The Useless Critic 2.0

There is a new "Be Useful" page here at The UC. It's the first of 2012, and it's a big one. Imagine: Making the whole world safer...perhaps, it is no longer just a dream. Now, it can be a reality. QATFYG: How can you make the world safer?

It has been absolutely forever since I posted about "Hidden Voice Talents" and Chinese Gymnast He Kexin's music videos. He Kexin on The UC: CLICK HERE Now I have finally found a new song from a Chinese Gymnast, Xiao Sha. I wish I had a title to share, but this is a great smooth energy song and video. It is entertaining, and there is a spirit sense of making music exciting. She's a fine singer, but there is a chance there is some lip syncing, dubbing, or karaoke going on. Even if that is the case, I don't see it as an issue. It's exciting. I like exciting! QATFYG: Would you score with Shawn Johnson? *I wouldn't :P* Is that surprising?

This is an open Challenge to Ke Iris of China, the writer for Ke Ying Ying’s Online Blog . I bet that she cannot find five Chinese songs that are better than these five here on The Useless Critic. I am going to begin with something jovial that carries all the vivacity of China in a single song. This is just great to listen to for any reason on any occasion. The Er-Hu fiddle on this one is particularly well-played. The Grapes are Ripe. – Jump 20 Seconds in to get right to the song. This is a song that features all the power of the singer’s voice. She does it so well, and you can feel strength. Powerful Voice I am going to bend the rules a little, and I will feature this song by AR Rahman in the Tamil language sung by a Chinese singer. As I stated in the post “Tamil-Bolly” I love the Tamil language, and this Chinese musician sings it so well. Tamil Song I might pick this song as the top one, and I don’t like to pick favorites. It just has a touch of darkness, and it is embellished by the...

So, another purely selfish S/S, but aren't they all? It goes to Chow Yun-Fat, but this one has to begin with the QATFYG. QATFYG: Has anyone in this sphere seen "The Corrupter?" I remember back in 1999/2000, I saw this in the video store every week, and I always wanted to see it. But I was too young at the time (tragic age discrimination ) but I always planned on watching "The Corrupter" when I was older. However, over the years I have grown a distaste for Mark Wahlberg. I just don't like him in most things. On some levels he and I get along, but things like "The Italian Job" or "The Happening." PASS!!! I had forgotten about this movie, but I was watching "Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior" tonight, and I was reminded of all the Chinese things I like, including Chow Yun-Fat. (Other Chinese things that are awesome: Food, 12 Girls Band, English teacher salaries, Western Muslims and their hats, Ceramics, Mongolian Lineage, Yao, and the W...

So it’s been months and months since I did an Asian music party, and here is another one for absolutely no particular reason. Some awesome Asian sounds include.... For starters “12 Girls Band.” They are super popular, and super well-liked for a reason, nothing but charisma and excellence emits from the orchestrations. Here is their version of “Reel Around the Sun,” from “Riverdance.” Next The Morin Khuur, the Mongolian instrument known as the “Horse Head Fiddle,” in English is a brash sounding musical masterwork that has a very strong sound, most things in Mongolia are strong like Genghis. And Possibly the best thing on the internet (from India or someplace like it), “Benny Lava” a la Buffalax. Just listen, it’s worth it. And of course, Shahrizoda. I don’t pick favorites with music, but I listen to this group from Uzbekistan of Uyghur decent so much. They are popular in the Xinjiang region of China’s Northwest. QATFYG: Who wants to toss around some other good Asian music names?

Nodar Kumaritashvili 1988-2010 Yesterday the ceremony of the Winter Olympics kicked off in Vancouver, and during the day the Olympics saw tragedy with the death of Georgian Luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili. The Georgian team, which only had 8 athletes before the tragedy looked so sad during the parade of athletes. Also, the Olympic flame sculpture malfunctioned during the ceremony, and there was a large awkward pause for technical difficulties. Some critics are already calling the Olympics a flop, and as for the ceremony it was almost impossible to top the performance of the Chinese in Beijing. Thank you Zhang Yimou (sp). Also, it was great too Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns as one of the final torch bearers. He is probably my favorite Caucasian athlete. I liked that there was a strong presence of the First Nations in the ceremony, as they are a great part of the Canadian country. The footage of Iqaluit on Baffin Island was really good to see, and the...