Rumble + Ken Leung + Interpretations

AAIFF 2010 Round Up, Boy Bands, Kick Ass Film, Feeling Concrete, And That Random French Woman I Met

Now that I'm back home in Minneapolis, rested, sleeping in my own bed (well not now) and have gotten the majority of my pictures off my camera, here's what I've got to say on AAIFF 2010 and other random musing from my quick jaunt out to NYC.

I should note that I'm also rotating between Atmosphere's tracks "God Loves Ugly", "Lovelife" and the "Mko - Memories - Energized Vocal Remix" two of which I'm listing below.





Chill. More Chill. And Feeling Concrete

If day one in the city felt a little hurried, albeit seeing some great film - day 2 was less hurried, the gods of Subway saw it fit to not make me go anywhere I didn't intend too (and a local I was talking too told me how the weekend and current diversions even made his life hard) - and I just walked, enjoyed some great people, some kicking music, one of the best Asian American films I've seen as of late, felt the concrete beneath me with some kick ass techno, and enjoyed the city.

I Have Pictures?

So here's more random thoughts on the festival with pics (which is still going on) and let me say for the record - some of these pictures really do kind of suck - but I try people - and really - isn't that all that counts?

Maybe.



This was the key to tickets. Present your press pass and get tickets for shows you want to see. In a way, it's kind of like a magic fountain and I like magic fountains.



Is it just me or is Toyota everywhere sponsoring everything Asian American these days? I decided not to take a picture of the Prius however for two reasons. One is that I know someone with a Yaris, and two - well - you may or may not already know my history with the Prius (which I blame on the rental people and not looking at something called a manual).



I give you a picture of some of the good folks running the Toyota survey area (who also gives out tote bags btw). I don't think they really knew what to make of me and why this strange and funny looking guy in front of them wanted to take their picture however. Now we know.



When you come into AAIFF you'll be greeted by some of the nice staff/volunteers most of whom I think are under the age of 25 which only shows you that Asian American film is in good hands. And don't they just look sweet and not like they want to beat you down? This is unlike that dude in the Subway who shouted mercilessly at me that I should take the Downtown subway and that my iPhone was full of crap.



This is just some random guy that bummed a smoke off me, and since I paid $8000 for a pack of what we have to now call Marlboro Golds because apparently they're not really Lights, I'm like "Let me take your picture". If only he would have known what the cigarette really cost him...



Random Signage.



These were people who were waiting outside, which I decided to take a picture of, and if you notice the guy in the checkered shirt looking down at some object, that was iPhone 4.0. Asian people + looking at phones + film = isn't that just regular?



This is Louis who I met down as he was covering some films and who's also the Executive Director & Co-Founder of the Soho International Film Festival. Nice guy. Always moving. And extremely photogenic (even though I just snapped him without a 1-2-3).



This is the worst picture that I took of people when I was down there, but I couldn't help but post it because these two were just too cute standing side by side and when I actually said that it made the staffer on the right laugh in a hearty pirate Hello Kitty way which I know doesn't make sense, but trust me - it did happen.



People waiting outside the Interpretations Panel. It was free.



If you ever wondered what the backroom/hospitality area looks like at AAIFF - at least at this one, and at least in the CV theater - wonder no more.



This was Art. I met Art at one of the films I saw on Sunday - and let me just say this for the record. Totally kick ass MF who had a ton of great things to say on Asian America.



This is a picture of Elaine Chin who I cornered, and I say that because the ever so gracious Elaine seemed to be talking with anyone and everyone who wanted to bend her ear about the industry and by the time that I accosted her outside I think she was ready for dinner. But even then, looking to avert my semi-stalker look (because I really do have that look) she still let me bend her ear if only so I could say it was nice hearing the panel speak, be completely random, and ask if she visited any of the great recommendations people gave her on NYC food.

And just for the record, the only reason I think she actually let me take her picture - as she said she preferred to stay behind the camera - was because I used the line "But I'm kinda pathetic and geeky, and you kind of have to say yes because of that."

See my fellow uglies? We do have privileges.



These are some of the good folks who ran the CACF table after the film "The Things We Carry" (CACF also co-sponsored the film) who also confirmed for me that things in Chinatown really do close that early, and - at least this is the word on the street - the only one who really counts in this picture is the girl in the middle.

Because she gets paid.



All I have to say is that I smell boy band. In fact I think JYP should get his ass on down to AAIFF right now to sign this stunning group of kick ass guys who hammed it up for the camera and who I get the feeling really can sing (if only Milli Vanilli style).

Nice.

To The Cheeky Young Staffer

Who as I was walking out saying to my new friend Art that I would be up at the Hospitality lounge after I "feed my habit" said to me "That's a good way to put. Very eloquent." I just wanted to say thank you, because not only does it show that the staffers and volunteers at AAIFF put in their blood, sweat, and tears (especially dealing with people like me) but that they can also have a little fun doing it at the same time. And isn't what it's really about?

One Of The Best Asian American Films I've Seen As Of Late

I end up seeing a decent amount of film (among other things) and I'm just going to put out there that the movie The Things We Carry is one of the best Asian American films I've seen as of late - and one of the better films just in general that I've seen.

But more on that later as I make one final post.

Closing Thoughts On AAIFF

AAIFF is a film festival you definitely want to get out too and support if you haven't already and I say this not having been able to attend every film, every event, and every venue. They show great movies, the staffers and volunteers make sure you get to where you need too, they support great film, offer a venue for emerging productions and audiences, have cool venues and events, and if my time there was any indication - well - it's just a good time.

And To The French Woman I Met

I just wanted to say thanks...

East West Players + Hip Hop

Catch it if you can.

On Saturday, August 14th, East West Players (EWP) will kick off its 45th season with One Night Only: Hip Hop and Hot. Directed by Marilyn Tokuda with musical direction by Nathan Wang, this one night only benefit performance offers the fun and excitement of a night of watching some of southern California’s best dance crews and performers live and in person!

“Over the years, East West Players has showcased some of the best Asian American acting and musical theatre talent. Our One Night Only fundraiser gives us the opportunity to highlight Asian American talent ranging from hip hop dance crews to breakdancers,” says Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang. “We want to show that Asian Americans can dance and breakdown the stereotypes. These performances will match the level of entertainment that EWP is known for and will leave you wanting more.”

Performances by dance crew Velvet Nation, soulful singer Sue Jin, and beatbox crew Fresh Beats Inc!.

Velvet Nation, a Los Angeles born one-of-a-kind-Janet Jackson Impersonator show, hails from Hollywood and was created by dance industry professionals: Ryyn Chua and Raymond Stover. Led by Stover (as Janet Jackson) followed by his “nation”, featuring prominent dancers in the entertainment industry, Velvet Nation performs with unparalleled energy and authenticity. Chua and Stover are meticulous in reconstructing the original choreography to create an atmosphere that is nearly identical to Miss Jackson's very best moments.

Sue Jin is an inspirational figure in the world of Asian American Artists. After graduating in 2005 with a BA degree in Anthropology from UCLA, she decided to pursue her passion for music. Since then, she has performed throughout Los Angeles and Hollywood, been a featured artist for numerous university events, appeared on MTV's My Own, and was a top 10 finalist for Asian American Popstar. Drawing elements from Alicia Keys, India Arie, Joss Stone, Jill Scott, Ella Fitzgerald, Evanescence, and the legendary Stevie Wonder, she has developed her raw talent and made it acoustic soul. For more information, check out her website: www.myspace.com/suejinmusic.

Fresh Beats Inc! is a beatbox crew that was formed in January 2009. The crew members consist of Beat Rhino, KayG, Q-Flush and Airickq. The crew performs as individual artists as well as a group. They have performed in Kiwins Club Distric Convention Talent Show (won 1st place), Miles of Styles Bboy Jams, and an OCC club fundraiser. They’ve also co-hosted and organized Orange County’s first official beatbox competition with Irvine’s Youth Action Team. Besides beatboxing, KayG raps and is planning to produce a mixtape. Airickq and Beat Rhino are working towards becoming a DJ and beat producer, respectively. For the future, Fresh Beats Inc! aims to perform more frequently and promote beatboxing as a legitimate type of music.

Additional talent to be confirmed.

One Night Only: Hip Hop and Hot will be held on Saturday, August 14th, 2010 at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts located at 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. The event starts at 6:00pm with a hosted bar and reception, continues with the performance at 7:30pm, and concludes with a raffle drawing and dessert reception. One Night Only: Hip Hop and Hot is a benefit performance, and all proceeds will go toward East West Players’ arts and education programs. Various levels of sponsorships are available ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Single tickets are $250 for VIP, $100 in the orchestra and $60 in the balcony. For more information on sponsorship and tickets, visit www.eastwestplayers.org, contact the Development Manager Lisa Tang at ltang@eastwestplayers.org or call (213) 625-7000 x17.

Ten Transracial Asian American Blogs

I haven't read through a lot of these - although 365 Days Of Being Single really caught my attention because it's kinda like a k-drama - and many chosen in part simply because of them being up to date - because that tells us something - but who's really checking right?

Because a list is still a list.

• 365 Days of Being Single
• Harlow's Monkey
• Heart, Mind and Seoul
• Jane's Blog
• On The Other Side Of The Eye
• Braving the Arirang...
• Lee Herrick
• 신 선 영 Sun Yung Shin
• When I Touch the Land in Korea
• Yoon's Blur

Yes. Yes it is.

Jeremy Lin Goes To LA?

This is mixed news for me down at ESPN - Jeremy Lin who I've pondered on before - might be making it into the NBA after all - which is spectacular.

Although it might be for the Lakers.

Really? Really Really?

Thank goodness I didn't put in for that transfer to LA because then I'd have to wonder somehow, if a small part of me would have to be Lakers' fan?

Actually I hear there are plenty of Celtics bars in the area...

"We're just trying to sort out the best roster fit, the best situation for Jeremy, but we're highly considering the Lakers," Montgomery said in a phone interview Monday. Montgomery said the Lakers aren't the only team vying for Lin, with the Mavericks and an unnamed Eastern Conference team also in the mix. Added Montgomery: "As of late there are a few more players involved as well." [...] The California native (Lin won a state championship at Palo Alto High School) turned heads last week in a summer league matchup against the Washington Wizards and No. 1 pick John Wall. Lin scored 13 points to Wall's 21, but did so on 6-for-12 shooting in just 28 minutes.

Like I said earlier - the ball don't lie.

The People I've Slept With Is Coming To NYC, LA, & SF!

Got some word sent in from Koji Steven Sakai that the film "The People I've Slept With" is getting released in theaters in New York, Los Angeles, and San Fransisco this August and September - so if you haven't seen it - or even if you have (because you can always bring some friends) - make sure to get on out and support the movie.

People Pictures is proud to announce the New York theatrical release of The People I’ve Slept With, directed by Quentin Lee (Ethan Mao, Shopping with Fangs) and written by Koji Steven Sakai. The film is self-distributed by People Pictures and will open exclusively August 13, 2010 at Clearview Chelsea Cinemas in New York.

"I am thrilled to be opening The People I’ve Slept With in New York at the Clearview Chelsea Cinemas. It's an indie filmmaker's dream come true,” says director Quentin Lee. “With the film closing the New York International Asian American Film Festival, I believe many New Yorkers will enjoy and support the adventures of the film’s heroine.”

The People I’ve Slept With is a sexy, romantic story about Angela (Karin Anna Cheung of Better Luck Tomorrow), a young woman with a zealously active sex life, who after every sexual conquest, makes keepsake “baseball cards” of each of her male conquests. One day, Angela finds out she is pregnant and begins a quest to find the identity of the father. Together with her gay, best friend and co-worker Gabriel (Wilson Cruz of He’s Just Not That Into You, My So-Called Life), the two go on a comical and raunchy hunt through her past hook-ups and dates to find her “baby daddy.” But as Angela peels back the layers of her frisky past, she begins to realize that the answers she is looking for, reveal themselves in surprising ways.

Featuring a sparkling and daring performance by Karin Anna Cheung (Better Luck Tommorow), The People I’ve Slept With co-stars Archie Kao (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), Lynn Chen (Lakeview Terrace, Saving Face) and screen legend James Shigeta (Flower Drum Song, The Crimson Kimono). The film has found strong support with sold out festival screenings including Hawaii International Film Festival, San Francisco Int’l Asian American Film Festival, Outfest Fusion, along with being selected as the official Closing Night Presentation of the upcoming 2010 New York Asian American Film Festival on July 21. The film is set to open theatrically in Los Angeles at Laemmles Sunset 5, August 27 and San Francisco at the VIZ CINEMAS, September 3.

Cool.

Random Musical Note

I popped in an old DVD with music videos and what do I get?

Björk.



Sweet sweet ducky lady.

See White On Rice (On Demand, iTunes, And Amazon)

I missed this movie completely at the festivals I've been too so far - and I just got something sent in my way that you can still catch it on Comcast and Time Warner Cable up until July 31st - cool huh? At the same time, you can also get it on iTunes and Amazon, and...wait...how about I just give you the list.

• Comcast
• Time Warner Cable
• Cox
• Charter
• Verizon
• Cablevision
• DIRECTV VOD
• DISH IPVOD
• RCN
• Insight
• Mediacom
• Bresnan
• Suddenlink
• Videotron (Canada)
• Cogeco (Canada)
• Shaw (Canada)
• Telus (Canada)
• Amazon VOD
• Microsoft X-Box
• Sony Playstation
• Apple iTunes

It's A Cemetary + Picnic. How Can You Not Want To Indulge Yourself

Nice. Kinda creepy. But still nice.

Twilight Heritage Celebration
Saturday, July 24, 2010 from 6:00pm-10:30pm

Bring a picnic and a blanket and come enjoy this 30 acre arboretum in the heart of SE Portland while learning about the City of Portland Urban Forestry program and the Lone Fir Pioneer Cemetery. Visit the three heritage trees being dedicated by Commissioner Fish: the lone Douglas fir for which the cemetery was named, the General Lane maple, and a 100-ft-tall cedar. Metro Council President David Bragdon invites you to stay and enjoy featured artists from the Lone Fir Cemetery CD “Dearly Departed” and then watch the screening of the documentary “Come Together Home” by Ivy Lin. Come learn about the early Chinese settlers and rail workers who were interned and later disinterred at Lone Fir Cemetery and the plans for a memorial park on the sacred site known as Block 14.

Schedule of Events:

6:30-7pm Heritage tree dedication
7pm – 8:45pm live music, tours & entertainment
9pm – 10:30 pm "Come Together Home" screening

The K-Town Reality TV Cast (And Video Does Not Lie)

All I know is that I will watch this whenver, and wherever I can see it - and what I find interesting about some of the coverage - like from Chicago Now's Pop Buzz! blog is that they actually say "The show features 4 boys and 4 girls living and partying together in Koreatown, Los Angeles. And I have to admit that The Situation has nothing on body builder and rumored porn star Peter Le. Seriously, are all these people models?

You Koreans. Always getting the limelight with your good looks, hot tempers, and love of drinking...and being semi-nude - wait a second - you will make an exceptional Reality TV show.

Cast above includes: Young Lee, Joe Cha, Peter Le, Steve Kim, Jennifer Field, Scarlet Chan, Violet Kim, and Jasmine Chang.

Here's the TMZ Video

I Give You Summer Of Pork Filled Players

From my inbox and now on to you and let's just hope summer lasts a little longer and if you're out in Seattle - well - you can always use a little more pork.

Summer! Finally! And some news from the Pork Filled Players, Seattle's oldest sketch comedy group!

New Video from PFP

PFP has just released a new video of our piece, Matchmakers, from our last show. If you're part of our group, Pork Filled Phans, on Facebook, you've caught it...If not, here it is on YouTube:



Check it out and pass it along!

See Kindred Spirits, by PFP Head Writer, Maggie Lee!

A full length, honest to goodness play from PFP's head writer!

Henrietta is a sensible young woman who knows better than to believe in ghosts. But when she moves into the Campbell Manor, she soon discovers that the lonely old house happens to be truly haunted, in more ways than one. Blending together both paranormal mystery and wry, bittersweet comedy, KINDRED SPIRITS is a modern ghost story that explores the haunting power of love and memory, shedding new light on the restless spirits from the past that we can never let go.

Don't miss this World Premiere staging of the new play by Seattle playwright, Maggie Lee. Directed by David Hsieh. Starring Ashton Hyman, Hana Lass*, May Nguyen, Joel Putnam, and Walayn Sharples.

* Member Actors Equity Association

Stage Managed by Monica Finney
Production Designed by David Hsieh
Costumes Designed by Christine Meyers
Lighting Designed by Evan Merriman Ritter
Sound Designed by Roger Tang

NOTE: No one under 5 years old will be admitted.

Start Time: Friday, July 16, 2010 at 8:00pm
End Time: Sunday, August 8, 2010 at 10:00pm
Location: Richard Hugo House
Street: 1634 Eleventh Avenue
City/Town: Seattle, WA

Tickets available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/112181 (priced from $6 to $12 online).

Random First Impressions: AAIFF 2010

This was a random trip for me out to AAIFF - since I don't really utilize the press passes people send my way as much as I should ('cause that involves lots of traveling for me) I was like what the hell - lets pack a backpack and head on out, cause the last time I was out in NYC was for KAFFNY, which was a kicking festival, and before that - years - like a decade.

Oh NYC.

How I loathe and semi-like thee at the same time.

Subways with construction, a cornucopia of little side streets of food and people, the clusterfuck that is Times Square - which has the slowest Starbucks ever btw (because how long does it really take to make an iced coffee? It's coffee + ice. It's not a smoothie) - and just for the record - I didn't actually want to get to Times Square (the Gods Of The Subways Of Construction just happened to will me there).

At this point in the post - because I am dead tired and I really don't know what I'm typing - I'm just going to give a shout out to the Tokyo Subway System and scrap booking (and I can't really tell you about the latter, because that'll just get me thrown into jail even though really, it would be false imprisonment but that's a story for actually, never?).

But This All Has Nothing To Do With Anything

So instead I give you my thoughts on AAIFF so far (whom I'd like to thank for giving me a press pass so I can get into free movies which gives me an excuse to write posts like this).

One other quick note is that while I've taken a picture or two of people - some which are exceptionally horrendous because apparently in some lighting my camera is possessed by Glenn Beck - you get no accompanying photos in this post. But have no fear. My camera, nor I, have any shame whatsoever, so once I get back to what I sometimes like to refer to as my cave of masturbation, I will post pictures.

And without further ado.

• I almost thought I was going to have to get in the middle of an East Coast West Coast War at the Interpretations Panel when the topic came up on NY versus CA for filmmaking and getting your actor vibe on. I thought it was going to come to fisticuffs. Really.
• Who'd a thunk it, but I didn't actually want to touch Ken Leung. I thought when I saw him I might want to poke him or blow him soft kisses and make eyes at him, or at least try to grab some ass just to say "I grabbed Ken Leung's ass", but nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zippo. I bet it's firm though.
• If there was nothing else here that I did except see the film Yang Yang I'd be fine with that because it was just that good.
• Seriously - and you can take this however you want because we all know I'm an ugly MF and you can't always trust the words of The Ugly - but there are just too many outstandingly good looking people that come to this film festival. I can't really say that about the bar I went too down in Chinatown - but AAIFF - if you haven't grabbed a ticket just to be surrounded by good looking people and support some great film - I just don't know if you really like yourself.

And that's my random short thoughts on AAIFF 2010 for right now (because I'm just waking up to finish this from last night).

More later complete with bad pictures.

You Are Here: AAIFF

Well you may not be, but you could be, and that's all that matters - and there's some great film and panels to be had - so if you have nothing to do and want to support some Asian and Asian American film - you know what to do.

All the way through Monday (get your tix now) and hit the sidebar to check out the site and see what's playing this weekend.

And I'm Off To See The Wizard

Yup. It has been quiet over the last few days in part because it's summer, I'm working my ass to the bone, and - well - now I'm off the see the Wizard AKA...kicks ass films.

Updating you as you wish I actually were - which doesn't really make a ton of sense - but does it really matter?

No.

No it does not.

Rotten Tomatoes Worst Of The Worst That I Actually Kind Of Liked

I was talking with a friend a few days ago and asked the question of movies that kind of sucked but that they really couldn't help but liking, and I thought to myself (as I was asked the question back) that I really need a measuring stick of what is considered a bad movie (because I think many films have redeeming qualities).

So I've decided to go on out to the Rotten Tomatoes list of the Worst Of The Worst from 2000-2009 and post up a few films on that list that apparently I didn't think were actually that bad.

Judge me all you'd like. Make your assumptions. But remember:

Everyone is beautiful in their own way.

Glitter



Honestly, I kind of blame k-drama that I liked this movie, and I can't really even tell you the full storyline anymore, but I just remember that I kind of have a fond place for it in my heart because after I got done watching it I said to myself "I don't think it sucks that bad."

Good Luck Chuck



I just think there're a lot of people who are a little jealous of Jessica Alba and that's really all I want to say about this specific choice.

Code Name: The Cleaner



In all honesty, I can't remember one damn thing about this movie whatsoever. But I did watch it in full. And I did laugh. And I don't think it could have been that bad could it have? I might have to watch this one again.

One Missed Call (Remake)



For the sake of argument, let's call my other picks iffy. I'm not backing down on this one, because this remake wasn't actually that bad and I don't understand why it gets such a bad rap. Watch the original of this and the original The Eye, and then watch each of the remakes - and while I have to give something (if only because "Glitter" is on this list) - in the world of remakes - this one wins.

The LXD: Robot Lovestory

NewsBytes

From around the way:

Dealing with Asian Parents When You’re Gay

It’s inevitable when you’re gay and Asian. It’s almost guaranteed you’ll disappoint your parents when they find out you’re queer. The question for most gay Asian children is how to lessen the blow. This problem is universal, whether you’re gay and Asian in the U.S., Canada, Asia, or elsewhere in the world. To get around this problem you could always try the “fake marriage” solution that The Wedding Banquet used, but it’s less than ideal and fraught with problems as the movie showed. On the other hand if you decide to come out to your parents, it’s likely they will ignore your pronouncement and insist you still need to get married and have children.

Take Our Jobs!

To address that one anti-immigrant sentiment that refuses to die: “Illegal immigrants take away jobs that belong to Americans”, UFW (United Farm Workers – founded by Cesar Chavez) has extended an offer that will make you put your money where your mouth is [...]

My Dad, The Vagina Man

Thank God my dad is a doctor. And not just any doctor – he’s a lady’s man, Delivery Daddy, King of Pap. Yup, he’s an OBGYN. And this morning, when I felt an awful burning sensation when urinating, I knew it was time to call dad to phone-in a UTI prescription at my drive-through Walgreens. No waiting for a doctor’s appointment for me!

"the chink in the china trade"

Saw this uploaded on FAIL Blog: Cultural Sensitivity Fail. This unfortunate screen shot comes from this Bloomberg video about Google's bid to keep its internet license in China. Yay for that, but whoever came up with that caption, "THE CHINK IN THE CHINA TRADE" is a friggin' idiot.

Eat, Pray, Merch: You Can Buy Happiness, After All

Cultural provocateur and sex academic Camille Paglia made the case in the NY Times recently that American women don’t have sex any more because of our middle class values and the cultural movements we’ve experienced over the last 100 years or so, with one exception: “Only the diffuse New Age movement, inspired by nature-keyed Asian practices, has preserved the radical vision of the modern sexual revolution.” (Which may explain why the “pray” portion preceded the “love” portion in Gilbert’s book, and why those two parts took place in Asian countries, India and Indonesia, respectively. Which means, no stereotypes here, they haven’t run out of sex or spirituality in Asia yet–phew!)

Toward a Post-Tool Society

On my most frequently used freeway exit -- which is perpetually backed up -- I always glance to my left and see a big yellow sign that reads: POST TOOL. I Googled it and it turns out it is exactly what it sounds like: a store that sells professional tools for contractors and hardcore home improvement enthusiasts. It has nothing to do with the colloquial definition of "tool," which is synonymous with "asshole," "douchebag," or "jerk-off." We all know a tool or two or 100. You may be a tool, yourself. We're all familiar with tools.

Warning: The following comedy clip is extremely fobby

It took me a couple of years of living in the US before I really got the humor of The Simpsons and Family Guy, so maybe we’ll be able to starting acquainting our non-fob fans with our sense of humor!

Q&A with Fair and Kind's Anand Subramanian

Recently, I interviewed Anand via email for MTV Iggy and thought I’d share an excerpt with you Sepia folks - first because we’ve blogged about them before and second since the two will be performing at UNIFICATION 2010, in August, an event I’m working on in collaboration with BROWNSTAR and hope to see you many of you attend.

And VietChannel It Is

If you've been wondering where I've been getting some of these slick ass Viet Pop videos from - wonder no more - it's called VietChannel. Kind of sporadic, but full of V goodness not all of which I'll ever post, because just like everything else, I really do have standards - but take off your hat to the crew down there for making it easy to find some kicking pop and a good place to get familiar with some fresh faces without having to wade through - well - everything.

I Like It: Oracle VM VirtualBox + Snow Leopard

For anyone that wants to run some Mac OS X but can't help but love their Windows machines - there's a nice tutorial down at Lifehacker.com on using Oracle's VirtualBox to run Snow Leopard.

My Trip To B & N (AKA Books On Floor)

Even though I don't really read I can't help but like bookstores. There's just something about having some coffee, laughing at a Tori Spelling book, finding a good deal on something I didn't know existed but suddenly wanted, and sometimes seeing if anyone really cares if I take merchandise into the bathroom (it's kinda 50/50 btw).