Visualgui.com is restyling once again. Obviously, there are bugs to kill, especially with these beautiful flowers, but I am not going to sweat them. Holla if ya feel me.

Beside Thanh Lam, I could not imagine any other singers in Vietnam would have the confidence to release a Trinh Cong Son album with only 6 tracks. Since Trinh had more than 600 works and at least a hundred of them are extraordinary, I wonder why only 6 at first but once I listen to Thanh Lam’s Ru Mai Ngan Nam, the answer is in every track. Each piece is carefully crafted in an intimate atmosphere (thinh phong) to offer listeners a pure appreciation for Trinh’s work.

From “Nhin Nhung Mua Thu Di” to “Ru Em Tung Ngon Xuan Nong,” Thanh Lam and her musicians lull Trinh’s magnum opuses to an exquisite level with her exotic voice, mellowing piano, soothing violin, and grooving guitar. Together they breathe everlasting life into Trinh’s work of art. On “Uot Mi,” Trinh’s lyric is wet (uoc); Lam’s flow is pouring rain. Her vocals ride intricately into the brilliant piano composition to generate an aesthetic experience. On “Ru Ta Ngam Ngui,” her delivery is more refined, focused, and sharpened than her previous performance on Ru Doi Di Nhe. She also shows her innovative stylishness with Opera experimentation on “Rung Xua Da Khep.” She sounds as mature, fresh, and full of passion as ever on “Tinh Xa.”

If Trinh Cong Son were still alive, he would be enchanted to witness his works have finally flourished into their full potential. It’s a joy to see an artist like Thanh Lam to constantly elevating her crafts and pushing herself. She takes Trinh’s music to a place where no other artists have taken us before. Thanks Lam for bringing us “real” music we’re all thirsting for.

Many thanks to Thao Suong for the album.

The controversial Eminem takes his stand on political campaign. His latest video “Mosh” produced by GNN is pretty damn wicked.

I am not a rocker fella but I am feeling these guys. Buc Tuong impressed with their creative aesthetic visions. They have truly embraced the ascendance of rock through their latest release Nam Cham. They sound secure, confident, and ready to roar. Their deliveries are natural and their musical instruments drop harder than tons of magnet. As a result, Nam Cham is a hard knock rock LP.

“Gio len roi can buom cho khoai / Gac cheo len ta nuong kho khoai.” These were my favorite lines from “Ra Khoi” that I used to sing when I was a kid in Vietnam and Buc Tuong rock the hell out of the Vietnamese Southern folk (Dan Ca Nam Bo) style. I am not a die hard rock fan but when I first heard their version of “Ra Khoi,” they not only take me back to my childhood memory but also sweep me off my feet. The wicked fuse between rock and folk produced an unbelievable outcome. Actually, the opening track “Ra Khoi” grabbed my attention, which prompted to cop the album and I am glad I did because the rest of the album rocks hard as hell the whole way through.

Similar to the rock and folk exploration, Buc Tuong recreate the magnificent stories of Trong Thuy and My Chau through “Dau Vet Nghiet Nga” and Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh through “Chuyen Tinh Cua Thuy Than.” Though I wouldn’t use these songs to tell my kids these legendary stories, I do enjoy the two tracks greatly.

Clearly the title track “Nam Cham,” is influenced heavily by Marilyn Mansion’s extreme hardcore style. It’s rug, raw, and intense. Speaking of hardcore, the instrumental solos on “Bat Tu” are ruthless and explosive which demonstrate the band musical talent. The drum and bass ride smoother than a Ferrari on crack.

On the softer ride, “Cha Va Con” is a special dedication to Tran Lap’s (band’s leader) first unborn child telling him to live his life to the fullest, “Va con hay song hon cha da song mot thoi gia.” On the bonus track “Tro Ve,” Buc Tuong are experimenting with rock and country. I have to say, the result is radiance and striking as well.

Glad to see a band in Vietnam who not only focused on rock but also expend it into the Vietnamese culture by combining with the traditional folk music. The best part about Buc Tuong is that the group has been together for almost 10 years without breaking up like those young pop groups today. Buc Tuong have definitely found themselves a distinctive spot in Vietnam. Wish them the best of luck and continue to rock on.

This is a special collaboration between mom and me. Before you scream out loud, “Damn! Donny can cook,” can you figure out which portion I made by looking at this yummy dish? Yes, you got it. It’s the instant noodle part. I am wonderful cook, am I not? You don’t need me to tell you how to make that, do you?

The best portion of this dish is the Roast Duck with Lily Buds and Bamboo Shoots, which prepared by mom. My favorite part is the Lily Buds which have a light sweet and a pleasant tang that enhances the flavor of my noodle greatly. This is by far one of the most fancy instant noodle dishes I ever had. Mom, you’re still the best.

“Yeah! I am Chinese and what?” Let’s me clarify upfront that I won’t critique Jin’s The Rest is History based on his ethnicity but on the work itself. Furthermore, I won’t classify him as the “First Asian Rapper” but just a rapper period. He is skillful enough to be qualified as an MC. He has the charisma, his flow is tight, and his lyrical content is good even though he still needs improvement.

While his debut is not all that bad, the sugar-sweet coating diminishes Jin’s lyrical content. It’s probably Ruff Riders that responsible for the production instead of Jin. Even so, once you can get pass the “Club Song,” the radio friendly “I Got a Love” with Kanye, the ghetto fabulous “The Come Through” with Twista (though I like the way Jin speeds up his flow), and the booty shaking “Senorita,” you will find Jin’s finest pieces from his heart on the second half of the album.

“The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” demonstrates his skillful storytelling while “Cold Outside” shows his sentimental side as he recalls the night his man took a bullet for him, “What if he would have die? / What am I suppose to say to his fam?”

Although it’s extremely rare to see an Asian boy with a Black girl, Jin’s interracial “Love Story” is still convincing. Then again if he’s into Hip Hop, I can see how a Black girl can be interested in him. “Same Cry” is another beautiful work where Jin gives an eloquently delivery on behalf of Asian American, “Think we open restaurants because we cook good? / Hell no! We ain’t got no choice. / I gotta speak up / Without me, my people have no voice.”

“C’mon” is one of the most focused and refined lyricism tracks on the album; however, the structure and the flow are too similar to Eminem’s “Sing For The Moment.” By the way, what’s wrong with computer design? It’s a form of art too. While rappers use words to express themselves, designers use visual art to articulate their creativities. So don’t get it twisted it, brother.

As a freshman in Hip Hop, Jin has created a huge leap forward. However, he still needs to push his craft and improve his lyrics. Hopefully, he’ll be able to have full control on the production of the next album. He definitely has potential and room to climb higher. The future looks bright and shines so keep come thru, Jin.

While the look from his eye on the cover suggests attitude and the title Hung indicates persona, only a few songs on Dam Vinh Hung’s Volume 6 have those two characteristics. Over the years, he has developed a vigorous style that sets him apart from other singers yet that forcefulness is not missing but lacking on his latest work. Although Hung is not flopped, it’s not a groundbreaking work comparing to his previous ones either. When you use the same formula for the 6th time, you don’t get the same effectiveness anymore.

If Dam Vinh Hung depends on this album to retain his status, tracks such as “Xin Loi Tinh Yeu,” “Chen Dang,” “Khong Phai Em,” and “Ve Day Thoi Em” will keep him from dropping from the top. Although his energetic style radiates on these 4 songs, I would like to feel the thunderstorms coming from his vocals for a more powerful experience. Nevertheless, he does sound sincere with his thousand apologies, “Xin loi em ngan lan, xin loi em” on Minh Nhien’s “Xin Loi Tinh Yeu.” I am sure his lady fans would be more than glad to forgive him. Not only that but they would also believe him when he reveals “Yeu mot nguoi du long em chang co anh” on Truong Le Son’s “Chen Dang” and they would feel his broken heart when he confesses “Toi tinh gi ma sao nuoc mat tuong roi?” on Thai Thinh’s “Khong Phai Em.” When he breaks down and begs “Em hay quay ve di,” how could they resist that? The lyrics on “Ve Day Thoi Em” is inspiring as well. Nice job! Duy Manh.

As I mentioned earlier, Dam Vinh Hung uses a familiar formula on his albums and this one is no exception. He usually throws in a couple popular songs but makes them sound fresh and unique. Unfortunately, he could not create any innovative results on this album. His duet with Hong Ngoc on Duc Huy’s “Duong Xa Uot Mua” has nothing special to offer yet the Hip Hop beat just kills it. His remaking of “Ngan Nam Van Doi” is not so bad but it does not catches you like “Tan Tro” did. “Le Da” would have worked beautifully if he didn’t excessively stress on the consonant syllables. Although the upbeat remixes of Duy Manh’s “Tinh Yeu Con Dau” sounds nice, I prefer the slower version.

“Ha Noi Cafe Oi!” (poem by Nguyen Dinh and music by Dinh Van) and Bao Truong’s “Sao Doi Ngoi” are soft and pleasant but are clearly not Dam Vinh Hung’s mode. There would not be a horrible track if an English song did not make it on the album. Dam Vinh Hung’s take on Marc Anthony’s “My Baby You” is worse than William Hung’s take on Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs.” He mispronounces almost every word. He should not waste his skills on this kind of song. If he wants to give his fans something different, sings Cai Luong (Vietnamese Opera). He gave a distinctive taste on Cai Luong during his live performance.

Although Volume 6 does not advance Dam Vinh Hung to the next level, it does not take him a step backward either. He’s still able to maintain his spot as one of the hottest pop stars in Vietnam. The album has its share of good, average, and bad but it is still enjoyable. Hopefully, he will surprise us with something fresh on the next album. The jazz experimentation on “Nu Hon Xa Voi” on Volume 5 was a huge success. He should have explored more into that era.

Before delving into the musical portion of Asia’s Mua He Ruc Ro 2004, allow me this opportunity to thank those activists who have been working hard to bring us freedom. I want to congratulate the successful individuals who featured on the show. I also would like to extend my recognition to any of you out there who stay in school and pursue your dreams. You are the future of Vietnamese American and we are very proud of you. Lastly, to our young boys, please stay away from Michael. Yeah! Bad joke, I know. Let’s get to the fun part, shall we?

It’s a pleasant surprise to see the appearance of Tuan Vu and Son Tuyen. They both look good (much better than years ago). Tuan Vu looks like he is off cracks for good. Unfortunately, his vocals seem to be weakening without cracks. Thanks to plastic surgery, Son Tuyen looks much better than before although her nose reminds me of Michael. Hopefully, they didn’t go to the same doctor. I am just playing, Michael. You know I am feeling your pain. Anyway, glad to see both Tuan Vu and Son Tuyen back.

Da Nhat Yen impressed me once again with her creativities. Unlike her best friend Trish, Da Nhat Yen always brings something new to the audience. This time, her traditional northern vocals on “Con Rong Chau Tien” are hypnotizing. Of course, her stage charisma is perfect for an opening; however, Gia Huy simply ruined it. What were Asia thinking? Pairing up a skillful performer with a guy who has no rhythm is a big mistake. The opening would have exceededly better with Da Nhat Yen alone.

Nguyen Khang delivered an exquisitely beautiful performance on “Nhung Dieu That La.” Although this is a Truc Ho’s song, he made the right decision by choosing Nguyen Khang instead of Lam Nhat Tien. Nguyen Khang’s cracked-voice mantra fits gorgeously with the jazz-fueled musical arrangement. Truc Ho is a fantastic producer and he knows what works best for Nguyen Khang; therefore, Truc Ho ought to produce a CD for Nguyen Khang. With Truc Ho’s musical talent and Nguyen Khang’s marvelous vocals, together they will create an indelible album (hint… hint…).

More hightlights from Mua He Ruc Ro 2004 includes: “Dau Chan Cua Bien” which is nicely done by Lam Nhat Tien and Y Phuong (a new face with potential); Thanh Truc, Diem Lien, and Phillip Huy were incredible on “Lien Khuc Hanh Trinh Tim Tu Do;” and the mesmerizing “Lien Khuc Ao Dai” with Asia’s male artists.

Of course, there is the flip side of the show as well. Trish stated in one of her interviews that she wants to sing for the kids yet her performance filled with half naked dancers. I am sure many parents will appreciate that. As for her music and dance, there are nothing new. Manh Dinh and Doanh Doanh is another horrible miss match. Manh Dinh cannot sing anything that is not “sen” and “Canh Hong Trung Quoc” sounded like switching between a Chinese and Vietnamese radio dial. Cardin has the groove but “Nang Sieu Nhan” is a lyrical nightmare. While Asia 4 need to “Shake” themselves offstage, Hong Dao and Quang Minh need to reinvent themselves. Their jokes have been pathetic lately.

Overall, Asia did a much better job than their competitor (Thuy Nga) and they seem to take the viewers’ comments seriously (unlike Nguyen Ngoc Ngan and Thuy Nga). For instance, the digital background improved tremendously from the previous show. They also did a great job of editing the video down two DVDs instead of three. They give you just enough so you’ll want more instead of bored you to death with all the senseless talking with an extra DVD. Hopefully, Asia will keep up the good work by listening to their viewers and continue to find innovative ideas.

Just made a minute and a half presentation in front of about 15 Vassar’s Trustees including Meryl Streep (class of ’67) and Lisa Kudrow (class of ’85). I had to briefly describe the design process behind Community Works and Powerhouse websites.

The presentation turned out fine since I made it as short and concise as possible. I am glad it was done and over it. I hate public speaking ever since I was a freshman in college. I wanted to be a communication major, what was I thinking? Public Speaking was the most stressful class I ever had in college. After that course, I immediate changed my major to Digital Arts & Multimedia Design so that I can just let my arts do the talking for me. Well, I can now breathe normal again. Have a fantastic weekend everyone.

Is my navigational element provoked some curiosities? The arrangements of types are visually playful. It’s a bad choice in web design but I am sick of sticking with the straight forward and “don’t make me think” approach. I want you to look at them for a bit and try to figure out what the heck they are supposed to be. Obviously I am a color guy as well. As you can see I used many colors in my design. By the way, I also took out other sets of GUI styles. No reason, just not interested anymore.