JANUARY - DECEMBER 2025
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
It's ok, Jeremy Lin - I think most everyone would fuck up the "Say The Word On The Beat" challenge haha (certainly myself). Wouldn't get past Level 1. It's one of them things that appear simple and easy on paper, but when actually doing it - you can blank out or fuck it up. It's sort of like a tongue twister - you have to get the words right as well as say them on beat. Hint - they have to rhyme, if you can't get the picture itself haha.
Sort of like "Family Feud" - while it's an easy game in principle, you go on stage and all of a sudden, no answer comes to mind. Granted, some of the surveys are completely rid-on-culous. But I guess that's the fun of it.
That sums of up the year for ya. Happy New Years haha.
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
*The Lin Bros. twerking? They look like they're throwing a temper tantrum instead haha. Especially Jeremy hahaha.
And another year has has come and gone. Instead of resolutions, do some serious reflecting instead. Everyone seems to forget about them anyway. Change usually can happen unconsciously or without over-thinking. Resolutions tend to make folks over-think or act very fake or disingenuous.
Talk about Weird Gear - Andrew Huang creating music with his tongue. Haha. That's Tongue-Syncing for ya.
Well - content creator / hip hop musician / Foodie Tim Chantarangsu seemed to have a great 2025 year. Definitely some content worth noting. At the end of his video - is he hinting at a new show he's on or created? Possibly. Fans are also wondering if 2026 is going to be the year his script is going to be made into a film. My ultimate curiosity - how often has Tim C. jacked off in 2025 in secrecy haha. More hahaha.
I'm most curious as to what content Mac is going to provide in 2026. I'm sure there'll still be Mac Eats, Mac Collabs, etc. It should be glorious.
Monday, December 29, 2025
A new chapter in Mac's content. Much props and kudos to the Mac-Daddy for helping and exposing the situations in Cambodia and Vietnam among others. Also - he's helped folks in Philippines and other countries as well. It was most likely the most important and relevant happenings of 2025 for sure. Not much else has happened for the year. Mac is a true humanitarian - he did not have to do this. He could've gone completely in a different direction. For sure - Mac is not a career volunteer, and his channel is not about that. Now is the time to take a break, and develop / create his own shit. Guangzhou next? Oh hell yeah.
There are many of us who don't have a "home", in a metaphorical sense - where we feel truly comfortable. It doesn't exist. We just have to have a different mindset - there is no such thing as a real home. Just where we are most comfortable, and have the most support or friendlies. In some extreme cases, some of us might feel like a 'John J. Rambo' vagrant, "It's a long road" type. Everything is just temporary or never lasting, and forgettable.
For me, a content creator or Youtuber has to create / upload regularly. Not necessarily frequently or often, there are only a handful that can sustain that. If a Youtuber stops creating or just uploads only once every 2 years or something like that, it's a hell no for me. I'd unsub in a heartbeat - simply because there are always new Youtubers or content creators out there. It's a simple cycle - dumping / replacing / replenishing, dumping / replacing / replenishing, etc.
With that said, what's happening with Wong Fu Productions? They are an example where they are not creating and uploading that much anymore. Also - their content has been less than stellar. I find that I have no interest in what they talk about in their podcasts, so I'm not subbed. Youtubers can also achieve a level of success where they no longer have to maintain a channel, but focus more on other businesses and secondary channels. It is what it is.
Sunday, December 28, 2025
An effective instructor or teacher would not only be didactic in information, but also nurturing and compassionate. And unorthodox in terms of methods - traditional ways are not effective anymore (since anyone can learn on their own), and - obsolete and no longer useful. Maestro Lang Lang's mindset when he was a student was entering and winning competitions only - felt that was the only way to become famous or recognized. He was taught by Gary to focus on learning, mastering and enjoying a diverse range of repertoire. That's more important than competitions. This is a story told countless times in interviews, and of course - in his autobiography.
Personally, I felt Prof. Zhu Ye Fen was the catalyst in being compassionate. I felt this was the most important or salient point.
Making learning fun and instilling motivation to learn or play, is what is should be about. You can't teach talent. You can't teach passion. But you can only be compassionate, energetic and enthusiastic about it. Unfortunately, teachers these days only do it for a living - robotic, and not much to offer. In that sense, A.I. or holograms need to replace most teachers. And performers as well (robotic performances backed up / supported by the prejudiced establishment or institutions). They all need to be gotten rid of.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Another Christmas has come and gone, but the holiday season continues with the same spirit through New Year's. With the passage of time becoming quicker every year, it tends to not feel the same as the previous years (especially when dealing with storms in December to sort of put a damper into it). Still - everyone should try to make Christmas memorable and festive for their families - it is the only time of year to feel cheerful in a dreary world or society. What better than delicious feasts and watching our kids open presents. Christmas cookies and hot cocoa - a must. Haha.
Lang Lang's Disney Album is one of my favorites and memorable of all his albums released. It's different than the usual classical fare, other than they're Disney songs arranged in classical format or structure. My favorite has to be "Reflections" from "Mulan" (which I might actually record as well, as a personal favorite). Other than the "The Rainbow Connection", but I don't think "The Muppets" are considered Disney.
It's been a very quiet year in terms of Asian-American filmmaking or other must-see programs. There hasn't been any - except "The Accidental Getaway Driver". This was released a few years ago as an independent film, only to be theatrically released this year. Still - it was a standout film for me. I hope and wish Dustin Nguyen more successful and great projects in the future.
There is Sung Kang in "Drifter", Lawrence Kao in other roles, and Jimmy O. Yang in a new film heading to the Festival in January.
Celebrity Youtube Death Match Presents: Jason Cheny vs. David So "Your Face Looks Like" Dissing contest. How about - "Hey Guy or Gal - your face looks like the HFC or Dave Blunts sat and farted on it for 5 hours").
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
As they say, 'Happy' Christmas and 'Merry' New Yea-ah! Ha. ha. Is it only in Asia and NA that we say what's actually proper haha. "That's just fucked up" - Dr. Swanson, the Fat Therapy Guy in "Office Space".
For next year's resolution - I resolve to: try Crumbl Cookies, try Voodoo Donuts, learn Tony Ann's "Carol of the Bells". His arrangement is excellent, so why not haha. Actually, this is the only serious one. I personally feel that it might be better not to have any since nearly everyone never fulfills them or forgets about them.
Listen, there's a first time for everything. So, even if a tiny breakfast burrito or a burger is worth trying (if only once) and they cost $17 or more. Why not - just once. Afterwards, hit up your fav food truck and get them large portion or large-ass burrito of deliciousness for only a few bucks. For me, it's as awful as paying hundreds of dollars for vomit-inducing escargot heeheehee hawhawhaw that is less than a bite.
A.I. does 'ruin' art and music. Have folks become so lazy, they'll even forego the creative process or music-making just so they can make a few extra bucks. A.I. art and music look and sound "artificial" or "fake". As fake as bad CGI in films. And as Robotic and Un-inspiring as A.I. music - it might not be easy to tell or how obvious. In music, being human is to err and to emote. Machines can never replicate the authenticity or unpredictability of the human experience. Only replicate the precision. Not enough. Well, I don't mind if A.I. completely replaces or removes fuckin' hollywood since I never watch any of their movies. Real artists, musicians and films can be found as "hidden gems".
Monday, December 22, 2025
Being on stage can be terrifying for anyone. But when you go up there as a young child or toddler as a first-timer or not, they gain the necessary experience for the next time. And there is something innocent and adorable about it all.
The most important thing about performing is that, you have to want to do it. It's that much more difficult overcoming nerves or to prevent panic attacks if you are doing it just for the sake of doing it. I always hated performing back in the day, because I didn't enjoy playing nor practicing. There was no purpose. But there is now.
Pieces for next year I'm working on include, finally - Chopin's Grand Valse Op. 42 and finishing off some other pieces. I consider them new, I'm not necessarily looking for brand, new pieces I've never even looked at. But who knows what'll come up.
*"Dudes Behind The Foods" Presents: Family Counciling at your service haha. Advice for the day: Lay down the law, and do not tolerate anyone who is similar to Nelly's brother or fam haha. This is more true for any friends you might have, that look to mooch off of you. Cut them out, and delete them out of your mind the second you discover it. It's similar to Thach Nguyen's advice - Not to rent out or do favors for friends or family because you'd be putting petty emotions over business. And it could negatively affect you in the end.
Saturday, December 20, 2025
It's been awhile, but "When Foodie Calls" is back. The last memorable episode for me, when they were on that moving Ferris wheel. What a posterization moment for posterity - one of the most hilarious facial reactions. Get D-So on the drop tower "Falcon's Fury" haha. I just enjoy the Foodie videos at food markets, food festival or food trucks. That's where the deliciousness is really at.
The Capriccio in C major has an other-wordly, or dream-like feel. Or you're floating through a dream-like state, very tranquil or contemplative. There are no heavy emotions involved. Just contemplation or reflections. Sometimes, that's what's needed in music. Not just a regurgitation of heavy emotions, which is therapeutic and powerful in a sense but not necessary all the time. The range of emotions that can be expressed is what makes music, music. A lot of pieces might not have recognizable melodies, but they can still be expressed melodically.
Thursday, December 18, 2025
New screenshots from Sung Kang's "Drifter" - I'm definitely looking forward to this and more info on the film. Especially the trailer.
I agree with Thach - if you don't try or don't make decisions with confidence (and keep going even if they are bad ones), you won't go anywhere. While becoming wealthy or successful is never a guarantee (sometimes, luck plays a huge part), it won't remotely become a possibility if you just sit on your ass either out of laziness, or being afraid.
C'mon Mac - kick Nelly's bum-ass brother out of the goddamn house. Nelly needs to become more authoritative and firm as well. But if that's not in her nature, then the least you could do is kick them out or have them pay rent. "Street preaching" haha or soliciting in a public, crowded area is usually easier for extroverts. A hell no for me. Spontaneous or impromptu public performances of music or art is another story however.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Mac interview about Cambodia (posted on his Facebook) - couldn't have said it better myself. Eloquent and honest as they come. You can tell he works out - look at them arms, as thick as my legs or even more haha. "Don't Mess With The Mac-Attack".
I appreciate collectibles such as Vinyl or Cassette Recordings. Although this is the digital age, it appears that Collectibles still have a useful purpose. While they won't be sold as regular as what is common today, they are still available where the Artist / Musician allows it. However - I am against registering for any platform because it only benefits them, so you'll never see me enter in a sweepstakes or purchase off of one of them. As far as providing personal info like phone number or email, just make up something. Or else you'll be spammed / scammed for life.
My fantasy wish-list would be a signed copy of Lang Lang's autobiography, as well as winning a signed CD of the Goldberg Variations album (which inspired me to really play with a purpose - allowing a more natural flow).
Last night / early morning wind storm rivaled the cyclone that hit us last year or the year before (whenever it was). As I mentioned, these things are becoming more common or frequent with climate change.
.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Snorkeling in clear, ocean water with sea turtles - that's a form of escapism, or freeing your mind or forgetting about the violent, hostile / prejudiced world of today. Music and the Arts are other forms, where you're transported to a more peaceful or serene realm or reality. Thanks for the short, Joe Jitsukawa. I'd sub if he uploaded more of these. In the meantime, Bart Kwan is doing the opposite - bangin' heads with metal heads recently, if not shooting a sponsored ad for a vehicle haha. Life is gooood, when you're makin' money off of them I guess. Bart & Joe have been one of the pioneers for Asian or Asian-American content creation - they also now have thriving businesses of their own, so they are able to enjoy activities like Snorkeling. Hawaii is hella expensive - but a paradise where the world comes together. Well, even in Hawaii - it ain't what it used to be.
When yer brain is conditioned to sing along to "Carol of the Bells" - "Ding Fries Are Done x 4, I gotta run x 4, I work at Burger King making flame-broiled whoppers I wear paper hats, would you like an apple pie wid Dat? x 3" haha.
.
Monday, December 15, 2025
Thanks for the arrangement, Tony Ann! I might try to tackle your piece. Although, there are other 'arrangers' of your 'arrangement'. But there is only 1 "Carol of the Bells" masterpiece in G-flat, and his name is Tony Ann. Haha.
Roll call:
J.S. Bach, Var. 5 and 20
J. Brahms, Capriccio Op. 76 No. 8
In contrast to No. 20, Concerto No. 21 second movement or section is opposite - quiet, tender and very melodic / recognizable. Might make for a nice respite.
Page 2
|
|