A very interesting take on Ngoc Lan and Trinh music (in Vietnamese):

Đúng rằng hát nhạc Trịnh, cảm nhận nhạc trịnh không cần phải gò bó, phải phá cách, phải gồng mình tìm cái gì đó cho riêng ai – như ai đó đã nói… tôi thích cái bình thường giản dị này lắm, không cần phải lên tới cao vút vẫn tới ngọt ngào, thiết tha trong Hạ Trắng, vẫn nhẹ nhàng mà nồng nàn trong Chiều Một Mình Qua Phố, vẫn da diết và day dứt trong Tình Nhớ , rồi bỡ ngỡ tiếc nuối trong Ru Ta Ngậm Ngùi …một Ngọc Lan trong trẻo ấm áp mà mê hoặc tới lạ thường!!

I am working with an incredible writer, Kristin Bair O’Keeffe, to promote her debut novel, Thirsty, which will be released in October. A web site and a Flash trailer will come soon so keep an eye out for them. In the meantime, go pre-order Thristy.

Kristin lives with her husband and her Vietnamese-adopted daughter in China. Kristin came to me after a friend sent her “Bonjour Vietnam.”

Bjork’s new release, Voltaic, could be heard at NPR in its entirety. Bob Boilen writes:

Bjork’s music is complex, mysterious and full of unpredictable sonic textures. The brilliant performances on Voltaic make it clear that Bjork isn’t just a visionary, but also an artist who inspires those around her to create equal parts music and magic, in an effort to bring her vision to life.

It’s like listening to Bjork’s greatest hits, which is perfect for working and designing. What are you waiting for? Hop over and delve in.

Five renditions of “Strange Fruit” ranging from Billie Holiday to Labor Camp Orchestra. Each one “feels like a period piece — more of a memorial than a protest song, a symbol of less enlightened times. ” Listen at NPR.

The new web site for Department of Strategic Management and Public Policy has launched. This is a collaborative effort with the department. My role was to provide the guidelines and to keep the site as part of the School of Business brand.

Kurt Elling and Al Jarreau give Dave Brubeck’s infamous “Take Five” a scat duo. You might also want to check out Al Jarreau’s solo rendition and his collaboration with Brubeck.

Forget Cafe Lu and Di Vang 2. Grand View Topless Coffee is the place that I want to have my coffee. Unfortunately the joint was burnt down only a few months in business. Grand opening, grand closing.

GW Magazine profiles alumni Kerry Washington:

While she took some acting classes, most of her coursework at GW focused on anthropology, sociology, and psychology, subjects that she says gave her the ability to analyze, critique, and understand human behavior.

Bill Maher slams Obama for being a celebrity and too soft to get the jobs done. Obama needs a bit of George Bush in him. I am too getting wearisome of hearing Obama’s speeches. He needs to execute them.

A review of my motion piece, “Ao Dai Trang A Oi,” posted back in 2006:

and we also can’t forget Donny Truong – the designer of this clip. As the digital art day by day becomes better and better, making a video clip does not necessarily requires a cine-camera, a script and actors. All it needs are ARTISTRY and CREATIVITY!!!…

futhermore, a pride of my little Vietnam, of the Ao dai, especially Ao-dai-trang (to me, the white one is always the most beautiful one)!!! Yeah… my Vietnam is like this song: pure, feminine, romantic, sweet and moreover, simple (the lyrics repeats itself many times and the song last no more than 1 minute and 40 seconds)!!!!!!!!!! Its simplicity is its beauty!!! And I love that innocent beauty!

Thanks Huong for the motivating thoughts.