Archives for the ‘news’ Category

Obama, Japan roots for Obama

By Shay • Feb 12th, 2008 • Category: news0 comments

The American Democratic presidential candidate doesn’t have a city named after him, but a certain city in Japan does share his name. It’s a fun coincidence that’s led to some great feature stories.



Korean National Treasure lost in blaze

By Shay • Feb 11th, 2008 • Category: news5 comments

It stood for over 600 years but was destroyed by flames in one night. The two-story wooden structure at the heart of Seoul collapsed about five hours after it caught fire late Sunday, according to Yonhap.



45RPM come back from the future

By Shay • Feb 9th, 2008 • Category: Features, Top Story, news1 comment

So where was 45RPM the past two years? The question has been answered: they were in the future. Actually, they must have been watching Power Rangers or something.



A Whale of an Expedition

By Todd • Feb 6th, 2008 • Category: news2 comments

The hunt is on! Japan’s annual whale hunting expedition is back in action in the waters off Antarctica. They are able to hunt the whales citing ‘Scientific Research’. Although I’m not sure how scientific it is when the whale meat seems to be appearing at restaurants across Japan.



45RPM’s “hit” new album

By Shay • Feb 6th, 2008 • Category: Features, Top Story, news3 comments

After a two-year-plus hiatus, Korean hip-hop trio 45RPM are coming back. They’re alive! I’ve been listening and re-listening to 45RPM’s 2005 debut album, Old Rookie and I couldn’t be happier to hear the news. The group’s underground hip-hop sound and popular sensibility are welcomed back anytime.



Freshly squeezed

By Shay • Feb 4th, 2008 • Category: Site News, news2 comments

Welcome to the new SparkPlugged and its freshly squeezed new look. Besides a fresh new style, many things have gotten better: SP’s new and improved front page organizes posts by category making for easier navigation.



The Comeback

By Shay • Feb 1st, 2008 • Category: Site News, news7 comments

Well it’s official, SparkPlugged is on its way back. Welcome!

This comeback is different than in the past. It’s a relaunch. Gone are the old days and me just coming back after hiatus and continuing where I left off like nothing happened (long-time readers know).



The Mass Missile’s new line up

By Shay • Nov 6th, 2007 • Category: Japan, music, news, rock3 comments

A few months back, it was reported on The Mass Missile’s official website that three of the five members left the band. Not much else was known until recently, becasue The Mass Missile have a new website. It’s like they broke up and have now regrouped.



Jacky Cheung to maids: you’re fired

By Shay • Sep 30th, 2007 • Category: China, More, humor, news7 comments

After firing over 20 maids in just three years, HK star Jacky Cheung must be one tough man to please — and the Philippine government agrees.
While Jacky Cheung (张学友, Cheung Hok Yau) may hold a title as one of the four “Cantopop Heavenly Kings”, he’s earned another nickname: Jacky “the Terminator” Cheung.
That’s the nickname [...]



Much love between Korean leaders?

By Shay • Sep 23rd, 2007 • Category: Korea, humor, news3 comments

Believe it or not, this isn’t actually a photo from the inter-Korean summit…that’s next month. But, awww it looks like Kim Jong Il and Roh Moo-hyun are really getting along.

The AP photo caption says:
South Korean students wearing masks of South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, right, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il perform during [...]