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.

Lately, I have been interested in getting a bike to ride to the Metro. I consulted my big brother and he gave me a few recommendations including the now-my-favorite Dahon. I went to the bike shop yesterday and the sale guy asked what I was looking for. After telling him what I need, he recommended an old, ugly bike so people won’t steal it and he doesn’t have something like that. Since then I have been looking for an used bike. I actually found one on Craigslist this morning, but it was already sold before I get a chance to check it out. While surfing online, I found the world’s coolest bicycles and I want one. I am sure people won’t even look at it when I lock it up at the Metro station.

Do you have any favorite site for promoting books? Nam Le Online is an example.