Started off as a temporary marriage until she becomes a legit citizen, but they developed into a real relationship. That worked out well, except he’s 29 and she’s 43. Still, there’s no crime in that. Like I said, “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number,” but his families disapprove, and they think she cast voodoo on him (still a common practice in Cambodia?). Because of family pressures, he moved out to be with her. As a closed friend, I support his decision. Adviced him to do whatever he feels right and what makes him happy. I am sure the family will come around. These days, people fall in love with their heads first, not too many follow their hearts; therefore, he has my admiration for going with his feelings. Even if the relationship won’t work out later on, at least he will walk away without any regret because he has loved with all of his heart. So keep your head up and do your thang, boy. I am with you. Got nothing but love for ya.

My boy and I go way back to junior high years. Then I got to know his two younger brothers (also in their twenties) as well as the rest of his family. They sort of “adopted” me ever since they moved in a block from my sister’s house. I guess it is because of my dark skin advantage, which I have always been mistaken for a Cambodian, and I spend way too much time at their crib. Even now whenever I come to visit my sister, they always throw a BBQ or something. Can’t get enough of that banging Cambodian steak sauce (po hok) his mom made. One time, his pops, him, his youngest brother (who I hang out with most of the time nowaday), and I went to a buffet. Pops brought along his wife’s savory po hok and we clean the steaks up in the place. Damn those were the days. I still come over the house whenever I go back to Lancaster, but it is just not same without him around. These folks are real special to me, and I am thankful for the love they are giving me—my extended family.

Told you baby, “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number.” (Miss you too, Aaliyah!)

And yes, “Boi Co Em, Toi O Lai Day” (Music & lyrics: Nguyen Minh, Singer: Quynh Lan)

An informal interview (part 1, 2 & 3) with Don Ho conducted by Hoang Trong Thuy. Still the down-to-earth guy. Good luck with the new album and the new production.

My favorite tune and video “Trai Tim Mua Dong.” It brings back the good old days.

I wish “Em La Cua Anh” forever, baby! (The arrangement is pretty bad, but I like Thi Hanh’s soft and shy vocals. Poem by Thi Hanh and music by Mai Duc Vinh.)

“Uoc Gi,” you’re here by my side! (From My Tam’s liveshow, Ngay Ay & Bay Gio.)

Phong Le’s “Lay Tien Cho Gai” is not bad for a homegrown production. The lyric is entertaining, and the beat is kind of tight too. He’s definitely better than that little Justin in Tinh Music. So Tinh should give him a shot.

Big up to Joseph for the link. Keep sending me the goodies y’all.

Whenever you feel hopeless, just put on Trinh Cong Son’s “Toi Oi Dung Tuyet Vong.” It will uplift your spirit. With Duy Cuong’s soothing orchestration, Nguyen Khang gives a soulful presentation.

(English translation by Van Mai)

Don’t despair, dear I, don’t despair
Autumn leaves fall amidst winter time
Don’t despair, beloved, don’t despair
You are I and I am you

The kite soars, but the soul stays empty
The kite dives, sinking the void into grief
Who am I who still conceal my tears?
Who am I who still am too human?
Who am I, am I, am I…
Who so love life

Don’t despair, dear I, don’t despair
Gold sunshine fades like pieces of my soul
Don’t despair, beloved, don’t despair
Be ingenious and you’ll be the sunrise
Here, an endless road under a solitary sunset
Here, a soul in which sorrow rises.

Billie Holiday sings “Fine and Mellow” with a list of finest jazz players, including Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Gerry Mulligan, backing her up.

My man Count Basie swings with his band in “One O’Clock Jump.”

Duke Ellington’s “Mood Indigo.” His intro is crazy. Gotta love Duke’s mood.

My main men Miles Davis and John Coltrane in “So What.” After blowing his solo, Miles eases back and blows his smoke.

Check out one of jazz’s greatest drummers Jo Jones doing his thang!

(Don’t you just love YouTube?)

The Game is stepping up his flow in the lastest single, “One Blood,” from his forthcoming The Doctor’s Advocate. With the heavy, pounding beat produced by Reefa and himself, Game spits hard as hell, and even throwing punch at Jay-Z: “You 38 and you still rappin’?” Damn! Everybody want a piece of Jigga.

I thought Duy Manh’s music is sacrilege, until I come across a song titled, “Nhung Be Gai Viet Nam Lam Diem,” with the lyrics read, “Thirty dollars each, yum yum no bum bum.” Can’t get any sicker than that.

I am “Feeling Good” right now. Sometimes life ain’t so bad!