Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse’s new release is sold in a blank recordable CD due to legal dispute with EMI. Dark Night of the Soul is encouraged to be downloaded from an illegal filesharing network or could be listened entirely at NPR.
I meant to mention this place a while back, but I keep forgetting. Next time you’re in Eden Center, drop by Hai Ky Mi Gia for some delicious noodle soup. In the pre-Duke days, Dana and I went there two nights in a row. The first night, I tried its specialty (yellow and clear-white noodles with the soup on the side). The savory sauce and the delightful broth reminded me of the late night Cho Lon noodles. Although Hai Ky is not comparable to the places in Cho Lon, it is the closest I could find in Virginia. The next night, I ordered the same dish, but with the broth. I like the former better. We’ll definitely be back for more.
On the new release, Crime Pays, Cam’Ron tries to remake Purple Haze
without the help of the super producers. He uses the same formulas: lazy lyricism, misogynistic masculinity and pitiful punchlines. His wacky wordplays are ranging from hilarious (“And they say I’m a son of bitch / Why? Cause I’ll be with your son and your bitch”) to just downright silly (“I’m on a Yamaha / Laughing like hahaha”). Although Crime Pays is nowhere near the classic Purple Haze, Cam’s impeccable flow proves that he is still the finest laziest rapper.
This personal slideshow captures my feelings for my first son. The serious tone of the clip is inspired by Duke’s expressions. He always has a deep-thinking look on his face. Even when he sleeps, he would rest his hand on his cheek as if he’s contemplating.
His vulnerable look on the last slide, in which I held him in my arms, gets me every time. He looks so “tội nghiệp” (I can’t think of an equivalent word in English). The poor thing makes me want to hold him tight and protect him from the real world, yet he’s the reason I am surviving in the real world. How ironic is that? Whenever I get so fed up with everyday crap, the image of him gets me going. It reminds me that the day I have him, there’s no storm I cannot weathered.
The piece is also inspired by Tierney Sutton’s outstanding rendition of “You Are My Sunshine.” She had turned a kid tune into a sweet and gentle ballad. The way she phrases the last bar, “Please don’t take my sunshine away,” is the exact feeling I have for Duke. He is my sunshine and please do not take him away from me.
The past three weeks have been so incredible and I am enjoying every moment with him. Why sleep when I have Duke to accompany me? Insomnia has prepared me well. Hope you enjoy my joy!
Sure, Nationwide is on your side. They just don’t response to your claim when you’re not on their side.
The Department of Marketing web site is relaunched. Though I am not responsible for the color scheme. The chair of the department wants to market it himself.
Thanh Lam’s beyond-maudlin singing is inescapable. Her newest acoustic jazz release has only eight tracks, yet it is so damn painful to get through. On Vu Quang Trung’s “Anh Yeu Em,” her moaning and groaning are just unbearable. The way she drags and stresses every word on Duc Huy’s “Mua Dong Sap Den” is hair-raising. Let’s be clear that making some horny noises is not scatting. As much as I like to hear Thanh Lam experimenting jazz, she just doesn’t have the chops for it. The more she tries; the more dreadful she sounds. It might be true that jazz is not in our blood.
The Finance Department gets a new look.
It’s a cool title. I am flattered.
