Albert Lee, my college buddy, hosted a clip highlighting the hot spots in Philly’s Chinatown.

Check out the history of Chinatown and shopping in Chinatown (Long Life is my mom’s favorite herbal store).

After finishing up the newsletter, I went out for a jog. The weather was so beautiful that I didn’t need my heavy jacket. I tuned into Hong Nhung’s Doan Khuc Thu Ha Noi for an accompaniment. Not sure why I have been returning to this album again and again like reaching for a bottle of water. Her version of “Ha Noi Mua Vang Nhung Con Mua” gives me nostalgia even though I had only been to Ha Hoi once. It has to be that effortless flow.

Tim did it again. Nice Web Type, “one place for web typography, using our collective knowledge for the betterment of typographic style and practice,” gets a bold, new gray look. Check out his latest work for Vassar too. This guy is unstoppable.

Stopdesign gets a new design for the new year. The layout has some similar features of SimpleBits.

My buddy Tim redesigns his web site. The set of photos added a personal touch of to the layout. Nice job, Tim.

Collection of striking photos from yesterday’s historic event.

Jay-Z’s “My President is Black“:

My president is black, in fact he’s half white
So even in a racist mind he’s half bright
If you have a racist mind you’re alright
My president is black but his house is all white
Rosa Park sat so Martin Luther could walk
Martin Luther walked so Barack Obama could run
Barack Obama ran so all the children could fly
So I’ll spread my wings you can meet me in the sky.

Check out Jay-Z’s “History” too.

President Barack Obama’s inaugural address:

We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

The White House web site gets a beautiful new look as Barack Obama sworn in as the 44th president of the United States. Nice first change.

Stride requires mastery of piano. A stride player does it all: beat, melody and bass. James P. Johnson’s “Caroline Shout” is a prove if one can actually stride. Stephanie Trick proves that she could despite her small fingers. Check out Willie the Lion Smith’s masterful version as well. Another favorite version of mine is from Fats Waller. He was amazing on the high keys.

“A young lady who has experienced spontaneous romanticism is unlikely to fall in love with someone of grudging manners.” –Miss Manners.