Hope everybody had a nice holidays. Here’s what I got from my family for Christmas:
Bupkis.
This ClashBang.com article was written by Chris Chu. Tired of privately venting his frustration in vain, Chris decided to share his discontent with the rest of the world.
Today I went Christmas shopping for myself. Rather, it was simply an excuse for me to waste time with a friend.
First, we went to a Vietnamese restaurant and had some noodle soup. It included beef, beef tendons, beef chunks, meatballs (beef), noodles, water, beef, and more beef. It was unsatisfying as I pointed out the presence of random stains on the supposedly clean curtains next to us. The meal ended soon afterwards.
Next we went into the Bay, and concluded that there were no attractive women, by any standards (and we tried lowering them), to be found. As I exited the Bay, I noticed the ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, the government car insurance monopoly) Drivers’ Centre where teenagers go for their car licenses. Walking by, I recalled countless tales of my own bravery and courage in attaining my own Class 5 license. I then told my friend of a brave new world entitled East of Ontario where mere teenagers could enjoy and bask in the glory that is a full license, without undergoing a series of expensive and strenuous road tests beforehand. He told me to fuck off.
We then continued to the other areas of the mall, and I came to the agreement that we were, in fact, better humans and more attractive to the opposite sex due to our lack of a mall job. Watching minions slave away their life to make meager earnings was pitiful, so I make them productive by showing me different articles of clothing. I didn’t end up buying any.
Then we went to Chapters, where I spent many hours being a freeloader on their selection of books. I had a mystery gift card, so I purchased $60 dollars of books, only to find out it only had a value of $5. One of my purchases includes a gift for someone, and they’ll be appreciative to know that I took the liberty of ensuring its quality beforehand. The slight wrinkles in the book were there beforehand.
While I was waiting in line I was offered tiny candy canes by a temporary employee. I said no, and he gave me a look. I glared back. Smiles were supposed to be free, even for those who don’t enjoy sugar-coated sugar. Instead, I enjoyed another hour at Starbucks Coffee inside the Chapters, reading some more books. I came to the conclusion that any woman interested in me can purchase my soul for some books. I’m that cheap.
Future Shop was our next stop, and while I intended to purchase a CD from the Starbucks on the way there (there are 3 Starbucks and countless more cafés in Metrotown), fate was not smiling on me. I conceded defeat, and looked around in Future Shop. I laughed at the high markup of prices combined with the lack of quality. A little kid dropped a demonstration XBOX 360 controller by accident, and the employee was making him cry in public. I told him to stop picking on the kid, and left before another employee showed up.
Finally, I went to the public library, where I traded time for more reading. It would be great if someone, in addition to a Magic Bullet and other gifts, included the book titled Anywhere But Here from Mona Simpson on my gift list (or any other title from her). She’s a real literary gem, and happens to be Steve Jobs’ biological sister (though I only found out afterwards).
Thus, I’ve mentioned my day with insights and male superiority complex, while hinting at possible gifts (plural; more than one). I’ve also included a tale of valour and courage as I stood up for a little kid against a tyrant nerd employee.
Yours (for now, in a non-creepy way),
Chris
This ClashBang.com article was written by Chris Chu. Tired of privately venting his frustration in vain, Chris decided to share his discontent with the rest of the world.
Hey, guess what work I’ve been doing? NOTHING!
Not really; there’s some stuff I’ve been taking care of back home, but you know I don’t talk about it.
What I can talk about is something new my friend has introduced me to. It’s that business idea of Quixtar I mentioned before.
Tonight I went to a rally meeting, which is sort of a motivational gathering. I know, I know, I don’t do motivation well; I only motivate others. It turned out well though.
It started off with recognition of some IBO (Independent Business Owner) achievements. The success was measured in several levels, and those successful were up on the stage while others praised and cheered, with handshakes and congratulations all over the place.
Is this business politics? People cheering you on with false smiles, hoping one day they would receive the same? The Yes Men agreeing with you and supporting you until one day stabbing you in the back and neglecting to mention you in their own ladder of success…
Still, I was here for the motivation, and not to criticize. After all, I was their special guest for the function. The great Chris Chu who would bring their idea to New Brunswick and lead a brand new department in the area, expanding on the billions in revenue they already earn worldwide.
But I digress. The next part turned out to be fairly good. They featured a man named Samir Attalah. Samir grew up in a poor family in Egypt, and came by himself to America with $40 in his pocket. “Everybody has potential,” he stresses. He worked his tail off and is now one of America’s richest.
He would go on to talk about a lot more, drawing from personal experience. I’m still skeptical, since he was there to sell an idea. I’m going to take part in Quixtar, because it stresses teamwork and I’m good in “people skills.” Hopefully, my conscience will be in check to make sure I’m not exploiting people. After all, it’s not personal; it’s only business.
He did mention one thing that stuck in my mind though. Did you know the average American teenager allowance was $375? Christmas is an example, with all the toys, gadgets, and gifts kids get. While the parents were working their asses off for the company, their kids were off doing drugs.
Not having to work for others meant more time with your family and loved ones. Lacking in the area of family, I have the next best thing.
Samir: “Don’t substitute time and love with money.”
All the best,
Chris
This ClashBang.com article was written by Chris Chu. Tired of privately venting his frustration in vain, Chris decided to share his discontent with the rest of the world.
The snowstorm hit pretty hard, but I managed to get on a flight the day after they cancelled Toronto flights to those poor saps.
I’m writing this email while grabbing a quick breakfast at a Red Rocket restaurant in the Toronto Pearson Airport, where $8 gets you 2 sausages, 2 slices of bacon, some eggs, and mediocre hash browns. They also throw in a cross-slice of orange, which I promptly disposed of. Still, it’s better than the alternative next door: my least favourite coffee shop, Tim Hortons.
I can’t get an Internet connection here, so this will be posted when I’m back home. Right now, I see some Leafs jerseys for sale that I can point and laugh at…
——-
I’m on the airplane now, heading towards Vancouver while watching Untitled (Almost Famous director’s cut) on my laptop. I can’t believe I’ve never see this movie before. The themes and the motifs in it are pretty strong, and of course, you have your teenage rebellion and growing of age.
Something I always hate about flying in a plane is the douche-bag who always reclines his seat like it’s his plane. This ride is no different, and I barely have any room here. Idiot.
Back to the movie…
——-
Now the stewardesses are coming around with trays to sell me “Buy Onboard” stuff…Harvey burgers for $5 each! I’ve never had Harvey’s, but I’m not THAT desperate. It’s unfortunate that they charge over a thousand dollars for first class, and I STILL don’t get fed.
I keep saying it, but I’m going to switch to WestJet.. Air Canada is atrocious.
——-
Now the featured movie is “December Lights.” What the fuck is with that? Can’t they afford a good movie? I’m glad I have my laptop. Wait…that was some weird mini-film. Now it’s the actual feature, Cinderella Man. Too bad I’m addicted to Almost Famous now.
——-
What do you know…battery actually dying out. Hopefully I’ll get to the end of the movie. I should’ve charged it earlier
The guy in front of me just reclined his seat even more. Fuck him. He already has a big first class seat, and there’s no reason why he needs more at my personal expense. Stupid gelled hair guy.
“I know you think these guys are your friends…if you want to be a true friend to them, be honest.”
Only 10 minutes of battery power left. Hopefully I’ll reach the end of the movie. It was a good one.
——-
Here I am in Richmond, BC, recharging my PowerBook at last, and finishing up on watching Almost Famous. I called my friends to let them know I’ve arrived, and now I’m just waiting to go home.
Maybe now I’ll have time to work on that novel…
——-
It’s 11:54PM, and I finally got home. I spent the past few hours at a business seminar and also went to dinner with 2 friends. Now I’m looking forward to sleep…but not before checking my RSS feeds. Lame, I know.
Toodles,
Chris
This ClashBang.com article was written by Chris Chu. Tired of privately venting his frustration in vain, Chris decided to share his discontent with the rest of the world.
The iPod mini is becoming more popular that the iPod nano. In fact, on eBay they’re selling at a huge markup!
The reason is that the iPod nano is not that much better than the mini it replaced. The only difference is size and colour screen. You even get less storage for more price. Some people also enjoy the selection of colours the iPod mini enjoyed.
Stupid me, selling my iPod mini to a girl for face value, without the tax, just because I knew her and wanted to be nice to a friend. I’d better not kick myself for this.
This ClashBang.com article was written by Chris Chu. Tired of privately venting his frustration in vain, Chris decided to share his discontent with the rest of the world.
