Removing My Planks

It’s a new year.  A new look.  Even a new president.  This year the ball dropped without me.  That is, without me noticing–probably the first time since I can remember.  I was working alone at home when the fireworks went off.  My sister was at a coworkers party.  My mother and brother were at their church.  My father was touring through eastern Europe.  2009 came with a whisper and left me no evidence of 2008’s swift parting.

Yesterday was the first day of the year of the Ox.   I saw no red bags, no sticky cakes–only a cold latte and an abnormally cool California evening.  I went “0″ for “2″ this year, so it’s ironic that  I’ve been thinking of New Years Resolutions.  I’m not exactly known for my memory and taking the time to make sweeping goals I might not remember by the time Christmas rolls around isn’t exactly my style.  But this year was different.  This year I wanted things to change.  They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.  Good thing I’m only twenty four.

I’ve been noticing more things about myself that I don’t like.  I like that.  Not because I’m some super introspective guy, but because that means I’m growing.  I can deal with the wrinkles, the failures, and the pains if i know can get smarter, kinder, wiser, more patient.  I hope I never get so deluded and puffed up that I can’t admit my wrongs and change myself.  So this new year I’m trying to be sure to make a periodic eye check–just in case I’ve missed any two by fours.

Chinese New Year 2009 in Bellagio’s Conservatory

Kollaboration 2009

After watching this promo video about 5x, I decided to buy a ticket to this year’s Kollaboration.  Not because I needed convincing, but because it was so good.  Traditionally Kollaboration has supported Korean American artists in pursuing their dreams in the entertainment industry, but this year, they’ve opened the event to showcase Asian Americans in general.  The musical talent this year looks amazing.  Check it out, and if you’re interested, buy a ticket here.

Let the record show…

…you saw (heard) it here first.  If you have not heard of Bruno Mars yet, you need to educate yourself!  As a member of the Goodfight, I’d just like to say that we’ve been knowin‘, before this guy blows up to the moon.

Imagine if Ryan Tedder (the lead singer of One Republic), Little Richard,  Michael Jackson, and Usher deposited all their musical talents into one body.  That’ll give you a vague idea of what Bruno Mars sounds like.  The first time I heard his music I was literally struck to the core.  His voice has a near angelic value to it, while carrying behind it a force of something like a freight train in full tilt.  Don’t make me start on his songwriting ability or his talent with hooks.  His MySpace plays are deceptively low–the reality is that nearly everyone in the music industry already knows the name.  It’s only a matter of time my friends.

So get to knowin’.

YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO THIS GUY’S MUSIC.  IN THE WORDS OF PROH FROM FAR-EAST: HE IS A BEAST.

Check out the myspace here.

Catchy

I don’t understand why Wyclef did this song, and why in the world he made this video. Is he trying to be an advocate for safe driving? But this song is catchy as hell:

Good Music

Ready…

Set…

Flow.