ahh-so-centric

jero

I found this guy's story pretty interesting. Jero is the first African-American enka singer in Japanese music history. He is actually 1/4 Japanese (grandmother is japanese), graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in '03 and moved to Japan. He learned of enka (traditional japanese music that is somewhat old fashioned and not popular among the current youth) from his grandmother and began singing it. He was discovered by JVC music scouts at a karaoke contest.

Clearly the record label is marketing the contrast of his hip hop gear and these traditionally melodramatic ballads. Initial TV performance have audiences and tarentos expecting him to rap only to be shocked once he starts singing enka. And I guess the strategy is working because he's flying pretty high on the Oricon charts. I'm not an enka expert, but his voice seems pretty smooth and its impressive that he has a good command of the Japanese language. Supposedly some of the Japanese have referred to him as the "black ship of the enka world"!

the light

sound of color

This website deals with the meaning of color through sound as interpreted by various musicians. They wrote 5 tracks and worked with directors to create a music video.

evolution of car logos

Neatorama has an interesting article on the evolution of automobile logos. For example, the 4 interlocking rings of Audi represents the merger of 4 automakers into one union.

puto cravings

Saw this pic via Simply Anne's and it made me smile. And then it made me hungry. Actually I grew up eating a different version than this pic. We customarily ate the greasy white slabs of slippery puto with butter slathered on top. Our neighbor growing up always served the dry spongier bite-sized puto (as shown in this pic). Either way, its such a great breakfast or snack. Now I have to stop by the nearby Filipino market (thank god there's one 20 min away) and grab me some. This little store gets shipments from the almighty Philippine Bread House.

cavite

Cavite is a movie written and directed by Ian Gamazon and Neill Dela Llana about a second generation Filipino-American named Adam who returns to the Philippines and finds out his family is taken hostage by terrorists. He is forced to follow instructions from the hostage-taker via cellphone (think "Cellular" in the P.I.) to commit acts of terror in Cavite city. I caught this flick on TV and although the action was fairly slow, the first-person vantage point was effective and the shaky digital cam delivers a documentary like perspective.

The movie is not without its flaws. The hostage-taker's voice and dialog seemed more humorous than threatening at times - like an old tito making teasing remarks. The character of Adam is one-dimensional and Gamazon's performance was too self-conscious and studied - almost as if he was reading lines off props. Despite these flaws, I enjoyed Cavite, mainly because it was nice to see the Philippines on film. Even if much of it was trash filled rivers, polluted city streets and hungry hustlers. The cinematography of hectic Cavite city ends up being the most effective aspect of the film and lends some needed gravity to the situation.
As a second generation Fil-Am, I could relate to the running theme of Adam's struggles with his Filipino identity. Not only is he panicked by the hostage situation, but he's overwhelmed by being lost in an unfamilar city in his ancestral land. If I was in his shoes, I would be helpless as well. I would undoubtedly need a tour guide if I visit the P.I. Adam's identity issues are a little overdone and forced when infused in his running conversations with the wise-cracking hostage-taker. He questions Adam on why he doesn't speak tagalog even though he understands the language. Again he sounds like a humorous uncle and I doubt that was the intention. In addition to giving instructions to commit crimes, he also forces him to eat balut in order to "taste his homeland". Part of me wanted Adam to run into Anthony Bourdain or Andrew Zimmern as he tried hard not to vomit the balut on the street.

my Ate, my thoughts on obama/clinton

I guess its ironic that my progressive minded big sister ended up living in the traditionally red state of Texas. But then again, working in the all consuming world of academia and living in the most liberal part of the state probably balances things out somewhat. Anyway, Texas is going to have a big impact on the continuing battle for the Democratic party's presidential nomination. And Ate is taking careful consideration of the upcoming primary. We had a nice exchange of thoughts. I respect her progressive intellect immensely - and I'm not just saying that because she's my ate. I explain my support for Obama below. Now, I'm not the type to push political views on people - I feel its more important that everyone get involved in the process this time around.

_______

Ate, I enjoy your thoughts on the upcoming primary. My outlook is not as profound or even issues-oriented but more representative of my gut feelings:

Your reference of Obama's "cult of personality" is a great description of why I was torn about him in the beginning. The enthusiasm surrounding his campaign is impressive and at times strangely cult-like. Early on, I was cynical (as usual), questioning his inexperience and his idealism. Is he a visionary or is he blowing hot air? Can he possibly translate any of his ideas into real action? But at the same time, I found myself getting inspired. Words are just words but at the same time people need to be inspired. Maybe things can happen when people are inspired. Historically, change happens when enough people are energized to make it happen. Yes, Obama is a seductive public speaker but I was more impressed by his ability to energize and connect with a diverse set of people - especially the usually dispassionate crowds. It gave a cynic like me (who never believes in politicians) a little hope that he can reach, unite and lead people in the right direction.

And what does experience mean when its rooted in the corruptive ways that made me cynical of the government in the first place?

Which brings me to Hillary. I agree with your assessment of Clinton and I would vote for her if she wins the nomination. I like her foreign policy and health care proposals and respect her determination. There is a comfort in that Hillary is more of a known commodity. Her presidency would harken a return to the Clinton era - an improvement over Dubya but a continuance of what's wrong with Washington rather than an effort to change things. During the 90s, the Clintons aligned themselves with lobbyists, conformed to appease interest groups, and inspired unproductive bipartisanship. I agree with you that while that era is remembered fondly by Dems, it also laid some of the groundwork that troubles us today.

As a side note, her current campaign frames her as a career politician in my eyes - capable of getting dirty to achieve her ends. I'm not like Dad - I don't have an issue with the "Billary" two headed monster. I had a problem with how Bill was operating early on. Especially when he came out before S.C. to bring out the race issue and paint Obama as the "black" candidate. She may or may not have authorized it but some of her strategies smell of tired negative politricks.

While there's no guarantee that Obama can change things, at least he represents a chance to do so. I think Obama and Clinton share the same basic ideals but Obama evokes an inspirational tone that is needed for the country at this time. I remember his S.C. victory speech when he declared that the upcoming election is not about religion, age, race or gender but about past v.s. future. Again these are just words, but it rang true with me. I think he represents the future - not only because he's biracial but because of his inclusive vision. And I'd like to give him a chance to put that vision into action.

Now, I realize that the odds are stacked against Obama being able to change the culture in Washington. It will be impossible to acheive all of his ideals. He might even fail miserably - but its a risk worth taking, considering the rewards gained from the minute possibility that he use power in a new way. Sometimes, I still wonder if I'm just drinking the kool-aid too much but I feel the country needs a fresh start and Obama's potential for a transcendent presidency is more attractive than the alternatives of keeping the status quo or reaching back into the past.

My wife is more of a Hillary supporter because she believes that her presidency will bring a stability that American needs in these "uncertain times". We don't really get into any heated debates and we both understand the positives of both candidates. If Obama wasn't running, I would willingly overlook Hillary's flaws and support her. But the reality is that he is running and I'm less cynical of his potential than before. That being said...I have no idea what's going to happen. Obama's got the momentum but Hillary still has a chance. Supposedly it all rides on Ohio and Texas. Feeling any of this pressure??

let it snow

This image is random but funny. But who turned on the snow today? Just when I thought we'd get through the winter without any snow, we got our first significant storm of the season. Ok, it was only 3 inches but it was enough to keep half of my department home from work. Marketing people are spoiled and wimpy...every other department reported as usual.

I guess I'm officially old because I was hoping for no snow at all. Actually, if there's a chance of snow, it better be a blizzard or nothing at all. A few inches is a mere annoyance because it won't keep you outta work ... then you have to clean the car, leave early and slide around the roads. I'd rather sit in the office than shovel.

My co-worker from Boston laughs at all of us for southerners for panicking about a dusting of flakes. Her main beef is that no one plows streets around her. It doesn't help that no one knows how to drive in the snow here. You got either people as slow as molasses or SUV's going at breakneck speed. Slow and steady people!

Asw for my wife, she was calling me old as she prayed for a day off - just like the school kids that she deals with. Unfortunately, the Philly school systems are stingy with their snow days. The school system may be failing to reach academic standards but they teach you how to brave the elements.

recognize!

Thanks to my sis for alerting me to this exhibit showcasing hip hop portraits by David Scheinbaum. Gallery is currently up at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in D.C. until Oct 26, 2008.

total package

thedieline is a blog featuring beautiful package design. Y Water bottles are one of my favorites. Organic ingredients, recyclable packaging and the bottles can be used by kids (or adults) to construct cool things.

paul rand

Great tribute site to graphic design legend Paul Rand - creative genius behind some of the most iconic logos and memorable graphics of our time.

amada

I've heard glowing reviews from friends and colleagues about Amada restaurant in Old City, but I never got around to making a visit. Suprisingly it lived up to the hype.

Amada's floor plan flows freely between 3 open rooms - encouraging a loud communal experience. The interior features plenty of Spanish reds and browns - wood slab tables, shelves of canned Spanish ingredients and hangers with sections of covered pork hanging near the long tapas bars which define each room. Our table was in the back room which was much quieter, romantic and cozy. This setting was more Mediterranean or almost Turkish - especially when seated in plush couch chairs with a couple soft pillows underneath our asses.

We picked 6 simple dishes and there was not one misstep. The ensalada verde with asparagus, avocado and green beans was a refreshing way to start things off. My wife's favorite was the chorizo blanco - razor thin slices of sausage with bread and side offerings of spicy mustard and peppers. I was surprised the octopus dish offered no indication of octopus. It was basically diced into medallions but the smokey flavor was delicious nonetheless. The calamari was tender and retained a Mediterranean essence in its preparation. The sirloin was top notch and the lobster stew was a wonderful combination of flavors.

The desserts were heavenly. And I don't use that word commonly. The Pastel De Calabaza is a moist pumpkin cake with a side of tart fruit sauce and bay leaf ice cream with pumpkin seeds. The Banana Torrijas is a carmelized bread with bananas bathed in a sinful anglaise with a side of maple syrup ice cream. I prefer moist cakes and creamy desserts, so I was basically licking off the plates.

I love tapas and Amada is as good as it gets. Like MacArthur, I will return - simply to try the rest of the menu.

stuffwhitepeoplelike

Props to the masterminds behind this blog. LOL at expensive sandwiches, Sarah Silverman, Juno and being an expert on YOUR culture. More or less describes a lot of caucasians I know.

Air

In honor of Air Jordans XXIII release day. How bout the LeBron punchline at the end of this commercial? MJ defined sports in the 80s and 90s.

Classic Spike Lee/Mars Blackmon commercial for Air Jordan III:

Cool article on Tinker Hatfield - the guy who designed Air Max 1 (one of my favorites) along with many of the signature Air Jordans over the years. Good insight on some of his inspiration for each design - including the innovative AM 1's being inspired by the Pompidou Center in Paris.