Monkey Lounge

The Collapse of The American Dream Explained in Animation

2012-01-29T11:42:00.000-08:00

President Obama's Lunar New Year Message

2012-01-20T08:56:00.000-08:00

Class Warfare by Politibro

2012-01-02T14:17:00.000-08:00

Politigrinch still pissed off.

West Coast Port Blockage 12.12.11

2011-12-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

Very clever reference to the Star War's Empire Strike Back film, and particularly the usage of the Empire walkers in the silhouette. Rumor has it George Lucas got the walker idea from seeing the cranes at Oakland's port.

Dear John (The Pepper Spray Song) - UC Davis Occupy Wall Street Lt. John...

2011-11-26T16:57:00.000-08:00

Full Video of UC Davis Peaceful Demonstration that Went So Very Wrong

2011-11-24T11:38:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for the brave individuals that put everything on the line to fight for what is right for the many. Happy Turkey Day.

UC Davis Students at Center of Revolution

2011-11-21T19:56:00.000-08:00

I am a professor at UC Davis. Nothing makes me more proud than faculty, students and staff coming together to fight for accessible education. More on the movement later.

Politibro has a Beef with Mormons

2011-11-20T13:45:00.000-08:00

Triump the Comic Dog Visits Occupy Wall Street

2011-11-04T13:52:00.000-07:00

November 5th is SWITCH YOUR BANK DAY

2011-11-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

Another way to stick it to the Fat Cats -- SWITCH YOUR BANK.

Begin by checking out possible credit unions.

Fighting the 1% in the Safety of Own Home

2011-11-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

Oakland Strike

2011-11-04T13:39:00.001-07:00

Oakland Did Wrong

2011-10-25T22:41:00.000-07:00

Tonight Oakland police officers tear gassed and pushed out peaceful occupants from the 99% movement. This is so very wrong and I'm ashamed of Mayor Quan's decision to oppress the demonstrators. We should be a model for the nation of striking against generations of injustice instead of this. AGGRRRR!

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/10/25/BAUB1LLTC9.DTL&ao=all

Politibro Breaks Down Herman Cain's Appeal

2011-10-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

X-Factor USA

2011-10-19T00:46:00.000-07:00

I usually do not watch reality talent shows. Having witnessed a few "American Idol" episodes nearly turned me off for life. I simply did not think there was talent there. But, alas, I was roped into watching "X Factor" this season and I'm surprised to report I'm slightly hooked.

Maybe because I like the reunion of the snarky Simon Cowell and loopy Paula Abdul. More so, I like that the singing contest is open to anyone between 12 to infinity. You're never too old or young to have a dream, right? Which leads me to my two favorites so far who are coincidentally the youngest and oldest contestants, Rachel Crow and Leroy Bell, respectively.

That Rachel is just a bundle of sweetness and confidence, not to mention that soulful voice. Coming from poverty, the girl, already has plenty of sadness and determination to draw inspiration -- even at the tender age of 13.

LeRoy Bell

Oh, and Mr. Bell...Mr. Bell. I know he has a alluring voice but I almost don't hear anything when I see him with his beautiful face and unbeatable style. That is one HOT 60-year-old. I don't know if they would take it all, but my vote is one of them will win.

I am also fond of Krajcik's voice but he doesn't look like a star. Tolliver just exudes pop diva but unfortunately she does not have voice to match. If only we could blend Krajcik's talent with Tolliver's look, wowza!

Krajcik

Tolliver

As much as I like these foks, I don't care for the singing or sob stories of the other contestants. Least of all is crybaby Francis who begs to be advanced with more emotion than her melodramatic performances. I also am so over Rene and his 5 month of sobriety. He's really not that talented either.

Who are your choices?

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

2011-10-06T12:28:00.001-07:00

More on how this man changed my life later...

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=steve+jobs&start=378&um=1&hl=en&client=safari&sa=N&rls=en&biw=1176&bih=697&tbm=isch&tbnid=5gN7x_p_Ulg04M:&imgrefurl=http://www.smashiphone.net/who-is-steve-jobs-biography-photos&docid=JQWLKJBgw9D8nM&w=520&h=382&ei=6gCOTpn6DuWJsQK7mPDJAQ&zoom=1&chk=sbg&iact=rc&dur=429&page=25&tbnh=145&tbnw=193&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:10,s:378&tx=21&ty=9

2011-09-30T09:08:00.001-07:00

Another example of our country's propensity for historical amnesia.

Do you remember about why we entered Iraq and Afghanistan? If so, did we find what we were looking for? If so, why are still there?

Republicans are Out of Touch

2011-09-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

Republicans are showing us again how incredibly out of touch they are with average Americans. Last week Tea Party Louisiana congressman, John Fleming, lamented that he barely support his family consisting of his wife and two kids on 400k (after taxes) a year. Tragic, right?

Well now, the U.S. is facing another government shutdown due to Republicans not wanting to fund FEMA while Democrats insists it's essential. Wow! How out of touch do you have to be not to remember that just last month hurricane Irene hit most of the East Coast? Well, at least the Republicans are consistently and increasing stupid. Perfect for the upcoming elections.

http://www.twylah.com/cnnbrk/topics/irene

No Peace for Troy Davis

2011-09-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

Like many Americans, I'm disturbed and saddened at the news of Troy Davis' execution yesterday, September 21, 2011. Reports show that his case was faulty and new evidence present "reasonable doubt." But even after an outpouring of support for clemency by political leaders, stars and every day people, Georgia still went ahead with the execution.

Surprisingly, I do not dwell on the death of this one individual. My main thought is, why the outrage for this one man when the U.S. remains one of the few nations in the world that still has the death penalty. Why so shocked when yet another black man gets injected when the justice system is racist, biased and classist? For example, Blacks are only 12% of the population but 35% of those executed. It's not because Blacks are naturally violent, okay? Simply put, there were hundreds of Troy Davises before and there will be a multitude of Troy Davises after.

But, hypothetically, even if the justice system was color blind (and I'm not naive enough to believe so, but let's just say it is), would you be for the death penalty? If you say no, would your mind change if let's say, this person kidnapped, rapped and murdered your child? Tough questions, right? And honestly, who knows how we'd answer unless we are faced with these situations in real life.

That said, I personally do not believe in the death penalty. Not that I don't think certain beasts on our society should be eradicated in the most "eye-for-an-eye" manner. No, some members of the human race are inhumane and may well deserve to die to protect us all. However, I still don't believe in the death penalty, and here's why:

1. Our justice system is not just nor fair (racism, sexism, classism...)
2. Humans make human errors (as witnesses, scientists...)
3. I'm unclear what punishment would fit the crime.

Before I can even consider the death penalty, I have to be okay with how people are incarcerated and convicted in the first place. The prison industrial complex is nothing more than capitalism gone wrong. So, there's no accident that the "criminals" are more numerous, younger and darker.

Then I have to know beyond a shadow of a doubt the person's guilt. We just don't have the science to determine that now. So, we have many guilty running free and many innocent locked up. How do I determine the punishment if I am uncertain the prisoner indeed committed the crime?

But, let's say, the evidence is overwhelming and the suspect admits to the crime. Even then I don't believe s/he should die. What would constitute a just punishment? Would it be to do unto him/her what s/he did unto others? Is it being locked up in solitary confinement until death, or hard labor the rest of their days? There is no perfect resolution is there. As for Troy Davis yesterday, there is no justice nor peace. What are your thoughts?

http://thejosevilson.com/2011/09/18/and-justice-for-all-troy-davis-must-be-freed/

Lynch Renigglican Uncle Toms

2011-09-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

Why aren't more people of color outraged about this topic? Really, no one should be a Republican.

DWTS Season 13

2011-09-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

I came to the DWTS fanship sort of late, but I'm a diehard now. I wrote much more on season 11 because of the controversial figures like Bristol Palin. Also, they had horrendous dancers like The Situation and Michael Bolton. Not to mention they got rid of viable contenders early like my fav comedian, Margaret Cho.

Season 12 I didn't write anything because it lacked drama. I liked all the dancers and found their stories compelling. Hines, the Afroasian god, won as he should have. That ass, that cuban movement, I drooled.

So, we are here at Season 13. There's controversy even before opening night.

Chaz Bono, arguably the most visible transgender "celebrity" is a contestant. Carson is openly gay, and Ricki Lake is a gay icon of sorts. Pretty exciting. I even like that obnoxious brat, Rob Kardashian, who's teamed with my fav pro, Cheryl Burke. Basically I don't want anyone to go home though I would not mind if some go home earlier than others.

I'll say Chynna Philips and Nancy Grace will go home early due to unpopularity. Kristin Cavallari, Elisabetta Canalis, Metta and Carson Kressley will go home eventually due to lack of skills. J.R. Martinez has a great story and awesome moves, so he'll be around. David Arquette and Chaz Bono may stay a while too due to star power and notoriety respectively. Personally, I would like to see Hope Solo stay a while because I really dig her chemistry with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, my fav male pro. Come on, why would you eliminate a babe that asks Maksim if he wants to feel her muscles.

Ultimately I think Ricki Lake may take it all. She has grace, musicality and performance experience. Oh, and partnering with two time champion, Derek Hough, doesn't hurt. Plus, she really wants it, you can tell. That's my early prediction anyway. Looking forward to this exciting season of DWTS. Who are your favs?

http://abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/team-hope-solohttp://www.google.com/imgres?q=ricki+lake+dwts&um=1&hl=en&client=safari&sa=N&rls=en&biw=1217&bih=761&tbm=isch&tbnid=8mHYqp3u4pJUtM:&imgrefurl=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/09/ricki-lake-injured-at-dancing-with-the-stars-rehearsal-completely-fine.html&docid=Xu2uk0zzpwgahM&w=300&h=374&ei=gV15TseRG9DciAKcl6zSDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=840&vpy=116&dur=1727&hovh=251&hovw=201&tx=96&ty=150&page=1&tbnh=125&tbnw=96&start=0&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:0

DADT Repealed!

2011-09-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

Congrats to our country for showing some humanity by repealing the Don't Ask Don't Tell military policy that essentially discriminated our fighting men and women based on their sexual orientation. I have been waiting for this day since Clinton first spoke of an open-minded military during his premiere run for the White House. Ya, very overdue but I could not be happier Obama finally signed it into affect today. At least that's one promise Obama can finally check off, but there's many more to address.

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=dadt+repeal&um=1&hl=en&client=safari&sa=N&rls=en&biw=1250&bih=784&tbm=isch&tbnid=GDsr_HXhAPpH3M:&imgrefurl=http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/03/23/Pentagon_Meets_with_DADT_Repeal_Advocates/&docid=iyBAlBi8Q52RlM&w=390&h=285&ei=lSF5TpWqN4PhiAKc_7WuDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=948&vpy=447&dur=597&hovh=192&hovw=263&tx=181&ty=110&page=1&tbnh=145&tbnw=188&start=0&ndsp=23&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:0

Obama, Niggah Go Off!

2011-09-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

Politibro speaks the truth!

Haters will Hate

2011-08-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

It's human nature to hate. We'll always find something to discriminate. "Your shirt is bluer than mine," kind of differentiations, let alone, "You believe in Allah, I believe in Hesus."

Check out what Jamiroquai has to say about it.

Google + vs Facebook

2011-08-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

I have a confession, I'm a tech ho. Translation, whatever new tech device comes out, I gots to have it. If I cannot afford it, like the latest ipad, I'll drool over it and hate those who have it. This includes whatever is the latest and greatest on the Net. So, when Google +, google's social network, arrived, I all but abandoned Facebook.

So, here are the reasons why I prefer G+ over FB.
First off, it's not overblown with everyone and their mother just yet. I don't get a strange friend request from a Jr. High ex, for example. In fact, I'll never get a "friend request" on G+ but you can add, block and stalk whomever you want. Until they block you, of course.
It will take a while before the Facebook minions join Google + to make it a viable international social network, but that is okay with me. I like that I can hang out with the "cool kids" (not the quarterback/cheerleader variety, but more like the geek turned CEO katrillionaire/hipster kind), before word really gets out and everyone else joins.

But, until then, the other great thing about G+ is their "circles". These social circles that include "family," "friends," can also be customized to have "friendemies" or "guys I'd like to date" -- whatever your heart desires. So, when you post a racy comment, you do not have to worry that your current or future employer will hold you to every nasty word you wrote. Only those in your specified circle, like "freaks," will read it.

Having some privacy is nice. Owning this privacy is even nicer. FB owns everything you write and every image you post. G+ owns absolutely none of this. Okay, let's not be naive, G+ owns everything, or at least at a price or when the government forces their hand they can. But, in theory and in writing, they do not own you.

So, for these reasons, I am moving on to G+ and weaning from FB. What are your plans?

Obama is a Republican Mole

2011-07-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

I write this entry not knowing if blogger will mysteriously delete it or not like they did with my previous posting, "Obama Got Osama." There I point the middle finger at Bush's administration for their war crimes. Here I plan to give Obama a tongue lashing.

The news in recent weeks state that the U.S. need to lift this so-called "debt ceiling" in order for us to pay our bills internationally and not default (causing increased interest rates, not to mention losing our reputation as an economic powerhouse -- smirk). Apparently raising the debt ceiling is routine and every president has done so with the exception of Harry S. Truman. Reagan raised it 17 times, Bush Sr. 5, Clinton 4, and Bush W. 7 times. The Republicans that control the House will not vote to raise the debt ceiling again unless they can get what they want. So, what do they want? Best I can decipher, Republicans want the following:

1. To totally humiliate Obama and keep him from any political victory.

2. Not raise taxes for the very rich in America.

3. Continue to subsidize corporations, especially gas conglomerates.

4. Cut social programs that benefit the: very poor like medicare, very old like social security, ill like Obamacare, future like education.

So, where is our liberal President to save the day (crickets...)? I have been saying all along that Democrats are a bunch of gutless imbeciles that cow tow to the bullying Republicans even when the Democrats ran the House, Senate and had the presidency. I use to think that, but now I also think our fearless leader is a planted mole. How else can I make sense of the current series of events?

Realistically, the president would ideally propose and stick to a balanced economic plan of budget cuts as well as raising revenues. Well, I'm guessing ideally IDEALLY, he'd want many more government sponsored programs to increase employment and spending ala Great Deal. But instead of saying, "eff you Republicans and Tea baggers, I'm doing the right thing for America," Obama has said he'd support the Republican friendly Ried plan that allows for a debt ceiling increase but no raised taxes. Obama calls for compromise, but what kind of "compromise" includes hurting the most vulnerable while supporting the very rich?

I'm sickened and disheartened. As much as I criticize the president, I do so with the sincere hope that he will wake up one day and act like a leader. All this talk of "compromise" is no more than a Republican in Obama clothing. Just be what the American people voted you into office for, Mr. President.

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=debt+ceiling&um=1&hl=en&client=safari&sa=N&rls=en&tbm=isch&tbnid=eQcNDo_2wDc6yM:&imgrefurl=http://arcticcompass.blogspot.com/2011/07/debt-ceiling-raise-it-higher.html&docid=5dJIIbHMRxFaLM&w=400&h=303&ei=gGcvTs2_KcjdiAL1ruUr&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=792&vpy=209&dur=374&hovh=195&hovw=258&tx=151&ty=107&page=1&tbnh=126&tbnw=168&start=0&ndsp=16&ved=1t:429,r:14,s:0&biw=1237&bih=587

Obama Got Osama

2011-05-01T22:12:00.000-07:00

Bijou Has Been Lost Three Years This Week

2011-04-04T23:43:00.000-07:00

...and I still think of her every day.

This was the last footage we had of her before she was taken from us.

More about her disappearance, click here.

To view reward flyer click here.

Victim Fantasy - How the Bully Fell

2011-03-22T00:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, I will admit it, I was not the "bully" in grade school. What, surprising? Well, it's true. Instead kids bullied me and I never retaliated because aside from fear of being bashed, my family taught me to always take the high road. Engaging in any physical altercation equated uncivil behavior and not becoming of a good Vietnamese girl.

Even though I dutifully walked away from fights, often consumed with humiliation and shame for not sticking up for myself, I harbored many fantasies of being and acting differently. I dreamt of offensives that included witty remarks followed by kick ass Bruce Lee moves. I would become the instant hero!

Needless to say, my fantasies never materialized. However, recently in Australia, for one lonely boy, it did. Picked on for years because of his weight, 15 year old Casey Heynes finally had it and "snapped." He body dropped his tormentor, Richard Gale, while a student captured it on a mobile phone video. The footage was uploaded on youtube immediately and the rest is Internet viral history. Watch below the interview with Casey.

Notice the only person that remotely stood up for Casey was a girl who held off the bully's friends to give time for Casey to make his escape. Richard Gale was also interviewed. See below.

Maybe I watch too much "Lie to me," but shifty eyes is a telling sign. Nothing is more pathetic than to play the victim. In any case, it just feels good when in a rare instance, the bully gets his.

http://www.immedium.com/products/julieblackbelt.html

Nuclear Disaster 101 for the Poo Poo Heads

2011-03-21T22:58:00.001-07:00

With the tragic 9.0 earthquake in Japan, so many thoughts arise. How, why, is this a precursor to 2012? Birds dropping from the skies, fish dying in the millions...But, then my concerns go back to the people of Japan as they struggle to rebuild. Most notably, I worry about the condition of the four nuclear plants and its short/long term affects on the people. So, here's a quick and cute lesson on the situation.

Beating Racism with a Funny Bone? UCLA White Girl Rant

2011-03-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

With the ending of my quarter teaching Asian American contemporary issues, a UCLA student's racist youtube.com vlog rant against "Asians in the Library" goes viral. See below.

After having over a million hits in a few short days and a swell of negative responses, Alexandra Wallace, a member of the vlog Internet frontier, clearly had no idea her image and words would have such far reaching audiences. So, in a vain attempt at damage control, she issued a public apology, "Clearly the original video posted by me was inappropriate. I cannot explain what possessed me to approach the subject as I did, and if I could undo it, I would. I'd like to offer my apology to the entire UCLA campus. For those who cannot find it within them to accept my apology, I understand."

Protected by the First Amendment right to free speech, UCLA did not take punitive measures, however, their chancellor came out with his own video to address the issue.

Asian American community groups and individuals chimed in as well. The Asian American Studies Department and Center issued a statement that included this observation, "As the only University of California campus without a diversity requirement, UCLA surely needs to implement a diversity requirement that will expose every student to the task of living civilly with people of different origins, backgrounds, orientations, and beliefs, whether they are born here or come from abroad."

But most striking of all in my opinion, is how Asian American youth have responded. Not known to vocally express discontent, "comments" on the net have been equally racist and even sexist. Parodies by youtube Asian American "comics" have also run rampant, like the one below.

Possibly my favorite responses tended to be artistic in nature. Check out this catchy tune below.

As amusing as the reactions have been, a thought remains, how effective are they in curbing racism and ignorance on campuses nationally? Instead of hitting the pavement, rioting, demanding social justice, Asian Americans have been fighting back with their weapon of choice, the "funny bone."

Yes, the outrage is there as is apparent in the formal statements, vlogs, and "comment" sections of Internet publications. But, does anger and hysteria masked by humor alone change social discontent? I argue, NO! Thoughts?

Happy Broken Heart Day!

2011-02-14T16:10:00.000-08:00

Here's to all the broken and lonely hearts out there today. Just ignore it. It will go away.

http://th09.deviantart.net/fs41/300W/i/2009/198/6/c/Heart_Broken_by_LilyRevenge.jpg

Happy Tet! Cat vs Rabbit

2011-02-04T14:20:00.000-08:00

Happy year of the cat! Mistake you say, it's actually the year of the Rabbit? WRONG, and I'll tell you why. It's a Vietnamese vs Chinese thang and I'm a Vietnamese (American).

For those who know anything about Asian history, you may be quick to say that after 1000 years of Chinese occupation, Viet Nam naturally adopted most things Chinese. Again this is not entire accurate. Viet Nam has its own unique culture (albeit challenging to define) and though it is true that it incorporated many major cultural practices from China, like Confucianism and elements of the han language, it is precisely because of the history of occupation that compels the Vietnamese to define what is uniquely theirs.

In the case of the Vietnamese zodiac signs, they share 10 of the 12 animal signs with China. The exceptions are instead of the ox, Viet Nam uses the water buffalo. Also, instead of the rabbit, Vietnamese people recognize the cat. Scholars speculate the difference of the cat and rabbit is due to the similarity in the words for rabbit in Chinese (mao 猫) and cat in Vietnamese (mèo).

I tend to side with another group of scholars who believe that the Vietnamese modified the animal sign to suit their indigenous surroundings. Thus, as farming people, it makes sense to recognize the water buffalo as it is the main plowing animal used on farms. Similarly, the cat is very useful because it deals with rodent problems in an agricultural society.

The Chinese cultural dominance has also made its way to the diaspora where Lunar New Year or in Vietnamese, Tết, is often called Chinese New Year. I'm very quick to correct those who don't make the distinction, but I fully understand why the misunderstanding persists. However, now that you know, hope you'll not make the same cultural faux pas. Enough bitching this new year.

I hope for all my readers a prosperous new year filled with good health and achievement of all your goals.

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới

Ethnic Studies Professor and Student

2011-01-31T15:57:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, I have been on both sides of the desk and I can earnestly say, conversation is SPOT ON.

The Human Soul

2011-01-21T21:12:00.000-08:00

I have waited months for the return of "V," the exciting remake of the 1980s ABC TV series of the same name. However, she show that stirred my imagination in season 1 is a total disappointment in season 2.

There is a HUGE gaping hole in the plot.
In my opinion the aliens are infinitely more advanced and physically superior than their puny human counterparts. So, given their aim to take over earth and interbreed, there's no doubt in my mind they will succeed. But alas, the Vs main issue is how their own kind inexplicably grow sympathetic towards the humans and eventually even adopt emotions the more time they spend with them. As cold hearted reptiles, this is a leap, so the V queen has cause for concern.

But, here is where it gets weird. The Vs are convinced the human soul is the key to their appeal and ability to turn a V to the human's side. Moreover, the Vs are now using their best scientists to contain and destroy this so-called soul.

This idea is not only dumb, it is preposterous. The concept of soul is strictly a religious concept. If one believes there is a god, then this god creates all things including aliens; therefore, even aliens have souls. Vs need therapists or religious figures, not scientists, to understand the soul.

What a disappointing plot line. Do I have to endure more episodes of this futile search for a make belief part of humans? Someone save me already.

http://beinart.org/artists/dominic-rouse/gallery/digital/

Hu Jintao, Tiger Mothers, and Human Rights

2011-01-20T13:15:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this cartoon from the Atlantic today.

Cuteness Going Viral

2011-01-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

Happy 2011!

2011-01-01T00:13:00.000-08:00

Difficult to write a recap of this year because politically and socially I don't feel there's been much change. There's just a general malaise about the future of our government and economy still and I'm doubtful things will improve much with the coming new year. wah wah

Personally, though, my life has been amazing. I'm in an extremely happy and healthy space with an ever expanding family. I am thankful for my wonderful friends. And I've finally birthed my 20lb-er monster called my book!

Looking forward to many more adventures in the new year. Always remember to stop and reflect on the good and wonderful things going on in your life daily.

http://image.spreadshirt.net/image-server/image/composition/21094619/view/1/producttypecolor/2/type/png/width/378/height/378/new-year-2011-t-shirts_design.png

United States is Officially India

2010-12-28T10:16:00.000-08:00

I use to "joke" that the U.S. has turned into India. After all, just walking around the Bay Area, you cannot help but notice the plethora of foreign accents marveling how CHEAP everything in the U.S. is. Most seem to come from Europe brandishing their Euro bills. Just in case you're still in denial about the realities of the U.S. as a declined/declining world economic power, try international travel. The almighty dollar is no longer the standard at hotels and restaurants for conversions, it's the Euro.

The India comparison has now been taken to the next level with the recent announcement of Sir Elton John and David Furnish's newborn son from a surrogate in California. Nothing says poverty like sex trafficking and "affordable" surrogacy. And California of all places! We have always been in the top ten largest economy in the world and we're only a freakin' state. Oh, how times have changed.

Congrats the world, including the rapidly developing India. For some nations to rise, others must fall. Our time has gone and went and now how to climb back up.

http://blogs.sun.com/WebScale/resource/WhiteHouse.jpg

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://blogs.calumet.purdue.edu/gca/files/2009/04/taj-mahal.jpg&imgrefurl=http://blogs.calumet.purdue.edu/gca/conferences/india-conference-2009/&usg=__90nR4hmt-gVUYrPul45_90SMDy0=&h=1200&w=1600&sz=320&hl=en&start=0&sig2=lNgsVS7QjoE3OGkx3_1IHg&zoom=1&tbnid=v4m8nHhIpY_f0M:&tbnh=139&tbnw=174&ei=iywaTbD8KZTSsAPD6LiMCg&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dindia%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den%26biw%3D1209%26bih%3D746%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=631&vpy=262&dur=95&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=177&ty=103&oei=iywaTbD8KZTSsAPD6LiMCg&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=26&ved=1t:429,r:10,s:0

Best Pop Song of the Year

2010-12-26T21:58:00.001-08:00

B.o.B feat. Bruno Mars "Nothin On You" from ethandirector on Vimeo.

The making of the video.

Merry X-mas Y'all

2010-12-25T10:57:00.000-08:00

Merry X-mas everyone. Thinking about going out to dim sum this morning. Just realized it's another thing Jewish families and mine have in common, we eat Asian food on X-mas day. Except I don't stop at Chinese restaurants. I also go to Asian grocery stores on Christ's b-day. Thought Asians were just money grubbin' capatalist, immigrant workaholics before. Now I realize, yes, maybe that explains them working on this holiday; but, it's also because our BIG holiday has yet to come -- LUNAR NEW YEAR! Many work on that day too, BTW.

Anyway, I digress. I once again wish everyone a really joyous time. I realize there's not much joy in a dying economy and so many of us in a bad way financially. But, the one bright spot is, it forces us to find other ways to enjoy this season (aside from spending money), say something as novel as spending quality time with our loved ones.

Please stay safe and merry.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://insatiable-critic.com/Images/dim%2520sum2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.insatiable-critic.com/article.aspx%3Fid%3D368&usg=__Np30EsXZIzwpY2h1pXL5uScfWGc=&h=368&w=490&sz=169&hl=en&start=0&sig2=I1U7FVhwrPmeqfIZqZ6J4g&zoom=1&tbnid=qcJa1N8vZPZJzM:&tbnh=134&tbnw=180&ei=rUEWTePCHYGksQPG5-mcCg&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddim%2Bsum%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den%26biw%3D1209%26bih%3D746%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=911&vpy=114&dur=25&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=207&ty=71&oei=rUEWTePCHYGksQPG5-mcCg&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:0

Obama Haters

2010-12-07T09:45:00.000-08:00

This post is probably quite overdue. It seems for months there, it was only the Republicans and I who were unhappy with Obama, for entirely different reasons of course. Now even those from his camp are turning into Obama haters. Let's just start off by saying a few things before beginning my tirade against Mr. Obama.

Firstly, yes, we all know Obama could not fix a truly broken economy in two short years. Sure, he's a newbie to Washington politics and is probably more busy "paying back" his supporters than making new and powerful alliances in the capital. To his credit, he has made some accomplishments: environmentally, in unemployment compensation, in passing a weak healthcare bill, curbing lobbyist, and my favorite, holding credit card companies accountable for hidden costs... All that said, I will simply attack Obama on his broken campaign promises.

1. Getting out of Iraq in 16 months.

Let's just say nothing of the sort is happening here. There is no withdrawal date set. I'm not surprise considering there is too much profit to be made with reconstruction and oil. No, the government and American people are not profiting, but then again, you know this. Disappointing but not shocked.

2. Universal Healthcare.

Yes, Obama passed a healthcare bill, but it does not serve everyone. Insurance companies, pharmaceuticals along with others in the private medical industry are protected. There is NO universal healthcare and NO public insurance option. This is a bastardized bill that serves no more than at slow trickle towards any real healthcare change. VERY disappointed here.

3. Dismantling of Guantanamo Prison Camps.

Gosh, here's a total failure in the "war against terrorism." There has not been ONE case of interrogation of prisoners in this camp that has lead to any real information about terrorism. Instead, people have been wrongly imprisoned, do not have proper legal rights, and separated from their families for years, causing another generation of anguish. Other countries don't want these "detainees" hence we should step up because we got them into this mess. Totally disappointed here.

4. Tax breaks for the middle class and ending of tax break on the very rich.

As today's news show, Obama supposedly "compromised" with the minority Republican House and Senate to allow for the Bush tax breaks to continue for another two years in order to get more unemployment funds. Tears and jeers.

5. Starting a war in Afghanistan.

Technically he did not say he wouldn't start a war in Afghanistan but damn! In the heals of winning the Nobel Peace Prize, Obama increases U.S. presence in Afghanistan. No news of effectiveness of this foreign relations decision other than it's a money pit that has only fueled corruption. As an intellectual, you would think Obama could have read a little regional history. Afghanistan is made up of hundreds of smaller tribes. There is no way to win the hearts and minds off all these tribal leaders and their followers. The region is so tretcherous that a land attack will only end badly, ask the Russians. Air attacks leads to extensive destruction of a country and will end in the massacring of innocent civilians, think Viet Nam. Billions upon billions of dollars is going into this campaign while the U.S. is in dire economic depression. Does not make sense.

So, how did we get here? Did Obama not have the numbers in the House or Senate? No, democrats were in the majority for the first two years of the Obama administration. Did the public that voted Obama into office want a centrist president? No, I think they wanted a hell raising progressive/radical to make dramatic and sweeping changes across the board. So, what gives?

Hell, I don't know the ins and outs of "agreements" made behind doors that ultimately result in policy change. I do know that it appears the Obama leadership has failed in the two short years he's been in office. Let's say hypothetically he's been "compromising" with the Right to have a peaceful four years that will ultimately get him some change. That is a huge assumption considering the Republicans have said they would stop ANY and ALL Obama initiatives. If Obama thinks they are immovable now, wait until 2011 when they have the House. Just recall the Bush years.

Obama's rookie mistakes includes the blind belief that the opposition are willing and able to cross the divides and support an Obama agenda (whatever that is). Playing the nice guy is not getting anything done. Wonder if that's why Ralm Emanuel bailed as Obama's Chief of Staff for a mayoral bid in Chicago. I'm waiting and waiting and WAITING for a more assertive and purposeful president to emerge.

I don't expect Obama to save us all; I never did. But, I don't expect him to cave into to obvious uncooperative opposition. I don't expect him to end wars overnight but I don't wish him to start a dead end, costly war either. I don't expect him to give us healthcare in two years, but I don't hope for a bogus plan that ultimately does not demolish a corrupt medical (insurance) industry but rather allow them to continue to hurt the American people. I don't expect my taxes to decrease, but I don't want to pay for any more tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans either. Apparently, all this is too much to ask for.

Let's not even get into other glaring issues. Banks have been bailed but bonuses run like champaign on New Years Eve and families are losing their home in the thousands. Not to mention billions of bailout money sits in banks while few new loans are giving out to hopeful new home owners. What about not holding more oil companies accountable for the destruction of the environment, including what happened in New Orleans. Or more aggressively moving towards a "green" America by regulating more energy efficient products and subsidizing alternative fuel cars. Oh, Lordy, and how about not repealing the Don't Ask Don't Tell military policy, even though all reports point to the positive nature of such an repeal? How can I even begin this list when Obama is so far for keeping his regular campaign promises?

What do you think?

http://images.nymag.com/images/2/daily/intel/08/06/27_obama_lg.jpg

Happy Thanksgiving and Gluttony

2010-11-25T00:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving - the be thankful for what you have part, not the celebrating the massacring of natives one. Been eating like it's Thanksgiving since yesterday. Crab is the theme this year. Admittedly though, my idea of binging would be more like other's "normal" meal; so, I hardly feel guilty. Still, truly a holiday to justify gluttony.

Speaking of which, been following "The Biggest Loser" this season. Found myself especially interested in contestant Ada (see image left). Yes, it's because she's Asian American but also because she has a rather tragic history. Apparently, she was playing in a pool with her toddler brother when he drowned. She was a young child herself but her parents blamed her for the death. According to Ada, they have not been supporting or approving of her since and have been at times quite hostile.

A few weeks ago when all the contestants got videos from their families, Ada received nothing. Again, during the "makeover week" when families came to the fashion show to surprise the Biggest Loser "models," Ada's family was noticeably absent. Both times affected Ada but didn't keep her excelling in the challenges nor losing the weight (see image Ada's transformation below).

Made me think about how harsh Asian American families can be. Even while they are fully supportive in the area of familial obligations, they often neglect their children's emotional needs. It could be due to cultural and general differences when love is expressed very differently. The older generation tend to believe taking care of a child, making sure they are well fed, get proper education and not suffer...equates love. But, for the younger generation or American born kids, love is expressed physically through frequent hugs or verbally through affirmations and "I love yous." You can imagine how clashes can take place.

Also, expectations seem really high in Asian American families. You have to look and behave a certain way. If you get Bs on report cards, for example, you are considered a failure. If you're not stick thin, you will be called fatty. Pressures to conform including going into careers and marrying people of their parent's choosing is pretty common place. It's no wonder a person would overeat to sooth themselves.

That means appearing on a show about how people no longer have control over what they eat is seen as shameful. Ada's parents probably did not want to be associated with a show that blatantly displays their child in a negatively light and hence directly affecting the family's reputation. Ada probably sees her participation in "Biggest Loser" as an act of bravery and the first steps to gaining control of her life by getting back to a healthy weight and dealing with her own demons in the process.

So, even though this is Thanksgiving week where family tensions are often heightened, resist being a glutton. That's the moral of this story.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DpOV_568XrM/TKiIljYZk9I/AAAAAAAAyJU/BIgQGH2P5OE/s1600/The+contestants+of+The+Biggest+Loser+Asia+Season+2.jpg

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef0134897c465b970c-pi

http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser/contestants/ada/

Bristol Palin Brings Down Dancing with the Stars

2010-11-17T20:31:00.000-08:00

DWTS eliminations are fishier than normal this season. Sure I expect the popular "stars" to last longer than less known ones even if their dancing is superior. But, ultimately, I'm certain that the right person would win--meaning their dancing is very good and close to the being even the best. NOT this season!

Every week has been the same. First my girl, Margaret Cho, gets voted off, not for her dancing, but possibly for her politics. Inversely, Bristol Palin remains even though she's easily the worst dancer of the season, also due to politics. Speculation is the the Republicans and Tea Baggers (hihi) have been voting their asses off to keep her alive.

That's all fine except Bristol may very well win the mirror trophy yet she IS the crappiest dancer of the season. Did I already mention she sucks?! That kind of discrepancy may be too much for DWTS viewers to stomach. Her win would strip DWTS of any credibility as a dancing show. The backlash has begun though it just may be too late. I predicted Bristol would ultimately win the whole competition weeks ago when she undeservingly beat out Audrina Patridge, of the Hills fame.

Audrina was an true amateur with no dancing background but really blossomed as a dancer, the kind of story DWTS viewers traditionally ate up. Week after week dancers that showed marked improvements garnering their best scores were voted off. Yet Palin remains. People cannot even contain their shock anymore. Watch reactions to her taking out Brandy this week.

Even though it may be hopeless, I will actually get on the web and vote for my favorite, Disney star, Kyle Massey. He didn't start out as a ballroom dancer but each week his technique gets better and better. Oh, and he's all personality. I find him simply adorable. I also like his pro partner a lot, Lacey Schwimmer, a So You Think You Can Dance veteran. Watch below for yourself.

Missing my Bijou

2010-11-14T12:59:00.001-08:00

It's been over two years now, but I still think of my lost Bijou daily. I hold onto the hope that years from now she and I will be reunited.

Because we blanketed the neighborhoods where she was spotted and taken, we know most likely the people that found her knew she already had a home but decided to keep her anyway. Hopefully they will understand one day they took and kept my family from me and return her.

This video reminds me of her and how much I love and think of her still and forever.

No Justice, No Revolution in BART Killing

2010-11-09T18:06:00.000-08:00

Last week Oakland announced the sentencing in the BART killing case that ignited a series of uprisings in Oaktown. Johanne Mehserle, the white BART police officer who shot a young black man, Oscar Grant, in the back while bounded, got away with murder. Mehserle was sentenced to the minimum possible --- two years, taking into consideration a combined 292 days in jail time served and good behavior. That means Mehserle will be free with a little over 2 months left to serve on a involuntary manslaughter verdict. Urggg!

Oakland remained relatively calm post sentencing. So, no revolution. This tells us again that police brutality, especially against men of color is not such a terrible thing.

http://sfbayview.com/2010/community-responds-to-mehserle-request-for-retrial-in-the-shooting-of-oscar-grant/

Conan's TBS Premiere

2010-11-09T08:52:00.001-08:00

Glad to see Conan back on TV. He looks great. I must say though, I was hoping he'd be goofier, wilder, and curse more. Heck, it's (basic) cable after all.

Looks great in a suit.

Still self-deprecating as evah.

p.s.
Watched Conan's second day and WOW! Heeeessss baaaack! Cable does make a difference. Saw 10 seconds of ass cheeks. And I learned what "Tokyo sand blasting" is. A show that both amuses and educates. Gotta love it.

Conan also has a pulse on the international community as well. Love his expressions, especially after the Taiwanese animation.

Happy Be-lated HO-loween

2010-11-05T16:49:00.000-07:00

So crazy busy this Halloween, I forgot to wish everyone a happy Halloween. But, I do have a video blog from the archival vault to share with you. Send in pix of your Halloween pix by November 15th to monkeyloungemail@gmail.com and I'll create a gallery for mymonkeylounge.com. Enjoy the vid.

Remember to Vote Tuesday November 2, 2010

2010-11-01T21:26:00.000-07:00

Please remember to vote this Tuesday! Monkey Lounge is in California, so we throw our endorsements out to:

Governor - Jerry Brown (formerly Governor of California and Oakland Mayor)
Lieutenant Governor - Gavin Newsom (progressive Mayor of San Francisco)
United States Senator - Barbara Boxer (U.S. Senator - chair of Select Committee on Ethics and Environment and Public Works Committee )
U.S. Representative - Barbara Lee (U.S. Representative and the only member to vote against invading Iraq)

If you need a progressive voting guide for your locale, click here.

http://prollyisnotprobably.com/vote.jpg

The "Asians" Advance on the Amazing Race

2010-10-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

So, you caught the "Asians" comment, right? Hello, what did I say about the invisible Asians? It's like, they are not "Kevin and Mike" or even the "father and son team," they are the "Asians." I'm so over this BS.

-Asian Out!

Happy One Year Anniversary Key of Awesome!

2010-10-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

If you have not already checked out Key of Awesome, then you have not really lived, loved and laughed. A spawn of the Youtube channel, Barely Political, best known for their "Obama Girl" video, Key of Awesome specializes in musical parodies. Spearheaded by the ridiculously geeky cute, Mark Douglas, I simply cannot get enough of their social commentaries via musical spoofs.

Oh, and I sent Mark a quick fan note once and he actually responded! That sounded slightly pathetic but to hell with it, I'm proud to be a KoA fan. Just want to officially congratulate them on one year of great work and wish them lots of fun and financial success for years to come.

http://www.barelydigital.com/page/about

Atomic Tom Rocking Out with iPhone Apps

2010-10-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

Definitely takes the gimmick prize of the week.

The Invisible Asian

2010-10-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, why do I get the distinct and troubling feeling that Asian Americans are still invisible on TV. I will tell you why; here's a short list.

1. Two of the only three glee cast not yet profiled are Asian Americans, the third is a mulatto (apparently pc to use this term now). The Asian American "Tina" and "Mike" are hugely talented for their voice and dance, respectively, but nada. Additionally, in the 2010 premier, in reaction to the school reporter's inquiry, "What can you say about the rumor that you two are dating," Tina responded, "We can't date? why, because we're Asian, that's racist." Mike chimed in, "totally racist." Uh, what? Does it mean if they were dating non Asian folks, it's not racist? Strange, no, just bad racist writing.

2. Dancing with the Stars, as with most popular competitive reality shows, usually have interviews with the losing contestants on the network's talk shows. Nothing of the sort happened for the Asian American dancer, Margaret Cho, No talk of her afterward either like there still is about the Hoff and Bolton.

3. Kevjumba and his dad, who are still alive on the "the Amazing Race 17," have had so little air time since the first race. Like most Asian Americans in shows, they get the consolation prize of a web profile. What, yellow people don't have appeal? If it were not the fact they almost got eliminated, they may have had no prime time at all. Oh, and the "Asians" comment is classic!

4. Ada, the invisible Asian American in "Biggest Loser" got all of five words aired before this week. She literally had to call out to trainer Juliana, asking her to help her have a breakthrough, before they gave her any air time. Jesus, she witnessed her own brother drown and was blamed for it by her parents her whole life. What is a more compelling story than that and it took pleading on Ada's part to get help. Sad.

I can go on, but that's enough griping for this week in TV land.

Hulu.com
http://img.poptower.com/pic-32047/the-biggest-loser.jpg?d=600

Suicides and RU OK? Day (Australia)

2010-10-06T22:49:00.000-07:00

According to national statistics, over 34,000 people in the United States die by suicide annually. It is also the 3rd leading cause of death for teenagers between 15 and 19. Life is hard but they are especially difficult for young people who have yet lived long enough to cultivate a sense of self and create supportive networks.

We live in a society that promotes idealistic experiences during ones youth. All other realities are shunned so young people only know to keep their pain to themselves. It includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse at home, ostracization and bullying in school...

In light of recent suicides of GLBT youth due to bullying and social non-acceptance, we should consider what kind of society we have created. As many commentators have noted, before we ask, why the suicides, we must consider how our society has been complicit in creating an environment of intolerance. We have laws and policies that explicitly say same sex marriages and relationships are wrong. This is the message absorbed by GLBT youth. So, it is a lot to ask them to just buckle up and that "things will get better" when really, all they see around them is government sanctioned bigotry and oppression.

Other countries like Australia recognize that modern societies are terribly alienating. We may be aware of people's pain, but we either ignore or don't know how to address it. So, Australia created RU OK? Day, which began October 7, 2009. On this day annually, you are to ask people around if they are in fact doing okay and extend aid anyway you can.

I find it a bit comical as with all national holidays, in that it only lasts one day. I mean would it go like this?: "Are you OK today? But only today, okay? I didn't give a shit yesterday and certainly won't tomorrow; but, TODAY, genuinely, you okay?" All joking aside, suicide is an important issue. Tolerance, kindness and sincerely caring for your fellow human beings should be a given. What do you think you can do?

http://www.kureit.org/gfrx/caring.jpg

Margaret Cho was Robbed on Dancing with the Stars

2010-10-06T20:35:00.000-07:00

If you do not already know, Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) is a TV show where stars from all sectors of entertainment are matched with professional dancers. They train the stars to perform typical ballroom dances ranging from the samba to the waltz. The appeal is that these stars supposedly have no dancing skills but through proper cultivation, eventually blossom into dancing swans.

Needless to say, I use to avoid DWTS like the plague. As a dance enthusiast, I saw no joy from watching "stars" I've never heard of dance badly, really badly. My mind change around DWTS third or forth season. I saw that it was not merely a popularity contests where the public calls in to vote for their favorite "stars" and not the best dancer. As proof, unlikely Olympian stars Kristi Yamaguchi and Shawn Johnson and even the goofy Donny Osmond have won in past seasons. I was sold.

I especially looked forward to this season with the likes of Margaret Cho, my favorite female comedienne. I find her stand ups revolutionary, daring and smart. I use her skits regularly as teaching material in my classes. A champion of marginalized people's everywhere, I was overjoyed to see her on DWTS. To top it off, she is a damn good dancer. She has skills and heart and just a great attitude.

Her elimination this week broke my heart. Why did she get kicked out? No, not because her samba sucked. In honesty, it was fairly sloppy and she had done better in weeks past. But it was far from being atrocious like dances done by "Dead Arm" Michael Bolton and "Pigeon Boy" the Situation (see images above, left and right respectively). So, why, why did she get kicked off?

I believe it was because she essentially dedicated her dance to the LGBT community. She wore a gay pride inspired flapper dress and openly stated her dance was about, "...expressing pride and happiness and joy. It's about coming out as beautiful, coming out as me."

Even her partner, Louis van Amstel, seemed noticeably upset by Cho's overt gay comments. It's unclear if he signed up for the gay agenda but he probably knew it was the beginning of the end for them as contestants there. Mainstream America simply are put off by blatant celebrations of gayness. So, it was not strategic of Cho but I have more respect for her than ever. The American public robbed Cho, not only of her chance to really grow as a dancer, but also a mainstream platform to advocate for the LGBT community.

DWTS is much less interesting this season without her.

http://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/news/00035848.jpg
http://abc.go.com/watch/dancing-with-the-stars/
http://www.thearchnemesis.com/images/margaret%20cho.jpg

"Going up Country" with Kitty, Daisy & Lewis

2010-09-22T22:31:00.000-07:00

If you don't know about the sister and brother rocker trio, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, from Camden Town, England, now's the time to take a listen. Do it now and you'll instantly increase your kool-points on the hipstomatic-meter. Living at home with their parents, they tour with Billy Bragg and make all analog recordings on tape with old BBC and RCA mics in their home studio. Their releases have been on 45 and 78rpm vinyl, until very recently, when they became available on cd and iTunes. They're good - really good - extra-special good - and as you can see in the 5min mini-documentary, they are completely hot and a lot of fun. "Going up Country" has a nice warm rich analog sound. Kitty Daisy & Lewis have nailed the old rock'n roll sound and the DIY aesthetic.

Kitty (17) plays drums, harmonica, ukulele, banjo, trombone and guitar. Daisy (22) the lead singer also plays drums, piano, accordion and xylophone. Lewis (19) plays guitar, piano, banjo, lapsteel and drums. They needed a bass player and hey asked their mum. She hadn't played bass before but she learned and joined in. Don't miss out on the chance to have a lot of fun and beat your friends in the race to be the hippest kid on the block, check out Kitty Daisy & Lewis now.

- mochi mochi

http://www.last.fm/music/Kitty%252C%2BDaisy%2B%2526%2BLewis/+images/11127519

VMA Review

2010-09-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

I don't watch anything MTV anymore. It's turned completely into a reality black hole so what's the point. To think, in its heyday, it really did offer us the best and latest in the music world. It was so connected with the youth, alternative culture and the truth, and the only US channel I tuned in for the news reports. All this said, I'm still down with their annual Music Video Awards. Last night's show was one of the better ones.

What FIVE things were right about the show even when they were soooo wrong.
1. Chelsea Lately as host, with her unapologetic self demanding that no one behaves that night.
2. The immensely funny show of the usual white teeny boppers who basically got to where they are sounding like a black person but looking lily suburb. Case in point, the Bieb wearing seriously saggin' pants while singing to sexually confused prepubescents.
3. The complete mallcification of vocalists from GaGa to Kei$ha and waiting for Kanye to go apeshit on them all.
4. Some good performances like the played out Usher and still good for a whiteboy, Eminem (featuring Rihanna).
5. The songs duel between feuding rivals Kanye and Swift from last years VMAs incident.

On point 5, Swift was amazingly patronizing for a little no-talent shit at this years VMA. In her song,"Innocent," obviously addressing Kanye, she sang:

It's all right, just wait and see
Your streaming lights are bright to me oh
Who you are is not where you've been
You're still an innocent
It's OK, life is a tough crowd
32 and still growing up now
Who you are is not what you did
You're still an innocent
Lost your balance on a tightrope
It's never too late to get it back

Whatever! I don't buy Taylor's "innocent" routine and don't feel the slightest sorry for her manufactured, cookie cutter, white girl, pop act.

So, Even though Kanye recently went on a Twitter rampage asking for Taylor's forgiveness, I am glad he didn't cow tow at the VMAs. I mean, what is Kanye without the shear will to be truthful. In his finale VMA performance, "Runaway," he performed:

Yeah, I always find somethin' wrong
You been puttin' up with my shit just way too long
I'm so gifted at findin' what I don't like the most
So I think it's time for us to have a toast

Let's have a toast for the douchebags,
Let's have a toast for the assholes,
Let's have a toast for the scumbags,
Every one of them that I know
Let's have a toast to the jerkoffs
That'll never take work off
Baby, I got a plan
Run away fast as you can

These lyrics tell me that not only if Kanye gifted at telling us what he doesn't like, he's also gifted at telling it like it is. And, oh, man, how cool were the modern ballet dancers juxtaposed with Kanye's rap? So, while the VMAs showcase these plastic, manufactured, mall drones, at least there's Kanye to say, it's just sooooo wrong.

http://www.mtv.com/photos/vma-2010-show-highlights/1647196/5199139/photo.jhtml
http://www.mtv.com/photos/vma-2010-show-highlights/1647196/5198392/photo.jhtml
http://www.mtv.com/photos/vma-2010-show-highlights/1647196/5198514/photo.jhtml

Rumors are True! Team Jumba for Amazing Race

2010-09-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

WooHoo! Been hearing for a while that the Amazing Race now includes KevJumba (aka Kevin Wu of YouTube fame) and his hella funny dad! Could Asian Americans win it again this year? WU WU WU

The End of the World - Fuel the Movie

2010-09-06T23:28:00.000-07:00

Possibly one of the most affecting film this year for me is, "Fuel" (2010). In the vein of "An Inconvenient Truth" (2006) and "Who Killed the Electric Car" (2006), "Fuel" explores the wonders of alternative energy, particularly bio diesel fuel. Most interesting is how they connect some of the most evil acts against humanity in the last century to the oil and gas conglomerates such as ExxonMobil. These crimes include: the disappearance of the inventor of the diesel engine, Rudolf Diesel; invasion of Iraq; media smear campaigns against alternative fuels, Cheney meeting with oil and gas heads to make U.S. policy, and so on.

The movie so convincingly argued for more sustainable living that I am going to live more green that I already do. Just finished scouring Craigslist for diesel cars. The ending of the film offered helpful advice for everyone to live green. See below.

TOP TEN THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW

1 VOTE FOR “NON-FOSSIL” POLITICIANS - Vote for leaders who are not owned by oil, coal and nuclear interests.

2 DIG BENEATH THE HEADLINES - EDUCATE YOURSELF - Fact check and qualify the source, especially when it involves corporate profits.

3 CONSERVE ENERGY AND INCREASE EFFICIENCY - Buy and use energy efficient devices, turn off lights and unused appliances and retrofit your house or apartment.

4 GO CARBON NEUTRAL - Sign up for carbon offsets, stop using petroleum and eat lower on the food chain.

5 GROW FOOD AND TREES - LOCALLY - Start a community garden, plant trees, and learn about organic, biodynamic & sustainable farming.

6 INVEST IN ALGAE - Put your money into sustainable algae companies to build algae ponds in deserts and also from waste- water or carbon sequestration.

7 GET SOLAR - Put solar panels on your house, invest in solar energy or switch your electricity provider to a company with solar energy.

8 BUY WIND - Get a wind turbine, invest in wind energy or switch your electricity provider to a company with wind power.

9 SWITCH YOUR SCHOOL BUSES - Lobby your principal, PTA and school to switch to sustainable biodiesel.

10 ALTER YOUR TRANSPORTATION - Take the bus or carpool; Bike and walk; Inflate your tires; Get an electric car or hybrid; Get a diesel car and run it on sustainable fuel.

List courtesy of http://thefuelfilm.com/things-you-can-do

http://www.cowichanenergy.org/images/Fuel-Slide2.jpg

Avatar: Last of the Airbenders

2010-09-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I loved watching the "Avatar: The Last Airbender" anime series created and produced by full blown Nippon-philes, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. I actually watched all three seasons in three days straight, an act I reserve for the most worthy Korean melodramas. So, you could only imagine my glee when I learned it was being make into a 3D movie directed by "Sixth Sense" fame director, M. Night Shymalan. Only other pimple faced Nickelodeon devotees and equally pimple faced, mid-life geeks could have been more excited. Watching the teaser from last year, I thought this reported trilogy could possibly trump my much beloved, "Lord of the Rings."

What the teaser didn't let up was that the main characters of the all-Asian cast in the anime would be replaced by nearly all non-Asians in the movie. In fact, during the casting for the four leading roles of Aang, Katara, Sokka and Zuku, producers specifically asked for "Caucasian or any other ethnicity". They succeeded in casting them all white before the Zuku character was changed from Jesse McCartney to Dev Patel due to scheduling conflicts. Inversely, casting for extras called for interested individuals to "come to our OPEN CASTING CALL, dress casually, OR in the traditional costume of your family's ethnic background."

Producers did all this because they knew they could get away with it. What they did was equivalent to casting the main characters of the 1977 television mini-series, "Roots", all white! They didn't do it then and they don't do that now because there's a fear to screw over black people. There's strong political groups like the NAACP that would make noise. There's no such fear against the Asian Americans.

But, this time was different. The outcry was heard internationally. First off, Media Action Network for Asian Americans (MANAA) quickly contacted Paramount to discuss the casting discrepancies. Paramount systematically dismissed accusations of racial discrimination and more importantly, made no changes to the cast. Fans worldwide were outraged and individuals formed advocacy groups to bring light to the issues, notably, racebending.com. Their investigation into the matter helped reveal racial discrimination in Hollywood. I even complied with racebending.com's call to boycott the movie. So, for the first time in history, I am critiquing a movie without seeing it. 7% rating on rottentomatoes.com and being considered one of the worst movies of all times did not hurt my decision either.

Some may argue that the film's producers practiced color blind casting. That's a great concept only if you naively believe we live in a post-racial America and there's racial equality in Hollywood. For instance, you rarely see an actor of color play a typically white role– say, as some of the main characters or even extras of "Braveheart." Inversely, white Hollywood still employs the "yellow face" to play non-white roles. It's so blatant but nothing has changed for decades. So, of course I am outraged that in 2010 we still have the same kind of "yellow face" casting that existed in movies like "The Good Earth" back in 1937. It is equivalent to the justification of colonialism as, "the natives cannot possibly take care of themselves so we need to show them how by taking over their lands and subjugating their people." Asians simply cannot be trusted to play themselves. They are not capable of being heroes and saving the world.

How could this have happened with an Indian born director at the helms? My best speculation is that Shymalan never fully understood the series or cared for it much, but thought he could pitch a trilogy to make some money. The producers insisted on a white cast with promise of more casting autonomy in future projects. Since Shymalan could give a flying rat's ass about "Airbender," thought to himself, "yeah, I'll cast it white, no one will notice." Or, "non-whites don't watch movies anyway."

Yes, I'm flippant, but it's because I am genuinely saddened by the lack of heart and care taken to render the truly awesome anime series into a film. Shymalan was reported to have learned about "Airbender" from his daughter. I wonder if she has disowned him. Because she, like so many "Airbender" fans, could see how Shymalan lacked passion and love for the story and what makes it so beautiful.

At the core of the "Airbender" anime is not only the Asian faces but the diverse Asian and Inuit cultural references. The nations representing the elements: air, fire, earth and water, is decisively East Asian. The Buddhist ideals of reincarnation and mindfulness found in the Air Nation stems from South Asian beliefs. The list goes on.

Hence, the "Airbender" movie is about culture appropriation as well as "racebending". These acts have ruined what is great about the anime series and I refuse to watch any of Shymalan's interpretations. Shame on him for not giving face and voice to Asian Americans. Shame on Hollywood for their racist casting and cultural appropriation. Shame on anyone who would not think critically on this matter.

Below illustrates some of my sadness about the whole thing.

http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs46/f/2009/204/e/b/The_Last_Airbender_Cast_by_UDXProdx.jpg
http://www.racebending.com/v3/featured/the-last-airbender-primer/#origin
http://www.overthinkingit.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/castcomparison.png
http://www.reellifewisdom.com/files/images/The%20Good%20Earth.jpg
http://www.overthinkingit.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/mnight.jpg

For All the Gold Diggahs...You Know Who You Are

2010-08-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

Ever been jilted by a gold diggah? Well, Ceelo has an anthem for you.

...and here's the official video.

Team Inception: Dream Police

2010-08-23T21:47:00.000-07:00

Now I understand the hype around Inception.

How Latinos Dance before they Walk

2010-08-16T08:08:00.001-07:00

20 years later...

Black Star Warrior - How Star Wars Should Have Been

2010-08-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

Here's another instance when the white man takes the work of a black man and make it his own. Thank god the truth is finally out.

What's up with So You Think You Can Dance?

2010-08-05T00:10:00.000-07:00

If you are a SYTYCD fan, you are probably wondering what is up with the new format they adopted for their 7th season this summer. Changes included having new judges and a completely new format for the dancers. Instead of of starting with 20 contestants, they began with only 5 female and 6 male contestants. Then they added past season contestants, dubbed "All-Stars". Those from the two groups then engage in non-gender specific dances for America to vote on.

Though it was kind of cool to see some of my favorite dancers like Twitch (hip hop) and Ade (hip hop/contemporary), and Mark (contemporary) having the All-Stars really detracted from the competition and has not added to the quality of the dancing. There are no memorable choreographed pieces thus far. Frankly, with dancers like the phenomenal Alex Wong (ballet) it was unclear who were the contestant and who were the so-called "All-Stars." I could have not been prouder of my yellow brothah. But, alas, early favorite, Alex, left the show due to injuries and two more followed in similar vain.

Even with all this madness, the craziest thing remain the judges. My favorite, the very animated and loud Mary Murphy with her signature comments like hopping on her "tamale train" when contestants do well, was replace by the angry, no-talent bitch, Mia Michaels, who offers not constructive comments but snarky remarks at every turn. Oh, and judges were extremely biased holding onto their picks like correct officials.

The most egregious favoritism is showcased with the overpraising of farmboy, Kent. This smiley face clown is not special yet every week he's described as the next great thing since white bread (pun intended). He was clearly choking during the final four competition but miraculously gets the best choreographer in his style of contemporary, Travis Wall. From the flagrant biased judging of Nigel, it is clear he loves Kent, so, interesting that just when Kebt needed it most, he got Travis? Fishy indeed.

On the other spectrum of love, you have the weekly attacks on poor AdéChiké. Judges basically label him a loser, clearly out of his league. Then why pick him for the show in the first place if his only purpose if to be everyone's whipping boy? His best revenge is never being voted by America to be the bottom four. Maybe America is trying to say something, huh?

I believe the new format is in reaction to failing ratings. The producers must have come up with the bright idea to bring back familiar faces in the form of "All-stars," which may work when they tour as well. My feeling is, I'd really rather watch up and coming dancers than past contestants that didn't make it. Also, I don't mind constructive comments from judges but I could care less about who they love and hate.

So, in conclusion, I don't like the new format of SYTYCD, which seems intentionally staged to pick a winners and losers from the start. I have no respect for the judges, and I cannot seem to connect with the dancers. I am guessing Kent will win because the show is rigged, but my vote is with dark horse Robert. He has danced extremely well and has a lovely attitude, nailing everything from cha cha to hip hop. So, even though he's been essentially ignored or dissed by the judges, he is the best dancer remaining and deserves to win. Go Robert!

http://www.tvgasm.com/recaps/so_you_think_you_can_dance/so_you_think_yo_9/

http://myrealitytelevision.com/2009/07/mary-murphy-hot-tamale-train-she-can-scream/

http://www.prixdelausanne.org/v4/index.php/en/spotlight-alex-wong.html

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://l.yimg.com/l/im_siggfxcKOM4SXYYxjpGB1xFJfw---x626/tv/us/img/site/92/61/0000069261_20100722103906.jpg&imgrefurl=http://tv.yahoo.com/so-you-think-you-can-dance/show/36160/photos/11&usg=__Ytb9By3uN72HXD2QdWDvyoQGTWY=&h=433&w=626&sz=306&hl=en&start=15&sig2=Q8OFNtgKX8AtCn_btKO7Zg&tbnid=JqEQEUe5ZooWgM:&tbnh=142&tbnw=209&ei=iQFbTNaDNI2MvQPBscGCAg&prev=/images%3Fq%3Drobert%2Broldan%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3D4QQ%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1027%26bih%3D648%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C848&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=550&vpy=152&dur=442&hovh=146&hovw=210&tx=154&ty=76&oei=XAFbTJ1sx46MB6TAhewB&esq=11&page=2&ndsp=13&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:15&biw=1027&bih=648

Bravo on Judge Vaughn Walker's Ruling on Prop-8

2010-08-04T23:29:00.000-07:00

Though not the last word on equality for same sex marriages, judge Walker's overturn of proposition 8 today is a good start towards rectifying on-going discrimination of gays and lesbians in the U.S. Personally, I could care less about the institution of marriage and am often puzzled by the gay community's desire to make this their cause célèbre. But I wholly believe in liberty and the pursuit of happiness, so we should all be allowed to marry, or better yet, no one allowed to get married. And until one of those things happen I will continue to support same sex marriages as a right!

Walker's ruling will not go into affect until appeals are heard. The case may very well go to the Supreme Court and since they picked Bush as the president, I really have no faith they will bring back decency and justice to the U.S. In any case, 10 years from now, this would be as laughable as anti-miscegenation laws are now. The last of these laws was struck down only in 1967 with Loving v. Virginia.

http://www.bigstockphoto.com/image-5369468/stock-vector-wedding-cake-with-bride-and-groom

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.stus.com/images/products/con0017.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.stus.com/stus-cartoon.php%3Fname%3DLoving%2Bv.%2BVirginia%26cartoon%3Dcon0017&h=200&w=300&sz=24&tbnid=xw-0KKWeh1BQ6M:&tbnh=77&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dloving%2Bvs%2Bvirginia&usg=__TnKnNkYqKLh8oZZHSgwUEl5Vsnc=&sa=X&ei=PmBaTLGrFYnUtQP19YjQDw&ved=0CDUQ9QEwBg

Asian American NBA Stud - Jeremy Lin

2010-07-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

Though Asian Americans love to claim Yao Ming as their very own baller god, he's a mainlander and not exactly American Born Chinese (ABC). As of July 21, 2010, with the signing of Taiwanese American Jeremy Lin to his hometown Golden State Warriors (turning down the Lakers and Mavericks, btw), we now have a bonafide yellow American NBA star! But, Jeremy Lin is not making the news only because the color of his skin.

It would seem that this gentleman also hails from Harvard, an Ivy League, which is not known to graduate the strictly brawny types. In fact, with Lin in the NBA, he's singlehandedly broken Harvard's 57 year dry spell and represent only the 4th player to get into the NBA from there. Already a super star in the college circuit, well respected for his all-around game, ironically it may have been the Harvard name that kept him for making the draft the first go around.

Everything happens for a reason and all in all, Lin seems like a good fit for the Warriors, who's getting a lot of free press with the hire. Looking to capitalize on the hype, Warriors already plan to create a media campaign around Lin. I can see it now, they will be selling fried wontons at the games in no time.

In all seriousness though, Lin has had to endure a fair amount of racial slurs in his chosen sport. But, he has overcome much of that and I imagine will continue to do so. You won't see much court side brawls from this guy. Nor do I anticipate any sexual scandals (dammit, there goes my chance). He's a devout Christian (eh, not my type anyway) with aspirations of working in inner cities as a pastor. Certainly he will have all kinds of creds by then.

Lin highlights - GO LIN!

Pixar Mashups

2010-07-27T22:51:00.000-07:00

In the theme of this week, mashups, here are two very nice ones for you.

mashup / recut

Hood

Oaklavia - Walk Oakland Bike Oakland (WOBO)

2010-07-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

The word Oakland usually conjures up some horrific images for outsiders, but those who live here know better. Take for instance on the last Sunday in June when Oaklavia's Walk Oakland Bike Oakland or WOBO was born. Downtown Oakland stretching all the way to Jack London Square was shut off to motor vehicles. People took to the streets by foot, on bikes, skates, and much more.

I was out there with friends and family soaking in the rare sun during this rather tragically frigid cold summer. There was also a drumming circle and African dance lessons where the instructor danced from the street. I saw people playing four squares badly, I guy roller skating about town wearing a California flag cape, and even live rap. Many of the stores were open and information booths lined Broadway Avenue. Oh, and I picked up free bike helmets for the family. Score!

After walking by beautiful art deco buildings like the old Magnin's, Paramount Theater, and Fox Theater, we rested on Old Oakland with friends including one of the organizers, Doug Johnson with this wife Ratna Amin and son Kiran. Tam Tran caught up with her buddies while Tous played with Kiran.

Oakland is great! I look forward to more WOBO days. Watch a short video of WOBO below.

Daft Punk Mashups

2010-07-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

Daft Punk are so special. Check out their "Around the World" and "Bring Sexy Back" mashups.

Here they mashup with Wyclef Jean.

Kleptones - Come Again (Beatles vs Rare Earth vs Beaties vs Daft Punk vs Cypress Hill vs Boston) Video by Crumbs Chief

2010-07-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

The mashup to end up all mashups. Amazing array of dance clips that was brilliantly edited to fantastic music.

Kleptones - Come Again (Beatles vs Rare Earth vs Beaties vs Daft Punk vs Cypress Hill vs Boston) Video by Crumbs Chief from The Videotones on Vimeo.

HTC Droid Evo G4 vs iphone G4

2010-07-16T07:19:00.000-07:00

Even though I'm a self-proclaimed apple evangelist, I refuse to work with AT&T's crappy network to get an iphone. I have a droid and am perfectly fine with it. Not only is my calendar online and is constantly being synced automatically, I have a rad navigational system. Plus, have you heard about how buggy the new iPhone G4 is?

And how about their support.

Teach Your Toddler to Swim

2010-07-12T22:37:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have to say there's nothing more refreshing than the completely unabash method of good old Asian training. Take, for example, teaching your toddler to swim. In the video below you have an enthusiastic instructor who goes by Jimmy. The score to this video is fitting with an epic war movie, because the swimming pool is rather like a war zone for these little babes who have to face a do or die situation as Jimmy dunks them in the water one by one. Kids crying and all, Jimmy is relentless in "teaching" them to swim and miraculously, they seem to pick it up. Possibly adrenaline moves the students to learn quickly.

On the other spectrum you have the touchy feely method of the American counterparts. It's all about the sensitivity to your child's every mood while in the pool. It also looks like there's a long ass process to even get your kid to like the water. Plus, after numerous sessions, you can boast your child will not have ill thoughts when you sing and play games like pouring water from a watering can onto his/her face. What does this have to do with learning to swim you may want to know? Well, ask Jimmy, he'll get your kid underwater in no time and s/he may just be able to swim in one lesson.

Tom Tom Star Wars Celebrity GPS Voice Sessions

2010-07-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

I thought the sexy brit voice of my GPS was hot. Nothing beats the directness of Darth Vadar or sing songness of Yoda.

AT-AT is a Woman's Best Friend

2010-06-29T12:36:00.001-07:00

AT-AT day afternoon from Patrick Boivin on Vimeo.

Fushion Dance Done Right - Country Hip Hop

2010-06-28T22:39:00.000-07:00

Oh, man, once in a life time you will experience something magnificent that screams to you, brilliance! That would have to be be country hip hop. So dope, I cannot even contain myself.

Ke$ha Eff Off - Star Trek Style

2010-06-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular songs this year has been the horrendous "TiK ToK" by the no talent, wanna-be Ke$ha (even taking the $ sign from Oaktown legend Too $hort). It invokes me to puke! But, this Star Trek parody makes it almost bearable.

BP

2010-06-15T00:21:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it hurts too much to cry, you just have to laugh.

Review of TV Show Finales 2010!

2010-05-28T15:39:00.000-07:00

Well, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, even prematurely. This has been a season of great finales, unfortunately, some permanently. They include: Fringe, V, Flashforward, Lost and 24. Spoilers ahead.

Let us begin with the epic series that had its final showing ever, 24. 24 was essentially about a terrorist government unit, CPU, comparable to the CIA/FBI. It had as its best secret weapon, Jack Bower, a kick ass agent that basically is NEVER wrong. I came to 24 in its third season but quickly caught up on DVDs and continued with Tivo. Even while others may have dismissed 24 as a propaganda tool to advance FOX’s conservatism (the running theme of good-results-come-from-excessive-use-of-force-during-interrogation did not do much to counter this argument) I still found 24 progressive. After all, it had not one but TWO popularly elected black presidents – both well before Obama stepped into office. 24 even had a female president in its last two seasons. Yes, it is true that state enemies have included those from the Middle East and Asia, which pisses me off, but the biggest threats always remained power holders within the U.S. government itself! Lastly, 24 was the first series to kill off its lead actors without mercy or consideration for fans. In fact, they even killed off Jack one season. It got so bad that I tried not to get attached to characters just in case they got offed.

As expected from the finale, 24 ended with Jack’s righteousness in tact, even compelling an apology from a fallen president. The finale had more domestic and international enemies than usual and the death counts, just by Jack’s hand alone, was impressive. 24 also did not skip on trademark one liners like, “Don’t fight it,” when Jack puts the sleeper hold on tech expert and perennial “Girl Friday,” Chloe O'Brian. Glad she survived the franchise and was promoted to CPU’s director, as she was my favorite character, a nerdy, malcontent grouch. Overall a pretty satisfactory ending with whispers of a feature film ahead. I’d go see it.

Another highly dramatic show to end forever was Lost. Lost in short was about plane wrecked individuals with sordid pasts that learned to survive on a bizarrely magical island. I began watching bits and pieces of Lost in its second season. From there on out, I skipped around seasons a lot. Given its non-linear nature, it may have helped not to watch it in order anyway. The last season consisted of an alternate life-line for the main characters with the premise of, “what could have happened had Oceanic Flight 815 never crashed?” The fact that viewers tuned into the final episode just to figure out the plot of the whole series makes this one of the best mystery TV shows ever.

Supposedly everything that happened on the island really did, no cheesy dream ending. The alternative world then was a sorta kinda waiting room or purgatory where Lost individuals waited for their comrades to pass. When all did, they met at a small church to enter the after life together. Mystery solved. Though the biggest questions I had was, who the hell was Jacob and that dude that he always spoke with on the beach; and what the hell is the island about?

My questions were answered in episode 15 of this season, “Across the Sea.” The man is Jacob’s paternal twin, aka the black smoke creature, aka the image of the dead John Locke. I would argue that episode was the best of the season, mainly because it clarified the whole Lost show for me. But, my issue with this particular episode and the final one is the heavy-handed references to Christianity. The whole blond, pale, angelic-like Jacob vs the brunette, tanned, devilish like twin brother was quite cliché and borderline racist. Oh, and the meeting at the CHURCH at the end just doesn’t spell religious diversity—such a played out trope and a bit too trite for Lost. Oh, and on a superficial note, I always wanted Kate and Sawyer to end up together at the end. I also did not appreciate Jin and Sun getting killed. Still, enjoyed the series and kinda sad to see it end.

Luckily for me, JJ Abrams, creator of Lost, is back with Fringe. Its second season finale was lackluster at best. I got the sense that they didn’t realize they’d come back for the third season so they scrambled for a cool cliffhanger. Didn’t work. What did work was every episode before that. I describe Fringe as X files meets that cool episode of Star Trek where the crew interacted with their counterparts from an alternative universe (Futurama also had cool references to alternative universes in a couple of their episodes).

Even if Fringe had nothing but guest appearances by Leonard Nimoy, it would still be one of my favorite shows. But aside from Nimoy, they possess a compelling story filled with twists and turns. It has also the most sumptuous character on TV right now, the mad scientist, Walter Bishop. A brilliant scientist, his madness drove him to a mental hospital for two decades before joining the Fringe FBI unit. Always short of a few screws, he walks through the worlds of insanity and genius with comical results.

Fringe also one of the most enigmatic characters, namely the Observers. These white, bald creatures in bola hats and 60s suits seemingly can pass through time and space. Their language is math and they document human society in vast galaxies. I still cannot figure out what they are or their purpose, but I will continue to tune in to find out. I’m glad Fringe is coming back next year.

However, my two favorite premier series may not be coming back next year. They are Flashforward and V. Based for Robert J. Sawyer’s Flashforward, it is about worldwide blackouts where people literally pass out simultaneously for a few minutes and in their slumber, they have visions of the future. How they deal with their prophetic images once they wake up make for damn good drama! I think the actors are tops except for the whispering lead, Special Agent Mark Benford. They seem to collect some of the best from canceled series like Lost and Battlestar Galactica. They even have John Cho (aka Sulu from the new Star Trek, and Harold from Harold and Kumar) as FBI Special Agent Demetri Noh, in an interracial relationship with both Gabrielle Union and Christine Woods. It’s smart television and that’s probably why rumors are running rampant they won’t come back, tears.

V (for Visitor), a remake of the 1984 science fiction TV series, may fair better. Like the 1984 show, this one centers around the “friendly” appearance of alien beings who are in fact present for the sole purpose of world conquest. Human rebels working with the aliens, however, plot to undermine V’s global domination. It’s action packed, dramatic and has pretty good special affects, especially with the costuming of the reptile-like V aliens. I’m hopeful this lively show will return and look forward to see how humans come together now that they know the true motives of the Vs.

So, even though reality shows continue to flourish, this past TV season proved that there remains good programming. Of course a couple are now gone, 24 and Lost. A few more threatened to never come back like Flashforward and V, some will still be around for at least one more year like Fringe. Make sure you watch these shows on DVD or catch when they (may or may not) return in 2011!

http://ilkerugur.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/lost-1.jpg

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090522073526/24/images/2/22/Jack-bill-hold.jpg&imgrefurl=http://24.wikia.com/wiki/File:Jack-bill-hold.jpg&usg=__QK58GKu_M8lk9cdVQWkOkm9jnbA=&h=480&w=853&sz=63&hl=en&start=5&sig2=4VDajNlkkxNil9UVgYClFg&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=iPSG0cL61wMa3M:&tbnh=82&tbnw=145&prev=/images%3Fq%3D24%2Bsleeper%2Bhold%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den-us%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=gYEJTIj2DorENq7GgdkC

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/8/2010/04/4c99d3bc1817eac0c4.jpg

http://images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20090309/300.fringe.list.torv.jackson.noble.lc.030909.jpg

http://www.idsnews.com/blogs/weekendwatchers/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/flash-forward-20090519104341497_640w.jpg

http://www.boston.com/ae/specials/culturedesk/chloe.jpg

http://media.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/ticket/archives/TV%20LOST%20FINALE.jpg

Perfect Mother's Day Virtual Card

2010-05-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day. Of course readers of mymonkeylounge.com know how I feel about these capitalistic Hallmark holidays. Essentially, you should treat your mom like gold every day, not just once a year. But, Mother's Day is an occasion to treat her especially well.

One way is to send her the perfect virtual card. Check out how it works here. Once the video ends, you will be instructed on how to customize your own. She'll love you for it.

R&R - US Soldiers in Afghanistan Style

2010-04-30T22:35:00.000-07:00

Watch these US soldiers rock out with their *socks* out doing a "Telephone" remake/parody.

Telephone Remake @ Yahoo! Video

Gay culture has infiltrated the military! View the original "Telephone" video from Ga Ga (ft. Beyonce) here:

Banksy Pranksy : Exit Though the Gift Shop

2010-04-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

Banksy, the wildly talented street artist, prankster, and social critic infamous for completely shielding his true identity from the world, has released his first movie "Exit Though the Gift Shop". Filmed as a documentary... and described as the world's first Street Art disaster film, this is an incredibly engaging mind game centering on the world of street art and graffiti.

The movie features street footage of Space Invader, Shepard Fairey, Neckface, Swoon, Banksy, Cheez, Borf, and Coma all making art and tagging the world with their unique visions. For this alone "Exit" is worth the price of admission.

But Banksy has a lot up his sleeve. This is a disaster film, and the disaster is the conflict between truth, fiction, and banksy pranks. The film is a multilevel documentary mostly centering on Thierry Guetta, a french clothing store owner, living in Los Angeles, who is a compulsive videographer obsessed with filming the world of street art. As Banksy puts it the movie ended up becoming a film about Thierry Guetta, because he was "more interesting than I [banksy] am".

The movie, mostly told though interviews with the incredibly engaging and energetic Guetta, leaves one's head spinning. There's so much that is true here. A previously unseen world of archival footage of artists engaged in their guerrilla activities. And each and every event described in the movie has actually appears to have happened. But how did it all happen and what is the reality behind the movie.

The key questions are in regards to Thierry Guetta, who ultimately transforms into a street artist of significant success named MBW, Mister Brain Wash. There's a back story here we can only guess at, and the guessing and questioning after the film keeps one engaged days after viewing. Even once you are sure you have figured out all the layers of this film, you are left with questions and uncertainty. A mystery wrapped in an enigma, and a fascinating tightly edited film that is as funny, intriguing, and engaging as anything Banksy has every created. There are a lot of theories about what this movie is.
As far as I'm concerned it's probably the most amazing prank and the most elaborate attack on the commodification of art that has ever been made. See it while you can in its limited US release.

The trailer and extended sneak preview should give you a sense of what lies before you.

By Mochi

http://www.artofthestate.co.uk/photos/banksy_couk_rain_girl.jpg

Happy International Women's Day

2010-03-10T06:50:00.001-08:00

Do not forget to honor the women in your lives for International Women's Day! Start with flowers and go from there. Which reminds me, have to get some for the dynamite women in my life, albeit two days late. For more on International Women's day, go here.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jafx_3dA8Ck/SlhFNKyAG7I/AAAAAAAACkY/1WRUyoE0zNQ/s1600-h/IMG_6602-Small.jpg

Earthquake in Chili

2010-03-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

From Salsa Aficionado:

I try to refrain from sending out too many messages, but I wanted to send this one out... Thanks for all your help.

As you know, an 8.8 earthquake struck Chile Friday night, making it one of the powerful earthquakes to strike the Earth in more than a century. Numerous tsunamis and aftershocks of 6.0 and higher followed the initial destructive quake throughout the weekend. Over 700 deaths have been reported (thus far) as nearly half-million buildings were destroyed in the quake. Untold numbers are missing and nearly 2 million people are displaced, injured or directly affected.

1. American Red Cross — the American Red Cross International Response Fund helps victims of crises such as the Chile and Haiti earthquakes. If you wish to designate your funds to a specific crisis, you’ll need to mail in your donation.

2. Americares — funds go exclusively to the Chilean earthquake (and tsunami relief, should further tragedies occur)

3. Google Crisis Response, with channels benefiting UNICEF and DirectRelief International
– use your Google Checkout account to donate instantly to these charities

4. World Vision Disaster Response Fund - your money goes towards relief efforts for global disasters worldwide (not Chile specifically)

For those who want to text a donation
(As with the Haitian relief efforts, the Mobile Giving Foundation has launched a text messaging campaign for micro donations, and the four major U.S. mobile carriers, Verizon, At&T, Sprint and T-mobile, have waived text messaging fees for donations).

• Text “4CHILE” to 50555 to donate $10 to support Chile relief efforts through Convoy of Hope
• Text “CHILE” to 50555 to donate $10 to support Chile relief efforts through the World Program
• Text “CHILE” to 25383 to donate $10 to support Chile relief efforts through Habit for Humanity
• Text “REBUILD” to 50555 to donate $10 to support Chile relief efforts through Operation USA
• Text “CHILE” to 52000 to donate $10 to support Chile relief efforts through the Salvation Army
• Text “CHILE” to 20222 to donate $10 to support Chile relief efforts through World Vision

Avatar - The Movie the Myth

2010-02-28T12:30:00.000-08:00

I know it has been months since Avatar came out but my enthusiasm for this movie has barely subsided. Truth is, Avatar is more than a movie, it's a breakthrough in the way we'll view films from here on out. With its compelling story, Avatar is an instant classic. But even as legions of overnight lifetime fans fantasize about the greatness that is Pandora, I have to say, this movie truly represents the complete decline of intellect in movie making and consequently the movie goers.

I did not geek out and watch the first midnight showing, but shortly thereafter on X-mas day, I did make up for it by being the first in line in the earliest showing. I dragged along my geekiest friend, Han, to watch the film in IMAX 3D with me. He reluctantly agreed only because he had seen it just the day before. Subsequently, I also went for my second showing with my second geekiest friend, George, who insisted I watch it at the Metreon with its giant ass screen. This is the same guy that listens to the sound track 24/7 on his ipod and constantly asks me to listen to snippets while asking, "Do you remember what part of the movie that piece came from...What, you don't? It's when he's flying. Jesus, did you really see the movie"? sigh...

So, here's some tips on where to watch this magnificent movie. It is important to know it's a technically sublime 3D that requires proper technology to view all the affects in its glory. You MUST watch it in an Imax 3-D equiped theater. It's a consensus that you should try to sit near the back of the theater, in the middle section. It allows you to see every point of the film. It's the only way to truly absorbed the awesome special affects!

All this Avatar worshiping aside, I have to say one thing, WTF! Dubbed as the "Dancing with the Smurfs" film; it does have all the elements of the white man entering seemingly dangerous "native" territory only to win over the hearts and minds of its people. Avatar takes the concept of cultural appropriation one step further by introducing animism. Animism is the belief that all things have souls and we all share this planet in perfect harmony. This includes reverence to dead ancestors as their souls live. Also nature, including animals, rivers, trees, also have souls and therefore should not be threatened in ways that would create instability in the natural order of the planet and its inhabitants.

As an animist from Viet Nam, I have no issues understanding this concept. Of course souls of people and other living or once living things share this planet. And yes, destroying nature or disrespecting dead ancestors have grave consequences. Apparently this sounds like BS mumbo jumbo to many in American society. So much so that director and creator of Avatar, James Cameron, had to incorporate into this narrative a "scientific" component to "rationalize" animism.

This was done through discoveries made by lead scientist Grace Augustine (played by Sigourney Weaver). As she explains it, the planet of Pandora is composed of a complex system of quantifiable energy networks more complicated than the human brain. Uh, okay, I guess it's not enough to just believe in the obvious. Rather, the importance in the balance of nature has to be scientifically validated for an audience to buy into what Pandora and the Na'vi people represent. Sad...Hey, should not be shocking but it's disappointing how incredibly myopic the US society is. I worry about the earth and more and more, wonder what 2012 will bring.

Lastly, true to Cameron's maudlin nature (see Titanic), Avatar is laced with tear jerker moments throughout the movie. I, being the cold hearted individual that I am, resisted. However, in the last scene where the Na'vi people and their supporters supervise the ironic march of pathetic human invaders back to their "dying planet," I indeed shed one sole tear. Only in Hollywood does the white invaders lose and have to pack up and go home. In reality, a whole population of American natives were nearly killed out of existence, lands and way of life stripped, children separated from parents, remaining peoples are relocated to secluded slums, many of which live in deep poverty and addiction, and our Earth is dying...

Congrats on winning the Golden Globe for Best Movie and Best Director, Cameron. More is surely to follow...but sad realities remain and this movie does nothing to rectify that. Capitalism, baby!

http://blogs.amctv.com/scifi-scanner/avatar2.jpg

http://www.comicbookmovie.com/images/users/uploads/8558/Smurf_on_Na__vi_Action_by_drawerofdrawings.jpg
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://transcriptions.english.ucsb.edu/archive/topics/weaving-webs/images/trail-tears.jpg&imgrefurl=http://transcriptions.english.ucsb.edu/archive/topics/weaving-webs/timeline-images/trail-of-tears.html&usg=__giUyfmm9Ffe5iXVF1HDrzWZdBcg=&h=516&w=822&sz=206&hl=en&start=12&sig2=ncB38h99YqYhkWYUOcNmFg&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=CmCgkJsRTYB9YM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=144&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtrail%2Bof%2Btears%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den-us%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=596KS7uaLI3usAPdutCGAw

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới - Happy Year of the Tiger!

2010-02-14T00:57:00.000-08:00

Wishing all a happy new year!
May all your wishes come true.
Now go collect those

little red envelopes!

Oh, and Happy Capitalist Play on Guilt of People
Who Should be Good to their Partners Daily
Instead of Just One Time a Year Day too!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vDiNQ-IbzC0/S1rI8hrS66I/AAAAAAAAAK8/NDVtwzHDnfk/s400/Chinese%2BRed%2BEnvelope.jpg

WONDERLAND: A Fairy Tale of the Soviet Monolith by Jason Eskenazi

2010-02-12T08:25:00.000-08:00

From time to time, Monkey Lounge will have guest bloggers. For this post, we have the musings of Mochi Mochi. Read below.

The chic for western photographers is as follows: go to japan and be wowed by the difference in culture. take photographs which are "amazing". The west is titillated and trades off of the mystique of Japan as "the other". This formula is all too familiar, and honestly it smacks of orientalism. Once the formula has been established, and in the case of Japan that was over 150 years ago, it becomes an easy thing to repeat. It's easy to make cool images in Japan because it's easy to aestheticize the Japanese culture. But repeating the work of others, and continuing or habituating colonialist patterns is not how great art gets made. So photographers, turn your lens somewhere else.That's what Jason Eskenazi did after growing up in Queens during the Regan era and hearing of an Evil Empire. Eskenazi, winner of a Guggenheim Fellowship, Fulbright Scholarship, Dorothea Lange Prize, Alicia Patterson Foundation Grant, turned his lens to the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. He spent much of the 1990s capturing the gritty aftermath of the fall of the former USSR. Rather than aestheticizing the experience, Eskenazi has documented the fracture and breakdown of a superpower in a deeply personal and moving way. Seeing the fall as a tragedy he approaches his subjects with empathy. Eskenazi spent years looking for a way to tell the story of Russian communism, he found the answer in the Russian love of the fairy tale - the fairy tale of communism.
Stringing photographs together in a meaningful sequence is the bane of the amateur, and the delight and challenge of the great photographer. Eskenazi used the outline of the classic fairy tale as a basis for his amazing book of tightly edited, evocative, and unsettling images: WONDERLAND: A Fairy Tale of the Soviet Monolith. While not following a strict narrative, Eskenazi starts in the place where many classic fairy tales begin: a child was abandon or lost a guardian, and is pushed into the world or the forest of uncertainty. This, his first book, won the 2008 Best Photography Book prize from Pictures of the Year International, and is now in its second printing (the first printing sold out completely.) I just ordered my personal copy of the second edition.
In the last 25 years you could have found Eskenazi working for Time or The Times in in Haiti, Afghanistan, Russia, Georgia, Ukraine or Dagestan. Currently you will find him working as a guard in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and exhibiting his work in galleries in New York City. Eskenazi heard the call of photo journalism during its hay-day, before the fall of the publishing and news empires. He wanted to use his lens and vision to change the world on a grand scale. Such idealism is hard to sustain against the tide of realities of the world. Eskenazi now works on grants and creates his own assignments, choosing to make images according to his own standards. He is now changing that same cruel world little bit by bit, one set of eyes at a time.
You can find his wonderful book and learn more at
http://www.jasoneskenazi.com/wonderland.html.

Jason Eskenazi talks about Wonderland
and Title Nation from Habitus A Diaspora Journal on
Vimeo.

Conan's Premature Farewell to the Tonight Show

2010-01-24T08:48:00.000-08:00

It's been one crazy ride for the Tonight Show host this month. It began with rumors of night time show line-up cancellations on NBC. Eventually we all learned that Conan O'Brien was going to be moved from 11:35pm to 12:05am. This shuffle was supposedly a reaction to network affiliates complaining about poor ratings coming from the predecessor to the Tonight Show, Jay Leno. He began hosting a 30 minute variety show airing before Conan's that essentially tanked. Both Conan and Leno were mere months into their new shows and ratings reflected both shows readjustment.

But, instead of complying to an AM time, making the "Tonight Show" name a misnomer, Conan opted to walk. With a 44 million settlement, a large portion of which will go to severance pay for the Tonight Show staff, Conan got his papers and will not be allowed to host on another network for 7 months.

All the details aside, I'm fuming mad that my favorite late night show host is now leaving the iconic Tonight Show. Still, in good grace and humor, Conan ended his show this past Friday, amongst many things, thanking NBC for the opportunities he was given in his 20 year tenure with the network, beginning with working as a writer on SNL and then hosting the Late Night Show after Letterman's untimely departure, and finally the brief time with the Tonight Show.

Conan has thoroughly entertained me from his first airing at the Late Night Show in 1993. This gangly redhead had an cute combination of slapstick, dry wit and self-deprecating humor that endeared me to him. Come on, his dance moves are top notch, especially the "string dance."

In fact, I wanted to marry him during my graduate school years. Something about being the editor of Harvard's Lampoon, writer and producer for the Simpson's and SNL and graduating from the little known university in Cambridge, that I found uber sexy. Let's face it, nothing hotter than an awkward, lanky nerd.

Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog - Star Wars - watch more funny videos

From his skits involving the Masturbating Bear to Triumph the Insult Dog. Who can forget the classic moments where Triumphs pokes fun at Star Wars nerds?! Conan and his team of writers really tickled my funny bone and have also won critical acclaims and a handful of Emmys. So, letting Conan go from the Tonight Show makes no freagin' sense to me. Giving back the show to lackluster Leno makes even less sense.

I find Leno completely humorless. He's awkward around women often making really uncomfortable and downright creepy efforts to flirt. He's equally offensive to people of color resorting to racial stereotypes for a cheap laugh. He's very unpleasant on the eyes and painful to listen to. Watching Leno is equivalent to listening to former president G. W. Bush talk about about peace and the American way. It just makes no sense and is downright torturous.

In short, this is simply my note of support for a soon to be legendary entertainer, Conan, and I wish him lots of luck with opportunities I'm sure will come his way. He's making out okay financially from this NBC debacle but as anyone who've followed Conan over the years know, leaving the NBC family and Tonight Show franchise was probably the most humiliating and hurtful thing Conan has ever had to do. He's a good guy and deserves a bright future.

I'll be looking out for you dude!

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/improvised-blog/conan_o_brien.jpg

Our Heart Goes Out to Haiti

2010-01-15T19:48:00.001-08:00

The Future of Health Care - Repo Men

2010-01-03T22:52:00.000-08:00

Now that the "government option" in Obama's health care proposal is way off the table, I cannot help but think our future will look something like this...

...Am I a cynic?

Happy 2010!

2010-01-01T09:08:00.000-08:00

It can only get better?

Monkey Lounge's New Year chandelier.

Are HP Computers Racist?

2009-12-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

Any thoughts on why this is?

Merry Ho Ho Ho!

2009-12-25T07:18:00.001-08:00

My happy yucca x-mas tree.

Hip Hoppin' Toddler

2009-12-24T16:23:00.000-08:00

Okay, this is not about hardcore politics or anything, but the tiny tot is definitely representin'.

Happy Teacher's Day (Cuba) - Yismari Ramos Tellez

2009-12-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

As a dance enthusiast, I am grateful that I have amazing instructors enhancing my love of this art form. On top of this list is my Salsa teacher, Yismari Ramos Tellez. Yismari studied at the National School of Art in Havana, Cuba with emphasis on modern and Afro-Cuban folkloric dance. Her career includes dancing with the Tony Menedez Dance Company, the Ballet de la Television, and with Lady Salsa, an internationally renowned group, performing Cuban Son, Mambo, Cha-Cha-Cha, and Salsa.

Yismari has toured internationally in countries such as: Italy, Russia, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Ecuador, Canada and Panama. Now, aside from teaching at OCD and Dance Mission in San Francisco, The Beat in Berkeley, Gold's Gym and Club One in Oakland, and other venues, you can also catch her sing and dance in the Bay Area as member of the band Saoco. Lastly, she's currently the Artistic Director and Soloist with Las Que Son Son.

So, on Cuba's National Teacher's Day, I want to extend my appreciation for Yismari's amazing dancing skills and dedication to her students. Below is a pix of her teaching salsa class on this special day. She had just finished working our butts off on a completely challenging routine, thus the sweaty bunch. Yimari is in the middle with the yellow tank and big smile.

More pix some dancers in our class

http://lasquesonson.com/products.html
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.salsaruedafestival.com/Yismari.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.salsaruedafestival.com/instructors2010.htm&usg=__8RUqsqnTu7B84gTD0KIh-QWJBvY=&h=640&w=411&sz=42&hl=en&start=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=lrlMO2UtzLlyFM:&tbnh=137&tbnw=88&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dyismari%2Bramos%2Btellez%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den-us%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1

Robot Invasion on Shoestring Budget - Fede Alvarez's "Ataque de Panico"

2009-12-18T14:17:00.001-08:00

Something amazing has happened in Uruguay. Producer, Fede Alvarez, created a goose bump inducing short about giant robots and streams of spacecrafts invading the capital of Montevideo. Alvarez created the four-minute short, "Ataque de Panico" (Panic Attack) on a mere 300 USD budget. This little investment wielded him an increase by 100,000 fold when Ghost House Pictures (The Grudge, Boogeyman, Legend of the Seeker....) offered him a 30 million deal to create a feature film in the same vein as his short. Watch his initial endeavor below.

http://www.mapuaownage.com/forums/movies/13823-ataque-de-pbnico-panic-attack-2009-a.html

Cutest Kid Covering "I'm Your's"

2009-12-14T18:32:00.000-08:00

Watch this amazing kid attempt one of my favorite song's this year, Jason's Mraz's "I'm Yours."

Jason's Mraz's acoustic version

Kim Hiorthoy - Hip Iconoclast

2009-12-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

Internationally respected graphic artist, filmmaker and electronic musician, Kim Hiorthoy, is producing some amazing music with captivating accompanying visuals. Born in Trondheim, Norway, he studied at this city's Academy of Fine Arts before continuing on at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen and School of Visual Arts in New York. See the graphic to his "My Last Day" LP to the left.

Even with this impressive training, he insists he's an amateur. In a 2004 interview, he elaborated, "I definitely believe in working with an attitude of knowing as little as possible about what you are about to do in order to not be constrained by efforts to 'prove' anything and also to be as open as possible to whatever it is you are about to do. To approach things without the limitations of professionalism." Check out "Alt Måste Bli Anorlunda" below.

It is this free attitude that makes his creations so damn good. I'm really grooving on his music at the moment. He's made an astonishing 17 LPs (most are not full length), so there's lots of music to choose from. I'm particularly fond of "Goodbye to Song," with its scratchy background and abrupt stops that nonetheless doesn't disrupt the amazing beats. "This Record Can Not Set," not only has a wonderful toe tapping sound, it also has this amusing manipulated addition mimicking what I perceive as vocals. The cleverly titled, "I thought We Could Eat Friends," is a full on fun dance song that I dare anyone to sit still for.

He brings much of his skills together in his live performances where music and visuals collide. See below.

This multi-talented musician and artist impresses me greatly and I hope you'll give him a try. Check out some of his music on myspace and amazon.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_n0i8-dz4bjE/Ss351yp5yoI/AAAAAAAAAvw/ZAC07eYR-yA/s400/kim3.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__57SA1xMNOU/R1HTgQfvkmI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/eBvMGDwroXI/s1600-R/kim%2B-%2Bmy%2Blast%2Bday.jpg

Post War Japanese Photography - Rough, Blurred, out of Focus

2009-12-01T08:50:00.001-08:00

Post War Japan marked a major shift in Japanese society. This included (re)defining Japan in the midst of reconstruction and heavy American presence. Young men who lived through the devastation and re-emergence of Japan began recording their surroundings with cameras and coined their approach, “Are, Bure, Boke“-style (rough, blurred, out of focus). Lasting mostly through the 60s and 70s, some of the more well-known images were published in the avant garde photography magazine, Provoke.

San Francisco Modern Art Museum has been collecting this important body of work since the 1970s. A compilation of their holdings appear in their current exhibit, The Provoke Era: Postwar Japanese Photography. Running through to December 20, 2009, this is a must see show!

From the first exhibit image of Moriyama Daido's "Stray Dog" (image above), you get a sense of the grittiness ahead. Indeed, these talented photographers managed to capture the every day in its rawest form. This is seen quite clearly with Yoshiyuki Kohei's "Park" series. Using infra-red, he took pictures of lovers and their voyeristic audience, including himself.

On the other spectrum of the long gaze appears the work of Hosoe Eikoh. His art comes from lighting and the ability to capture the split second the action takes place. "Kamaitachi #31" appears as an image seen behind the human eyes. We know it's fleeting but it is also all at once frozen for all time.

What I truly enjoy about this style of photography is its archival nature. Photographers like Shomei Tomatsu documented the heavy U.S. military presence three decades after occupation. The disdainful look on the soldiers face speaks to an unease experienced by both sides (image below).

With U.S. presence, the Provoke movement also showcased how the Japanese mimicked U.S. pop culture and in some ways making it their own. Watanabe Katsumi's image of three men in sharp suits, cigarettes in hand walking down the red light district mirrors the street life in the U.S. at the time (image below).

Getting the gritty images of Japanese life offers diversity and an alternative to the perfectly stylized images of geishas the west is accustomed to. This comes out in Moriyama's "Eros" series where he takes photos of women in the "love hotels" of Tokyo (image below). The out of focus images offer an erotic glimpse into the sexual practices of urbanites, greatly contradicting images of chaste Japanese ladies.

"Provoke Era" creations are awe inspiring. Aside from the rawness, the beauty of the photography is its archival nature. Photographers simply took a camera with them on their daily walks to capture their surroundings. Sometimes they shot photos while in motion, simulating how our eyes scan images in quick movements. See below Moriyama's city walk.

The success of any exhibit for me is if I feel like creating right as I get home. Though I already carry a point-and-shoot with me everywhere, serving as my own historian, I am now more confident that all my images, however imperfect, has value. So, the exhibit was a huge success for me. Don't miss it!

http://eluxury.createthesoftware.com/UploadedFiles/full/SEPT%2012%20Photography%20Now%20SF%20MOMA/4.%20SFMOMA_Provoke_Era_09.jpg

http://www.reinasugiyama.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/mirones_parque.jpg

http://blog.sfmoma.org/2009/09/provoke/

Moving Sand Art - Kseniya Simonova

2009-11-27T01:35:00.000-08:00

24 year old Kseniya Simonova recently won Ukraine's Got Talent 2009 with her emotive sand art performance. Depicting devastation experienced during USSR's Great Patriotic War against the Germany in WWII, she drew tears from the audience and judges alike. Watch her work her artistry during the winning performance below.

http://loyalkng.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Kseniya-Simonova-theUkraines-Got-Talent.jpg