Beautiful Stars...The MV is HERE!

     I stated earlier of something Brilliant that was to drop today...

And here is Black Ilumin's music video for "Beautiful Stars"~

     You can download Beautiful Stars at http://soundcloud.com/blackilumin/beautiful_stars Black Ilumin's Soundcloud Enjoi ^^~

You are Awesome

Beautiful Stars: Black Ilumin's Newest MV drops August 1st

     A couple weeks ago, I had the honor and freedom to do some artwork for Black Ilumin, a very talented and solid-Seouled hiphop artist. I've written about his talent before and am so glad that I've gotten the world of hiphop gifted to me through the likes of Scotty Seoul, Jkea Pains (Jake Pains), Wisecrue, and him.
     I'm more than happy that art has re-entered my life, and so grateful that I'm surrounded by like-minded artists, dream makers and chasers, beat makers, musicians, and photographers that not only have embraced my goals but support them as well! Having the opportunity to create something, be a part of something, and have something featured has brought a lot of warmth to my heart.  

me and the piece I did of Venus, goddess doesn't even sum her up~ photo by Jesse Lord

     My piece, along with some other amazing creations will be featured and shown (promoted and supported) through Black Ilumin's "Beautiful Stars" music video that drops on the first of August! Being a part of the video and the shooting was a blast! This MV was a beautiful collaboration promoting m\lots of love and an organic and real approach.

"You Are Awesome" is fact...and how all of us felt when wrapping up this shoot, and even still now!

     For a beautiful project, wonderful collaboration, and all sorts of brilliance, make sure to check out Black Ilumin, his music video for "Beautiful Stars", and have a look see at all the talent that worked together to support some Beautiful Stars~~



You can download "Beautiful Stars" at~ You can download the song: http://soundcloud.com/blackilumin/beautiful_stars



Conversin' around~ Weekend of laughter and brilliance

     Where have I been? This past weekend has been another very positive roundup (if you can't see it, feel the smile on my face) My dropbox is getting a bit sassy and stubborn so I can't throw any pictorial evidence or support of the weekends adventures. )O:
     Friday started with a full day of work, oven dancing, and then actual dancing ^^* ..

conversin' (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Black Ilumin and Jkea Pains were preforming over at Phantom in Sinsa and I was fortunate enough to be extended an invitation! Both Jake (Jkea) and Black Ilumin are very talented artists, check them out! I've had both these artists on my radar for a while and getting to see and swivel to their music literally screamed at me....why have I not kicked it to their shows earlier?! They also have worked together and are named "Wisecrue" check their collaborations out too! 

     Saturday was Cinco de Mayo, and Vatos was hosting a fundraiser event for Children's day and the orphanage! I swung by around one and the place was PACKED! I'm still so overwhelmingly happy that they are doing so well! I baked a cake for them and it was rich! When dropbox figures it's issues out...I'll throw on a eye teaser and recipe!! From what I saw, a lot of donations were provided from several generous people! Diapers, baby wipes, formula~ hell yea community! 

     Around 7, my crew and I were lucky enough to get a table and spoil our tummies, taste buds, and livers with loads of fresh and delicious noms, gauntlets of drinks, and a slice of my cake!! A line was in constant existence outside Vatos' door and as always, Kenny, John, and Jeena were amazing! Eye teasers will also come around later!!

     Post Vatos, a skating after party was hit up! More dancing, more drinking, more smiling, loving, and laughing...then it was Sunday! Once again, the crew united at a friend's house where we were spoiled rotten with vegan chili, salsa, quesadillas, guacamole, mango vodka, etc...Vatos was still on the minds eh?! It was a perfect Sunday, the sun beat down on all of us while we shared stories, played boggle, and relaxed on a rooftop! The sun set and we parted ways...but today...another wonderful day!

     I spent the morning in nothing but great smiling spirits...then I taught my cutie of a student for two hours, came home, wrapped up lesson plans...and now...resting time. My dropbox hasn't uploaded anything for the past two hours...but I promise pictures. 

     Oh and random unrelated picture, a few weeks ago Melissa and I got together for a lazy porch Sunday and we got to some hair playing, well, she played and my locks became beauty~

photo taken by Melissa! 

The facts:

Jkea Pains Facebook page

Jkea Pains Soundcloud 

Black Ilumin Facebook page

Black Ilumin Soundcloud (listen to Liquis Poison...ughhhhhh)

Wisecrue Facebook page

Vatos website

Vatos Facebook page

AND while you're checking out all this GREAT stuff, check out my boy's beats~ (I'll write more about him later) but this is talent right here~~ 

Lenny Kravitz Seoul 2012: Video

Here are the two short videos of Lenny Kravitz in Seoul that I gathered, as promised~

The next video is while he decided to "see everyone" and I messed the shot up because...well we were intertwined~ ㅎㅎㅎㅎ

Lenny Kravitz Seoul 2012

     Way back, when I was a mere middle school kid, I wasn't allowed to watch any MTV. All of my peers would wander into school spitting things about Road Rules, TRL, etc...I was always oblivious. I'm music-savvy and can carry my own, even when I was a kid. But MTV isn't about music, hasn't been since it first came out. When everyone chats MTV...they're spitting shit, I don't, and never knew that much about "shit" (unless well...uhhhh) On top of the "no crap tv" rule, we didn't, and have never had cable. The moments when my brother and I were exposed to cable tv, was the five minutes before our piano lessons at our teacher's house and the times we visited our Nana and Papa. Somehow, through some stream of glory and very suddenly, our home tv got VH1. VH1 was quality, music non-stop, pop up video, top twenty rock singles, music videos, VH1 artist spotlights, etc. My brother and I would soak in every video and I felt connected~ I could relate with my peers.
     There were some artists that made a genuine connection for me, some of them are may be embarrassing- preferences folks, and I was a middle school kid. Who were these/are these bands...Sugar Ray, Goo goo dolls, Santana, Fastball, Tal Bachman, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc. There was one singer though, that was rebellious, risky, sexy, aesthetically drawing. Every time this artist was on the screen, my eyes were glued, studying the video, the lyrics, the attitude...he was empowering and full of love.

     And I saw him on Friday...and he held my hand! The "Best Male Rock Vocal Performer" Lenny Kravitz... I won free tickets to the show, and went with some pretty great guys! He put on a brilliant performance, was full of love, and provided a genuinely magical evening. The videos I took aren't uploading (ergh dropbox) but here are some shots I got of this rocker~ (I'll upload the videos soon!)

photo taken by VeganBeats

photo taken by VeganBeats

so happy! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Phil was wanting "Again" to be played, we were yelling it out so many times and Lenny played it! He looked at us and stated:

     "I didn't plan on playing that, but okay!..." Ugh~ so good!

photo taken by VeganBeats

     This was Lenny's first time in Seoul and his honest appreciation for being here was clear. He's been preforming for nearly 25 years and seems to still LOVE what he's doing. He got the audience involved, urging everyone to come forward, closer to the stage...the bodyguards were not feeling that. But after a little bit of time, he decided to "see all of us" and walked throughout the entire stadium....he got close to both Phil and I and when I reached my hand towards him, he clutched onto my hand! UGH~ 13 year old...phbbt present day me is still overwhelmed by this!

amongst his fans! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     He ended the show with "Let Love Rule", a perfect way to bid us farewell. I wish this show could have been shared with everyone, it was a great great show...all of us were in a bit of a dream-like state...I want to bask in this for a while.

photo taken by VeganBeats

...I held Lenny Kravitz's hand....

LMFAO Seoul 2012

     This was another amazing, great, and party-rockin' weekend! My uncle's here, so we started it out with a reunion, caught up, exchanged idea,s kicked it...so good!
     Then Saturday night, Jaxs and I went to LMFAO! Give me all the crap you want, I will lovingly take it because I LOVE LMFAO. They pump me up, make me feel damned GREAT, get me moving, make me more efficient, and kicked off my very own Seoul tour.
     When I first got here...I kicked it a lot...A LOT in 홍대, usually at Gorilla, right! And the music that got my hips rockin'round were the very lickin'n lyrics of Red Foo and Sky Blu! These guys are having fun, partying out, and are confident! Naturally...super sexy, fun-busting, dancing, shuffling spreaders!
     This was the FIRST time they were hitting Seoul and when the rumor hit the facebook wave about three months ago...tickets were purchased on the get go. On the way to the show, Jaxs and I scrounged around to find something to throw back, yes liquor~ no shots and Party Rock? phbbbt....get with it!
We hit up 7Monkeys cafe and double fisted wine...ahhh, we're such classy women!

We'll have the house wine AND a sparkling...(photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I took a bunch of video, a load of photos...all whilst smiling like a dopey-eyed Disney princess, and 'put my ass to work.' Jaxs was awesome and got standing tickets and due to good'ol Korean organizational- sloppiness, we were caged into a section closer to the stage. Then we met up with a friend who helped us out even MORE and brought us to the closest section. I'm so glad I hit up the bathroom several times before this, I was so excited...well you get it!
     My crummy iPhone photos do no justice, neither do the video clips but..when I mean great show...GREAT SHOW!!! (I'm still right up there with Belle currently)

     Considering how frequently LMFAO's songs are played in EVERY club, I surprised that this is their first time!

photo taken by VeganBeats

     I'm sorry in advance for cutting the video, this Veganbeater had some shufflin' to do...deal with it~

photo taken by VeganBeats

    I expected a fun performance but more so due to the music, but these guys, the WHOLE crew was AWESOME! Such wonderful, fun, positive, performers....ugh~ I want to be on the Party Rock Crew~~~

     We all know one of the most popular songs flowing through Seoul's nights...read, get them shufflin' pants on~

     They played 'Champagne Showers' and literally showered the crowd in champagne...of course all the audience ducked down and protected their perfect hair and glow-sticks...I stood shaking around, mouth open~ I don't care how sticky and rank I'm going to be, plus...more champagne for me^^*

Shufflin' snow~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     Okay, so this is my only guilt I have about my love for LMFAO...I didn't know who they were for a whole year after partying to them! I found out who they were after seeing their music video...and falling in love with that. I remember kicking it with friends and on a widescreen were crews of men shaking their junk and being confident sexy guys...then, right then..I fell in love. Sure, seeing the gyrating pelvises of an all male crew was great (O;- but it was the confidence that these men had...zebra speedos, ridiculous bright attire, goofing around...instant love~ Know the video?

     Damn~ Red Foo (swoon~) They played this and true to their video, and confidence...they were in their skivvies and strong, confident, party rockin' shufflers~

     I don't what it is with my "taste", my mom gives me a LOT of crap for it, but I have serious celebrity crushes on some interesting looking dudes. Red Foo (ughhh), Justin Hawkins (ai ai ai ai), Robert Francis, Giuseppe Andrews...tangent abort...more poor pics of the sexy Party Crew, but mostly Red Foo~

I'm Sexy and I Know IT~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

chyea~ photo taken by VeganBeats

photo taken by Jaxs

wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle yeah~ photo taken by Jaxs

I work out~ photo taken by Jaxs

I'm Sexy and I KNOW IT~ photo taken by Jaxs

     Best show of the year, check..and I still, STILL Party Rockin, yes...
LMFAO cruised me snugly into Seoul, boosts my confidence and mood whenever I'm feeling a little low, makes my workouts more fun, my runs faster, my efficiency improves...my game face is ON when they are providing with a soundtrack...essentially, LMFAO is the garlic to my life~ (If my life was hummus...mmm)

photo taken by VeganBeats

Lindsey Stirling

New girl crush~

Her name is Lindsey Stirling, talented, adorable, and too cute!!

Check her out at http://www.lindseystirlingviolin.com/     

RocKorea, getting out of Seoul, the Tatles, and Burlesque! ^NSFW^

     I'm now smack dab in the middle of my long weekend, my three days of...full fledge breathing smiling dancing being weekend. I planned on doing lots of Seoul searching, doing me things...and so far I have been, all while being with loved ones as well.
     This Saturday I had plans to go to RocKorea, a small fesitival in Midan packed full with cover bands. Chris got some free tickets (thanks you!) and we ventured off early afternoon out of Seoul!
I met Chris and Amy over at DosTacos, a place I have yet to try and even this time around, we'll just say my stomach wasn't really feeling for anything besides liquids. >.<# Chris went with the broccoli and refried bean burrito, sans sour cream and cheese and Amy went with the fried veggie burrito, both were colorful, well portioned, and not too pricey, around 8,5000W per rito!

Chris' refried bean broc-rito! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Amy's fried veggie rito! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

How to get to DosTacos in Gangnam

Gangnam station, line 2, get out exit 6 walk straight for about 5-7 minutes, Left before FRISBEE. 

    After nomming (and water guzzling) we ventured off to find a bus to Incheon airport...after much confusion, the right buses passing by us and farting buses, we enjoyed a long nap to the airport where we met with Mipa and others for another bus ride to the festival. 

     About twenty minutes from the airport, and through a lot of construction sites, we arrived at a small, middle-of-nowhere mud pit with a single stage and about thirty tends outlining a rectangle. This was no Bonnaroo! Mipa and I did some tent wandering and found some potential vegan energy stops...but, bringing something with us may have been much smarter. 

the nacho stand was the closest to vegan...photo taken by VeganBeats

독벅이 and 라면 photo taken by VeganBeats

     On the RocKorea site both Mipa and I read about some art tents...we found two, more like one and a half. I'll be honest, I was really hoping for some full fledge festival-like art tents...

cool concept, art tent 1 (photo taken by VeganBeats)

art tent '2' photo taken by VeganBeats

     The first band I recall playing and actually got me moving and singing out loud were the Tatles, a Beates cover band. They were great, adorable, and got the crowd really going. Be it the Beatles, the songs, their energy...I think they got/gave four encores!

the Tatles (Beatles cover band) photo taken by VeganBeats

yea yea I know...bloated and huge, baggy sweatshirts and several gallons of water...leave me alone. 

     The next act, after about thirty minutes of dj mixes was the much anticipated Burlesque show. This was the first one I've ever really seen and man...you're eyes don't leave the stage or sight of these beautiful confident women. 

"~~~> *" photo taken by VeganBeats

O_o# photo taken by VeganBeats

Todde (right) joined in on the fun! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     If anything, this was empowering. Fabulous, sexy, and more than confident women strutting around...hell yea! 

A bit after the Burlesque act, the temperature got the best of me and I decided to venture back Seoul side...

Saturday was a lovely day, thank you crew, Chris, and Mipa ^^*!~

Musical pauses

     Once in a while a song comes along (into your life) that surges through you, encompasses you, causing your complete physicaly body to become parallel to it. Maybe my senses become far more sensitive, or the song comes along at an especially vulnerable point...but there are several of these that even still, now create a momentary pause, a complete association of emotions, reflections...state of minds. A few~:

     Little Girl by Robert Francis is one of these songs, it isn't very popular, not many people know of Robert Francis. This song song stumbled into my life on a record hunt accident. I was at Armageddon Records in Rhode Island and at the time very into Hard Metal...there was a box behind and underneath a ton of old vinyls and I found an unmarked unlabeled album, 30 cents, and I felt drawn to it...Robert Francis entered my musical range then. I don't know how to explain what this song does to and for me...the first time I heard it was in complete silence and when it finished I was still silent. I was so obsessed with this song that it would be on constant repeat. I felt like it got me closer to a more intimate reflection of myself, for reasons I can't quite call upon. None the less, it's a beautifully sad song.

      Hellhole Ratrace by the Girls is another song...indie sad I know, but the background of this artist is really interesting! The band is made up of two key members and one of them is from the cult "Children of God." He wasn't really allowed to listen to music, so everything he absorbed was through the pg-13 movies he was allowed to watch. Through that influence, the Girls created an album that is rather diverse and experimental with their songsm sounds, productions.... This song draws me in for its simplicity and slow build up. My roomie and I used to sit on our roof and sing and play with this song all the time. I would love to see them live. (I also really love their music videos!!)

     I'll Fight by Wilco is a great song. Not the greatest of their songs, but I really do love this one. I can't help but soak this song in and waver my body to it. I used to think this song was about an old partner and I, it reminds me of him. It's very repiticious and not too exploratory in terms of chords and buildups and such...but it's a great song, simple, to the point, and very easy to enjoy. (I don't think I can respectfully do justice to my appreciation and love for Wilco...)

   Home by Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros is a song that my crew here listens to all the time, and at first I was drawn to it, but failed to feel it. I always danced to it, but in an awkward cobination of limbs bending and a lack of confidence in how to flow with it. It's a song full of love, a purity about it that for me, brings me to moments of pure innocent love, care, compassion. This song calms me, makes me sad, hopeful...and smile. Now there are so many connections I have brought to it...


I look forward to the music that will stumble into my life...spoil my ears ^^*!~

maybe I need a different genre of music to listen to...>_<#

     The other night I saw the movie, "P.S. I Love you" and it inspired a lot of inner thoughts and reflections. It brings me to tears thinking of those that are no longer in your life, specifically, the film got me thinking about that rock that is absent.
     How I am "experiencing"-(atleast desperatley trying to)-all these things and there is the abse. I know that my physical body exists, and is in many ways complete...there's this ballooning gaping hole that exists where my gut and heart are, if that makes sense. When I walk, I know I am walking, I mean I'm moving...the environment around me changes, but I'm not in touch with my body parts. I'm not floating...just moving. There's no contact with the ground beneath me...I'm still standing on quicksand...but with a disconnected smile.
     One of us could actually pass, and permanently leave this life...the chance is very much possible. My heart is loudly pumping in my chest and my circumstances are catching up to me. The combination of the inspired thoughts and the events of today (and last night) scare me. The years of...tolerance...I have forced my body to actually go through (maybe it isn't completely myself...parts of me) are catching up to me. Confirmation..all over weaker...damage has been done. I don't so much fear being alone...
I'm worried about...not feeling all of myself again.

This is a kpop song I've been very much obsessed with~~>Not Alone by 박정민 Park Jung Min) his official site  his wikipedia page



credit of fanpop.com

video source

 Annnnd lyrics plus translation~~

지쳐가는 니 눈빛이 자꾸 나를 놓으려고 해

숨 이차 니 모습을 볼 수도 붙잡을 수 없어

지쳐 stop stop stop 이젠 더

모든걸 step step step 벗어나

돌이킬 수 가 없다고 끝이라며 또 울지만

So I can believe I’m not alone

이젠 not alone 더는 슬프지 않게

and I can feel it I’m not alone

절대 not alone 다신 힘들지 않게

이젠 다신 down down down down no! no! no! no!

down down down down no! no! no! no!

시간이 더 흘러도 I’m not alone

너 하나 때문에 I can believe

갈수록 니 기억이 날 붙잡아

싫어도 여전히 그 흔적에 살아

점점 stop stop stop 시간이

다시 또 step step step 벗어나

돌아갈 수 가 없다고 끝이라며 또 울지만

So I can believe I’m not alone

이젠 not alone 더는 슬프지 않게

And I can feel it I’m not alone

절대 not alone 다신 힘들지 않게

이젠 다신 down down down down no! no! no! no!

Down down down down no! no! no! no!

시간이 더 흘러도 I’m not alone

너 하나 때문에 I can believe

숨을 쉴 수 조차 없는 어두운 이 밤도

다시는 두렵지 않아 너 때문에

So I can believe I’m not alone

이젠 not alone 다시 돌릴 수 있게

And I can feel it I’m not alone

절대 not alone 다신 힘들지 않게

이젠 다신 down down down down no! no! no! no!

Down down down down no! no! no! no!

모든게 무너져도 I’m not alone

너 하나로 충분해 I’m not alone

you’re not alone

TRANSLATION

You’re exhausted, I can feel it.
I can see that you want to leave.
I can’t breathe without you here.
I can’t see. I can’t feel or hold you.
I’m tired. Stop, stop, stop, stop right there.
I’ll take a step, step, step to escape.
I keep screaming that it’s too late, that I can’t change, that it’s the end!

So I can believe, I’m not alone. Now I’m not alone, there’s no reason for sadness.
And I can feel it, I’m not alone, Surely not alone, never to feel exhausted.

One more time now, Down, down, down, down.
(No, no, no, no!)
Down, down, down, down.
(No, no, no, no!)
Even if time passes by, I’m not alone.
Because of you, baby.
I can believe.

Even if I get over you,
Memories will remain.
I can’t heal the scars that I carry.
Time keeps stop, stop, stop, stopping here.
Another step, step, step to escape.
I cry that we’ll never go back, that we’re too late, that it’s the end!

So I can believe, I’m not alone. Now I’m not alone, there’s no reason for sadness.
And I can feel it, I’m not alone, Surely not alone, never to feel exhausted.

One more time now, Down, down, down, down.
(No, no, no, no!)
Down, down, down, down.
(No, no, no, no!)
Even if time passes by, I’m not alone.
Because of you, baby,
I can believe.

Even on nights that are pitch black, I can’t breathe without you.
I’ll never be afraid again, because of you!

So I can believe, I’m not alone. Now I’m not alone, I can turn everything back.
And I can feel it, I’m not alone, Surely not alone, never to feel exhausted.

One more time now, Down, down, down, down.
(No, no, no, no!)
Down, down, down, down.
(No, no, no, no!)
Even if everything breaks, I’m not alone.
I only need you to know,
I’m not alone.
You’re not alone.

~Depressed, not exactly, remorseful, still disconnected...fully aware of all these mixing emotions whirl-winding internally, but not allowing myself to really sit with them...they're merely whispers, momentearily screaming or yelling....but never long enough to get a full sentence in.

I'm waiting to feel my knees again...


As John Cusack says from Nick Hornby's High Fidelity~
"Did I listen to pop music because I was miserable? Or was I miserable because I listened to pop music?"


ps...recommended read AND movie^^*!~

Future artists of Korea...eh maybe....most likely ehhh

Another weekend has passed...and too quickly at that. I made into the town I love, and willingly admit, it is my second home...홍대, how I love thee, hate thee, can't run away from thee...

This time around though I met with the crew at Club Freebird for some indie music....and only managed to sit through barely two sets...was not feeling the indie scene. Coming from Btown Vermont, there are only so many Urban Outfitters garbed up thick sunglass wearing hipsters I can take.

Don't we look like we're having a blast?! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

 This was before the knee socks and leg warmers....

photo taken by VeganBeats

If the performances were tolerable I may have stayed but...ugh. The entertainers seemed ill prepared. Like they sat at home overlaying cheap tracks and spoke in Konglish along with uttering 'yeahs' and 'uhuhs' whenever a bass line thumped. Add in some air humps, knee socks, and arm warmers...indie show.
again, UGH.
Plus, the "free drink ticket" was for cass beer (yech), water, or a small container of juice....serious. Give me my cover back....and my time.

peace...So Jaxs, Patricia and I decided to wander outside and let our legs take us somewhere....anywhere.....
Papa is right next to the place, was so tempted but knees said "elsewhere"...maybe mama's?
Got caught by some kids...yes, kids...that wanted to practice their English skills...Hit up a hof and listened to them tell us of their acting, singing, and rapping dreams...
These kids were babies....I felt like an 이모 instead of a 누나. >_<#
This whole experience was more comical than enjoyable, 소주 for dinner though helped me go through with this ridiculous experience, the toleration of Korean boy singing dreams..."태민 칭구" please....

 This was all together ridiculous, drunk uncomfortable, thankful for my girls next to me....only in Korea...really...ONLY in Korea this one time. I will not spend any time outside of my office listening to self-promotion of kpop hopefuls.

the future actors and entertainers of Korea....(photo taken by VeganBeats)

thug life (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Okay, they weren't kids, but I felt seriously old...Korean ageism is really getting to me. And compared to my fellow highschool graduates I should be married and making babies, and preparing them for Feehan...right?

Another evening in 홍대 left me with a series of strange experiences, collected discomfort and of course, 소주....

"I always get like this when I go to 홍대."

Screaming Females

Their newest album is Castle Talk...pick it up

image from http://screamingfemales.blogspot.com/

This is the video for their single "I Don't Mind It"  from their newest album.


http://www.screamingfemales.com/
 There's a punk aspect to them, the edgey voice of Marissa Paternoster rolls over you with ease while going through you with curiosity.The energy from drummer Jarrett Dougherty is just right, you can tell the guy's got talent, but unlike a lot of drummer, he doesn't overthrow the rest of the band members. King Mike and his bass parallels well with Marissa. The music has a lot going on, everything ties well together, but it's approachable and understandable, there's an simplicity to it...you'll find a little Ramones influence here and there....sigh*
 I can't believe it's taken me this long to stumble upon this band...

picture from innocentwords.com

Vegan eats and the latest beats*!~

Been hunting vegan style lately. I went out to the woods and for a long walk after the chain of stressful days...got tons of dandelion greens and some berries. The greens are beyond bitter, my mom made a Korea tofu bean soup with them, never having tried dandelion greens before...to say the least, the soup was choked down with tons of rice. I didn't dare try it, the look on my mothers face was enough to scare me off.

To apologize first, I left my camera at home for both restaurants..I will remember next time )O:

Anyways, been going out to some local eateries with fellow vegan Bobby! His real name is Robbie, but our united love of King of the Hill has granted us both the nicknames of Bobby Hill and I, Lu Ann. Bobby just got off the plane from LA and after weeks of not kicking it, we needed to catch up. I wanted to hear of CA adventures, and hell I just finished college, catching up, exchanging stories, and celebrations were in order.
We went to Angkor I have never had Cambodian food before and I've always been curious about it [Thank you Anthony Bourdain.] We arrived to the restaurant around 8:30 pm, they didn't close until ten, so we both figured it wouldn't be too much of a hassle to take us on. The menu isn't very large but offers a lot of vegetarian and vegan friendly options. All of their dishes have a tofu and veggie option, but for omnivores, there is a seafood, or other type of meat option. Prices are pretty reasonable also, appetizers are around $6 and entrees average $10. There is a $15 minimum credit card charge though, so be aware. Bobby and I didn't order soup, so I can't say whether or not the soups are vegan friendly, though I do wish I has asked. Bobby ordered the rice mitapheap with tofu and vegetables. This dish is served with garlic rice, garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickle salad, along with a "special' sauce. I ordered the bee boong, a dish of steamed rice noodles, fresh bean sprouts, sliced cucumbers, lettuce, basil, tofu, and vegetables, it also comes with two vegetable spring rolls and a peanut sauce. The server said that what Bobby and I chose were favorites and very tasty. While waiting for our food I scanned the menu some more, there is bubble tea, but I think it is prpeared with cow milk,so vegetarians are lucky. There are several options for the bubble tea, strawberry, banana, coconut, mango, melon, jackfruit, almond, pineapple, taro, papaya, jasmine green tea, and coffee flavoring.

Our food came to us rather quickly, and Bobby's looked very attractive, my bee bong did...from a distance. It was cute and served in a nice white bowl, but the lettuce was browning and the noddles overcooked, they were clumpy! The bean sprouts were not fresh and the tofu was so dry. None of the flavors of the broth or sauce soaked into the tofu, it was inedible. I was really looking forward to this dish and ended up being very disappointed. I put aside all of the noddles and tofu and ate only the green lettuce, cucumber, and carrots. The sauce was also not very flavorful, I asked for hot sauce to enhance some flavor. bobby said his food was good, he ate all of it, though he agreed that the tofu was very dry and unflavored. I am going to blame the time that we went, I really want to like this restaurant, we did go on a Friday night, it was late-ish...I am planning on going again, during the day. Hopefully I will have a better experience with Cambodian cuisine. Anthony, don't let me down, my hopes were all high and everything.

Angkor Restauant

(401) 383-2227

333 Wickenden Street
Providence, RI 02903~~


A couple days later, my parents decided they wanted to go out, so we went to the Golden Abacus. We know the family that owns the place, and I remember that when I was a kid we all used to go there often, and get severely spoiled by the cooks. This time it was just my parents and I. The lunch menu is quite small, and offers only two vegan/vegetarian options. Though the prices are very reasonable, about $6. The lunch special comes with rice (pork fried or white), a soup (egg drop, wonton, or hot and sour) and one appetizer, all of which are not vegan or vegetarian. I got the kung pao tofu with steamed broccoli as opposed to rice, and the soup and appetizer was given to my parents. My tofu was very flavorful, very fresh, and just enough sauce. It wasn't too salty or fatty, and the tofu and vegetables were not lost in the sauce. Everything was very balanced. The sauce was a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and just enough kick to leave you wanting more. This place was just as good as I remember it, though I recommend going for dinner, the menu becomes MASSIVE and there are so many more vegetarian and vegan options. Expect to pay $7-12 for entrees during dinner, but it's worth it.

Golden Abacus
(781)762-8114
1275 Providence Highway/ Route 1
Norwood MA, 02062


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With beats, I've been listening to the latest Wilco album [Wilco (The Album)], Jeff Tweedy really does have a lot to offer. This album is a great album to just sit and listen to, to think to, to relax to. It's not overwhelming, or too busy, it's pleasurable. This album took about two years to make after their last album, and I feel explores all sorts of emotions. It plays with depression, acceptance, happiness, love, all that jazz really; Wilco was experimental with this one, trying different beats and going a little against their usual norm. It is more upbeat compared to their other albums and it's catchy. Not annoyingly and vapidly so, it's a great album, and Wilco really is awesome. I saw Jeff Tweedy with Spy and it was more than a pleasurable experience. Tweedy is sarcastic, honest, and truly talented, a natural performer. Check out their site, and their work...And for all you Feist fans...they do work together in the song "you and I."
 http://www.wilcoworld.net/