George Washington University professor Mark Lynch has an insightful piece comparing Jay-Z’s power in the rap world to the U.S.’s power in the world:

As Jay-Z got older and more powerful, the marginal benefits of such battles declined and the costs increased even as the number of would-be rivals escalated. Just as the U.S. attracts resentment and rhetorical anti-Americanism simply by virtue of being on top, so did Jay-Z attract a disproportionate number of attackers. “I got beefs with like a hundred children” he bragged/complained on one track.

NPR picked up the story as well. “Rapper Feud Mirrors World Politics” is worth a listen.

Ha Thanh Xuan has a dark, smoky voice, but her delivery is not dramatic enough for sentimental ballads. She should consider switching to romantic ballads.

Ly Hai is one of those old heads who refuses to leave the young-pop game. His new release is another instant mediocrity.

The album has more variety than a bag of Skittles and the mechanical productions brought down his slightly hoarse voice.

Lam Vu’s new, trendy album, Hay Tin Vao Tinh Yeu Cua Anh, is a like a brand name handbag you could pick up at Canal Street. The cover adorns a counterfeit LV brand and the music—from the beats to the lyrics to the vocals—feels cheap.

Pham Duy would get a heart attack if he listens to this record.

Both of Le Tan Quoc’s instrumental albums are perfect for Vietnamese café shops with comfortable couches and without sexy servers.

I have tremendous respect for Duong Thu. Through his lyrical virtuosity and his appreciation for nature, I imagined that he is one calm, humble individual. After reading his article, “8 mẩu suy nghĩ về giới trẻ và Élite trẻ,” however, I get a different vibe about the man. He is mad pissed off at the younger generation and criticizing heavily their attitude, lifestyle, music taste and even rhetoric.

Although I don’t disagree with his view on the use of English into the Vietnamese language (like replacing “anh yêu em” with “I love you” in writing), I find it rather amusing that he does it himself. What the heck is “Élite trẻ?” Can’t he find a Vietnamese term for Élite? Duong Thu shows his age. He just sounds like a grumpy, bitter, angry old man.

Dealing with car gives me a headache. My wife’s 2003 Toyota Camry (V4) has failed inspection. The front exhaust needs to be replaced. The water pump and the oil pan are leaking. The dealer’s price is just ridiculous. Does anyone know a reliable, reasonable shop around Virginia area for these type of services? Please advise.

The International Institute of Tourism Studies gets a new look. I always liked this peachy scheme, but it has been passed up until now.