Because I want to see people and I want to see life

I was thinking about my life last night while listening to "There's a Light That Never Goes Out" by my new obsession, The Smiths.

My goals are the same: I want to go to grad school, teach at a university, and work with trafficked women in Asia, but then, when all that is over, all I really want is to run a bookshop. That would make me so happy.

"..because I want to see people and I want to see life..."

My little store will be the definition of cozy - nothing at all like Barnes and Noble. Instead of wallpaper, the insides would be lined with shelves of used books, all of which members could borrow. I'd sell new one's, too, including works by local poets, novelists and academics. The shop would be just big enough to fit a bunch of comfy sofas, bean bags and coffee tables. And there will be a cafe and bar, where in the evenings there will be poetry readings and hot people making music with their guitars.

I'd like to do this when my kids are grown and I'm content with reclining for good at home in Hawaii.... but imagine if this were to happen in Asia where there's a decent-sized expat community? Staffed with women trained upon leaving shelters?

"Driving in your car, I never never want to go home, because I haven't got one anymore......."

Death returned Michael Jackson's humanity?

"The Pop Spectacular That Almost Was"
by Manohla Dargis, New York Times
http://movies.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/movies/29this.html?8dpc

"Death returned Michael Jackson’s humanity, and in a curious, tentative way so too does “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” a rushed and ragged monument to the man, his work and the commercial interests of those he left behind. At once a greatest-hits compendium and a suggestive glance at what might have been, the movie — which had its premiere Tuesday and opened Wednesday on a staggering 18,000 screens worldwide — has been so nakedly designed to serve so many different agendas that it seemed unlikely anything would be left for Mr. Jackson’s fans beyond the sheer spectacle of such colossal posthumous exploitation.

Yet something remains here, though it’s hard to know whether it’s the ghost or our love, perhaps both. "


What made MJ inhuman while he was alive? His awesome star power, his "freakishness"? Funny that he had to die in order to for us to be feel like we can relate to him. Suddenly, he is a person.

And yet, the movie, inspired by his death, "has been so nakedly designed to serve so many different agendas." Is that the essence of being human? Certainly that's how I sometimes feel.

kaulana na pua

I was looking for a YouTube video of Sudden Rush's hip-hop-infused version of Kaulana Na Pua, my favorite protest song. It carries a strong and heavy message, but to a deceivingly light beat. I couldn't find it, but I did come across this video of Elijah, my lovely "Hati," singing at this year's Polyfest. Everytime he opens his mouth to sing I can't help but feel SO honored to be his friend. And that's Chelae dancing in front! :)



Speaking of protests, today is the 20th anniversary of the t_s protests. I'll pretend I'm in China, and I'll try my best to resist saying anything more about it.... although there's an interesting article in the NYT......

sudden rush

Not doing much today. Going to the gym as soon as Dad returns with the truck. Then perhaps an attempt to study for the GRE at some cafe. Most likely Starbucks, as that is the only option besides Kope Kope, which smells like butt. And then, perhaps a trip to the store to buy like, TEN deodorants and some sun screen. Right now I'm reading Love in a Time of Cholera and listening to the Hiilawe remix, the only Sudden Rush song I can find.

My appreciation for Sudden Rush has been thoroughly revived thanks to the Malcolm X International Worker's Day event at UH. I went to support Porakan and Ben, my after-class beer buddies, who were going to speak out against sweatshops. While we were sitting on the green steps half listening to the MANY other speeches by local activists, I spotted Sudden Rush cruising under a tree, and instantly felt as if I had turned into an adolescent. OMG YOU GUYS, Sudden Rush is here! SWEEEEEET! Ew, I can just hear myself. Anyway, after a few more speeches, Keala and his crew finally emerged from the grassy backdrop and busted out their Hawaiian-rap remixes. The sounds of my youth!

Ohh but WTF, iTunes doesn't have any of their albums!
Wattup wit dat?
I guess it's a sign that I should clean my room. Maybe I'll uncover some of their songs from last decade.

I am on a mission stuff my iPod with Hawaiian music before I leave! Especially the stuff from 5-10 years ago!


Oh! I just noticed the date. Exactly ONE more month til China!