Wasted Youth, Pt. 18

Random 30 minute delay.

Airline: China Southern

Route: Shanghai - Shenzhen

Delayed flights: 18

Total time spent waiting: 18 hours

Wasted Youth, Pt. 17

A 1 hour delay is pretty much the norm for any flights leaving from Guangzhou. I don't even question it anymore..

Airline: China Southern

Route: Guangzhou - Shanghai

Delayed flights: 17

Total time spent waiting: 17.5 hours

Wasted Youth, Pt. 16

1 hour delay because some f*cker was late getting on the plane, which caused us to miss our spot in the take-off line up!

Airline: Xiamen Airlines

Route: Shanghai - Xiamen

Delayed flights: 16

Total time spent waiting: 16.5 hours

Morning Wood

Sleeping On The Job..

Extreme Possibilities

I happened to dig out this CD this morning, which I haven't listened to in years, and I'm still in awe of it - it's been said by many, and I agree - Coldcut's 70 Minutes of Madness in the Journeys by DJ series is probably one of THE best mixes of ALL TIME. I know that's a pretty ballsy statement to put out there, but the way this CD effortlessly crosses musical genres, seamlessly mixes a "you put what next to what?" track list, and is completed with an incredible production, makes this a mix that needs to be heard.

70 Minutes of Madness combines drum and bass, electro, dub, hip-hop, reggae, techno, and a bunch of other sounds I can't even classify, all into one auditory bomb that will blow your mind. Junior Reid, Newcleus, Funki Porcini, Jedi Knights, Queen Latifah, Mantronix, Masters at Work, Photek, Boogie Down Productions, Red Snapper, DJ Food, and on and on.. - the playlist seems all over the place (and it is), but that's where the genius is behind the madness - the mixing and production are so slick, you'll barely even realize you've already moved on to the next track.

Listening to it again after all this time, it sounds just as fresh today as it did when it was first released back in 1995. Of course, it's not for everybody, and it's probably not one you're going to be playing at your next house party, but for the musically intellectual, those with an open mind, and those who want to hear a piece of musical history in terms of DJing and mixing, have a listen.

On the inside cover, I rediscovered this statement. I think starting today, I'm going to use it as my new mantra..

I Miss You Dad

It's been a year, and I'm still thinking of you all the time..

The White Tiger

The White Tiger, by Aravind Adiga, is a story about Balram Halwai - chauffeur, businessman, servant, and murderer. Told in retrospect through a series of letters written late at night to the Premier of China, Balram explains how his determination and entrepreneurial spirit brought him to where he is today, and that perhaps the Premier might learn a thing or two to share with his own country, which Balram feels is very similar to his own.

Balram was born and raised in a small rural village located in 'the Darkness', the nickname given to India's most undeveloped regions. He is eventually taken to Delhi as a driver and it's there that he comes to the realization that there's a new caste system at work in modern day India. It only has two groups: those who are eaten, and those who eat. He decides he wants to be an eater.

Balram recognizes that those who are eaten are similar to those trapped inside a small cage, like in a rooster coop, their options limited. What's worse, they begin to internalize these limitations and indignities, so that after awhile, they're unable to imagine that they deserve any better. Balram's dream is to break free of his coop, to shed his feathers and become what is for him, a symbol of individualism, power, and freedom: a white tiger..

Wasted Youth, Pt. 15

Do flights EVER leave on time?! 30 minute delay due to air traffic control.

Airline: China Eastern

Route: Xiamen - Shanghai

Delayed flights: 15

Total time spent waiting: 15.5 hours

China Airport Security

Damn it!

I had to repack my bags because of this bullsh*t rule of no crabs in your carry on!!

Wasted Youth, Pt. 14

Delayed 30 minutes waiting for take off clearance.

Airline: China Eastern

Route: Shanghai - Xiamen

Delayed flights: 14

Total time spent waiting: 15 hours

Bad Asses

The 70's and 80's were a great time to be a kid. I don't think any other era produced as many movie, t.v., and music icons. I found this cool little book last time I was in Vancouver, wandering along Main St. Bad Asses, by Mark Todd, is an illustrated scrap book of all the most memorable "tough guy" (and girl) characters from my growing up - from Hulk Hogan and Chuck Norris, to Skeletor and She-Ra, to Daisy Duke and Maude, even K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider, they're all there. This book is, well, bad ass.