Stuck at home on a Friday night

My little sister showed me this video of a young korean boy, probably around the age of 11, playing the guitar like a true master. His name is Sungha. Check him out. I'm amazed. I sure wish I can play like that, but its hard to come by a left handed guitar. Jimmi Hendrix help me out!

MORE THAN WORDS


WAKE ME UP WHEN SEPTEMBER ENDS


LAST CHRISTMAS


Damn, he's good. Props to Sungha! Keep playing little one. You got it made!

My Fav Vids

What's up everyone. Today, I want to share with you my favorite music video's. If you're like me, you are tired of the music in the USA. Don't get me wrong there are some really great songs in the US and there are a lot of music that is just crap. Music over in the US is not original anymore especially in the rap genre. White tee, king of wherever, you got this got that, you got to club get yo' drink on...whatever. That message and hook is old. Tell me something new. This is partly the reason why I look for music around the world. There is a vast amount of talent out there that has yet to be seen by the US. Anyways, I'm rambling.  Are you ready for my all time favorite vids? No? Fuck you then! I'm kidding. Here we go!

I'll start with my all time favorite. 

Motherland-Crystal Kay

This song has got to be my all time favorite. I have been a fan of Crystal Kay for many years now. Her voice will captivate you. Even if you don't understand what the heck she is saying, you can admire the skill and poise she has in her voice. Simply Beautiful. I'm hoping she will come out with a new album soon. I'm also hoping she does more collaborations with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis(Janet Jackson's producers). Crystal Kay to me by far is the most talented singer I've seen around the world. 

The Grace-My Everything

The Grace has came a long way since they first started. This ballad is what made me want to get into Korean music a little more. Not only are these girls beautiful, but when you hear their voices you'll notice an angelic harmony that leaves you in awe. How can such beautiful voices come from Asian women? Definitely, the break the mold of skill and professionalism when it comes to becoming an entertainer in the asian music industry. 

Sayan Supa Crew

This French Hip hop crew is hottt! I remember picking up a cd while I was in Las Vegas a couple years back. It was a French Hip Hop cd called "Le Flow" and this group was on it. The song on that cd was called "Darkness." That song was bad ass! Anyway, their style and originality in their music is what we need here in the US. 

The Procussions- Miss January featuring Talib Kweli

Lastly, let me bring it back to the USA. It wouldn't be fair for me to go international and forget the place that laid the foundation for most music we hear outside it. This group is very underrated but they have skills and always have a positive message in their music. They are called the Procussions. Every song that I've heard from them are off the chain. Without further rambles, here be my last all time favorite song. Enjoy everyone!

Remember keep your mind open. Music is a universal language. Peace! Time for breakfast!

Time to rest...

Wassup folks, 

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Make sure to keep yourselves warm. It's pretty chilly out there. I need to stock up on some thick ass blankets. My blankets are losing their warmness.I should stop by the BKc SF and visit my boy Gabe. There was a hoodie that was mad fresh. Yeh, I said it "MAD FRESH!" If its not raining tomorrow (I doubt it) I'll stop by. 

Anyways, it's been a pretty busy day. I've been working on my graphic projects for work all day. I'm almost done. I am actually pretty excited that my job called on me to do some graphic design work. I've been getting one project after another. It's really cool because I get to use my knowledge and skills at work while learning about the business. Doing all this work made my room a bloody mess. Man, so much paper and sketches. I have to clean this up...

Oh how's your japanese? Did Yan san help you out? いいえ？大丈夫。日本語はがんばれよ！Keep at it. Whatever new language your learn just keep at it. I've been watching those damn YAN san vids. I shouldn't say damn because I actually really like those video's. If you haven't checked those vids out CHECK THEM OUT! You'll love them. Really.

Alright folks its time for me to go. I just felt like rambling today. Fuck I need to post more. haha! Take care everyone. Peace

Whoa! Is that an Alien?

I was watching MSNBC before I left for work today and they showed an interesting picture that blew me away. Check this out, this is a picture taken by NASA's Spirit Rover last November. 

Do you see it? In the center there seems to be a human like figure. Can you see it now? What do you think? My mind wants me to believe that its some sort of martian. Then again it could be the lighting. It's hard to come to a real conclusion to what this is. Judge this for your self. Nasa has a high resolution panorama pic. Download it. Check it out here

Is there really life on Mars? Maybe. Let's just hope they are friendly. Or at least have three boobs like that chick from Total Recall. haha! Live long and prosper peoples. 

Let's Cook OKONOMIYAKI!!!!

What's cooked like a pancake and taste oh so good? Wrong! It's Okonomiyaki! This delicious Japanese dish was something I had while I was in Fukuoka. I never knew of this dish until my girlfriend introduced me to it. Okonomiyaki is made up of flour, egg, cabbage, assorted meats, vegetables, firewood fish flakes(or Katsuo), mayonnaise, and okonomi sauce. You can pretty much put whatever your want in here. For those who haven't tried this dish, its a must have. If you live in the Bay Area California, the closest place that I know of that sells this dish is in Japan Town in San Francisco. Here's a picture of Okonomiyaki provided by The Tasty Island.

Okonomiyaki ha oishiso desune? Well, probably to the eyes of some it may not look like the most delicious thing in the world, but when you sink your mouth into this treat you'll feel like you're in heaven.  Try finding a Japanese restaurant around your area and ask if they cook Okonomiyaki. 

For those who can't make it out to a Japanese restaurant, don't worry. Here's a link to get you started in creating this dish. OKONOMIYAKI

You can make this dish at home. It's quite easy. Here's my version of okonomiyaki with not so traditional ingredients:

To make this Okonomiyaki American style here's a list of ingredients:

1cup of buttermilk pancake mix

3/4cup of water

1cup of diced chuck eye steak(or any meat of your choice)

bar b q sauce

mayonnaise

and rice seasoning(with seaweed and sesame seed)

2 cap full of vegetable oil

This is how you put it together:

1. Mix the 1cup buttermilk pancake mix and 3/4 cup of water in a bowl. Mix until all lumps are gone. Your batter should have a fine texture to it.

2. Take the 1 cup of diced chuck eye steak and cook it until meat is fully cooked.

3. Add cooked steak to batter. Stir into batter turns a slight brown.

4. It's recommended that you cook this on a flat pan. If you don't have one then don't worry. 

5. Heat pan at medium temperature. Then add the 2 cap full of vegetable oil. 

6. When the the oil is bubbling add half of the batter to the pan. 

7. Heat up both sides until brown. The tricky part is flipping it. Good luck with that.

8. Once both sides are browned. Pour about a quarter size amount of mayonnaise on the okonomiyaki. Then add about the same amount of bar b q sauce. Mix the two together. Keep in mind the Okonomiyaki is still on the pan. So you have to do this quickly. 

9. Finally, add the rice sprinkles and firewood fish flakes. Then Viola! Okonomiyaki American style! 

This will cook approximately two servings. Make sure to eat with rice. Why? Well, it just taste better with rice. You might not get it right the first time, but don't fret. Practice makes perfect. Enjoy your meal everyone. Good luck! Tabemasho! 

WANT TO LEARN JAPANESE? LEARN WITH YAN SAN!

For about a year now, I've been trying to find the best method for me to learn Japanese. My girlfriend is Japanese. I wanted to learn the language so that we can one day have conversations all in Japanese. I've picked up books and audio tapes and nothing seemed to work. Recently, by accident I came upon a series of videos that would help me learn Japanese quickly and easily. 

Welcome to the world of YAN. He's a somewhat pudgy nerdy gaijin(Foreigner) who travelled to Japan to learn about Architecture. Yan san finds himself living amongst the Japanese people and gets into different day to day situations that we all can relate to. Even though these videos were created in 1984, they still prove to be a great method for some to learn Nihongo(Japanese). Check the first vid out. If you like be sure to look at the others. All together there are about 26 episodes. YouTube has some, but not all. If anybody knows where I can find the rest drop me a comment. Here's the first installment. Enjoy

Let's Learn Japanese Basic Part 1. Episode 1 part A


Let's Learn Japanese Basic Part 1. Episode 1 part B


Let's Learn Japanese Basic Part 1. Episode 1 part C


What do you think? Love him or hate him Yan san is a character that will eventually grow on you. Oh by the way, do you want to know what Yan San looks like now? Check this link provided by Japan Probe: Yan-san Lives

Omoshiroi desu ne? Yan san ha ima ojiisan desu! He's still alive and kicking mad grooves with his wife and daughter. Check out their website here: Ake Kubota

Alright everyone. I hope you enjoyed this fun yet recycled material on the net. I know this post is nothing new. Someone once said, "You can't create anything new anymore. This world is a satire. All we're doing is remixing it." I believe those words, though probably not verbatim, are from M-flo's Comiscolor Album. Take care everyone. Peaceeee!

*******UPDATE*******

I found the rest of the videos on YouTube. They are listed under "Learn Japanese Basic" Just put in the episode number you want and the A,B,or C suffix. Check them out. 

Hip Hop European Style

My my my lots of great hip hop music I'm hearing around the world. Here's some cool music from France and Italy. Check check it!

Hocus Pocus feat. The Procussions - Hip Hop ? - French rap


Cizin - Dritto Al Cuore


Saian Supa Crew - X raisons - French rap

Don't let HIP HOP die!!!

I've been a fan of hip hop music for a very long time. I've also been a big critic of todays rap music and how it has affected our youth. I respect where most rappers are coming from. They rap what they know and what they've been through. Even though their message is about their struggle, rappers have to realize that when they speak they are influencing the young kids. Rap has taken away the positive energy that Hip Hop was trying to achieve. Hip hop gave kids and people on the street a positive outlet to get them away from all the drug and violence. Todays Rappers have taken that positivity away and replaced it by glorifying the gangster/thugged out style. Here's a great 10minute video about the Death of Hip hop. This video expresses everything I ever felt about today's music. Check it out. Enjoy. One more thing, DON'T LET HIP HOP DIE!!!

La Furie et la foi

The damn french has done it again. While the name Fonky Family sounds a little cheesy, what's not cheesy is there rhyme style. The Fonky Family delivers a fresh hip hop sound. If you're a fan of hip hop you'll definitely love this track.I actually heard this track back in high school. My boy Ben and I used to watch this show called CYK2 and this particular track was on it. It was very similar to Jackass but CYK came before them. Mistake me if I'm wrong but CYK2 was the original "Jackass." Anyways both has crazy white boys doing stupid shit. Fun stuff. Enjoy the video everyone! Peace

Fonky Family-La Furie et la Foi

Happy Holidays!

Well it's that time of the year again. Christmas is here. Though some shy away from saying Christmas with a polite "Happy Holidays," we can all agree that this time of the year is about family. The media has commercialized Christmas into this money making holiday making us forget about the true meaning of the "gift of giving." While the latest technology and fancy things are great, lets not forget that this day is more about being with family. Definitely, take advantage of being with family members because you never know when they are going to go. With all the craziness in the world you can always count on family to be there.

To lead us into the Christmas spirit let me leave you with this song by Crystal Kay.
CRYSTAL KAY-SHINING




and lastly here's a pv from CSJH-Wish you a Merry Christmas


Merry Christmas and have a happy holiday everyone! Whatever your color, race, gender, or disability, may god bless you all. Peace

ok. well...I'm putting this on here

I'm not going to lie. I'm feeling this track with Yuna Ito featuring Celine Dion. Yeah gay i know. Whatever... My mom is a big Celine Dion fan so I thought it was only right to put her in this blog. If you haven't seen the video check it out. This is only for some folks coz I know not everyone is a Celine Dion fan. The song is called "Anata ga Iru Kagiri ~A WORLD TO BELIEVE IN~." I have to say that I'm very impressed with this collaboration. Yuna ito is just an amazing singer. For her to team up and be in the same presence with Celine Dion is a definite blessing. Anyways, here's the vid. Enjoy

It has been awhile. Lets Catch Up.

Good morrow everyone! Long time right? Well, a lot has been going on these past months. Mostly graphic design. I went to the Cut and Paste event that was held in September. I have to say it was one of the most memorable experiences in Art and Design. To see one on the spot dueling it out on computer was like something out of a MC battle. Here's a vid from this event.

Cut and Paste Design Battle

I left early that day because it was also my friends going away party. I should've just stayed at the event. By the time I got their, my friend was already drunk and out of it. Oh well, you win some you lose some right?

What else. Oh I visited my good long time friend from Elementary. Turns out he is one of the designers for The Brooklyn Circus! I actually saw him at the Cut and Paste event. Small world eh? He just opened up a shop in San Francisco called The Brooklyn Circus SF. I had to show my boy Gabe some love so I stopped by to support him. If you haven't checked out the Brooklyn Circus peep this.

The Brooklyn Circus

Here's a picture of Gabe and Me.
Here's a pic of the shirt I bought.
Pretty sweet. I was going to buy out the whole store, but Christmas is here is I need that money for my loved ones. I did buy the same shirt for my girl. Seeing that this brand is popular in Tokyo. She'll fit right in with this gear. I'm definitely going back to get the hoody. Visit The BKC blog to get more information about the gear and the people who make it.

Currently, I'm working on a couple of graphics projects. I'm creating and putting together a magazine, campaign, website, and a full blown 3dimensional object. My deadline...Two weeks. I think I won't be getting much sleep, but I'll keep strong and work hard till they're all done.

Well, that's all for now. Take care everyone. Peace

Check this out! The Marketing Department

Check this out. My boy Kenjiboy works here. His coworkers put together a video. I thought it was hilarious. Enjoy!

Beatboxing+Instrument=One bad ass human orchestra

Here are a couple of bad ass video's of some multitalented beat boxers. Check it out

Beat Box Flute


Beat Box Harmonica


Kenny Muhammad-One of the best Beatboxers


and of course the one and only

Rahzel


Enjoy everyone! Stay creative. Be creative. Be original.

Bioshock!

Here's a game that got me feigning for more. The game is called Bioshock. It's for the XBox 360. It's tight, and freaking addicting. What can I say about this game, but its fun, it has guns, and you have the ability to conjure special powers with your left hand...or is it right? hmmm, anyway, here are some clips to hype this game up.

The Trailer


The teaser


Overall this game is enjoyable. The graphics were rendered nicely. Bioshocks environment kind of reminds me of the anime Metropolis. A great anime by the way. If you haven't picked it up. Go to your nearest anime provider and get it. You won't be disappointed. For more information about Bioshock please visit: www.bioshockgame.com

Strangeco. Well...it's strange

I know some of you out there are totally weird and like the weirdest things. That's okay. I'm right there with you. Here's a site that will get your Weird like gonzo senses pop into fruition. The site is called Strangeco.



Here's a word for word description of what these folks are about:

STRANGEco liberates mass-produced products from the ordinary confines of the toy box. We love toys, and we love art. Can't they just get along? Sure can, right here at STRANGEco!

STRANGEco produces original art toys, distributes new and original design objects and commisions exclusive versions of the best designs from the new breed of toy artists worldwide.

STRANGEco will continue to promote art toys wherever they are designed and produced. Our website is the source for fresh information about the intersection of contemporary art, designer toys, curious happenings and beyond.

STRANGEco won't stop until every freedom-loving comrade has a Designer Toy on their shelf, computer, kitchen counter or hi-fi console.

As for your medication. Take one Wacom Tablet.

Wacom products are an essential tool to the computer artist. Though I am a strong believer that you shouldn't let the computer dictate your work. Anyways, I came across some amazing works that were created via photoshop, painter, and of course the Wacom tablet. What these artist produce is phenomenal. What I'm about to show you here are a bunch of artist giving tips and showing off the power of the Wacom tablet. I just have one thing to say to these artists-Amazing!

Here's a couple I enjoyed. You can see more of these video's at www.sclipo.com/challenge/wacom

SpeedPaint1


Speed Paint 2


Speed Paint 3


Drawing 100 girls, monsters etc, Wacom Intuos 3

There she is!

Flash toons are great. I've been seeing a lot of good ones come out from Korea. Here's a sweet toon that is just too cute. I'm digging the song playing in the background. Anyways, check it out. Enjoy!

Fatlace is in SF!

Waddup folks! Sorry for keeping you waiting. I've been out of the mix for a bit because I've been having the urge to go out lately. Where have I been? Well, I've been out looking for a house. I live in a small town where houses are quite expensive. Even so, I'm hoping to buy one by Sept. 2008. It's going to be tough but your boy is going to make it happen.

Like I said, before I've been going out. I went to San Francisco a couple of times. I couldn't help but notice a couple of new clothing stores. One that stood out was Fatlace. You can check these guys and gals out at www.fatlace.com
Fatlace is streetwear. Urban clothing designed and taylored by the craftiest graphic and fashion designers. They have interesting designs that are sure to please your fashion sense. Make sure to visit their store located in Japantown, SF. For more information visit their website and enjoy the feed. I got a chance to meet with the owners of this unique fashion boutique. They are a bunch of cool guys. From what I got out of the conversation, they are buddies with the peeps at the Brooklyn Circus. If you haven't checked out the Brooklyn Circus. Check dem brother's out too.

Well, its that time to come to a close. I leave you with a video from Japanese rap artist Zeebra!

Zeebra-My People

Happy 4th of July!

Well, its the Fourth of July. It's time to celebrate this countries independence from Great Britain and spoil ourselves to the nights fireworks. Here's a classic song from a great band to help us get this holiday started.

Zone-Hanabi

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