Saturday, August 30, 2008

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Fortune Cookies in China

This link is to a blog and video that shows the reaction of people in China to "Fortune Cookies." "Why do American's put messages in their cookies," was the most common question asked.

This, of course, is another collision between two cultures, in my opinion. The cookies and fortunes are purely American, but they were created within the American-Chinese community as a way to offer an after-dinner treat and therefore has become "Chinese food" in the eyes of Americans.

Enjoy the film.
Blogged with the Flock Browser

Friday, August 22, 2008

Chiken Follow up

Dagnabit. The picture I linked to had a sign that said "Chiken" and was used to advertise a specific meal at a taco truck. But the picture is inaccesible.

Anyway, this blog has not been abandoned. I have just been really busy but wish to continue my "cultural explorations" here. Please have patience. I apologize for any inconvenience in my most recent life style.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Barbecued Donuts


Barbecued Donuts.
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.
The Donut Star, for the finest barbecue in San Francisco. I bet they have a barbecue-sauce glazed donut.

Donut World


May 18 2008-7
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.
This place serves everything, apparently - donuts, hamburgers, breakfast, pizza, tacos, etc. etc. etc. Found in San Francisco.

Sunday, May 04, 2008

Maker Faire 2008-26


Maker Faire 2008-26
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.
Falafel Garlic Fries Spinach Knishes.

Maker Faire 2008-24


Maker Faire 2008-24
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.
Not a Teriyaki Donut, but when you have to explain what you are selling, it's probably foreign enough to most people that it will end up being a Teriyaki Donut in their minds.

Maker Faire 2008-21


Maker Faire 2008-21
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.
Garlic Falafel Veggie Cakes.

Maker Faire 2008-20


Maker Faire 2008-20
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.
Italian Teriyaki Polish Lemonade Chicken Kabob.

Maker Faire 2008-234


Maker Faire 2008-234
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.
Ok, not a Teriyaki Donut, but it made me laugh.

Maker Faire 2008-278


Maker Faire 2008-278
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.
Teriyaki Baja Tostada Nachos Garlic Fries.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Breakfast Burrito Soup


Breakfast Burrito Soup
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.
At a restaurant near a hotel during my recent stay in Washington D.C.

Sushi Salads


Sushi Salads
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.
At a restaurant near my hotel during my recent stay in Washington D.C.

Sunday, April 06, 2008

Russian Jazz Octet-18


Russian Jazz Octet-18
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.
Here's another example of culture clash in Jazz. This is American saxophonist Bob Mintzer playing with several members of the Russian-based Open World Jazz Octet. While they play straight jazz for the most part, only one of the members of the Octet speaks English with any proficiency. But they could all play nearly flawless jazz together. It's amazing how jazz has become a language of its own. Great concert, by the way.

April 2 2008 Deepak Ram


April 2 2008 Deepak Ram
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.
Jazz artist Deepak Ram played for the Brubeck Festival. It's another example of the cultural mix that we call Jazz. He plays straight-on jazz, but uses a mix of Indian and Western instruments to do so. It was interesting to hear. I know this isn't new. John McLaughlin experimented with the same styles in the' '70s. So did Miles Davis. And of course The Beatles mixed rock and Indian sounds in the same way. But it still is an interesting cultural clash.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Celtic Faire 2008-122


Celtic Faire 2008-122
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.
Shot from the Sonora Celtic Fair (previously the Calaveras Celtic Faire). This is the group "The Wicked Tinkers." Very high energy. Also, in my mind, a Teriyaki Donut? Why. Besides playing Celtic music and originals, they play Celtic music with a didgeridoo. That's what the guy with the blue handprint on his face is playing.

For those who don't know, a didgeridoo is an instrument invented and used mostly by the Indigenous people of Australia, folks who are most definitely not Celtic. So how does a didgeridoo get introduced into a Celtic band? In this case, it's probably because it just sounds cool, but it's possible it was adopted by the early settlers of Australia, most of whom were Irish and Scottish.

You have to remember that Australia originally was a British Penal colony. In fact, there's a really old joke about it. "Q: What's another name for an Australian? A: An Irishman who got caught." That's the joke. Anyway, it's possible that the Irish who were sent to the island and then settled there after being released from prison adopted the didgeridoo as a substitute for the bagpipes in Celtic music.

This group, of course, also has added a very distinct American rock tone to its music as well, thus further adding to its Teriyaki Donut status in my mind.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Teriyaki Donuts


Teriyaki Donuts
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.
Another Teriyaki Donut joint in Modesto, California. But wait, there's more. It's also a gas station! And better yet, it also has a Mexican restaurant too (not pictured, but take my word for it)

Teriyaki Donuts


Teriyaki Donuts
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.
Another Teriyaki Donut joint in Modesto, California. But wait, there's more. It's also a gas station! And better yet, it also has a Mexican restaurant too (not pictured, but take my word for it)

Monday, January 21, 2008

Jan 20 2008 Molinari


Jan 20 2008 Molinari
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.
Found in north beach - a long-established Italian deli that serves enchiladas. We have to remember that the fastest growing "minority" group in California is the Hispanic/Latino group, and they are obviously creating influence on all other ethnic groups in the state. It will be interesting to see how much tastes and cultures will change in the next 20 years because of this shift.

Jan 20 2008 Happy New Year


Jan 20 2008 Happy New Year
Originally uploaded by Inkyhack.
This was in the door to a private residence in San Francisco. It's Mickey and Minnie Mouse wishing everyone a Happy New Year in both English and Chinese. While not surprising since Disney is such a world-wide venture, it's a nice reminder that the American culture has really spread round the globe in obvious and not-so-obvious ways. For some reason, I couldn't help but think of the movie "Blade Runner" which so brilliantly mixed American, Chinese, Japanese and Arab cultures seamlessly throughout the film, including inventing a language that was a mix of all four cultures.

Jan 20 2008 Bagels and Vietnamese Sandwiches

Found a restaurant that sells both Bagels and Vietnamese sandwiches in San Francisco. Oh, and English tea too.