Author Archives: Hari Suresh

Fathers rivalry passed on to sons: Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn

Posted on by
Reply

One of the most anticipated boxing matches of the year is going down on Saturday, October 8th. Chris Eubank Jr. is facing Conor Benn in a 12 round super-welterweight matchup that’s been years in the making. Maybe even before they started boxing. Their fathers shared the ring in the early 1990’s. Chris Eubank Sr. defeated Nigel Benn in the first match by stopping him in the 9th round. The fight became an instant classic and a few years later, the two inevitably met in the ring again but the second time was different. The fight was judged as a draw. It was such a close fight and each of the athletes believed they won.

Fast forward to present day, Chris Eubank Sr.’s and Nigel Benn’s sons are about to compete against each other just like them. There’s a rich history behind this matchup and that makes it all the more exciting. It’s completely natural to make assumptions based off previous bouts to predict the outcome of this matchup but in truth, no one can predict what’s going to happen on October 8th. That’s what makes the sport of boxing so thrilling.

The lead up to this fight has been super entertaining. Both, Chris Eubank Jr. and  Conor Benn really want to win this match. As part of their media obligations, they recently did a face to face with Matchroom Boxing where Chris Eubank Jr. said that if he loses to Conor Benn, he will retire. In other words, he just upped the stakes. Is it mind games or does he actually mean it? It’s hard to say but one thing is for sure. Boxing fans are going to be tuning in to this fight.  Conor Benn remains undefeated and is oozing confidence. After 29 years, the sons look to write their own stories.

Editor’s note: It just got announced on October 6th that the fight got postponed because Conor Benn tested positive for a performance enhancing drug. Just like me, everyone who was eager for Saturday is disappointed. The Conor Benn situation is still unravelling. His lawyers are in talk with the British Boxing Council.

 

 

Vancouver International Film Festival is back!

Posted on by
Reply

Do you like art and/or films? Because the Vancouver International Film Festival is hosting their 41st edition this year from September 29th to October 9th. Their incredible roster features classic cinemas from around the world, conferences, live performances and other special events that celebrates film and film cutture. VIFF believes that “film has a unique ability to celebrate the complexity of the human condition.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CiN9sOXjp-m/

The Greater Vancouver International Film Festival Society is a non-profit organization! Their sole purpose is to promote films that mean something to people. Films from around the world that have a reputation of being layered with crucial themes that matter to society are viewed at the festival. That’s why everyone who’s a major film buff attends the festival each year. To discover new films and to meet other people who have the same love for films that they do.

Some of the International films featured this year are:

Harvest Moon: It’s a comedy-drama that captures the tale of a man who revisits his native homeland in the Mongolian grasslands to rekindle some familial issues. While doing so, he forms an unexpected friendship with a ten year old orphan boy that’s trying to fit in. The film is going to be played on the big screen at the festival on October 7th.

Nightsiren: This suspense-drama is about a young woman who visits a remote Slovakian mountain village looking to find answers about her family’s past. Her unexpected visit ignites rumors and old superstitions that lead to the answers she’s looking for. Another fun fact about the film is that it was directed by women.

Tortoise Under the Earth: This drama film that focuses on Human Rights and Social Justice is about a young couple coming to terms with the loss of their daughter whilst focusing on the devastation caused by mining uranium.

There are so many other films that cover various genres to cater to everyone’s interests. Even if you can’t go to the festival in person, you can watch the films through the VIFF Connect app.

Would you like to experience a festival like this?

Ways to celebrate National Taco Day!

Posted on by
Reply

It’s Taco Tuesday and it also happens to be National Taco Day!

Who doesn’t love a good taco? Tacos are so versatile. You could have a soft shell or a hard shell. The toppings can be interchangeable to cater to your preference. You could make a vegetarian taco, a chocolate taco and of course, a meat filled taco. All this taco talk must make you want to eat one. So here are some taco spots that you should check out if you haven’t already. They make the most delicious tacos and you don’t have to break the bank to buy them.

First up, La Taqueria Pinche Taco. This is the spot that I would enter to celebrate National Taco Day. They have an all-day happy hour to celebrate the occasion and they are selling a taco for under four dollars. This would actually be a decent spot to take someone out on a date too.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CjTABI7Dg3n/

Second place to celebrate the day would be Gringo’s at Davie village. They have deals that are too good to be true. Corn tortilla tacos ranging from $3 to just under $5 and they have other affordable items on their menu. If you’re looking to eat a lot of food for cheap, this is the spot for you!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CcT8tVNpTnE/

Last but not least, Tocador. They have happy hour everyday and it’s from their opening time, which is 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. My advice would be to get there as soon as they open their doors and make yourself at home for two hours. Also, during the happy hours, they sell two tacos for $8 and the draft beers are $5. You have a choice of 4 types and that is more than enough to enjoy your time there. I would recommend this place if you’re looking to eat some great tasting, affordable food and drinks. It would make be the spot to catch up with some old friends.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cfw8AQMvArJ/

How are you celebrating National Taco Day?

Be careful when you buy or sell on Facebook Marketplace!

Posted on by
Reply

Three instances of theft with the help of Facebook Marketplace has given many people a reason to be cautious with buying and selling products online. All three instances were in a close time frame of each other which gave reason for authorities to believe that these instances may be linked. In one case, a 21-year old man who was selling a used phone to someone he met on Facebook Marketplace was attacked with a weapon and bear spray. He was injured and needed medical attention.

I mean how terrifying does that situation sound? I wouldn’t be surprised if he does not want to sell anything on the platform again and if he suddenly becomes a recluse, we know why. In another case, a man in his 30’s was selling 2 used phones and he was robbed by a teenage suspect. Luckily, no one was hurt in this case and that is the most important thing but it still doesn’t take away from the fact that they were robbed of their possessions.

Identity Theft

In the third case, which was the scariest of them all, a bearded man described to be in his mid 30’s met with a man selling a designer watch. Only thing is, it wasn’t much of a meeting. The man walked into a cafe, pointed a gun at the seller, took the watch and escaped in a getaway vehicle that was parked outside the cafe.

In all these cases, people used Facebook Marketplace to set up a sale and they all got screwed over. These cases should definitely make people more cautious about selling or buying products through Facebook. To air on the side of caution, Vancouver PD has suggested that people arrange to buy or sell products in front of their headquarters at 2120 Cambie St. This is an option that I would consider if I were to buy or sell something.

What everyone is thinking about Black Panther 2

Posted on by
Reply

Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever is releasing on November 11th, 2022 and fans have mixed feelings because the main actor from the first movie, Chadwick Boseman passed away from colon cancer. As the cliché goes, “The show must go on” and the second movie is soon to release without the face of the original Black Panther. Fans are still excited to see how Marvel have navigated through this hardship but they have their reservations about the change in actors. The original movie was a big hit amongst fans because it featured a predominantly black cast, which is not a common norm in superhero movies. The movie also replicated certain elements of African tribes and customs, which made it a truly unique movie as opposed to the generic superhero movies we see. Check out the trailer by Marvel for the upcoming release:

Fans are making speculations about the movie after this trailer was released. The anticipation for this movie is at an all-time high. I can predict one thing for certain. The criticism for this movie is mostly going to be unfair because the fans’ expectations are at a high standard after the first movie. After the unfortunate passing of Chadwick Boseman, fans are not going to take to the transition of protagonists easily. To be fair though, it is hard to critique a movies prequel without considering the previous movies’ standards. I am going to reserve my opinions of the movie until I have actually watched it. Going to a theatre with preconceived notions is only going to make it more challenging to enjoy the experience of watching a new movie.

https://twitter.com/drip_marvel/status/1576946797305417729

It will be hard for anyone to fill the boots of Chadwick Boseman. The man was truly an inspiration figure on and off the screen. His battle with cancer was not something he spoke much of because that was the kind of person he was. It’s going to be hard to not think of him when someone yells, “Wakanda forever.”

Time to improve your Thanksgiving recipes

Posted on by
Reply

Canadian Thanksgiving is right around the corner and every household across the nation is in planning mode for the grand feast on the day. Everyone has their own favourite part of the meal that they’re looking forward to devour. There’s the big roast turkey of course, there’s the cranberry sauce, the green bean casserole, the delicious stuffing and my personal favourite, the pumpkin pie. Now, every household has their own unique traditions and recipes passed down from family members but for those people looking to try something new for this year’s Thanksgiving, here are some recipes that will impress your loved ones and help you better your culinary skills.

Here are different mashed potato recipes that cater to everyone’s taste. Whether they like their mashed potatoes fluffy or chunky, sweet or creamy, these recipes cover it all. Also, not to mention they are super easy to follow. Check this out:

Like those? Here’s a recipe for the most delicious and easy to make green bean casserole. Personally, I would make this recipe the new Thanksgiving tradition in my household. It is simply too good to not give it a try. There are some personal seasoning choices that can make this a custom recipe so have fun with the process.

In any Thanksgiving meal, the stuffing is a crucial part that people look forward to. Eating the same stuffing year after year has to get boring and this next video is going to be a game changer. Here are four versions of stuffing that will definitely impress your loved ones.

If these recipes don’t impress your guests, I have no idea what will. Instead of stressing out about making a spectacular Thanksgiving meal for your guests, take the time to appreciate the people around your table. Even a person that’s never cooked before will not struggle to make these recipes so find a recipe you like and get cooking!

Food documentaries that will change your life!

Posted on by
Reply

Most people like to enjoy their meal while watching something on TV. For those people who cook their own food on a regular basis and just have a general passion for the culinary arts, look no further to learn about different cuisines. The following documentary series listed below will make you obsessed with all things food! There are different styles of food documentaries and the ones listed below do a fine job of connecting food and culture of different places in the world.

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown: There are a total of 12 seasons of this really cool, educational series. As the name suggests, the host, the late Anthony Bourdain travels around the world to unknown parts of the world. Anthony’s storytelling is phenomenal and his detailed research hooks the audience in a captivating fashion. Unfortunately, we will never see Anthony talk to us about food and culture ever again but we are lucky to have the work that he has left us with. A personal recommendation, is to watch the episode where he travels to Tokyo, Japan. Such an informative episode!

Street Food: This half-hour series exposes viewers to the various street food specialities of the cities that they visit. It give the viewer an authentic feel for the culture and food at these places. The show also helps viewers come up with ideas for different foods to make and experience culture through their palette.

Midnight Asia: Eat. Dance. Dream:  This show takes you along on the journey through six iconic Asian cities. They explore the food, art and culture that sets these cities apart from others.

Mark Wiens on Youtube: Mark Wiens is a food blogger who documents his experiences in different countries. He takes the viewers on the best culinary journeys of the places he visits. Here’s a recommendation. Watch his trip to Kerala, India. The whole trip is a compilation of meeting locals and eating where they usually eat. He brings authenticity to the series in tenfold.

Travel books that make you want to travel!

Posted on by
Reply

Travelling has many rewarding benefits. Learning about a new place, it’s culture, customs and traditions helps you gain a better perspective of the world. For people that are blessed to be able to travel the world, they have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a new world. Although the feeling of unfamiliarity is unsettling and a cause for anxiety, it is an opportunity to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. People who like to live vicariously through other people usually tend to be avid readers. In honour of World Tourism Day (27th September), here are some books about travel that make you feel like you’re right there with the writer:

  1. Catfish and Mandala by Andrew X. Pham: The book gives an account of a two-wheeled voyage through the landscape and memory of Vietnam. It is relatable to those people who have lived in a different country than when they were born. The book describes the feelings and thoughts of a person returning home after a long time. It describes the difference in way of life between people living in the West and the East in a relatable context.

2. The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé: A comic book series for kids and adults who are young at heart. There are 24 books that cover stories about a reporter and his dog’s experience of traveling the world together. The comic series is such a classic that they made a movie on it!

You have to read one of the books to understand why people are infatuated with the series. For people unfamiliar with the series, start by reading “Tintin in the Land of the Soviets.” I’m not even joking when I tell you that my kids are going to be well versed in the world of Tintin’s adventures.

Here’s a link to everything about Tintin: https://www.tintin.com/en/albums

If there are any more books about travel and adventure, be sure to leave a comment below so everyone is in on it!

World Tourism Day benifits!

Posted on by
Reply

September 27th is World Tourism Day and everyone can find a way to celebrate it. Even if you can’t travel anywhere today, you can still experience the day as a tourist. One way to do so, would be to go out to a spot in your city/town where tourists would go to if they were visiting you home for the first time.

This is a fun way to spend the day with your loved ones. It’s also a way to see your city from a different perspective. The perspective of a tourist. If you live in Vancouver, there are so many place to visit. Whether you enjoy a nice view or a fancy meal, Vancouver has what you’re looking for. If you know where to look.

Some places that you might considering visiting in Vancouver if you’re a tourist that relishes an amazing view are as follows:

  1. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: The park is a stunning natural beauty that everyone has to see for themselves. Tourists and citizens of Vancouver have this park on their list of must-visit places in Vancouver. You have to see it in-person for yourself to truly take in the views from the park.

 

2. Stanley Park: A bucket list activity where you get to go on a nice, long walk and learn about the historical significance of the land and at the same time, you have a scenic path to other nearby attractions.

3. Rocky Point Park: There are so many things to enjoy about this park. There’s a beautiful view of the water and there are many breweries around to enjoy with some great company. An ideal way to spend a day here is by going on a long walk around the park and then checking out the Port Moody Station Museum. Then, go brewery hoping to enjoy some different flavoured beers to wrap up the day.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is boxing another internet celebrity

Posted on by
Reply

Floyd Mayweather Jr. competed and won in a boxing exhibition match against Japan’s Mikuru Asakura. An exhibition match does not affect the professional record of a boxer. Floyd is considered to be one of the greatest boxers to ever do it, based off his professional record (50-0). Floyd’s last professional win was in 2017 against the former mixed martial arts champion, Conor Mcgregor. The fight with Conor Mcgregor is one of the most viewed boxing matches in recent history. The last fight of Floyd’s professional career created a new space in the realm of boxing for Floyd to conquer. Exhibition matches. Floyd is 45 years old and he is still competing in exhibition matches for a handsome fee. In true Mayweather fashion, he accepts the bigger risks for the bigger payday. After all, his nickname is “Money.”

One of Mayweather’s recent exhibition matches in 2021 that shocked the world was against a popular internet celebrity named Logan Paul. Paul outweighs the undefeated boxer by over 30 pounds, is taller than him by 6 inches and is 18 years younger but somehow the match still got sanctioned. Floyd evaded any real danger that Paul posed and comfortably secured his giant payday. His love for competition seems like one of the motivations behind his obsession with exhibition boxing. Certain boxing purists are not a fan of exhibition boxing because it does not feel the same as a professional bout. Floyd has cemented his legacy in the professional world of boxing by “retiring” as an undefeated boxer who faced the toughest opposition in his time. Floyd’s next opponent is another internet celebrity who is known for making youtube videos. He is fighting Deji Olatunji, who recently won his first boxing match in August. The details about the upcoming exhibition match are still coming to light but the date of the event has been confirmed. November 13th, Mayweather returns to the ring to compete in an exhibition match against an opponent that nobody expected!