GR Newsbot June 3, 2011

Notorious MSG New album

Jokester rap group, Notorious MSG is releasing a new album. Here’s some links, and even a video clip. In this time of Asian Americans actually making it in rap, this band might have that outsiders chance for a bit ala Fat Boys (Yes, we know that first Fat Boys album is a classic – so maybe not). Album streaming, Album download, Youtube.

Starbucks Tightens Focus on China

“The agreement gives Seattle-based Starbucks 100% ownership of the 250 stores it has run with Hong Kong-based Maxim’s in the provinces of Guangdong, Hainan, Sichuan, Shaanxi and Hubei, as well as the province-level municipality of Chongqing, Starbucks said. Maxim’s has owned a 30% stake in those operations since 2002.” Why do we care? I’ve heard that in Japan, Starbucks has 0% stake in the Starbucks in Japan. Oops. Asians don’t drink coffee, right? We remember hearing that 15-20 years ago… Asians only drink tea… (WSJ – Starbucks in China)

French Open finalist Li is key to boom in China

The title sounds intriguing but in the end, it doesn’t talk about tennis in China. However, Li Na might be the first Asian woman to win a Grand Slam Final. She goes up against last year’s champion, Francesca Schiavone, a scrappy Italian player and it should be a struggle. But in the end, in a country that big, yes, tennis can be a huge sport with her win. But ideally, it should be anyway regardless. (Seattlepi – Li Na)

Boston’s Experiment with Daisuke Matsuzaka

This article talks about Daisuke Matsuzaka and the Red Sox experiment and how they got stuck, but since he’s announced that he’s getting Tommy John surgery which may end his career, the Red Sox can now end his tenure. But it started because of money. “Dice-K knew it. He had the Sox where he wanted them: over a money barrel.” (Bleacher Report – Dice K)

Balloon Boy Balloon for 1 Million

The first sentence may say it all. “Richard and Mayumi Heene, the parents behind 2009′s infamous “Balloon Boy” news story, have put the balloon on the auction block and are asking $1 million for it.” The part about it being an attraction? For 1 Million? Perhaps the Roswell Museum would be a great place. (abcnews – Balloon Boy)