- American tennis thrives at Wimbledon - On the July 4 weekend, the Stars and Stripes can really stick it to the Brits in their own backyard. Venus and Serena Williams will square off in the ladies' championship match on Saturday, while Andy Roddick will play in the mens' final on Sunday after trouncing Britain's favorite son Andy Murray. The grass at SW16 will also showcased the depth of U.S. tennis, with American duos featuring in both doubles' championship matches (the Williams in the ladies' draw, twin brothers Mike and Bob Bryan on the mens'). The future looks bright too: three Americans were in the final eight of the boys' singles draw, including Jordan Cox, who will play for the boys' championship on Saturday. The resurgence should appease critics who think American success in tennis is on the decline.
- Free music at Amazon! Go buy your version of The Star-Spangled Banner! Go ahead, browse through hundreds of choices. Props to Kronos Quartet for twittering about it; they've created a version of the national anthem inspired by Jimi Hendrix's cover.
- Taste of Springfield - So far I've had the jambalaya from Augie's, the horseshoe from Catie Girls', the schnitzel from the German Club (outside ToS, but good nonetheless), baklava from Holy Land and shrimp and rice from the Plaza. Where has this Springfield food been all of my life? You can't help but give props to the organizers and the event; restaurants get some great visibility and attract new customers while visitors enjoy some tasty dishes at discounted prices. I didn't see a ToS plate that cost more than $5 . I easily counted three more places to try tomorrow, fireworks be damned!
- Springfield Farmers' Market - I ride a bike. I rarely visit the grocery store. So when I get the chance to buy fresh, delicious produce near my workplace, I leap at (or pedal to) the opportunity. My weekly goal is to try a fruit or vegetable I've never prepared and/or tasted; two weeks ago it was kale, last week it was rainbow chord. Oh, the savory mysteries of the farmers market.
- The rights and liberties afforded to citizens in the United States of America - Because things could be worse.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Quintessence #2
Monday, June 29, 2009
Quintessence #1
Welcome to the first of Quintessence, a new series of posts where I espouse about 5 things that I have discovered today (and preferably like) using a maximum of 5 sentences.
- People who run across the country: Katie Visco, 23, is an Illinois girl who is running from Boston, Massachusetts to San Diego, California. Boston to San Diego! She just finished a visit home and is now moving through Indiana. Her journey will help promote and raise funds for Girls on the Run. Follow Katie's journey.
- People who bike across the country: As I rode on my bike home from work, I noticed a young man and woman with matching Giant bikes and biking uniforms strolling around the church on the corner of Edwards and Walnut. Curious, I pedaled over to them and asked them if they knew of any bike trails in Springfield. Turns out they weren't from Illinois at all! They're from a group called Bike and Build, which is devoted to constructing new, affordable housing while cycling across the U.S. You can also meet George and Marisa, the two kind souls I biked into, who are going from Providence, Rhode Island, to my old stomping grounds, San Francisco, California.
- This article on how you're not a print journalist unless life's kicking your ass.
- The appropriately titled "Warm" by Owen Jay, a deep house DJ from the Mediterranean island of Malta. I imagine I could produce this sort of subtle, easy-on-the-ears music if I were from a Mediterranean island. I discovered this track while listening to Deeper Shades of House podcast #299 by Los Angeles-based DJ Lars Behrenroft. "Peepshow" and its layered melodies also provide a good listen.
- These ridiculously sick mixtapes, I mean, business cards.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Journalistic Movies
I watched Gran Torino Saturday night and I was surprised at its intentionally and unintentionally comedic qualities. Clint Eastwood's character is a Korean War veteran and recent widow who must confront the growing Hmong population in his own neighborhood. I told someone shortly after that it was an interesting mix of "whimsical and violent."
Recommended...and it might have been highly recommended save for some "forced" efforts from Eastwood and cast. Sometimes, Eastwood fits the tough guy role, but sometimes it seems like he's forcing his spew of racial epitaphs. Because the film used a lot of non-professional actors, the film comes off as natural but unpolished. Torino does redeem itself by balancing out whimsical, lighthearted moments with action and suspense.
Even though Eastwood hurls constant demeaning insults, viewers should avoid pigeonholing the story as racist. A viewer could make the valid argument that in the film, Asian American men are emasculated; Asian American scholar Helen Zia once said that Asian American entertainment roles are limited to geeks, gooks, gangstas and geishas, all of which are in the film. But I feel that comprehensively deconstructing the story would prove mostly fruitless. The film touches upon race relations and fluctuating demographics, but I feel that the story would have been similar had Eastwood been confronted with a Latino or African American family. The story's writers are from Minnesota, so it makes sense that they focused on the state's growing Hmong population and resulting racial tensions. But the film really seems more like a power struggle between Eastwood and "minority" neighbors, not necessarily Asian Americans.
While watching the previews, I couldn't help but notice that films are focusing on journalists as lead characters. The Soloist describes the true story of Los Angeles Times reporter Steve Lopez and his relationship with classical musician Nathaniel Ayers. State of Play is based off the BBC drama series and centers on journalists investigating a scandal-laden politician.
Add those to movie playing right now.
Frost/Nixon dramatizes the heavyweight encounter between David Frost and President Richard Nixon. In Marley & Me, John Grogan pens humorous and sentimental columns on his rambunctious mutt Marley.
Why the boon in journalist-movies?
One reason is that viewers easily relate to onscreen journalists because viewers can join these journalists on their discoveries to uncover truth. The viewers are learning at the same time as their journalistic counterparts. The viewers immerse themselves in the journalists' stories.
Another reason is that a journalist as a lead character can lend credibility to the film. All of the aforementioned films except for State of Play are based on true stories. But that does not mean that any of these films portray "pure" truth.
I find it interesting that before the Illinois House voted on Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment, a couple of legislators explained that they had seen Frost/Nixon and cited it as a warning against corrupt politicians.
Of course, the film is a dramatization, as one of the original researchers for David Frost (and a consultant for the film) notes.
But legislators cited the film because it was based on true events.
Films that dramatize journalism nonetheless contain legitimacy. Journalism lends that credibility.
Finally, journalist movies are feel-good movies. Journalists are portrayed as tireless, persistent do-gooders whose sole fault is their stubbornness. Note how with these journalistic movies, the journalists are always the "good" guys? Not a single bad apple among them.
Which is how journalists are in reality, too.
Recommended...and it might have been highly recommended save for some "forced" efforts from Eastwood and cast. Sometimes, Eastwood fits the tough guy role, but sometimes it seems like he's forcing his spew of racial epitaphs. Because the film used a lot of non-professional actors, the film comes off as natural but unpolished. Torino does redeem itself by balancing out whimsical, lighthearted moments with action and suspense.
Even though Eastwood hurls constant demeaning insults, viewers should avoid pigeonholing the story as racist. A viewer could make the valid argument that in the film, Asian American men are emasculated; Asian American scholar Helen Zia once said that Asian American entertainment roles are limited to geeks, gooks, gangstas and geishas, all of which are in the film. But I feel that comprehensively deconstructing the story would prove mostly fruitless. The film touches upon race relations and fluctuating demographics, but I feel that the story would have been similar had Eastwood been confronted with a Latino or African American family. The story's writers are from Minnesota, so it makes sense that they focused on the state's growing Hmong population and resulting racial tensions. But the film really seems more like a power struggle between Eastwood and "minority" neighbors, not necessarily Asian Americans.
While watching the previews, I couldn't help but notice that films are focusing on journalists as lead characters. The Soloist describes the true story of Los Angeles Times reporter Steve Lopez and his relationship with classical musician Nathaniel Ayers. State of Play is based off the BBC drama series and centers on journalists investigating a scandal-laden politician.
Add those to movie playing right now.
Frost/Nixon dramatizes the heavyweight encounter between David Frost and President Richard Nixon. In Marley & Me, John Grogan pens humorous and sentimental columns on his rambunctious mutt Marley.
Why the boon in journalist-movies?
One reason is that viewers easily relate to onscreen journalists because viewers can join these journalists on their discoveries to uncover truth. The viewers are learning at the same time as their journalistic counterparts. The viewers immerse themselves in the journalists' stories.
Another reason is that a journalist as a lead character can lend credibility to the film. All of the aforementioned films except for State of Play are based on true stories. But that does not mean that any of these films portray "pure" truth.
I find it interesting that before the Illinois House voted on Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment, a couple of legislators explained that they had seen Frost/Nixon and cited it as a warning against corrupt politicians.
Of course, the film is a dramatization, as one of the original researchers for David Frost (and a consultant for the film) notes.
But legislators cited the film because it was based on true events.
Films that dramatize journalism nonetheless contain legitimacy. Journalism lends that credibility.
Finally, journalist movies are feel-good movies. Journalists are portrayed as tireless, persistent do-gooders whose sole fault is their stubbornness. Note how with these journalistic movies, the journalists are always the "good" guys? Not a single bad apple among them.
Which is how journalists are in reality, too.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
In light of my blabberiness...
I just read my last post from 9/30. What garbage. Half of it doesn't make sense. Blabber blabber blabber.
If I'm going to be considered a serious journalist, I need to write serious, journalistic type stuff. Seriously.
As such, I aspire to write a one-page wire service article about myself and the day's occurrences. It will force me to write serious stuff. Seriously.
And it'll also get me acquainted to this AP Stylebook thingamajigger.
I would include today's KL Daily post. But it's personal. Maybe you'll get tomorrow's edition.
If I'm going to be considered a serious journalist, I need to write serious, journalistic type stuff. Seriously.
As such, I aspire to write a one-page wire service article about myself and the day's occurrences. It will force me to write serious stuff. Seriously.
And it'll also get me acquainted to this AP Stylebook thingamajigger.
I would include today's KL Daily post. But it's personal. Maybe you'll get tomorrow's edition.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Random thoughts
It's been 50 days since I've posted here, and that's a travesty. A lot has happened since then, including my move to Springfield, starting college again, getting used to random weather, visiting Toby and An on their trip out here to Chicago, meeting with my PAR mates, and the like.
So in no particular order, here are some thoughts:
1) One of my freelance editors got laid off earlier today due to tightened budgets at the publication. This is a devastating blow to me. "Editor" gave me my first legitimate chance to get my name into Bay Area print while I was in college and after I graduated. If he did not provide that outlet, I'm not sure where I would be right now. Would I have worked at KQED? Would I be at UIS now? There are some people who make an indelible mark on a life, and "editor" made such a mark on mine. I wish him nothing but the best.
The situation also illustrates the grim reality for journalism: the market sucks. Our business was already on the decline with the technology gap, and now it's really taking body blows from all this financial chaos. I'm glad I'm still in school!
2) The Daily Show just aint what it used to be. Don't get me wrong, Jon Stewart 1) has impeccable delivery and 2) provides extremely astute interviews with guests. But his one-sided pandering on the show has worn on me. The Daily Show used to be an escape, a chance to laugh at mainstream news coverage and the happenings around the world. But now, it's just endless bashing on McCain and Bush. Don't get me wrong, bashing on politicians can be funny. With Stewart and gang, the schtick is getting old. Before, they recognized they were a comedy group acting as a news show. Now, they're acting more like Olbermann's Countdown, with comedy. For me, it's not quite as funny.
The Colbert Report, on the other hand, has found that balance between humor and preaching. Colbert, in his bombastic conservative caricature, has thoroughly and brilliantly satirized the right-winged media pundit. He's not directly bashing Republicans; he's insinuating their flaws by exaggerating his own delivery and appearance. Colbert's smooth and suave compared to Stewart's newfound brusqueness. With the way the shows are set up, you think it'd be the opposite.
3) Burn After Reading was...not exactly a great movie but an insightful one. I found myself writing a 500-word treatise on it afterwards, connecting characters and their personalities to my own life. The main theme resonated with me: people are impulsive, selfish, and don't really know what they're doing with their lives. It's a harrowing take on life, but the way the Coen brothers present it, it's darkly humorous, absurdist. The presentation might make the movie more frightening, because we acknowlege that we are impulsive and selfish...and willingly, laughingly accept it. In No Country for Old Men, the Coen brothers present us with a person so demonic, so sinister, that no one can hope to relate to him. In Burn, we relate to every character, be it the womanizing Clooney or the looks-obsessed McDormad or the smiling idiot Pitt.
4) I'm getting turntables! My friend Ian has been kind enough to seek out a pair for me and is in the process of shipping them out. I will resume my career as DJ extraordinare...right after I start practicing.
I do need
1) Needles
2) Mixer
3) Receiver
4) Speakers
5) Vinyl
6) Serato (possibly)
But the tanks are on their way...I just need to get the ammunition.
5) I am realllly looking forward to the Chicago trip. I've contacted some members of the Asian American Journalist Association, of which I am now a proud, dues-paying member, and I am lookin forward to meeting with some people there. I am also looking forward to doing some crate digging....and perhaps some club-hopping?
6)
Johan Vermeulen - "Third of Five" (Dyami)
What a lush track. You can chill to this on the beach, you can throw this down in a club. I just love the warm synths.
Deadmau5 and Kaskade - "I Remember" (mau5trap)
Epic and bordering on commercial...but I listen to it. And enjoy it. Great peaktime stuff. Both of them are touring right now. Ian said the mau5 played everything, from Kaskade to Audion. Eh?
Inkfish and David West - "Hello Piano" (Mistakes Music)
Uplifting cut of house music, with an addictive piano loop and some accentuating strings. Perhaps a bit over the top...the Sebastian Leger remix is good for peaktime, but the piano sample is used only on the breakdown, then disappears. I like the rearrangment of beats...then strings...then piano.
Devilfish and Roel Salemink - "Manalive" (Bush)
The original is a good old techno mix, but Jon Rundell provides almost a dub with a staggering breakdown in the middle. Perfect for raising your hands.
Bassnectar - "Art of Revolution"
Man, I listened to this thick dubstep track on their Myspace...and can't wait for the track's imminent release. They're in Chicago on Thursday! Maybe I'll go check them out...
Brightblack Morning Light - "Hologram Buffalo"
Kinda bluesy, kinda loungy, a little psychadelic... this is one of those songs I could imagine in my head as I'm walking back home from a long night out. I seem to like a lot of those types of songs.
I do need to check out the new Fujiya & Miyagi CD. Must...temper...expectations.
That is all.
So in no particular order, here are some thoughts:
1) One of my freelance editors got laid off earlier today due to tightened budgets at the publication. This is a devastating blow to me. "Editor" gave me my first legitimate chance to get my name into Bay Area print while I was in college and after I graduated. If he did not provide that outlet, I'm not sure where I would be right now. Would I have worked at KQED? Would I be at UIS now? There are some people who make an indelible mark on a life, and "editor" made such a mark on mine. I wish him nothing but the best.
The situation also illustrates the grim reality for journalism: the market sucks. Our business was already on the decline with the technology gap, and now it's really taking body blows from all this financial chaos. I'm glad I'm still in school!
2) The Daily Show just aint what it used to be. Don't get me wrong, Jon Stewart 1) has impeccable delivery and 2) provides extremely astute interviews with guests. But his one-sided pandering on the show has worn on me. The Daily Show used to be an escape, a chance to laugh at mainstream news coverage and the happenings around the world. But now, it's just endless bashing on McCain and Bush. Don't get me wrong, bashing on politicians can be funny. With Stewart and gang, the schtick is getting old. Before, they recognized they were a comedy group acting as a news show. Now, they're acting more like Olbermann's Countdown, with comedy. For me, it's not quite as funny.
The Colbert Report, on the other hand, has found that balance between humor and preaching. Colbert, in his bombastic conservative caricature, has thoroughly and brilliantly satirized the right-winged media pundit. He's not directly bashing Republicans; he's insinuating their flaws by exaggerating his own delivery and appearance. Colbert's smooth and suave compared to Stewart's newfound brusqueness. With the way the shows are set up, you think it'd be the opposite.
3) Burn After Reading was...not exactly a great movie but an insightful one. I found myself writing a 500-word treatise on it afterwards, connecting characters and their personalities to my own life. The main theme resonated with me: people are impulsive, selfish, and don't really know what they're doing with their lives. It's a harrowing take on life, but the way the Coen brothers present it, it's darkly humorous, absurdist. The presentation might make the movie more frightening, because we acknowlege that we are impulsive and selfish...and willingly, laughingly accept it. In No Country for Old Men, the Coen brothers present us with a person so demonic, so sinister, that no one can hope to relate to him. In Burn, we relate to every character, be it the womanizing Clooney or the looks-obsessed McDormad or the smiling idiot Pitt.
4) I'm getting turntables! My friend Ian has been kind enough to seek out a pair for me and is in the process of shipping them out. I will resume my career as DJ extraordinare...right after I start practicing.
I do need
1) Needles
2) Mixer
3) Receiver
4) Speakers
5) Vinyl
6) Serato (possibly)
But the tanks are on their way...I just need to get the ammunition.
5) I am realllly looking forward to the Chicago trip. I've contacted some members of the Asian American Journalist Association, of which I am now a proud, dues-paying member, and I am lookin forward to meeting with some people there. I am also looking forward to doing some crate digging....and perhaps some club-hopping?
6)
Johan Vermeulen - "Third of Five" (Dyami)
What a lush track. You can chill to this on the beach, you can throw this down in a club. I just love the warm synths.
Deadmau5 and Kaskade - "I Remember" (mau5trap)
Epic and bordering on commercial...but I listen to it. And enjoy it. Great peaktime stuff. Both of them are touring right now. Ian said the mau5 played everything, from Kaskade to Audion. Eh?
Inkfish and David West - "Hello Piano" (Mistakes Music)
Uplifting cut of house music, with an addictive piano loop and some accentuating strings. Perhaps a bit over the top...the Sebastian Leger remix is good for peaktime, but the piano sample is used only on the breakdown, then disappears. I like the rearrangment of beats...then strings...then piano.
Devilfish and Roel Salemink - "Manalive" (Bush)
The original is a good old techno mix, but Jon Rundell provides almost a dub with a staggering breakdown in the middle. Perfect for raising your hands.
Bassnectar - "Art of Revolution"
Man, I listened to this thick dubstep track on their Myspace...and can't wait for the track's imminent release. They're in Chicago on Thursday! Maybe I'll go check them out...
Brightblack Morning Light - "Hologram Buffalo"
Kinda bluesy, kinda loungy, a little psychadelic... this is one of those songs I could imagine in my head as I'm walking back home from a long night out. I seem to like a lot of those types of songs.
I do need to check out the new Fujiya & Miyagi CD. Must...temper...expectations.
That is all.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Here we go...
I'm a little tired, a little buzzed off adrenaline. The day of the triathlon is here.
Save for a short half-hour ride on my bike, I've done very little the past few days in hopes of resting my body. I hope it doesn't come back to bite me in the ass.
The wetsuit I bought from some Orinda-based college student cost $60. I bought it from him on Friday after he decided to drop by Buffalo Exchange, saving Sofie and me a drive. The bike I inherited from my uncle on Wednesday...I've pumped the tires, but my adjustments to the brakes have proven mostly inadequate. Basically, whenever I squeeze on them, the actual pads just kind of stick to the wheel. Not good.
My basic goal is to ride without braking. Yeah, smart I know. I'm hoping I can find somebody to bail me out.
I hear Sofie getting ready in the background, and the immediacy of the moment kind of hits. A lot of things could go wrong. I could drown. I could fall off the bike and cause a pile-up crash. But I have to shut that all out. Michael Phelps! Think Michael Phelps. (400m in 3:43? C'mon...)
Save for a short half-hour ride on my bike, I've done very little the past few days in hopes of resting my body. I hope it doesn't come back to bite me in the ass.
The wetsuit I bought from some Orinda-based college student cost $60. I bought it from him on Friday after he decided to drop by Buffalo Exchange, saving Sofie and me a drive. The bike I inherited from my uncle on Wednesday...I've pumped the tires, but my adjustments to the brakes have proven mostly inadequate. Basically, whenever I squeeze on them, the actual pads just kind of stick to the wheel. Not good.
My basic goal is to ride without braking. Yeah, smart I know. I'm hoping I can find somebody to bail me out.
I hear Sofie getting ready in the background, and the immediacy of the moment kind of hits. A lot of things could go wrong. I could drown. I could fall off the bike and cause a pile-up crash. But I have to shut that all out. Michael Phelps! Think Michael Phelps. (400m in 3:43? C'mon...)
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Hoo boy
Triathlon training, 4 days to go.
I've been swimming with some consistency.
I swam 600m in the warm pool over at Hearst Gym a few days ago. Overall, I'm feeling pretty good. I think I can swim the distance, I know I can bike and run the distances. It's just a matter of putting it all together.
I feel like the swim will still cause me the most troubles. 600-700m in cold water with tides.
Doing a triathlon is kind of rough on the wallet. $95 for registration, $60 for running shoes, goggles, swimcap. And I still need,
-A bike
-A helmet
-A wetsuit
-A watch
Almost as much as tuition for grad school...
I spent the weekend with Dan and his SDSU buddy Steve over in LA. We went to the Kollaboration acoustic show on Saturday and the ProjektNewSpeak sketch comedy show on Sunday. Both were great and provided reminders of the importance of Asian American participation in the arts. As the Kollaboration motto goes, "Empowerment through Entertainment." I look at Dan and sometimes feel like I'm not involved enough with the Asian American community, so seeing Dan so energetic and invested provides an impetus. He derives great enjoyment out of it because he has this group of people to share his passion.
Top ten moments from the weekend:
1) ProjektNewSpeak: Creative, fun-filled, would do it again in a heartbeat.
2) Kollaboration Acoustic 2: Displayed a tremendous amount of variety and talent throughout the show.
3) Meeting Karin Anna Cheung: She showed up at both events, and I finally worked up the courage to talk to her, praising her for her involvement with Project Michelle. Not that she needs the praise.
4) Participating with Project Michelle: Four cotton swabs might help save a life? Count me in.
5) Pink's: I had some sort of ridiculous Poli-Burrito Dog- 2 polish dogs wrapped in a flour tortilla, stuffed with bacon, chili, onions, and cheese. One of the great greasy late night joints I've experienced. Dan, Steve, and I waited for an hour in line, the group wrapped around the place. I can see why. Did I mention I had fries with that?
6) Free Ugly Dolls! Advertising director for ProjektNewSpeak and good friend of Dan, Gina Lee was kind enough to pass me along a gift bag. One for my sis, one for Sofie, one for Dan...and all the rest for me!
7) Catch up with the family: Dim Sum, all four aunts on my mother's side, a little relaxation time with the folks...not a bad way to start off the weekend.
The Iron Giant just finished. What a great movie.
I've been swimming with some consistency.
I swam 600m in the warm pool over at Hearst Gym a few days ago. Overall, I'm feeling pretty good. I think I can swim the distance, I know I can bike and run the distances. It's just a matter of putting it all together.
I feel like the swim will still cause me the most troubles. 600-700m in cold water with tides.
Doing a triathlon is kind of rough on the wallet. $95 for registration, $60 for running shoes, goggles, swimcap. And I still need,
-A bike
-A helmet
-A wetsuit
-A watch
Almost as much as tuition for grad school...
I spent the weekend with Dan and his SDSU buddy Steve over in LA. We went to the Kollaboration acoustic show on Saturday and the ProjektNewSpeak sketch comedy show on Sunday. Both were great and provided reminders of the importance of Asian American participation in the arts. As the Kollaboration motto goes, "Empowerment through Entertainment." I look at Dan and sometimes feel like I'm not involved enough with the Asian American community, so seeing Dan so energetic and invested provides an impetus. He derives great enjoyment out of it because he has this group of people to share his passion.
Top ten moments from the weekend:
1) ProjektNewSpeak: Creative, fun-filled, would do it again in a heartbeat.
2) Kollaboration Acoustic 2: Displayed a tremendous amount of variety and talent throughout the show.
3) Meeting Karin Anna Cheung: She showed up at both events, and I finally worked up the courage to talk to her, praising her for her involvement with Project Michelle. Not that she needs the praise.
4) Participating with Project Michelle: Four cotton swabs might help save a life? Count me in.
5) Pink's: I had some sort of ridiculous Poli-Burrito Dog- 2 polish dogs wrapped in a flour tortilla, stuffed with bacon, chili, onions, and cheese. One of the great greasy late night joints I've experienced. Dan, Steve, and I waited for an hour in line, the group wrapped around the place. I can see why. Did I mention I had fries with that?
6) Free Ugly Dolls! Advertising director for ProjektNewSpeak and good friend of Dan, Gina Lee was kind enough to pass me along a gift bag. One for my sis, one for Sofie, one for Dan...and all the rest for me!
7) Catch up with the family: Dim Sum, all four aunts on my mother's side, a little relaxation time with the folks...not a bad way to start off the weekend.
The Iron Giant just finished. What a great movie.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Triathlon Training, Day 10
Swim: 200-250m
Stationary Cycle: 20 min., 6.5 mi., Level 10 random
Today I doubled the effort because I didn't run on Sunday. So...
Sunday 6/15: Ran around campus for 18 min., just in time to catch the end of Game 5 of
the NBA Finals.
Mon 6/16L: Stopped by a used bike shop on Telegraph. Initial estimates have me at $230 - $300 for a used road bike. I think the guy is overcharging.
Went to a Berkeley public pool and swam 25m each way. Ran out of breath after 4 rounds for a grand total of 100m. Stopped. Regained breath. Did another 100m.
Complained. Wept. Looked enviously at the pretty lifeguard effortlessly stroking through the water. She has it so easy.
Tues 6/17: Biked for 5-10 minute spurts. 3.6 mi per 10 min. 1.8 mi. per 5 min. Level 10, random. With breaks I do 2 10-min runs and 2 5-min runs for a grand total of 10.8 mi.
Wed 6/18: It's my birthday! I celebrate by running for 20 min. after work, weaving inbetween Dwight and Parker, from College down to Shattuck, then back up to my place. Stifling heat accompanies serious doubts about this training.
Th 6/19: I watch some YouTube vids of famous swimmers like Ian Thorpe and Alexander Popov, then head over to Hearst North after completing an application for my 30-day free staff RSF membership. My strokes feel a lot better, and I'm able to loosen up and cut through the pool. Too bad my breathing cadence still sucks.
Fri 6/20: Biked for a 5-min warmup, then a 30-min monster ride on Level 10 random. 9.06 miles, followed by another 5-min cooldown. I get close to 11 mi. upon completion. But 30-min straight of riding was pretty tough. 18mi./hr puts me at about a 45-min
ride. I think I can get up to 20mi./hr if I keep it up. Cycling definitely feels best
so fr, even if it is only stationary.
Sat 6/21: Rest day. Drink beer. Eat German foods. Talk and dance with friends. Throw up.
Sun 6/22: Inadvertent rest day. Yeesh. No discipline. Further, a donut nearly ruins
my digestive system.
Of course, today I had Naan and Curry at 11pm, so go figure. I need a little more help
with the whole nutritional disciplining thing. I'll probably have to take a lesson
with swimming, I just feel awkward with it. Running I can work on. Maybe start
combining training methods? I did some core work today, which should help everything, and after all the crap I've eaten lately, it was good to get some crunches and leg lifts in.
What would help:
Waterproof watch
Swim cap
Goggles
Speedo
Running shoes
Bike shoes
Bike shorts/outfit
Bike helmet
An actual bike
Tomorrow: Clark Kerr run (10 laps), some pull ups and push ups.
Stationary Cycle: 20 min., 6.5 mi., Level 10 random
Today I doubled the effort because I didn't run on Sunday. So...
Sunday 6/15: Ran around campus for 18 min., just in time to catch the end of Game 5 of
the NBA Finals.
Mon 6/16L: Stopped by a used bike shop on Telegraph. Initial estimates have me at $230 - $300 for a used road bike. I think the guy is overcharging.
Went to a Berkeley public pool and swam 25m each way. Ran out of breath after 4 rounds for a grand total of 100m. Stopped. Regained breath. Did another 100m.
Complained. Wept. Looked enviously at the pretty lifeguard effortlessly stroking through the water. She has it so easy.
Tues 6/17: Biked for 5-10 minute spurts. 3.6 mi per 10 min. 1.8 mi. per 5 min. Level 10, random. With breaks I do 2 10-min runs and 2 5-min runs for a grand total of 10.8 mi.
Wed 6/18: It's my birthday! I celebrate by running for 20 min. after work, weaving inbetween Dwight and Parker, from College down to Shattuck, then back up to my place. Stifling heat accompanies serious doubts about this training.
Th 6/19: I watch some YouTube vids of famous swimmers like Ian Thorpe and Alexander Popov, then head over to Hearst North after completing an application for my 30-day free staff RSF membership. My strokes feel a lot better, and I'm able to loosen up and cut through the pool. Too bad my breathing cadence still sucks.
Fri 6/20: Biked for a 5-min warmup, then a 30-min monster ride on Level 10 random. 9.06 miles, followed by another 5-min cooldown. I get close to 11 mi. upon completion. But 30-min straight of riding was pretty tough. 18mi./hr puts me at about a 45-min
ride. I think I can get up to 20mi./hr if I keep it up. Cycling definitely feels best
so fr, even if it is only stationary.
Sat 6/21: Rest day. Drink beer. Eat German foods. Talk and dance with friends. Throw up.
Sun 6/22: Inadvertent rest day. Yeesh. No discipline. Further, a donut nearly ruins
my digestive system.
Of course, today I had Naan and Curry at 11pm, so go figure. I need a little more help
with the whole nutritional disciplining thing. I'll probably have to take a lesson
with swimming, I just feel awkward with it. Running I can work on. Maybe start
combining training methods? I did some core work today, which should help everything, and after all the crap I've eaten lately, it was good to get some crunches and leg lifts in.
What would help:
Waterproof watch
Swim cap
Goggles
Speedo
Running shoes
Bike shoes
Bike shorts/outfit
Bike helmet
An actual bike
Tomorrow: Clark Kerr run (10 laps), some pull ups and push ups.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
It's time to do something
I'm sitting here at about 11:30 AM on a Saturday morning, biding my time. The girlfriend went home to Southern California, I'm organizing some of my previous clips
from the Guardian...and a sad realization struck me. I woke up at 9, went straight to
my laptop, and have done very, very little for the last 2-and-a-half hours. I talked
to my roommate's friend Tessa for a little bit, who is visiting. She and Katie went on
a run on the fire trail east of the Berkeley campus. A run! At 7:30 in the morning! On a Saturday!
Tessa is the type of girl who seems like she has limitless energy, always wanting to do something. She had hiked Half Dome over in Yosemite a few days ago, and she told me just now that she runs pratically every day. Yowsa.
She also told me she wanted to do a triathlon over here near Angel Island. Which got me thinking: a triathlon is something I've always wanted to do. Just yesterday, during another stretch at work, I noted "Triathlon" as something that I should do before I head off to grad school. I view a triathlon as the ultimate challenge, a synthesis of man and machine, of land and water, of physical grit and mental endurance. You can run 20 miles? Try cutting through efficiently through water stroke after stroke. Expert biker? Let's see how your legs feel on the run to the finish.
Tessa also gave me some sites to look up, and after some browsing, I found some events calendars:
http://www.envirosports.com/events/
http://www.theschedule.com/
Which led to me finding a sprint triathlon! It looks like a perfect goal, although the turn around time is short: 7-8 weeks.
http://www.tbfracing.com/events/tri4fun3.html (Herald, CA on Aug. 2)
or
http://www.theschedule.com/EventInfo.cfm?EventID=18905 (Santa Cruz, CA on Aug. 10)
There are plenty of websites to facilitate training:
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/trainingplans-list.asp?h=1
http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=fitness&category=triathlon&conitem=51dff28c348e4010VgnVCM100000cfe793cd____&page=3
But I need to get a bike.
Here we go!
from the Guardian...and a sad realization struck me. I woke up at 9, went straight to
my laptop, and have done very, very little for the last 2-and-a-half hours. I talked
to my roommate's friend Tessa for a little bit, who is visiting. She and Katie went on
a run on the fire trail east of the Berkeley campus. A run! At 7:30 in the morning! On a Saturday!
Tessa is the type of girl who seems like she has limitless energy, always wanting to do something. She had hiked Half Dome over in Yosemite a few days ago, and she told me just now that she runs pratically every day. Yowsa.
She also told me she wanted to do a triathlon over here near Angel Island. Which got me thinking: a triathlon is something I've always wanted to do. Just yesterday, during another stretch at work, I noted "Triathlon" as something that I should do before I head off to grad school. I view a triathlon as the ultimate challenge, a synthesis of man and machine, of land and water, of physical grit and mental endurance. You can run 20 miles? Try cutting through efficiently through water stroke after stroke. Expert biker? Let's see how your legs feel on the run to the finish.
Tessa also gave me some sites to look up, and after some browsing, I found some events calendars:
http://www.envirosports.com/events/
http://www.theschedule.com/
Which led to me finding a sprint triathlon! It looks like a perfect goal, although the turn around time is short: 7-8 weeks.
http://www.tbfracing.com/events/tri4fun3.html (Herald, CA on Aug. 2)
or
http://www.theschedule.com/EventInfo.cfm?EventID=18905 (Santa Cruz, CA on Aug. 10)
There are plenty of websites to facilitate training:
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/trainingplans-list.asp?h=1
http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=fitness&category=triathlon&conitem=51dff28c348e4010VgnVCM100000cfe793cd____&page=3
But I need to get a bike.
Here we go!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Everything's kind of a mess
I've just moved into my summer sublet over on Dwight, where I'll dwell for two-and-a-half months before I head over to UIS. I began a new job at the Survey Research Center over at UC Berkeley. Back when I was a sociology student, Professor Kristin Luker would always talk about a survey method called CATI, or Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing. Basically, people read a meticulously thought out questionnaire that pops up on the computer screen, and record results according to particular coding. Anyone who took a methods course knew of this method, but I never thought that I'd be participating in something like it.
While pay is a lot more, I have nearly no connection with the people there. I basically isolate myself in a cubicle and listen to everyone read the same prompt to different potential respondents. At the Cal Student Store, I at least had people my age whom I could talk to and relate to. The SRC is more mundane. It's difficult to perceive the great social and academic impact of the study while you're reading the same prompt over and over again. Prof. Luker (who has a new book out) always noted that surveys are important for getting small amounts of information from a broad group of people. I definitely think I'm more about the great amounts of information from a few people.
Anyway, I just moved all my stuff into the Dwight sublet. Yesterday was most of the hard work, today was more follow-up...and pie! Phil, Sofia, and I went to Walnut Creek and Marie Callender's. Sofie got Blueberry Cream, Phil got Pumpkin, and I got Key Lime. I don't think the Key Lime agreed with me.
We walked around after that, looked through H&M, the Build-a-bear Shop, and a Barnes & Noble. The BBS is the craziest thing, they take these empty, hollow shells and anally probe them with a machine, then stuff them silly. The bears come out looking brand new...but the whole process seems mechanically sadistic. But I guess lieele children would get a kick out of it.
I got the SparkNotes version for "How to get a job in Magazines." I feel a little ashamed that I have to resort to guidebooks when I'm going to grad school, but at $13 it seemed like there was enough information to justify the cost. I guess I'll find out soon enough.
I'm going to try and work on my rice post, but inbetween moving my stuff, helping with Phil's stuff, and my new job, it's been tough to freelance. I do need to re-devote myself, because I have been slacking and lackadaisical for a while now.
While pay is a lot more, I have nearly no connection with the people there. I basically isolate myself in a cubicle and listen to everyone read the same prompt to different potential respondents. At the Cal Student Store, I at least had people my age whom I could talk to and relate to. The SRC is more mundane. It's difficult to perceive the great social and academic impact of the study while you're reading the same prompt over and over again. Prof. Luker (who has a new book out) always noted that surveys are important for getting small amounts of information from a broad group of people. I definitely think I'm more about the great amounts of information from a few people.
Anyway, I just moved all my stuff into the Dwight sublet. Yesterday was most of the hard work, today was more follow-up...and pie! Phil, Sofia, and I went to Walnut Creek and Marie Callender's. Sofie got Blueberry Cream, Phil got Pumpkin, and I got Key Lime. I don't think the Key Lime agreed with me.
We walked around after that, looked through H&M, the Build-a-bear Shop, and a Barnes & Noble. The BBS is the craziest thing, they take these empty, hollow shells and anally probe them with a machine, then stuff them silly. The bears come out looking brand new...but the whole process seems mechanically sadistic. But I guess lieele children would get a kick out of it.
I got the SparkNotes version for "How to get a job in Magazines." I feel a little ashamed that I have to resort to guidebooks when I'm going to grad school, but at $13 it seemed like there was enough information to justify the cost. I guess I'll find out soon enough.
I'm going to try and work on my rice post, but inbetween moving my stuff, helping with Phil's stuff, and my new job, it's been tough to freelance. I do need to re-devote myself, because I have been slacking and lackadaisical for a while now.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Some Serious Choices
Well, I have to figure out if I'm going to grad school.
IF YES, then
...I need to figure out where I'm living.
...I need to organize my class schedule.
...I need to move all my stuff.
...I need to determine if I need a car.
IF NO, then
...I have to figure out where I'm living (two choices!)
...I have to determine job prospects.
...I have to start writing more.
...I have to start writing more for pay.
At the very least, the small streak of rejections has ended and made way for a brief series of acceptances. This provides a greater number of options, or to put it in sports lexicon when a coach has too many good players (see: Carroll, Pete), "It's a good problem to have."
What's been going on:
1) Sasha and Digweed, Friday 4/25 at the Warfield. Mind blowing. Granted the Warfield is not the best dance venue ever. It was kind of nice to have that amplitheater effect with the Warfield...and nice for chilling out during the dancing. Why not the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, with a bigger floor and still some seats for the...uhh...resting crowd? I guess, even though they were Sasha and Digweed, there were still so many shows going on, including Danny Tenaglia at 1015 and Booka Shade/MANDY on the Get Physical tour at Mezzanine. If you are an electronic fan, 4/25 was your day in nirvana.
2) UIS Travel, 4/26, 4/28. To be discussed soon.
3) UIS Interview 4/27. Likewise.
4) Mike Birbiglia on Friday 5/2 at Cobb's Comedy Club...was hilarious! His show was the hardest I've laughed at Cobb's. It wasn't even close. He did some skits from his DVD and his CD, so it felt kind of like a live concert...you could anticipate his key hits and recite each line. The fact that Birbiglia could not only incite laughter, but belly-aching guffaws was a true testament to his storytelling abilities.
(For more, see my recent clips!)
5) Ellen Allien on Friday 5/2 at Mighty. Cool beats, nice XLR8R giveaway. I think at some point, I would love to write for XLR8R. Hell, why not right now?
I've also started a new feature on AsianWeek, focusing on the international rice rationing and price hikes. Editors want something daily from me for the blog. Yeesh. But hopefully it all comes together into some majestic feature article that I can hone in on. It's been actually fun, asking people about why things are the way tjey are. It tickles my curious bone.
I'm starting to like writing alot again. I'm almost in The Zone...that one place where you feel like you could write anything and it'd be gold. No editing needed. Fingers move a little more lithely over the keyboard. The mind easily outraces the body. Focus comes naturally. I'm not quite there yet. I think this rice beat might put me over the top. We'll see.
IF YES, then
...I need to figure out where I'm living.
...I need to organize my class schedule.
...I need to move all my stuff.
...I need to determine if I need a car.
IF NO, then
...I have to figure out where I'm living (two choices!)
...I have to determine job prospects.
...I have to start writing more.
...I have to start writing more for pay.
At the very least, the small streak of rejections has ended and made way for a brief series of acceptances. This provides a greater number of options, or to put it in sports lexicon when a coach has too many good players (see: Carroll, Pete), "It's a good problem to have."
What's been going on:
1) Sasha and Digweed, Friday 4/25 at the Warfield. Mind blowing. Granted the Warfield is not the best dance venue ever. It was kind of nice to have that amplitheater effect with the Warfield...and nice for chilling out during the dancing. Why not the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, with a bigger floor and still some seats for the...uhh...resting crowd? I guess, even though they were Sasha and Digweed, there were still so many shows going on, including Danny Tenaglia at 1015 and Booka Shade/MANDY on the Get Physical tour at Mezzanine. If you are an electronic fan, 4/25 was your day in nirvana.
2) UIS Travel, 4/26, 4/28. To be discussed soon.
3) UIS Interview 4/27. Likewise.
4) Mike Birbiglia on Friday 5/2 at Cobb's Comedy Club...was hilarious! His show was the hardest I've laughed at Cobb's. It wasn't even close. He did some skits from his DVD and his CD, so it felt kind of like a live concert...you could anticipate his key hits and recite each line. The fact that Birbiglia could not only incite laughter, but belly-aching guffaws was a true testament to his storytelling abilities.
(For more, see my recent clips!)
5) Ellen Allien on Friday 5/2 at Mighty. Cool beats, nice XLR8R giveaway. I think at some point, I would love to write for XLR8R. Hell, why not right now?
I've also started a new feature on AsianWeek, focusing on the international rice rationing and price hikes. Editors want something daily from me for the blog. Yeesh. But hopefully it all comes together into some majestic feature article that I can hone in on. It's been actually fun, asking people about why things are the way tjey are. It tickles my curious bone.
I'm starting to like writing alot again. I'm almost in The Zone...that one place where you feel like you could write anything and it'd be gold. No editing needed. Fingers move a little more lithely over the keyboard. The mind easily outraces the body. Focus comes naturally. I'm not quite there yet. I think this rice beat might put me over the top. We'll see.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
From Sickness to Shunsuke
I've been sick since Saturday. I worked through the day, then felt headache-y on Sunday, collapsed on Monday, rested Tuesday, and am now gaining some semblance of health.
I still can't eat though. Campbell's soup? I ate one of those microwaveable bowls...then watched a few YouTube videos...only to feel that irrepressible urge to go. I'll spare you the details.
That bowl of soup was the only thing save water, tea, cough drops, and cough syrup to enter my body, and it didn't even last that long. 72 hrs now (Sunday's dinner at 9pm, pork with bell peppers and spinach on pasta) since my last solid-food meal...sad.
The videos I watched were of one brilliant football player. He plays for Celtic Football Club, which is pretty much the New York Yankees of the Scottish Premier League. Celtic is playing their rival Rangers (NY-Boston) in what's called the "Old Firm Derby." To open the scoring...well, I'll let Shunsuke Nakamura introduce himself:
More where that came from...a series of free kicks and lobs against the Celtic Premier League, and a pair of sweet goals against Manchester United during the group stages in last year's Champions League.
I still can't eat though. Campbell's soup? I ate one of those microwaveable bowls...then watched a few YouTube videos...only to feel that irrepressible urge to go. I'll spare you the details.
That bowl of soup was the only thing save water, tea, cough drops, and cough syrup to enter my body, and it didn't even last that long. 72 hrs now (Sunday's dinner at 9pm, pork with bell peppers and spinach on pasta) since my last solid-food meal...sad.
The videos I watched were of one brilliant football player. He plays for Celtic Football Club, which is pretty much the New York Yankees of the Scottish Premier League. Celtic is playing their rival Rangers (NY-Boston) in what's called the "Old Firm Derby." To open the scoring...well, I'll let Shunsuke Nakamura introduce himself:
More where that came from...a series of free kicks and lobs against the Celtic Premier League, and a pair of sweet goals against Manchester United during the group stages in last year's Champions League.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
A sensitive interview
At KQED, I interviewed a father who lost his daughter to suicide. I had to ask some really tough, emotionally sensitive questions. I think I did OK considering I had never asked questions from somebody who had been through that sort of experience, but it was still a grinding 50+ minutes. The father seemed much stronger and more resolute than I.
I am stoked about tomorrow's show, which features SF Chronicle columnist Ray Ratto, baseball scholar Jules Tygiel, freelance writer Dan Fost (from the UC Berkeley freelance panel!)...and potentially a special guest. We're going to be talking about the SF Giants and their 50 years in the city, which should provide some great insight into baseball, the Bay Area, and America.
I sometimes like to stay in the office because I like to take it in, put on some basketball, read some magazines and books in peace...but as of late it's felt kind of suffocating after-hours. Too much basketball, haha.
Today I also met Asian American filmmaker Arthur Dong...his new film, Hollywood Chinese, can be found here: http://www.deepfocusproductions.com/HollywoodChinese/index.html.
I also listened to a new band on NPR named Pacifika on Six Degree Records.
I am stoked about tomorrow's show, which features SF Chronicle columnist Ray Ratto, baseball scholar Jules Tygiel, freelance writer Dan Fost (from the UC Berkeley freelance panel!)...and potentially a special guest. We're going to be talking about the SF Giants and their 50 years in the city, which should provide some great insight into baseball, the Bay Area, and America.
I sometimes like to stay in the office because I like to take it in, put on some basketball, read some magazines and books in peace...but as of late it's felt kind of suffocating after-hours. Too much basketball, haha.
Today I also met Asian American filmmaker Arthur Dong...his new film, Hollywood Chinese, can be found here: http://www.deepfocusproductions.com/HollywoodChinese/index.html.
I also listened to a new band on NPR named Pacifika on Six Degree Records.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
The Concert Agenda
And now a very difficult slate of decisions that calls for attention.
Sofia and I headed out to see China Forbes perform at the Great American Music Hall. Forbes sounded not unlike Sheryl Crow, which makes sense since her producer has worked with Crow among others (anybody remember the Wallflowers?). A lot of twangy guitars and alternative rock vocals, different from anything Forbes' does as lead vocalist of worldly mini-orchestra Pink Martini. Indeed, Forbes traded cocktail dress for cowboy boots, and seemed to enjoy the intimacy and lo-fi mood of the night.
Sofia and I first bonded over a Pink Martini concert, so it seemed fitting to see Ms. Forbes live. After the show, we ruminated over tempting future presentations:
Sat 5/10
Pink Martini @ Lincoln Theater, Napa Valley
Thu 5/15
The Bad Plus @ Palace of Fine Arts
Wed 5/28
Flight of the Conchords @ Nob Hill Masonic Center
Wed 5/28- Sun 6/1
Russell Peters @ Cobb's Comedy Club
Speaking of good music, there is an insane amount of good music coming through in the Bay Area, if you're an indie rock / electronic junkie like myself:
Wed 4/23:
Caribou @ Independent
Death Cab for Cutie @ Fillmore
Th 4/24
Hot Chip @ Fillmore
Fri 4/25
Sasha and Digweed @ Warfield
Booka Shade /MANDY @ Mezzanine
Sat 4/26
Mum @ Independent
Simian Mobile Disco @ Mezzanine
Goldfrapp @ Warfield
Mon 4/28
Devotchka@ Fillmore (of Little Miss Sunshine fame)
Tue 4/29
Minus the Bear @ Bimbo's 365
VHS or Beta @ Mezzanine
I mean, that is a friggin' carnival of musicians there. You give me one of those shows, I'd be a happy man. Sasha and Digweed proved too tempting not to buy...It's like Mick Jagger and David Bowie teaming up, two heavyweights with a rare reunion (last time on tour for Sasha and Digweed? I believe 2002, during their Delta Heavy tour).
Speaking of good music, I met one of my musical heroes a couple of days ago. It happened while I was on my break from work, and I heard these wicked beats emanating from Lower Sproul at UC Berkeley. I see this red-haired guy with a scruffy beard, and nice black shoes pounding away at a sampler/drum machine. I mean, he was playing all sorts of breakbeats, trip-hop, even hip-hop with a little MCing...He sounded much like a local producer I had known named Odd Nosdam. I first heard about Nosdam through his collaboration with Clouddead, a now-defunct group consisting of Why? and Dose One. I was moderately stirred by Clouddead's beats and vocal droning at first listen, with the neo-Neu sounds of "Pop Song" garnering the most repeat clicks. But I admired the beats and kept Clouddead in mind.
The more I listened to the red-head guy, the more I was convinced I was listening to Nosdam. He maneuvered with impeccable rhythm through these increasingly intricate drum structures. I was also convinced that this guy should be playing nationwide, opening for some big band, putting his name out, because this guy had just a great energy and liveliness. People were attracted to the big white tent because it was grad week at Berkeley, and a few people were munching on lunches. But people were bobbing their heads, genuinely curious about the guy pounding on a square foot of metal and producing this beautiful music.
A guy approached the red-haired maestro, shook his hand, adjusted a few knobs on the speakers, and sat down on a bench. I quickly approached him, needing to satiate my curiosity.
"Do you know who this is?"
"Yeah he's one of my best friends."
"What's his name?"
"Well, he goes by Joe."
"Does he perform around here?"
"Yeah, have you every heard of Anticon records?"
"Yeah. There's this guy named Odd Nosdam he sounds like. Is this guy him?"
"No, actually, I go by Nosdam."
And so goes the story of how I met Odd Nosdam, who was kind enough to drop me a copy of his newest CD...all the while responding to the questions of inquisitive passerbys who wanted to know what the hell Jel (the red-haired dude) was pounding. Jel was mesmerizing, and I don't doubt Nosdam would have been equally hypnotizing had he played that day. He didn't, but he did give me this link that everybody should check out:
Sofia and I headed out to see China Forbes perform at the Great American Music Hall. Forbes sounded not unlike Sheryl Crow, which makes sense since her producer has worked with Crow among others (anybody remember the Wallflowers?). A lot of twangy guitars and alternative rock vocals, different from anything Forbes' does as lead vocalist of worldly mini-orchestra Pink Martini. Indeed, Forbes traded cocktail dress for cowboy boots, and seemed to enjoy the intimacy and lo-fi mood of the night.
Sofia and I first bonded over a Pink Martini concert, so it seemed fitting to see Ms. Forbes live. After the show, we ruminated over tempting future presentations:
Sat 5/10
Pink Martini @ Lincoln Theater, Napa Valley
Thu 5/15
The Bad Plus @ Palace of Fine Arts
Wed 5/28
Flight of the Conchords @ Nob Hill Masonic Center
Wed 5/28- Sun 6/1
Russell Peters @ Cobb's Comedy Club
Speaking of good music, there is an insane amount of good music coming through in the Bay Area, if you're an indie rock / electronic junkie like myself:
Wed 4/23:
Caribou @ Independent
Death Cab for Cutie @ Fillmore
Th 4/24
Hot Chip @ Fillmore
Fri 4/25
Sasha and Digweed @ Warfield
Booka Shade /MANDY @ Mezzanine
Sat 4/26
Mum @ Independent
Simian Mobile Disco @ Mezzanine
Goldfrapp @ Warfield
Mon 4/28
Devotchka@ Fillmore (of Little Miss Sunshine fame)
Tue 4/29
Minus the Bear @ Bimbo's 365
VHS or Beta @ Mezzanine
I mean, that is a friggin' carnival of musicians there. You give me one of those shows, I'd be a happy man. Sasha and Digweed proved too tempting not to buy...It's like Mick Jagger and David Bowie teaming up, two heavyweights with a rare reunion (last time on tour for Sasha and Digweed? I believe 2002, during their Delta Heavy tour).
Speaking of good music, I met one of my musical heroes a couple of days ago. It happened while I was on my break from work, and I heard these wicked beats emanating from Lower Sproul at UC Berkeley. I see this red-haired guy with a scruffy beard, and nice black shoes pounding away at a sampler/drum machine. I mean, he was playing all sorts of breakbeats, trip-hop, even hip-hop with a little MCing...He sounded much like a local producer I had known named Odd Nosdam. I first heard about Nosdam through his collaboration with Clouddead, a now-defunct group consisting of Why? and Dose One. I was moderately stirred by Clouddead's beats and vocal droning at first listen, with the neo-Neu sounds of "Pop Song" garnering the most repeat clicks. But I admired the beats and kept Clouddead in mind.
The more I listened to the red-head guy, the more I was convinced I was listening to Nosdam. He maneuvered with impeccable rhythm through these increasingly intricate drum structures. I was also convinced that this guy should be playing nationwide, opening for some big band, putting his name out, because this guy had just a great energy and liveliness. People were attracted to the big white tent because it was grad week at Berkeley, and a few people were munching on lunches. But people were bobbing their heads, genuinely curious about the guy pounding on a square foot of metal and producing this beautiful music.
A guy approached the red-haired maestro, shook his hand, adjusted a few knobs on the speakers, and sat down on a bench. I quickly approached him, needing to satiate my curiosity.
"Do you know who this is?"
"Yeah he's one of my best friends."
"What's his name?"
"Well, he goes by Joe."
"Does he perform around here?"
"Yeah, have you every heard of Anticon records?"
"Yeah. There's this guy named Odd Nosdam he sounds like. Is this guy him?"
"No, actually, I go by Nosdam."
And so goes the story of how I met Odd Nosdam, who was kind enough to drop me a copy of his newest CD...all the while responding to the questions of inquisitive passerbys who wanted to know what the hell Jel (the red-haired dude) was pounding. Jel was mesmerizing, and I don't doubt Nosdam would have been equally hypnotizing had he played that day. He didn't, but he did give me this link that everybody should check out:
Sunday, April 6, 2008
I really do underappreciate KQED
1) I met Lewis Lapham, currently of Lapham's Quarterly fame and formerly of Harpers Magazine fame. From San Francisco, Lapham is one of this generation's finest writers and editors. His Quarterly collect the works from past greats and aggregates them under one large, unifying theme. Volume 1 released in November revolved around War, Volume 2 around Money.
2) Groove Armada played at Mezzanine, and I almost did not get in because I submitted their performance under the wrong date. Aye, rookie mistake. I apologized profusely to Mezzanine's marketing director. Have to be more careful with these things. GA played a great set, Mezz was rocking, especially for a $40 at the door ticket! But the railigs were filled, the floor was packed, the bathrooms were damp...you know a place is busy if the bathroom floors are nice and slick...
3) The Asian American Journalism Association had a panel of journalists discuss freelancing: http://aajasf.org/. The panel provided some illuminating points, namely have a lot of ideas, continue to network, and stay persistent. The group gave me the false hope that I could succeed at freelancing alone. False? Maybe not...
I'm debating whether or not it would be practical to try to shift more of my time and resources into freelancing. Basically, I would have to pitch and submit more articles for AsianWeek and would probably have to find some sort of extra publication. Where? In any case, I gained some insight and hope to keep plugging away. I have to read more!
2) Groove Armada played at Mezzanine, and I almost did not get in because I submitted their performance under the wrong date. Aye, rookie mistake. I apologized profusely to Mezzanine's marketing director. Have to be more careful with these things. GA played a great set, Mezz was rocking, especially for a $40 at the door ticket! But the railigs were filled, the floor was packed, the bathrooms were damp...you know a place is busy if the bathroom floors are nice and slick...
3) The Asian American Journalism Association had a panel of journalists discuss freelancing: http://aajasf.org/. The panel provided some illuminating points, namely have a lot of ideas, continue to network, and stay persistent. The group gave me the false hope that I could succeed at freelancing alone. False? Maybe not...
I'm debating whether or not it would be practical to try to shift more of my time and resources into freelancing. Basically, I would have to pitch and submit more articles for AsianWeek and would probably have to find some sort of extra publication. Where? In any case, I gained some insight and hope to keep plugging away. I have to read more!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Festivals and Jobs
Uh hello.
I might as well reacquaint myself with this site, seeing how it's been nearly two months. What's happened since then? A lot. And a little. I can run down the career highlights later, but needless to say, I'm still freelancing.
I've been looking up a lot of websites lately for jobs, and I figured I might as well post them onto here just to make sure I have all of them in one nice convenient list:
Job websites
Craigslist
JournalismJobs
MediaBistro
Academic Programs
University of California, Berkeley Grad School of Journalism
New York University Dept. of Journalism
Journalism resources
From the Detroit Free Press
American Society of Newspaper Editors
Poynter Institute
Asian American Journalism Association
Journalism grants and fellowhsips
Asian American Journalists Association
American Society of Newspaper Editors
Michigan State University links
A list to come about some of the festivals I want to visit,
including Coachella, SFIAAFF, NoisePop, SF Sketchfest, Pitchfork festival, SXSW,
Treasure Island, Winter Music Conference...too many to name!
I might as well reacquaint myself with this site, seeing how it's been nearly two months. What's happened since then? A lot. And a little. I can run down the career highlights later, but needless to say, I'm still freelancing.
I've been looking up a lot of websites lately for jobs, and I figured I might as well post them onto here just to make sure I have all of them in one nice convenient list:
Job websites
Academic Programs
Journalism resources
American Society of Newspaper Editors
Journalism grants and fellowhsips
A list to come about some of the festivals I want to visit,
including Coachella, SFIAAFF, NoisePop, SF Sketchfest, Pitchfork festival, SXSW,
Treasure Island, Winter Music Conference...too many to name!
Monday, January 14, 2008
My first co-produced show!
Well, the focus sheet for Monday, January 14, 2008, 9AM, "Proposition 93- Term Limits" says I'm a co-producer, when really what I did was background research and pre-interviewing. But I learned a lot about local politics, and I got some folks up on the political pyramid to call in and talk. I'm expecting a spirited discussion, and can't wait to hear what Steve Westly and Kevin Spillane have to say. To have a tangible, notable contribution to something that's going to be on-air...it's kind of like having a by-line in the Guardian, small but no less important than any other contribution. I am proud to have my notes and research in the capable hands of producer Dan Zoll and guest host Rachael Myrow of The California Report. For the first time, I feel like my background work and my hours will prompt public discourse, induce conversation, which is really why I wanted to get into journalism in the first place.
Hopefully, both pundits call in on-time...
Hopefully, both pundits call in on-time...
Thursday, January 10, 2008
First Day at KQED...
I should preface this by noting there's a hilarious article in The Onion concerning internships...but no web version yet, I'll be sure to post it later.
I woke up at 5:30 this morning to finish some clips for the Guardian, and that was fun. I didn't get out the door until about 7, almost falling behind schedule on the first day. What a great impression that would have turned out to be.
Luckily, after maneuvering through the Mission District and some direction from an elderly garage worker, I found the KQED studios. Julia, my fellow Thursday-Friday intern, quickly familiarized me with documents and tasks. I basically followed her around like a lost sheep for the first hour.
My first uneasy moment came when Clara Jeffery, an editor from Mother Jones magazine came in to talk about gender politics and Hillary's run for the presidency. I told her that I had visited the Mother Jones office before...then let loose that I had interviewed for an internship there. Uh...awkward! Smooth, Kevin. Reeaal smooth. Mother Jones rejects end up at KQED apparently.
I was going to give a spiel about how I would be interested in applying for MJ but figured Ms. Jeffery, a stern-faced thirty-something, had more important things on her mind. I figured I had blown it with my "rejected intern" small talk.
The next meeting with guests at the 10AM hour went a little more smoothly. Jared and Susan Diamond came in, the former a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, the latter an author and former contributor to the New Yorker and the Los Angeles Times. I managed to actually engage in small talk this time around, touching on their appearance at the Herbst Theatre the night before. They seemed like genuinely nice people, towards the elderly side, experienced and wizened to the world. They remembered my name on the way out, which was nice to hear, a graceful endnote to remember them by. I even traded contact info with Ms. Diamond so she could drop some notes of wisdom for me and my green writing skills.
From 11AM onward, producer Dan Zoll had me work on getting guests for next Monday's 9AM show, featuring proponents and opponents for Proposition 93. I did not think one proposition could sustain my attention, but I took off on the project and was still going pretty strong by 5PM, especially considering I had been up nearly 12 hours.
Background research went rather well. I'd post some links, but I'm afraid I'd start arguing both sides, getting into messy details, yadayadayada. But I'll say this: "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer" really REALLY applies to politics. Folks on each side knew their counterparts like the back of their hands. The media contacts for the Yes and No sides had ideas on the hierarchy for the opposite campaign. It was interesting to note.
The recent presidential primaries, my first day at KQED, and numerous viewings of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report clips have got me more excited about politics than at any other point in my life. I feel like politics are more riveting than sports right now in terms of drama, highlights, scorekeeping, competition...You can't take your eyes off it! Too bad these wide-open national elections only happen after an incumbent leaves, which for the presidential races, is pretty much once every eight years...
Waking up tomorrow at 6:30 again. Hopefully I can secure some guests for next week's show...
I woke up at 5:30 this morning to finish some clips for the Guardian, and that was fun. I didn't get out the door until about 7, almost falling behind schedule on the first day. What a great impression that would have turned out to be.
Luckily, after maneuvering through the Mission District and some direction from an elderly garage worker, I found the KQED studios. Julia, my fellow Thursday-Friday intern, quickly familiarized me with documents and tasks. I basically followed her around like a lost sheep for the first hour.
My first uneasy moment came when Clara Jeffery, an editor from Mother Jones magazine came in to talk about gender politics and Hillary's run for the presidency. I told her that I had visited the Mother Jones office before...then let loose that I had interviewed for an internship there. Uh...awkward! Smooth, Kevin. Reeaal smooth. Mother Jones rejects end up at KQED apparently.
I was going to give a spiel about how I would be interested in applying for MJ but figured Ms. Jeffery, a stern-faced thirty-something, had more important things on her mind. I figured I had blown it with my "rejected intern" small talk.
The next meeting with guests at the 10AM hour went a little more smoothly. Jared and Susan Diamond came in, the former a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, the latter an author and former contributor to the New Yorker and the Los Angeles Times. I managed to actually engage in small talk this time around, touching on their appearance at the Herbst Theatre the night before. They seemed like genuinely nice people, towards the elderly side, experienced and wizened to the world. They remembered my name on the way out, which was nice to hear, a graceful endnote to remember them by. I even traded contact info with Ms. Diamond so she could drop some notes of wisdom for me and my green writing skills.
From 11AM onward, producer Dan Zoll had me work on getting guests for next Monday's 9AM show, featuring proponents and opponents for Proposition 93. I did not think one proposition could sustain my attention, but I took off on the project and was still going pretty strong by 5PM, especially considering I had been up nearly 12 hours.
Background research went rather well. I'd post some links, but I'm afraid I'd start arguing both sides, getting into messy details, yadayadayada. But I'll say this: "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer" really REALLY applies to politics. Folks on each side knew their counterparts like the back of their hands. The media contacts for the Yes and No sides had ideas on the hierarchy for the opposite campaign. It was interesting to note.
The recent presidential primaries, my first day at KQED, and numerous viewings of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report clips have got me more excited about politics than at any other point in my life. I feel like politics are more riveting than sports right now in terms of drama, highlights, scorekeeping, competition...You can't take your eyes off it! Too bad these wide-open national elections only happen after an incumbent leaves, which for the presidential races, is pretty much once every eight years...
Waking up tomorrow at 6:30 again. Hopefully I can secure some guests for next week's show...
Friday, December 14, 2007
Khaled Hossieni at the Herbst
First, the pick:
Khaled Hosseini speaks at the Herbst Theatre on Thursday 12/14.
.jpg)
If you'll indulge me, I really feel like this is one of my better written picks. I spent a lot of time on this one (re: a few days ago) and I think the finished piece reflected the work I put into it. Granted, it was 280-words...not exactly a expose or anything. But I'll take it, especially since the Team Sleep pick was not published, for whatever reason. Oh well.
On to the actual conversation. I could not wait for KQED to rebroadcast these lectures, so I figured I would bootleg my own, mono sound and all.
Caille Millner is an editorial writer for the San Francisco Chronicle, and while her writing has garnered her accolades, I felt she forced the interview. Her introduction seemed rather dry; there was no mention of Hosseini being named Humanitarian of the Year last year by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Moreover, with her first question, she broke one of the most important rules in interviewing: always make your subject feel comfortable. It was one of the central points in research methods and journalism courses I took, and besides that, it is common courtesy. Instead, Millner took this route:
Yeah, the recording's kind of bad, but the point is that Millner immediately leaps to the question of the rape scene in Hosseini's The Kite Runner and the controversy over its film portrayal. I understand Millner's approach, which is that she's trying to ask a germane question. This is an important question here, and one where Hosseini could provide a lot of insight, but it also holds deep emotional and social ramifications here. Professors always taught me with interviews that you must establish a rapport with a respondent, that you have to establish some sort of trust. Once trust (or some sort of quasi-relationship) is established, then the hard-hitting questions can come out. To throw the the very big concept of rape out there not only complicates the interview from the beginning, it tarnishes any chance of establishing rapport. Even Hosseini acknowledged the awkwardness of the opening with his light-hearted interjection that got the audience chuckling.
I cannot quite make out all of Hosseini's response, but he answered the question thoroughly and emphasized that the "kids were never hurt" in the scene, that the portrayal was just a portrayal, that the actors involved are safe. The question still set an uneasy tone for the conversation that never really subsided.
If I had to do the interview, I would have asked about his childhood in Kabul, how he got into writing (an audience member asked him this later), and what immigrating to the US was like. Get him talking, then ask more thematic related inquires about his work, his books, his characters, etc.
I got to ask my question:
Real encouraging, haha. Basically, sit down and do it.
At the end of the discussion, I met Brenden Salmon, who is associate producer of City Arts & Lectures. He was actually the person handing out the mics for the audience participation segment, and he was a charming fellow who catered to pesky audience members like myself. It must be tough running around the theatre and coordinating question-taking with another fellow mic-person, but Brenden did a good job.
Now to research picks for the next couple of weeks...
Khaled Hosseini speaks at the Herbst Theatre on Thursday 12/14.
.jpg)
If you'll indulge me, I really feel like this is one of my better written picks. I spent a lot of time on this one (re: a few days ago) and I think the finished piece reflected the work I put into it. Granted, it was 280-words...not exactly a expose or anything. But I'll take it, especially since the Team Sleep pick was not published, for whatever reason. Oh well. On to the actual conversation. I could not wait for KQED to rebroadcast these lectures, so I figured I would bootleg my own, mono sound and all.
Caille Millner is an editorial writer for the San Francisco Chronicle, and while her writing has garnered her accolades, I felt she forced the interview. Her introduction seemed rather dry; there was no mention of Hosseini being named Humanitarian of the Year last year by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Moreover, with her first question, she broke one of the most important rules in interviewing: always make your subject feel comfortable. It was one of the central points in research methods and journalism courses I took, and besides that, it is common courtesy. Instead, Millner took this route:
Millner: "Now, the film version of The Kite Runner opens tomorrow. And there's been great controversy over the film..."
Hosseini: (inaudible)
I think he says something to the effect of "Oh, that's how we're going to start."
(Audience laughter)
Millner: "That's how we're going to start. Particularly...(inaudible)...concerning this one scene that relates to the rape of Hassan...(inauduble...might have been "one of the characters in the film")...What do you think about this?"
Yeah, the recording's kind of bad, but the point is that Millner immediately leaps to the question of the rape scene in Hosseini's The Kite Runner and the controversy over its film portrayal. I understand Millner's approach, which is that she's trying to ask a germane question. This is an important question here, and one where Hosseini could provide a lot of insight, but it also holds deep emotional and social ramifications here. Professors always taught me with interviews that you must establish a rapport with a respondent, that you have to establish some sort of trust. Once trust (or some sort of quasi-relationship) is established, then the hard-hitting questions can come out. To throw the the very big concept of rape out there not only complicates the interview from the beginning, it tarnishes any chance of establishing rapport. Even Hosseini acknowledged the awkwardness of the opening with his light-hearted interjection that got the audience chuckling.
I cannot quite make out all of Hosseini's response, but he answered the question thoroughly and emphasized that the "kids were never hurt" in the scene, that the portrayal was just a portrayal, that the actors involved are safe. The question still set an uneasy tone for the conversation that never really subsided.
If I had to do the interview, I would have asked about his childhood in Kabul, how he got into writing (an audience member asked him this later), and what immigrating to the US was like. Get him talking, then ask more thematic related inquires about his work, his books, his characters, etc.
I got to ask my question:
"First off I would like to thank you for coming in. As a young writer I was hoping to gleam some more advice. You mentioned earlier about writing based upon your experiences. You can't write in a vaccuum. You have to be grounded in your own reality. I was hoping if you could give some further advice, perhaps on how you get through writer's block, how you develop your characters...how does writing come to you?"(?) = inaudible or indecipherable
Hosseini: "For me it's always been a process of trial and error, of testing things, of the fact that when I sit down to write a first draft, that's it's going to be a miserable failure. And you have to accept that it's a necessary failure, because it will lead somewhere. And that I have to put down all these other tasks until (?)...and not be discouraged by the fact that 1700-pages of (writing?) something turns out to be a dead end. You have to accept that that is a necessary part of what it takes to build a manuscript.
You know, I meet a lot of aspiring writers now on the road. And a lot of them, well, not a lot, but many of them...it turns out that they are not really writing...(?) It kinds of goes without saying (?) but in order to be a writer, you really have to write. You have to write all the time. It's just one of...you really have to do it, especially if you're writing a novel. Once you hit that 50-page mark, it really becomes cumbersome because the romance of having started (this project?) is over. And now you're kind of in the blue collar section. You have to show up there, you have to punch in the clock, you have to sit down, and you have to do it. And just not get discouraged."
Real encouraging, haha. Basically, sit down and do it.
At the end of the discussion, I met Brenden Salmon, who is associate producer of City Arts & Lectures. He was actually the person handing out the mics for the audience participation segment, and he was a charming fellow who catered to pesky audience members like myself. It must be tough running around the theatre and coordinating question-taking with another fellow mic-person, but Brenden did a good job.
Now to research picks for the next couple of weeks...
Sunday, December 9, 2007
For a limited time only!
I'm on the San Francisco Jazz Festival website! My preview on Chava Alberstein has been quoted. I feel awesome. I'm looking forward to the show tonight.
On another note, I erased half of my notes from the Treasure Island Music Festival. No more bootlegged recordings of Thievery Corporation, Gotan Project, DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist. No more interviews with Thievery or Au Revoir Simone. ARRRRRGGGGH. Must learn how to use recorders correctly. Truly frustrating seeing as I had two of my first interviews with musical acts ever. Then, Gotan only threw down the greatest breakdown I have ever heard live on Triptico. But I'm determined to look past it and see this as an opportunity to record more great stuff. And to learn how to use digital recorders.
More apps finished last night after skipping out on the Prefuse 73 show...which sounded like it would be an awesome show, based on the cuts I've heard...I need to start thinking long-term here, especially since I've renewed my look towards a journalistic job...
On another note, I erased half of my notes from the Treasure Island Music Festival. No more bootlegged recordings of Thievery Corporation, Gotan Project, DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist. No more interviews with Thievery or Au Revoir Simone. ARRRRRGGGGH. Must learn how to use recorders correctly. Truly frustrating seeing as I had two of my first interviews with musical acts ever. Then, Gotan only threw down the greatest breakdown I have ever heard live on Triptico. But I'm determined to look past it and see this as an opportunity to record more great stuff. And to learn how to use digital recorders.
More apps finished last night after skipping out on the Prefuse 73 show...which sounded like it would be an awesome show, based on the cuts I've heard...I need to start thinking long-term here, especially since I've renewed my look towards a journalistic job...
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