Viet Kieu Literary Journal

Tuesday, January 30th

Calling This One in Early

I know this is a bit pretentious, but I'm gonna call The Good, The Bad and the Queen's "80's Life" as my 2007 single of the year.

This seems like a bold move for only being January, but this is the first (and possibly only song) of 2007 to make me a little choked up . . .the line that did me in - "Oh Lord can a stone be ballast for an aching soul."

Think about that for a second (definition of ballast here).

I guess it was right place right time. Mind you, Damon Albarn's lyrics have that effect on the defeated

Examples:

1. No Distance Left To Run - "When you see me/Please turn your back and walk away"

2. Dying Isn't Easy (solo, from the soundtrack to Ordinary Decent Criminal) -"You left me / Just when I needed you / You set me back / Just when I thought I got back"

*See also "Tender" and "Best Days"

In a way, I'm just impressed that Damon Albarn keeps putting out interesting material. I recently picked up his Mali Music album and even that has some stand-out tracks on it.

I'm crossing my fingers TGTBATQ come to LA as I still haven't bought my Coachella tickets yet and will likely pass.

Put this one on repeat - The Good, The Bad and The Queen "80's Life"

terry on 01.30.07 @ 08:01 PM PDT [link]

Tuesday, January 23rd

NO MORE EMO TERRY!

Fuck Emo, man. I'm going to start listening to Incubus and Hinder and other hot bands. Maybe now's the time to start appreciating jazz. I've got to start dressing more OC Brody-style and less Silverlakish.

Why the sudden change you're asking? Let me explain:

So last week, I'm at my neighborhood fatburger, feeling kinda hungry, but not SUPER hungry. So I decide to get a Baby Fat burger and some skinny fries to satisfy my craving. While I'm waiting for my orrder I see a poster for the Baby Fat Deal and was kinda pissed that I didn't go for a combo meal (I have drinks at home, was the rational). But upon closer inspection I see that Fatburger has decided to take a jab at me:

Man, I was hurt. But not as hurt as these guys. (thanks, jason for the link).

terry on 01.23.07 @ 07:19 PM PDT [link]

Oscar Noms

I know all 2 of you that read this blog haven't seen Dreamgirls and can't relate to my frustration this morning when the Academy Award nominations were announced. Seriously, if Chicago could win a few years back, I can't understand why Dreamgirls was overlooked in the Best Picture category. I honestly enjoyed this film from the first frame till the last. I won't say anythign about Jennifer Hudson, because let's face it, anything goes in the Best Supporting Actress category (Marcia Gay Harden, Kim Basinger, anyone?).

Another snub - Leonardo Dicaprio for The Departed. Sure, he was excellent in Blood Diamond, but his role in The Departed was better realized, I guess. Also, I thought Matt Damon was pretty fgood in the film too.

While I did enjoy Little Miss Sunshine, I think nominating an indie-darling film for the sake of indie-darling films really messes it up for bigger films (like Dreamgirls) and smaller-yet deserving films(like United 93, hardly an indie-darling, but one of the most important films of 2006).

I am very happy tho to see Ryan Gosling nominated for Half Nelson, one of my favorite films of 2006.

Thankfully, Marie Antoinette was nominated for costume, but should have gotten another one for art direction.

Any thoughts out there? Password for commenting is: huynh

terry on 01.23.07 @ 06:58 PM PDT [link]

Monday, January 22nd

Have You Heard the Good News, Brother

music: Live Arcade Fire
mood: Blue Monday, The Saddest Day of the Year

The Jesus and Mary Chain. Friday Night. Coachella.

Fuck tha Police.

(from pitchforkmedia.com)

More soon, been busy here, but a lot of things are happening.

terry on 01.22.07 @ 06:28 PM PDT [link]

Friday, January 12th

Why Do You Lie, Liar?

SPOILER ALERT - DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN LAST NIGHT'S EPISODE OF THE OFFICE!!!

SPOILER ALERT - DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN LAST NIGHT'S EPISODE OF THE OFFICE!!!

SPOILER ALERT - DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN LAST NIGHT'S EPISODE OF THE OFFICE!!!

SPOILER ALERT - DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN LAST NIGHT'S EPISODE OF THE OFFICE!!!

Last night's episode of The Office is probably my favorite so far, right behind The Convict and The Benihana Christmas episode. Seriously, this show is the funniest thing on television, and if you're not watching it, you are missing out.

My highlights:

1. The photoshopped picture of Jim and Dwight as young salesman. Dude, Jim must have started working at Dunder Mifflin while he was in highschool.

2. Michael grabbing Phyllis's keys and throwing them under her car. What!?!? Who does that kind of thing. Oh, right, Michael Scott does that kind of thing.

3. Dwight and Jim - Every moment with the two of them on screen is magic. It was expecially surprising to see how well they actually work together in front of a client. I got a bit nervous when Dwight asked to use the client's phone and obnoxiously answered the automated operator. But it was just to illustrate Dunder Mifflin's supreme customer service. And Jim hanging up on Kelly? Brilliant.

4. I know it's early in 07, but Andy gets my "Douche of the Year" award. That is unless Brandon Davis or Joe Francis come up with anything better. Seriously now I have good reasons to hate his character.

5. Karen receives the first major Pam bomb - I'm glad she confronted Jim about this and really let him know about her committment to the relationship. I would love to know what's going on in Jim's head right now. Is it really over between Jim and Pam?

6. Is it me or is Angela looking pretty good? I mean, she's behind Karen and Pam, but I'd take Angela over Kelly any day.

7. Dwight amping himself up before the sales pitch with Motley Crue's "Kickstart My Heart" - We've seen him amp himself up before his performance review, but watching him punch and bang his head in the head rest was amazing.

8. Stanley comes alive. When Ryan was confronted with all the "brothers" I couldn't believe Stanley went back to the crossword puzzle. C'mon Stanley - be a team player!

9. I predict that Angela will posion Andy's sandwhich next week. I thought it was soo much in Dwight's character to take the fall for Angela, but man, I kinda expected Angela (or maybe even Pam, cuz she knew about what happened) to speak out about it. I really hope this means that Angela goes on the offensive with Andy (remember the flirting between the 2 of them in the merger episode).

10. "Schruted it"- my boss here at work has already started using it, but I'm gonna lay off the term as I really now believe that Dwight is one of the best assets to Dunder Mifflin's sales team. As gauche and awkward as he is, he closes deals and his loyalty to the company surpasses everyone elses.

There you go, I'm going to stop at 10 because I could go on and on. Next Thursday is not coming soon enough. I hear Oscar is coming back. I cannot wait for the awkwardness to begin!

terry on 01.12.07 @ 07:51 PM PDT [link]

Thursday, January 11th

A Little Bit More "ESPN" and a Little Less "E" (television)

music: Paradice by Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins.
mood: I Just Found Out I Have Monday Off. Nordstrom Rack, Here I Come.

Thanks to my friend Jason for turning me on to deadspin.com. I've turned it onto a few co-workers and now my whole office is kinda addicted.

I know what you're thinking - Terry? A sports guy? I'll admit that I don't come across as sports guy. But because a lot of my friends are and my whole office is filled with jocky-white males, I'm usually subjected to scores, youtube highlight clips, and taunting when I wear a Penn State t-shirt to work.

This is all going to change with my addiction to deadspin. The thing about deadspin is that it not only offers insightful sports commentary, but it is funny as all hell and it does a good job of linking to other great blogs and posts. If it feels like the Defamer of Sports, it's probably because it's part of the Gawker Media empire.

Recent Highlights:

1. Inside the Mind of Bear's QB Rex Grossman - Just read it.

2. The Nation of Islam Sports Blog - I assume this could get really old really fast, but the idea is pretty novel.

3. Barbaro Message Board - People wishing a speedy recovery . . . for a horse . . that can't read or reply to posts.

4. Italian Soccer Match - Looks more like a hardcore moshpit. Someone put the Rocky soundtrack underneath it for a remix, but should have put some Black Flag underneath it.

5. The Tony Romo Playoff Action Figure - I never liked the Cowboys growing up, so this was nice.

One of my resolutions this year was to "try to get into sports," that is, follow a team or two from a few of the major sports and hit up a Dodgers game this summer. I have a few good reasons for this:

1. I'm trying to kick a habit of trashy celebrity blogs (there's a serious threshold for the amount of nip-slip and oops I'm not wearing panties -photos that the brain can take)

2. Once at a party I incorrectly identified the mascot of a friend's school - I confused the Buckeyes (Ohio State) for the Hawkeyes (University of Iowa) and this girl had every reason to slap me in the face. I told her I was "close" and she told close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. Then I told her I weas trashed and then she forgave me.

3. Watching sports will make me a man. There, I said it. No more of this pussy emo shit that I'm pulling to make myself more sensible. I just put in an order for Jock Jams and am saving up for a Bally's Gym membership. Wait, what, Bright Eyes is coming to the El Rey in March . . . let me think this one over . . .

For the record here is the official list of teams endorsed by the VKLJ:

1. Football - The Philadelphia Eagles. This was the team I watched growing up in PA and thankfully they're doing well this year.

2. College Football - Penn State. My brother's Alma Mater. I went to a small liberal arts college and the only time most people cared was when we were fighting for the Cortaca Jug. Plus I lived in PA and paid taxes there for a while, so let's just hope they can get into a decent bowl game next year. There's also the UVA Cavaliers, since I also paid taxes in VA for a few months back in the day.

3. Baseball and Basketball - I guess I will just with the locals - The Dodgers and the Lakers. Anaheim's a bit far for a baseball game, isn't (I live in Los Feliz and Dodger Stadium is in Echo Park, a few miles away). My apologies to the Phillies and 76'ers.

4. College Basketball - I actually used to be a huge fan of the sport back in the day, the Tarheels primarily. How's Maryland doing? I used to live in Bethesda and all my roommates were recent graduates, so it was a good time back when the won the NCAA title. On a side not, like most people I can't stand Duke. I remember reading a "Get Your War On" strip by David Rees where he says that the Duke University basketball team will be adding collars to their jersey, just so they can turn them up. Then, again it's easy to hate on them because they actually do well each year.

5. Soccer - David Beckham just signed to the LA Galaxy, so I'm going to wait and see if it's worth all the ballyhoo. I kinda wished it was Ronaldo, but at least we now have Posh Spice in LA.

6. Hockey - I don't think I will have time to follow hockey. Sorry.

So there you have it folks. I'm predicting that 2007 will be better than 2006 simply for the fact that I can now talk to my co-workers about what happened over the weekend and may even get to enjoy my first major league baseball game. Ever.

But in closing. . . um . . . does anyone want to check out Bright Eyes at the El Rey? He's really good live.

p.s. Can anyone guess where the title of this post comes from? I promise that you will think it's the gayest thing, ever.

terry on 01.11.07 @ 07:55 PM PDT [link]

Wednesday, January 10th

Children of Men

I saw the film last night and all I will say is that it may be the most amazing thing I've seen in a theater since City of God. Seriously, fucking amazing. I may need a few more days to process the film and wite more, so stay tuned.

terry on 01.10.07 @ 07:50 PM PDT [link]

In and Out

While I was waiting in line at the Dulles Airport to borad my flight back to LA, I picked up a copy of the Washington Post's Style section that someone left behind. I was intrigued because it was their annual list of what's in and out and among the superficial, non-scientific entries (por ejemplo - OUT: Zac Braff - In: John Krasinski/ OUT: Fall Out Boy IN: Cold War Kids) was this one:

OUT: Chuck Klosterman IN: Matt Taibbi

I found this to be particularly interesting because in the last few months I have been reading more and more of Taibbi's Rolling Stone articles and skipping Klosterman's Esquire submissions. I have nothing against Klosterman's writing style or choice of subjects (movies, music), but Taibbi's writing and subject matter (politics) is very appealing to me simply because it engages me in something that I don't follow closely (though I do hold a minor in politics from a small liberal arts college) but should because I am trying to be a better-informed individual and let's face it, gossipy politics is some crazy shit.

One of the funniest things I read last year came from a piece that Taibbi didi about going undercover to volunteer on PA Senator Rick Santorum's (GOP) re-election campaign. In describing his encounter with Santorum, Taibbi writes:

--Weirdly, the senator was not shaking hands, but rapping fists in Stringer Bell/Avon Barksdale ghetto fashion. I wondered if he was afraid of germs.

He held out his fist. "Thanks for coming," he said.

I rapped knuckles with him, thinking "Us, nigga!"

"Good luck, sir," I said. --

To a degree, this passage seems more enjoyable to fans of The Wire, but the passage and imagery lingered in my mind for days.

BTW, if you aren't watching The Wire, I (along with every respectable critic in this country) highly recommend you put that shit in your Netflix cue, and despite what some haters may say, I think Season 2 is the best drama that television has to offer.

For more on Matt Taibbi - check out his column at Rolling Stone Magazine
terry on 01.10.07 @ 07:49 PM PDT [link]

BROKEN SUSHI SCENE

music: Things Are What You Make of Them by Bishop Allen
mood: bouncy

Photo by Traci, celebrating Keith's birthday at Sushi Karen.

terry on 01.10.07 @ 07:19 PM PDT [link]

How I Spent My Winter Vacation

I know it's been a while, but I hope you all had a wonderful holiday break. I got to spend a few week and a half in PA and for once it wasn't so bad. I'm not usually so excited about returning to York, PA (worry not friend and family, I love you to bits) as I'm usually stuck at home for most of the day w/o internet or a car (my parents only have a Nissan Pathfinder that my dad takes to work, my mom walks to the cake factory behind our house). BUT I actually had a good thime this go around - here are some of the highlights:

1. My parents fresh from a one-month vacation from Vietnam - I just had a lot more to talk about with them and it was really great to watch the home videos they shot with the camera I lent them and to also see some pics from my cousin's wedding.

2. Meeting Meatball, my brother's dog - the dog reminds of Santa's Little Helper from The Simpsons, it never seems to look you in the eye and it's eye colors ar out of whack. The dog does nothing except follow my brother around the house and when he's not there it follows my mom around. It's nice having a dog in the hosue since our other dog Snowflake passed away, and I'm glad that my parents have been welcoming.

3. Catching my brother's first DJ gig - Well, I think it was his first gig. Francis has been honing his DJ skills in his off time and it's actually not so bad. His set list included some reworkings of Jack Johnson, People Under the Stairs, The Yeah Yeah Yeah's "Phenomena," Fleetwood Mac, and Paul Simon's "Me and Julio" which he didn't get to play because his set got cut short. Bastards!

4. Catching Up with Friends - This meant drinking at downtown bar Cobblestones and then having pancakes at the 24 hour diner. Cobblestones is usually a hot bed for reunion-type encounters, so it was really cool to randomly run into people I've been trying to track down for years.

5. Maple Donuts - It's a local donut chain. My uncle works there, so I got my little cousin to hook me up. A fresh glazed donut is to die for.

6. MJ's New Year's Eve Pajama Party - MJ was a popular high school girl that I never really talked to, but when she heard from my brother that I was in town, she insisted I attend her party as there were other kids who wanted to see me. In all, a fabulous time with old and new friends.

7. Mom's Cooking - Suffice it to say I only ate out once while I was home and that was because I'm not going to have my mom make me pancakes at 2 in the morning when I'm plastered.

8. Hanging with the younger cousins - They're all in elementary school now and their English and humor is proficient enough that I can be thoroughly entertained. Little Bao is even on Myspace!

9. The Eagles vs. Dallas Game on Christmas Day - The Eagles Win. That's good enough for me.

10. Super Sweet Sixteen Marathon - Yeah, my brother and I are just suckers for this show. On the plane ride home I actually sat next to an Ithaca Alum who was working on a MTV Movie of the Week based on the show. I cannot wait for it.

So there you go. Unfortunately, I only took one picture while I was at home and I gave my camera to my parents for Christmas, so it may be a while before anything surfaces.

terry on 01.10.07 @ 07:14 PM PDT [link]

Monday, January 8th

Dreamgirls

I saw Dreamgirls yesterday, soooo good. Jennifer Hudson - OMG. All that good ink that's been spilled on her is for real. Even I applauded after her performance of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going Away." Goosebumps and I almost cried. I even stuck around for the closing credits just to see the "and introducing Jennifer Hudson" title so I could clap again. Do yourself a favor and see this movie.

BTW, did I tell you I usually avoid musicals?

terry on 01.08.07 @ 12:46 PM PDT [link]

Friday, January 5th

Tracks of 06

Hey All,

So here are favorite songs of 2006 (I know I'm a bit late). Not all of the songs are official singles. I was tempted to title this post "2006: What A Shitty Year to Not Be In Love."

I may post some of these later, but don't hold your breath, this ain't no MP3 Blog.

Well here's the list -

1. Fidelity- Regina Spektor - I remember the first time I heard this song and how both my heart and jaw dropped at it's brilliance. I was not a fan of Soviet Kitsch, so this was a bit of a surprise. Gets me everytime.

2. Wolf Like Me - TV on the Radio - A self-described barnburner by Tunde, the lead singer. I had the luxury of hearing this song played live twice in a 48 hour period. Believe me, that's special.

3. Knife- Grizzly Bear - The sexiest song of the year. Written by a gay man, nonetheless. Watch them doing the song a capella down a French street here.

4. Young Folks - Peter Bjorn and John - The most fun single of the year. Rock needs more good whistling. Makes me wanna dance. I recently edited a director's cut of a car commercial using the song and even the old folks love it too. Guest vocals by that girl from The Concretes.

5. Warmest Part of the Winter- Voxtrot - This one was a rare gem from a compliation disc, i.e. it's not on any of their EP's. Trust me, ALL of their songs are great but this is one the one I want to listen to over and over again. Brilliant lyrics. Unfortunatly they did not play this live when I saw them live.

6. Let Me Know - Yeah Yeah Yeahs - This one's a b-side but it has one of the YYY's best melodies and some great singing by Karen O (but they are still some excellent songs on their new album). Catchy as all fucking hell.

7. Lived in Bars - Cat Power - I had "The Greatest" on last year's list, but this one is just as good. I assume that most of us prefer a sober Chan Marshall.

8. Hang Me Up to Dry - Cold War Kids - There was a lot of broo-ha ha over this group and hype always kills a lot of bands for me (Hold Steady, Tapes and Tapes, We Are Scientists, Art Brute, anyone?). This song stands up, however, and hearing it live was quite nice.

9. Jack Killed Mom - Jenny Lewis - This is a new one she's been playing live. I saw both the southern rock version with the Watson Twins and a jumpy acoustic version at the Bookeaters cojncert. Jonathon Rice provides the poetry, the centerpiece which allowed Jenny to finish writing the song, as she noted at the Bookeaters concert that I attended.

10. Be Easy/Big Girl - Ghostface Killah - Ghost never dissapoints. I can't decide which song I like better. "Big Girl" uses samples the Stylistics "Big Girl Now" which was used to great effect in an unforgettable foresty menage-et-trois scene in the film "Black & White" which kinda sucked apart from that scene and the scene where Mike Tyson bitch slaps Robert Downey, Jr. for real.

11. The Freest Man - Tilly and the Wall - I first heard this song live before the album was released and for the longest time I couldn't get it out of my head. Unfortunately it wasn't one of the early songs leaked from the album, so I had to wait months to hear it again. It's the most played song on my home computer.

12. Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken - Camera Obscura - I can't really write about this song except to say I like it a lot. pfft.

13. Broken Boy Soldier - The Raconteurs - Bad Ass. To hear them play this live is phenomal. Better than a lot of the White Stripes' stuff.

14. Friend and Foe - Watson Twins - Proving that they're not just a side show for Jenny Lewis.

15. There is No Ending - Arab Strap - Someone linked this song a while back and I listened to it on a whim, as I'm not an Arab Strap fan. This song is one of those great big-voice sounding song in the vain of Jarvis Cocker, but with a cadence.

16. Feel it Now - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Off of the Howl Sessions. I never expected a ballad from BRMC, but they deliver. I'm getting used to their new sound - country guitars and blues, quite a stray from the Jesus and Mary Chain fuzz.

17. You Only Live Once- The Strokes - Not their best song ever, but it did not dissapoint as an album opener.

18. Postcards from Italy - Beirut - Everybody else likes it and for good reason. Sounds timeless.

19. Kid Heaven - Johnny and the Moon - Stereogum linked this track and I found it to be subtle and romantic. Is it me or does it sound a lot like Peter Gabriel's Solsbury Hill

20. The Ballad of Gus and Sam - Ferraby Lionheart - A Silverlaker. I should be weary, but you can't deny the songwriting and melody.

21. Don't Call Me Whitney, Bobby - Islands - Cleverest (sp?) title of the year. Not a bad song either.

22. Let Down - Toots and the Maytals - Part of the Easy Allstars tribute to Radiohead's OK Computer. Despite appearances I am a fan of some reggae/ska and it was amazing to hear how well one of my favorite Radiohead songs translated into ska.

23. Razorlight - Fall to Pieces - I heard this playing at my barbershop but was too much of a pussy to ask what it was. I never bothered googling the lyrics, but ended up finding the song on as part of a mixtape.

24. I'll Be Your Man - The Elected - I talk a lot about Jenny Lewis, but I gotta give props to Blake for this slow one.

25. Pull Shapes - The Pipettes - Harks back to the Spector days of Girl Groups, simpler clothes and simpler love. Another one that gets me on the dancefloor.

BONUS:

THIS YEAR'S GUILTY PLEASURES: I WON'T BOTHER EXPLAINING.

1. Paris Hilton - Stars Are Blind
2. My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade
3. The Killers - When You Were Young
4. Nelly Furtado - Promisuous Girl
5. Justin Timberlake- Sexyback and My Love

Would love to hear some feedback - password for commenting is "huynh"

terry on 01.05.07 @ 07:05 PM PDT [link]

Monday, January 1st

I Guess a Change of Underwear is Needed . . . .

Um, how awesome will these be?

Grindhouse - A double feature directed by Rodriguez and Tarantino. As Bodhi once said "100% pure adrenaline! "

Transformers - Say what you want about Michael Bay. Seriously, no other human could touch a film like this.

terry on 01.01.07 @ 05:17 PM PDT [link]

January 2007
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21	22	23	24	25	26	27
28	29	30	31