Interview with Justin Lin

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Justin Lin in person. You may have heard of him from a few years back. He did a movie called "Better Luck Tomorrow"; this year his latest work became one of the biggest summer blockbusters - The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift.

Lsat Friday I got a call from the flim distributor, saying that they've invited Justin Lin to come to Taiwan for the theatre release of "Better Luck Tomorrow." Jessica wanted to know if I would be interested in interviewing Justin on my radio show. OF COURSE!!! I couldn't contian myself and phoned my assistant immediately to tell her the good news.

When Justin walked in, I was a little surprised. I thought he would be taller. Last night I spent some time "google" him and came across some pictures of Justin. Now he's right in front of my eyes, it seemed that he's dropped the glasses and possibly gained a few extra pounds. Nonetheless, he's a good-looking young man. In fact the more I look at this picture, the more I find him attractive.

I've done some homework on Justin Lin and his work. There wasn't much information regarding his background and family. We hit it off and even started mocking each other. He called me a "Language Whore" because I told him about the hundreds of dates I went on when I first moved to the States and picked up English that way. I made fun of his fear toward speaking Mandarin and Taiwanese. He was born and raised in Taiwan until the age of 9. It makes no sense that he claims to be unfamiliar with the Chinese language. I bet he understands most of it but he's afraid to open his mouth.

We were having so much fun on the radio and his publicist had to hurry us to wrap up 'cuz she didn't want him to be late for the next appointment. Before today I didn't know what to expect from this on air interview. Now I'm glad that the film distributor and Justin came through and graced my show with their presence.

In early 2003 I went to see "Better Luck Tomorrow" and it rocked my world! After I got home, I went on the computer and send out an E-Mail to all my friends 'cuz they've gotta see it! It was nothing like any Asian films I've seen in the past. When a movie deals with the issue of race, the entire movie becomes a soul searching journey and eventually the leading character always finds his or her identity. I'm sick of that ID crisis. BLT tackles deeper than just race - there are also the issues of class, family, and the most important social issue today - the joys and sorrows of adolescence. The Asian cast was refreshing and I'm sure the actors were pleased to get the parts that were written for them specifically.

And I will never forgot the way Justin looked when he talked about making movies. He was so passionate about it and I thought I saw sparkles from his eyes!

"Why did you insist on making BLT when you couldn't get any Hollywood producers to back the film financially? And why were you so willing to risk everything you've got and maxed out your credit cards just to make this film happen?" I had to ask this question because I know 99% of us won't make the same decision as Justin did. We will make up excuses why we can't go through with it and we'll reason with ourselves to give up this crazy dream and be practical and careful.

I wish we're on TV to capture all the actions. Jusin's eyes were all lit up when he spoke the most powerful words I have never heard before. What he said really touched my heart. I thought I was about to burst into tears.

"I had the story down for so long and I just knew that I had to make it happen. Nothing was going to stop me. Maybe I didn't know anyone in Hollywood but I believe in myself. And I believe in this movie and that's how I know once people see it, they'll believe in it too. Dreams do come true!"

FEAR - that's what stops us from taking exciting adventures because we're afraid of the uncertainty. We think too much about what will happen and what if this and what if that.

Justin spoke of his passion and devotion for movies with such confidence. It was SEXY!

What makes a man sexy? Self-confidence, physical charms, and charisma! And if he's passionate about his work, that's a brownie point. Good-looking men will age and die like all human beings. But looking-good will keep going until you kiss this world goodbye.

What makes a man worthy? Humor, kindness, and intelligence. I like a guy who can make me laugh. So that requires a great sense of humor. If a guy mistreat animals and is unsympathetic toward those in need, he's probably not a good person. And I can't be with someone who's not smart enough. I have zero tolerance for stupidity. However, EQ is equally important as IQ.

For a long time I feel that I'm subjected to discrimination in my own land. But it never stopped me from doing what I wanted to do in my life. Ever so often I did feel the need to compensate for the way I am. In fact this year I let myself free from a steady job and went on to pursue my true passion - something God has given me. Once again life becomes meaningful and exciting. And I like having controls over my own life.

If you haven't seen "Better Luck Tomorrow", then you need to get off your butt and buy a DVD or at least get a rental; if you've seen it, then you can go check out Justin Lin's latest film - The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.

One last thing. A special shout-out to DC. Have fun in Toronto and eat lots of Mom's cooking. You're goofy, you're handsome and best of all, YOU'RE MINE!

Ménage à trois

(L to R) Me, Mike & Victoria

Threesome has gotta be every man's fantasy. Most straight men, married or single, would love to be in bed with two women at the same time. I've been told by many men that they are turned on by the scene of two beautiful chicks making out.

Back in the days Victoria and I used to be big-time party girls. Even though we both have moved around the past few years, we manage to keep in touch and meet up in person when we're in the same city. And every time we go out, it's guaranteed to be wild & crazy.

It's usual to get hit on but the most interesting incident has to be with our friend BJ. He's married to someone we know. But it doesn't stop him from saying things like, "Do you like her? Why don't you two make out?" "Don't you find so-and-so attractive? You two should make out. It will be a beautiful thing!" He's very persistent and continues to encourge us girls to make out in front of him.

I almost died one night when he was literally begging, "C'mon...help a brother out here! I'm married and I need some excitements! I'd love to watch the two of you making out!"

Does this mean that married men will need visual aid more than single men because they're faced with the same old broad every night? Even so, it's by choice, no?

Who Do You Look Like?

Last Wednesday I invited my friend Ivy to a movie premiere along with my brother and his girlfriend (to this day, I still ain't got a clue what her name is). They just met for the first time. When the four of us sat down for dinner, Ivy made an interesting comment.

"You and your brother don't look alike! Maybe a little resemblance around your eyes. That's about it." Ivy commented.

Well, if she thought there's barely any resemblance between me and my brother, then there must be zero likeness between me and my sister.

Today my friend Doug chatted with me over MSN.

"Remember almost 10 years ago I met your cousin when she came to visit you in San Francisco and we went skiing together? She added me to her MSN contacts recently. It took me awhile to figure out who she is!" Doug wrote with excitement.

What cousin? Silly Doug! That was my sister!!! For nearly 10 years, Doug had mistaken my sister as my cousin when he never met the cousin who actually lives in San Francisco now.

When I first returned to Taiwan after being away for years, the front desk staff at our apartment building thought I was the new secretary hired for my dad's company. I walked in and out of the building with my mom all the time and no one ever figured out our relation.

My sister spent one Christmas with me in San Francisco. We went to my favorite clothing store at the time, bebe, to shop for holiday bargains. Every sales girl in the store knew me for quite some time. When my sister was trying on clothes, the girls couldn't believe it when I told them we're related by blood.

"Do you have the same parents?" One airhead popped the unthinkable question!

I can assure you that I am not adopted because I look every bit like my father. What I don't understand is that why is it important to look like your brother & sister? What happens to embracing individuality and originality?

Photo: Do You Like Oysters?

Between the two of us, we had 100 oysters in one setting. On the plate there are about 1/3 of the empty shells.

Personal Ticketmaster At Your Service - NOT

After much soul searching, I returned to radio in May and began a new chapter in my radio career. This time around the chosen language is Mandarin Chinese!

One of the biggest perks about being an on air personality is that entertainment becomes available FREE OF CHARGE. For example, movies and music are free, not to mention the fact that I get to preview them in advance.

Between July 24 and August 3, I've seen 7 movies. That's 7 movies in 11 days and I didn't pay a dime. I'm not sure if anyone will be jealous since it's part of my work. Starting next Monday, August 7, I'll be going to at least one movie screening everyday for four days in a row. And there's a possibility that more screening invitations will be sent out before the weekend is over.

In addition, whenever there are concerts or performances in town, I'll receive tickets in the mail. I always share these media privileges with my friends whether it's a concert, a Broadway play, movies or even just released CDs. When Broadway "Rent" came to town, I went to see it literally every night and brought at least five friends with me. We had the best seats in the house!

Last week a friend of mine asked me over MSN if I had tickets to a local female pop singer's concert. I thought he would like to go catch her live in concert. But it turned out that he was asking for a friend whom I do not know. Today he did it again, asking if I was going to a jazz concert. I have tickets to the concert but for a different artist. He then explained that a female friend is crazy about one particular jazz ensemble but all the tickets are sold out. He was hoping that I was going and probably could take his friend as my guest.

This rage just came over me when he said "maybe you can take her with you to the concert." Why would I take a stranger with me?!

A good will / intention sometimes can be taken for granted. Most of my friends appreciate it when I offer to send them tickets or invite them to go with me as my guests. This guy is the first one to request for specific events as if I'm Ticketmaster!

Also today a friend in Southern California saw my posting on MSN that I have some tickets to give away for a guitar concert. He thought maybe his dad would like to go. So he got in touch with his father in Taiwan. Unfortunately papa will be busy that night. He was so bummed out about it but still thank me for my generosity.

Maybe I overreacted when my friend asked for tickets for someone else. Was I really upset because I felt that he took me for granted? Or was it because he was doing it for another girl? Nonetheless I am not anybody's Ticketmaster, GOT IT?