It’s a done deal. We drove home a 2011 Toyota XLE. She’s is dressed in predawn gray mica color and equipped with premium package which includes smart key, DVD and navigation system. I initially wanted the SE for its sporty look, but this is a family minivan so comfort plays a much bigger role. Big props to my wife who had done all of the research so the negotiation was much faster and smoother since we knew exactly what we were looking for. We didn’t buy any extra warranties even though the manager tried his best to hook us in. I learned my lesson 7 years ago when I purchased my Acura TL so I didn’t fall for that trap again. Toyota is running a special promotion through Twitter. We’re going to use that $500 for our next purchase, which is a big screen TV so my wife won’t need to squint anymore on an old-ass tube.

What makes Tung Duong so damn hypnotizing is that he puts his soul into every song he sings. He doesn’t cover too many old songs, but when he does, he does an amazing job. His rendition of “Ngam Ngui” is tender, romantic and expressive. My mother-in-law once told me that my father-in-law won her heart with this song. I am guessing through this line: “Em ơi hãy ngủ anh hầu quạt đây.” I did similar thing when I tried to win my wife’s heart. The different was that I didn’t “serve her a fan.” I just cranked up the air conditioner in my Acura.

Some new additions to Simplexpression Winter. Added snowfalls to jazz up the winter theme. Added social media share tool and back button to individual pages. I spent a couple hours last night checking out both Google and Amazon check out tools, but PayPal is still the best solution for Simplexpression. I also revert back to PayPay’s default “Add to Cart” button for better security. So have a happy and safe shopping.

We were out car shopping today and ended up liking the Toyota Sienna 2011 for its slick spaciousness, not its wack-ass swagger wagon video. We’re aiming for the SE Preferred Package. If anyone knows a good deal, let us know.

Simplexpression gets a new winter theme. The background photo belongs to a former colleague at Vassar. I always love that shot and very glad that she gave me the position to use it. Thanks Tamar!

Simplexpression is currently my favorite project. The site not only showcases Dana’s work, but also gives me an opportunity to play around with design. I also changed the logo’s typeface and styled it using CSS. No more image, ma.

Some video to watch on Friday:

A fun Christmas flash mob at the food court. I wonder if they do that in the mall around here.

An eigh-year-old Angelo “Lil Demon” Baligad kicked his adult opponent ass in a b-boy battle. This kid is just unbelievable.

Ao Trang 2011 Calendar is now available on its new web site. The new HTML site is much better than the previous Flash version. Congrats to the AT’s staff.

Tierney Sutton’s concert at the 20th Annual Rosslyn Jazz Festival could be viewed in full on YouTube.

You might already noticed, I have been writing short reviews for albums that I really enjoyed. These albums will make great holiday gifts. I have a few more to listen to so more blurbs to come.

NPR lists its Top 10 Jazz Albums Of 2010.

A customer purchased a very special piece on Simplexpression for her co-worker. She wrote, “This will bring out her beautiful green eyes. She’s gone through a lot lately so I want to give her something nice to cheer her up.” I thought that is one of the most thoughtful things a friend could do for a friend. I admit I don’t know much about necklaces, but something the lotus flower and the green jade bring peace and tranquillity. I do hope that Dana’s work would lightened someone’s spirit, especially during the difficult time.

By the way, the customer was experiencing some issue with PayPal. Her transaction didn’t go through. I tested it out by purchasing my own product and it worked. If you’re buy something and the transaction doesn’t go through, please let us know.

Nguyen Khang is married to Lam Bao Nhu. I haven’t heard of her yet, but she’s beautiful. Congrats, man. Tell her that she is married to you, but I am still married to your voice.