Author Archives: Ben

About Ben

Ben Hwang is involved in a number of online publications and also writes at his personal blog, LUX.ET.UMBRA. When he's not in the middle of starting companies and dreaming up new ventures, he is heavily involved in local community efforts. Currently resides in North Carolina.

Oregon Health Supervisor Shuts Down Lemonade Stand

Posted on August 6, 2010 by Ben

Sometimes, you just have to wonder what the heck is wrong with the world. Jon Kawaguchi, an environmental health supervisor for the Multnomah County Health Department in Oregon, shut a seven year old down for a lemonade stand. You heard … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Observations, WTF | 3 Comments

Wokai Sends Money to Rural Chinese Entrepreneurs

Posted on August 5, 2010 by Ben

I ran across this a while ago but haven’t had time to look into it further until now. I was searching for a microlending organization that not only was either a write-off or “investment” of sorts, but focused on China. … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Nonprofit | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Asian Beatboxing: Daichi & Hikakin

Posted on June 29, 2010 by Ben

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B74s4MgQ1rw I am amazed at how people could even attempt to make the sounds they do through beatboxing. But just as Asians have started to dominate the bboy scene, it seems that they are starting to go crazy also with … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainment, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Character Genetics of Final Fantasy

Posted on June 4, 2010 by Ben

So I was chit-chatting with my beautiful blond wife and talking about the children that mixed couples would have. If you think about it, any features such as blue eyes and blond hair would be pretty much eradicated by the … Continue reading →

Posted in Observations, Video Games | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Asian American Commercial Watch: Asians Have Sex, Too

Posted on May 25, 2010 by Ben

UPDATED 2/16/2015: Johnson & Johnson pulled down the previous uploads of the K-Y Intense ads that were embedded in the original post. I’ve included new embeds in the post. Yes, these are the K-Y ads that Randall Park referred to … Continue reading →

Posted in Lifestyles, TV | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

David Choi: The Official Music Video of “That Girl”

Posted on May 19, 2010 by Ben

Since the official music video is out, and I figured with yesterday’s look at his album release, it was at least worthwhile to show the talent off. Again, I am amazed at the production quality of this music video. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

David Choi Gives Birth to Sophomore Album “By My Side”

Posted on May 18, 2010 by Ben

I admit, before I was even told that David Choi has released By My Side — his second album — I haven’t listened to any of his stuff since he made that cute single with Kina Grannis, My Time With … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Preorder Stairwells with Kina Grannis

Posted on February 17, 2010 by Ben

It’s been while since my interview with Kina Grannis, about three years now me thinks, and it’s been a long ride. But the wait is finally over with a fabulous album coming out called “Stairwells” after winning the Interscope contract … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Review: Nintendo DSi’s Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year Year’s Celebration

Posted on February 11, 2010 by Ben

It’s tough being a little kid, let alone growing up with different cultures. So when you actually look at this preschool title of Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year’s Celebration for the Nintendo DSi, you have to smile. And guess what: … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainment, Video Games | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Google Quits Bending Over For China

Posted on January 13, 2010 by Ben

I find today’s tech news about about Google’s decision to refuse to censor Chinese results to be rather fascinating. There’s talk about how Google is threatening to pull out of China and open up their searches without the filters after … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events, Technology | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Asians Dominate in Competitive Speed Skating

Posted on December 24, 2009 by Ben

I’ll admit. I didn’t even know about this guy until some interview or something while I was flipping through channel surfing. I was thinking, dang… that guy has a unique name. Apolo? And he’s going to be at the upcoming … Continue reading →

Posted in Sports | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Can Being Asian Prevent Promotions?

Posted on October 24, 2009 by Ben

So I got this email, and saw the tweet: Being Asian can prevent you from ascending the corporate ladder. Our seminar, presented with EMC Asian Circle, can tell you what to do about it. You’ve done all the right things, … Continue reading →

Posted in (featured), Business, Discrimination, Education, Observations | Tagged , , , , , , | 31 Comments