JANUARY - DECEMBER 2021
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Happy Cobra Kai S4 eve indeed. I've avoided / stayed away from any S4 news, clips or images - since it can be obvious or evident that media only takes select pics from the first few episodes only. Doesn't help much.
I just go by certain hype. If the hype is real, then I'm excited as well. And how about "A Toast To Twilight", the annual "The Twilight Zone" New Year's marathon.
I'm looking forward to new Wong Fu Productions content for 2022. Not every content is to my taste or liking - but quite a few are. They are pioneers for Asian-American content and presence in media. They've showed that we have to create for ourselves in order to become visible.
No more conforming to the discriminating status quo.
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
We might be stuck at home for awhile - remote roads might be driveable (albeit difficult or perilous), but they certainly are not plowed / salted often. The attention is usually in towns / cities. That's the tradeoff in living a bit remote from the nearest town, especially around hills.
Panicking or anxiety attacks might be "wasted energy", certainly contributes to stress levels. It doesn't help. As Spike would say, "Whatever happens, happens". This week's cold, wacky weather should be a wake-up call to better prepare in the future.
I'll try to sneak in one more movement from Beethoven before New Year's hopefully.
Good luck to Jeremy Lin - I heard he started playing again. I am no longer updating the fan page - it's been archived. But I'll visit specific social media to get an update on occasion.
Sunday, December 26, 2021
Holy Winter Wonderland, Batman! It's time to hire Homer "Mr. Plow" Simpson as a backup hire, since there doesn't seem to be any going around these days.
I don't handle weather well - perhaps it's a past trauma, or most likely - this year's extreme weather (record-breaking temperatures in the summer, prolonged drought, and now this).
Spare us. I certainly would not do well living in Alaska. Let It Snow? More like - Let It Stop.
Saturday, December 25, 2021
Merry Christmas! What a holiday marathon from the VGP yesterday. Why play holiday music when I can just listen to them online. There is already enough holiday music to go around.
Friday, December 24, 2021
I think I agree with Simu Liu - Santa Claus should be a superhero with those Yuletide Superpowers haha. Except perhaps he should lose a bit of weight first.
75K+ signatures for the live-action "Cowboy Bebop" - I'm sure it's much greater than the number of negative ninnies out there.
As usual - 'Happy' Christmas and a 'Merry' New Yea-aah' ha-ha-ha. And a ho-ho-ho!
Thursday, December 23, 2021
I have a dream - that all states (or at least most of the country) mandate that Asian-American history be taught in all schools. I'm glad to hear that Daniel Dae Kim is going to be part of
the AA council or advisor for the WH among others. He's been very vocal and active - absolutely has been an integral part of the movement.
Extreme temperatures this year - unheard of hotness during the summer, and next week - it'll feel like living in Alaska or near the Arctic. Perhaps it's time to move to Vegas or near the desert haha.
I'm sure we can tough it out - but having anxieties does not help. Hopefully it won't be as bad but who knows.
Sunday, December 19, 2021
It's rare to find or watch an online recital or concert - "Christmas At Home" was fortunately available. I could not access Lang Lang's TikTok one unfortunately.
Gina Alice is not only multi-lingual but also multi-talented. A fitting finale with a J.S. Bach Sonata (I was not aware there were Sonata in the composer's repertoire).
Doctor's orders or prescription at the "Heart Attack Grill" - Lard, and more lard. Hahaha.
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Shouldn't the HFC and Niko call Dr. Now instead of Dr. John? hahaha. I think most (if not all) Pro or Competitive Eaters had tackled the "Heart Attack Grill" bypass burgers. Who's your favorite?
It's a toss up now between Erik or Niko. Speaking of The Electric, the new "Carbsmas" better not disappoint. Last year's was 70K+ calories which he reached.
In the meantime - watch the live action "Cowboy Bebop" over and over. You'll pick up things that you would regularly miss from the first few viewings.
I just heard about "Sight", a film about Dr. Ming Wang - a world renowned laser eye surgeon with an inspiring story to become who he is today. Might be worth watching / checking out for sure.
Thursday, December 16, 2021
If you're a reader, check out John Cho's new book "Troublemaker". I almost forgot about John Cho's new movie, filmed after "Cowboy Bebop" or during his stay over there. That should be something.
That, and Simu Liu in "One Trues Love". Those two movies should be worth it to rent once available on VOD or in theaters. Otherwise, it's just back-to-the-drawing-board in terms of nothing to look forward to at this time. Unless Justin Chon releases his new film about rapper Rich Brian anytime soon haha.
Beethoven's Piano Sonatas (unsure about his Concertos) can be quite long - some of them. I have been practicing No. 5 and No. 26 for awhile. It might be possible to get one movement in before the year's end.
"Dudes Behind The Foods", or "Dudes Behind Watching Massage Porn" haha. Don't tempt us.
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Am I imagining things, or is that a recent clip of an episode on "The Choe Show" with Bobby Lee or an old one? haha. It's time to air out grievances, beefs with each other, the healing is on! haha. I have or encompass both a bit of a Bobby Lee (ADHD, hyper-sensitivity, an incel, foot fungus) and D.Choe (in regards to how I view or define "success" and "great art" as well) in me.
I need to create "The Choe Show" fan page - Choe has a presence on TikTok (no longer Youtube unfortunately).
With enough petitions and signature, I hope "Cowboy Bebop" can be shopped to another platform eventually:
A quotable from the live-action "Cowboy Bebop" - "If you cook an egg, do you give credit to the frying pan?" haha
A scene-stealing, artistic moment - Spike hanging upside down, smoking away beneath two luscious titties on a billboard or poster atop a building
I thought about also Var. 5, but not sure. I thought about the most intricate or sensitive Var. - No. 25. After practicing that for awhile, I'm beginning to understand why. But I'm not sure if I can do it to my liking or taste. There is just room for quite a few possibilities (also - it probably helps being familiar with the Baroque technique, which I am not that experienced with yet - if it involves more rubato that is).
The beauty of music is that you can include your own interpretation through your own experiences. It's a fine line however - you do not want to compromise the integrity of the period piece as well.
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
I am re-watching the live action "Cowboy Bebop" and similar to other favorite shows, it's better the second time around. A viewer needs to watch a re-imagining or an adaptation with a completely different lens. A new perspective.
An open mind. As in music - a musician should look at a piece with different interpretations and possibilities. That makes nuances such as the length or difficulty of a piece a moot point or becomes less of a chore. If a person is incapable,
not much can be done about that. It's unfortunate that society is still inundated with one-dimensional, closed-minded, and prejudiced folks. Sort of like Salieri's "Too Many Notes" scene with the Emperor in "Amadeus" haha. At the same time, there are plenty of supporters as well.
2021 has definitely been an unforgettable year for Asian-Americans / Asians. The fight has not ended, and won't end until Asians / Asian-Americans as leads / major non-stereotypical characters become the norm or regular (or at least close to it).
Fortunately, we have events like the Unforgettable Gala - awards that actually matter. The problem still with the establishment - unless you are a "Foreign Asian" or a female, you are not going to be considered or nominated. There have been plenty of high quality works - Justin Chon's Blue Bayou for example, which has received plenty of praise. And "They Don't Like That!". Such is the racism and discrimination that still exists - I can't fathom why
Asian personalities are not calling out about this. Every year is the same shit. I have not been paying attention to their existence anyway. The bigotry in the establishment is exactly why I'm only focused on Viewer's Choice / Let The Audience Choose or Our Awards / Gala.
Monday, December 13, 2021
"Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings" certainly has breath-taking visuals - very artistic and poetic. Congratulations on the nomination - the film deserves more however.
In particular, the directing and acting.
Keep going. It might take 10,000+ signatures to get another platform to even consider. I don't trust Netflix - one of their problems is that they are overly and unjustly compulsive. And 10,000+ signatures just to overtake or spite the haters.
Imagine eating something so delicious and tasty, and your immediate reaction would be a "Oh Momma" and doing the Fat Dance afterwards. Hahahahaha.
Sunday, December 12, 2021
"When Foodie Calls" should be re-titled "When D-So Goes To A Theme Park And Unknowingly Goes On A Ride With A Steep-Ass Drop" haha. Anyway - "The Simpsons" land would be my must-go to place. I'd eat one of them Homer Simpon donuts in a heartbeat, but certainly not the dry-ass Krusty burger.
Moe's bar / tavern should have that song blaring in the background - "Duff beer for me, Duff beer for you, I'll have a Duff, you'll have one too" hahaha.
The Vince Guaraldi "Peanuts" Christmas music is also very soothing and in the holiday spirit - but it is seldomly played or aired. I'm just shakin' my head at that.
Saturday, December 11, 2021
Let's petition (sign and share) for a second season of the live-action "Cowboy Bebop" because it deserves it (whatever platform) -
https://www.change.org/p/netflix-save-the-live-action-cowboy-bebop?redirect=false
Who needs spotify, when you have the Video Game Pianist's holiday-themed live streams.
Friday, December 10, 2021
I'll say it again - I enjoyed "Cowboy Bebop" a lot. It was funny, stylish, and unique. It did capture the spirit of the anime, although some things were changed / new elements added. As with all shows or programs, there were weaknesses. But the strengths were greater than the weaknesses,
and it should have been renewed. Netflix has problems, and I'd be willing to dump 'em for another platform. However - there are still shows I'm watching (and they do upload stuff that interests me albeit only occasionally and to my tastes / liking). If another platform or channel gives "Cowboy Bebop" actually a real chance for once, I can promise to subscribe to it. Deal? hahaha.
Caviat - keep the same cast / production crew.
I'm not worried about John Cho and the other cast members, who fit their characters well (and added their own). I'm sure they'll be busy with other projects. Good luck to them all. I'll still be following John Cho.
Nah, Tim Chantarangsu - Veyda just hates Broccoli (as I hate 'em too) and just trying to get rid of it hahaha.
Thursday, December 09, 2021
C'mon, guys. If your spouse or SO is gaining weight, just let them know. I don't think twice about it because you know, why not - it's simply just a "If You're Fat, You're Fat" kinda deal hahaha. Sort of like "If It's Thanksgiving, It's Thursday Right?" hahaha.
I hate fruit cake just as much as I hate cauliflower.
I might squeeze in a bonus piece before year's end - either Var. 5 or 9. I'm not going to be able to get Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 5 finished. So basically, "My Goldberg Favorites" go:
My Top Three: Var. 11, 13, 21
Honorable Mention: Var. 3, 10, 18
Bonus: 5,9, 25 (too intricate - just listing it).
Wednesday, December 08, 2021
Oh yeah - "Shang-Chi 2" or the sequel to "Shang-Chi" is in the works. Congratulations to Simu Liu for winning the PCA. "Shang-Chi" movie itself should have won the award, since it was the Epic Movie Of The Year. Perhaps I didn't vote enough haha.
Kiddings aside (I'm sure plenty of folks voted for it - I tried what I could (only two weeks of continuous voting for "Shang-Chi" related candidates before forgetting about it), everything from the director, to all cast / crew members were phenomenal. Congratulations to also the director
Destin for signing on for new programs or shows on Disney plus. Storyline or plot for the sequel have endless possibilities. More thoughts on it at another time.
I'm like, Paris "Who"? Never heard of the person haha. If that documentary was all about being an "attention whore" or "attention seeker / getter" (which there are plenty of in the hollywood / entertainment industry), it's all the more reason not to even pay attention to their existence. In fact, I just laugh at them (including the racists in the industry).
Asian-Americans / Asians are rising, becoming happier and more successful. We do not need to waste our energy or time on trivialities.
What songs would I like Sungwon Cho to cover as Goofy? It doesn't have to be music from Anime, but he's inclined to. A lot of possibilities - the famous "Take On Me" by A-Ha, "Glory of Love" from "The Karate Kid Part II", etc.
Sunday, December 05, 2021
Donuts are probably my favorite type of snack / dessert - the cakey ones. "I Don't Believe In Salads" can also be interpreted as "I Hate Vegetables", which I do hate haha.
But I still eat 'em for the sake of eating something healthy. C'mon guys - do the new Fat Dance haha. Some new playlists to think about - "The Fat Twins Collab", "Neftlix Official Trailers Favs" (14 Peaks, Bob Ross documentary, Cowboy Bebop, Cobra Kai, Wish Dragon, Love Hard, ABMM, etc.) to some of my favorite Netflix shows or films on there.
If I had a bluray player, I would treat myself to "Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings" collector's edition as a collectible. Simply because it is the Epic Movie Of The Year.
Saturday, December 04, 2021
"Shang-Chi" Simu Liu has conquered the Hot Ones - despite seemingly hyperventilating at the final two haha. My skoville or spicy tolerance level is probably up to a 7 or 8. I am looking forward to Simu's next project - "One Trues Love".
Sungwon Cho aka ProZD's greatest rendition or singing as Goofy is "Snow Halation". "Simple And Clean" comes close however - had he not forgot some of the parts to it haha.
You've heard of Spider-Man, Turbo Man and even Handi-Man. Make way for "Pizza Man"! The new superhero everyone needs and deserves.
Henry Cho is quite funny - considering his clean-cut humor or brand of comedy. Clean humor is not necessarily funny to me - not anymore.
Whenever I hear Doc's story on a podcast, I'm automatically thinkin' - "Watchu Talkin' About, Willis?!" (with that Gary Coleman glare) hahahah. Is Steebee Weebee the new Naked Guy? haha.
Thursday, December 02, 2021
Food, folks, and fun - that's the holiday season in a nutshell. And Christmas lights. But mostly food haha.
Reunion episode between Bobby "Kenneth Park" Lee and John "Harold Lee" Cho on TigerBelly. Next episode - more detailed discussion on Bobby Lee's boogers and foot fungus hahaha.
I might need to re-watch "14 Peaks" - it can literally change a way a person thinks. It can be that empowering. But at the same time - know your limitations. Not everyone can be that person or guy.
It's just the mindset to think that anything is possible or can be accomplished - which can be empowering, in terms of boosting confidence / self-esteem.
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
"14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible". What a feat. What a documentary. Trying to climb one of the highest peaks (8000+ meter peaks = 26000+ ft) in the Himalayas is dangerous enough - try all 14 in less than a year. Nims did it in 6 months.
Because he is Nepali, I wasn't surprised when I heard that this didn't get enough publicity. But he sure did get worldwide support. For sure - there isn't any other mountaineer or climber that can do this. It's definitely a feat of strength. Nims must be superhuman or something.
But he was fearless, and turned the Impossible into Possible (Project Possible). A Lifelong Lesson for us all - when we tend to want to give up, just don't. Figure out other ways to make something happen. My favorite - when Nims paved the way or figured out a way to summit K2 (considered more perilous than Everest).
I want to watch "The Hot Zone: Anthrax", but I do not have Natgeo or Hulu unfortunately.
Fast Food haters - it's called comfort food, and we all have cravings now and then. Absolutely nothin' wrong with that. As long you are not dependent on it haha. Damn - now I feel like gettin' a Quarter Pounder or the McRib haha.
Sunday, November 28, 2021
How To Cackle Like A Bobby Lee:
| Lean back and let out a hearty cackle
| Proceed to twist or contort yourself in a position to cackle even more - weirdly
| The usual head on the table laugh as the final let out hahaha
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Damn - Nicocado appears to be damn proud of his "I'm Gettin' Fat" T-Shirt. For sure - color coordinated, and Fat-coordinated as well hahaha:
Friday, November 26, 2021
The holidays begin. Christmas music begins. Leftovers begin haha. It just means another end to another year yikes. But this is the most festive time of the year - it usually brightens the mood or spirit to most fo' sho'.
My Christmas Movie To Watch Or Pick - "Love Hard" with Jimmy O. Yang. I might watch it again.
Improvisation or playing by ear is a lost art. A skillset that only a handful can do well.
I might need to play the Beethoven final movement like there is no tomorrow. That's how intense or melodic it can get. It should be the final video for the year.
Thursday, November 25, 2021
Happy Turkey Day or Happy Feasting Day. On this Thanksgiving Day, certainly I give my thanks to the delicious food / meals that we eat. And the leftovers. With that said, I just finished watching the live adaptation of "Cowboy Bebop" and my review:
I loved it. It was fresh and new, while maintaining the spirit of the anime. It was artistic (in terms of visuals and music), and stylish. The show was mostly driven by the amazing visuals, dialogue / banter between characters, humor, and of course - music. Music was like another character in this series.
Music was like a theme per episode. It set the mood for each episode. I wish they played "Real Folk Blues" at the end of every episode.
There are a lot of favorite scenes. Some include - Spike hanging upside down from the rooftop of a building (only held on by the mechanical arm of Jet), and the wide shot of him smoking the situation away between two luscious boobs on a poster / billboard haha. Jet catching Faye foolin' around with the Mechanic Lady -
"What The Fuck??! - We've got to go!" hahaha. Faye finally using her ship to save the crew at the chapel.
Vicious was really vicious in this one. Julia's role was re-vamped and given a larger role - hence the twists and turns of her character. She is now a villain herself.
I hope there is a Season 2. If so, I would like to see some space battles as there weren't any (neither in the anime however). Also - there are still plenty of bounties and stories to come up with (especially ones that were not utilized from the anime). And the cameo appearance of Ed in the final scene with Spike could be another starting point.
And that is my Thanksgiving Review Of The Day.
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
I might have to create a playlist of "The Choe Show" - I'm feelin' the content. It sort of reminds me of the "Andy Milonakis Show", except more serious and artsy. Choe's content makes you contemplate and think, for once / for real. As weird or unusual it might be. But what is weird? Weird might be the new normal. Otherwise, normal is goddamn boring haha.
I take or derive my inspiration from 3 modern day pianists - Lang Lang, Nobuyuki Tsujii and the VGP (the Video Game Pianist). And then reflecting on my own experiences / emotions. Speaking of the VGP, kudos on finishing the marathon. The most I ever ran or jogged is about 3 miles.
I consider "actually living" or my life actually starting after 40. Before that - I realized it's nothing but a figment of my imagination. A dream. And I just woke up from a bad nightmare. Fortunately, there's only the future to look forward to.
However scary and uncertain it might seem.
Sunday, November 21, 2021
Simu Liu was awesome / hilarious on SNL. There should have been a "Shang-Chi" skit with Bowen Yang as Lil Ronnie Chieng's character haha. It's been awhile since I've seen or watched an SNL - I forgot how outrageous and raunchy the humor or comedy can get. The dude who kept eating the cake during the baking championship skit -
why is he so thin. Perhaps they should've used the fat lady for that role haha.
Quote Of The Day: "I was dreaming. And then I woke up". For sure - my real life / identity began actually when I turned 40. And that's all I have to say about that.
Saturday, November 20, 2021
I began watching the live adaptation of "Cowboy Bebop" last night, and it delivers so far. The visuals are amazing (on par or better than most big budget sci-fi shit), it captures the spirit of the anime for sure, and banter. Gotta love the humorous
banter between Spike and Jet. The anime was infused with humor or funny stuff. And Spike is always hungry - why not, since they are bounty hunters on the hunt gettin' scraps or ripped off throughout the Solar System. Which makes it fun. Every episode appears to be a new adventure, new bounty - so they are not necessarily related with each other.
Except for the underlying or background stories of the characters. There are some new elements / changes. You can't please everyone. Haters (including the usual racists) hate without really thinking about it (if at all), or any reason, - or any "rhythm" for that matter (tone deaf much I guess) haha. Music drives this series so far, and it has a character of its own. Off to a pretty good start - can't wait to finish it.
The burping contest in the "Podcast Wars" episode of "Scissors Bros". They sure would give Booger a run for his money in a new belching contest if there was a new "Revenge Of The Nerds" haha.
Hey Bobby Lee - Stop Yelling At D.Choe! haha.
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