Some wise words and food for thought:


Mistah F.A.B. on street cred:
http://www.hiphopdx.com/blogs/mistahfab/2008/08/05/what-is-street-cred-.html


Hip hop becoming less homophobic?
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7474/title.hip-hop-becoming-less-homophobic

"That's progress for you: last year, we had the very silly-looking white sunglasses craze. This year, we have the completely stupid school of Bob the Builder, multicoloured, very plastic look. Which means that if spending half the morning co-ordinating your hair extensions with your vast collection of Birkins isn't enough to fulfil you creatively as an artist, then you can at least bolt on another hour or two while you decide whether to match or clash your specs with your toenails." - Lisa Armstrong, on brightly colored sunglasses, in the London Times.




 



Lol. Fuck that, I'm still on the hunt for some new red ones that cracked in my bag. I bargained hardcore in HK for those babies.


And just to add, Homeros a la Melrose

So XBox is coming out with this new game called Lips in November (?) -- an innovative Karaoke game (that will make all Asians go wild) that allows you to use the songs from your ipod (or a cd). Sounds pretty tight but you have to upload the lyrics yourself....not sure how that will work. BUt it sounds fucking awesome. I'm gonna try to market this to my bother...another reason to go home. Lol.


E-props to my homie Mike with his new line: myspace.com/always_scheming






 

I watched the Dark Knight this morning at 9am. Let me just say that I tried to close my ears and eyes off to the the merely two days of critiques coming from friends and the media. But I couldn't. All I heard (and read on facebook statuses and AIM statuses) was how incredible the movie is. And so this morning, I walked with a cautious mind hoping that other people's comments wouldn't ruin it for me.


It didn't even. The movie literally has you locked in your seat within the first minutes of the movie. And it's two and a half hours long, absent of any drag-on fears that some people may have. Christian Bale is hot, simply. His chiseled complexion goes well with his calm demeanor. Heath Ledger - holy shit - completely fools you. He has you laughing and gasping back and forth, juxtaposing comedy and grotesque. Maggie Gyllenhaal is simply perfect as the role of the articulate and intelligent Rachel. Such a better pick than Katie Holmes who only emodied an innocent, girl-next-door look in the last Batman movie. 

Point blank, what a great way to start my day.


And yay, STASH finally put up the Shawn Chrys story: http://www.stashonline.com/blaster.php?subaction=showfull&id=1215640287&archive=&start_from=&ucat=7


In other news, I've decided to move back up to the Bay. There's no one reason that can explain why I wanna go back. Mostly, it's because of the three Fs. Fiances. Family. Friends. Got no money. I love my dear family too much (plus my heavenly hotel, full-size bed). More of my friends will be in the Bay. But I'm gonna miss my socal ones too.....half of them are staying. Some have dispersed/will be dispersing to other areas including Taiwan. Dang......time is ticking.


And, another revelation hit me. I want to break into PR for the hotel business and/or travel business. Simply, I love traveling and hotels. If I were as rich as Donald Trump, I'd open my own hotel too and live in it. Fuck renting, buying, houses and apartments. And the night of this revelation, I started thinking about how tourism is such a good way to boost development. White people are always gonna wanna travel and explore new areas. I mean, loook at all the money that is funneling into Dubai. Except the fundamental problem with Dubai is that it's incredibly elitist, money-oriented and European-serving in a region of the world where poverty and warfare run rampant. I know it's a completely different country and it has its own priorities and shit to take care of. But imagine how prosperous certain countries can be if it can remedy the politics and invest in tourism development to boost the economy. Imagine all the service jobs it can create for thousands of people....I'm probably talking out of my ass here. But really...tourism and travel are businesses that will not die (like magazines and newspapers -- therefore I have left that route) and can do amazing things for global development.

It's nearly 2:30am. I'm waiting for my hair to dry....meanwhile, I was just watching a NYT video about a possible school closure in New York.


I really don't know what the hell governments are thinking when they shut down low-performing schools. It makes no sense and provides no prospect and hope for these young kids, teachers and administrators. 


And since the No Child Left Behind Act, schools have felt increasingly pressured to make sure their kids pass all those tests, leading some teachers to CHEAT aka bubble in the right answers. But despite the fact that many teachers cheat the system and betray their students with the education they deserve (see Freakonomics), many schools don't even pass enough kids so they become subject to closure. That's fucking ludicrous. So the kids end up being sent to other schools, overpopulating those schools. 


And so the burden falls on mostly low-income, minority, disadvantaged children. Why can't governments remedy the root of the problem, which is fixing the school itself instead of shutting it down. It doesn't make sense for kids to get hauled from school to school because their school can't support or provide them with the proper education. 


You can't possibly blame the low scores on the students. There is something inherently wrong with the educational culture of low-performing schools. It comes from lack of a budget, disconnected professionals and general apathy towards these kids. 


The top-down nature of school systems is so scary and unfortunate. It makes me so sad. Like, where do these disadvantaged kids go when education is so valued but yet the system sets them up to fail at such a young age....

Just went through an intense hour of sending resumes. Must eat now. Salmon anyone?


And mel, if you happen to be reading this, this type of backing is cute!

The Bay Area has a decent size of talented rappers. Except their popularity stays within the Bay. I'm not sure why....Sure E-40 and Keak kinda launched hyphy into the mainstream, but the remaining bulk of Bay Area MCs remain popular only in the streets of Frisco and the East Bay. I wonder if our music isn't gangster enough to fit in with the West Coast model (Or rather we should change that image....) And hyphy didn't become that mainstream. People recognized it, but they were probably like "what the hell are these crazy mothafuckas doing." No one understands and appreciates hyphy except people from the Bay. I mean, the South already dominates the party scene for hip hop. What is left for the Bay? Or are Bay Area rappers just satisfied with their hometown niche and don't care about expanding further. No, that can't be it. Anyway, everyone should check out www.stashonline.com. Yea.

Hot damn.


It's been nearly a month since I last posted. For good reason.  


Finals were blah. I wish I could say more about it...except that I honestly don't remember. All I remembered was watching Deep Impact one of those nights and getting my toes done after my last final with Ally. The lady at Bellacures enlightened me for a good 10 minutes on why I should scrub the bottom of my feet more. She was dead serious, and wasn't even trying to be all cute and nice about it. I still gave her a good tip. Why? Because it's true....


Graduation week was more than I could ever hoped for. Wednesday night was insane. It was the last undie run for us at UCLA. I'm happy to say that I got to see every single one of my homies running around half naked. It's always best spring quarter, especially when you're done with college.











Last night at Brew Co on Thurs. It was the usu at Mo and Lauren's place. DOwned hella shots and rolled into Brew Co drunk as fuck. Then had some goodass Denny's with Mike and Co. It was amazing. I couldn't asked for a better night. Meanwhile the fam fam was here and basically, that weekend felt like a constant drive, back and forth across LA. But damn, for good Asian food in LA, shit, I'd drive anywhere. That is, sans the traffic. But that is an impossible feat.  






And then next day was the CLS ceremony with errrrrbody. I made the mistake of snacking on a brownie with Andrew and Dan....and shit didn't hit me til after the ceremony -- when I saw my parents and brothers. My brother was filming me as I stumbled my way to them....I might as well have eaten shit. Ahhhhh. Then that Friday night, it was goodbye to the girlies. I don't really give a fuck about being cliche at this point, so damn, it's the end of an era. I'll always remember the first year, and meeting everyone else who was shocked to be stuck on the ALL GIRLS floor. Ahahaha and here we are four years later.....with nothing but love, love, love. Later, blazed with Andrew and watched Confessions of Pain. Then we passed out to a tummy full of goodass, crumby (that's a good thing) cheese pizza. Then in the morning --  the guys, their families, and Cody's birds -- woke us up at every hour.... 








The grad festivities continued through the weekend. It was Patrick's place for bbq -- lots of beer and meat, Rochelle's thoughts on (&(*(*&*(&(^^%$$, swimming in the dark and many attempts at synchronized water choreography (all of which failed -- ahahahaha CHRIS. I LOVE YOU) Then off to San Diego. All I can say is carne-fucking-asada. For breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snack. But so good......I thought I would swear off beef for life after that....(but of course, Mel had to come down to LA last week and demanded Korean bbq. Gah.) Oh, and lots of beach time. And that sand castle.....What do after we became newly minted UCLA alums? Go play in the sand.


And then it was home for a week-ish. Besides all the rough shit that happened, it was crackin. Spent hella time with Jess. Covered King of Thai and Seniores. That's all I need from that Ho. Got plastered at Holy Cow which if anyone is interested is all documented and published on facebook thanks to the paparazzi known as jessica fucking ho. Then I had my awesome-couldn't-be-anymore-damn-near-perfect graduation dinner. Kurds got hella drunk with Pops -- It was the greatest gift any sister/daughter could ask for graduation. Go Ngs. 






Puento.


I'm hella tired.


And now I'm chilling in my new bombass apt with Durrain and Linda. These girls are my soulmates. I know it. For July, I'll be interning at Dell et Ruhs and looking for a job...God, June really felt like it rushed by. I feel like I fell behind from the rest of the world with all the graduation hoopla going on. I don't know what's going on with news, haven't been on top of my music and was extremely behind in emails (which never happens). I feel like I'm finally back on track with the game of life now. 


So someone, please hire me.

But I've been running on the final streak. The actual FINAL, final streak of my undergraduate slavedom. Sorry. You're right, there is no need for cynicism about school these last couple of days. My final class was on Wed. And we sang the alma mater.


And I remember walking to class on Bruin Walk on Wed, gazing at the hilly, grassy area where students lounge by Janss Steps. And then I thought of myself as a high school senior touring the campus in 2004. This grassy area basically made my decision. It looked so ideal: students studying under the trees, socializing, tanning, eating lunch, being under the sun, the VISIBLE SO-CAL sun. And I pitted this image against Cal's gray buildings and gray skies. And I thought blue/yellow/green or gray/gray/gray? Hmmm....and here I am four years later. Could I be returning to the gray in a couple of months? 


IN OTHER THOUGHTS:




Does this look familar?????? 


Yup, the ubiqutious HOT HOT Diors that Carrie was rocking in the SATC movie (below).


 


But instead of Dior, it's Steve Madden. And instead of $770, it's $110. And the heel here is much thicker -- better on the feet, ladies. Except I've had a history of pain with Steve Maddens.....but in the end, they're so fucking cute!


Mmkay. Now back to Iranian history.

On CA's constitutional ruling today on allowing gay marriages:


And this is pervading argument spoken by those who are against gay marriage.


 “The court was wrong from top to bottom on this one,” said Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage. “The court brushed aside the entire history and meaning of marriage in our tradition.”  (5/16 NY Times)


Is this woman forreal? And especially as a woman, why don't we use this same argument on her: that this country was founded on a history and tradition of patriarchy. To keep with this tradition, women should stay banned from voting and accept the organizational sexism that pervades the social structures of our society.


History is social evolution, of change and human progress. Why can't people just understand that?

You know I aint the type to walk around with matchin shirts
If relationship is heaven I will match the work




Words can't describe how great......wait, no, they can.

summer = reading x reading





smooch to my new babies.

 

If you have not read Kite Runner, you are behind and need to head to your nearest library or Borders quickly. If you have not heard of Michael Eric Dyson, go YouTube him. It's like he manufactures eloquence....words just come out so nicely packaged.

Nigger.
Are we desensitized by this word yet like we are with bitch or gay (not all, but MANY of us unfortunately....)? 
Should we be?
Or is it not about desensitization, but about evolution like my true homie Golden says. Has that word evolved? Or is it trying to? And only with certain people?


I'm a little late, but some eloquent words from NY Oil that I just picked up on at Hiphopdx:


Nas Taken To Task Over "Be a Nigger Too"

“Be a Nigger Too,” a controversial track off Nas’ forthcoming album, Nigger garnered praise from some in the Hip Hop community, but not everyone is fawning over Nasir’s dive into all things “The N Word.”

NY Oil—one of the only artists to have a video banned from YouTube—voiced his displeasure with the song, Nas and the industry as a whole in an editorial appearing on Davey D’s web site.

Opening the editorial in a similar fashion to a courtroom opening argument, NY Oil lays out the case against major record labels dealing with artists who are “conscious.”

“They will never sign., do business with, or even acknowledge the Artist of change,” he writes. “If pressed [label reps] will admit to having ‘been up on’ this Artist in a hallow [sic] attempt at affirming their hipness. When asked if they plan on working with this artist they will give a random list of excuses not limited to ‘He's hot but .. that kind of music doesn't sell’, ‘She's the shit.. but people ain't ready for that’ , ‘I wish i could bring them here but right now 'insert corporate higher ups name here' is on some other shit’ All the while they are changing pace, making adjustments, having conference calls, and restructuring. Making the final preparations to counteract this Artist of Change.”

“The end game plays like this: they find an artist on their current roster that they can refashion to fit the basic mold of the Artist of change. If they dress him up like, or give him a similar message to the artist of change and put hundreds of thousands in promotional dollars behind the Stat quo Artist they can undermine and even usurper the Artist of change. You can always identify the Stat Quo Artist from the Artist of change because when asked about his ‘New image’ or ‘New Direction’ he is hard pressed to answer sincerely or intelligibly. In fact the Stat Quo artist will blather on in circles clumsily during interviews stumbling over his own ignorance of what his ‘New Direction’ is.”

According to NY Oil, the artist with the “new image” this time around is none other than Nas himself.

“And after hearing your interviews, seeing the title of your upcoming LP, and hearing your ‘leaked’ song ‘Be A Nigger Too’ I can say without doubt.... Nas you are THAT nigga!”

‘Nas you're that nigga that pretends to have a grasp on the social quagmire that our people are stuck in and yet cannot for the life of you articulate or justify your position on this obvious plea for controversy. Does this brother realize that his attempts at diffusing the word "Nigger" by making it some all inclusive colloquialism to represent all races is as weak as the beat he spit it too? Does he realize that when Robert Schwartz decides to stop being a nigger all he has to do is change his look. maybe trade in the bapes and backpack put on a suit and he's right and exact. When Robert Yung decides he's no longer a nigga he can be whatever an person of Asian decent can be in the country stereo types not withstanding. When Robert Rodriguez decides to stop being a nigger he can become a proud man of Latin descent. However for Robert Jenkins who's Grandparents where NIGGERS, blown over by fire hoses and beat within an inch of their lives, when the term meant what it will always mean despite his attempts to make it a term of endearment. Whom despite his affluence or allegiance has to be as scared as a runaway slave when pulled over for driving black or shopping black, or standing in a group of more than 3 in his own neighborhood while black or any of the number of things blacks can do innocently while being black and end up dead because the Cop who shot him 50 times like Shawn Bell or 42 like Amadou Diallo didn't consider himself a nigger.. We're the only race that embraces our disgrace, and now you would have everyone else sing along with us in our shame.”

“You've been everything they ever told you to be. Nasty Nas, Nastrodomas, Nas Escobar. and now you're their Nigga… At what point are you going to be a MAN?”

Journalist and Hip Hop historian Davey D also takes Nas to task and notes Universal Music Groups (Def Jam’s parent label) inconsistency when it comes to music with messages of social justice.

“…bear in mind Nas is a part of the Universal Music group family that disallowed Young Buck from doing a anti-police song last year and had issues with Public Enemy invoking the name of Mumia Abu Jamal in one of their songs several years ago, yet saw fit to send [Be a Nigger Too] out-Go figure,” he said.

The only significance I see in Cinqo de Mayo (Origin? I'll wiki after this post) is that it helps me remember my mom's birthday -- which is May 4. Or maybe it's the other way around...


But damn, did I get a reality check! Cinqo de Mayo is a fucking big deal. At least on the college campus. People have been asking me what are my plans on this "special" night -- like they're talking about Christmas! When really, I had to first make sure first that it wasn't someone's birthday...and then a couple seconds later, ohh, it's Cinqo de Mayo - a college kid's excuse to get wasted.  Whatever, I have a midterm on Wed.


But I'm gonna miss college.

 

Check it!


http://www.stashonline.com/blaster.php?xnewsaction=addcomment&newsarch=042008&newsid=28

A la Karmaloop.com
Luxurie's jungle hoodie. LOL, this one is screaminnnn.





A la Shopbop.com
I cuddled with it a bit at Marc.

 

I love waking up before noon these days. I skipped pretty much most of my classes this week. I think I've hit that point where, as a senior in college with no job lined up in sight, it all goes down hill from here....earning a last, extra A won't help me that much. So what are my plans? 


Graduate. yessss. 


Stay in LA for a couple months to continue the job hunt. I'm gonna be mass-sending out resumes/mass-calling/dropping in offices....and hopefully, an editor will walk out and say "Wow, you are wonderful for coming into the office. We would love to have you on board" or some kind of ideal hope like that.


All I could think about these days is writing. And a lucrative writing job. But I seriously can see myself working a 9-5 job that I either absolutely hate or moderately enjoy, but that puts bread on the table. And all the while, I'll have a writing job that pays next to zero, but that I love. Hmmmm, how does that sound mom?


I had the interview with King Tech from the Wake Up Show this past Thursday. He's a pretty cool dude, whose experience with hip hop traces back to the days of Biggie and Pac. Legendary? Well, legendary is what became of so many of his guests. But his show is more like an untapped treasure. (So get on his site: ursesssion.com/wakeupshow) So many legends have sat in the seats of his studio -- some making it big, some keeping it on the streets. His show is basically a launch pad for any aspiring MC...Ha, I bet so many people already know this. And I'm just a latecomer into the game. Alright -- I'm gonna crank out that article this weekend. 


Pictures of the first half of spring: POPPPPPIN.



PiKap part II

Boulevard 3

SONICS. omg...

Davis boys

GO MEL!

Flosssin and driving. and I don't meaaan the goood-lookin kind!

Beautiful faces make for beautiful babies.

REX LEE --- I WANT HIM.

My favorite Indians.
 

I'm gonnna take my time. (YEAH)


Whenever you have those unexpected, downer days, it will always, most definitely, be better the next day. Then when the rain befalls on you again later, you'll know that you'll have tomorrow. And it will be better. And it is. Always.
COnfused?
Irrelevant.


People, I'm ready for the weekend. Pool. Sun. LA Times Book Festival. Shopping. mUSSIIIC. And most importantly, the chance at idleness...

 I'm back in the sack with my big pink book again. Some things just never change.


But homies, I'm determined to get myself out of this. Looook at the lovely shoes I've been stalking. Seriously, I enjoy the thrill of browsing and window-shopping. Few people can appreciate this. It's like going to a museum...











All available at Piperlime.


Alright, I need to remember to turn off the TV after 10. When you start seeing commercials with bust-exposing blondes twirling their hair,  looking at you and motioning you to pick up the phone to talk to her, even re-runs of Will and Grace won't keep me tuned.