The so called "stimulus" bill.

"What I am signing, then, is a balanced plan with a mix of tax cuts and investments. It is a plan that's been put together without earmarks or the usual pork-barrel spending. And it is a plan that will be implemented with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability"

Huh? without earmarks or pork-barrel? What's stuff like $50 million to the arts? $850 million for Amtrak? $412 million for Center of Disease Control? Shit like that (and a lot more) certainly isn't "stimulus."

And transparacy? If "transparancy" is pushing a 1,073 page bill past the Senate less than 24 hours after negotiations were finished...then I don't care for that definition of transparancy at all.

ANd I find it highly, highly, highly amusing when people are touting this age of "bipartisanship" when this so called stimulus bill got absolutely no votes from the Republicans in the House, and only 3 Republican senators voted for the bill in the Senate. THAT'S bipartisanship??? More like bullshit.

The Day the Earth Stood Still and various other movies.

The Day the Earth Stood Still is a horrible movie. Did they want to make the audience feel guilty with the whole premise that humans are "destroying the earth"?

I wonder, if there were other intelligent lifeforms out there, would they be so much better than us? So much more peaceful, so much more "environmentally friendly," so much superior? I wonder...

Grand Torino, on the other hand, is probably one of my favorite movies I've seen this year. Quite a powerful and moving story, while at the same time, hilarious (well, if you're offended easily by racial slurs, maybe not..). The majority of the actors seem to be amateurs, but it doesn't matter much...with Eastwood at the helm, it makes the movie shine even more. Definitely a powerful movie.

And in order to "celebrate" (i use the term loosely) the 50 years of Communism in Cuba, I present you with this op-ed piece: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123051070523038351.html

The American Auto industry

Why bailout America's auto industry? Their poor management styles, their poor production plants, their unions, they're all part of a never ending problem. What once was the pride of the U.S. is now the epitome of all that is wrong with the U.S. industrial industry, and shows why we no longer can compete in competitively when it comes to producing goods.

And why do people place all this blame on the car companies placing all their bets on SUVs and trucks? If the cars make money, why shouldn't car companies continue making them? Ford Focus is a very gas efficient, "environmentally friendly" car, that is one of the top selling cars for Ford, and yet they make very little money on them. (For more on that, read this: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122669956277929471.html)

The GM Volt will be the first plug-in electric car....the environmentalists must be happy, and yet, GM is estimating that they'll sell those cars at 40k, and even at that price, they don't project a profit whatsoever. Why? Companies are not made to lose money, they are made to make money, or at least gain marketshare. Do you honestly think that GM will gain any marketshare at a price tag of 40k? 30k?

And to me, I think it's fucking ridiculous that GM is paying more retirees than employees. Not only that, but retirees are getting paid near the amount they were getting paid before. I understand the need to be supported after being retired or getting injured on the job, but there are better ways of doing it.

The president of UAW says that the big three's problems were not caused by the UAW, they're caused by the financial crisis. While I admit the financial crisis has harmed the auto industry, American or not, it's not the primary cause of this fiascal. These problems have been brewing for a long time, the financial crisis has just hastened it.

Is the UAW solely responsible? Probably not, but they are a big part of the problem. Now the government wants to intervene, telling these companies to make even more gas effecient cars...sure, let them environmentally safe cars...as long as they can outsorce the jobs to cut down on costs.

Marketing

In case some poor unassuming soul accidentally discovers this blog...I have another, more frequently posted (not by myself :P) blog that is related to Jamaican music...more specifically, ska, rocksteady, and reggae. Reviews, interviews, and views. Check out Music is Our Occupation at www.musicaloccupation.com. The link is also on the right hand column of this blog.

So the holiday season has begun, and with November's numbers, the Playstation 3 is firmly planted at third place. It's a shame for Sony, who once dominated the console wars with its past two iterations, has fallen so far. It's actually similar to Nintendo after the SNES, but unlike Sony, they were able to keep a small army of die hard fans, while Sony is finding it hard to.

For my Marketing 401 class (Professional Selling), we had to do a group project where we chose (or create) a product and attempted to sell it. We chose the PlayStation 3, and in doing so, took a hard look at Sony's marketing methods for this console. I have to say, Sony has completely missed the mark with it's advertisement campaigns. Hell, even its current holiday season advertising campaign is completely off the mark.

Not to mention how little they've done to foster something unique for their system, something that even Microsoft has been able to do. Nintendo has Mario, Microsoft has Master Chief, who does Sony have...Sackboy may be Sony's savior, but they haven't been using Sackboy at all...

And wasn't there suppose to be a massive marketing campaign for Little Big Planet? Where is it??? This is seriously the game of the century, and yet, it's not selling well when compared to shitty games like Wii Fit or Gears of War 2! Jesus man...

I personally think its too late at this point for the Ps3 to catch up. They're too stubborn with cutting their prices, they continue to use flawed marketing campaign, and they don't market the right stuff. Fire their marketing team, and get in some fresh blood. (maybe meeeeeeeeee).

The games are more expensive than the 360, the games look basically the same as 360 (because developers don't develop for the PS3, they develop for the 360, then port it), and with the stigma of being a very expensive system....everything is going against it.

Maybe it's time to start being competitive, Sony.

Faith

It's been awhile since I've wrote on this thing huh? Almost two years now....

I like to think of myself as a minority in this great country of mine...one of the few Catholics that actually attempts to be a practicing one...that means trying to go to church regularly and receiving communion regularly, as well as trying to follow the rules. I don't always succeed, but I like to think I come close enough.

So I've recently read a book called, "Silence" by a Japanese writer, Shusaku Endo. Shusaku Endo is suppose to be regarded as one of Japan's greatest modern day writer, and what's rare is that he is a Catholic (Christians make up less than 1% of the population in Japan) and regularly discusses his religion in his books.

The book is a profound, heart wrenching book. It's based on a true story of a Portuguese Jesuit priest who enters Japan to find his mentor of which he has not heard from in over 6 years and rumor says has apostasized. This occurs a time when Japan was beginning to isolate itself and persecute Christians (Japanese as well as foreign ones).

And I have to say the book has certainly made an impact on me. It deals with a whole range of subjects from faith, to doubt, to politics, to clashing cultures. I think one of the most "tingly" moment for me was when the priest, captured by the local Japanese feudal lord, discusses and debates Christianity versus Buddhism with the Japanese lord.

A subject Endo seems to like to revisit (at least in this book) is Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus. Was Judas evil or was he just a pawn in God's greater plan for Jesus?

And the last line of the book, "But Our Lord was not silent. Even if He had been silent, my life until this day would have spoken of Him." Very, very profound.

I know I am not describing very well why I enjoyed this book or why it made such an impact on me, but if you're religious, and even if you're not religious and like to read, I highly suggest you read "Silence"

What up

It's been a long time since I last updated...a lot of things have happened...I started pledging to a Business Fraternity (Delta Sigma Pi), had a mohawk for a couple of days (which is unfortunately gone now), skip way too many classes, and had way too little time to myself...

But now that I am more free, hopefully life will calm down a bit, and be less hectic...

Who am I kidding?

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra - Tiny Elephant Parade/Sesame Street

I love Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra...I love their current incarnation, because they are just so talented and have such a great stage presence...

but I would do anything to see them back in the late 80s...early 90s...

here's one reason why (more reasons to come):

From the makers of the Aggrolites...

...comes Jandisc! Side project, headed by J Bonner, the bassist for The Aggrolites. It features members of the Aggrolites, Hepcat, and The Vessels...

I swear, this is some really boss reggae, I love it...!

With the Aggrolites releasing some of their un-released shit on vinyl, as well recording a new album this year, and Jandisc releasing some 45s, 2007 is looking to be a might fine year!

http://www.myspace.com/jandisc

Mr. T-bone - Strictly Live

I like Mr. T-bone...his album, "Mr. T-bone Sees America" was one of the first Megalith releases, and it was one of the stronger ones. Unfortunately, it apparently did not sell very well, despite having an all-star cast of some of the biggest names in the East Coast ska scene...that's pretty lame.

Mr. T-bone recently released a live album, titled, "Strictly Live," which is on the Spanish label, Brixton Records. Apparently, Brixton Records will be taking care of U.S. and Japanese releases too, though I think that means sending the CDs to Jump Up Records in the U.S. and Ska in the World in Japan...here's hoping it'll be easy to find.

However, Mr. Tbone was kind enough to share the WHOLE thing live on myspace, so check it out:

http://www.myspace.com/mrtbonestrictlylive
http://www.myspace.com/mrtboneblog

The Hives - Live Medley

Lately I've been getting into the Hives (yeah, I know I'm like a few years late...)

And I have to say...they kick ass...this live video should prove that.

Dempsey to join Fulham

I like Fulham...it's not the best team, but it's not the worst team...they've had a pretty decent season so far (though the Xmas games have been disappointing). They already have two American players on the team, including my favorite American player: Brian McBride. Seriously, he's probably one of the best American player right now, and he actually scores for Fulham...he's not some bench warmer. It's a shame that he's retired from International duty...

Clint Dempsey is blowing up right now...he had a phenomenal year at New England and was decent at the World Cup. The MLS supporters who say Americans don't need to go abroad to get better at soccer kept on using Clint Dempsey and the supposed only goal an American made against the eventual Italians as an example for their argument. That goal was an own goal anyways, so it didn't really count in my book. (Let's not forget that McBride almost made an actual goal against Italy as well...with 9 players on the field, but were it not for the offsides call). However, now that their mascot has gone abroad to improve his skills, who will they use as their example now?

Let's hope Clint Dempsey has a successful run in England...

ROCK EM SHOCK EM

what a funkee bass player and drummer!

Feliz Navidad con Los Granadians

Here's a little Christmas present...the little mini-Christmas album that Los Granadians did...another good Christmas album.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/6c4h8i

Los Granadians are a band hailing from Spain, playing early reggae and some rocksteady...they're quite good (well, I don't like the rocksteady much, but i guess that's because it's the vocals that don't do it for me), so check them out!

http://www.granadians.com/
http://www.myspace.com/granadians

Podcast update!

My latest episode in the Podcast is a Christmas themed episode:

Los Granadians - Adeste Fideles
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra - Christmas Ska
The Granville Williams Orchestra - Santa Claus is Ska-ing Town
Brian Setzer Orchestra - Angels We Have Heard on High
Mu330 - Everyday Christmas
Chuck Berry - Run Run Rudolph
Blue Beat Players - A Little Christmas Gift
King Stitt - Christmas Tree
Los Granadians - Noche de Paz
Roy Richards - Jingle Bells
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra - Holiday
The Aggrolites - The Destroyer
Strange Manor - Sleigh Ride
Toots & The Maytals - Christmas Feeling Ska
The Slackers - Santa Claus is Coming Town
Strange Manor - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Los Granadians - Ya Vienen Los Reyes Magos
Bob Marley & the Wailers - White Christmas

http://daoster.podomatic.com

Right now, I'm coming up with the play list for my "Favorites of the year" episode...it's coming out pretty good, I think...

A Strange Manor Christmas

Strange Manor is the name of the house that some members of local BaY Area (and a Hawaiian) bands live...these bands include: The Soul Captives, The Phenomenauts, The Struts, and Go Jimmy Go.

They recorded and produced a Christmas album that reflects their musical backgrounds...rock, soul, ska, reggae, and even a little gypsy jazz in the mix. It's a great little album, so check it out.

http://www.thesoulcaptives.com/strangemanor/

AGGROLICIOUS!

I wish they had played this when I saw them last month.

Actually, the last two shows I saw them (two on the same day), their sets were quite different than what I was used to. They started out with "Don't Let Me Down," instead of ending with it.

Everybody's doing it..

So I'll do it too! I'll post some videos! First off...attack of the JAPANESE MODS!



A little quick tidbit of info that connects this to my favorite band, TSPO...

On vocals for the final band (The Hair), is Rui Sugimura, younger brother of Cleanhead Gimura, the flamboyant "toaster" for TSPO (who unfortunately died around 1995). Rui would join TSPO later for a year, between 1998-1999.

Also, the original guitarist for Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Masayuki Hayashi, was also originally in The Hair...

That's it for now.

U.S. Soccer...

Words cannot describe how disappointed I am that the USSF (United States Soccer Federation) failed to get Juergen Klinsmann, former German national coach, as the next U.S. Men's national coach. I don't know whether the U.S. price offer wasn't high enough, or Klinsmann just honestly isn't ready to take up another coaching position yet, but I'm just really disappointed. Instead, we get Bradley, the current coach of Chivas USA.

I guess, I wouldn't be as disappointed and frustrated if the president of the USSF didn't keep talking big, and delaying the announcement till tomorrow, and all the news hinting that Klinsmann practically got the job. I think that if U.S. soccer really wants to improve, we need to have somebody with international experience...Klinsmann would have been the perfect choice...he had experience in playing for his national team (Germany), a successful result on his first coaching job (taking Germany to THIRD PLACE in this past World Cup), as well as being based RIGHT HERE IN HUNTINGTON BEACH and having a fairly intricate knowledge of the U.S. soccer system (he's been known to train with the L.A. Galaxy from time to time). He was perfect.

But oh well, US Soccer will have to put up with Bob Bradley for the next 6 months...don't get me wrong, he'll probably be a great coach (he has had more wins than any other MLS coach), and probably won't be as much of an ASS as Bruce Arena, but he's no Pekerman or Klinsmann...

EDIT: and the rumours of the reason Klinsmann didn't get the job simply being that U.S. soccer is sponsered by Nike while Klinsmann has a contract with Adidas...That juts fuckign PISSES ME OFF JHDASKJSDHJKASDHKJSDHJKHJKSDHJKHjk

Update on life...

School has been tough...I hope I don't fuck up too much...in fact, I hope I don't fuck up at all! Other than that, school has been a lot of fun though.

I just won the TSPO single "Senjyoni Sasageru Melody," which was the first single that TSPO's current drummer, Kin-ichi Motegi, recorded w/ TSPO. The single is also suppose to be dedicated to the memory of TSPO's original drummer, Tatsuyuki Aoki. The first track is suppose to be pretty haunting.

I'm currently playing FFXII...it's been too long since the last offline FF came out (FFX which was released pretty early in the PS2's lifespan, IIRC), and right now, it's pretty addictive.

Check out this podcast episode!

Dao''s podcast


Ska, rocksteady, reggae, and anything else I damn choose!


Episode 19: Something New Under the Sun!






Enjoy! -- Brian Dao