Slant Eye For The Round Eye

EOF: That's A Wrap For 2012 (And Beyond)

2012-12-31T20:23:00.000-06:00

What a year it's been.

To all the great people that I had the chance to meet online and offline or got to catch up with - thank you so much for everything - and to all those I've met throughout the years - it's just been a lot of fun, and I've learned so much from an amazing community. While this place won't see a next year (because it's just time) I'm sure I won't be able to stay away from something, so maybe I'll see you around (unless I get incredibly and extremely lazy which could happen and if that is the case, when you see me at the buffet, feel free to say hi or wave because I'm not mean - I won't eat you).

EOF

Back To Holiday Hiatus

2012-12-20T18:34:00.001-06:00

That's it.

Jason Chu + DTR (Define the Relationship): The Music Video + New Album "Much Love"

2012-12-17T19:14:00.002-06:00

About the new U.S. album Much Love.

Much Love is an exploration of all the places and ways that we look for love - and how we find, or fail at it. Guest vocalists include Kevin Lien, among others, with much of the production coming from Elyon Beats (who also worked with Gowe on his recent Summer Breeze Sonatas).

Much Love is streaming at http://grandmaster.bandcamp.com, with full lyrics on the site; physical and digital copies are also available for purchase and download.

Home For The Holla'Days 3 (Sat, Dec 22, San Jose, CA)

2012-12-17T19:10:00.000-06:00

HOME FOR THE HOLLA'DAYS 3
DECEMBER 22, 2012 | SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY CONCERT MUSIC HALL
6:30-9:30PM | $25 GENERAL ADMISSION | $15 STUDENTS + SENIORS

FEATURING
Magnetic North
Taiyo Na
Vudoo Soul
Sam Kang
Cynthia Lin
Rachel Lastimosa

WITH THE HOLLA'DAYS HOUSE BAND
Charles Kim, David Kong, Scooter Oyama, Abraham Kim, Jonathan Lee

Home for the Holla'Days 3 marks the return of the concert series to the Bay Area. With some new faces and a brand new concert format focused on musical narratives, this year's show is the perfect place for celebrating the holidays with music, art and giving back.

As always, 100% of the proceeds from the concert will be donated to charity. Holla'Days 3 will donate all funds raised to Aid To Children Without Parents (ACWP), an organization focused on saving children at risk of sexual trafficking.

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE.

PRE-ORDER THE HOLLA'DAYS COMPILATION ALBUM HERE.

"LIKE" US ON FACEBOOK HERE.

WWW.HOMEFORTHEHOLLADAYS.COM

HAPPY HOLLA'DAYS!

On The Passing Of Senator Daniel Inouye

2012-12-17T19:06:00.001-06:00

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2012

Statement by the President on the Passing of Senator Daniel Inouye

Tonight, our country has lost a true American hero with the passing of Senator Daniel Inouye. The second-longest serving Senator in the history of the chamber, Danny represented the people of Hawaii in Congress from the moment they joined the Union. In Washington, he worked to strengthen our military, forge bipartisan consensus, and hold those of us in government accountable to the people we were elected to serve. But it was his incredible bravery during World War II – including one heroic effort that cost him his arm but earned him the Medal of Honor – that made Danny not just a colleague and a mentor, but someone revered by all of us lucky enough to know him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Inouye family.

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Vice President
________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2012

Statement by Vice President Biden on the Passing of Senator Daniel Inouye

As my mother would say, the greatest virtue of all is courage, and Danny was courage personified. From the battlefields of World War II where he received the Medal of Honor, to the floor of the United States Senate where he displayed incredible moral bravery, he was always the same – courageous and resolute. He was one of the most honorable men I ever met in my life, and one of the best friends you could hope for. He was honest, and fiercely loyal, and I trusted him absolutely.

Everyone in the Senate not only admired Danny Inouye, but they trusted him. We all knew he would do the moral thing regardless of the consequences – whether it was passing judgment on a President during Watergate or on another President in the Iran Contra hearings. And Danny always remembered where he came from – and how hard his family had to struggle. From having to fight for the right to fight for his country in the all Japanese-American 442nd, to his keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention in 1968, he always spoke of the country’s struggles with racism and bias, and his call for a “new era of politics.” And to his dying day, he fought for a new era of politics where all men and women are treated with equality.

Above all, Danny was my friend, and Jill and I are praying for his entire family today.

Random Blog Hiatus

2012-12-04T22:11:00.002-06:00

Not like I need a reason for a hiatus, but soon on vacation.

7X: Random Clazzi-like Structures

2012-11-28T02:36:00.001-06:00

Need You Now: Arden Cho, Jason Min, Koo Chung

2012-11-27T22:42:00.003-06:00

Jhameel: Shadow Of A Man (Official Video)

2012-11-19T07:22:00.002-06:00

Here's a little more on the video:

The video captures Jhameel's raw emotionality as he watches a loved one crushed under the weight of an abusive relationship. "Shadow of a Man" was directed, shot, conceptualized, and edited in-house by Jhameel and his team with no outside support or funding, making it a fully independent project. The video was shot amidst the wrecked and abandoned buildings of Salton City, a desolate California ghost town left to decay by its inhabitants in the 1970's.

Kero One + Tuomo + Love And Happiness

2012-11-19T07:17:00.002-06:00

MYX TV's Press Play Artist Week Three Winner: OnFire Ent

2012-11-16T12:11:00.000-06:00

With the origins of the band starting in 2003/2004 (pushing their music into the forefront more seriously in 2008) by member Loe (AKA Loerider) OnFire Ent is a collaborative group with members located in different parts of the country, bringing together the individual stylings of its core group, while also incorporating new collaborators into their musical family.

"Dreams" is their latest collaborative effort and is the winner of MYX TV's Press Play for Week 3.

Who Influences You As An Artist?

Jargon: Ma$e, Big L, Eminem, Fabolous, 50 Cent.

Rocky: I am influenced and inspired by everyday life, especially by my family and real life situations. Yes I have had musical idols I grew up mimicking but I wanted to create my own story and sound. I am a songwriter first, so all types of genres of music have helped shape what I do today.

Mike: Well known artists such as Chris Brown, Neyo, Lloyd, Trey Songz keeps that drive goin' for me. But also, past artists I’ve listened to my whole career as an artist.

L-dubs: My family. Revolutionary artists like Kanye West, Jay-Z, Eminem, Dr. Dre. New artists that do revolutionary music like Kendrick Lamar, J.Cole, Macklemore. I also take a lot from pop music so I also analyze works from Dr. Luke, Stargate and Max Martin.

Loe: My son first and foremost. Then my family and friends. Musically old influences were Tupac, Mitchy Slick, The Game, Juelz Santana, Lil Wayne. New influences, Meek Mill, A$AP Rocky, Kid Ink, Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Drake, Jay Rock, and YG.

What Other Musicians/Producers/Artists Would You Like To Work With?

Jargon: Mainstream- It would be a dream to work with Lauren Hill or Ma$e. A youtube singer I look forward to working with is Emmalyn Estrada.

Rocky: I am really opt to collab with just about everyone, but the business and song have to fit my style. As far as major artists/producers, I would really love to work with Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Andre 3000, Robin Thicke, Frank Ocean, and Prince. On an indie level, I am a fan of Mackelmore and Allen Stone, who are from my home state. I am not all the way integrated into the YouTube community and am relatively unknown but my Onfire boys tend to keep me in the loop. Actually I found out about Mackelmore and Allen Stine from YouTube.

Mike: Chris Brown and Trey Songz!

L-Dubs: YouTube wise, it'd be dope to get a collab with D-Pryde. Mainstream wise, I personally want to work with Carly Rae Jepsen, Keri Hilson and Jhene Aiko. Not the typical answers but it'd be really dope to get one of them on the hook for one of our joints. Rappers I would want to collab with would be the usual (Kanye, Jay, Drake, 2 Chainz, Kendrick and J.Cole) Producers I would want to collab with would be Mike Will Made It, Just Blaze, Boi-1Da, 40, Redfoo, Dr. Luke, Stargate and Max Martin.

Loe: Mainstream wise: Mitchy Slick, Meek Mill, A$AP, and Drake.
Youtube wise: I would love to do a song with Erica David and Maribelle Anes

Who Have You Enjoyed Collaborating With?

Jargon: Tommy C. who pretty much birthed my career. In the end, I will owe it all to him. J.Reyez is a very talented artist who has time and time again brought our collabs to the next level. Ben One is another one I worked with on a record called Tell Me Why; he is an amazing artist all around. Mike Musni is like my right hand man. Although we don’t have many songs together, we work on tons of music side by side helping one another out.

Rocky: First and foremost I really enjoy working on collab projects with my brothers from OnFire Ent. Yes I am my own separate entity, but they have helped me develop another arsenal to my repertoire, and give me the creative freedom to express myself through any style especially rap. I am a R&B/soul singer at heart but they give me the confidence to do certain type of singing rap verses and choruses that you find competitive and marketable in today's music. They trust my artistry and we just work well together. As far as YouTube goes, I haven't had the pleasure to work with many well known indie acts. The few that I have worked with have been great, especially Lil Crazed and Michelle Martinez, who I have gotten to know quite well. I am all about building relationships. In the major market, I have worked with Grammy Award winning platinum producers Tha Bizness (T-Pain, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Drake) producers Kuddie Fresh and Illoquint, and platinum songwriter Smitty. I have also penned songs for Twista, PitBull, and YMCMB, which have been wonderful experiences.

Mike: I’ve enjoyed working with the homies Onfire Ent. when it comes to layin down tracks in the studio, performing on stage, shoot’n video’s or just hangin out. I’ve also enjoyed working with other various Youtube artists within the past 2 yrs.

L-Dubs: We just did a joint with Michelle Martinez that's super dope. Be on the lookout for the video dropping very soon. We've also done collabs with Lil Crazed and Erin Paula that were great. Derez is also an artist who whenever we needed a dope verse was super quick to get back at us with some heat.

Loe: I would have to agree with everyone above! Favorite collab: ‘It Girl’ cover featuring Me, L-Dubs, Jargon, and Tommy C with J. Reyez as the videographer and special guest appearances with everyone from D-Pryde, Andrew Garcia, Erin Paula, Michelle Martinez, Lil Crazed, and more!

Ongoing Projects

Jargon: Aside from OnFire, I am currently working with Makers, a collab group with J.Reyez, Tommy C, and Gamble managed by Dennis Troung of Nu- Lite Entertainment.

Rocky: 2013 is going to be an even bigger year. 3 brand new projects...as well as a mini tour, and the continuation of the LNO tour.

Mike: Currently working with Onfire Ent on a few tracks. Setting up new home studio.

L-Dubs and Loe: Me and Loe are thinking of starting a food truck in the next couple years! Kung Pao Shrimp and Grits, Pulled Pork Lumpia, Ox-Tail Banh-Mi, Sriracha Lime Chicken and Waffles.. who want it?! All partial joking aside, look out for Sex, Drugs, Rap and Soul; Red, White, Black; and The ONFIRE ENT Collective Project to be named soon!!!

Artist Releases

Jargon

We reinvented the remix (2004)
Mr. Popular (2010)
Full Featured Album/To be named (2013)

Rocky Sandoval

Straight Out the Notebook (2011)
#mrversatility (2012).
Full Feature album ‘Throwback’ (2013)

Loe and L-Dubs

#RedOctober (2010)
Dubble or Nothing/L-Dubs Solo (2011)
#DarkNovember (2012)
Sex, Drugs, Rap, and Soul (2013)
Red, White, Black (2013)

Mike

Inspired By U
IBU Redefined

You Tube Links
OnFire http://youtube.com/onfireenttv
Jargon: http://youtube.com/grind2five
Rocky Sandoval: http://youtube.com/rockysandovalworld
Mike Musni: http://youtube.com/ibumike68
Loe and L-Dubs: http://youtube.com/onfireenttv

Nice Girls Crew Episode 3

2012-11-15T00:00:00.000-06:00

World Pole Dancing Championships

2012-11-14T23:45:00.000-06:00

The only reason I seem to be posting this was because I was catching up on some news, and who knew that just four days ago there was something called the World Pole Dancing Championships...which made me have the following thoughts:

One is that I was just amazed that such a contest was going on.

Two is that I'm kind of sad I wasn't able to attend (and no, that doesn't make me a pervert, in fact, I can think of many other things if I admitted to liking that would actually make me a pervert) - I'd just be curious to see what the arena looked like and if they had a special pole for the championship - was it gold plated and 100 ft tall that competitors had to scale?).

And three - who knew CBS would describe it like this:

The public's perception of pole dancing has recently changed to become a popular sport combining physical strength, technique and choreography.

Now I really don't feel like a pervert.

Mr. Sagittarius + Nomi

2012-11-14T23:29:00.003-06:00

Go Go Gov. Bobby Jindal

2012-11-14T23:27:00.003-06:00

See?

We all can get along:

Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana fiercely shot back at Mitt Romney’s claim Wednesday that President Barack Obama outmatched the 2012 Republican presidential nominee by offering "gifts" to African-Americans, Hispanics and young voters.

“I absolutely reject that notion,” Jindal, who was a surrogate for Romney’s campaign, said at the Republican Governors Association conference in Las Vegas. “I think that's absolutely wrong.” ... “I don't think that represents where we are as a party and where we're going as a party,” he continued. “That has got to be one of the most fundamental takeaways from this election.”

Coming Soon: So Kevin End Of Bitter

2012-11-14T23:16:00.001-06:00

Calendar Time: Some Kristina Wong

2012-11-14T23:13:00.000-06:00

GOING GREEN THE WONG WAY
Created and written by Kristina Wong
Directed by Paul Tei
Design by Ian Garrett
Performed by Kristina Wong

In her quest to pursue sustainable living, Kristina Wong purchased a 1981 pink Mercedes that ran on vegetable oil, and endured a nightmare of never-ending car repairs and near death pursuits for the used cooking oil to fuel it. When the car finally burst into flames on an L.A. freeway, Wong lost the largest line item in her monthly budget, and gained the inspiration for this premiere production. GOING GREEN THE WONG WAY brings our contemporary urban environment to life, revealing just how tricky it is to "do the right thing." Based on Wong's true-life adventures, but elevated to surrealist heights, the production takes us from Kristina's confrontational 6th grade science project, to her wandering years as a missionary of recycling, to her true calling as Los Angeles' patron martyr of carbon-free living.

At Touchstone for two nights only!
Friday 11/16 and Saturday 11/17 at 8pm
Tickets $25 / $15 for students and seniors, with group rates available
Purchase tickets online at http://bit.ly/RRKhwM
Or by phone at 610-867-1689

Random Photos We Don't Mind Seeing

2012-11-14T23:11:00.000-06:00

The AAWW Publishing Conference

2012-11-14T23:09:00.001-06:00

For all the budding writers and publishers out there, this might be for you.

We also know that sometimes the hardest part isn't getting your ideas down on paper, but getting your manuscript out of the slush pile. It's hard to know where to start, especially if you've got a full-time job or are raising a kid. Enroll in the Asian American Writers’ Workshop's first annual publishing conference and meet veteran agents and editors and publishers from Farrar Straus Giroux, Little Brown Publishing, The New York Times, Grantland, The Millions, and Vice magazine. They'll share their trade secrets to get you on your way from solitary writer to bestselling author. Open to writers of all ages, races, and genres!

...

This is your chance. The Workshop has hand-selected insiders of the publishing industry so that you can get the attention you deserve as an aspiring writer. Veteran agents will teach you how to stand out and attain marketability. Senior editors of coveted publishing houses and publications will tell you the dos and don’ts of pitching and placing from small presses and trade publications to online magazines and new digital publishers like The Atavist and Kindle Singles. Acclaimed writers will share how they got their big break and how you can get yours! And publicists will share their strategies for increasing social media presence. See program schedule below.

12:15-12:45 PM Opening & Lunch

12:45-1:30 PM How to score an agent

1:30-2:15 PM How to pitch for trade publications

2:15-3:00 PM How to get placed in small presses

3:00-3:15 PM Coffee Break

3:15-4:00 PM How I got my big break

4:00-4:45 PM Ultimate Social Media Guide

4:45-5:30 PM Longform

5:30-5:40 PM Closing

Learn more and get tickets here.

Derrick Kahala Watson + United States District Court

2012-11-14T22:59:00.002-06:00

Nice work if you can get it. From the Asian American Justice Center.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 14, 2012

WASHINGTON—Today, President Obama nominated Derrick Kahala Watson to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii. If confirmed, Watson will be the only person of native Hawaiian descent serving as an Article III judge, and only the fourth in American history.

“We applaud Derrick Kahala Watson’s nomination to serve as a federal district judge on the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii,” said Wendy C. Shiba, president-elect of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). “Mr. Watson has deep roots in Hawaii and if confirmed, he will be the only person of native Hawaiian ancestry on the federal bench. NAPABA commends President Obama, Senator Inouye, and Senator Akaka for supporting the nomination of such a well-qualified nominee to serve the people of Hawaii.”

Watson currently serves as chief of the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii. Prior to joining the office in 2007, he was in private practice at two firms in San Francisco, and also served for several years in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. Watson was a member of the United States Army Reserve and served as a Captain in the JAG Corps from 1998-2006. He attended the Kamehameha Schools, Harvard College, and Harvard Law School, and is the first person in his family to attend college. Watson was raised in a multi-generational household on Oahu that included his mother, who worked at a local bank until her retirement several years ago, and his father, who retired from the Honolulu Police Department.

“We applaud President Obama, Senator Inouye, and Senator Akaka for supporting a nominee who has devoted much of his career to government service,” said Mee Moua, president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC), member of the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice. “Mr. Watson’s nomination demonstrates the continued commitment of the President to diversify our judiciary.”

Pacific Islanders and Native Americans remain essentially unrepresented in the federal judiciary. No Native Hawaiian currently serves as an Article III judge, and there are currently no Native Americans serving on the federal bench. NAPABA continues to work with our partner organizations to remedy this glaring omission.

Kollaboration Star 2012 - The Finale

2012-11-14T22:57:00.001-06:00

Yeah, That's Just Not Right

2012-11-14T22:53:00.000-06:00

You might have already heard about this from last week, but in case you haven't - yeah - it's pretty bad.

Do something.

Racism Is Dying?

2012-11-14T22:48:00.000-06:00

I think I just disagree based on the premise that Obama getting elected = less racism in this country. Was it less racism that got him elected, or was it just that more People Of Color did what they needed to do to ensure that the racism didn't kick him out of office?

Jhameel: Shadow of a Man Video Teaser

2012-11-12T23:49:00.000-06:00

Nice Girls Crew Episode 2 (AKA Put Your Dick On The Table)

2012-11-07T21:01:00.002-06:00