Frank Chow: Asian- American Political Pundit

I was introduced to this band by an acting buddy. The entire album has this kind of infectious groove. And with various vocal appearances by some of the most talented performers, you get one of my favorite albums of the year. I could've picked a couple of different tracks from this album and undoubtedly you would have liked all of them, but this so happens to be my fave. Enjoy! Sbtrkt website I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

And it begins! With, predictably, music and the best songs of 2011. So the first in this installment is Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues . This song hits on all the ethereal notes of phenomenal folk music. Fleet Foxes released such a strong album and this so happens to be the defining song as well as the album's namesake, Helplessness Blues . There's a reason it was nominated for a Grammy, it is simply that good. Lyrically the song levels me with its honesty and sincerity: I was raised up believing I was somehow unique Like a snowflake distinct among snowflakes, unique in each way you can see And now after some thinking, I'd say I'd rather be A functioning cog in some great machinery serving something beyond me But I don't, I don't know what that will be I'll get back to you someday soon you will see I don't know about you, but basically that's how I've felt all of 2011. I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Well I'm back in sunny California. The trip to Chicago although brief was fantastic in that I got to see my family. There's nothing quite like an Oak Park Christmas Eve. It was cold, but not unbearable. I received some lovely unexpected gifts and played a mean board game or two. Lots of screaming, drinking and laughs. That's my family. We also trekked to my ladies neck of the woods for a farmer's Christmas. There's something relaxing and peaceful about being surrounded by nothing i.e. the picture above. Her nieces and nephews were adorable as can be, watching them reminds me of what Christmas used to feel like each year. And it snowed the last day. The only downfall was I didn't sleep much. With all the travel and my retail work schedule I think I only had one decent night of sleep...somehow though it makes sense. Christmas and the holidays have always seemed so rushed and full of anxiety these past couple of years. I guess I should expect it more so now that I ...

One more day till Christmas Eve! I'm not that excited because I'll be working at 6am, then hopping on a flight (thank God it's Virgin) and arriving late to the party in Oak Park. At least I'll be able to see family for like two hours. What's everyone up to this holiday? How's the Festival of Lights going? I hope everyone is having a blessed and fantastic time with family and friends. Here are your highlights: Louis C.K. hilarious comic, model citizen House Republicans couldn't say no forever, Payroll Tax Cut clears Let's talk about jobs record Romney Eight soldiers charged in death of PVT. Danny Chen Ummm Amazon and teh super duper computer Chow!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy I woke up feeling wretched. Not sure what's going on. Perhaps it was working nine hours last night. Meh. I'm actually looking forward to traveling to Chicago on Saturday. As for the forecast it looks like it won't snow...hmm, warmer than normal in the Midwest during winter...that reminds me of something Al Gore once said...what was it? Oh yeah, he invented the internet! Here are your highlights: Boehner cuts off C-Span cameras A reminder, the auto industry bailout did some real good Concept bottles for Evian... STAR WARS!! Mitt Romney "Any President?" ad by the DNC. Pretty bold. And the calamity continues! Watching Boehner Twist in the Wind Chow!

Living in LA-LA Land I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Ho ho ho holy hell the GOP is full o crazy this time of year. No payroll tax holiday, no unemployment benefits and a bit of procedural tricks in a pear tree! And in even better news this is the least popular Congress in history. So it's got that going for it as well. Only a couple of days till it's on for Christmas, Happy Hanukkah to those who rock that out as well! Here are your highlights: Even conservative pundits think the GOP House is messing up Obama's poll numbers look promising. Also too, help out Washington Monthly if you can Robot takeover continues TNC, on Ron Paul "Old News" and "Ron Paul's Shaggy Defense" Pitchfork has their "Top 50 Albums" , do you agree?! Chow!

Either Boehner's lost control of his caucus or "I've got a dead man's dingly" I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Today is my last day off before the storm of retail booze madness. I'm actually looking forward to the chaos. I've been working on my lists for 2011. Hopefully I have them all prepared for the year is out. It's been a crazy year for us. There's a ton to talk about and tons to appreciate. I'm excited to hear from people about some of their faves. Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of the TATPodcast . We'll be chatting about our lists hopefully soon! Here are your highlights: Politifact fails it's most basic job requirement and in doing so gives Republicans an out Nerds unite! 20 best video games of 2011 This mailbox can go into space! A bit of an answer to Sully, ED Kain and Paddy K, A little bit more about Ron Paul House Republicans go Scrooge Pres. Obama signs Executive Order establishing a National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security Chow!

Love, Valour and Compassion... I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Wow. Where has the year gooooone? So much to reflect on and consider and what...it's almost Christmas?!! Okay panic attack over. I'm excited to go back to Chicago for one night see the fam and then head to the in-laws. We'll be in farm country for a couple of days, then back to work. So starting Saturday I'll be off the grid for a bit. I hope you all won't miss me too too much. Here are your highlights: Kim Jong-Il dies NPR music, listeners pick their top albums of 2011 Gingrich losing steam Oh the gubbament hating freeloaders, Rick Perry being the king Profile of a Protester War is Over, Merry Christmas Chow!

I have to work the ole double today. Lunch service on the truck, closing at the liquor store. So glad it's Friday and that tomorrow I get to head to Long Beach and hang out with some buddies from college. It should be a grand time. Here are your highlights: Best way to sum up the GOP debates A Congress of Scrooges Romney's quote without the "n" Teh best boxers from the Super Six tournament face off this weekend Andre Ward v Carl Froch . It's gonna be a good one! And it's begun. If I was a poor black kid dot com Chow!

(from the previous release "The Journey Studies") From the label : The Seven Mile Journey is a quartet from the northern parts of Denmark that operates within the wide ranges of the post-rock genre. The band settled on its current name back in 1999 and released a demo cd in 2001 followed by the debut album “The Journey Studies” in 2006, and their second album “The Metamorphosis Project” in 2008. The music of The Seven Mile Journey has always been signified by instrumental storytelling that through captivating soundscapes, dynamic changes and long intense passages invites the listener into absorption, which is also the core on the bands 3rd album “Notes for the Synthesis”. Everything about this band, everything they play I'm immediately drawn to; it's raw, emotional and the musicianship is incredible. The Seven Mile Journey. The band name. Is Perfect. Each song, carefully crafted taking you on a symphonic ride that is in itself a journey. I know I sound a bit fan boyis...

The real Rand Ron Paul please stand up I am Frank Chow and I approved this message Update : Thanks Paddy K for correcting my quick mixing of names.

"Welcome Home" I woke up to a dog barking incessantly. In fact it's still going this very moment. Needless to say today has not started out great. Owners who leave their dogs out unsupervised should have to lick a frozen pole Christmas Story-style. I want my sleep back. Here are your highlights: As Flag Is Put Away, America's Mission In Iraq Symbolically Ends Pelosi to the GOP, figure it out yourself In the fight for civil rights its good to read before freaking out, The Rest of What Carl Levin Said Super Check Your Breasts Who thinks the banks don't run this mother? Debtors' prison is back and it's serious. Well it's been nice knowing you guys! Chow!

Sorry, I would have been on earlier, however I was having one of those epic Facebook debates :) It was definitely a 99% v. 1% argument, but to do with sports. I'm of the belief you pay a guy after he's played for you over 10 years *Pujols* some disagree. I love starting my morning with a feisty debate. SO LET'S DO THIS!! Here are your highlights: Mitt Romney's BAIN of existence Sorry, but the GOP is beyond farce at times NFL and the IPad, a match made in technology The Myth of the Center For Freedom and Prosperity's Economic Competency Umm, anyone remember EXO-Squad? Chow!

Mahna mahna. Capitalism . I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

I'm lucky enough to have today off. I'll be working on my resume and perhaps doing some Xmas shopping. It's Christmas on a tight budget this year, so we'll see how good of a gift giver I am...My audition yesterday went really well, but you never know. Hopefully I get a call back. If not I'm not sweating it, 2012 I feel good about it. Here are your highlights: Korean Zombie , ends it in 7 seconds The ACLU goes after Scott Walker for his Voter ID law Lowe's keeps to low The Craven Mitt Romney - Rom Dom slowly getting himself out of contention Either Obama is a Muslim warring on Christmas or he's just too darn into Christmas! Can't be both, but you already know that. Chow!

Steve Benen and Steve M over at No More Mister Nice Blog both seem surprised at Mitt Romney's newest low. Romney is using the phrase "Keep America American" a throwback right out of the infamous Ku Klux Klan's playbook. Steve M. asks : Really, Mitt? You really want to use this phrase? I would say YES really. It is the exact kind of phrase that rings with the base. Why? Because that's who Romney needs to convince to ride with him through the primaries. And Romney and Romney's people know very well that's what they're doing here. They want to paint Obama and his policies as wholly Un-American, it's something the Right has been trying to do since the '08 election . It's the base that foams at the mouth for FOX Nation headlines ( update : Steve M . also saw the same FOX Nation headline), cheers with Rush when he calls Obama the "most-racial" president, and doesn't flinch when Billy Cunningham calls Obama a "boy" . R...

It's Monday! Okay I'm not really excited about that, but at least we're a little bit closer to family time and holiday time. I have an audition today, hoping it goes well considering I don't know much about it. I'm also searching for a new job. Hopefully the new year and a shift in the economy will bring me some good fortune. Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of the TATPodcast. And starting compiling your lists folks, it's that time of year!! Here are your highlights: Lowe's caves to bigots , time to boycott Lowe's I will say this over and over, Gingrich will eventually right-wing himself out of the race Activists judges will hear Arizona racist ass illegal immigration law Well can't say much about this, Lady cooks meth in Wal-Mart How afraid of Elizabeth Warren are the Republicans? If Karl Rove's PAC attack ad is any indication, they are DEATHLY afraid. Chow!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy Friday! I've got a double so I'll make this quick. This Christmas all I want is a bailout like the banks received...not gonna happen, so maybe the Tax Cut Fairy will drop a full-time job in my lap and sprinkle money in my pockets! Here are your highlights: Huge Eurobank, rated 'Britain's worst,' now accused of gouging US consumers Don't believe the Ron Paul hype All those sweet ads about alternative methods of harvesting energy Fracking False Va Tech gunman had no campus ties Europe. We have a problem. It's the Final Countdown and it seems like the leaders are going to watch everything fall apart. Chow!

It's almost the weekend...for those of you who don't work on weekends. Me, I'm working. Hard to believe the year is almost over. Lots to look forward to next year. As for this year, we're heading to Chicago for one night then the lady's childhood home. Somehow I rigged that while working retail. I've got a call to hop on, hopefully I'll be able to share what it's about later today or tomorrow. Here are your highlights: Give your spirits more spirit The GOP continues its attacks on consumers 5 Old-Timey Movie Prejudices - I'm not sure how to fix this, except to keep writing with hopes people will embrace diversity in cinema Pee Party , thank you Daily Show JPMorgan Chase is run by a sociopath. He also is Confused . Aren't these guys supposed to be the "smartest" men in the room? Chow!

I've been writing a lot late at night. It seems to be the best time for me creatively. Throughout the process I search for music that inspires or centers my mind. Songs that bring me back to certain places mentally, so I can channel the mood or feeling that I want specific characters to convey. I know it all sounds ridiculous. I agree, don't get me wrong, but it's what I have to do for whatever reason to put my ideas to puter. Through my search I stumbled upon an album that I had forgotten A) How rockin it was and B) How it helped me grieve and grow. Benton Falls was there for me. Emo. Yes, but I don't care. At the moment in my life when this album was released I was regressing. Unsure of myself, I felt it best to drink, conform and try to escape the tragedy of years past. And so when I first had the opportunity to listen to this album in its entirety I was blown the eff away. It was raw. It was emotional. It was melodic. It was where I was. And tonight I jammed out to...

Sorry folks I had to work this morning and for the upteenth time I decided to drag ass. So here's your mid/late linkage. Here are your highlights: Kaine and Allen debate it out in what will be a key race in the Senate Mitt Romney seems to have John McCain speak down pat The momentum for Gingrich is kind of mind-blowing...ly stupid Metal Christmas!!! \m/ Obama lays down the veto threat on the payroll tax cut if tied to the Keystone pipeline Fight weekend! Khan v. Peterson in Washington D.C. the experts weigh-in Chow!

One of my favorite songs off of one of the best albums of the year. More from Caveman . I am Frank Chow and I approved of this message

It's not about you . I can't stress that enough. When Obama gives a speech , he isn't trying to impress you with memorable lines or send tingles down your thigh, he is trying to reach every day people. People who are suffering. People are trying to make ends meet. People who work two or three jobs. People who vote for Obama NOT because he leans Keynesian is his economic policy, but because in the short arm of life, he's the best bet for people having a fair shake. And so I conclude, he is NOT trying to reach some asshat propped up at his laptop waxing policy with his Beltway buddies. Remove head from ass then type. Also too, get out once and awhile. I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

I got to sleep in. Sort of. I dropped off my lady at work this morning, then decided "Hey, it's my day off," and went back to bed. Lovely. I needed some extra z's after staying up late watching the end of Season 2 of Breaking Bad. A show that has completely blown me away thus far. I know, I know I'm well behind, but I don't have cable, so forgive me. Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of the TATPodcast . We are now actively friending people on Facebook, so hit us up, listen to our playlists on Spotify and feel free to chat when we're around! Here are your highlights: 8-year-old confronts Michele Bachmann ever so slyly Our media fails us. Paul Ryan is not, I repeat NOT a policy man Pioneers from the East New joint in LA, Le Pour Haus Republicans clearly want to deny people to vote . It's crystal clear at this point. From state to motherf-in state . Why do they hate Democracy so? Chow!

Miranda I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

This weekend, despite working everyday, was great. The lady and I celebrated three years and six months of our relationship. We decided on a whim to go to the restaurant in the movie "I Love You Man" James' Beach . It was a quirky place with great fish tacos and nice cocktails, exactly what we both wanted. In our first six months in California my lady has been more than amazing, I cannot tell you how grateful I am...enough of the mushy stuff. Today or tomorrow I get my stitches out, I helluva nervous. The oddest sensation I've ever felt was the act of string going through my skin. I have no doubt the reverse will be equally uncomfortable. Don't forget to listen to the latest episode of the TATPodcast. We're super psyched to be back and bringing you music, booze and the occasional political commentary. Here are your highlights: More winds in SoCal , look out! Just an observation, but since these winds come every year...shouldn't SoCal be better prepared? Ka...

And we're back! Due to trans-continental and trans-Atlantic moves, the TAT was delayed but we've got our act together and have drinks and tunes to discuss. On this installment, we discuss the merits of a name change and their relation to hallucinogenic drugs and diseases. Moving rapidly into drinks, Paddy details his rediscovery of Washington, DC and the abundance of craft beers on offer, specifically DC Brau . Frank gets sniffy with some Gran Centenario Anejo tequila, Old World Spirits Blade Gin , and shares a prohibition cocktail recipe, the Aviation. In music, Paddy gets into some sludge and stoner rock with Black Tusk and Red Fang while Frank shares the Dum Dum Girls and two unbelievably catchy tracks from French pop act M83 . Listen, enjoy and don't forget to follow us on Facebook , on Twitter and follow our playlists on Spotify ! Chow!

TheNeighborhood.tv Sessions: Geographer - "Paris" from BAMM.tv on Vimeo . Geographer is a band I discovered by accident. They are almost ethereal it seems like in their approach. Here is a stripped down version of their song "Paris." Enjoy! I am Frank Chow and I approved this message

Woah. I missed a day? I had to work in the morning, so apologies I was late to work had zero coffee and no time to write this here thing. I'm working on the last bits of TAT which will then be posted tomorrow. It's December 1st, can you believe that? Soon enough Paddy K and I will be doing our end of year lists. So start gathering your favorites and maybe we will read them over the internets! Bieber. All day everyday Bieber, best album, best song... Here are your highlights: Southern California infrastructure ...not so good. It got a bit windy. Your cellphone might be spying on you Unemployment benefits for Christmas I hate Chase Bank, you should too Kentucky church disproves post-racial anything. They want that whole icky interracial marriage thing to stop . Darn nabbit! Chow!