Munyurangabo

I just want to give a quick blast to a movie I watched the other day, Munyurangabo. It's a great movie and I hope more people get to see it. It did not come out in American movie theaters, only film festivals, so those interested will need to find it on DVD. It was made in Rwanda with an all Rwandan cast and staff other than the American director, Lee Isaac Chung and deals with relations after the genocide and redemption.
As a poet one of my favorite parts was when the poet, Edouard Uwayo delivered his own inspiring poem to the audience, breaking the fourth wall in an inspiring way. I would describe more however I wouldn't want to give away the plot or what happens in the film for those who see it.

The Problem with Insomnia

"And mostly, I'm up and stressin', when other folks sleep.
Believe me, I know struggle, and struggle knows me."~K'naan(Strugglin')

I seem to have some type of insomnia problem. I have always had interesting sleep patterns; Able to go full throttle off maybe a daily 3 hour nap for a whole week or more or being able to wake up early if I wanted to and, what I prize most now, being able to go to sleep in a second. I've realized these last two months that I now can't seem to control it though. Last night I lay in bed for almost 4 hours trying to get back to sleep! I find myself tired and feeling like I'm only half there often. This is creating problems because I have been running around, doing a lot of things lately and it looks like I will only have more stuff on my plate soon.

Everything has a goodside though.
1. The only thing keeping me semi-alert sometimes is music. This has led to me rediscovering artist like Common. I have been a fan of Common for a while but can't remember the last time I listened to one of his albums. Now I can't get enough of the Finding Forever album.

2.On midnight journeys I've gone back to Lang-8 after a long hiatus. I posted about the nebuta and found someone else who carried it! What a coincidence that we would both be on lang-8 and find each other. Well technically she found me but only because I posted so I deserve some of the credit.

25 guitars and Nisei Week

Nisei Week is over. I am already missing it, but I'm also looking forward to next year. I think I may even have a more hands-on participation next year. *wink wink* The thing about Little Tokyo's Nisei Week ending is that it means more than just nisei week's festivals and celebrations coming to their yearly close, but also the end of obon season for me. That two month period on the weekends is the only time I see some friends.
But hey I can't mope, I have too many things to do and the great thing about living in the middle of L.A. is; there is always something going on. The 3rd annual Sunset Strip Music Festival is around the corner and less than a week away on the 28th! Unfortunately, I decided to not attend this year, however in my own way of celebrating West Hollywood's efforts I went on a kind of treasure hunt to "Guitartown". I walked the strip looking for the 26 10 foot guitars. I found them all except the one inside the Viper Room. I enjoyed the trip as I walked from one end of the strip to the next, rediscovering some places and finding new ones to check out.
The great thing to remember about these events is they are meant for the whole city- you are a part of the Gibsons guitars that are dotting the strip even if you aren't into music and even if you aren't Japanese or nisei you are part of Nisei Week so enjoy them. And hey! if you find some new events that are going on, tell me about them.

Nisei Week Parade 2010

Here is a video of this year's Nisei Week Parade from Rafu Shimpo.

Kudos Anne Rice

I just want to say I understand Anne Rice's decision. I think it is something that she decided after soul searching and thought. I like several friends have seen problems with organized religion. I think it is most regrettable that the most vocal "Christians" out there are usually also seem to be the most hateful and small-minded. I think it is also a shame that people will judge Rice without considering her point of view. I myself have not made any final determinations as far as religion goes but I understand, support, and respect Rice's decision.

Utada!!!

Utada Hikaru announced via her blog that she will go on hiatus in 2011. After she released This Is The One, her second English album, and starting her America-Europe tour I thought I might get a chance to see her live. She has worked on this album for so long it felt like she was already on hiatus. Even though This Is The One is my least favorite of Hikki's (Utada) albums I wouldn't mind going just to hear her sing "Simple and Clean" and I would like to hear songs from either her Exodus or Japanese albums. Hopeful she will perform again in the future. Until then I'll just have to "keep tryin'"

Flash Mob Dance!

Hey L.A., Join the Flash Mob Dance!

Rehearsal at 9pm on Thursday, August 5th at the JACCC (Japanese American Cultural Community Center) downtown's Little Tokyo.
Event is on Friday, August 13th at 2nd LA Tanabata Festival, in front of Japanese American Museum at 5pm.
Here is an example of the song you would dance to ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjP79-0aE7k)

Message me or leave a comment if you are interested so I can send you the information and get your head count to the organizer. Join now, it's going to be fun.

Oregon Trail : The Movie

I picked this up from blacksnob.com . It's funny for those who have played Oregon Trail, an educational game that was suppose to teach you how settlers survived in journeys to the west but really showed you how many things could go wrong on a road trip. Here is a trailer for a spoof of the game.
I don't know how many times I died by a snakebite on this game, but I could probably make a road with all the bloated puss-filled bodies that my virtual selves left. I ended up finding out the trick was to drive hard at the beginning, save your money until you are about halfway (stuff is more expensive but it won't fall off in rivers), to slow down midway in the trail, and avoid rivers whenever possible. I also remember that the epilogue at the end was a great disappointment. I went through all of that just to create a town after years of more hard-work! No gold or harem of wives or something! anyway...

Reasons to Have an Afro

I haven't done one of these post in a while.
Reasons to Have an Afro (continued):
10.People in my family, including my Grandfather, Grandmother, and Uncle had one at some point.
11.At concerts I get women asking to take a picture with me instead of with the band that just played!
12.Did I mention girls like to touch it?