Ancient Chinese secret (and it isn't rocket science)

As I twittered today, I am still flabbergasted as the number of novice chopstick users who insist on holding them from the center and then seeing the sticks cross each other. NO NO NO NO NO. You may as well start counting how many times the food MISSES the mouth. The YouTube video embedded on this blog entry is very short and sweet, and is exactly the way I use chopsticks.

Hey, I appreciate that your attempt to use them is your way of recognizing my ancestry. But it pains me to see how awkward it looks on you. Next week is Chinese New Year so if you want to impress your Asian friends, you better start practicing now.

Jong Mea - Indianapolis, IN

Almost 2 years ago in February 2007, I wrote a blog posting about my family's restaurant, Jong Mea. Today, I got another nice comment from someone who patronized the Mansfield, OH location. I am so honored to hear from those who have commented have such fond memories of our restaurant.

The picture shown on the left, courtesy of flickr.com compatriot Namey McNamerson, is the dining room of the Indianapolis location. I didn't spend as much time here as I did in Columbus, as my parents didn't manage the Indianapolis location until the late 80's.

Again, to those of you who have written, thank you so much for sharing your memories. My parents will be excited to hear that you enjoyed your time at Jong Mea.

In search of shades

OK, I admit it. I am very brand conscious when it comes to sunglasses. I used to buy sunglasses off the department store rack for about $20. I didn't quite get why anyone would spend $50 or more on a pair of sunglasses. Until I got tired of scratched lenses and stretched out frames year after year. I decided I would splurge and got my first pair of Vuarnets. I had them for about 3 years until I left them on a softball field never to be seen again.

I got another pair of Vuarnet, then Revo, Ray-Ban, Oakley, and the current brand for the fashion conscious, Maui Jim. Since the Oakleys, I have gotten very particular about what I buy. My small face requirements include the following:

• Eye size no more than 50 mm
• Bridge size no more than 17 mm
• Temple length no more than 135 mm
• Nose pads that keep the lenses from hitting my cheeks
• Spring hinges preferred

My last pair of prescription glasses often drove me nuts because the bridge size was 21 mm and brushed against the inner eyelid, often fogged up and found myself constantly taking them off. My current pair fit so well (no fog up and no taking off) that I'm using those measurements to find the right pair of sunglasses. Which I find to be difficult, because most Maui Jim eye size frames I like are too big.

But tonight I got lucky. I found on eBay, a discontinued style, Bikini, that meets my size requirements for a fraction of the original retail price. I ordered them tonight and should get them later this week. I'm retiring my current pair of Maui Jims because they lack spring hinges and are starting to feel stretched out after 5 years of wear. Tightening the temple screws helps only slightly for a short time.

Can't wait to get them.