Thu Hoai’s soulful and slightly scratchy vocal is seducing. Her expressive performance on Lam Phuong’s “Mot Minh” (Alone) is both convincing and entrancing. Although she only sings for fun, I can see some potential in her voice, especially for jazzy grooves. Thu Hoai and her band, the Magic Night, are rocking the east coast and representing Philly. If you are getting married and would like a magical night for your party, check out their website for booking info.

Natalie Friedman in the Learning and Writing Center is a wonderful English tutor. In addition to working closely with me on my grammar, she has been very encouraging. She motivates me to translate music lyrics or poems to improve my word choices. So here is my first translation of Tran Gia Thoai’s “Con Ngua Que,” an inspiring poem about a crippled horse. The message behind the poem is interesting and could be applied to human beings. I tried my best to stay close to the original context and keep the same syllables. Hope you will enjoy it.

Crippled Horse

Because in a race
A horse used much strength,
Broke his leg, fell down,
He became useless.

Owner is heartless,
Keeps feeding, wastes grass.
Can’t just let them go,
So he cuts his fresh.

Horse is sad in tears,
Thought he was so strong,
Won many races
Broke many records.

Now he’s deeply hurt,
No one seems to care,
Yet wanting to slice
His meat, skin, and bone.

Regret for no love
If goes by the law,
Owner is at fault,
Demands for support.

Love and care for yourself,
In case of deep steps, lose life.

Four years ago on this day, we lost one of the most talented Vietnamese songwriters. Although Trinh Cong Son is no longer with us, his legacy lives on. His timeless songs will remain forever in our hearts. To show my appreciation to the most respected musician, here is my little tribute: “Like a Word Goodbye.” TCS RIP!

My most listening Trinh’s albums:
Cam Van’s Xin Cho Toi
Hong Nhung’s Thuo Bong La Nguoi
Ngoc Lan’s Hat Cho Que Huong Viet Nam
Nguyen Khang’s 10 Tuyet Khuc Trinh Cong Son
Thanh Lam’s Ru Doi Di Nhe
Thanh Lam’s Ru Mai Ngan Nam
Tuan Ngoc’s Dem Thay Ta La Thac Do

During his trip in Viet Nam, songwriter Pham Duy was approached by a young innocent girl from Hau Giang selling “ve so” (lotto). He wanted to help by offering some money but the girl refused. She requested that he would buy some “ve so” from her. After buying the whole book of her “ve so” and walking away, the girl called him back and gave him her hairclip to thank him for what he did. Touched by the little girl, he penned down a song called “Chiec Cap Toc Thom Tho” (Fresh Scent of a Hairclip) to share his interaction with the little girl and his experience in our homeland. The inspirational lyrics along with Mong Thuy’s melancholic vocals warm up my heart. I need to go back, back to where I belong.

Just finished updating the Studio Gallery site. Some of the new artworks from the faculties are worth checking out.

I like:

The color and the delicacy of Harry Roseman’s “Mandarin Orange.”

The minimalism of Laura Newman’s “Air.”

The jazzy feel of Peter Charlap’s “Frieze.”

The flow of Gina Ruggeri’s “Rock and Puddles.”

Spring snow. Unbelievable!

Ngoc Lan’s voice is magical on “Mua He Tuyet Roi (Nue Comme la Mer).”

Very nice jazzy and swingy performance by Ho Quynh Huong on “Toi Tim Thay Toi.” It’s the best track on her second album Ngay Diu Dang.

Rotisseris Broach is pretty weird. I am still clicking on it.

My aunt, a retired programmer, is honing her skills in web design. She has put together a family page. The house my grandfather stood in front of is our home in Viet Nam. The place still looks the same. I miss it so much!

I am glad to see someone in my family shares my interests and passions. While I was in college and talking (not even dating yet) to this one Vietnamese girl. I met her mom for the first time and the first thing she asked me was, “What are you studying?” I replied, “Web Design.” Then she said, “Why don’t you find something realistic?” I smiled, “Sure, I’ll be an astronaut.”

The bridge of R. Kelly’s latest single “Sex In the Kitchen” goes: “Girl, I’m ready to toss your salad / while making love, I’ll be feasting.” Mr. Kelly, would you prefer jelly or syrup to go with it?

Ngo Thanh Van Xao is a website written by an anonymous trashing the model-turned-singer Ngo Thanh Van. The site features half-naked photos of Van and points out how she got her fames from whoring the men. It looks like someone has nothing else better to do. On the intro, the writer stated that he or she has spent a great amount of time and cash to get the story. What a waste!

On “Chuon Chuon Ot,” Ngoc Khue starts off with “Chuon Chuon Ot, trua he nong buc / Bat dem can run, tap boi,” which refers to the infamous saying: taking a red dragonfly and let her bite your bellybutton to learn to swim. Does anyone have any idea behind this weird folk tale? Of course, it is untrue because my uncle told me he allowed the dragonfly to bite him a numerous time and he still couldn’t float. I am interested to know because the story is cute.