Only in  America …do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.

 Only in  America …do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke. 

Only in  America …do banks leave vault doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.

Only in  America …do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage. 

Only in  America …do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight.. 

Only in  America …do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.

EVER WONDER ….

Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin? 

Why can’t women put on mascara with their mouth closed? ;)

Why don’t you ever see the headline ‘Psychic Wins Lottery’? 

Why is ‘abbreviated’ such a long word? 

Why is it that doctors call what they do ‘practice’?

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?

Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?

You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don’t they make the whole plane out of that stuff?

Why don’t sheep shrink when it rains?

If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?

*~*

I still have a goofy smile on my face.

 Date:               Thursday, December 2, 2010

Time:               6pm – 9pm

Location:        Japanese American National Museum (369 E. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012)

Bring a new unwrapped toy worth at least $15 or minimum donation of $15

Annually, hundreds of thousands of toys have been collected and distributed to children of low income families served by nonprofit groups in the Los Angeles area to make the holidays happier and enjoyable.

Catch up with familiar faces and meet new ones while enjoying drinks, food and entertainment throughout the night!

Emcee:            Helen Ota

Entertainment:

Clara Chung, Kollaboration 10 Winner

Dawen, Kollaboration Acoustic 4 Winner

Fujazz Band

Media Sponsor: LA 18 KSCI-TV

Corporate Sponsors: Chinese Laundry, HSBC, Lawry’s The Prime Rib Restaurant, Manila Forwarder, PAMA, Pomegranate Liqueur, Winston Toys

Community Sponsors: ABL, APABA, APAWLA, APEX, ARS, JABA, KABA, NAAAP-LA, OCA-LA, PABA, SABA, SCCLA, TALA

Community Sponsors: APALC, APCF, Project by Project

For more information:

www.la18community.com | www.apex.org | www.apawla.org | www.jabaonline.org

Drawing large crowds from across Southern California, LA 18 hosts the most exciting festival of the season.

Equivalent to Thanksgiving, the Harvest Moon Festival is a holiday celebrated by many Asian communities and revolves around the family, the provision of bountiful food and the full moon. Enjoy a family-filled event with Asian foods, live entertainment, cultural activities, shopping and prize giveaways.

Enter for a chance to win a brand new 2011 Toyota Sienna!! Also play the Text to Win Promotion for an AT&T VIP Prize Package (I hear a net book is one of the many electronic goodies in there).

With over 500,000 YouTube subscribers and over 70,000,000 total views, Korean-American music sensation, David Choi, returns to the festival’s main stage. Choi recently released his sophomore album, By My Side, and has been on his worldwide tour in Asia and across the States.

Stop by the Toyota Auto Square and see why Toyota is moving forward. Experience and learn the safety, design and commitment of Toyota. Also, enter for a chance to win a brand new 2011 Toyota Sienna. Take a free photo with your loved ones at the AT&T area’s photo booth station and check out their product display unit with free international calls. Come check out what makes Lowe’s the one stop shop for all home improvement needs at their outdoor village showcase. Bring the kids to the Children Village and cool off with a sample of McDonald’s® Premium Roast Iced Coffee. Take a walk through the various themed pavilions. Taste various Asian cuisines at the Food Zone, learn useful financial planning advice at the Business Square, get free medical screenings at the Healthy Family Expo, and shop for a variety of culture-specific goods and services at the Specialty Area.

In its fifteenth year, the Harvest Moon Festival is one of LA’s premier Asian American events and admission is free. Annually, Festival goers have come from all over Southern California to celebrate this event. There will be a 1-hour Festival special airing on LA 18.1–Friday, September 24 at 5pm and LA 18.8–Saturday, September 25 at 12pm.

Presented by Southern California Toyota Dealers Association and sponsored in part by AT&T, Lowe’s and McDonald’s, the Harvest Moon Festival will be held at Arcadia County Park at 405 S. Santa Anita Avenue, at the corner of Santa Anita Avenue and Huntington Drive. Parking is available at Santa Anita Racetrack, enter through Gate 5. From there, a free shuttle service is available to Arcadia County Park. For more details, visit http://www.la18.tv, http://www.la188.tv or call the event hotline at (310) 442-2712.

LOCAL TALENT:

David Choi | Singer/Songwriter + YouTube Sensation

Clara Chung | Singer/Songwriter

Jesse Barrera | Singer/Songwriter

Connie Lim | Indie Pop Band

Melissa Polinar | Singer/Songwriter

Natusol | R&B/Rock/Soul Band

Thomas' Apartment | Alternative Band

Pumana | Hawaiian Jams Band

40 Percent | Reggae/Rock Band { picture not shown}

CULTURAL GROUPS

Hiza Yoo Korean Dance Institute | Korean Cultural

Other Cultural Groups: Lan Ling Dance Studio, LA Little Angels Children’s Chorale, Kodama Taiko, Vietnamese Traditional Arts Development Organization, Northern Shaolim Kung Fu Association

I’m currently streamlining (via NPR Music) to yesterday’s The Xx’s live peformance at Bonnaroo. I’m in heaven right now. Their haunting, yet delicate melodies is carrying me through the day–ready for the weekend. { fav: heart skipped a beat } Although the festival is in Manchester, Tennessee (June 10-13), thank goodness for npr’s coverage online (I’m a proud listener, member, subscriber).  Without NPR programming, I’d be less educated, socially challenged and musically inept.   

The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is a massive production: an unrelenting marathon of live music and culture. This year, NPR Music offer the most complete coverage of the sprawling event with a live webcast from the main stages.

For the complete lineup of artists and information on attending the 2010 Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival visit www.bonnaroo.com.

As a generous gift from NPR Music, they are giving a free 11-song sampler of music from artists playing at Bonnaroo. Seriously, NPR+awesome music = ftw.

Download a free 11-song sampler of music from artists featured at the 2010 Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival.

“Swim” by The Black Keys
“Woof Woof” by Dan Deacon
“Makin’ Plans” by Miranda Lambert
“Elysian Persuasion” by Ozomatli
“Sound the Alarm (feat. Sleepy Wonder)” by Thievery Corporation
“Sigh No More” by Mumford And Sons
“Your Easy Lovin’ Ain’t Pleasin’ Nothin” by Mayer Hawthorne
“Fuego” by Bomba Estereo
“Fader” by Temper Trap
“Longform” by The Dodos
“The Water Glass” by Melvins

  Happy Friday and Happy Music.

The coveted role of Kim in the musical Miss Saigon has been performed by an elite group of talented women on Broadway and around the world. However, this musical does not tell Kim’s story, but the personal stories of the talented actresses who have played this powerhouse role.

East West Player’s world premiere of Road to Saigon, May 13 through June 13, present Joan Almedilla, Jennifer Paz and Jenni Selma in a heartwarming, passionate and musical journey as they share memories about family, relationships, careers and personal milestones on their individual roads to Saigon.

Dressed in traditional Vietnamese aodai, the trio makes a bold impression in their opening number and set the mood for a wonderful night of powerful music and inspirational words. Their songs and monologues seamlessly transition through each scene. Every song performed resonates with me and stirs my soul. The original song “Road to Saigon” is written by Selma (lyrics and music) and Nathan Wang (music). Detailing their own experiences and influences, each actress individually writes their own monologues and selects the songs they perform in this musical journey.

As they belted their numbers and intimately share their memories with the audience, I can’t help but feel immersed in that moment with them. From the challenges of gaining approval from parents, insecurities and doubts to sharing the joy of being on tour as Kim and living their dream—I was there. Every moment was epic in their world and it translated through their performances on stage. Almedilla, Paz and Selma are all living proof that with determination, sass and a beautiful voice—dreams can come true.

After the show it was a treat to meet Paz and Selma. Joyce knew them back from when Paz and Selma played Kim in Miss Saigon during the mid-90s. This was because Joyce’s daughter, Remi, played the character Tam during Paz and Selma’s reign as Kim. They were so sweet and personable. I am definitely a fan.

So, if you’re in the LA area, satisfy your musical craving by attending a showing of Road to Saigon. After experiencing this inspiring performance of three personal and unique journeys, I have a deeper appreciation for the arts and a better understanding of how creativity is essential to personal growth. Almedilla, Paz and Selma are irresistible—possessing amazing musical talents and incredible voices—they will astound you. Support your community and support the arts. Your musical soul will thank you.

Date:               May 13 – June 13

Times:             Wed – Sat        8pm

                        Sun                  2pm

Location:         David Henry Hwang Theater (120 Judge John Aiso Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012)

Tickets:            $40 – $50  

Parking available for $7.00 in Lot 7, adjacent to the theater OR street parking.

EAST WEST PLAYERS – ROAD TO SAIGON

Developed and Directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera
Musical Director and Arranger Nathan Wang
Musical Staging by Kay Cole

Featuring

Joan Almedilla, Jennifer Paz and Jenni Selma
For more information or ticket information, please contact East West Players at:

Phone: (213) 625-7000

Email: info@eastwestplayers.org.

Website: www.EastWestPlayer.org.

A friend of mine sent me this comic strip.

Life is about setting goals and continuously challenging oneself to learn and grow as an individual. I am a firm believer to never let schooling get in the way of our education.

When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.  -Victor Frankl

{ Haunting, but Beautiful. Heartbreaking, yet Optimistic }

When Five Fell

Can the things we love, love us back just the same? Five household objects express their feelings toward their owner when she begins to neglect them for someone else. “When Five Fell” is a new take on the ideal boy-meets-girl love story. Although the short is told from a unique and unconventional perspective, the emotions described should be familiar to anyone that’s fallen in or out of a relationship.

We delight in the promise of falling for love.
We crumble in the dread of falling from love.
Everyone falls. Everything falls.

Director’s Notes and Commentary here:
http://wongfuproductions.com/2010/05/…

Written and Directed by Wesley Chan
Music by Jesse Chui – http://www.songsforcinema.com‬

Featuring:
Mimi Chao
William Yu
David Choi – http://www.davidchoimusic.com
AJ Rafael – http://www.myspace.com/ajrafael
Bobby Choy – http://www.bigphonymusic.com
Paul Dateh – http://www.pauldateh.com‬
Chris Dinh

WEBSITE:
‪http://www.wongfuproductions.com‬

If you rike this – “When Five Fell” is a prologue to “At Musing’s End” Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgx8wp…

LA 18, is co-chairing again with various API organizations for the annual Holiday Toy Drive & Reception. This event is just around the corner and will be held on Thursday, December 3 from 6pm – 9pm at the Japanese American National Museum (369 E. First Street, LA, CA 90012).

Celebrate this holiday season by bringing a new unwrapped toy worth at least $15 or minimum donation of $15 to the Holiday Toy Drive & Reception! Annually, hundreds of thousands of toys have been collected and distributed to children of low income families served by nonprofit groups in the Los Angeles area to make the holidays happier and enjoyable.

Catch up with familiar faces and meet new ones while enjoying drinks, food and entertainment throughout the night!

Come and enjoy yummy foods, drinks & entertainment!

10^th Anniversary APA Community Holiday Toy Drive & Reception

Date:              Thursday, December 3, 2009

Time:               6pm – 9pm

Location:        Japanese American National Museum (369 E. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012)

Admission:      Bring a new unwrapped toy worth at least $15 or minimum donation of $15

Emcee:            Helen Ota

Entertainment: David Choi <3 , Clarissa Park and Fujazz Band

Media Sponsor: LA 18 KSCI-TV

Official Bank Sponsor: HSBC Bank USA, N.A.

Primary Organizers: APEX, APAWLA, JABA, LA 18 KSCI-TV

Co-Sponsoring Organizations: ABL, APABA, APALC, KABA, OCA-GLA, PABA, SABA, SCCLA, TALA

Beverage Sponsors: Hpnotiq, Singha Beer, Starbucks

Food Sponsor: Lawry’s The Prime Rib, Morris Architects, Maggi

Video Production Sponsor: Pathlight Studios

Venue Sponsor: JANM

Toy Sponsor: OKK Trading, Inc., Megatoys, Winston Toys

Toy Transportation Sponsor: Manila Forwarder

Looking forward to see your beautiful faces this Thursday!

I haven’t updated my Xanga for a good couple years. I just had it hanging around as I’ve moved onto WordPress. I just felt it wasn’t right—having two blog postings sites. I’m a one blog site kinda gal. Plus, I couldn’t bear to think Xanga still airing my “past” to others.

After correctly answering three Xanga quiz questions about the severity of my decision, I can’t quite explain how I feel right now. By clicking that button, Xanga made it very clear that I’m not able to recover my screen name or able to log into my account for postings, everrrr. My decision was permanent and that’s the consequence. Can’t turn back. It’s a flood of bittersweet emotions. I ended a (very) long-term relationship with some(thing) that I feel is for all the right reasons, yet I still feel heartbroken.

It also doesn’t help that Taylor Swift is softly playing the background.

Okay, time for some cookies and ice cream.

sweet raspberry pinwheels

I tried this new recipe that I found in Real Simple and I loved it! Although it was about 2.5 hours prep time, it was well worth it. The delicate swirls of the raspberry jam made each cookie so pretty! I almost didn’t want to eat it. Each bite reminded me of English shortbread cookies topped with raspberry jam.

Real Simple’s Raspberry Pinwheels

trader joes ingredients

(step 1) mix ingredients

(step 2) refrigerate dough squares for an hour

(step 3) spread jam over dough squares

bake for 20 minutes

voila! raspberry pinwheels