
A distinguishing factor is one's determination & discipline.
No time for mundane, only time for essentials.
Give time, invaluable time.

Mather Brown, 1786

The dark side of Thomas Jefferson

Charis Tsevis, 2012