Shis issue: ( A divided, but still united, kingdom (Y Shaming the pursuit of knowledge ( Don't objectify me because I’m beautiful And more! Have your voice heard! Contact: Elliot Chan, Opinions Editor M opinions@theotherpress.ca www. theotherpress.ca Raw food and nudity » Naked sushi and other gimmicky dining might not only be for acquired taste Elliot Chan Es. Opinions Editor ts, M opinions mks @theotherpress.ca oronto-based restaurant, Naked Sushi has brought— the somewhat traditional and somewhat taboo dining experience—nyotaimori to Vancouver. Critics in the feminist camp were quick to address it as “sexist,” “discriminatory,” and “gross.” Although sushi is an acquired taste for Westerners, eating it off of a naked human (usually female) body seems to go against every human custom in the world. But after hearing about the platters’ discipline— how they splash cold water on themselves to lower their body temperatures and how they stay completely still during the two- hour long experience—I’m able to see the artistic value of Naked Sushi. I don't imagine many little girls dream of being serving dishes when they grow up, the same way girls don't aspire to be strippers. However, those who do choose to pole dance would tell you that in order to perform skillfully, the dancer not only needs to be attractive, but also well-practiced, athletic, and artistic. But the question remains: would I eat sushi off of a naked human body? Yes, I would and I wouldn't even consider the five- second rule. It’s true that I might be nurturing a culture that objectifies women—after all, I would be much less inclined to eat off of a man’s torso, double- standard acknowledged—but there is nothing wrong with using natural resources. If the opportunity arises where I am invited to partake in such a unique experience, I won’t decline. Keep in mind that the models are not being mistreated, and they are willingly offering their bodies to be decorated with food. The caterers have strictly prohibited lewd acts, both physical and verbal, and sanitation is always the overriding factor. When it comes to restaurants, sultry servers have always been a key attraction for patrons. Do I know that the waitresses at Earls or Hooters get more harassing comments during their eight- hour shifts? Of course not. But would I be surprised if they do? No. Food brings people together and pulls others apart. That’s the beauty of dining: everyone has a different taste. I enjoy gimmicky restaurants, at least the idea of them. I personally get tired of the same old meal every day, so Pll take anything that allows me to refresh my senses—whether it’s just turning off the lights in Kitsilano’s Dark Table or allowing me to create art while T eat at Yaletown’s Raw Canvas. New experiences are what life is all about, and with three meals a day, there isn’t much to lose. I don't believe Naked Sushi is sexist or discriminatory or even gross, but I do believe that it’s not for everyone. After all, not everyone likes sushi. Not everyone likes nude models. Not everyone likes to break out of their comfort zone. But hey, everyone has different tastes, and that shouldn't be condemned. Robbed by karma » Rob Ford will go down as an inspiration and a caution Elliot Chan .. Opinions Editor oy M opinions mks @theotherpress.ca ob Ford—from the moment his crack-smoking images surfaced, to the outrageous sound bytes heard across the nation, to the jaywalking incident—has been a larger than life character. He’s been the butt of jokes and a resilient individual, and whether he wins his battle with cancer or not, whether he ever wins another election again or not, he will still be an inspiration to some and a caution to others. Although Ford has been diagnosed with a rare form of abdominal cancer, cancer itself is not that uncommon. The majority of us know someone who has been lost due to that disease and it can very likely : materialize within our own : bodies as well. It’s simply : something we cannot control. : Obviously nobody deserves : such an illness, not even : someone as unruly, pugnacious, : and so unwholesomely : dishonest as Ford. Nevertheless, : : as compassionate as I am, I : do believe in karma and that : the world has a funny way : of implementing justice and : reestablishing order. Ford has lived a significant : and successful life, not : necessarily one to be ashamed of. He has a wife of over 14 : mayor of Canada’s largest city : for a decade. But he also had : many unlawful incidents and : even admitted to being ina : drunken stupor now and then, : placing himself in regrettable : situations. Ford proves to many : that living the my-way-or-the- : highway style of life is better : than waiting for death. Ford did : : it big, and that didn’t happen by: : accident. He made choices, and : that is something we—in our : passive culture—often choose : not to do because of our play-it- : safe indecision. Life is supposedly full of : second chances; Ford had : many more, and still reaped the : : bounty of wealth and privilege. : : The fact that he got away with : so many potential career- and : life-threatening scenarios is worthy of recognition. It goes ; to show that whatever we feel : we have at stake, it’s not that years and two children. He was high. We should take the risk. : We should bet the house. We : should be willing to lose it all, : because we'll have nothing in : the end anyway. Ford made bad decisions and became a sideshow in : Canadian politics, but his : attitude towards life is what’s : worth noting. He didn’t back away from the limelight. He chose to leave an impression. : He wanted us to care about : the things he did, and we : did. Above all else, Ford was an entertainer, a topic of : discussion, and a snapshot of : modern times. There aren't : many like him—and that isa shame. At the end of the day, : you want to live a life with no : regrets. However, upon your : deathbed, you are more likely : to regret what you didn’t do : rather than what you did. Ford : epitomizes that theory, but not : without consequence.