DavidWuMusic.com Blog

Here's What Your Favorite Fringe Character Says About You

2011-07-06T09:17:00.001-07:00

Here's What Your Favorite Fringe Character Says About You

by David Wu

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Olivia Dunham: You are a loner, you doubt yourself, but deep inside you know that you kick ass.

Peter Bishop: You spend time wishing that people love you for who you are now, not for what you once were.

Walter Bishop: With all the food you eat daily, you frequently need to take a "Massive D."

Astrid Farnsworth: You enjoy your job, but you realize it's more of a stepping stone than your calling.

William Bell: You're not a Fringe fan. You are a Trekkie who watched Fringe just to check out Leonard Nimoy's performance.

September: You can recite your favorite Fringe episodes word-for-word, going as far to state a piece of dialogue before it is even spoken. And sometimes annoyingly so.

Charlie Francis: You spend your days hoping you won't be fired, laid off, or cremated.

Phillip Broyles: Your wife left you when you told her that you wanted to leave your six-figure job in order to become a lounge singer.

Ella: Your theme song in life is "Umbrella" by Rihanna, because you get to sing "Ella" a whole bunch of times.

Rachel: You have a crush on Ari Graynor. That must be the only reason.

Brandon Fayette: You have doubts about your job safety when you know that both the CEO and the night security watchman have been hanging out and getting stoned.

Nina Sharp: You're not over the hill; you're down in the valley.

Thomas Jerome Newton: You need to get a life - as much as you've tried, you can't naturally induce yourself to dream about electric sheep; and even if you did, you better not tell anyone or you will be ridiculed. Try something more worthwhile, like installing a chip into your lower spine.

Lincoln Lee (Over There): You spend your days listening to R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion" on repeat.

Lincoln Lee (Over Here): You have craved pecan pie since March 18, 2011.

Col. Phillip Broyles (Over There): By day, you run a tight operation at your work, and are a confident authority figure. By night, you are a family man. But deep inside, you really want to be a lounge singer.

Charlie Francis (Over There): You hope and dream for a "bug girl" to enter your life.

Walternate: You have dreamt of plugging your book "ZFT" on a popular talk show.

Fauxlivia: You can't decide on which nickname you want friends to use for you, so you just go with all of them. And sometimes annoyingly so.

Frank Stanton: Your new life's motto is: "Mama's baby, Papa's maybe."

Astrid (Over There): You're amazing, but you need to take time to breathe.

Brandon Fayette (Over There): You could have sworn you saw a mug appear and then disappear into thin air.

August: You will go out of your way for the person you love the most. And sometimes annoyingly so.

Roscoe Joyce: You laugh when everyone adores you when you play a bunch of random chord progressions on a piano.

David Robert Jones: You exclaim "Mr. Cole!" randomly, in a faux-English accent.

John Scott: You never existed.

Congratulations to Fringe for getting a Season 4

2011-03-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

It was announced by Fringe co-showrunner Joel Wyman via Twitter earlier today that the series was granted a Season 4.

I would like to take this time to personally congratulate the fanbase of the series, for playing a major part in this decision by the FOX network. And obviously, I've had some choice words for the network itself in recent months, but I do want to sincerely thank the network for extending what I strongly feel is currently the best show on TV.

I'll continue to be a fan, although the Fringemunks episode-by-episode song recaps will cease after the Season 3 songs are complete, as announced back in December 2010. As of this moment, 50 of the planned 65 songs spanning Seasons 1-3 are finished and already released. That's not to say that I don't have a plan for Season 4 - it just simply won't be the same magnitude and feel.

The series continues to amaze and impress new fans as well as the veterans who were watching since the "Pilot" episode. Although ratings are currently less than stellar, I do think that the quality of the show will be enough to gain new fans well into the future, even a hundred years from now.

The Fringemunks project will ride on the series' coattails well into the future as well - someone in the year 2125 will marvel at, say, our Epis. 3.22 "The Day We Died" song, and word-of-mouth it to his/her friends. Thanks, cast/crew/producers of Fringe, for producing material that inspires my material, and I owe a lot to all of you.

--David Wu

FRINGE THEORY | Peter & Fauxlivia's Baby: Perhaps We've Already Met Her

2011-02-15T05:37:00.000-08:00

Ella?

OK, I realize this theory may be far-fetched, and is a bit of a shot in the dark. However, here are some dots I'm connecting:

"Brown Betty" [2.19] episode allegory: Ella provides Walter with "a much better ending." If we are to take the episode's allegories seriously as indicative of the Fringe mythology as a whole, perhaps Ella is the gamechanger and ace-up-the-sleeve at the end of the Fringe series, whenever it is.
"Brown Betty" episode allegory: Rachel (in Walter's story) was actually not Rachel, but an actress pretending to be named Rachel who was used by the fictional Walter for his agenda. If we take the episode's allegories seriously, perhaps Rachel was lying/acting about being Ella's aunt from the get-go - and that brings to mind another question: who (perhaps Walternate?) would be using her?
In "Bound" [1.11] (starting at the 30:00 mark), we see the first extended scene involving Olivia and Rachel. Two interesting factors come up: 1) Rachel claims Ella gets her strength from Olivia (and looks temporarily distracted a few seconds later), and 2) Olivia asks Rachel if there's something Rachel isn't telling her (which Rachel denies).
At the end of "August" [2.08], August and December watch Olivia and Ella, and December says: "Look how happy she is - it's a shame things are about to get so hard for her." "Her" could be either Olivia or Ella.
Possible writer/producer hint: In "Concentrate and Ask Again" [3.12], there is a magic 8-ball towards the beginning of the episode - the other magic 8-ball is seen in "Bound," as it was the gift given by Ella to Olivia, after Rachel and Ella's alleged trip to Peru. Perhaps we are to "connect the 8-balls" a little, although the symbolism is still alluding me at the moment.
In "The No-Brainer" [1.12], Rachel marvels at Peter and Ella's first meeting, and states: "The way you are with Ella, you could be really good," then quickly "corrects" herself and says "at a party."
Also in "No-Brainer," Ella survives the brain-melting computer video, while others did not. Ella, in fact, has no signs of any injury, and Olivia seems almost shocked that Ella could withstand such a trauma.
In "The Transformation" [1.13], Olivia has trouble remembering some historical details relating to Rachel, after which Rachel changes the subject to John Scott. [This is similar to how Olivia had trouble "remembering" Fauxlivia's memories (after they were implanted in her) a few seasons later.] A minute later in the same "Transformation" episode, Rachel looks distant when she claims that her former partner Greg is a jerk.
In "Inner Child" [1.15], it is Olivia (as opposed to Rachel) who Ella wakes in the morning for company.
In "Unleashed" [1.16], Rachel "jokes" with Olivia and Ella: "You two work well together, and I don't like it."
In "Bad Dreams" [1.17], it is revealed that Ella is receiving some sort of "vaccination" - frequency unknown. Ella says that this substance was dead, but that she now felt it was "alive" (though Olivia assured her that it was just a "bad dream").
In "Over There, Part 1" [2.21], Olivia gave Ella the cross handed down from her mother, further cementing how Olivia thinks of Ella kind of like a daughter.
So how would Ella time-travel back to an earlier part of the timeline? The only 2 ways I can see is that 1) an Observer would have to do it - the Observer was able to allow Roscoe Joyce's son to travel through time in "The Firefly" [3.10] - OR - 2) back in "Safe" [1.10], it was revealed that Walter was once working on a time-travel device - perhaps Walternate was successful in making one work. Also NOTE: In the first Fringe comic book series, William/Walter DID make one work.

--David Wu

An interview of Roscoe Joyce, former keyboardist of Violet Sedan Chair

2011-01-20T08:07:00.000-08:00

DAVID WU: Thanks for taking the time to speak with us for a few moments, sir!

ROSCOE JOYCE: Wu! How in the blazes did you get here?

DW: I drove. I think all of us Fringe fans are excited about your appearance in the upcoming episode, "The Firefly," which will be aired this Friday, Jan. 21. Do you watch the show?

ROSCOE: Not as much since Season 1, to be honest. It seems like a great show. I remember a great subplot involving an agent who died, but somehow stayed around for half a season. It was great plot. Great Scott! I forget the agent's first name.

DW: Interesting. Do you enjoy the resurgence of the popularity of your former band?

ROSCOE: Definitely! I want our music to be heard for all time. Well, you better not hook up your amplifier to the record player - there's a slight possibility for overload.

DW: So now that it's years later, what current road are you on with your music?

ROSCOE: Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads! But I do have one thing to say: wohohoho, the future is looking a who-o-o-llle lot better now that I personally dropped off old vinyl records in used record shops around these here fine United States.

DW: Yeah, a fan named Kiki found one of the vinyls a few days ago here in Seattle's Easy Street Records, the Queen Anne store! And then another one found it at the Easy Street Records in West Seattle... and then I found one and bought it for five dollars plus tax at the West Seattle location just today! Thanks for doing that, man.

ROSCOE: Fans of Fringe, please excuse the crudity of this method of distribution. But it works! It works!

DW: Congratulations, again! Any last thought for Fringe fans?

ROSCOE: Just one - remember, Fringe is what you make it!

The Fringemunks to end episodic recaps after Season 3

2010-12-19T02:11:00.000-08:00

As announced on Facebook earlier this week, I will cease to produce The Fringemunks' episodic recap parody songs of Fringe, after Season 3 (and after a total of 65 recap songs have been completed and released).

For me, this was a simple and easy decision. I do love the project, but I know that to continue on past this season would be too much of a burden. Having said that, I have nothing but great things to say about the project, the fans, friends and supporters - all in all, a win-win situation that grew out of thin air.

So does this mean the end of The Fringemunks? Not exactly - you may see/hear them pop up in some odd project or song once in a blue moon. But it's the grueling one-song-per-episode schedule that was becoming a bit of a chore.

However, keep in mind that there are still 19 more songs left to be released before the project's episodic run ends at 65 songs, so the ending - while clear - is still only on the horizon. Until then, enjoy the ride!

The current state of "The Fringemunks" project

2010-12-04T01:58:00.000-08:00

Truly a global audience!

It's hard to believe that, as of this writing, The Fringemunks project is now 45 songs old (not including the odds-and-sods tracks of Bloody Rare). I thought I'd share a few thoughts about where things are with this project.

What started off as a fun 2-song joke has turned into the flagship project of my website, and I never expected it to go this far, this long, and this deep; and never did I expect that it would help me obtain an audience (however big or small) from around the globe. Each time someone overseas listens to a song, someone's dream (mine) is coming true!

That's not even including the possibility that the "David Wu" character in Episode 2.18 may have been more than just a coincidence; and I haven't even mentioned the plug by Alyssa Milano earlier this year. Meeting the cast in Feb. 2009 in New York was an amazing experience. These are great stories to tell my future grandchildren.

I'm not by any stretch of the means an "expert" in TV series, nor do I share the same type of enthusiasm or passion as some other amazing Fringe-ies, and that makes the accomplishments of The Fringemunks project all the more remarkable!

But, as you can imagine, it is a huge epic project and - not an easy one. If it were easy, more people would be doing it, I'm sure!

The toughest part now is actually the lyrics - that's the phase that takes me the longest - scrutinizing every phrase, every word, every line, every verse, every chorus - to make sure it flows and that it is accurate. The music is a little easier. Season 3 storylines involve so many moving parts, to the point where it is hard to recap an episode from only one person's POV per song.

On top of that, each song now is now under a bit more of a microscope than, say, the Season 1 songs - in those early songs, there was hardly any pressure. Now each song is reviewable and ... may I say ... sometimes The Fringemunks can be a tough act to follow, even for The Fringemunks themselves!

I find that I have less and less time to work on the songs nowadays, so in the very spare amount of time I do have, I try to make it count - and means sometimes doing tracks in one take and leaving things raw (which is actually not a bad thing to do). But it also means that it can be tough to keep up with an already-busy schedule. I'm 45 songs in, but there are currently already 51 episodes out, so I'm 6 behind.

I have stated my complaints about FOX for Fringe's timeslot, yes. I have stated that the move to Fridays could very well mean the end of the show by Season 3's finale, yes. There is a chance I might need to cut off The Fringemunks' episodic songs after a certain amount of time, yes. But I need to make it clear in case it isn't already clear: I don't personally want the show to end, nor do I want it to end merely for the sake of relieving me from parody-making duties. If I really want to quit, I'll quit, regardless of whether or not the show continues.

If there's a bit of a constant shift back and forth between wanting to continue and not wanting to, then that is also the mark of any longterm project. Whereas a project can last 3+ years, life changes month-to-month and week-to-week, and I'm essentially not the same person (or in the same state of being) as I was when Fringe started.

But while things change, there is a constant - the released music. The project evolves, and the music approach changes song-to-song, but once a song is released, it remains as is. And I have found that they actually age well in time, like red wine. I thank the supporters/fans of the project for this, as they are the ones who really make the project worthwhile! They even show more passion for my productions than I do at many times! Some know my own lyrics better than I do!

So, moving forward... let's continue to have some fun. And thanks for listening.

How I Lost 30 Pounds

2010-08-12T01:49:00.000-07:00

In August 2008, I decided to take control of my health. Since then, I have lost over 30 pounds. Here's how I did it:

1. Eating 3 meals a day, including breakfast.
2. Eating more vegetables/fruit.
3. Eating healthy portions. (This is key - no food is off limits, but higher-calorie foods should be limited.)
4. Recognizing which foods are healthier - no need to count calories if this is practiced.
5. Drinking more water.
6. Limiting sugar intake, in both foods and drink.
7. Exercising, including running and team sports (dodgeball/softball)
8. Limiting the amount of times I eat out after 9 PM.

Fringemunks: Some random thoughts as I near completion of Season 2 songs

2010-06-01T23:19:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say that The Fringemunks project, in retrospect, almost single-handedly resurrected my music career. Before it, my music career was in shambles, and was in disappointment mode. With music ministry coming to a screeching halt in 2007, and with my music not generating much buzz, I led the life of many a-musician, just inching by, making music and hoping people would listen. Not too many people did over time.

The Fringemunks and all the buzz resulting from it gave me the adrenaline/motivation I needed. It really is nice to know people are listening to the songs - even in a silly project like this. The fact people actually come to me and ask me "what song is next?" rather than me having to motivate people to listen, is something I'm not as accustomed to. Some celebrities have heard the songs, too. Who would have thought?

So, anyway, 5 songs left for me to recap for Season 2. Epis. 2.18: The Man from the Other Side will involve the 'munks singing about the David Wu character in one part, which will be fun. I'll parody Red Hot Chili Pepper's "Otherside." I'll use an instrumental stripped down to its bare essence.

Then Epis. 2.19: Brown Betty will be one of the most talked about productions of the entire Fringemunks repertoire, I can predict. How do I recap a somewhat "musical" episode with music? I think I found a way.

Then Epis. 2.20: Northwest Passage. Well, since that Pearl Jam dude scored this episode, would it be feasible for me to parody Pearl Jam? I haven't decided if I will yet, but that would be an obvious option.

Then Epis.'s 2.21 & 2.22: Over There, Parts 1 & 2 ... being that they were separated out, I will opt to create 2 songs, one for each part. If I try to combine it into 1 song, it will either be too long because I want to mention all the details, or it will be at regular length and I will end up missing out on mentioning some key details. Considering that there are zeppelins in the sky on the other side, would it make sense for me to parody a Led Zeppelin song to recap one of the parts? And how will our final Season 2 song end? I think I found the most epic way.

And perhaps I'll sing, without my voice sped-up, for a verse or so in one of the 5 remaining songs. Who knows? And can you believe that there will be 43 Fringemunk songs about Fringe in existence? ...and counting...

Fringemunks songs for Fringe episodes 2.16 and 2.17 will go "back to basics"

2010-05-10T21:20:00.001-07:00

The past several songs of the Fringemunks have been fun, rewarding, but also a bit complex. The project is definitely in a different place now than it was a year ago at this time. At the time, the project was merely a "side project" to say the least. Nowadays, it is near (but not totally in) the forefront of my music career - it is, after all, my most successful "brand" of music, even if it is not at the heart of my music career as a whole.

So admittedly, the bar I've been setting for the songs has been so high that I find it hard to follow it sometimes. The difficulty level of the songs (having to learn the songs, perform them well instrumentally, create lyrics, harmonies, etc.) has been hard to keep up with at times.

I've received more comments and encouragement for the past 8 songs (I'm already up to 36 songs) than any time before - but I think it's time for a slight change of pace so I can continue the journey in an efficient manner. Not that I've strayed away from the original intent, but I think for the next two songs (2.16: Olivia. In the Lab. With the Revolver. / 2.17: White Tulip), I will take it back to basics. Lyrics lyrics lyrics. Songs that drive the plot. The essence of Fringemunks - well, I'll strive to meet it. Let's roll.

APRIL FOOLS! David Wu is not retiring from The Fringemunks after all!

2010-04-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

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APRIL FOOLS!
No, I am not retiring from The Fringemunks
__________________________________

Original April Fools Message:

After 32 Fringe episode song recaps, I have come to the decision to retire as producer of The Fringemunks. At this point in my music career and after pondering my options, I felt it is time to start a new chapter in my music. It has been an amazing journey, and I thank all the fans as well as the various podcasts and websites who so graciously helped distribute the music.

So today, I walk away with no regrets. I knew this day was coming as soon as I played the very first piano chord on the "Epis. 2.05: Dream Logic" song, and over the last 7 songs, I started to make my peace with it.

Thanks, all, for a wonderful ride.

David Wu
Creator/Producer of The Fringemunks

Firing of Mora: Smart Move for Seahawks

2010-01-08T21:53:00.000-08:00

A smart move, indeed.

Many will say that Jim Mora only lost so many games coaching the Seahawks because he was handed a bad team. Those people will argue that not even the greatest NFL coaches in history could win with this team. But based on what we saw in these last two months - and with the sudden emergence of a better option, namely USC's Pete Carroll - the Seahawks made the right move and severed a question mark from their thesis.

Mora came to Seattle as sort of a "prodigal" of sorts, having roots here in education and via familial coaching connections. He lived and breathed the Pacific Northwest - his destination was here (whether as a Seahawk coach or a Husky coach, that will always be a simmering debate), and he arrived heralded. The Seahawks announced his hiring as head coach an entire year before he started.

It's all about face, and the Seahawks saved face by performing an about-face. And hopefully its timeliness will work out - because this NFC West is by far the weakest division in the NFL - and they have an opportunity to right the ship in a three- to four-month period.

If I were to pin down what I think was Mora's downfall in his tenure, I would say his demeanor. His softness and lack of aggressiveness always came to light, even if he was telling the truth and being open to questions and criticism from the press and public. He's not Mike Holmgren, and he doesn't need to be. However, with lack of aggressiveness comes lack of control and faulty organization, and it was time for the Seahawks to knock down the leaning tower and get its foundations in line.

Beacon UMC wins softball playoff semifinal 10-9 on walk-off 2-run homerun by minor

2009-08-16T17:55:00.000-07:00

NOTE: Identities of players who are below 18 years old are being protected, per church administrative regulations.

The 2009 Beacon UMC Spiritlifters softball team won their semifinal match 10-9 against Seattle First UMC, with the final score decided by a walk-off 2-run homerun by one of Beacon's young stars. However, Beacon technically forfeited the match due to having only 1 female player. League rules state that at least 2 teammates playing the game must be ladies.

The minor's blast was one of 4 homeruns in the game by Beacon. Because of their forfeit, Beacon failed to advance to the championship match for the first time since the year 2000, ending a run of 8 consecutive years playing for the title. Beacon did win championships 3 years in a row, from 2004-2006.

Interview: Writer/director Marco Duran delivers suspense and realism with debut film "Within"

2009-07-25T16:17:00.000-07:00

The film Within is a member of the horror and paranormal genres, but what makes it truly scary is what is not actually seen onscreen. The film produces as much suspense as it provokes character contemplation - a contemplation that jumps off the screen and lurks in the minds of the viewers - and multiple viewings will reveal even more layers and clues as to who or what is driving the main character.

Within breaks formulaic boundaries, and ends in such a resounding and unconventional fashion that viewers are suddenly urged to ask themselves some of the same questions Peter, the conflicted main character, asks himself throughout the film. The film's plot doesn't end when the credits roll; the plot becomes ours - the plot, in fact, is ours.

Within is presented by first-time writer/director Marco Duran, stars Anthony Rutowicz as Peter, and is distributed by Portrait Pictures and Sophisto Films. While Within will hit the indie film festival circuit later in 2009, you can purchase the DVD now at http://withinmovie.com, where you can also listen to original music from the film, view cast/crew bios, and buy related merchandise. You can also join the film's Facebook group at http://tinyurl.com/withinmovie-fb.

Marco recently provided DavidWu Music.com with this exclusive interview about his experience making the film.

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DAVID WU: You mention in your DVD commentary that the initial write-up of the storyline consisted of 114 pages - was that 114 pages of actual screenplay?

MARCO DURAN: That was the story in script version. I don't prefer to initially write that way though. I tend to write in regular prose, like a book, so the story was done in 46 pages in prose, and when Anthony (co-producer) translated it to script, it came out to 114 pages.

DAVID: What percentage of that script actually made it onto film?

MARCO: That's hard to say. The story as a whole, once I finished writing it, didn't change all that much. However, of the actual dialogue, I'd say 85 to 90 percent of it made it on screen. Probably less.

DAVID: Being that you didn't have any experience in making films prior to Within, what was it that motivated you to get into this particular project?

MARCO: I enjoy telling stories. I didn't set out to make a movie. I set out to tell a story. By the time the script was done, I'd been living with the story for three months. It was at that point, if I remember correctly, that the offer was given to me to direct when I thought I was just going to write it. So I accepted the director role as well. The whole thing sort of fell in my lap. What motivated me was that this scared me to no end.

DAVID: Would you consider this film autobiographical in any way?

MARCO: They do say to write what you know. I suppose the story is, in a way, my story. The things that I want to do, I don't do. And the things that I don't want to do, that's what I end up doing.

DAVID: The acting throughout the film was very natural, and never "over the top." How was it that, as a first time director, you were able to instill that "naturalness" in your actors?

MARCO: I'm glad that you felt that way. Thank you. I did a few things that I think contributed to that effect.

First of all, I met with all the actors individually and talked them through their character arcs. I also gave them a questionnaire with very mundane questions that they had to answer for their characters - for instance: What music do you listen to? Do you listen to it loud or soft? What is the most traumatic event in your life? What is your favorite book? Do you eat breakfast often or only occasionally?

Secondly, I gave them all free reign to improvise. I said: "You know where this scene is going, what the purpose of this line is. Say it however you would say it. Just make sure we get from point A to point B."

DAVID: Based on their questionnaire answers, did you end up changing any part of the plot or script to work with their tendencies and values?

MARCO: Yes. Some things affected the way that they treated each other, some things affected the way that they carried themselves.

Christopher Wyllie, Russ in the film, wrote about his childhood and how he was picked on, but was good at school and especially chemistry. That worked in well. And that changed the dynamic of Russ and Kilroy. Kilroy became the guy with the money, the rich boy thrill seeker - and Russ being the more level-headed and smarter of the two.

I wanted the actors/actresses to embody their characters, which meant I really had to know the story to know what was essential and what was non-essential. The essentials would not be changed by what the actors brought up. In fact some of their answers to the questionnaire encroached on the essentials and I had to steer the actors back and "correct" their answers. But any of the non-essentials were fair game and, like you said, endeared the characters to the actors.

DAVID: Which scene would you say was the toughest to film?

MARCO: The showdown between Adam and Eddie was the toughest scene to write, I wanted to make sure they felt equal. The scenes in the woods were physically the toughest scenes to shoot since they all took place at night. We shot from 6 pm to 6 am on Saturday and Sunday to get all that footage.

DAVID: Adam and Eddie (not to give away too much in this interview to the audience) are two of the more peculiar characters in the film - and many clues seem to be peppered throughout the film as to WHO they are. Did you do a lot of research as to which clues you would be using?

MARCO: There were some clues that were thought out before, like the car reveal, and there were some that were made up on the spot. But since I knew where we were going, I knew whether or not something would work in the scene. I'm sure there are clues I placed throughout that will never be picked up on.

DAVID: How about the "disappearing ink" bit? Was that premeditated?

MARCO: Yes. And the exact amount of frames through which the ink disappeared was thoroughly discussed. Too little and it wasn't noticeable. Too many and we were spoon feeding the audience.

DAVID: Does the year 1984 have any significance?

MARCO: The year of Anthony's birth, I believe. Where'd you pick that up?

DAVID: Saw that on Eddie's funky business card!

MARCO: Ah yes, "Serving you since 1984" - so yeah, it was how old Peter was supposed to be at that time.

For Eddie's phone number, I know the first three digits are from the Left Behind series: 6 times 6 times 6 (216). The next three are 555. The last four digits are Anthony's age and my age at the time. So Satan... Hollywood... our ages.

DAVID: This film seemed very fun to make - would you say it was fun most of the time, or just some of the time?

MARCO: On our last day of filming as soon as I said "It's a wrap," I vowed to never make another film again. Of course that's now changed. It's in hindsight that it was fun. Honestly, it was my own fault because I was so busy and wearing so many hats, I didn't have much time to reflect and go "Hey, I'm making a film. Wow, that's cool!"

DAVID: William Salsbury, who did most of the film's music, added so much to the mood of the film - did Bill write the music after seeing rough cuts of the film, or did you film after you had heard much of the music beforehand?

MARCO: Bill was a late addition to the crew, but as you said, he added a lot. He was writing to final cuts of the film, so he knew how long to make the music cues.

DAVID: Is it true that music helped fuel much of the writing of this film?

MARCO: Yes. Music in my head and in my iPod, yes. I wrote three scenes to specific songs: The party scene to Paul Oakenfold's version of The Sneaker Pimps "Six Underground." The car chase to Porno for Pyros' "Tahitian Moon." And the final battle to Radiohead's "Street Spirit."

I'm still doing that. It helps me to envision a scene since I'm a musician before I'm a writer. For a movie I'm working on, I have the beginning mapped out to N.E.R.D.s "Don't worry about it"

DAVID: What would say is most similar between songwriting or performing music, and writing a film?

MARCO: The ability to be creative. Creating things whether they be spelled out with notes or with letters or with brushstrokes or with camera moves... just bringing something out of your head and into the world is so fun and so satisfying.

DAVID: You're a worship leader at church, right?

MARCO: Not currently. Right now I'm just helping out by singing and playing guitar.

DAVID: I know your pastor allowed you and the crew to use his house for certain scenes. What did he think of the finished product?

MARCO: The last time he saw it, it was the second or third cut of the movie, which was about 20 minutes longer. I believe he enjoyed it. I know he didn't enjoy all the language being shouted in his living room during the final battle. But overall, he liked it.

It has been interesting making something like this with my convictions. It has made me question what kind of a influence the film will be to others.

What I was going for was infusing some semblance of reality into a very unrealistic story. Some would argue that reality doesn't factor into movie making - that if they wanted to see reality they could walk out their door. And that's it's none of my business spreading more of that "reality" around. Overall though, I feel the moral is clear: If you follow the wide road, you'll end up in the wrong place.

DAVID: One of the best bits of the film was the initial party scene - it was unlike any other party scene I'd ever seen on film. You all threw an actual party, right?

MARCO: Yes.

DAVID: Where did your crew find all those bongs?

MARCO: I'm sure it was theirs. Someone's. They didn't have to go to far to find them.

DAVID: How much of the party activity was actually happening, and not scripted?

MARCO: All happened, most non-scripted. The keg stand, the coke pass-off, and the beer chugging were the only things scripted. Everything else was the DP or Anthony or someone else on the cast making stuff up. Whoever had the idea, if we were good on time, we tried everything.

The toughest thing was getting every single person that showed up for the party to sign a release form when they thought they were just coming to a party.

DAVID: What fascinated me was the editing for that scene - especially the sped up portion where only Peter was the one "existing in real time."

MARCO: Good, that was the intention, but I don't know if we really pulled it off.

DAVID: I understand, from the DVD commentary, that the real-life party got out of hand.

MARCO: Yeah, but that was once we were done filming. They tore up some of the backyard, and destroyed a neighbor's mailbox. All in all, nothing big, but you don't like to see people destroy private property.

DAVID: One of the more profound scenes involved a character listing a plethora of drug names - what statement did you want to make about drugs in particular in this film?

MARCO: I really didn't want to make any specific statement. They are there as a plot point and not much else. The list, however - I was trying to have a little fun.

I looked up a website - I don't think it was Urban Dictionary - but I wanted to use words for drugs that are not often heard. Because I figure, someone's gotta use those words, and who better to know them then drug dealers. So I chose 26 names, one for every letter of the alphabet.

The actor came up to me and asked, "Don't you want to throw in some common names like China and Ice?" And I said, "In no way do I want to use anything that people could place." That all being said, I think he asks for cocaine three or four times.

And we lost some names. And we doubled up on some letters. But it's still long enough and people still go,"What?" And I smile.

DAVID: Which festivals are confirmed to be showing this film?

MARCO: None yet. We probably won't hear back from them until September (2009).

DAVID: How's the nervousness, if it exists, during the waiting process?

MARCO: Right now, my main focus is selling DVDs, getting the word out through people like you, finding places to screen the film (I'm offering a free copy of the film if people will invite 10 friends to their house and screen the film in their living room), and - hopefully - finding distribution. I'm too busy to be nervous.

DAVID: Have many of your friends seen the film?

MARCO: Yeah, we used them as guinea pigs - I mean, test audiences.

DAVID: How did they like it?

MARCO: We had varying degrees of admiration. Some have already bought a DVD. Some walked out of the screening. At least the film makes people FEEL something and I'm grateful for that.

DAVID: What do you think sets your marketing strategy apart from any other strategy you've seen?

MARCO: Others plan out marketing strategy, but I'm just making it up as it comes along. That's the story of this whole movie: Make it up as it comes along.

DAVID: Were you confident from the get-go that this film would blossom like it did?

MARCO: It's blossomed? I thought I was still tilling the ground. Next time will be planned out better.

DAVID: Throughout making the film and in its marketing process, how do you think you have grown as a person, and as a person of faith?

MARCO: I know I've grown as a leader in that I was not one before this all started. This film threw me in the deep end. That being said, I can now look back and see all the ways I could have done better. I mean, it's always that way. And as I look back I can improve as I go forward.

DAVID: In what ways do you see yourself improving?

MARCO: Personal relations. People have always been, for me, extremely interesting to watch, but not to interact with. I have had to break out of that.

DAVID: You seem to have had great chemistry, artistically and in production phase, with Anthony Rutowicz - do you see yourself working with him in the future?

MARCO: That's funny, because that's where most of the previous answer came from. Anthony and I work very differently. I'm so much more strict and business-like and "we do this at this time, and we need to have it done by this date, and work work work." And he's very chill, which frustrated me to no end. But I had to see things from his perspective, understand what he was going through and not be so selfish. It's been hard, but good for me. My main character couldn't see past the end of his nose. I can, hopefully, do better.

__________________________________________

Portrait Pictures and Sophisto Films present a film directed by Marco Duran. Story by Marco Duran, Anthony Rutowicz and Rebecka Duran. This film is not yet rated.

Visit and bookmark the official Within website at http://withinmovie.com.

____________________________________________
All photos in this blog entry provided by Marco Duran.

My Fringe theory: main characters are an "imperfect Trinity"

2009-05-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

Here's my Fringe theory of the moment:

The three main characters—Dr. Walter Bishop, Peter Bishop and Olivia Dunham—are an imperfect trinity with parallels to the Holy Trinity. It's, in essence, "the same old story," told a little differently. Here's my basic analysis:

The Father: Dr. Walter Bishop
Walter himself admitted at the end of Epis. 1.02 that he was trying to play God when he tampered with Peter's history. From Epis. 1.09 and onward, Walter is seen sporadically holding a Bible in his hand or quoting scripture. Keep this in mind: Walter is a creator, though much of his creations led to misinterpretations (perhaps William Bell's ZFT "bible," which in itself has a cultic variant with the formerly missing chapter on ethics) and mis-use by scientists who had their own agenda.

The Son: Peter Bishop
Peter died in 1985. Then he was resurrected in 1985 by his father (or rather, taken from an alternate Earth). He enters into service as an FBI correspondent at age 30, the same age Jesus began his earthly ministry; although, Peter's ministry comes after his alternate's death, not before. Peter apparently has ability to read people's minds, and other powers he apparently has yet to tap into. Peter spent years in Iraq, whose territory plays a huge role in history as told in Bible.

The Spirit: Olivia Dunham
Note her childhood name, Olive, which has religious connotations to begin with. She is an interceder between the FBI and the Bishops, a liaison in every sense of the word, on multiple dimensions (and now in multiple dimensions it seems). As an FBI agent, she enforces, and paves the way for the conviction of evil-doers. If water signifies the Holy Spirit's presence in baptism, then Olivia's oneness with the water in the tank is representive of this concept.

In closing: this imperfect Fringe "trinity" works in concert with each other to save the world. And is there a "Judas" in their midst?

Behind the Fringemunks

2009-05-04T23:40:00.000-07:00

So what exactly do I make of The Fringemunks project?

It's definitely helped broaden my audience, which is something I've wanted to do - hence, the creation of my website http://DavidWuMusic.com, and the various methods of tracking who visits. As with any start-up site, it's a matter of attracting visitors and motivating them to visit and re-visit.

For most of my life, my music has had some appeal, whether it be to extended family, or a church, or an ethnic community. But there was always a glass ceiling, and any peak above the ceiling always yielded a sense of frustration and disappointment: it was like pulling teeth sometimes to encourage people to listen to my music.

So how does one transition from struggling to attract the masses, to struggling to keep up with the masses who want to hear more from you?

Enter the Fringemunks, a serialized 2-song joke that is turning into a 20-song hit for a portion of Fringe fans around the globe. Despite the tongue-in-cheek nature of the songs and its accompanying irreverent humor, it is still my music underneath the sped-up voices and, I feel, there is redemptive quality to the lyrics that I write for the parodies. It allows the audience to experience a Fringe episode in a different light, and also allows one to hear a song in a slightly different light as well. For me, it's also one experiment after another, creating music and presenting them to an audience in mind--it's simply great practice.

The appeal for the listener is exemplified in a series of anticipations for each new song. Once an episode airs, I want the Fringemunks fan to automatically wonder how the 'munks will recap that episode. If a listener memorizes the song, it can be a great tool to remember a particular episode's plot and details when the episodes and seasons start piling up.

Not only that, I try to infuse an emotional quality into each and every song - it's not all fun and games. It's a funny kind of serious, a detour from the usual humor. Not exactly Weird Al, not nearly Chipmunks (I don't speed it up as fast as they did).

Something is working. Glancing at the results of the visitor tracker, there are lots of visitors in the Seattle area, a plethora in New York... and a whole bunch in Europe... especially Hungary. That's right, there's a website in Hungary that is marketing the Fringemunks. How flattering is that! Makes me want to brag a little, but not too much.

Plus, the name "Fringemunks" is catchy, I think.

Fringe: My Prediction about Peter's Medical History

2009-05-04T23:16:00.000-07:00

Warning: potential spoilers below, for those who haven't read the Fringe comics.

Time for me to share with you which Kool-Aid I'm drinking in regards to Peter Bishop's ambiguous medical history on Fringe:

I believe that Peter may actually be Walter's father. There are clues that point to this.

Dr. Nicholas Boone, in Epis. 1.18 "Midnight" asks Walter, "How far would you go for someone you love?" Walter pauses on this, and reflects. And we reflect as well, as there is somehow an interesting bond between Walter and his "son" Peter - Walter would rather go back to the mental institution than to be without Peter, for one thing. And we know that a teleportation device can not only drag people from any point on Earth, but from any time.

Then there's what's in the Fringe comics. In the final "Bell & Bishop" scene in the 4th of 6 comics, we find out that Walter's father was either a Nazi or worked for the Nazis... or somehow had a connection to the Nazis. What if somehow Walter whisked his father away from that lifestyle and path, causing an anomaly in time and family history.

The fugitive John Mosley from Epis. 1.04 "The Arrival" said to this to Peter about his "relative" under the tombstone: "shame you never met him." Perhaps there are different layers to this statement, but think of the logic that would stand if Peter WAS the relative supposedly buried.

(OK, we'll see how far off I am in the final two episodes of the season.)

Announcing the tracklisting for "20/20: The Best of David Wu 1988-2008"

2009-03-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

20/20: The Best of David Wu 1988-2008, which will be released Sunday, Mar. 15, 2009, is a compilation of 20 songs I produced, composed, and/or performed from ages 10-30. Here's the tracklisting:

1. Many Phases - AC feat. Lyrical Image [2005]
2. More Than Just Friends - Rose Marie [2008]
3. Word of Honor - MadPoet [1995]
4. Kahapon - Tiiktak [2002]
5. Chopin: Valse - David Wu [1991]
6. Wanna Be - EJ Galeon [2006]
7. Santeria (Live at Koffee Pot) - Fake Mondays [2004]
8. Schubert: Impromptu - David Wu [1993]
9. Chopin: Etude (Live at Tibbetts UMC) - David Wu [1992]
10. 11:59 - Tiiktak feat. Spaz-O-Matic & emersonIC [2002]
11. Lord, Tell Me I'm Dreamin' - MadPoet [1996]
12. Mozart: Sonata I (Live at Tibbetts UMC) - David Wu [1989]
13. Mozart: Concerto in F (Live at Tibbetts UMC) - David Wu [1988]
14. Until U R Mine (Extended Version) - Tiiktak feat. emersonIC [2001]
15. Can You Stand the Rain (By Request) - David Wu [2004]
16. Epis. 1.04: The Arrival (Parody of Gold Digger) - The Fringemunks [2008]
17. Grieg: Concerto (Live at Tibbetts UMC) - David Wu [1993]
18. A New Creation (Live in Silverdale) - Papuri!NW Band feat. Dione Ricardo Corsilles [2004]
19. If I Can Move the Mountains - James Fernando [2005]
20. Dynastiik - Tiiktak & Tina Cornejo feat. The Text Messengers [2003]

A new era begins

2009-01-19T00:12:00.000-08:00

On January 20, 2009, Barack Hussein Obama II becomes the 44th President of the United States. It is a truly historic moment - regardless of whatever background and political leanings you may have. This is a time to celebrate our new leader, and to celebrate America.

Here, we will reflect on this moment. Not only that, I have some friends and a sister who will be reporting from the scene in Washington, D.C. Continue to check here for the latest updates!

The audience reading this is going to be full of some die-hard liberals, and also some very devoted Republicans, and many who are in between. Many are friends of mine. Many are in my extended family. I'm personally an independent voter, with no true allegiance to either of the two political parties; and as such, I will aim to make this as non-partisan as possible.

MY THOUGHTS

"The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly," said John McCain during his concession on the night of November 4.

Yet how much of America truly spoke? Despite the all-important electoral process, the popular vote was divided more down the middle. McCain's remark was part of a very gracious speech - perhaps the greatest speech of his life - and he received applause from everyone, regardless of how they voted. (Nevermind those boos by some of those McCain faithful - even McCain himself was urked by that.)

This was some time after the countdown to the West Coast election forecasts that effectively put Barack Obama over the top. Where was I? I was sitting where I am now - at home - chatting with a friend of mine from Athens, Georgia. While pockets of people around town were counting down as if it were New Year's Eve, while University of Washington students gathered in Red Square were about to erupt in a spontaneous and passionate rendition of our national anthem - I was here just appreciating the moment, in quiet reflection.

But I decided to get out of the house to celebrate anyway. And there was much to celebrate. Yes, the candidate I voted for won, but even above that the process worked. As it did when George W. Bush won 8 years earlier (although the Florida debacle turned more than a few heads). As it did every time a president was elected. Maybe some presidents didn't turn out the way we would have liked, but the American people participated in the process and determined the outcome. That we can live in a democracy such as the one we live in, is a gift. Sometimes we take it for granted.

I arrived in Downtown Seattle, where cars were honking and places were still bustling with activity. I ended up shaking hands and hugging strangers - not just Obama supporters, but also McCain supporters who showed up to celebrate with everyone. That is something I will always take with me for the rest of my life - it is the America that I know lurks underneath some of the murkyness of foggy politics. At its best, the heart of America is still a beacon in that very fog.

I showed up at Ohana (a popular pan-Asian restaurant), where a hip-hop DJ was playing some beats, with Obama's speeches overlaid on top. I sat with a group of strangers who were, like me, enjoying the moment. Maybe I don't agree with every single detail that Obama brought forth in those speeches, but I agreed with the heart of it all.

Fast-forward to Monday, Jan. 19, 2009, a day before the Inauguration, and... it just happens to be Martin Luther King Day. Tomorrow, Jan. 20, part of King's "dream" will come true. For the mere fact that Obama is African-American is of less significance than his stature as a real American, true in his intentions, bold in his convictions, and anointed by our Creator to do some good in this world.

And so a new era begins. God bless America, and may He bless us despite ourselves.

UPDATES

As mentioned, I have some friends who are in DC at this moment, braving the cold and crowds. I intend to update this section with their updates, and I will also "interview" them throughout the process. Here's a list of the people I know who are there, and who will be reporting to me:

Theon - he actually lives there - he'll be reporting to me via text, likely
Sophie - a friend of mine from church - she'll be reporting to me via text, and she'll also be tweeting (#sophiakristina) and updating her blog (link below)
Rachel - my sister - reporting likely via text
Joe - another friend from church, reporting via text

Note: all times are EST (Eastern Standard Time or DC time), so subtract 3 hours if you want PDT (Pacific Daylight Time or Seattle time).

Monday, January 19, 2009

Sophie (9:08am/Twitter) - At baggage claim at IAD. Let the celebration begin!
Theon (12:05pm/Facebook msg) - As of now, I believe that I will be on the parade route tomorrow.
Sophie (2:11pm/Twitter) - Heading to Capitol Hill to drop off bags. Looks like we r camping out tonite!
Sophie (2:27pm/Twitter) - News out of DC says tomorrow's inauguration is being treated as the largest event in the nation's history.
Sophie (2:44pm/Twitter) - Circling Capitol. Will drop off sleeping bags, overnite bags and ballgowns to a church office where we will be spending the nite.
Sophie (2:48pm/Twitter) - Hungry. In the past 18 hours, ive had cereal. Ready for a meal.
Sophie (3:16pm/Twitter) - Just finished dropping off bags at the lutheran church of the reformation. Off to Georgetown to meet with Theon, Joe and Grace at Dumbar ...
Sophie (3:22pm/Twitter) - Driving by Potomac River to Georgetown. Its frozen over.
Sophie (4:48pm/Twitter) - Off to find food. Perhaps Cracker Barrel? MmmM!
Sophie (5:44pm/Twitter) - Sitting in traffic
Sophie (8:55pm/Twitter) - At Cracker Barrell in Manassas. Waiting for my chicken fried chicken, fried okra, sweet baby carrots and corn...mMMmm good
Sophie (8:48pm/Twitter) - Sleepy Heading to Capitol Hill now
Sophie (9:08pm/Twitter) - Heading to Capitol Hill via Metro
Me (9:32pm/Text) - [To Rachel] How's everything there? Do you think it will snow while Obama is sworn in?
Joe (10:01pm/Text) - [In response to my earlier question about spending MLK Day in DC]: Though it may sound cliche, I listened to people's stories and was reminded of how I share commonalities with people one may think are so different.
Me (10:04pm/Text) - [To Joe] Has it hit you yet that you're in the midst of the world's focus? I'm excited for you - and excited for our country.
Sophie (10:07pm/Twitter) - Night cap at firehook bakery & coffee house on Capitol Hill.
Rachel (10:07pm/Facebook Wall) - [To me] Probably not.. too cold n clear I think. We had light flurries earlier on monday but not much. It was more like dippin dots hail. Things r good though, we're near the capitol bldg.
Rachel (10:09pm/Facebook Status) - chillin (literally!) near the Capitol Building.
Joe (10:09pm/Text) - It has not fully hit. I'd been to DC enough for work. This time is wholly different. A sense of a challenge is before us--but now so is the sense of true hope.
Me (10:14pm/Text) - [To Joe] In what ways do you think you will be empowered when you return to Seattle?
Joe (10:19pm/Text) - Honestly, as a SW I was jaded until the Feb primaries. I went to the Key to hear Obama speak. I heard what he said and knew my career needed to change. It did!
Joe (10:24pm/Text) - Hope I don't sound cheesy.
Me (10:39pm/Text) - [To Joe] Nope - you sound encouraged and enlightened.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Rachel (12:26am/Facebook Status) - Rachel is catchin some quick zzz's at a nearby UMC bldg.. the inaugural action starts soon!
Rachel (5:52am/Facebook Status) - Rachel is up for the inauguration.. it so cold!!
Sophie (6:42am/Twitter) - Getting ready to walk to east side of Capitol
Sophie (7:15am/Twitter) - En route to east side of capitol.
Sophie (7:34am/Twitter) - Feeling like Moses wandering through the wilderness.
Sophie (8:09am/Twitter) - At smithsonian. Ready to witness history.
Rachel (8:13am/Facebook Status) - Rachel is here at the inauguration with a million catrillion bazillion other ppl. COLD but excited!
Sophie (9:19am/Twitter) - Waiting for Sabrina and Brandon near Smithsonian Metro. I see flurries
Sophie (9:58am/Twitter) - Toes feel like they will fall off. 3 socks on. Obama just walked up steps.
Sophie (10:28am/Twitter) - Sunny but still freezing.
Sophie (10:53am/Twitter) - Arg with people with signs blocking my view trying to get on TV. Move!
Sophie (10:57am/Twitter) - Obama's motorcade coming up.
Sophie (11:02am/Twitter) - Members of Senate being seated.
Sophie (11:41am/Twitter) - 20 more minutes and a new chapter in our nation's history begins.
Sophie (11:52am/Twitter) - Here on the National Mall. Future generations will mark this morning.
Rachel (1:30pm/Text) - Now the crowds can't get out!
Sophie (1:34pm/Twitter) - Gridlock at National Mall. Too much pedestrian traffic. People getting stuck and not able to exit.

LINKS

http://inaugurationhuskies.wordpress.com - my friend Sophie's blog about her experience watching the inauguration
Do you have a blog or website about the inauguration that you want to list here? Let me know!

Interview: Australia's Adele discusses her podcasting experience

2009-01-16T05:18:00.000-08:00

An intuitive sense of audience, a sharp wit, tremendous timing, determination to capitalize, and vision of craft - Adele of Australia has all these, and more.

In just over 15 months, Adele has made her mark in the podcasting and blogging world. She co-hosts the hit geeky-girl podcast Three Chicks and a Mic (threechicksandamic.info), as well as the Fringe Dwellers Podcast (fringedwellerspodcast.blogspot.com) about the FOX TV series Fringe. She is the creator and host of The Sarah Dessen Diarist (sarahdessen.wordpress.com), a podcast/blog about the best-selling young adult author. She also has a literary blog, Persnickety Snark (persnicketysnark.blogspot.com).

Adele and I will be teaming up on a few things that we will remain silent about for now. In the meantime, what follows here is her very first media interview about her experiences and vision within the podcasting world.

DAVID WU: Adele, what drew you into podcasting in the first place?

ADELE: Buying an iPod. Sounds lame but before August 2007 I had a very rudimentary knowledge of iTunes and didn't even know what a podcast was.

I am a huge television and movie fan so I started seeking out info on them, came across podcasts and started checking them out. My first was Starkville's House of El (a Smallville-based podcast) that has amazing production values and entertaining hosts. I became friends with some of the people on their forum boards and got invited to guest host on someone else's podcast because they thought some international flavor with a bent sense of humor would benefit their podcast. I loved it.

Soon after, I started Three Chicks and a Mic (3CM) with two other girls. Soon after that I was guesting on lots of other podcasts. Then Fringe started getting buzz and Jen and I teamed up.

I love the buzz of recording and the feedback. I hate the sound of my laugh and complain way too much about editing but the truth is I love it.

DAVID: When did 3CM start?

ADELE: Around August last year I read a book called Twilight. The dialogue was corny as all heck, but the story was very involving and I became a tad obsessive. I recommended it to my friend, Jen from Philadelphia, and she read it and got obsessed. I was in one of the SHoE chat rooms when Jen, Crystal and I started talking about Twilight and decided we would start a podcast. Within a hour, we had a podcasting account, a blogsite and an email address.

We loved having an avenue to talk about geeky things. Many podcasts are hosted by geeky guys and we wanted to put out own spin on it. We talk about whatever we want, post irregularly but weirdly, the listener base is the most enthusiastic of all my podcasts.

DAVID: How long did it take to set up?

ADELE: I think the first episode was up within two weeks. Both of the other hosts are American which makes it difficult with the time zones so we have to record on weekends.

DAVID: That makes sense. How long do you see 3CM lasting? Any long-term goals?

ADELE: 3CM is a podcast that is always in flux. It's released infrequently with different combinations of the three chicks and/or our mates. I see my involvement ongoing. It's the podcast where I get to be myself the most - a little sarcastic, a little cynical and I call a spade a spade. It's the runt of my podcast children, I might kick it around a bit but I love it anyway. (I don't actually kick animals or podcasts - no hate mail please!)

DAVID: Regarding the Fringe Dwellers Podcast (FDP), I remember, you started this podcast long before the pilot even aired. What was it that drew you into the series in the first place, and what compelled you to follow through with a podcast?

ADELE: Jen and I were recording Greek Speak (a now defunct podcast regarding the ABC Family show) and heard about Fringe. He asked if I would want to do it with him as we had got chemistry. I said, Josh Jackson's on it? Sure!

No, I am a long time JJ Abrams fan. I still love Felicity with a fiery passion; I watch my series DVD set all the time. I trust in JJ implicitly in the material he chooses, and the premise of the show really intrigued me. Jen and I recorded in June (I think) an intro to Fringe Dwellers about what we had heard and what we wanted to achieve with the podcast. We got heaps of downloads straight away so we knew that the show would definitely have an audience and we might have a listenership of our own.

My faith was paid off in the pilot and every episode since then. I have championed the show and feel that my loyalty is really seeing results.

DAVID: What was the most profound moment of the FDP so far - would you say, the Chance Kelly (who plays Agent Loeb) interview?

ADELE: I probably wouldn't call it profound but it has definitely been the high point along with the Round Table podcast. We were both so excited to have an interview, but understandably I was a little disappointed as I couldn't be involved in it. The Round Table was fantastic, talking to people doing the same thing as me, and comparing our theories and opinions was so much fun. I hope the listeners enjoyed it as much as I did.

DAVID: Besides that interview, what do you think are the FDP's biggest accomplishments?

ADELE: I would say that I am a pretty collaborative person and our podcast has been able to involve other people besides Jen and myself. Whether partnering up with you to have the Fringemunks tracks as our spoiler divide music, listening to John Ellsworth's voicemails, or having John Bailey's superb intro - we have a little FD family.

Fringe fans are a motley crew. They are incredibly intelligent, observant and generous. I feel confident that the fan base of Fringe will grow and perhaps Fringe Dwellers might gain a few listeners who like some laughs, some discussion and an Aussie co-host.

I have been lucky to form relationships with Wayne from Wayne's Take on Fringe, Dennis from fringetelevision.com and yourself. That's all because of podcasting - I say this podcast biz is a big win-win!

DAVID: Podcasts are a relatively new medium and phenomenon. How do you see this medium evolving in the future?

ADELE: I try not to think about it too much! Seriously, I am still trying to improve my editing and presenting. I think podcasts will eventually be recognized to a greater degree. Most people I speak to here in Australia don't even know what they are.

I told my mom about what I was doing, explaining it as an online radio show. She pointed at her sound system and asked, "What's the frequency?" So I think a greater awareness of podcasting is inevitable. I think there is a place for audio and video podcasts but I see the latter going somewhere that I can't imagine in terms of creativity.

DAVID: Do you plan on integrating podcasts into your teaching career?

ADELE: Yes, especially into my teaching of English. Using technology to improve my student's literacy, IT skills, speaking and listening skills. The possibilities for podcasting and blogging as an application for learning is limitless.

DAVID: Really - so your students can take your lessons home with them, and this can increase their flexibility and tap into their potential. That's brilliant!

ADELE: Why thank you! In terms of the TV industry I think they will continue to realize the importance of fan labor and hopefully become more supportive of it. Some show and networks really support the endeavors of their fans to spread the word of their shows. Some don't. I think I would like networks and show creators to further capitalize on viewer's curiosity in this field.

DAVID: What's the story behind The Sarah Dessen Diarist?

ADELE: I was incredibly lucky as I joined Twitter as myself and as the Sarah Dessen Diarist. I asked to follow her Twitter. Within two days of blogging, my responses to the first two chapters of Lock and Key, she had mentioned me as a Twitter status and a day after that wrote about me on her blog complete with a link. Needless to say I got lots of hits!

The blog is me reading a chapter of one of her books and discussing it and how it reminds me of things in my own life. I started the blog immediately as I recognised that there really wasn't anything out there like this (unless it was Twilight or Harry Potter based). I read my responses, talk about the latest news on the author or something on her blog as well as what I am geeking out about at the moment. Doing it solo is a little confronting at times.

I get great emails, mainly from teen readers. Downloads range from 350 - 1100 downloads per episode which is fantastic. The best thing has been corresponding with Sarah a little, getting to interview her and the day that a package arrived from the USA filled with signed SD novels.

I know that she listens to the podcast while she does her errands. She has gone above and beyond in supporting me and I can't say how exciting that is. It's something I want to share with my students so I working on something new at the moment that we can do together.

DAVID: How is the buzz for Along for the Ride (Dessen's forthcoming ninth novel) so far?

ADELE: Amazing. I get the majority of hits on my blog due to my posting about it. The story sounds intriguing, it will undoubtedly be a great read and I am just plain excited.

DAVID: Are you going to buy it at midnight when it is released in your country?

ADELE: Well I have done that before - I am a little book mad! The SDD started as an attempt to break up my crack-like addiction to the screen and contribute something with regards to literature. I am crossing my fingers that Penguin will send me an ARC (advanced readers copy) but we'll see.

DAVID: What's your favorite book by Sarah Dessen, and why?

ADELE: Just Listen. The protagonist and her sisters are not people I can relate to. The story isn't something that has necessarily impacted my life but teen bullying is universal and there was a time where I felt terrible alone and isolated like Annabel. But i like that Sarah shows that friendship can come in the most unlikely of places as well as showing the healing nature of music (in this case very left of center music). I have to admit to crushing on Owen a little too, one of the main characters.

I love that she is so open with her readers, she blogs regularly and has done for years. She is involved with online communities like readergirlz and is establishing her own online community with her publishers at the moment for the release of Along for the Ride later this year. She responds to emails, geeks out over Friday Night Lights and loves Ben Lee's music - what isn't there to love?

DAVID: Seems like she loves the contact with her readers, and enjoys the community.

ADELE: Yeah, she's an inspiration in that regard. I love responding to email and chatting with listeners. Of course the big hope is to eventually get published myself and meet her.

DAVID: That's a noble goal. Have you started?

ADELE: Nope. Establishing this new project is a little time consuming. I will though. I am closer than I have ever been.

Feel free to edit out what isn't necessary. It's pretty long.

DAVID: It's like a Sarah Dessen novel!

ADELE: See, once I start my book, I won't stop.

Let's start off the year with a blog entry, shall we not

2009-01-02T02:32:00.000-08:00

I've had this blog up for a while, but I haven't been utilizing it. It has been collecting dust. Having said that, I have a lot to write about, and a few things already planned - so, expect some sort of resurgence of this. But who is the audience?

It's a challenge, being that this blog is a subsection of the overall website, and no one seems to be visiting this blog too much. That's OK - a challenge is good.

What's the point of this blog? To rant and rave about music. And hopefully be of some worth to people, enough for people to visit - even on an infrequent basis. One day this blog WILL be an integral part of both the website and my musical endeavors. Oh, if you have the heart, please follow me (see "Followers" on the right, and also see video at the bottom of this post). Let the Spirit move you.

A concerted effort filled with "Pardon me sir/ma'am ... I have a blog and I link to yours" seems almost pathetic and laughable by age 30. But also, knowing myself, and knowing how great I can be when it comes to self-promotion (as supposed to how it used to be: overly passive in regards to asserting myself), I'll do it. Value can overcome desperation, and I know it.

OK, so here's the game plan: 1) somehow get people to click into here, and 2) provide substance. And 3) know that an audience is out there, waiting to be.

Music Review from 2004: Aiko Shimada - Like Hannah

2008-08-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

This is a bit old, but it marks the last music review I've done as a freelance writer. It was, in fact, the lead story in the summer music feature of Seattle's publication the International Examiner on August 18, 2004.

Just for background: Aiko Shimada is a local musician from Seattle, known in a few music circles around the U.S. as well. Her music can't be classified, but some people call it "folk," others call it "world," still others call it "alternative." I call it "none of the above." Before moving here, she was offered a lucrative contract by a major label in Japan, but she refused and instead chose her own path of music.

Before her interview, Ms. Shimada gave me her entire back catalog of albums, and I've enjoyed them ever since.

AIKO SHIMADA: NEW PHASES
Singer-songwriter talks about her latest album and motherhood
By David Wu

It must be amusing for Aiko Shimada to hear what her fans think of her music. Some say it’s relaxing. Some describe it as hypnotic. And others say, “It has so much dissonance, and it’s kind of disturbing!”

Who, then, should she trust?

“One time this guy came up to me and said, ‘I really like your music!’” Shimada recalled. “And then he goes, ‘Do you like Yanni?’ And I didn’t want to tell him what I think. But I hate Yanni!”

Shimada’s latest album, "Like Hannah," is the 4th album released on her own Bera Records, and her 7th album overall. Notably less layered than her previous album, 2001’s Blue Marble, this volley of songs is typically atypical - a non-categorical execution of deliberate opaqueness and experimental jazz structures.

Shimada, who started learning how to play the guitar in 1988 at age 24, provides the vocals and guitar, and fills out a quartet with the band “gibbous moon” to provide a live, stripped-down feel.

One of the album’s most compelling tracks is the title track, sung in Japanese and inspired by her niece, Hannah. The English translation states: “Things I've always believed/They start to melt and disappear/The body that was tied up/Changes from ice to water.” This theme of forgetting oneself is what unifies the entire album, even with its varying themes throughout. There is a balance of intertwining vagueness and clarity that somehow makes it more than just the sum of its parts.

Unlike her previous projects, it is a collection of both new songs and older songs that she finally had a chance to record. “We could always play them,” said Shimada, “but it wasn’t the way I wanted them to sound. This time, it felt really good as a group, in that we could play those tunes.”

One of the older songs is “Crane,” which Shimada wrote 14 years ago. Its lyrics are based on a traditional Japanese story about a white crane who becomes a woman and repays a poor man for saving her life. It is a stark contrast to anyone who has heard “He Killed a Bird,” the opening track to the 1995 album Bright and Dark.

The complex chord modulations and building textures in “Crane” literally become one with the characters and story. The instrumental starts out on a stripped-down level, as an accordion imitates the Japanese flute-like sho, but simplicity gradually gives way to heavier percussion and bongos that mimic the characters’ actions and thoughts.

“Crane” represents an important cultural concept in Japan, in that good deeds should be countered with good deeds in return. “I don’t think the American culture emphasizes that very much,” Shimada said.

A new song in the collection is “Loneliness.” Shimada’s lyrics start off: “Loneliness/I wish to be friends with you ... You live at the end of my path.” The song is preceded by “In Our Park,” a song about companionship - a compelling and obviously intentional juxtaposition of tracks.

“Loneliness is kind of a good thing because that is the place where you have to be to reach something that you are looking for,” said Shimada, “but you also need another person to push, or to hold your hand.”

Shimada, who recently had a baby, takes time to reflect on this new phase of her life. “It was sort of a surprise that I got pregnant,” she said, “because I was told that it would be hard for me to get pregnant. So I sort of gave up. But then as soon as I felt that way, I got pregnant.

“I just thought: wow, I’m gonna go through this for the first time. And for thousands of years, women have been doing this! I’ve been feeling like I’m having a second life."

She adds: “I’ve done things I want to do, and sure I’ve got more things I want to do. But now I’m facing something else – a new thing – and still it’s a creation of some sort.”

Lyrics from her 1995 song “Half Moon” come to mind: “There is something to look forward to/It only becomes fuller and fuller/Every night it’s brighter in the sky.”

Here’s to the next phase.

Remarks Regarding 6 CDs I Bought Yesterday

2008-08-18T18:13:00.000-07:00

... not really reviews because I've only had these for a day, and who in their right mind would write a strict review after only a day of absorption? (Food for thought.) Here I have impressions, but no final judgments.

Six CDs, some old, some new, so let's roll:

The Joshua Tree
U2 (1987)

I've already known many of these songs, but it's nice to finally add this to my U2 collection.

"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" is a powerful song; in fact, I would call it the prequel to the song "Walking on Broken Glass" by Annie Lennox. Why? Well, many a man has attempted feebly to sing along with Bono to this song in the car, causing many a car window to break.

Best song of the album for me: "One Tree Hill," written in memory of Bono's friend Greg Carroll, who died in an accident while delivering Bono's motorcycle in the rain. I believe Bono has talked about this song extensively since '87, but the lyrics are abstract enough ("it runs like a river/runs to the sea" ... foreshadowing a similar visual 5 years later by another band) that I think the only two people who know exactly what Bono is referring to are Bono and Greg. Underneath somber (/hopeful?) lyrics are an intense, and almost upbeat, instrumentation that further drives the ambiguity of this masterpiece of a song.

Recently, some drunk woman started singing "With or Without You" to me at a bar on Seattle's Alki Beach, and so unfortunately I'll forever associate the song with drunk ladies.

Volume 1: Frozen Ropes and Dying Quails
The Baseball Project (2008)

Who here loves baseball? Raise your hands, please.

OK, whether or not you raised your hand, you will like this album. It's pure rock and roll, centered on baseball themes, and it makes statements about the game, its heroes, and even its controversial aspects.

"The Yankee Flipper" is noteworthy because it actually does some interesting name-dropping. As the song states, Jack McDowell (former pitcher of the Yankees) flipped an audience of 50,000 people off after a bad performance; and the song claims that this was due to a night on the town with Scott and Mike Mills of R.E.M. (not to mention, one of the members of the Baseball Project is R.E.M.'s very own Peter Buck). Just as well. McDowell was the one who gave up The Double in Seattle, perhaps the most famous sports play in Seattle history (so far) that was the crushing blow that allowed Seattle to upset the Yankees in 1995. Thanks, Jack, for drinking with R.E.M.

I could have downloaded this online, but I opted to get it at the store - why? Because of the amazing liner notes - not only are there lyrics for each song (which I believe will one day be seen as a true baseball classic), but some great prose introduction for the context of each song.

Fleet Foxes (s/t)
Fleet Foxes (2008)

I first heard of Fleet Foxes when I emerged on their live performance at Sasquatch Festival a few months ago - they were on a few bands prior to Modest Mouse and R.E.M.

My first impression was that they all looked like disciples of Jesus. I was half-expecting to see some bread and fish being distributed around the audience, but all I saw were beachballs and some weird looking green plants. I was about ready to turn and walk around, but then something clicked and I realized that their music was... stunning.

I couldn't quite pin what I was hearing. It was quote-unquote alternative rock, yes. But it was also folk. And also baroque. And also chant from the 1600s. And the harmonies were glorious and - for a band that is now signed to Sub Pop in Seattle - very anti-Nirvana. Kurt would have loved them.

A few days later, their album was released to glorious reviews in Rolling Stone (4 stars) and a #1 showing on the College Music Journal chart. Fleet Foxes are on their way.

So yes, I have the album, and I concur that the album is amazing. It takes you to another place. There is not a dull moment in the album; every single second offers a miracle of sound. First single "White Winter Hymnal" is just the tip of the white winter iceberg; other gems include "Your Protector" and "He Doesn't Know Why" - for these and many other songs, you will be singing along with them in your head because they just kind of linger.

Well maybe you don't want to listen to this song in the middle of a long drive, if you're sleepy, because if you do you'll want to hit yourself over your head a few times to stay awake. (But do listen if you have a white chocolate mocha handy.) Like I said, there is not a dull moment; but the album stays away from adrenaline, and rightfully (and refreshingly) so.

This album is a moment in time, plus a few more.

Good News for People who Like Bad News
Modest Mouse (2004)

I must admit, despite the fact I'm a Seattle man, I'm not as in tune with Seattle bands as I'd like to be. So here's another: Modest Mouse (of Issaquah, WA, actually).

"Float On," I know this like the back of my kneecap - one of those songs that was outplayed in 2004. Great song, but nothing new for me.

The good stuff is elsewhere on the album. "Satin In a Coffin," a dark picturesque track with a laugher of a lyric is almost reminiscent of "Run For Your Life" by the Beatles, and the tongue-and-cheekiness apparent here is charming enough for me to consider this my favorite on the album.

Blue Scholars (s/t)
Blue Scholars (2004)

Blue Scholars is a hip-hop duo based in Seattle: Sabzi (the DJ) and Geologic (the MC). The name itself is a play on the phrase "blue collar."

They are the premier up-and-coming Seattle hip-hop act at this time, and nothing else really comes close (as far as I can see). These guys are pioneers, and their lyrics and beats are not like anything that has been heard near an eardrum at any time in history.

How?

Sabzi brings a new flair to the art of instrumentation in hip-hop, and probably not least because he himself is a full-fledged musician in his own right. He's a jazz pianist, and has played in punk and ska bands; and this crosses over into his turntablation, as no song on the album is strictly a beat looped, nor just a hook looped, actually they throw loops out of the ghetto windows. (Hear "Motion Movement" in particular.) Each track is a living and breathing entity, that shifts shapes and bruises legs with lyrics that talk about Seattle, its problems, society and its problems, the U.S. and its problems, and a few other things.

The world is a problem, but Blue Scholars aren't.

DJ-Kicks: Four Tet
Four Tet (2006)

OK, now we go back to 2006 and cross the Atlantic to beautiful London to hear the DJ mix tape by Four Tet.

Great song here is the remix of Stereolabs "Les yper sound," with a melody and beat that will sound good in a jazzy Thai restaurant with good Kaidow, lights dim, records scratching, people buzzing, heads bobbing.

You get the picture.

Four Tet keeps the senses enlightened and stimulated in this album, with each track swirling into the next with vicious electronica and acoustica. Worth the discounted $6 I paid? Yes indeed.

The Dying Breed of the Eclectic Music Enthusiast

2008-08-16T00:07:00.000-07:00

Being a fan of many genres of music - arguably more than the average person - it's interesting to see and meet people from many walks of life, and to see exactly how they react when I bring up a particular genre.

Exhibit A: I'm a huge R.E.M. fan, which many of you know (and many of you don't). Now for those of you who only know me for the R&B/soul/hip-hop production side of things, it may surprise you that my top 5 favorite music acts are in rock and roll. R.E.M. is one, tied with the Beatles for my favorite. "Weird," one person called me when I mentioned how I was the member of a vast community of online R.E.M. aficionados.

Exhibit B: One of my favorite albums is Michael Jackson's Thriller. Upon hearing I am a fan of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5, a similar reaction from another friend: "You have a weird taste in music." I responded, "That's just me being eclectic." Her response: "That's one word for it."

Certainly, both friends above were/are entitled to their opinions and were definitely welcome to share it; yet, I believe individuality in taste, in anything, is something that should be embraced and shared, encouraged and not discouraged. But in the bigger picture I'm glad they said what they said, because it brings me to my bloggable point of the day:

R&B and Rock - it's hard to marry the two sides when it comes to discussion amongst avid fans of either side.

It's like liberals vs. conservatives, or even PCs vs. Macs; maybe worse. Some will deny that it's that bad because there are millions who love both sides; but they likely haven't been exposed to instances of disparity.

Exhibit C: Back in middle school, Fall '91, grunge was in full swing and one DJ decided to throw in a new song, "Smells like Teen Spirit." It was booed so hard that the DJ stopped spinning the song after less than a minute. This was Seattle too. (All was right in the world to these kids, apparently, after the DJ proceeded to play "I Wanna Sex U Up" by Color Me Badd.) And yes, there are multitudes in Seattle who are focussed and tunnel-visioned on R&B and hip-hop, and could have cared less about grunge back then, and still don't years later. "It gives me a headache," was/is a common response. Seattle.

Let me redeem my former middle school and peers, however.

Exhibit D: In Spring '90 (I was in the 6th grade), word got out that I was going to play a Mozart sonata for the school's talent show. Groans were heard. The majority of the students were more interested in the latest choreography dance routines for Janet Jackson's songs on Rhythm Nation. So anyway, the day of the performance came, and I whipped through that 3rd movement of the sonata in about 6 minutes. The kids gave me a nice and long ovation, and a few even started getting into classical music after that. The ensuing reception I received when I walked through the halls was overwhelming in the following two weeks.

It was an unexpected response, and I'm forever grateful to them.

My 160GB iPod is Dead

2008-08-05T02:14:00.000-07:00

"It just works," they say about Apple products.

Sorry, no, it's not always true.

After being the proud owner of a 6G iPod classic 160GB model, for a week, it pained me to watch/listen as it went defunct during work today.

I get to head to the quote-unquote Genius Bar at the Apple Store in the U-Village tomorrow. Good times. On a quick tangent, I wonder how Apple promotes its employees to Genius Bar status... "Congratulations, you are now qualified to be a genius."

It is unclear exactly what brought this device to its knees; it must have been all the great care I took not to move it too much that killed it. The Red X of doom is the Apple's equivalent of the blue screen of death.

Just to set the record straight, I already did everything I could to revive it from its state of death. Tried to reset it. Tried to restore it. Immersed it in water. Stomped on it. Microwaved it. Threw it 40 feet in the air to see if the impact upon hitting the ground would wake it up. Unfortunately, none of those did anything to revive the iPod.

(For those who are sense-of-humor-impared, I was just joking in most of the last paragraph.)

Getting another 160GB model in its place is almost out of the question. Especially after all the horrible and horrific reviews this product has been getting. I should have read these reviews up front.

But at the same time, assuming that this device had worked properly, this would have been perfect for what I need.

Apple has been doing what it can to transition from hard-drive-based iPods to flash-drive devices. Note that Apple hasn't been very forthcoming in admitting that its hard-drivers are prone to kaputness - in fact, they probably don't say a word because they know all the consumer reviews will.

Don't get me wrong; I'm one of the few numerous people out there who appreciate both the PC and Mac universes. I'm a PC user, and I predict sometime within the next decade I will buy an iMac or a Mac Pro (the latter of which, despite its overly-massive cost, is massively good). The biggest complaint I have about people who are sold out for either universe are the fact that neither is totally right - and will stubbornly attack the other without thinking. They're a little worse than American liberals vs. conservatives in my honest opinion. Many PC users hate the cost and relative un-upgradability of the Mac, while many Mac users go out of their way to dis-credit anything that has to do with PCs. The fact of the matter is, there are good and bad things about both.

If the device that I'm using was anything other than an iPod, all the Mac people would immediately say "get an iPod." Fair enough, it's a great device. If it works. Well, guess what, I will stick with the iPod, the $34 if-you-open-this-then this-is-what-you'll-be-paying no-matter-what fee notwithstanding. OK, let's explore my options:

I once said no-no to the small nano, but that might be my best choice because of its relative durability, and also (most important to me) the fact that it can still record out on the field (using a great device called the Belkin TrueTalk Stereo). The downside: only as much as 8 GB capacity in the current 3G nano models. Not bad, but I suspect that this device will only last me a year as I'll want to upgrade to much more capacity in the long run.

I could go for the iPod touch (the iPhones that aren't phones) but I'm not all about spending all that dough for only 16GB or 32GB, for a device that (at least without breaking into it) has no recording capability. Friends of mine have it and are happy with it; but that's one of Apple's big pluses: marketing for niche users. The iPod touch isn't my niche, and that's OK.

Or I could go back to the classic, and just get the lesser 80GB, which has slightly better consumer reviews than the 160GB counterpart.

On the bright side, there is one ounce of legacy from my kaput 160GB - I was able to get a recording of a live performance of a band that I play with once in a while... I get to market the live EP as being "recorded on an iPod that only lasted a week." Fun stuff.

Needless to say, I am disappointed in this turn of events. But as they say, one bad Apple doesn't spoil a whole bunch. Two bad Apples, on the other hand... well, we'll see.

Interview: Francis "TJ" Serrano reflects on life in the Philippines

2008-07-18T01:45:00.000-07:00

Francis "TJ" Serrano, longtime resident of California and a stalwart in the Filipino-American Christian community there, recently left the confines of America to enter a new phase of life, lifestyle and ministry in the Philippines. It was a move that caught many family and friends by surprise, with some mixed initial reactions.

TJ recently sat down for an exclusive interview with DavidWuMusic.com to share his thoughts on the big move and how things have been for him in the Philippines so far.

David Wu: When did you start considering ministry in the PI?

Francis "TJ" Serrano: Right after my conversation with current Southern California CI [Christmas Institute, a Christian retreat] dean, Pastor Neal Platon. I talked to him about my options, and he said, "What about the Philippines?" It's not only more economically friendly, but they have a shortage of English-speaking ministers.

DW: When was that conversation?

TJ: I think it was August of '07. I was with Michelle Quizon and Jun Navarro. And of course, Pastor Neal.

DW: Was it hard to break the news to all your loved ones?

TJ: My mom had been praying that I will go back to the Philippines, and although she never said anything, she wanted me to go back to my roots. So she was on board right away.

DW: And the rest of your family was cool with it as well?

TJ: Well, my nephew Kiko and niece Joy were supportive, but sad. But they have known for a while now that I've been called, so it was time. The other nephews were indifferent, which they usually are, but my oldest niece was sad and didn't want me to go.

DW: Why were the other nephews indifferent?

TJ: They are not the openly feeling type of boys, which I understand. But I know they support me. My friends were a different story. Although very supportive, I got a mixture of: "Are you sure?" "Why the Philippines?" "You know they kidnap people there."

DW: What was your response to the "kidnap people" comment?

TJ: To be honest, I thought of that Filipino comedian, Rex Navarette - how his mom was afraid he might get kidnapped also.

DW: So where are you now?

TJ: I live in Manila on Taft Avenue. I moved into this boarding house called PJ Mansion. It's convenient - it's across the street from school, five-minute walk to the mall, and a short train ride to church.

DW: Which church are you associated with there?

TJ: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Just kidding! Central UMC [United Methodist Church].

DW: What is your main ministerial role at the moment?

TJ: At the moment I'm just a student, currently waiting for God to tell me what's next.

DW: Do you currently have a rough vision for the types of avenues of ministry you want to try out over there?

TJ: I also teach Filipino Martial Arts so I want to incorporate that to my ministry, and hopefully be able to help with the CI group out here. But other than that, nothing really. I am letting GOD be the driver here so I don't know where I'm heading.

DW: The CI group - how's it similar to what we do in the States?

TJ: I don't know. In fact, thanks for reminding me. Sophie introduced me to someone and never heard from them - dang, she's not online - but as far as I hear, the CI here has a lot of Filipinos!

DW: How have you grown spiritually?

TJ: I am starting to really understand the whole "being in the wilderness" part, and stepping out of your comfort zone. I mean, I literally took myself out of all the comforts I was used to, and placed myself here.

DW: What is the most challenging situation you've dealt with over there so far?

TJ: Well, to be honest, it's the apathetic island mentality (without naming names). I was supposed to attend another school for seminary. I had been corresponding with the school since February, and all I was told was to bring my college transcripts. So I emailed them a copy as well as mailed them an official one. And ever since then, I was told that is all I need. The moment I got here, the school then tells me I need my high school transcripts, my high school diploma, a letter from not only my senior pastor, but my DS [district superintendent] and bishop as well! The hard thing is, as you know, with the Privacy Act they can't just release my information to anyone in the U.S., and school was starting in two weeks. And he waited till I got here to tell me that I was needing more.

DW: How were you able to expedite the process?

TJ: I couldn't. Thank God that He had other plans for me. Now the program I am in is better, and it's my own pace.

DW: Well, that's all I have at this time. Anything you'd like to add?

TJ: Yes... Manny Pacquio [boxer from the Philippines] is awesome.

DW: Actually, is he really a political force there?

TJ: Yes. But it's a double-edged sword. People were upset that most of the politicians here were in the U.S. taking photo ops with Manny after the fight, instead of being here taking care of their constituents after the big storm.

DW: Sounds like typical "Manny-pulation."

TJ: [laughs] Yeah, they were living it up in Las Vegas while their people were dying! Anything else?

DW: Nothing... other than - I think you're in a great spot in life... It's a miracle, really.

TJ: Thanks, man.

Just setting this up

2008-07-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

I just set up this blog for my website. 'Nuff said.