The New Yorker’s Evan Osnos on Big In China
“Generations of adventurers have daydreamed about seeing their names in lights in the world’s biggest country. But Alan Paul-musician, writer, and stay-at-home father of three-actually achieved it through sheer will and talent.”
-Evan…
Larry Bird – Legend of the Ball. An interview.
Legend of the Ball
Larry Bird is one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Originally published in SLAM 118. You can read the article, with over 100 comments, at Slam Online.
by Alan Paul
The Legend of Larry Bird is so great that…
Kids Krumping; 6 and 9 year olds break it down
This is a pretty great video. 6 and 9 year old kids getting down and dirty.
From the Archives: ZZ Top’s Billy GIbbons
ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons on Beijing Blues: "Best Chinese blues I've ever heard. Who knew?"
In honor of taking 13-year-old Jacob to see ZZ Top tonight - his first real concert (I'm not counting Taylor Swift), I present a one of my many interviews…
Earthquakes, hurricanes…and raccoon-sized rats?
What the heck is going on here on the East Coast?
The latest insanity is the killing of the long-rumored giant rat in a NYC housing project. My neighbor had an exterminator over because he said he saw a rat "and it was way bigger than any…
Sigh. Is Flying While Black a crime?
This is a sad story about musician Vance Gilbert, who was utterly charming when he played last year or the year before at a local outdoor concert. He was removed and then put back on a United flight for the other day for... reading a book…
Another reason Japan is cool: beautiful manhole covers
There are a lot of things to love about Japan. I have enjoyed each of my three visits there, and the kids love the place. Today, i discovered another reason Japan is cool: beautifully painted manhole covers. Check them out here.
Interview on the Rumpus
The Rumpus is a very cool interview site. And they have great taste in subject matter.
This is a mini interview, condensed from a much longer one, which is available in full video chat glory on Youtube. See below. This was the day after…
“Sri Lankan Sunset” – Woodie Alan Band, featuring the great LU WEI on drums
I was thrilled to have come across this two-year-old video on my hard drive. The quality could be better, but it's a good version of "Sri Lankan Sunset," the song I wrote in memory of Cresenta Fernando, who disappeared during the 2004 tsunami.…
RIP Nick Ashford
Songwriter Nick Ashford, half of the songwriting and performing duo Ashford and Simpson, has passed away of throat cancer.
People of my generation will remember Ashford and Simpson for their hit "Solid as a Rock." Around that time,…