The Secret Virtual Life of Florence Yoo

Bon Voyage, Alexandria!

2011-07-10T17:22:00.008-05:00

Andrea

Dana Daniels, your Master of Ceremonies for the night...

Ehab Nour and The Band

Alexandria and Sabah strike a pose

Mohammed gets in the act

I don't know much about bellydancing, but much fun was had at Andrea's party... She and all of the other dancers were awesome and the band headed by singer/keyboardist, Ehab Nour was terrific! (This posting is a bit late, but whoomp! Here it is!)

Also, visit exceptional drummers, Joseph and Son, Andrew at...

http://triblocal.com/rolling-meadows/.../mina-restaurant-mediterranean-favorites-at-new-mount-prospect-restaurant/

Erin Martin at The Elbo Room in Chicago, 1/13/2011

2011-01-14T16:12:00.000-06:00

If you like listening to Adele or Norah Jones, then you will love the incredible, Erin Martin. If I were an A&R executive, I probably would have signed her at "Hello," based on her rockstar look alone. But boy, hearing her sing live gets the point across: She is the real deal. I only wish she had a few albums out already so I could listen to her on the treadmill all week long...

More info on the new sensation: http://www.erinmartinmusic.com/

Viva La Hypocrites Revolucion!

2010-12-09T14:32:00.004-06:00

The Pirates of Penzance is not exactly my cup of tea. The Hypocrites have mounted their version of the show at The Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St., in Chicago, IL. The old adage is, "You can lead a horse to water, but..." I was lead to this particular pond because of the presence of seasoned, sketch comedy artist, Becky Poole being in the cast. She alone is always worth the price of admission. Ms. Poole acted, sang, and played the accordion and musical saw in addition to flexing her ever ready comedic muscles. Her entertainment arsenal never ceases to amaze me.

However; I not only drank in The Hypocrites' original, lively presentation of Pirates but sat, walked and moved around the beautiful world Sean Graney and his talented cohorts have created. In what I can only describe as a theatrical breath of fresh sea air, Graney's staging and directing were a wonder to experience. Many of the actors also sang and played musical instruments. The toy xylophone was a nice touch. They ran around half clothed which added to the youthful, exuberant, fun, hypocrisy of it all. Some might say this was a bit of a sacreligious interpretation of Pirates, while others might think that this is exactly what theater needs to stay alive and thrive right about now.

Step right up, folks! Check out the kind of show you're gonna be shelling out $80 a seat for in NYC in the future... www.the-hypocrites.com/

The Social Catfish Annoyance Network

2010-12-09T13:02:00.007-06:00

The Annoyance Theatre Chicago, IL

I've been on hiatus. I'm still on hiatus from... I'm in Chicago now. I don't know this city, yet, but I'm learning it. People are often puzzled by my ignorance of so many things here. They look at me and ask, "But aren't you from here?" "Yes," I reply. (For the record, I am Korean American, born and raised in The Midwest.) But I left to go to college and graduate school and I know CA and NY much better than here. I'm on a break of sorts but I find myself still having this urge to type, to participate. I'll be honest. I started this blog in addition to the electronic newsletter I used to churn out as an advertising tool for the shows I was in. Now, I write about things I love, things I'm interested in because it's fun. Anyone who has a mind to click on my URL and see what's spewing from my head is welcome to do so. I'm out in Cyberspace and the store is open 24/7. Amazing. You can hear some of my music if you click...
http://www.myspace.com/florenceyoomusic (Old habits die hard.)

I saw the movie, Catfish and I was skeptical about liking it. The hype was huge surrounding this film. I knew it was a pseudo-documentary about Facebook and a relationship formed online. I liked it quite a lot. I just did not like the shaky handheld camerawork, but only because it made me seasick. http://www.iamrogue.com/catfish

I saw the play, The Nairobi Project http://thenairobiproject.com at The Annoyance Theatre by Steve Gadlin, er, uhm... and Victor Gido. Gadlin, in a clever use of recycling of sorts, responded to a spam email message from Mr. Guido who offered to write a play for pay. Gadlin took him up on the offer and what Gadlin did with the play is what we are subjected, I mean, treated to. Matthew Ulrich portrays Victor Guido with much aplomb - though I'm not quite sure the reasoning for the Muppets Swedish Chef accent, but it was definitely funny. In fact, the strong cast made the whole show very amusing. Mr. Gadlin turned a spam email message into art. How great is that?

I saw the movie, The Social Network. It was a slick and entertaining tale in the capable hands of Aaron Sorkin. http://www.thesocialnetwork-movie.com/

I still like real life best. But the lines do seem to be blurring... When in Rome...

Julia Cho's THE PIANO TEACHER at Next Theatre in Evanston, IL

2010-11-16T17:24:00.022-06:00

Mary Ann Thebus, "Mrs.K" and Next Theatre's artistic director, Jenny Avery Talkback

Manny Buckley, "Michael" joins The Talkback

my comrades, brandi jackson, dana daniels and laurie hartung after the show

mom and me

Director, Lisa Portes and her talented colleagues at Next Theatre in Evanston, IL present Julia Cho's alarming and beautiful play, The Piano Teacher. In an impressive, riveting, Broadway caliber performance, much akin to Lois Smith in Horton Foote's The Trip to Bountiful, Mary Ann Thebus delivers what artistic director, Jenny Avery called after the show, "a Herculian" turn as the disbelieving, winsome, "Mrs. K." Sadieh Rifai as "Mary Fields" and Manny Buckley as "Michael" hold their own with charismatic portrayals that add to the suspense. My small sample group of my pals and my mom all gave this show a thumbs up. My mom, always the brilliant professor, quite succinctly said, "That was excellent! All three actors were so good. And Julia dealt with so many things - an amalgamation of issues in a compact amount of time!" The show was tight, masterfully directed and thought-provoking, to say the least. I left the theater thinking that Julia's tale of memories and consequences was so true, simple and clear - that the path to Hell may well be paved with good intentions, and that it is a miracle that any of us survive this life at all. But thankfully we do, and we get to experience the magic of theater like this, like Marsha Norman's 'Night Mother, Chay Yew's Porcelain... And perhaps whatever Next Theatre and Ms. Cho have to offer in the future... www.nexttheatre.org/index.htm

I'm Not Gonna Write You a Review, Sara Bareilles

2010-11-12T17:27:00.005-06:00

because pictures are worth... also, thanks so much, evelyn!

Kevin So at Martyrs' in Chicago!

2010-10-27T17:33:00.013-05:00

The luminous Kevin So graced the Martyrs' stage this past weekend on his current tour. Kevin sounded better than ever! Apparently, Nashville is agreeing with him... [I took a few pics, but it was very low light, and I didn't want to bother Kevin with a flash. I think these here would have been great if he was in a witness protection program.] http://www.kevinso.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiCc4fzRJlk

Dean Evans is Bringing Clowning Back

2010-10-27T17:22:00.004-05:00

the program for the chi-town clown revue 2 [not in photo, the silently energetic, entertaining, 10. MEDIOCRITY AT ITS FINEST]

brad brubaker happily leads a sing-along /entreaty for a new girlfriend. http://www.myspace.com/bradbrubaker

the scene of the clowning. more info from the hilarious main clown man himself, http://www.deanevans.net/

Stanley Pickle at The Chicago International Film Festival

2010-10-19T16:39:00.006-05:00

Filmmaker, Victoria Mather was in town from the UK and got to accept her award at the Chicago International Film Festival for Best Animated Short for her artful, imaginative and poignant stop action film, Stanley Pickle. It was pretty great. Not sure if it's a British thing, but the movie made me think that this would be what Wallace and Grommit would be like if they were real people embodied in a white guy and a Japanese girl. It was an extra special treat to see Ms. Mather speak after the screening last night. I had my camera with me so I snapped these shots of her, without a flash. I can't help but wonder if she used something like a Canon 5D Mark II to make her movie. She did say she used a still camera. Amazing. Congratulations, Vicky, et al! http://stanleypicklemovie.com/

Message in a Test Photo

2010-10-10T20:30:00.000-05:00

Love you. Miss you...

Laughing My A*@ Off at the iO Theater in Chicago

2010-10-08T12:54:00.039-05:00

Michael Balzer kicked off this fine night of outstanding comedy with his set of silent monlogues, Loudmouth. Quite appropriately, he first presented his entertaining version of, El Popol Vuh (in my head that's what it translated to) and then delved into other subject matters like skiing, photography, space odysseys, surgery, dancing and sword fighting in a most delightful way. The show reminded me of silent films and Mr. Bean - if he were American and not so silly. Not that there's anything wrong with silly, it's just not exactly what the talented Mr. Balzer is up to... Becky Poole then took the stage in a very dramatic way as a saw weilding monster who then played it beautifully with a bow like a cello to open her arresting and smart, Sit on My Lapse. She nimbly moved from scene to scene portraying a wide array of hilarious characters including: Kitty Poole, a 6 year-old performance artist; Valerie Solanas, best known for attempting to kill Andy Warhol; politician, Dennis Kucinich; an autistic TED lecturer named, "Temple Temple"; and a hearing impaired doctor. (I would have had a few more pictures of Becky Poole, but I was laughing so hard, I messed up the shots. Mea culpa!) Black Ted Williams turned out to be two very funny white guys, Barry Hite and Kevin Sciretta and what seemed to be a special guest (also funny) red headed guy. (I think I overheard his name was, Joey.) Highlights for me were their low tech time travel sketch, pondering why a family through the generations has been so dysfunctional; a boy and his soon-to-be stepfather at Comic-Con (spot on); the pompous rockstar and the teenager; Italian working class guys pitching pet grooming; and sexually ambiguous karaoke... No wonder this iO Theater place is so legendary...

http://chicago.ioimprov.com/io/shows/202

The Enchanting Maritess on Tour!

2010-10-07T16:32:00.007-05:00

http://www.maritess.com/

Snapshots after the gifted, mystical Maritess worked her magic, literally, at her Rites of Enchantment show last night in Chicago - making a pretty lady float in the air and producing a birdie out of Kleenex! Wow! It was a highly entertaining evening including the genesis of how Maritess became interested in magic and her endearing portrayal of one of her magic mentors who seems to have stolen a lot of his comedy material from The Borscht Belt... Or maybe he really was the one who was the original! Check out her unique show tonight in Chicago, or at a theater near you! http://www.magicchicagoshow.com/

These Shoes Were Made for...

2010-09-30T10:51:00.002-05:00

[beach snapshot from august 30th, 2010, chicago, il]

toning. I was talking to my friend, Julia on the phone about my Easy Spirit Anti-Gravity shoes. I bought them because they looked so comfy, with a thick sole. I thought they would make a nice addition to my ridiculously large sneaker collection. They are indeed, very comfortable and they give me about an extra inch of height. She asked me if they really work - if they shape up your legs the way they are advertised to. I responded, "Gosh. I don't know. I didn't buy them for that reason. My legs are plenty toned, I don't need them to be any more toned." (Side effects of my past lives involved with tennis, tae kwon do and the gym.) The next day as I thought about her question, I looked down at my legs. I was quite astonished to discover that these stupid shoes had made my leg muscles a little bigger! I love the shoes. If you are looking for that extra work out for your legs, these are the shoes for you. If you don't want or need any more muscle on your legs, beware!

http://www.easyspirit.com/Anti-Gravity/50293106,default,sc.html

Mom's Old Recipe MEXICAN Restaurant

2010-09-29T19:54:00.003-05:00

I have a thing for chile relleno. I am often disappointed, but not on this night! Mom's Old Recipe Mexican Restaurant 5760 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago delivered a chile relleno that was insanely decadent and delicious. The sauces were absolutely addictive, though I'm guessing, not low cal... I just have to figure out how many miles I have to run before I go back...

My Favorite Complaint: DEBORAH S. CRAIG

2010-09-07T19:55:00.002-05:00

Deborah S. Craig is a tall, beautiful, talented actor/singer/dancer. Think Broadway - literally. Seriously, must she also be funny? Lucky us...

Yoga for Black People - watch more funny videos

1-555-LIVE-LYNX - watch more funny videos

What I Read This Summer: BETH LISICK

2010-09-07T19:50:00.004-05:00

I read Beth Lisick's hilarious books, Everybody Into the Pool and Helping Me Help Myself. I found myself wanting to read more. I'd like to put my pre-order in now, Ms. Lisick. Write on, Beth! www.bethlisick.com

WORDS-IN-PROGRESS

2010-09-01T13:09:00.005-05:00

"I've never known any trouble that an hour's reading didn't assuage." ~ Arthur Schopenhauer

hey amy moon... the above was what i was talking about on the phone the other day... xo

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Presidents of the United States of America!

2010-08-29T14:04:00.003-05:00

The Incomparable Vienna Teng!

2010-08-27T18:29:00.011-05:00

Kind photographer, Evelyn sent me an electronic message about the Vienna Teng show at Lincoln Hall. Honestly, I had never heard of her before. But I looked her up and I liked what I heard: Kinda Paula Cole meets KT Tunstall. She and Alex Wong were pitch perfect and sounded fantastic live. What a great show! I smiled all the way home... Thanks so much for the hot tip, Evelyn! http://viennateng.com/ www.myspace.com/thepaperraincoat

The Guggenheim Grotto at Lincoln Hall in Chicago

2010-08-27T18:11:00.005-05:00

http://www.guggenheimgrotto.com/

i received a happy surprise when i got to see the dynamic irish duo, the guggenheim grotto open for vienna teng with alex wong at lincoln hall last night. if you liked the music in the movie, once, you will love these guys...

Beautiful Paula Cole Superstar

2010-06-28T08:45:00.007-05:00

I was always too broke in the '90s to see Paula Cole live. My mom always told me: Better late than never! Ms. Cole and her fellahs performed at SPACE http://www.evanstonspace.com/ last night and what a show it was. Imagine a room like Makor in NYC and you'll get the idea. Nice sound. Tables. And if you were too cheap to reserve a table, then there were nice chairs to sit on. I must thank kind photographer, Evelyn for directing me to sit stage left instead of stage right. It was a much better vantage point by the piano. The guitar player reminded me a little of Colin Hay; and funny enough, it turned out he was from Australia. The drummer was from New York and both guys helped make the set sound better than the recordings. Paula Cole must have a painting in a closet somewhere that is aging since she looked the same as in the video from, "Where Have All The Cowboys Gone?" And her soaring vocal pyrotechnics reminded me of how Pat Monahan with that beautiful tenor voice of his, always amazes me. Cole sounded like an angel. Pitch perfect, rocker chick hair solo, fine piano playing, dancing that reminded me of Cat Power/Lisa Hannigan and human beat boxing during a show that was part singer/songwritery/jazzy/and even had a bit of classical influences. Wow. To go see for yourself, please visit her site: http://www.paulacole.com/

The Rosie Burgess Trio Rules!

2010-06-18T10:51:00.008-05:00

Big huge thanks to Wally Rozak and Elizabeth Pratt for inviting me to see the AMAZING Rosie Burgess Trio www.facebook.com/rosieburgesstrio at Cary's Lounge http://www.caryslounge.com/ last night! And to the always hilarious, Becky Poole www.facebook.com/beckydpoole for being up for checking out the show with me!

So, imagine if Claire Danes had a pretty, little sister who played guitar and harmonica extremely well and could sing her ass off, and that would be Rosie Burgess. If you like Nellie McKay or Suzanne Vega, you may well like the talented Ms. Burgess and her fine crew...

Percussionist/backing singer, Sam Lohs and violinist, Sophie Kinston both provided the perfect musical complement to Ms. Burgess' fine collection of truly beautiful songs.

Hellah tight. One of the best live shows I've ever seen anywhere. Highly entertaining. They are currently on tour from Australia so if you want to experience the magic and you are lucky enough to be near a city where they are performing, click and get a ticket NOW! http://www.rosieburgess.com/

Dear Julia

2010-06-18T10:10:00.009-05:00

Sometimes people ask me how Julia Cho is doing. It was always so much fun to sing and play music with her, sample lots of different food at late night joints after shows and survive more than a few frightening cab rides together in NYC! Thank you, Julia. You were and continue to always be there for me. I only hope that I can do a bit of the same... I used to include notices about her plays (and now television shows) in my electronic newsletter but I have been on a hiatus for awhile now... Here's the quick update: She is currently a staff writer for the HBO show, BIG LOVE. But she has not abandoned her playwrighting career. I saw her beautiful play, THE LANGUAGE ARCHIVE at The South Coast Repertory Theater, CA in April. www.scr.org My favorite idea from the play was how one culture's definition of love was: DON'T LEAVE ME. Julia's words never cease to touch me... I saw the CBS broadcast of The Tony Awards on Sunday evening and as they were giving a presentation about The Eugene O'Neill Theater Festival, www.theoneill.org/ motion graphics of show posters flew on the screen behind the speaker. One of them was the poster for Julia's play, DURANGO. The line that stays with me from that play was the father asking, "When did I start wanting so little from life?" (Paraphrased.) Therefore, it was no surprise to learn that the incomparable Ms. Cho won The 2010 The Susan Blackburn Prize! www.blackburnprize.org/winner%202010.htm Congratulations, dear Julia! Can't wait to see what's next!

SHINING STAR the anna may wong story by PAULA YOO, illustrated by LIN WANG

2010-03-17T15:57:00.009-05:00

http://www.paulayoo.com/

http://www.linstudio.com/

Paula Yoo's fantastic new book, SHINING STAR the ANNA MAY WONG STORY made me cry. It is the profoundly moving story of Chinese American screen star, Anna May Wong, evocatively illustrated by Lin Wang. I loved it. I am going to go out and buy more copies for my friends' kids. I think they and their parents will appreciate the history and the compelling story as much as I did. I also love how Paula is writing about Asian American history; one story at a time, in a lucid, beautiful and highly palatable way. Where were these books when I was in school? Oh, right, Paula had not written them, yet. All I can say is: MORE, PLEASE!

MY ACE IN THE HOLE by SUSAN E. MATUS in THE BLACK BODY

2010-03-17T15:44:00.006-05:00

Check out this beautiful new book edited by Meri Nana-Ama Danquah! Susan E. Matus' poignant story illuminates how it was to be a newcomer in Harlem, New York. I also loved her humorous biography. Pictured above: Susan, her husband and a photo of their precocious and adorable son.

DJ REKHA @THE HOUSE OF BLUES, CHICAGO 9.10.2009

2009-10-11T17:10:00.005-05:00

HOT FUN SHOW AWESOME MUSIC DANCING WHO COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE? http://www.djrekha.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/djrekha

The Temper Twins - Take a Hop, Skip and Jump Away

2009-03-16T20:08:00.004-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coO9pTiPeyk

Cynthia Lloyd's Obama Dresses at Three Walls Gallery Chicago IL

2009-03-14T22:11:00.018-05:00

three-walls.org

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5236401

youtube.com/watch?v=DCUF-VRIR-8&NR=1

I went to Three Walls Gallery near Downtown Chicago to see artist/singer/songwriter, Cynthia Lloyd's Obama dresses in person. They were part of a Do-It-Yourself political wearable art show called, Dispatch. Ms. Lloyd's creations were, as always, beautiful. The gallery was galleryish (white walls, the three exhibitions displayed separately in the three rooms) except for the swing made from an actual tree, near the entrance. The most excellent Dana Daniels (pictured above) myspace.com/zoolandermodelww accompanied me on this visit and we were allowed to swing (it was a two-seater) for as long as we liked. AWESOME! Oh, and the art and the programs and residencies they offer seemed super awesome, too... Extra special thanks to: Rachel Wakeman at Three Walls for her kind hospitality, driving directions on the phone and for all of the great information about what an exciting gallery Three Walls is!

I Don't Know Lisa Hannigan

2009-03-11T19:21:00.006-05:00

But I sure did like seeing her live at Martyrs' in Chicago, IL. This is being posted ridiculously late, but mom always said: Better late than never...

If Richard Thompson were a girl... If Bjork/Feist/Cat Power had a love child... These were the random thoughts I had as I witnessed Lisa Hannigan and her fine band slalom through their set list as effortlessly as Shaun White flies through the air on his snowboard... Hannigan's vocals were as clear as a bell with a confident and winning delivery that made for a magical performance that sounded better than the recordings.

My favorite number of the night was I Don't Know which felt like a ride down the 405 on a balmy summer night in my old convertible...

I Don't Know by Lisa Hannigan

2009-03-11T18:12:00.005-05:00

Julia Cho Update

2008-10-10T16:05:00.002-05:00

Julia Cho has been busy... She's currently working as a staff writer on the Fox television show, Fringe. Check out the Tuesday, October 14th episode! And she also co-wrote the story for this comic book version of the show! Holy cow! Congratulations, JC, et al!

Before Michael Phelps, there was Dr. Sammy Lee...

2008-10-02T19:20:00.000-05:00

I had the distinct honor and pleasure of finally getting to meet master wordsmith and ace musician, Paula Yoo when she was on the Chicago leg of her book tour. I got her to inscribe my copy of her and Dom Lee's brilliant book, Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds The Sammy Lee Story. Paula's portrayal of Dr. Lee's journey from being treated like a second class citizen in a land he was born in to Olympic champion was as touching and inspiring as Dom Lee's illustrations were beautiful...

Dr. Sammy Lee was the first Asian American to win a gold medal for the USA in the 1948 Olympics! Who knew?

Now, many of you know that my dear pal, writer, Julia Cho is also my arch nemesis (you know, like in the comic books -- the characters fight each other, but somehow they're really kind of friends) : She has the superhero ability to reduce me to tears in two seconds flat. Well, it appears that now I have two foes: Paula Yoo has upped the ante here, and not only can her words make tears well up in my eyes faster than you can say, "Jiminy Cricket" but she makes food sound so luscious that I must eat it as soon as I can find or make it!

So, take heed of my warning friends -- this Paula Yoo character has uncanny powers -- even the dedication in her book Good Enough made me weep... So sweet, it was...

Lastly, Paula and I got to break bread together at a restaurant in Naperville. We opted for the outdoor seating, which was a bit of a mistake since we were eaten alive by mosquitos. I had an amazing time hanging out with Paula in spite of the pesky pests. As for why we were the only people getting bitten on the patio -- all I can surmise is that the tiny vampires were in the mood for Korean...

More info on all of the beautiful work Ms. Yoo produces...
http://www.paulayoo.com/

Paula Yoo plays and talks to Readergirlz!

2008-10-02T18:16:00.006-05:00

This readergirlz interview is fantastic. Paula plays the heck out of that violin and I love that she closed the interview with a musical joke: A few notes of The Troggs' "Wild Thing!" HA!

Mr. Yoo Singing

2008-09-30T18:19:00.002-05:00

Fox's Fringe on Top...

2008-09-09T20:39:00.009-05:00

For those of you who recognize the musical theater reference from my subject line, rest assured; Fringe has nothing in common with, "Oklahoma."

If you like The X Files or Heroes then you will like this show. No disrespect to those shows, but I liked Fringe better because it made more sense.

Believe the hype. Fox's newest sci-fi/mystery entry, Fringe is like crack cocaine: One taste and you're hooked...

Good Enough Weight Supplement

2008-09-07T12:59:00.003-05:00

I have a hot tip for those of you out there looking to gain a pound or two: Read Good Enough by Paula Yoo. I was just thinking about the book yesterday and I was immediately overcome with a craving for mint chocolate chip ice cream. (Visual: Florence eating a bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream with spoon in right hand, left hand in a fist, shaking it in the air, thinking... Darn that Paula and her gift for making food sound so irresistible....)

Paula Yoo's new novel Good Enough is Good Enough...

2008-09-05T15:48:00.002-05:00

To be on every Asian American Studies and/or English class' syllabus across the land.

Good Enough is a charming, funny, utterly delightful and authentic peek at what it's like to be Korean and American in the USA.

Full disclosure: I am not related to Paula Yoo. I am Korean American but I actually learned a lot about Korean American teens and what seems to be the intense and wonderful experience of being really good at something like violin by reading this tale.

I did relate to the family stuff but there the empathy stopped and turned to sympathy since I did not grow up being a typical Korean American, though I seem to hang out with a number of them now...

I attended the opening night party for my dear friend, Julia Cho's play, BFE in New York City. I was at a table with Asians and one lone white guy. The subject of spelling bees came up because Deborah S. Craig had recently told someone about being interviewed about the musical she was in, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Apparently, actor after actor said that it was ironic that they should be in the Spelling Bee because in real life, they were not very good spellers at all -- except for Deborah, who is Korean American and won her own school spelling bee. Every single Asian at the table (except for me) went onto regale us with stories about how they either won their school's spelling bee or were first runner-up. Each person even remembered the word they spelled to win! I turned to the white dude and shrugged. He shrugged back. I said, "I didn't win any spelling bees growing up and I have no recollection of them at all, let alone what word I missed!" "Yeah, me, too," the guy replied.
Julia jumped in and commented, "That's because you guys weren't nerds like us."

Oh. Now, wait a minute, I'm pretty sure I was one. I think I was a just nerd on that path not taken by most... I cannot read a single note of sheet music. I played tennis for my high school.
I was in rock bands instead of orchestra.

All this to say, I loved Good Enough even though I must admit, it was somewhat out of my millieu. I can't do math to save my life. No, really.

The clarity of the writing infused with the laugh out loud moments made this book a winner.

Not to spoil things, but Yoo even cleverly crafts an SAT joke in the form of an SAT question!

There's a lot to be said for the beauty a talented overachiever like Paula Yoo can create...

Caveat: Do not read this book while hungry. Yoo includes descriptions of food and a few mouth watering recipes between chapters! I had to stop reading twice to go to the kitchen to make ramen spam and then kim bop spam before I could read on. I'm not so sure this book was good for my diet but it certainly did nourish my mind and soul with its positive and honest messages about deciding what to be and do as one grows up...

For more info on the gifted Ms. Yoo, please visit: paulayoo.com

Beverly Hills 90210 vs. 90210

2008-09-05T14:41:00.005-05:00

Is it just me or is The CW's new 90210 television show some big budget bizarro world mash up of the old 90210 and The N's Degrassi: The Next Generation and South of Nowhere?

I like the new 90210. I think Weezer should make a guest appearance and play their song, "Beverly Hills" at a pool party...

Back in the day, I saw the original 90210 program once. I was hanging out with a bunch of friends. Everyone but me was a big fan and they all insisted that we watch the show as we ate pizza. I recall turning to my friend, Julian Brooks and asking, "So, whose dad is that?" He answered, "Oh, that's not a dad, that's a kid." "Really...?" Later, I asked him, "Whose mom is that?" "Oh, no, she's a kid, too..." he replied. At this point, I was very confused. "How do you know who the kids are versus the parents?" Julian was very patient with me and explained, "You just have to get to know the characters, otherwise there's no way of knowing who's who...."

The Three Amigas

2008-08-23T15:21:00.004-05:00

Okay, not really. Pictured are the hilarious and lovely, Michelle Buteau, Susan Alexander and Esther Ku at the Five Funny Females and Five Funny Fags show at The Lakeshore Theater in Chicago, IL.

Apparently, there is truth in advertising. Susan Alexander did a fine and funny job of hosting the show. I know Michelle Buteau from the New York days and as we were catching up, she told me about how people always say that she reminds them of people, like Morgan Freeman. I laughed out loud. She said, "No, really. That happened. Because of my freckles." "What?" I asked. She said that she has also gotten comparisons to Lenny Kravitz and Raven Symone. I don't get the Morgan and Lenny thing; but actually, the Raven similarity does make sense to me. They don't look alike, but Raven Symone is such a natural and funny. Michelle is so like that -- on and off stage. Will someone give this girl a tv show already?

Michelle introduced me to Esther Ku before the show. I have an acute case of laryngitis at the moment, so I've been showing everyone the note in my journal: LOST MY VOICE. NOT SUPPOSED TO TALK AT ALL! I saw Esther after the show and told her how much I enjoyed her set. She dryly replied, "I didn't hear you laughing..."

Robbie Fulks

2008-08-20T14:07:00.002-05:00

If you like country music, you will dig Robbie Fulks. I liked him, his band and his sneakers. I also liked it when he played James Taylor's song, "Your Smiling Face."

DURANGO in Chicago!

2008-05-11T09:38:00.011-05:00

Julia Cho's sensitive, spot on play, Durango opened last night at The Silk Road Theatre Project. It was as beautiful and sad as it was funny and real.

srtp.org/productions.html

In Loving Memory of Mr. Yoo

2008-04-03T17:22:00.004-05:00

You are loved and will be missed...

Gluten-Free Global in Los Angeles!

2008-03-28T19:42:00.004-05:00

check it out [talented and sweet] sarah and joel's delicious new wares! http://www.glutenfreeglobal.com/
http://www.glutenfreeglobal.blogspot.com/

Fisheye's Tight New Video "People in Your Neighborhood"

2008-03-28T19:13:00.002-05:00

Have You Found Her... Janice Erlbaum?

2008-02-14T17:32:00.003-06:00

I just finished reading Janice Erlbaum's fine, new book, Have You Found Her A Memoir. It's a sequel of sorts to her excellent first offering, Girlbomb: A Halfway Homeless Memoir. I qualify the use of the word, "sequel" because the story picks up twenty years after the first one ends. I am hoping that this may be condsidered the "poquel" or "post sequel" of the yet to be written sequel so we find out what happened during the void in between. If possible, I found the current release to be even more engaging and riveting than the first book, hence my greed for a book that would bridge the time gap.

The premise is simple: Erlbaum goes back to the homeless shelter she once lived in to volunteer. The directive from the higher ups is to "listen and believe." She brings beads with her as an activity for the young women. No one could have ever anticipated what would follow...

Have You Found Her comes off as gritty, honest and real. I loved and believed every word. I was touched by the title, the meaning of which was revealed, quite poignantly, early on. It was also a funnier read than I would have imagined:

...I'd been spending four hours a week volunteering, for ten months now. I should have cured homelessness already. Instead, I had decorated it.

Oddly, I kept thinking that Steven Spielberg should make this book into a movie...

For more info, please check out Janice Erlbaum's outstanding blog: girlbomb.com

be my myspace valentine...

2008-02-14T13:53:00.001-06:00

love you, mean it! add me as a friend! myspace.com/florenceyoomusic

Vera Plum Your Kids!

2008-02-13T20:41:00.002-06:00

check out these awesome threads... and as an extra bonus, if you like comedy... it don't get any funnier, folks...

http://www.myspace.com/iamtamra

http://www.veraplum.com/

Little

2008-01-24T12:11:00.000-06:00

I got to see my old friend, the most excellent, talented Indigo Som when she was blowing through town... indigosom.com

We had the pleasure of having supper with Karen Steward, her husband, Peter and their adorable children.

Late in the evening their little girl asked, "Why is Florence a little little?" She had astutely noticed that I was not as small as the kids, but not as big as the adults. I replied, "I am a little little because my parents are little..."

I recently met another kid and the subject of Starbucks came up. She said, "Oh, you mean, Sixbucks?"

So The Esther Chae Flies!

2008-01-07T19:49:00.000-06:00

SO THE ARROW FLIES

Facebook Aside

2007-12-07T13:41:00.000-06:00

So far on facebook.com, I've been kissed, pinched, slapped, hugged, spanked, given virtual liquor and poked... Doesn't anyone buy you dinner first anymore...?

i'm ready for my close-up, ms. hwang...

2007-12-04T13:31:00.000-06:00

for some crazy reason, photographer, cindy hwang decided to take my picture as a part of her project... thank you, cindy! for more info, please click: http://www.chelseanow.com/cn_54/fromonenycapartment.html

Thank You, Stuart Shea!

2007-10-09T10:25:00.000-05:00

Talented writer/musician/baseball friend, Stu Shea just wrote about me on his blog. I am honored and speechless... Please take a look.

stuartshea.blogspot.com

Also, please buy ALL of his books, especially the awesome one just released by Hal Leonard Publishing called Fab Four FAQ by Stuart Shea and Robert Rodriguez...

Asian Talent Online Music Sampler Two!

2007-10-08T12:46:00.000-05:00

BIG HUGE THANKS to STEVE and ATO for inclusion on their *NEW* music sampler! I am honored! Check it out... asiantalentonline.com/samplertwomain.htm

Train Man Pat Monahan

2007-10-08T12:24:00.000-05:00

I loved the Train song, "Meet Virginia." Saw Pat Monahan on tv performing his new song, "Her Eyes." Seems to me he has finally met "Virginia" and this song is the epilogue... Lucky girl...

Rest In Peace Nailah O. Franklin

2007-09-30T00:03:00.000-05:00

It is with great sadness that I report this news: Nailah Franklin was found, but she was not alive. I sent out a mass email message about her being missing. I would like to thank everyone who wrote back telling me that they would forward the information on and to everyone who posted the information in hopes that someone out there had information that could help find her.

God bless you, Nailah. And my most sincere condolences to your family and friends who clearly loved you so dearly.

The Nailah O. Franklin Memorial Fund at The Chicago Community Trust is now open and ready to receive contributions. The money will be used to help prevent violence and encourage young people's educational and social development.

Donors should make their checks payable to The Chicago Community Foundation and write the "Nailah O. Franklin Memorial Fund" in the memo line of the check. Donors should send their checks to Carol Crenshaw at The Chicago Community Trust, 111 E. Wacker Dr., Ste. 1400, Chicago, IL 60601.

Have you seen Nailah?

2007-09-26T11:33:00.000-05:00

$10,000 REWARD
FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE WHEREABOUTS OF NAILAH O. FRANKLIN
TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP:
info@bringnailahfranklinhome.com

Christine Pechera Update

2007-09-19T18:03:00.000-05:00

Christine Pechera is alive and well! It's a miracle. A true blue spectacle, a miracle come true!

If you have a mind to make a donation to her foundation, please do.

I am certain the price tag for a bone marrow transplant, hospital care and all that stuff was hefty, to say the least.

https://www.registrationfactory.com/v3/?EventUUID=59B857F6

I spoke with Christine on the phone last night. She sounded terrific. I asked her how she was.
She said, "It's like being homemade pasta." "Huh?" I repsonded. "When you make pasta, you start with this ball of dough -- that was me. And then you pull the dough through the machine and you get rigatoni. And you don't quite know what happened to you..."

God bless you and that big, beautiful world that awaits your next move, Christine!

http://www.saffronbutterflyfluttersby.blogspot.com

Suzanne Onodera in CHEERS TO MUSES!

2007-09-08T21:44:00.000-05:00

thank you from the bottom of my heart, suzanne.

love,

florence

http://www.sonodera.com/

p.s. please click on the top image to enlarge and read what suzanne had to say about me...

Bay and The Spectacles of Doom!

2007-09-08T21:18:00.001-05:00

For more info please click...
http://www.playscripts.com/play.php3?playid=1243

Ana Guigui performing with Christopher Cross!

2007-09-05T00:39:00.000-05:00

My dear friend, Ana Guigui anaguigui.com was playing keyboard and singing backing vocals for Christopher Cross last night. She also sang a beautiful duet with him! My first thought: Ana is as wonderful on stage as she is off. Following thoughts: Boy, is she a heckuva piano player and singer (and songwriter) or what! Christopher, with the likes of Ana, Chazz and Dave on board, sounded BETTER live than the recordings! And last but not least, who knew that Christopher Cross was such an amazing guitar player! It was an awesome show all the way around. christophercross.com

Justin Roberts and The Not Ready For Naptime Players Live at The Getty in LA!

2007-09-04T13:57:00.000-05:00

Asian Talent Online Music Sampler!

2007-08-20T19:17:00.000-05:00

GINORMOUS THANKS to Steve and www.asiantalentonline.com for inclusion on their music sampler released today! Click on the link above and take a listen!

Random Thoughts...

2007-08-12T17:40:00.001-05:00

1. Cat Power is great in concert and I liked her cover of "Crazy" -- but given her rep -- what message is she trying to send...? And is that guitar player dude in her band her boyfriend?

2. Stan Ridgway (Wall of Voodoo) is hella good in concert! Ace drummer, Joe Berardi was amazing! So musical and quirky! Loved the asymmetrical crash cymbal and pots!

3. Is it just me or is Paulo Nutini hot in a kind of 'I'm not sure if he's on heroin' or just really eccentric kinda way...?

4. "Thash Unreal" by Against Me! is so catchy... I wonder what the lyrics are....

5. I took a stab at repairing my own guitar yesterday. (Those of you who know me well know that I have a very odd skill set and that I did used to own an acetylene torch, among other tools...) I just tuned her up, and I must say, I think this was a success!

6. I want to start a cover band called, "Goofyfoot." It will be all Disney songs all the time all performed on skateboards, of course, goofy foot...

7. I can't believe I haven't see "The Simpsons Movie" yet. Something is very wrong... Must rectify this immediately... Oh, wait, did I type that out loud?

Wendy and Me

2007-08-08T13:56:00.000-05:00

GINORMOUS THANKS to the most excellent WENDY IP for Simpsonizing us and me!
myspace.com/florenceyoo

I have this theory -- complain and ye shall receive -- and it keeps being proven to be true!
I was complaining to Wendy that my ailing laptop could not Simpsonize me. Next thing I know,
Wendy sent me these images! Hooray! Muchas gracias, W! wendyip.com

High School Musical on Tour May Well Be The Happiest Show on Earth!

2007-08-02T21:59:00.000-05:00

This is a photo of The Talented Ms. Olivia Oguma from last night's opening night party for Disney's High School Musical on Tour! at The Palmer House. She is wearing a dress by, well, Olivia Oguma!

After seeing this Broadway-ie production, my first thought was: Man, the Mouse does deliver, doesn't he? Ms. Oguma played teenage playwright/composer, Kelsi Neilson with much aplomb -- just the right amount of shyness and pluck with a dash of perfect comic timing!

New character, Jack Scott, "The Voice of East High School", was portrayed by Michael Mahany with all the verve and enthusiasm one might expect from a DJ, dancing up a storm and impressively ending one number by doing the splits!

There were more (literal) back flips and splits than needed, but I reckon this was all in the name of creating theater magic and the spectacular. It was truly a beautiful and entertaining show -- from the entire cast who were all so talented to the colorful sets and costumes. There were enough jokes to make the show funny for the adults in the audience (my favorite was the one about George W.) and it is clear that the show isn't trying to hide the fact that it is Grease for the new millennium as is evidenced by the musical within the musical's title, Juliet and Romeo. Much like Disneyland and Disneyworld, High School Musical on Tour! is fun for the whole family!

A slightly longer version of this can be seen at asiantalentonline.com

Ginormous thanks to Olivia, Steve and asiantalentonline.com !

Happy Summer Everybody!

2007-06-24T18:59:00.001-05:00

Here I am wearing my new glasses, bracelet and guitar strap!

All You Need is Vegas!

2007-06-18T19:29:00.000-05:00

From the computer of Suzanne Onodera...

2007-06-08T19:18:00.000-05:00

Dear friends and family-
Please join us for this exciting event celebrating the artwork and words of some very talented female Asian American artists.
Best,
Suzanne Onodera

Cheers to Muses
Book Launch and Exhibition

An exhibit of art and writing from a soon-to-be-released anthology is being presented in San Francisco by one of the nation’s leading Asian American arts organizations, the Asian American Women Artists Association (AAWAA).

When
June 1st thru August 25th, 2007
Opening gala reception on June 15th, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Where
Chinese Culture Center, 750 Kearny Street
3rd Floor of the Hilton Hotel
San Francisco, CA

Related Events: Literary reading: June 30th, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Artists panel discussion: July 21st, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Book launch: August 17th, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The exhibit, “Cheers to Muses,” showcases the new anthology of contemporary visual and literary art entitled Cheers to Muses: Contemporary Works by Asian American Women (expected publication: August 2007). The exhibit is being co-sponsored by the Chinese Culture Center and the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center .

Advance praise for AAWAA's new anthology:"Cheers to Muses is a spirited tribute to the creative efforts of Asian American women artists and writers across generations and cultural backgrounds. Honoring those who inspired them, the works in this collection offer readers intimate glimpses into the contemporary sensibilities and experiences of Asian American women’s lives."- Margo Machida , Associate Professor, Art History and Asian American Studies, University of Connecticut"Contemporary readers will enthusiastically cheer when they plunge into studying the original, imaginative, passionate and engaged work by the artists and writers in this anthology —each of whom dedicates her contribution to a chosen 'muse.' The original Greek Muses, too, would surely be enchanted with the poetic and elegant structure and rich contents of Cheers to Muses: Contemporary Works by Asian American Women."- Moira Roth , Trefethen Professor of Art History , Mills College , Oakland , CA"The Asian American Women Artists Association has one-upped themselves this time. This extraordinary book is both elegantly designed and overflowing with rich and sophisticated contemporary art and literature. It is sure to become an important milestone in the future study of Asian American and women’s art of our time."- Mark Johnson , Professor of Art and Director of Fine Arts Gallery, San Francisco State University"A wonderful dim sum of a book, Cheers to Muses feeds all the senses and is so rich it can (and will be!) returned to again and again."- Ruthanne Lum McCunn , author of God of Luck, Chinese American Portraits, Thousand Pieces of Gold.

Curated by Cynthia Tom , the exhibit showcases work by select visual artists and writers from the anthology in tribute to the muses who have inspired their work. Exhibiting artists include: Terry Acebo Davis, Susan Almazol, Olivia Boler, Ann Carli, May Chan, Lenore Chinn, Shari Arai DeBoer, Lydia Nakashima Degarrod, Naoko Haruta, Nancy Hom, Kay Kang, Machiko Kondo, Amy Lam, Summer Mei Ling Lee, Sharon Leong, Genny Lim, Christina Mazza, Vanessa Merina, Melani Nagao, MariNaomi, Norine Nishimura, Anh-Hoa Thi Nguyen, Suzanne Onodera, Barbara Jane Reyes, Cynthia Tom, Sue Tom, Anna X.L. Wong, Flo Oy Wong, Nellie Wong and Debbie Yee.

www.aawaaart.com
www.sonodera.com

John Light Memorial Fund

2007-05-11T12:06:00.000-05:00

John Light was such a great guy. If you have a mind to make a donation, please do!

This was from his awesome and beautiful wife, Fati Light:

I am very sorry to inform those of you who do not know
yet that John has passed away on April 3rd due to his
health condition. For the last three years John was
affected by cancer and unfortunately in the past few
months the illness had the best of him. I apologies
for not having informed sooner all those who knew him
but things have been extremely hectic since. This is a
tragedy that has deeply affected all of us who knew
him. There are no words to make this better, there is
no reason for what happened; but know that he fought
with courage and hope all the way until the end. He
never lost his wonderful spirit, love and passion for
what he believed in. The way he fought cancer was an
example to many people, the way he lived with cancer
was extraordinary... he was a very, very special
person. His life will always be an inspiration to all
of us and his passing has already changed so many of
us forever.

With much affection,
Fati


Some of you have asked about making a symbolic
contribution in lieu of flowers. In tribute to John,
our family has created a special fund at CancerCare –
The John Light Memorial Fund of CancerCare.
CancerCare, a non-profit organization, has proven to
be an invaluable support to our family over the past 4
years. They came to our aid with financial support to
cover non-insurable expenses during John's fight with
Hodgkin’s. They then came back to our aid this past
year providing free counseling & therapy when the
fight began to take an emotional toll. Additionally,
their supportive services helped us search for
potential treatment options to fight the colon cancer.
John was a fighter and CancerCare gave him and us
needed support during his fight.

In his honor and memory we are asking our family and
friends to support his special fund.  This fund not
only allows us to remember and acknowledge John's
spirit, but it also allows others to benefit from
CancerCare’s programs and services.

In their own words: "CancerCare is dedicated to
helping people face the many challenges of a cancer
diagnosis.  As the largest national non-profit
organization of its kind, CancerCare provides free
professional support services including counseling,
education, financial assistance and practical help to
hundreds of thousands of people across the country.
All services are provided free of charge."

When making your gift in memory of John, please make
checks out to “Cancer Care, Inc.” and in the memo line
please write “John Light Memorial Fund”.  The mailing
address is below. You can also visit the CancerCare
website – www.cancercare.org – to make a contribution
online.  Please be sure to indicate that your gift is
in memory of John Light.  Lastly, you may also make a
donation by calling CancerCare directly.  Kristin
Kilbourne can take your contribution over the phone.
Her number is 212-712-8325. (Also, please note that
while CancerCare informs us of the names of people who
donate, the amount of your contribution is always kept
confidential.)

Address for mailed donations:
Cancer Care
National Office
275 7th Avenue
New York, New York 10001

We really appreciate your help ensuring John’s fund
will make a difference in the lives of so many people
who are fighting cancer.  John would be pleased to see
his memory and spirit remembered in such a meaningful
way.

And thanks also to those of you who have already given
financial support, your time and effort, your
presence, or flowers.

Love,
The Light Family

P.S. This e-mail will not reach all that knew and
loved John. We kindly ask that you share this
information with anyone that we have not included.
http://www.johnlightcatering.com

Maybe Jesus Wouldn't Mind...

2007-04-21T13:18:00.000-05:00

that I snapped this photo of the always effervescent Ms. Deborah S. Craig and theater impresario William Finn... Deborah was even awesomer (sic. yes, i know "awesomer" is not a real word, but for Deborah, it oughta be!) than usual, if that's possible, in last Sunday evening's performance of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on Broadway. You lucky Californians can catch the show (and the amazing and hilarious Ms. Craig) when it opens in the LA Area this spring! deborahscraig.com

Work Quote of The Week

2007-04-15T07:04:00.000-05:00

Supertalented Jessica Healy quipped:

It's like we see everyone we see on the subway, only we have to talk to them...

jessicahealy.com

Rest In Peace John Light

2007-04-08T07:05:00.000-05:00

It is with a heavy heart that I type this. In my mind, this is the unthinkable.

Dear, sweet John Light passed away this past Tuesday.

I went to the last part of his memorial last night in Brooklyn, NY with my friends, Carol Little, Wendy Ip and Nathan Lee.

It -- like the man, his amazing wife, Fati Light, his wonderful family, parents, Anne and John, and sister, Deanna -- was beautiful.

I remember thinking when I first met Fati; wow, she is so beautiful that between her and John, I'm not quite sure which one of them is more beautiful. I think the final answer was that they just both were, inside and out...

Unfortuantely, Nathan never got to meet John. Wendy asked him what he thought. I liked his answer so much, I'd like to share it:

After seeing the slides and meeting everyone and hearing what they had to say about John, it seems the world has had a great loss.

I think this is so very true.

God bless you, John, Fati, The Lights and all who were lucky enough to love him. You will be greatly misssed, John.

Julia Cho's New Play, THE PIANO TEACHER!

2007-03-30T11:01:00.000-05:00

Stolen from Blogcritics...

blogcritics

Alas, I could not get out to Cali for this one, but NEXT TIME!!!

CONGRATULATIONS, DEAR JULIA!!!!!!!!!!

Minneapolis

2007-03-25T17:00:00.000-05:00

GIRLBOMB ROCKS Nextbook's Night at The Abbey Pub!

2007-03-07T23:47:00.000-06:00

I went to the Janice Erlbaum/Steve Almond reading at The Abbey Pub in Chicago earlier this evening.

It was hosted by Nextbook. I think their website is: nextbook.org

Abigail Pickus was the gracious and kind moderator. I had to email her about a couple of things, and she was very accomodating! Thanks, Abigail!

Janice aka Girlbomb www.girlbomb.com performed a poignant piece about her Aunt Linda. One thing I learned tonight: Janice has a beautiful singing voice! If she weren't so nice, it would be downright annoying how multi-talented she is. She also told us about Christmas at The Shelter where she volunteered. Janice is always so entertaining! She reminds me of Richard Loranger and Jonah Winter in this way...

Steve Almond regaled us with a tale of Christmas that was peppered with a large dose of interesting adult material... What else would we expect from Nextbook's sex columnist?
I also LOVED his picture of his baby! Wow! How awesome!

One of the best readings I've ever attended. Thanks, Janice! Steve! Abigail! Nextbook!

My Space or Yours?

2007-03-07T23:45:00.000-06:00

find me on myspace and be my friend! myspace.com/florenceyoo

Happy Belated Chinese New Year Everyone!

2007-02-20T19:19:00.000-06:00

I am very, very tired, but good! Gong Hay Fat Choy, Y'all!

Here was a notice from sweet Wendy Ip:

An episode of "Asian America" I taped a while back is airing tonight!Please check it out if you get a chance!Asian America TV airs "Asian American Entertainers" this Sunday,February 18, 2007at 7:30PM on NYC-TV Channel 25 in New York City and the tri-statearea. Other areas, please check your local listings.Featuring: interviews and on-air performances by Wendy Ip and Eugene Song Happy Chinese New Year!

Check out the Fabulous Ms. Ip at her website: www.wendyip.com

Love and Godspeed to everyone out in Cyberspace!

SUZANNE ONODERA

2007-02-07T20:18:00.000-06:00

I'd like to preface this entry by saying, THANK YOU, SUZANNE! I am so very honored and surprised! I have ALWAYS loved your paintings soooo much!

From dear friend, and amazing artist, Suzanne Onodera:

Dear friends and family

I am happy to announce that my work will appear in the forthcoming “Cheers to Muses” featuring the work of more than fifty visual and literary artists ranging in ages and representing a broad spectrum of the Asian American Diaspora. I site my good friend Florence Yoo – singer, songwriter extraordinaire – as my muse! http://www.angelfire.com/ny2/florenceyoo

If you would like to pre-order a copy of the book at a discoun ted rate, please visit the AAWAA site and fill out the order form. Publication date is Spring ’07.

http://www.aawaaart.com/Pages/Vision/cheers.html

I hope you are all doing well and thanks for your continued support.

Best, Suzanne

Cheers to Muses: Contemporary Works by Asian America Women

Here is a generous collection of their work--visual art varying in media and dimension, fictional and biographic narratives, and poetry.
The result is a book that provides rich insights into the rising Asian American art scene.
Cover art courtesy of Susan Almazol ("Merging", ceramic sculpture)

Pre-publication Price: $19.95 + tax and shipping

Advance praise for AAWAA's new anthology:

"Cheers to Muses is a spiri ted tribute to the creative efforts of Asian American women artists and writers across generations and cultural backgrounds. Honoring those who inspired them, the works in this collection offer readers intimate glimpses into the contemporary sensibilities and experiences of Asian American women’s lives."
- Margo Machida , Associate Professor, Art History and Asian American Studies, University of Connecticut

"Contemporary readers will enthusiastically cheer when they plunge into studying the original, imaginative, passionate and engaged work by the artists and writers in this anthology —each of whom dedicates her contribution to a chosen 'muse.' The original Greek Muses, too, would surely be enchan ted with the poetic and elegant structure and rich contents of Cheers to Muses: Contemporary Works by Asian American Women."
- Moira Roth , Trefethen Professor of Art History , Mills College , Oakland , CA

"The Asian American Women Artists Association has one-upped themselves this time. This extraordinary book is both elegantly designed and overflowing with rich and sophistica ted contemporary art and literature. It is sure to become an important milestone in the future study of Asian American and women’s art of our time."
- Mark Johnson , Professor of Art and Director of Fine Arts Gallery, San Francisco State University

"A wonderful dim sum of a book, Cheers to Muses feeds all the senses and is so rich it can (and will be!) returned to again and again."
- Ruthanne Lum McCunn , author of God of Luck, Chinese American Portraits, Thousand Pieces of Gold.

Buy your copies at the discoun ted pre-publication price today--this wonderful anthology of art and writing will be sold at its list price of $24.95 upon publication. **

Praise Her Like We Should

2007-01-08T12:37:00.000-06:00

CONGRATULATIONS to JULIA CHO! Her beautiful and sad play, Durango was just named
one of the ten best plays of 2006 by Entertainment Weekly! Holy Smokes! (It came in at #8!) Keep on rockin' Girl! Keep on a rockin'!

Merry Christmas, Ellen DeGeneres!

2006-12-27T11:12:00.000-06:00

I just got word that my song, "I Love NY" aired again on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Christmas Day! YAY!

Alas, I missed it again, but maybe someone over at The Ellen Show can send me a copy if I ask very nicely... (Please, Baby, Baby, Please...?)

I lost my new black glove. I am left with the right one.

Once upon a time, when I was in high school, I put on my winter coat. I was horrified to discover that my mom had sewn my new gloves onto my sleeves! My mom complained that it was too expensive to keep buying me new gloves, hence the sewing project. Well, I'm an adult now, and I, too, think that it's too expensive to keep buying new gloves. So when you see me parading around town in my coat, with the gloves sewn to the sleeves, you'll know why...

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2006-12-25T13:27:00.000-06:00

I wish you all out there a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to y'all out there who make me believe that this world is a happy, magical place where dreams DO come true! God bless you and yours!

Check out:

thesecret.tv

wendyip.com

suzannewhang.com

estherchae.com

deborahscraig.com

ELLEN DEGENERES!

2006-12-21T09:10:00.000-06:00

I just got word that my song, "I Love New York" was used on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on November 20th, 2006! Anyone got a DVD of that episode? I would LOVE to see it! Thanks so much!

Texas Wine?

2006-12-21T09:06:00.000-06:00

I was in Texas, and the nice bartender/wine consultant, Connie told me to try a glass of
Sister Creek Vineyards, 2005 Texas Muscat Canelli. She told me that it had a slight carbonation. I was intrigued. It was awesome! Who knew Texas wine could taste so good?

Cyzuki Industries

2006-11-30T02:07:00.000-06:00

Happy ridiculously late Thanksgiving everybody! Hope y'all had a terrific holiday!

Check out musician/artist, Cynthia Lloyd's hipster/rockstar wares... they are HOT! HOT! HOT! No doubt!

Cyzuki Industries
4020 Broadway (near 40th St.)
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 645-9044

stores.ebay.com/cyzuki-industries

Walk The Mountain with Jude Narita

2006-11-16T23:47:00.000-06:00

Hey Everybody!

Catch Jude Narita's smart and moving show in NYC...

Jude Narita's one-woman play Walk The Mountain powerfully affirms the dignity, humanity and spirit of the Vietnamese and Cambodian people while examining the lingering effects of the Vietnam war, (or as it's called in Vietnam-the American War) on the people in those countries.

It examines the legacy of misinformation that exists in the United States about that war, and thru it we can begin to see how history is distorted by the media and actually re-written by Hollywood movies. The humanity affected by U.S. bombing is kept from us. We may know some of the statistics, but they have no faces. In war the enemy is purposely kept faceless. Without family. Portrayed as less than human. Having less feelings than us. Thus making it easier to kill them. This is a crucial and essential element of war, and can be felt and see to this day.

In Walk The Mountain, we meet some of the "faceless enemy". Among them are a doctor working in the jungle hospitals, a freedom fighter imprisoned in a tiger cage, a mother searching for her sons, and an immigrant in America who dreams of flying. Narita takes you into their lives-their joys and sorrows, their courage, and their dreams for the future. Similarities to the American wars today are unintentional, but unavoidable. Directed by Darling Narita.

Performance Schedule
Tuesday - Saturday 8pm
Sunday 5pm
Pay-what-you-can performances on Tuesdays, Novemeber 14, 21, and 28. (Ticket available at Theater Box Office at 212-254-1109.)

For more information about Jude Narita, visit: www.judenarita.com

Presented by Theater For The New City, Crystal Field Executive Director in association with Cobi Narita & the Jazz Center of New York, and Paul Ash & Sam Ash Music Stores.

A Man Called Charley Horse

2006-11-15T16:23:00.000-06:00

GINORMOUS thanks to Wendy Ip wendyip.com for her great advice: ICE!

(Hit Wendy's website to check out the details about her awesome show on Friday, 11/17, in Manhattan!)

I woke up this morning with a terrible cramp in my leg. Took a hot shower and this seemed to make it worse. Wendy happened to call and told me to ice it. I iced my ailing limb in twenty minute increments and I'm a new woman! Yay!

A long time ago, I was told that you can make a heat pack out of a pillow case and salt. Heat up the salt in a pan on the stove and pour it into the pillow case. Instant homemade heat pack! It works!

Jessica Delfino Is Sorry To Disturb You...

2006-11-12T15:22:00.000-06:00

But we're so glad she did! Saw Jessica Delfino's outstanding comedy show last Tuesday night.

She and her fine cast were excellent. If you are in NYC on Tuesday evening, check out this hilarious show! Caveat: You might want to leave the kids at home. Oh, and if you are uptight and conservative and you don't like dirty humor, you might want to stay at home, too. Otherwise, you will LOVE Ms. Delfino and her creative and unusual antics, for sure!

Details...

jessydelfino.blogspot.com

Florence in Miami

2006-11-09T23:18:00.000-06:00

Big HUGE THANKS to Karina Valdez for snapping this photo of me on Miami Beach last month! And to Alan Millman for helping me upload it!

Durango

2006-11-08T02:08:00.000-06:00

Okay, Julia, you win. I go to your shows, so happy that I get to see you and then WHAM! You reduce me to a puddle of tears with your beautiful and sad plays... Durango, currently running at The Public Theater in NYC is no exception... Congratulations, dear, sweet Julia Cho!

Boy Genius, Chay Yew directed this awesome play with great songs, written by Ms. Cho.

Handsome James Saito heads up the excellent cast!

Joke O' The Day

2006-11-08T01:01:00.000-06:00

My lunch WAS my joke of the day. Half asleep this morning, I packed myself a lunch: Peanut butter and apple butter on Vermont white bread with peanuts in the shell, an apple and peanut m and m candies on the side.

Julia Cho made the comment that I cannot complain about my weight; and that, from what she witnesses (the fact that I eat like an unsupervised twelve year-old) I must have a pretty good metabolism considering I eat like I do and I'm not three hundred pounds...

She also said, "So, I guess you like peanuts?"
"And apparently, apples, too..." I replied.

Just a Big Wuss

2006-11-06T12:43:00.000-06:00

So, I've been thinking that I'm just a big wuss because I've been so exhausted. Sweet John Light
johnlightcatering.com informed me that EVERYONE who attended this one particular party last week, is sick! Except for him and me! It's funny how I went from feeling like a weakling to realizing that I'm actually healthy and strong! I reckon I still need to work on seeing that glass half full...

Tibet

2006-11-06T12:40:00.000-06:00

I had the pleasure of visiting with photographer, Cindy Hwang and her beau, Tim. I sang a couple of songs at their place. Their cute little bird, Tibet decided to chirp in! It was rather amazing! Tibet even took the guitar solo in the right spot in "Time, Time, Time!" Out of the mouths of birds...

Six Degrees of Deborah S. Craig

2006-11-03T11:12:00.000-06:00

Last night we caught ABC's new tv show, Six Degrees. Deborah played, "Melanie", the over achieving assistant. She, as always, was awesome! Wendy Ip wendyip.com
made the comment: Deborah should have her own show. She was so hilarious, I would watch a whole show of just her! I concur. deborahscraig.com

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2006-10-31T11:27:00.000-06:00

BOO! People keep asking me what I am gonna be for Halloween. All I keep thinking is: Don't I look like I kinda dressed up everyday? The bright colors, hats, etc... What more do people want...? I catch glimpses of myself in mirrors and think: Wow, kinda loud, aren't we?

Myoptics Rules!

2006-10-31T11:15:00.000-06:00

Myoptics
42 ST. MARK'S PLACE
just off of 2nd Avenue
New York, NY
212-533-1577
Punk Rockers, Polish immigrants and those inclined to rebellion continue to flock to New York's famous East Village. The absolute essence of New York's downtown scene at full tilt funk.
SUBWAY: 6 stop at Astor Place, N/R stop at 8th Street.

I broke my glasses yesterday by sitting my big fat ass on them. I went to Manhattan Eyeworks, 169 1st Ave, between 10th and 11th sts., New York, NY 10003, where I bought the lenses for these things, and they were not helpful at all. Though I must say, the owner guy there is AMAZING at matching glasses with your face shape! If you are having a hard time finding the right frames, I would still highly recommend this shop!

I went to Archangel Antiques: Cufflinks, Buttons, Eyeglasses, 334 E. 9th St., NYC, and Gail told me to try Myoptics! I had forgotten about them!

I purchased my contact lenses from them long ago.

I stopped in and voila! Rich (I think that was his name) repaired them for me in a jiffy!

Thanks so much NY eye professionals! I can see clearly now! My glasses are fixed! Hurray!

Florence Got Back

2006-10-30T11:11:00.000-06:00

It's a flat big butt I have... And it accidently sat on my glasses... But I digress... Quick update, hot off the presses:

Sat. night's show at Mo Pitkin's has been bumped to a slightly earlier time slot! Please note: the new start time for the
No Name... And A Bag O' Chips show is now 7 pm! Please do come on by!

2006-10-29T23:28:00.000-06:00

Hello All Good Cyber People!

Please come on by this Fri. and/or Sat.! Mega thanks
to: Eric Vetter, Allison Castillo and Ophira
Eisenberg!

Personal thanks to: Carol Little, Wendy Ip, Esther
Chae, Julia Cho, Girlbomb, Cobi Narita, Janet Rosen
and Deborah S. Craig...

Info on Julia Cho's new show below! CONGRATULATIONS
JULIA!

Love,
Florence :D

Friday November 3rd, 2006 at 10:30 pm

Sweet Paprika sweetpaprika.com

hosted by the hilarious and most excellent
Allison Castillo and Ophira Eisenberg
allisoncastillo.com
ophiraeisenberg.com

at the D-Lounge dloungenyc.com
beneath the Daryl Roth Theatre
101 15th Street (btwn Irving Pl and Union Sq East)
$5 / 2 drink min /endless laughs

Line-up:
Logan Jacobsen
Elon James White
Karith Foster
Florence Yoo

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Saturday, November 4th, 2006

7 PM Sharp!

No Name... and A Bag O' Chips!
at MO PITKIN'S HOUSE OF SATISFACTION (in SADIE'S
LOUNGE, upstairs)
34 AVE. A (BETWEEN 2nd & 3rd STS.) New York City
RESERVATIONS: (212) 777-5660
ADMISSION: FREE!!*
* THERE IS NOW A 1 ITEM MINIMUM

Supersweet, superfunny ERIC VETTER IS THE MC

COMICS: JOSEPH ROCHA, JILL TWISS
ILLUSIONIST: LEE ALAN BARRETT
COMEDY W/ MUSIC: FLORENCE YOO

cdbaby.com/florenceyoo03

& MORE

PLUS: BELOVED INTERN BARRY AS "THE PITKINS' LONG-LOST
COUSIN
GENEVEIVE'S EVIL TWIN, STEVE"

This show is always BIG FUN!!!

FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE GUEST LISTINGS, VISIT:
NoNameNYC.com, AND CLICK ON "NEXT SHOW"
THERE ARE FRESH BAKED GOODIES BY MY SISTER JAN W/ EACH
DRINK PURCHASE (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST) AND A "CHEAP DOOR
PRIZE" GIVEAWAY AT THE SHOW'S END.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

212.967.7555 and mention code DUTM01

Durango
Written by Julia Cho
Directed by Chey Yew
Starts November 7th

Limited Engagement!
November 7 - December 10

Featuring Ross Bickell, James Saito, Jon Norman
Schneider, Jay Sullivan, James Yaegashi

See it for as low as $35 (a savings of 30%)!

Single father Boo-Seng decides it's time for a family
road trip to Durango, Colorado. As he and his two
teenage sons get closer to their destination, secrets
are revealed that intensify the sons' struggle with
growing up in the shadow of their father, who left
Korea to pursue the American Dream. From the
award-winning playwright who brought you BFE, Durango
is new American drama at its best.

$10 THURSDAYS AT THE PUBLIC THEATER
The Public Theater has always been dedicated to
ensuring that low-cost tickets are available for all
of our productions. In an effort to further this
mission, we are spotlighting Durango with a ticketing
program called $10 Thursdays. For every Thursday
performance of Durango, all seats will cost $10. $10
Thursday Tickets will go on sale the day of the
performance and will not be available for advance
purchase. $10 Thursday Tickets will be available by
phone or Box office only. 2 per person. Tickets
subject to availability.

$20 RUSH TICKETS AVAILABLE
There will be a limited number of $20 Rush Tix
available at the box office for every downtown theater
performance on sale to the general public one hour
prior to curtain. There is a 2 ticket limit per
person. Cash only. (For Durango, Rush Tickets will be
$10 on Thursdays)

Time Warner and Time Warner Cable are the Lead
Sponsors of The Public Theater's Fall Season

Schedule: Tues at 7, Wed - Fri at 8, Sat at 2 & 8, Sun
at 2 & 7 Added Perf Mon Nov 20 at 7 No Perf Sat Nov 11
at 2, Sun Nov 19 at 2, Thurs Nov 23
Post-Show Discussions: Wed Nov 15, Tues Dec 5

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

check out:

wendyip.com

lonevein.com HALLOWEEN SHOW at the
SIDEWALK CAFE!

deborahscraig.com

estherchae.com

girlbomb.com

stuartshea.blogspot.com

Got a cold?

2006-10-25T12:59:00.000-05:00

Florence's health tip o' the day:

I sneezed a couple of times yesterday morning. I immediately went out and bought some AIRBORNE and ZICAM nasal gel. Gargantuan thanks to: Carol Little and Sue Jean Kim for telling me to try this combo platter! It really staves off colds! (I've tried some of the other zicam products -- but the nasal gel seems to work the best, odd as it may seem!) Stay healthy everyone!

Christine Tamblyn!

2006-10-24T14:14:00.000-05:00

I was lucky enough to study with Christine Tamblyn. She once told me that I was, "warm and excessive."

She also was kind enough to tell me that talented kids like myself, Johnna Schmidt and Michael Edo Keane were top notch -- we just needed to keep at it till we got our big breaks... What a mitzvah it was for her to impart her conscientious lessons and kind words of support to us...

May all of y'all out there keep on truckin', too!

Too Tired To Blog

2006-10-24T00:29:00.000-05:00

You know you are running on empty when you continue to keep typing your own name wrong...

I have only one complaint about my trip to Philadelphia on the Greyhound Bus: Do not start a two hour movie if there is a chance that you will arrive at your destination early...

My complaint about my big New Jersey adventure: Limo drivers who do not know where they are supposed to drop you off at are...

Why does being tired make me just want to whine?

Playwright Julia Cho participated in "The 24 Hour Plays" in NYC last night. It was a big charity event. I'm sure it was off da hook! I heard that her cast included: Kieran Culkin, Rachel Dratch, Julianna Margulies and Nia Vardalos. Congratulations, Julia!

Her awesome new show, DURANGO goes up at the Public Theater in New York in a couple o' weeks! Check it!