Eating Insects With Rustle Up Sum Grub

I read an article at the beginning of 2016 that stated that crickets might be a food item to catch on this year. I expressed my interest about looking into foods created with crickets a bit more, and Kiah Brasch of RUSTLE UP SUM GRUB reached out to me. I visited her and recorded my experience trying foods made with insects.



A huge thanks to Kiah for teaching us about new food items and feeding us.
Thank you to Brad Olson for also helping me film this project. Brad runs a film company in Minneapolis. CLICK HERE to check out his website. You can watch one of his short films below.

Article XVII from Braddon Alexander on Vimeo.

"Room" Film Review

Thank you to the team that made Room. We are in your debt. What a layered, deep, and fantastic movie. I am now up to 5 out of the 8 films nominated for best picture this year at the Oscars. Room is currently tied with The Martian for this year's award, but like I did when it came down the The Wolf of Wall Street and Dallas Buyers Club, I gave the edge to the film with a smaller budget.
Brie Larson is quickly becoming my favorite actress. If you haven't seen Short Term 12, it may be on Netflix still so get on that. Larson and Mary Elizabeth Winstead are my favorites because they are intelligent and they seem more selective about their roles. I will be cheering for Larson for best actress. I only wish Jacob Tremblay was also nominated for something because he was great.

(Insight on how Larson picks her roles)


Room is a film that no review can encapsulate, and that's what makes it so amazing. I think each individual will get something unique from the film. Mothers will be drawn to the mother-child relationship in the movie. You will see that guidance, inspiration, and love can and should flow from mother to child, but that the stream can be reversed. A great reminder to listen to your children, because you never know what they might teach you. Many people will find the concepts of innocence and youth appealing. There are many powerful forces in this world, but the innocence of youth has to be included in the top tier. Despite dire circumstances, Jack Newsome found joy in simplicity reminding us that perception plays a large role in everything we do. Jack's youthfulness and innate curiosity also allows him to recover from traumatizing events and assimilate into a foreign world much quicker, whereas Joy Newsome has difficulty sliding back into her old life.
Watch the movie as soon as possible, but also be ready to cry and to juggle a lot of thoughts. You'll think about your family, bravery, exploration, kindness, the corporate media, the fragility and toughness of the human psyche, and so many other elements. This is cinema.

"The Martian" Review

Now that I have seen The Martian, I have seen 4 out of 8 movies up for best picture at the Oscars. I will be watching "Room" soon, but as it stands, I have The Martian winning with The Big Short following (Sorry Mad Max & The Revenant).
The Martin is one of those movies you wish never ended. The movie has a runtime of 2 hours and 24 minutes, but the story flies by at warp speed. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be drawn in, and you'll be on the edge of your seat. Director Ridley Scott was confused at the Golden Globes when the movie won for best comedy, and after watching the film, I am too. I read articles and had people try to justify why the movie could be considered a comedy, but sorry, you're just wrong. There are good dramatic movies, good horror movies, documentaries that you are meant to laugh during. That, however, does not make it a comedic movie.
Good luck to Matt Damon who is up for best actor. The large cast full of talent made it sort of an ensemble cast, but without a doubt Damon put on a great performance. He handled the complexities of his character, Mark Watney, the way a Hollywood vet should handle it. He made you believe Watney was in pain, frustrated, determined, joyful, and anxious on command. We all want to see Leonardo DiCaprio win an Oscar, but he might just have to wait again.
I am disappointed in myself that it took me this long to watch this film. How did I think that a Ridley Scott directed movie set in space was not going to be good? I believe with the help of charismatic scientists like Neil deGrasse Tyson and Bill Nye, and with Hollywood's increased interest in space exploration (Star Wars, Interstellar, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Trek, Gravity), we have re-stimulated the country's interest in the cosmos and S.T.E.M. Hopefully with the help of this momentum, we can re-prioritize education in our country.
If you're looking for a movie that revolves around the concepts of "determination" and "home", this is your film. "Home" is not four walls and a shelter. Home is where you find comfort, happiness, and a place where you feel safe. Watney tried to make a home on Mars, and despite his most valiant efforts, he found out there is no faking what home really is. Do yourself a favor, and watch this movie now.

"The Big Short" Review

I'm on a hot streak, and although that luck didn't carry over to the Powerball drawing, I did catch another fantastic movie. The Big Short will make you confused, it'll make you laugh, and terribly depressed. It is a very important film to watch before this year's election.
The movie shows you the horrendous underbelly of capitalism and deregulation. You see what happens when the greed of our species, a species that mostly evolved during times of scarcity and is hardwired to hoard, is handed a system that allows greed to act without impunity.
The movie moves swiftly and is mostly reckless, much like the financial sector. There are hefty temporal and spatial jumps, but you are never lost. The cuts are quick and disjointed. You are given shots for fractions of a second and the jump cut is utilized often, but all the coverage is worthwhile. There a many scenes shot with a long lens that gives the film a very voyeuristic feeling. The fourth wall is not only broken in this film, but it is knocked over with a wrecking ball and jackhammered to pulp. You are in the movie, and you are an accomplice to the greatest financial failing in the history of mankind.
There is no shortage of names attached to this film. Brad Pitt is not only in the movie, but helped produce it. Christian Bale, Steve Carell, and Ryan Gosling all put on great performances. I have a feeling most people will rave about Carell and Gosling, but it was how Bale handled his character that struck me. His character had very distinct characteristics, and he owned and gave life to all of them. There are no prominent actresses, and I that is only a poor reflection of Wall Street. It seems to me that any institution that is void of a female presence fails to hold any moral standard. For example, religion.
See you at the Oscars, The Big Short.

"Steve Jobs" (2015) Review

Audiences really missed out by not catching Steve Jobs. I doubt that the platform release hindered its box office performance, but maybe two Steve Jobs movies in two years had something to do with it. How unfortunate the Ashton Kutcher film had to come out first, although that's me judging without having seen that movie. When I first saw the trailer for this movie I thought, "Another Steve Jobs film?" but then I quickly saw that Aaron Sorkin wrote film and Danny Boyle directed it. Instantly I thought it was a must see. Then I saw the box office numbers and I thought maybe the film was a miss. It isn't. Don't let the lack of commercial success dispel you from watching this movie. It has the quick wit and pacing like Sorkin's other works, and it's all tied together by the creativity that Boyle always brings.
Many viewers claim that the film depicts Jobs as an egomaniac. Perhaps there is some truth to it. However, I am jealous, turned off, and I admire Jobs in equal parts. His conviction/stubbornness wouldn't allow himself to fail or succeed in any other way than his. That is the complete opposite of what I am. My timid personality is content with walking down the middle as long as no one is hurt. I do not see this as a Jobs bash movie, but rather a deep and honest look into three major and stressful times in Jobs' life. 
The performances throughout are great. Michael Fassbender seems to have a one-on-one scene with each of the other actors and each dance is full of angst and direction. I also really enjoyed Boyle's choice to shoot with film and digital. He always seems to tinker with some production mechanics in each of the movies, and it really pays off in this one. Two different types of film helped show which year the events took place in, but it also showed where Jobs was professionally. Then shooting shifted to digital leading up to the release of the iMac. This choice may be subtle, but I think it made a big difference. The movie is two hours long, but it won't feel that way. I hope it gets some Oscar consideration.

Marco Rubio's New Ad

I'm positive this will play well with most Republicans, but please keep in mind that it offers absolutely no substance. Not a single policy was offered or even suggested. Approach on education? Nope. What are we to do about climate change? Who knows. Should America be so involved in the Middle East? Try again. How should we handle gun violence? Maybe next time.
Everyone is allowed to have faith and practice it. As an agnostic/atheist/anti-theist, I tend to think faith is a detriment to intelligent thinking. But who cares what I think. If you have sound policies, and faith is an important part of your life, then so be it. You at least still have sound policies. In this case, Marco Rubio's faith took up the entire spot, and we learned nothing (Well, something, but probably not what Rubio had intended).

I Saw "Hateful Eight"

Finally got around to checking out The Hateful Eight tonight. When the crazy and talented Quentin Tarantino puts out a film, you just strap yourself in and you expect a crazy ride that honors cinema. Without a doubt this is a Tarantino film. Plenty of dark humor that is timed perfectly. Moments that'll make you uncomfortable, but fit into the context of the film. Lots of dialogue and excess that traditional Hollywood would be too afraid to attempt. Easter eggs for the cinema buff. All of that neatly laced together by the usual Tarantino conventions that we have gotten so used to. Hateful Eight is a slow burner. The movie plays out almost in real time. There aren't many temporal jumps, nor are there many spatial jumps. I think that really tested Tarantino as a writer, and it also challenged the actors. I remember walking out of Inglorious Basterds thinking, "That's not one of my favorite Tarantino films", but it is apparent now that I jumped to a decision too quickly. Perhaps I had to let it absorb and sink in. Basterds is one of my favorite movies now. So, I won't be hasty with my grading of Hateful Eight.

Racism Is Alive And Well

This video has been popping up in my feed a lot lately. I've been reading the comments and it's very apparent we approach racism the same way we approach illness. We're very adept at recognizing the symptoms and remedying them, but in our fervor the cause(s) often slithers by out of sight. I wrote an op-ed for a blogging site a few years back where I touched on how racism is much harder to clearly show to others these days. I described it as a "Veiled Racism". Racism in the form of physical and verbal harassment, relatively, aren't as prevalent these days. I believe racism has become more crafty, and it has found a cozy home within systemic racism. Mr. Pisone has failed to keep up with the evolution of racism, and now finds himself in hot water. What I find troublesome is when racism of Mr. Pisone's nature is documented, we can get everyone on board. But when evidence about systemic racism is presented, it is often written off as "Liberal Sympathy". Don't be distracted by how raucous the symptoms of racism are, but focus on the cause.

My New Year's Resolution

I don't usually care for New Year's Resolutions. Although I do not doubt the feeling of a "Clean Slate", January 1st is a completely arbitrary day on the Gregorian Calendar. There is nothing intrinsically important about this day other than the meaning we give it.
However, I am using this arbitrary starting line to change a habit. Not for just another revolution around the sun, but hopefully for my remaining time as a sentient being. New Year's Resolutions usually fizzle because a year is a long time from the perspective of a human being, but the circumstances of society change rapidly. What you might need to adapt to today, you may not need to tomorrow.

With all that in mind, I want to make better use of the word "Love". The word "Love" in the English language is very limited. It doesn't differentiate the sort of love like some other languages do. That could possibly contribute to why I haven't learned how to use the word properly. Words have meanings, and we need to do a good job protecting the value of words. I quit using words like "Epic" because society has tarnished its value. A hamburger with 3 patties and 3 different kinds of cheese is hardly "epic". I didn't want to contribute to the contamination of the word "Love". It's too important of a word. I think in an overcompensation, my use of the word "Love" has become too conservative. Does "Love" really lose its value if I tell my friends and family that I love them all the time? Should it matter if my use of the word is genuine? I can't think of the last time I told my friend Mitchell that I loved him, even though I love him deeply. I didn't have a chance to tell him thank you, and that I love him, before I had to say goodbye.
Is "to love more" a unique and new New Year's Resolution? Absolutely not. But you look around, and you can see world could use a bit of love.

I'm Lost

In 2007, I wrote over 200 entries in my blog. I doubt most entries were profound or anything worth reading, but I remember writing whatever was on my mind because I found it therapeutic. I was going through a major identity crisis, and I remember waking up feeling afraid and depressed everyday. I somehow slowly drifted away from writing my thoughts out. I do not know what the catalyst was that created that change, but a shift happened. I feel like I've been carrying around a heaviness lately. I don't think it's one element that is creating this feeling, but rather a collection of stressors. I've been cramming for the GRE exam and preparing my application for Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Both those items probably would make any able and normal person feel at least a little anxiety. On top of that, I feel as though my discomfort is compounded as I still try to compartmentalize the concept of death. It's been over a month since Mitchell died and his funeral. However, I still catch myself falling into these stupors where I am swimming on my own thoughts. I've had trouble falling asleep a couple of nights this week. I'm low on energy, although the lack of sleep might have something to do with that. On Sunday, I almost texted Mitch to ask him if he wanted to watch the Minnesota Vikings game together. The nihilist in me tells me to let go of it. The teenager in me wants to scream and cry. The adult in me whispers to be strong and patient. Reality tells me I'm really confused. I've never dealt with uncertainty well, although I've been surrounded by it most of my life. Maybe writing will help. It's worth a shot. Just ramble on this vast digital canvas.

My Friend Mitch

-Eulogy-

There are far too many noble traits about my brother, Mitchell Hausdchildt, to unpack them all today. But, if there is 2 qualities that I want people to remember about Mitch, it is that he was beyond generous and loyal. When our circle of brothers gathered on the Sunday after his death as we tried to make sense of what happened, our brother Andy put it best: "Mitch was the most ferociously loyal person I have ever met".

I met Mitch when I moved from Minneapolis to Plymouth to attend Maple Grove Junior High. I had no friends at this new school, and I was a part of a completely different environment. My family moved from a mostly inner-city setting to a predominately middle-class and Caucasian community. To put it simply, I stuck out at school. How fortunate I was to randomly sit next to Mitch during lunch. I thought I was going to sit all alone and keep to myself, but since day 1, Mitch was my brother and protected me. He didn't have to defend me every time I was reminded I was an outsider, but he did, because that's the kind of person he was.

Our friendship would continue to blossom. Mitch fell in love with my neighborhood friends and he would soon show them the same level of generosity and loyalty he did to me. My neighborhood friends and I would gather every day after school, but Mitch lived 5 mile away. Which might not seem like a lot, but to a middle schooler without a car and many options, it certainly is a distance not easily covered. Mitch would ride his bike over every day after school to make sure he saw us. I would let him know that he didn't need to make that journey on days it was 100 degrees and humid, or 10 below zero and snowy, but no barrier was too great for Mitch.

Mitch would constantly let us know how much he loved us. From the first time he invited us over to his mom's house so we could have our very first eating contest, to anytime someone fell ill or injured them self, and to the countless bonfire we had. Every time Mitch and I had one of our deep conversations, we would always end it with: "I can't wait until we're all 50, and we are having these same conversations looking back at all the good times we had". My brother, Mitch, we are looking back at all the love you shared, and how happy you made us. And we promise you, that when we're all 50 and looking back at our lives, that you will be there.

The World Is A Confusing Place

I comment on everything, and I feel like I have over saturated feeds many of times, so I kept silent about France. The World Wide Web attempted to cover everything when it came to commentary, even though there weren't and still aren't any words that could describe how awful yesterday's events were. I stayed up hitting refresh as bits of information came into focus from the chaos. Things became darker and darker with each update. When darkness is cast onto the world, my mind also seems to go down a dark path. My nihilistic side emerges, and to cope I tell myself that we are but microscopic dots in a vast cosmic arena. That idea helps me come to terms with darkness because it's true. The universe does not give a damn about us.
However, I took a totally different approach today. I visited The Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota for an informational seminar. To be around like minded people who are deeply concerned and motivated to better the world was extremely comforting. People who have dedicated their lives to better the public, and to nurture higher education.
I host a free event once a year for Koreans living in Minnesota. I lucked out because that event was planned for today. I found solace in focusing my energy, time, and resources into making other people feel comfortable and smile. Every one thanked me endlessly when the event ended, but I made sure that it was me that thanked them before they left. They showed me that we can manifest happiness even in tough times. They showed me that loving bonds can be formed with strangers. The universe might not give a damn how we are as we float on this giant rock in the middle of nowhere, but I give a damn. I love you, and that's why it hurts when tragedy strikes.

Zombie Pub Crawl | Minneapolis | 2015-Oct-17th

Another weekend, and another great time. Last week I attended the CHVRCHES show and had a night out with some buddies (READ MY REVIEW HERE). 2 weekends ago I had some family time in Chicago. This weekend I hung out with the undead at the Zombie Pub Crawl in downtown Minneapolis.

My friends and I hit up @ZombiePubCrawl last night. We did a horrible job taking photos (We took none of ourselves). I did document my various injures, including a fat lip while orchestrating @Sum41's circle pit during "Fat Lip". Who needs makeup when you actually get hurt! But the scariest thing I saw all night was a Troy Williamson jersey.

A photo posted by Min Lee (@minlee2) on Oct 18, 2015 at 2:38pm PDT

My friends and I did an absolutely horrible job taking pictures (We had zero pictures of us as zombies). And as you can see, I sustained multiple injuries, but that's what happens when you're as hardcore as I am. Actually, most of my injuries were sustained in the circle pit for Sum 41. #WorthIt.

So glad they had some rock and roll at @ZombiePubCrawl last night. #Sum41 #ZPC

A video posted by Min Lee (@minlee2) on Oct 18, 2015 at 2:42pm PDT

It was my first year attending the Zombie Pub Crawl and I really didn't know what to expect, and although on paper it doesn't look like a lot of fun, I had a great time. Going into the event, I thought to myself "Okay, people are dressed up as zombies, and there's going to be music...so what?" but there were also food trucks and just having access to that space in downtown was a lot of fun. Having a wide range of music does help to. For example, we also got to see rapper Lil Dicky

 

If you're on the fence about Zombie Pub Crawl, give it a shot next year. Buy your tickets early because you can buy a ticket for $20 if you do. I purchased my tickets the day before the event and it was $45.

Uhh...@AaronCarter also happened at @FirstAvenue. #ZPC

A video posted by Min Lee (@minlee2) on Oct 18, 2015 at 2:59pm PDT

Taylor Swift Review | Minnesota | 2015-9-11

I went to Taylor Swift's show on Friday night (9/11/2015) and I didn't really know what to expect. I knew Vance Joy was opening and it was cool to see him again since I interviewed him when he dropped by Studio C.



I knew I was going to hear Swift's hits I have heard a million times while at work, and I knew it was going to be a big show. It's probably the biggest show I have ever been to. The only thing I can think of that compares is the Vans Warped Tour. All those bands, all those buses, all those stages, all those locations, and all those moving pieces. But comparing the Vans Warped Tour and Taylor Swift's 1989 Tour is not a good comparison. I grew up on punk and metal music, so I haven't ever been to a massive pop show. I'm used to going to intimate club shows where most of the people are there strictly for the music. I did not go into Taylor Swift's show with this mindset, and I'm glad I didn't because it would've been the incorrect approach. I went for the spectacle, the experience, and to witness the production value that I could never get at a 200 person show.

I grew up listening to small rock bands so I haven't been to a lot of massive arena shows. This might actually be the biggest show I've ever attended (Maybe the Warped Tour can compete with their logistical chaos). Bring it on, @TaylorSwift. #Cities97Taylor #1989

A photo posted by Min Lee (@minlee2) on Sep 11, 2015 at 4:17pm PDT

 I was pretty much amazed right away. Everyone at the show received a wristband that would light up in sync with the music at the show. These wristbands were taped to the back of every seat at the Xcel Energy Center. That means before we were all admitted, a group of people walked around the arena and taped these wrist bands to all 17,000 seats. My pal and I wore our wristbands proudly the entire weekend.

One more @TaylorSwift post. I plan on writing a full review on my blog later. This is the biggest show I've ever been to and I had a great time. I went for the experience, not the music, and it was so cool to see all the moving pieces. Things I would never see at a club show. Some of the coolest people in my life I have met because of my job, and I also get to experience things like this. I'm very lucky. #Cities97Taylor #1989

A video posted by Min Lee (@minlee2) on Sep 12, 2015 at 10:31am PDT

Looking back, I still prefer going to intimate shows, but I don't see how anyone could be disappointed attending a stop on the 1989 Tour. Taylor clearly has mastered working the crowd. She can get you to leave your feet when she wants, and she can slow it down and tell a story and connect when she wants. She had pre-recorded transitions that featured other celebrities, there is a moving stage, there are lasers, and so many other production pieces you can see moving around in sync if you are able to calm your inner teenager and watch the show with an objective eye. But the 1 thing we cannot replicate at an intimate club show that I wish we could is the energy. I don't even mean the energy Taylor pours out, although she does exert a lot of energy into her well choreographed 1.5 hour show. I just mean the energy in the building in general. My ears literally rang from the screaming girls, the arena was lit from the flash of cameras, and minus a few disgruntled parents, everyone was into it. I don't think I could sit through all pop shows, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Taylor Swift's 1989 Tour.

CHVRCHES Review | Minnesota Show | 2015-10-10

I had a very adventurous and fun weekend, but I will spare you the details as the weekend was much more “adventurous” in person than it is on paper. Let’s just say we utilized Craig’s List in the best way possible and met some cool people. The reason I bring up my weekend is because I attended the CHVRCHES show and I wanted to share my experiences with people who weren’t able to attend the show. I am a fan of the band, and I have enjoyed both their debut album (The Bones Of What You Believe) and their recent release (Every Open Eye).

  

However, I’ve seen videos of their live performance and I very much thought they are a better studio band. They didn’t seem to dominate the stage like bands I have enjoyed seeing live in the past. They are also at a disadvantage since they are locked behind their computers and other devices. This was a case of YouTube videos not being able to capture the actual “energy” of a live show.

I saw @CHVRCHES last night at Myth. I've been digging their new album and it was fun to see them live.

A video posted by Min Lee (@minlee2) on Oct 11, 2015 at 7:40pm PDT

They are a much better live band than I had given them credit for. They obviously have a very cool synth sound and their stage matches what they are trying to accomplish. They have a bunch of big lights and even their gear is set up behind a neat little package. Frontlady, Lauren Mayberry, does a good job moving from song to song while breaking the show up with a few cool stories in between.

Myth was packed last night for @CHVRCHES. Despite the number of people, the crowd was actually kinda dead.

A video posted by Min Lee (@minlee2) on Oct 11, 2015 at 10:08pm PDT

Even when listening to their albums, you understand that Mayberry isn’t trying to challenge Mariah Carey on range. She gets what works and she does it very well. She brings that exact same sound to her live performance. With a band like CHVRCHES, you have to appreciate the entire package when seeing them in concert. You aren’t going to be blown away by their stage presence, you aren’t going to leave feeling like your life has changed, but between the songs, the lights, and a solid performance, you’ll leave very happy.

 

My biggest disappointment of the night has nothing to do with the band. Myth was completely packed, but the crowd was dead. I went with a few people and we wanted to cut-a-rug, but our energy was drained by how dead the people around us were. It wasn’t until the show was about 75% over that people started really getting into it. This could be a case of their new album being too new since “Every Open Eye” came out at the end of September. Either way, if you’re a fan of the band and you missed this show, make sure you go next time they’re in town.

Alex Of Venice Review

Gave this movie a 4 out of 5 on Netflix​, but I was this close to giving it a 5. I'm just a bitch with my stars, so I hardly ever give out 5s.


I complain about movies the same way I complain about music. There is a lot of good music in this world, but somehow the worst stuff always seems to rise to the top. Why the hell would anyone want to watch San Andreas​ when they could watch something that is worthwhile and meaningful? To be fair, I've never seen San Andreas, but pick any CGI infused summer blockbuster and odds are it's not very good. I would rather watch a movie like Boyhood​, Little Miss Sunshine​, and Alex of Venice​ where I get snapshots of life.
This movie came into my life at the perfect time. I'm really trying to find some traction to expand, explore, and improve everything I do, but I've been slipping and facing a lot of rejection lately. This movie reminds you that even when facing a few bumps and changes that you can still smile, have fun, and that life is not all that bad when you have loved ones surrounding you. Like the title character, I, too, feel frustrated and depressed when things are out of my control. But sometimes you just have to let things play out. Hug the people you love, spend time with the people you love, and don't worry.
I don't know what it is about scenes where people cry in the car, but they always work on me. The car is such a liberating, inviting, and insulated mechanism. There is just something about letting out a good cry in the car that just works. The color grading of the film has a warmness to it throughout the movie and it just glows. Despite the movie being about struggle and change, it remains positive until the end. I wanted to give someone the biggest hug when I finished the film. It also reminded me that I really should try this romance thing again. It has been about 5 years since my last romantic endeavor although it does not feel that long. Anyone want to go on a date?

John Oliver + Edward Snowden Interview

Finally got around to watching this. I am so glad people are getting excited about Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

•I hope when we are all dead and gone, and some future civilization tries to piece together what kind of species we were, that they will find the clip of msnbc cutting away from a congresswoman to cover Justin Bieber. I also hope they have the context of Justin Bieber before they do. I foresee, at that point, them picking up all their gear and saying, "Let's get the fuck out of here! These idiots clearly deserved to die!"

•I think Oliver might've been harder on Snowden than most journalist. If journalists need a distancing tool like comedy to be tough, then all our journalists should be comedians.

•How sobering it must've been for Snowden to see that people only wanted to engage in a conversation about the NSA and surveillance when it came to dick pics. And how aware of Oliver to understand that we are all idiots.

It's Finally Time To Explain Why I Never Have A Girlfriend

I always get asked, "Min, how come out never have a girlfriend?" and I'm not quite sure why I always get asked that. Is there a sign on my back that reads, "I Don't Have A Girlfriend", or, "I Really Need A Girlfriend". For the longest time it was a question I sort of side stepped, and I think it's finally time to address that question honestly.
To start off, we should take a look at another question I am often asked, "Why are you so vocal about the rights of gays and lesbians?" Well, for one thing, homosexuals are human beings and deserve to have equal rights. But there is another side to this question I have kept buried deep in my closet -- and that statement right there might have already tipped you off. We have come a long way when accepting gay people, but I'm afraid we aren't fully there yet when treating them equally and some of us are bit more insecure about that topic.
You probably know where this blog is going and I don't need to drag it out much further. Sometimes a well constructed song can explain things much better, so I check out the song below:



April Fools' Day.
The question of why I never have a girlfriend is seriously a question I get all the time, which probably made this more believable. I don't have to live with the fear of coming out, and I hardly have to hide anything ever. So, when I hear people have to hide who they really are it breaks my heart. You deserve to be yourself, and you deserve to be loved.

My Interview With Nico & Vinz

I didn't know a whole lot about NICO & VINZ before this interview, but the more I listened to their music and looked into them, the more fascinated I was. I love cultures and talking about things I don't know much about, and seeing that Nico & Vinz are from Norway caught my curiosity. I knew I had to ask them a bit about that, but we also talk about their music and how diverse their sound is, and we talked about what is coming up for Nico & Vinz. This is my full interview with Vinz.

Short Film: "I Care More"

We made the original cut of "I Care More" back in 2013, but now we have an all original cut with the help of my friend and musician Casey Hjelmberg. There are some disturbing images so VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. It was pretty much a 48 hour project. We had some spare gear, and a couple of my pals were free, so I wrote something really quickly one evening, filmed the next day, and then edited it.