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.

What does Shinseki mean to the Department of Veteran Affairs?

Posted on December 8, 2008 by Ben

Over the weekend, retired four star Army General Eric Shinseki, was appointed as the Secretary of Veteran Affairs in the new Obama administration. So what does this mean for one of the largest government agencies? Personally, I don’t think it’ll … Continue reading →

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The Chinese Don’t Know of the Fortune Cookie

Posted on December 5, 2008 by Ben

Alas, they do not. Ernie had written a post earlier in the year on where exactly the origins of the fortune cookie came from. So when I saw this video on Hyphen, I was actually not too surprised that the … Continue reading →

Posted in Observations | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Not getting the Magibon love

Posted on November 26, 2008 by Ben

What’s the deal is with this Magibon girl? Apparently she’s some Internet phenomenon and the Japanese adore her, and outside of her cute appearance, the Youtube videos are thirty to forty seconds of… uhm… well, let’s just say that I … Continue reading →

Posted in Observations, WTF | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

EA Brings on Maggie Q in Need For Speed: UnderCover

Posted on November 23, 2008 by Ben

Electronic Arts is trying their luck at tempting the Asian markets with some of the hottest Asian stars out right now, and they’re placing their bets on Maggie Q. Don’t get me wrong; Maggie Q is absolutely gorgeous and is … Continue reading →

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Robert Kiyosaki: Rich Dad? Poor Dad? Wha?

Posted on November 20, 2008 by Ben

It was only ten in the morning when I first saw Robert Kiyosaki infomercials on how to become wealthy on one of the financial news stations; apparently, he’s coming to town to give some sort of motivational finance advice. It … Continue reading →

Posted in Observations | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Praxis Language Releases Additional Language Podcasts

Posted on November 16, 2008 by Ben

I was talking to a friend of mine and he asked if I’ve ever heard of Chinesepod. In fact, I had a long time ago — John had previously blogged about Praxis Language and its predecessor, ChinesePod — but apparently … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Observations | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Junshien Shoots Ya Good

Posted on November 11, 2008 by Ben

Ever since my cousin in the Bay Area added this guy to her Facebook, I’ve been watching and paying attention. And if you happen to be close, wedding and portrait photographer Junshien has got to be worth every penny in … Continue reading →

Posted in Observations, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Obama campaign needs to lose 80/20

Posted on October 10, 2008 by Ben

If there’s anything I despise, it’s spam. One thing I hate worse than spam? It’s political spam. And the 80-20 Initiative doesn’t do itself or the Democratic Party any favors. Lo and behold, I go and check the one single … Continue reading →

Posted in Observations, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | 31 Comments

Largest Asian American Professional Organization in North America Elects New Officers

Posted on October 3, 2008 by Ben

Largest Asian American Professional Organization in North America Elects New Officers and Sets Location for 2009 Convention FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: ANGELA S. HWANG 310.867.4105 or [email protected] LOS ANGELES (September 26, 2008) – The National Association of Asian American Professionals … Continue reading →

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LPGA Changes Policy Due to Backlash

Posted on September 13, 2008 by Ben

In my opinion, such backlash from John about the LPGA policy just does one thing — it makes it so that sponsors quit supporting smaller league play. And for those places that DO NOT have the NBA, NFL or any … Continue reading →

Posted in Observations, Sports | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

LPGA policy for speaking English in 2009

Posted on August 27, 2008 by Ben

I’m not so sure I’m in disagreement with this new 2009 policy on all golfers requiring to speak English at all. Apparently there are many foreign players in the LPGA; it just happens that forty five of those are from … Continue reading →

Posted in Observations, Sports | Tagged , , , | 20 Comments

Anime Failing in the U.S. as Fan Base Increases

Posted on August 22, 2008 by Ben

In the airport yesterday, I grabbed a copy of Future Anime. Amusingly, there was an Editor’s Note on the state of anime since mid-2006 and how downloads have been hurting the industry as the progression of broadband has changed the … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainment, Observations | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments