So as not to offend anyone, films set in Eastern Europe commonly take place in imaginary countries like Trouble for Two's Karovia, The Terminal's Krakozhia or Chitty Chitty Bang Bang's Vulgaria. In reality, there are several little-known, obscure republics which enjoy various amounts of autonomy that would fit the bill. As portions of their citizenry actively campaign for … Continue reading Obscure & Unrecognized Republics of Eastern Europe
Big Boy Records
For several years in the '90s, before Master P moved to New Orleans and gobbled up most of the talent of the legendary Parkway Pumpin, Big Boy Records was one of the main creative and commercial rivals to uptown's fledgling Cash Money. Over the course of the next few years, they released some of New Orleans' … Continue reading Big Boy Records
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Mobo Records – West Bank’s Finest
In the old days (the '80s), most New Orleans rap was released by labels from outside the state. Dallas's Yo! had handled Gregory D & Mannie Fresh and Tim Smooth. Ft. Lauderdale's famous bass label, 4 Sight, released Ninja Crew's "We Destroy." Juvenile was initially on New York's Warlock. When majors got involved, they invariably … Continue reading Mobo Records – West Bank’s Finest
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Vietnamese New Wave Revisited
Due to popular response, here's a follow-up to my initial blog on Vietnamese New Wave. For those of you who may not have read it, Vietnamese New Wave (less often called Asian New Wave) is not Vietnamese music. Think Northern Soul, a British genre of music that didn't come from British artists, but were beloved … Continue reading Vietnamese New Wave Revisited
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Jon Moritsugu – Original BB in da house — Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Jon Moritsugu and Amy Davis Jon Moritsugu is an American filmmaker who's enjoyed a long career of critical acclaim and underground fandom. Many of his films feature actress/wife/Scumrock co-writer/sometime bandmate Amy Davis. Although best known for his cult classic Mod Fuck Explosion, he's consistently and constantly made films that challenge and entertain with his unique … Continue reading Jon Moritsugu – Original BB in da house — Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
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Emily Ryan of Emily’s Sassy Lime — Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Interview
Emily Ryan is an artist/actress/DJ/musician who, in 1994, formed possibly the first all female Asian American rock group, Emily's Sassy Lime, with sisters Amy and Wendy Yao. In 2002, she played James Duval's girlfriend in Jon Moritsugu's underground classic Scumrock. Eric Brightwell: Question 1: what other all Asian-American rock bands were there before Emily's Sassy … Continue reading Emily Ryan of Emily’s Sassy Lime — Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Interview
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A History of Asian-American Cinema
INTRODUCTION TO ASIAN-AMERICAN CINEMA Very little has been written about the involvement of Asian-Americans (and Asian-Canadians, also discussed here) in the production of film. Even though their contributions are usually overlooked, Asian-Americans have played significant roles in the formation of America's film culture since the early 20th century. In the early silent Sessue Hayakawa and … Continue reading A History of Asian-American Cinema
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California Fool’s Gold – a Southeast Los Angeles primer
SELACO - Southeast Los Angeles County Pendersleigh & Sons' Official Map of Southeast Los Angeles County Introduction to Southeast Los Angeles County One of my favorite aspects of the Southland is that there is no single, dominant center. Whereas many bemoan the region’s sprawl, I prefer to think of it as a vast, occasionally smoggy … Continue reading California Fool’s Gold – a Southeast Los Angeles primer
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Mummy Dearest — Mummies in Movies and Games
Mummy films are unique among classic monster movies in that they're neither primarily based upon myths or literature. Only Isaac Henderson's 1902 play, The Mummy and the Hummingbird and Bram Stoker's 1903 novel, Jewel of the Seven Stars, have inspired cinematic adaptations (the latter spawning four to date) with its subject of an archaeologist attempting … Continue reading Mummy Dearest — Mummies in Movies and Games
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Easter Promises – Every Sin Leaves a Mark
Hello friends, it's Easter once again. And no one does Easter better than Amoeba. Yes friends, Amoeba is known for our selection that simply can't be beat. So after gorging yourselves on low quality milk chocolate lupine effigies to honor a pagan fertility goddess, sit back in the easy chair and let those calories do … Continue reading Easter Promises – Every Sin Leaves a Mark
Eric Brightwell 