They Call Us The Great Star Theater
1 week ago
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Fighting fat: Week 15
Starting weight: 176 lbs. (BMI: 26.4 – overweight)
Dec. 11 weigh-in: 162 lbs. (BMI: 24.3 – overweight)
Days worked out in week 14: five
After gaining a pound last week, I dropped it this week. I've come to the conclusion that 162 is another wall, so I'm going to have to crank up my workouts in order to hit my goal of 160.
I'm hoping to do this by next Tuesday because many of my friends are coming into town and that's a recipe for disaster.
The nice thing is that my body fat percentage is down to 15.2 percent. A drop from 16.3 percent four weeks ago.
My dilemma right now is that focus is becoming harder as the weather gets colder. There are days when it seems easier to go home and sleep after my warmouts than continuing to lift. I need to find a goal to work toward, but I don't have one right now aside from dropping weight.
Maybe I can think of something next week.
Who wants another sham marriage?
I didn't think reality shows could sink any lower.
Now I've never been much of a fan of reality TV – although I admit “Kitchen Nightmares” and “The Biggest Loser” are guilty pleasures of mine – but there's a new one coming out from a Los Angeles-based company that makes me shake my head from the title alone: “Who wants to marry a U.S. citizen?”
From the teaser on its website, the show appears to be similar to “The Dating Game,” where a single U.S. citizen asks three available immigrants with temporary visas a variety of questions. At the end of the show, one is chosen for marriage. The show's creators say that it does not guarantee marriage or legal status, but it will pay for a wedding and honeymoon should it happens.
Oh, and this is the tagline: “One will win and get to stay in the country. Two will probably be deported.”
Why does this seem like it's a bomb waiting to explode?
In an interview with ABC News, Shawn Saucier, a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security's Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, said that a legal immigrant meeting someone through a game show that focuses on marrying a U.S. citizen would raise flags on the legitimacy of the marriage.
Well, duh.
I suppose proponents of the show would argue that if two people love each other, who's to say where they meet makes a difference – especially with the rampant success of reality show hook-ups. Just look at Ryan and Trista Sutter from “The Bacholorette,” and, um ...
Aren't reality shows known more for ruining marriages than creating them? I mean, Nick and Jessica seemed like a nice couple before their show. Hulk Hogan was married for 20-plus years before “Hogan Knows Best” started airing.
Dating shows have always played on the basic human need of finding a soul mate. “Who wants to marry a U.S. citizen?” takes that and adds the hope of gaining legal status. If this show were to find its way onto a network, there will be plenty of broken hearts and broken dreams. I'm not saying that all of the marriages would end in shambles, but given reality TV's track record, the outlook's not a bright one.
For more information about “Who wants to marry a U.S. citizen?” visit its website at http://www.HookACitizen.com.
Now I've never been much of a fan of reality TV – although I admit “Kitchen Nightmares” and “The Biggest Loser” are guilty pleasures of mine – but there's a new one coming out from a Los Angeles-based company that makes me shake my head from the title alone: “Who wants to marry a U.S. citizen?”
From the teaser on its website, the show appears to be similar to “The Dating Game,” where a single U.S. citizen asks three available immigrants with temporary visas a variety of questions. At the end of the show, one is chosen for marriage. The show's creators say that it does not guarantee marriage or legal status, but it will pay for a wedding and honeymoon should it happens.
Oh, and this is the tagline: “One will win and get to stay in the country. Two will probably be deported.”
Why does this seem like it's a bomb waiting to explode?
In an interview with ABC News, Shawn Saucier, a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security's Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, said that a legal immigrant meeting someone through a game show that focuses on marrying a U.S. citizen would raise flags on the legitimacy of the marriage.
Well, duh.
I suppose proponents of the show would argue that if two people love each other, who's to say where they meet makes a difference – especially with the rampant success of reality show hook-ups. Just look at Ryan and Trista Sutter from “The Bacholorette,” and, um ...
Aren't reality shows known more for ruining marriages than creating them? I mean, Nick and Jessica seemed like a nice couple before their show. Hulk Hogan was married for 20-plus years before “Hogan Knows Best” started airing.
Dating shows have always played on the basic human need of finding a soul mate. “Who wants to marry a U.S. citizen?” takes that and adds the hope of gaining legal status. If this show were to find its way onto a network, there will be plenty of broken hearts and broken dreams. I'm not saying that all of the marriages would end in shambles, but given reality TV's track record, the outlook's not a bright one.
For more information about “Who wants to marry a U.S. citizen?” visit its website at http://www.HookACitizen.com.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Mess in the BCS
Isn't it about time college football adopts a playoff system?
For years, critics of the BCS system have argued that the system is imperfect and that more often than not, the best teams don't end up in the championship game.
Back in 2002 Miami played Nebraska, despite Oregon being ranked No. 2 in both human polls and Colorado stomped them in the regular season finale.
In 2004 Oklahoma, LSU and USC all had one loss at the end of the regular season. But LSU and Oklahoma played for the national title, while USC was left out despite being ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll.
This year, Ohio State (11-1) and LSU (11-2) will play for the national title, despite Kansas only having one loss and Hawaii going undefeated. There are another six teams in the BCS top 10 that have two losses.
Granted Hawaii vs. Ohio State would likely be a washout and there would be countless critics condemning the game, but that's where a playoff system would clean the mess up.
Since the bowl games make generate so much money, eliminating them would not be an option. Here is my solution:
Have a 16-team playoff. Take the top two from the BCS poll (Ohio State and LSU), the conference champions from the BCS conferences (Oklahoma, West Virginia, Virginia Tech and USC), any mid-major champions who finished in the top 10 of the BCS polls (Hawaii), and fill in the rest with at-large bids (Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Georgia, Arizona St., Florida, Boston College, Clemson and Tennessee.) There would be 15 games to be decided in four weeks.
The BCS National Championship game would remain for the final game, but there would be six bowls for the quarter- and semifinals leading up to the final game. The Fiesta, Rose, Sugar and Orange would remain, but the Cotton and the Gator would be added. The six bowls will rotate rounds every year.
More games equals more money, plus this would be a far more comprehensive way to decide the national champion.
Plus, viewers will flock to see a Selection Sunday like March Madness.
For years, critics of the BCS system have argued that the system is imperfect and that more often than not, the best teams don't end up in the championship game.
Back in 2002 Miami played Nebraska, despite Oregon being ranked No. 2 in both human polls and Colorado stomped them in the regular season finale.
In 2004 Oklahoma, LSU and USC all had one loss at the end of the regular season. But LSU and Oklahoma played for the national title, while USC was left out despite being ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll.
This year, Ohio State (11-1) and LSU (11-2) will play for the national title, despite Kansas only having one loss and Hawaii going undefeated. There are another six teams in the BCS top 10 that have two losses.
Granted Hawaii vs. Ohio State would likely be a washout and there would be countless critics condemning the game, but that's where a playoff system would clean the mess up.
Since the bowl games make generate so much money, eliminating them would not be an option. Here is my solution:
Have a 16-team playoff. Take the top two from the BCS poll (Ohio State and LSU), the conference champions from the BCS conferences (Oklahoma, West Virginia, Virginia Tech and USC), any mid-major champions who finished in the top 10 of the BCS polls (Hawaii), and fill in the rest with at-large bids (Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Georgia, Arizona St., Florida, Boston College, Clemson and Tennessee.) There would be 15 games to be decided in four weeks.
The BCS National Championship game would remain for the final game, but there would be six bowls for the quarter- and semifinals leading up to the final game. The Fiesta, Rose, Sugar and Orange would remain, but the Cotton and the Gator would be added. The six bowls will rotate rounds every year.
More games equals more money, plus this would be a far more comprehensive way to decide the national champion.
Plus, viewers will flock to see a Selection Sunday like March Madness.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Soundbytes: Jake Shimabukuro shimmers
Like the holiday season, Jake Shimabukuro's CD releases have become an annual staple.
Since 2002, the ukulele virtuoso has produced an album a year. But 2007 brings double the fun as he comes out with the six-song EP In My Life and the soundtrack to the 2006 Japanese hit film, “Hula Girls.”
In My Life
In My Life is a collection of ukulele covers of some of Shimabukuro's favorites songs. Among the artists featured include The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Cyndi Lauper. His mellow arrangements produce an aurally pleasing compilation of these familiar classics.
The album opens with Shimabukuro's take on Lauper's “Time After Time.” His crystal-clear ukulele plucks are accompanied by bongos, which create a laid-back island sound. Jake's younger brother Bruce provides gentle guitar strums in the background.
“Somewhere Over The Rainbow” features a solo performance by Shimabukuro. He alternates between soft, lucid plucks and heavy, rich strums to give the Judy Garland piece a lounge-esque quality.
The best song on the album is his cover of Sarah McLachlin's “Ice Cream.” Simplicity is the key as Shimabukuro plays without a band, producing a rich sound entirely from his four-octive instrument. His slow strums add depth as each string resonates.
Clocking in a just a little more than 22 minutes, In My Life provides a taste of Shimabukuro's skills. Its sweet and tranquil sounds are pleasant to listen to, but as soon it pulls one in, the music is over, leaving an unsatisfied aural palate craving more.
Hula Girls
Honolulu-native Jake Shimabukuro predominantly featured on the soundtrack to an award-winning film set in Hawaii? Makes sense.
The “Hula Girls” soundtrack sounds more like a “best of” compilation for Shimabukuro. Those familiar with the talented musician's past works will recognize tracks such as “Heartbeat,” “Walking Down Rainhill” and “Touch.” While the album carries sweet, carefree melodies, it fails to showcase the lightning-quick ukulele rips that are associated with the artist.
“Hula Girl” is a mellow tune that highlights Jennifer Perri's bright, rich voice as Shimabukuro's lucid plucks play harmony. Soft guitar strikes and sparsely placed bass hits are subdued to emphasis the vocals.
The movie version of “Heartbeat” is a piano arrangement of the Shimabukuro's piece from Walking Down Rainhill. The sustained notes echo, creating a heavy, haunting sound that resonates. It's a stark difference from the next track, “Heartbeat (reprise),” which carries a fluffier sound, focusing on Shimabukuro's ukulele play and a guitar that fills the background.
“Hawaiian Eyes” is one of the two songs not featuring Shimabukuro – both are by the all-female Hawaiian group, Na Leo. Warm guitar strums and shakers open the song as the vocals enter. The three women create intricate harmonies during the chorus, while layering the melody over harmonic backgrounds during the bridge.
Shimabukuro's signature sound is tuned down in the “Hula Girls” soundtrack. While it's an album that's worth adding to one's collection, it lacks the innovation that have been typical of the ukulele virtuoso's work.
Since 2002, the ukulele virtuoso has produced an album a year. But 2007 brings double the fun as he comes out with the six-song EP In My Life and the soundtrack to the 2006 Japanese hit film, “Hula Girls.”
In My LifeIn My Life is a collection of ukulele covers of some of Shimabukuro's favorites songs. Among the artists featured include The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Cyndi Lauper. His mellow arrangements produce an aurally pleasing compilation of these familiar classics.
The album opens with Shimabukuro's take on Lauper's “Time After Time.” His crystal-clear ukulele plucks are accompanied by bongos, which create a laid-back island sound. Jake's younger brother Bruce provides gentle guitar strums in the background.
“Somewhere Over The Rainbow” features a solo performance by Shimabukuro. He alternates between soft, lucid plucks and heavy, rich strums to give the Judy Garland piece a lounge-esque quality.
The best song on the album is his cover of Sarah McLachlin's “Ice Cream.” Simplicity is the key as Shimabukuro plays without a band, producing a rich sound entirely from his four-octive instrument. His slow strums add depth as each string resonates.
Clocking in a just a little more than 22 minutes, In My Life provides a taste of Shimabukuro's skills. Its sweet and tranquil sounds are pleasant to listen to, but as soon it pulls one in, the music is over, leaving an unsatisfied aural palate craving more.
Hula GirlsHonolulu-native Jake Shimabukuro predominantly featured on the soundtrack to an award-winning film set in Hawaii? Makes sense.
The “Hula Girls” soundtrack sounds more like a “best of” compilation for Shimabukuro. Those familiar with the talented musician's past works will recognize tracks such as “Heartbeat,” “Walking Down Rainhill” and “Touch.” While the album carries sweet, carefree melodies, it fails to showcase the lightning-quick ukulele rips that are associated with the artist.
“Hula Girl” is a mellow tune that highlights Jennifer Perri's bright, rich voice as Shimabukuro's lucid plucks play harmony. Soft guitar strikes and sparsely placed bass hits are subdued to emphasis the vocals.
The movie version of “Heartbeat” is a piano arrangement of the Shimabukuro's piece from Walking Down Rainhill. The sustained notes echo, creating a heavy, haunting sound that resonates. It's a stark difference from the next track, “Heartbeat (reprise),” which carries a fluffier sound, focusing on Shimabukuro's ukulele play and a guitar that fills the background.
“Hawaiian Eyes” is one of the two songs not featuring Shimabukuro – both are by the all-female Hawaiian group, Na Leo. Warm guitar strums and shakers open the song as the vocals enter. The three women create intricate harmonies during the chorus, while layering the melody over harmonic backgrounds during the bridge.
Shimabukuro's signature sound is tuned down in the “Hula Girls” soundtrack. While it's an album that's worth adding to one's collection, it lacks the innovation that have been typical of the ukulele virtuoso's work.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Remembering a pioneer
I remember the first time I went to the Denver Press Club and saw its wall of caracatures, I was surprised when I saw an Asian face on it. While my friends were trying to figure out the other faces, I just stared at the one of Bill Hosokawa.The former Denver Post editorial page editor died on Nov. 9 in Sequim, Wash. He was 92.
In the interviews I've read, Bill said that he grew up in Seattle wanting to become a journalist. But at the time, “Asian American” and “journalist” didn't go together. While at the University of Washington, he said his professors told him to pursue a different career because no one was going to hire him.
It didn't deter him from getting his degree. But they were right about getting work – Bill had to travel abroad to find a job, working for various English-language Asian publications.
When he returned to the U.S. in 1941, it was five weeks before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. In May 1942, he and about 120,000 other Japanese Americans were forced out of their homes and sent to internment camps.
When he was released, he found a job on the copy desk in Iowa. In 1946, he was hired by The Denver Post where he would spend 38 years working and rise to editorial page editor – the highest-ranked position for any Asian-American journalist in his time.
When he retired, he was the only person of color in the newsroom.
Bill was a pioneer. He challenged the notion that Asian Americans couldn't be journalists. He went through the pain and struggle of rejection so that it would be easier for subsequent generations to enter the industry.
All the while he held true to his Japanese-American identity, inspiring others to do the same. In his blog, Examiner.com Director of Content Gil Asakawa said “having a historical giant like Bill Hosokawa in the area was like having a lighthouse in a fog.”
I never had a chance to meet Bill Hosokawa, but I thank him for helping me be where I am today. Hopefully one day, I'll be able to join him on that wall.
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