so there i was.

can't be friends

mother fucking monster.

i am really feeling dev and cataracs right now. their music, their style, and their swag!

that boy is a mother fucking monster.





-----
killer for fun.
i won't sleep and i won't stop until you're mine.



-----
since Pharell has been MIA for awhile, I have a new obsession...

how could we be so right and so wrong?

young talent

chillin



-----
i don't wanna talk, i just wanna fuck. LOLOL



cataracs, why you so cute!

to friends.

You know you have good friends when even if you're doing absolutely nothing, you can still have the time of your life.
You know you have good friends even when if you end up doing nothing on a Saturday night after running through the rain, arriving late to a club, and arguing with bouncers and Mexican parking staff in the parking lot, everything is still an adventure.

You know you have good friends when they're for you no matter what, even if you fuck up.
I feel like our lives are like an extended version of Harold and Kumar, and I'm loving every second of it.
Thank you to all the great friends in my life, and a toast to more adventures to come.

-----
May this be a portrait of us when we're in Vegas in January.

let go

chills.

why?

TAO Schedule:

Why must they play Afrojack and Markus Schulz at the same time?!?!
Wolfgang Gartner and Pendulum at coinciding times?!?!

Decisions, decisions.

It's just me being greedy but I really want to be at Giant at the same time. ATB + Gabriel & Dresden!?!?
Why must these people put me into such a dilemma?!?!!

Why music gods, why? I wish I could teleport.

where are we going?

Everyone is always in a rush to finish something...

On a rush to get somewhere, to finish school, to do one thing or another... but what are we rushing towards? We don't even know.

excuse me, but i think we're meant to be.

some of my all time favorite songs.

so simple.

the only thing i'll ever ask of you, gotta promise not to stop when i say when.



they never get old...

it was a good day.

she's got you high

nothing.

LOL this video is interesting.

My love has released a new album.
I was a bit disappointed in the last album "Seeing Sounds," it really did not compare to their debut album "In Search Of..." After a long hiatus, "Nothing" came out in September. I didn't take the time to listen to it until now, but I must say there are a few good tracks.

Beats are off the chain.

N.E.R.D. is coming up again!

Listen:
Perfect Defect
Nothing On You
Hypnotize U
Hot n Fun

"In Search Of..." is still my favorite. "Nothing" however is still better than the sophomore album "Fly or Die," and "Seeing Sounds." Although both albums have some of my favorite N.E.R.D. tracks, as a whole "Nothing" is better.

I'll leave you with snippets of my beloved Pharell.

enjoy.

done.

Today I turned in my last paper of the quarter. I won't have school until my study abroad program begins in February.

What am I going to do with my life?!?!

Friends, prepare to be visited.

friday.

butter, butter, butter.

dance dance till you're dead.

My life motto.

isn't it funny how...?

Isn't it funny how a few words can make us or break us?
Maybe if I just take everything with a grain of salt, and have no expectations I wouldn't feel the way I do.

i don't wanna fall to pieces.

i wish that i could tell you, all the things that you do.

One week left.

Too excited. No better way to end Fall quarter than with some Oceanlab, good friends, and good vibes. <3

let's commit some teenage crime.

excited.

Program dates have been released for my EAP Spring program.

I
am
excited.
!!!!

My Kaskade "Dynasty" album arrived in the mail today too.


Overall, I think this is a really great album from Kaskade. Yes, I'm a little late on the review, but I hadn't gotten a chance to evaluate it in its entirety, and I like to purchase albums and have physical copies. He is definitely evolving as an artist, and is incorporating various genres and sub-genres into his signature style. "Dynasty" is a lot more mature than his previous works, and shows Kaskade's development as an artist, while reflecting the evolution of EDM.

Favorites:
Don't Stop Dancing
Only You
Fire In Your New Shoes
Don't Wait
Say It's Over
Human Reactor

i wish i had a hot pink delorean

can we rewind back time and press pause?
let's stay here for awhile.

maybe it's the cold weather, but i got this ice box where my heart used to be.

beats

i don't wanna leave you i just wanna stay and see the sun rise.

because i like to share

A friend of mine's boyfriend is starting to DJ and made a pretty sick trance mix. Props to YuSik, keep em coming.
Saved and ready for me to listen to after I see Above & Beyond :)

YuSik- If I Could Fly

Link

Speaking of sick...

say it's over

I'm not a fan of sugarcoating.
Let's live in a world where people say what they mean. What happened to sincerity, respect even?

Lost and long gone.

music sounds better with you.

donttalkjustlisten.dontthinkjustdance.

if i could fly.

thank you internet

So today on my way to work I discovered that our toilet was clogged. I went online to Yellow Pages and searched for plumbers in Irvine. The guys says someone will be there in thirty minutes, so I decide to wait and show up to work a little late. I ask for a phone estimate, but they say they only give you estimates once they see it. Nope, the guy arrives an hour later. Tells me it's going to cost $150 to unclog the toilet.

Fuck that. That's like buying 2 TAO tickets.

I go online and Google how to unclog a toilet. Purchase 2 gloves for $0.99, and a plunger for $5.99 at Target. Total spent was around $8 with tax, etc. I unclog it within 5-10 minutes including clean up time, etc.

$150-$8...

Do they really charge people $150?!? Doesn't seem right to me.

talk don't change a thing

His voice is like butter.

Background story.

i used to love H.E.R.

Original, pure, untampered and down sister
Boy I tell ya, I miss her.

Even better when I saw him live last year. Beat is still as sick as it ever was.

I still love real Hip-Hop. I can't take anything on the radio seriously. It's fun to dance to and all, but let's not listen to the lyrics, haha.

Also, Pop Music artists are trying to ruin EDM for me.

Enrique Iglesias... your music is not EDM, and it shouldn't be. Stick to "Hero" and other classics, please. Apparently "I Like It" is the new theme song for Jersey Shore. Enough said.

changing seasons

Changing seasons call for changing hair color!





Went darker. Dyed it myself. Hopefully it looks okay, haha.

a few of my favorite things...

My funds have been decreasing exponentially thanks to Ecommerce. With my Blackberry, I can literally shop 24/7. This is dangerous.

I'm not going to overwhelm you with all of my recent purchases, but I will share a few special ones.

I first saw this watch at LA Art Walk during the summer and fell in love! Sadly however, I left my wallet at home like an idiot, and didn't put it in my purse. :( Couldn't purchase it, and felt bad asking my friends to buy it for me, I parted ways with this gorgeous watch. I love vintage jewelry. This one has a hemp strap, and very cute vintage face. A month later, I received a newsletter from the company, Love Nail Tree. The watch was on sale!!! Mine now.



I have an obsession with skeleton keys. I must have every key/skeleton necklace. Vintage is even better. Found this at Seed People's Market at The Camp. Another key to add to my collection.



+ Many other items that I feel guilty for purchasing but will never return because I love them too much.

you can try, but you can't...

You can try, but you can't plan life. No matter how detailed your plans are, you are never in complete control.


Unsettling isn't it?

you're my favorite accident

I got the message long before you said you knew, there was no chance of us at all.

sunday, what a fun day

Waking up to drunk text messages and missed calls from your friends? Priceless.

Time to put in work at the gym to pay for my weekend mischief.

the secret

The best remedy for a hangover: Advil + Oceanlab.

Why didn't I think of it before?

because i love this movie

Underrated.

The soundtrack is amazing too.
Favorites:
The Shins- Caring Is Creepy
Zero 7- In The Waiting Line
Simon & Garfunkel- The Only Living Boy In New York

Can I just declare "In The Waiting Line" one of the chillest songs ever? And yes, I love Simon & Garfunkel.

too funny. procrastination part three- you see where this is going?

Above & Beyond tickets on Craigslist.

enough said. LOL

Glad I got mine. On another note, Super8 & Tab, I'll see you soon.

procrastination part two

Can't sleep, but don't want to start my English paper.

Since I will have extra time after this quarter, I want to start working on something I've thought about for awhile. I've always loved writing, especially fiction and narratives, and my life goal is to become a "New Age" Amy Tan. If David Sedaris and Amy Tan had a baby...

I want to publish a set of short stories, and I have a concept/vision for it right now.

Will be posting them here shortly.

-------

On another note, just saw this German film in my Comparative Literature class, and fell absolutely in love.

Here's the trailer. It's set in 1989, early 1990s during the fall of the Berlin Wall. The director did an excellent job blending historical film with the film's narrative, and I love the creative story line. It's almost like "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." The play on re-memory and memory is a very intriguing concept, and the director does an excellent job of creating ambiguity throughout the film. He does not force feed you anything, and the viewer must come to his or her own conclusions about the mother's state of mind. The score for the film was done exceptionally well.

because I don't want to do my English paper...

This is me stalling at my best. I twiddle my thumbs and ponder other things instead of doing what I need to do.

So here I am, posting my Literary Journalism group profile for Zombie Hunters, written two years ago for LJ 20. I never showed you guys this paper; after bugging you guys at session, I think you guys deserve to enjoy and laugh at this group profile. Bon appetit.

-------------------------

“We got Miracles, Furious Styles Crew. On my right, representing Concrete All-Stars, Zulu Kings–the man below 4’ 5, we got Smurf. It’s going down. I need everyone to take three steps back. That means if you’re in the back, three steps back. Ladies and gentlemen, this is going to be something to behold” Duo, the charismatic and witty MC proclaims, as DJ Renato scratches his turntable. “$15 to the person who quits, whoever buys him a beer. Ladies and gentlemen, this is gonna be a tight five-round battle going down here. Make some noise y’all. Let’s show our competitors that we feel them, and we gonna give energy. So on three we’re gonna say “Get Em!”

“1, 2, 3!” Duo shouts.
“Get Em!” the crowd clamors.
“1, 2, 3!”
“Get Em!”

DJ Renato puts on the beat, an instrumental upbeat and rhythmic sound. The sound of trumpets, drums, and bass fill the air. Smurf paces back and forth, tension wound tightly in his shoulders. The crowd begins to clap to the beat, as Miracles begins with a sick step and goes into a frenzy of fluid movements, twirls, and flips. Miracles finishes his round and locks eyes with Smurf, never taking his attention off him. True to his name, Smurf, a five foot-two Latino beyond his twenties takes the floor, showing off his footwork, back flips, and blow-ups. Almost instantaneously after Smurf finishes his set, Miracles, a young Asian male wearing a red T-shirt jumps onto the scene with energy and aggression to start his second round.

I’m at New Kids on the Block 4, an annual jam, or break-dancing competition hosted every January by Richard Fagel, or as he is better known by, Nes. It’s my third New Kids in a row, but I am still in awe of all of the commotion going around me. Of course, not every battle is as highly anticipated as Smurf vs. Miracles simply because these two individuals are not competing in the actual jam. Instead, they are doing an exhibition battle, competing against one another as a performance battle, a paid showcase for these already well-known and established B-boys.

New Kids On the Block is a different jam, in that it is open to and geared towards up and coming breakers, who may not be so established or professional– at least not yet. Zombie Hunters is one of these crews, and they have definitely started making an impression on the Southern California break dancing scene. Today however, they are competing with a few other affiliates, and have signed up under the name Bukkake Kings. It is really interesting to see the dynamics of ZH, particularly in its members. The crew is made up of Gary Sapalicio, Jon Maturan, Barry “Killa B” Troung, Tony Vongpatron, Richard “Nes” Fagel, Mike “Nazty” Villaster, Socheat Pech, Yong “Monk” Chong, and Ruben Soto. They come from diverse backgrounds, and have different ambitions and interests.

“There’s an overwhelming feeling because we don’t know what’s going to happen or who’s going to be there. We try to keep our cool but we’re nervous.” –Monk

“First thing that goes through my head is… don’t fuck up” –Reuben

“Feels like…you’re about to go on a roller coaster. You’re nervous. Adrenaline. After you’re done, you just wanna go again” –Nes

Break dancing has its roots in the hip-hop movement, and as much as it is still connected to hip-hop, it has definitely transcended into its own culture. Born out of the Bronx in 1970, break dancing started as an outlet for gang members as a substitute for violence. The term break dancing originates from dancers moving to the “break” of the music. Traditionally, many dance moves derive from lindy hop, and even Kung-fu. Today, however many breakers today also incorporate other styles of hip hop, adding backspins, flips, windmills, and increasingly, body contortion. Although break dancing is not as popular as it once was at its peak in the 80’s, B-boys and B-girls still try to keep the tradition alive and have formed their own unique culture through the underground scene. At jams, breakers compete usually individually, in groups of two, or five at a time. Smaller jams offer prize money of a paltry $300, but big jams can offer as much as a few thousands.

The underground break dance culture reveals itself as something visually unexpected. From the media, we have come to have this preconceived image of what a B-boy may look like – stereotypically adorned in baggy cotton sweat pants, large graphic t-shirts, and other hip-hop affiliated clothing and accessories. But in reality, the average B-boy or B-girl looks nothing like this. There is a diverse set of styles, and although many would not believe it, you are more likely to see a frail looking, svelte, punk white kid sporting a choppy, razor styled hair cut, (sideburns and all) in grey cigarette skinny jeans and purple eye shadow, than a tough-looking, muscular African-American wearing the respective beanie, sweat pants, and a baseball cap. I know because I’ve seen this kid. The media also portrays dance competitions as events held in the slums of the city, sometimes literally underground, in the shadiest and darkest looking of places. Take for example, the infamous movie You Got Served. The competition is held in a dark, and what seems to be, underground arena. In reality, most jams are held in local, public communities, usually recreational centers, or parks, and are very community oriented. What we consider hip-hop music today would not even be played as beat music at a jam. B-boys move to the rhythm of soul, and are aficionados of funk, especially James Brown, and Kool & the Gang. They session, or practice, to beats from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and early 90’s, and you rarely ever hear mainstream hip-hop that is played on the radio today. B-boys do not rely heavily on choreography or rehearsed synchronic dance moves, which is why competitions are a true test of skills and moves. As Yong or “Monk” puts it, “Nothing’s ever set. Things could change at any minute depending on what the other crew does. If they do a routine, you have to do a routine. If they try to impress the judges with power moves, you have to do the same.”

“It’s the only thing I like to do. I know people without talents…those people suck.” –Reuben

“We don’t think. We feel.” –Kris

There is definitely something special about the break dancing culture that sets it apart so much from another forms of dance, and from hip-hop in general. It has become something entirely on its own. When someone does an impressive move or set, the crowd chants in unison “Whoo!” while holding up one hand in the air and doing an almost jazz-hand like movement. When you’re about to move into your set with a sick step, B-boys clap rhythmically, and repeatedly chant “Uh!” When you want to burn someone, or make fun of your opponent, you imitate and parody their moves, maybe even do it better. The break dancing scene has its own trends, entirely different from hip-hop. Mullets, braided dragon tails, and fake over exaggerated glasses are widely popular. Of course, traditional hip-hop clothing and styles will always have its presence in the B-boy world, but it’s important to note the diversity. Everything is very light-hearted, from the MC’s witty remarks, to crews burning one another, the B-boy scene is all about having fun and showing what you got, and being the best at the same time. Even during a brief interview, there was never a dull moment. As I begin to ask Reuben how the break dancing scene has changed within the years, Kris interjects “REACH FOR THE STARS!” in a movie phone voice. Just minutes later, “BOOTS WITH THE FUR!”

The underground break dance scene is not void of politics either. You never, never ever copy someone else’s moves. Doing so will dub you a biter, and that reputation will stick with you. Rivalries exist. Crews each have their own reputation, some for being original, some for being biters, and some for being very out there. Commenting on one crew, Yong says “They try too hard. They always show up with neon pants, makeup and green hair. It’s like they’re showing themselves off, not their dancing.” Yet, at the end of the day, respect is something that is still highly valued. After each battle, crews acknowledge one another, no matter who won or lost, and respect their competitors’ efforts. “Some B-boys are arrogant and some just don’t know everyone in the scene. But after a battle you always show respect by shaking hands or at least acknowledging someone with a nod. If you don’t that shows disrespect, and that something else besides dancing is involved” Yong explains. Another aspect of respect is knowing who came from you as well, and paying tribute to the origins of the culture and dance. Barry expresses that “You gotta be creative, be original, but at the same time, know where you came from and keep true to the roots of hip-hop.”

Although many of the Zombie Hunters have been dancing for a few years, growing up and accepting more responsibilities have definitely taken a toll on their love for the dance. Nes, who will be graduating from CSULA this year, is constantly interrogated by his traditional and by the book Filipino parents whom ask, “Where are you going?” Of course, when he tells them the truth that he is going out to practice to dance, they respond negatively. “Stay home and study!” So, he attempts to make the best compromise. “Yeah, that’s what I’m doing. I’m going out to study…” What his parents don’t know won’t hurt them, right? Kris Villaster, another dancer shares a similar sentiment, “When you get serious with school, and you need to work, and you realize you have a test… School and dance, there’s no room for a third.” I found one B-boy particularly interesting. The most established of the Zombie Hunters, Barry Troung. He is the oldest of the group at 27. A graduate of UC Irvine with a degree in Business Economics, Barry currently is employed by Warner Music Group, where he works in the Finance & Accounting department. Monday thru Friday, he holds a 9 to 5 job, in his navy-blue collared dress shirt, pressed and ironed immaculately crisp and held together with a striped grey and white tie, black dress pants, leather shoes, and watch. Arguably one of the most tedious and monotonous jobs, Barry passes time by calculating and punching numbers methodically into Excel spread sheets in the company’s black eighteen-inch Dell monitor. Then, overnight, something magical happens. The corporate shell that is Barry Troung becomes Killa B on the weekend, dancing side by side with the Zombie Hunters and showing off his impressive footwork and blow-ups, with no less flava than anyone else. The five-foot-five Vietnamese B-boy still has a young boyish face, and sense of innocence and youth in his smile. When he is out at a jam dressed in a blue nylon windbreaker, cap, and Nike sneakers, he blends in so seamlessly with all the other much younger B-boys. Barry admits, “I still love it, even after I started working I just wanted to challenge myself, and pursue the dance.” Yet, despite no matter how much Barry loves being a B-boy, it is definitely without difficulty or sacrifice. “Work really puts a damper on dancing. You find yourself slowly practicing only once a week. I work 9 to 5 everyday, so on the weekends I finally have time to be with family and friends, and I have to choose between that and dancing. But, if you truly love it, you’ll find the time.”

“I’m gonna make mucho, grande money. Buy Yosemite Park and make it into a practice spot, especially for the kids. Smoke Justin, Robert, smoke all them!” –Kris

“Win a big jam…win something with everybody…” –Nes

“Get good, while maintaining” –Ruben

It is a warm and lazy Sunday afternoon, and I’m venturing to Northridge in a 1999 beige Camry under the hot California sun, tagging along with three Zombie Hunters My destination: White Lotus Kung Fu Studio. The studio’s front lobby is covered in a veil of vintage framed black and white photos of Master Douglas L. Wong throughout the years, with students and surprising celebrity figures, such as whom I first recognized as the guy who played “Hercules,” Kevin Sorbo, “Xena,” and Jason Scott, whom played Bruce Lee in his biopic. Made up of mainly one large blue mat, five black hanging fifty-pound punching bags this hardly seems the place to find a B-boy. Although this Kung Fu studio caters mainly to martial arts, it is open to anyone to use on the weekends, and B-boys congregate here every Sunday to perfect their craft. There are eight other male gymnasts here, half-naked and bearing bodies resembling those of Greek gods– I would definitely come here more often. As the gymnasts practice their front flips and back flips, so do the break-dancers. Interestingly enough, the two collaborate, and the gymnasts assist the B-boys in perfecting a front flip. Weekly, the Zombie Hunter crew and some of their affiliates demonstrate their dedication to dance by venturing from the Los Angeles area and make the thirty minute drive towards Northridge to practice in White Lotus’ gymnasium space. Break dancing is not just about rhythm, and footwork. Increasingly, gymnastic moves and flips are becoming an important aspect, and these B-boys go the extra mile, literally, to take their skills to the next level. Richard Fagel, better known by Nes has attempted to do a front flip twenty-two times in the past fifteen minutes. Prior to each flip, there is a look of determination and concentration imprinted deeply into his face. His dark complexion has turned rosy from exertion. His eyes squint and blink, for they are lost and impaired without the usual thick black-rimmed glasses. “Bend your knees!” Monk exclaims. The next thing I hear is Nes yelling “Aughhhh!” as he lands once again on his back. Yet, even as Nes falls again, you can see in his eyes that there is only more determination to get the move down. He steps up to the mat again.
There is so much persistence, commitment, blood, sweat, and tears invested into break dancing. Bruises are an everyday occurrence, and many B-boys and B-girls are often seen wearing arm and knee braces resulting from the many falls they endure. Yet, I view each bruise, injury, and mark as a sign of love for the dance. It’s more than a hobby. It’s a way of life. A true love for an art form— a means of maintaining and preserving a hidden culture. Barry explained to me the impact dance had on him, “Break dancing has kept me focused. It kept my mind in a positive way… it’s definitely an outlet. I grew up in a crappy place, you know. When you focus on things, you tend to do well in school.”

Although break dancing has not been as popular since the 80’s and 90’s, it’s back in the spotlight thanks to America’s dance craze obsession as seen on reality television shows such as: America’s Next Best Dance Crew, Dancing with the Stars,and So You Think You Can Dance?. Although the media has given much exposure and new attention to hip-hop dance and culture, and even break dancing many B-boys have mixed feelings about the way the media portrays everything. “It’s completely different. Media makes it seem childish, like anyone can do it. No musicality at all. Really, it’s a very complicated, skillful art” Reuben states authoritatively. Barry feels similarly, “It’s great exposure. But what the media does to break dancing is, they soften it. It’s not as broad as it should be. It can be really aggressive. I mean, just look at where it came from.” Whether B-boys agree with what the media has portrayed about their art form, the media has definitely given the break dancing more attention than it has in many years, and it is becoming increasingly main-stream. Yet, it seems to me that the best test is the test of time, as Barry states “Dance shows now are exploiting everything, but it’ll fade out. It’s such a fad right now. Only people who truly love it will stay and continue.” He pauses. “I’m gonna do it for as long as I can.”

leaving

As the end of Winter quarter approaches, I am getting more and more anxious. After February, I realize that I will not be seeing any of my friends and family for at least half a year. I don't know anyone doing the EAP study abroad program with me, but I think that is the whole point. I've been sheltered and surrounded by the same people and experiences my whole life, and I need to get out of my comfort zone. I won't be able to just drive home on the weekend just because I feel like it; perhaps I won't even have access to an actual toilet. For the first time, I won't have control of my surroundings. I'm scared, but the best life experiences have no plans, and no rules.

Life, I have just one question for you: Can the days pass by a little slower?

i'm back!

Dearest Blogspot,
After a long hiatus I have returned. Don't worry, I'll be here more consistently. After all, I'll be seeing you a lot when I am in China.