The L.A. Times And Tadashi Nakamura

Friday, February 27, 2009



The LAT has a good article on Tad Nakamura, just in time for the premiere of his film tomorrow night:

Documentary filmmaker Tadashi Nakamura first heard about Chris Iijima while listening to his parents talk about "the movement." That movement was something that had happened eons ago, in the 1970s, a time when young Asian Americans were uncovering hidden histories, creating their own art and music and theater, and forming groups with names like the Yellow Brotherhood and Asian Americans for Action.

Iijima had been a part of all of that. He'd been in a band, released an album, had even toured across the country. When his parents spoke of him, though, he was just Chris, a musician and friend from the old days.

It wasn't until Nakamura was an undergraduate at UCLA that he discovered just how revolutionary his parents' friend was. Nakamura was listening to a song on one of those old records -- "We Are the Children," from the 1973 album "A Grain of Sand" -- and heard Iijima and bandmate Nobuko Miyamoto sing of their solidarity with freedom fighters and migrant workers. They called "relocation centers" like Manzanar and Tule Lake "concentration camps" (Miyamoto was interned as a young girl, as was Iijima's mother), and sang of watching U.S. war movies and "secretly rooting for the other side."

For Nakamura, it was a revelation. "Growing up, if there was a singer, any singer, who was even part Asian, you'd go, wow, an Asian singer," he says. "And here were Japanese Americans singing about being Japanese American, and just putting it out there."
Read it in full here.

Re-Education From The Go Go 70s

Friday, February 27, 2009



Here's what I learned from watching the film Go Go 70s (directed by Choi Ho, and starring Sin Min-Ah and Cho Seung-Woo:

  • If you're in a bar and a fight breaks out between a hooker who's a little racist and a GI who's got some wife beater in him, just play "Soul Man" and everything will be groovy.
  • No one's really going to get into your music until someone who made a dress out of duct tape shows people how to dance to it.
  • In the end it doesn't matter if the government gave you a beat down, shut all the clubs, or banned all the songs you really wanted to play - if you have a guitar, a firehose, and a dream - that's all you really need.
Damn the man who made me cut my trippy locks.

Random Thoughts And Questions About Nothing

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Feel free to skip over this post...but if you don't - it's not like I didn't warn you.

I wonder if Harry Potter would be just as popular if Harry was Asian?

Will the Lee Hyori Concert DVD be delayed again and do I really want to pay $45.00 + shipping and handling for it?

I really like my Netflix set top box.

I finally got someone to admit that Mac Books are simply too expensive and that you pay for the look and the label. Yes - I'm a PC - because I'd rather be the guy that builds a snowman really fast and then dumps it on the cute bunny (or that person who was behind me in line when I was returning a monitor and out of the blue said to me "You should have bought a Mac" - which makes absolutely no sense at all and while I didn't want to beat them down per se, I did want to bend down and untie their shoelaces because I just don't think they would have known what to do with that).

This makes me wonder what would happen to you if you were in a shopping mall and decided to go around and just untie people's shoelaces at random. I wonder if someone would try and have you arrested for assault.

Been listening to A Song For Ourselves Mixtape almost non-stop since I downloaded it (as an aside I wonder who would win in a claymation cage match between Frank Chin and Maxine Hong Kingston).

I was flipping through a Redbook a couple days ago - and I saw a little Asian kid in a Lunchables ad. I tried to find it online, but after a minute of searching I gave up -- because I'm lazy.

That's it.

Freida Pinto On The Vogue India Cover

Thursday, February 26, 2009



Definitely cool to see Freida Pinto on the cover of Vogue India for March - hopefully we'll see her on a U.S. edition too.

NewsBytes

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Word from around the way:

Asian Americans and Poverty

Many Americans think of Asians here as a model community with money. Some are but many Asian Americans are truly the working poor. A New York City study found the poverty rate among Asian Americans was higher than African Americans. That study included government programs as income.
AsianWeek WonderCon 2009 Exclusive

Last year over 29,000 comic fans filled San Francisco’s Moscone Center South for the annual WonderCon comic convention, and this year, organizers are anticipating an even larger crowd due to the premiere of Alan Moore’s Watchmen. To celebrate this weekend’s WonderCon, Grapple Entertainment and eigoMANGA will be hosting a Greet and Meet, featuring a special tasting from Haamonii Smooth at Horizon Ultra Lounge on Feb. 28. AsianWeek.com sits down with Grapple Entertainment President and CEO, Ludon Lee, and Director of Business Development, Lisa Lee –AsianWeek’s former Yin Yang celebrity entertainment columnist, to discuss the company, comprised of members from the local Asian and Pacific Islander community and comic industry.
“Slumdog”: A lesson for Hollywood?

So, will the success of this film — a story about an orphan growing up in the slums of Mumbai — translate in Hollywood to an era of increased diversity of characters on the big screen? If the past is prologue, it’s probably best not to hold our breath.

The powers-that-be in Hollywood have historically presumed that people of color will happily flock to watch movies featuring white characters, but that “mainstream” — read “white” — audiences won’t relate to stories about people of color. Until Sunday, making films like “Slumdog Millionaire” has seemed to make very little sense financially.

Actor Will Smith offered a rare glimpse into the American world of casting a few years ago. While promoting the romantic comedy “Hitch,” he told The Birmingham Post, that the decision to cast Latina actress Eva Mendes as his love interest was a deliberate racial calculation on behalf of the studio...
Asian culture and community events

The "228 Incident" was a tragic day in Taiwanese history. On Feb. 28, 1947, an uprising against Chinese rule resulted in the massacre of thousands of civilians in Taiwan. About 50 years later, the Taiwanese government recognized those who died.

In 1997, the day became a national holiday. The Taiwanese mark what they call Peace Memorial Day by flying their country's flag at half-staff.

Taiwanese-Americans also mark the historic day. The Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the Taiwanese Association of America will hold a candlelight vigil and a program with music, songs and prayers from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church of Richardson, 319 LaSalle Drive. The event also includes a film about the event and talks by witnesses. Call Sam Tsay at 972-342-8155.
A Victory for the Asian-American Community

Last week, after passage of Obama's stimulus bill, the Asian-American community found a specific reason to celebrate. After decades of activism, congress included a provision in the stimulus package that finally agreed to give Filipino World War II veterans, who fought on behalf of the United States, the full recognition and benefits received by other WWII veterans 60 years ago.

Despite the military service of over 400,000 Filipino soldiers in the Philippines against Japanese occupation and the promise given by the U.S. government for recognition and benefits, Filipino WWII Veterans received nothing. Instead, congress passed the Rescission Act of 1946, which denied them health care benefits because of their racial identity. Last week they found justice.
Behind The Scenes Washington Talk

What is going on in that White House? With so many Asians in the Obama circle, to include his half-sister and brother-in-law, you can't help but wonder if Lou Dobbs had a seizure after learning that Gary Locke was being named to Commerce Secretary. If they so happen to name another minority to the cabinet, you can rest assured that a heart attack is soon to follow. CNN is as guilty of selling Yellow and Brown hate to its viewers as Fox News is for selling Black hate to theirs.
The Chinese Are Coming! The Chinese Are Coming!

...And they're bringing over bags of cash to buy up our property, according to the SF Chronicle. A group of 40 Chinese real estate investors are currently en route from Beijing to California to shop for foreclosed and other "distressed" properties in the Golden State [...]
Amy Tan On Creativity At TED Talk

Some friends referred me to TED Talk today. It's a conference where all of the world's high-minded thinkers and practitioners across disciplinary boundaries come together to give talks on mind-bending issues and perspectives. All the talks have been documented as videos and posted on the website. It's a tremendous resource for innovative ideas that would further thoughtful ideas and actions in the world. ]I heart TED talk.]
Podcast: bigWOWO and the Asian American Movement Blog

Larry from the Asian American Movement Blog visited yesterday, and we did a podcast. Download it here, or listen to it here: It’s 25:39 minutes long and 11.7 megs. During the first 8 minutes and 30 seconds, we discuss Larry’s new blog, how he got involved with the Asian American Movement Ezine, and where they are looking to take the blog. During the remaining 18 minutes, Larry and I talk about the Miley Cyrus incident, activism, the Asian American blogosphere, and getting things done.
Alex Tse, Screenwriter Of Watchmen

One of the most highly anticipated movies of the year is the big screen adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' landmark graphic novel Watchmen. The movie, which Hollywood has been trying to make for years, finally sees the light of the silver screen in theaters next month, thanks in part to screenwriter Alex Tse. That's right, my friends. An Asian American guy wrote the movie adaptation of the greatest graphic novel of all time.

Get Your Music, Film, And Dance On: International Secret Agents 2009

Thursday, February 26, 2009



You've heard me talk about the first International Secret Agents concert last summer put on by Wong Fu Productions and Far*East Movement and just in case you were wondering - yes - it's time for International Secret Agents 2009 which is going to have a hot lineup including JIN The MC with DJ Quickie, Far*East Movement, Wong Fu Productions, Jessi Malay, Paul Datech, Passion, and ABDC Dance Set (with DJ Virman, dancers Della and Meme from A.S.I.I.D., and Glenda from Fanny Pak).

Here are the concert details

Location: The Palace Of Fine Arts301 Lyon Street, San Francisco, CA, 94123
Doors Open: 6:30pm
Show Time: 7:30pm-10:30pm

Get your tickets for the show here.

Go Go MANAA Blog

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Got some info sent out to me about the Media Action Network for Asian Americans Blog which started up a couple months ago (thanks Lori) and thought I'd post up on it and say that if you haven't checked it out yet, make sure to head on over and get their take on everything from the Oscars to the Last Airbender (and also make sure to head on down to the MANAA site too).

Word to the Aoki.

Asian Student Leadership Conference For High School Students

Thursday, February 26, 2009

That's right people - just like everything else, you gotta get 'em young - and unlike gambling, smoking, and peeing in your pants (all of which I do, but usually in a specific order) - this might actually do some good.

Check out the info below (thanks Guybe):

The Asian Educators Alliance (AsEA) is proud to announce its first ever High School Student Conference!!!

The Asian Educators Alliance (AsEA), an affinity organization for Asian/Pacific Islanders (API) is a national organization committed to creating opportunities for API teachers and school staff to meet, network and support one another. For the past 5 years we have held an adult conference, but this year we are hosting our first ever high school student conference! It will focus on leadership and activism. and should be a great event! The theme of the event is : unlearn . rethink . inspire . do something. It will be held March 7, 2009 at Lick-Wilmerding High School with registration starting at 9:30 AM and the conference running from 10-3. Our keynote speaker will be Dennis Kim from Youth Speaks. There will also breakout sessions, a leadership panel, workshops, and more!

We are excited for the opportunity to create this affinity space for API students from around the Bay Area. Our keynote speaker and our leadership panelists will be talking about the intersection of API identity and their own work in service to their communities. Our hope is to inspire our API students to become leaders (or expand their leadership) in their own communities and be of service (much in concert with Obama's call to action). And the best thing is that it is totally FREE and lunch is provided!

It is an affinity conference open to all API high school students (including, of course, multiracial API kids). Please encourage any API high school students to attend.

Students can register on line here.

If you have any questions, please contact Jeanne Coyne Song - P: 510.534.0804 ext. 226 jcoyne (at) rdschool.org

See you there!

http://www.aseanational.org/

More On Judy Chu

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Got this sent down from the AAA-Fund Blog and thought I'd post up a snippet in case any of you were following:

Judy Chu’s Race Begins

Before hearing our President speak, the Senate overwhelmingly voted to confirm Rep. Hilda Solis as the nation’s Labor Secretary. While it had been percolating for a couple months, the race to succeed her has officially begun.

Now the Governor has two weeks to call the election. As we predicted earlier, he’ll probably set it for May 19, the same day Californians will be voting on the state budget. How will that date affect Dr. Chu’s chances? This morning, Roll Call (subscription only) took a look:

[Gil] Cedillo’s advisers believe the election date — and the heightened turnout — benefits their candidate immensely. If Solis’ nomination as Labor secretary hadn’t run into snags, the special election almost certainly would have been held earlier, magnifying Chu’s early advantage in fundraising and local endorsements. And the greater turnout from the statewide election almost inevitably means more Latino voters going to the polls.

“Fate has been good to us,” said Leo Briones, Cedillo’s media consultant.

But Chu’s team believes the timing of the special election date is a wash. Parke Skelton, a consultant for Chu, said a relatively large number of union members will turn out for the statewide ballot questions. The powerful Los Angeles County Federation of Labor has endorsed Chu in the special election.
Read it in full here.

It's Official: Gary Locke Gets The Nom

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Listening to some news during my busy day yesterday (which accounts for the dearth of posts - and by a dearth I mean none) I happened to catch on the news that Locke is indeed the nom for Commerce Secretary, and while some might be worried that his deals with M$ and Boeing may draw some scrutiny - at least he paid his taxes unlike some of those other noms.

Here's a transcript of Locke during the nomination from the Post:

Thank you very much, Mr. President. I'm truly humbled and honored to be asked to join your economic team and to serve as secretary of commerce.

As I flew across the country yesterday from Seattle, I saw the cities and farmlands of America below me. And I thought of all those businesses, small and large, that are struggling, struggling to meet payroll, struggling to provide benefits to their employees, wondering about their future and viability as companies.

Most of all, I thought about all those families in those communities who are hurting and worried about their future.

Mr. President, I know you hear their concerns.

The American people and I fully support you and have confidence in your bold strategies to turn our economy around, to rejuvenate the health of American businesses, to preserve and create good family-wage jobs, to restore our country to an era of lasting prosperity.

You eloquently outlined your strategies last night on how America will rebuild, recover, and emerge stronger than ever before.

Working with the professionals at the Department of Commerce, I'm committed to making the department an active and integral partner in advancing your economic policies and restoring the American dream to all Americans.

Our nation's economic success is tied directly to America continuing to lead in technology and innovation and in exporting those products, services, and ideas to nations around the globe. The Department of Commerce plays a critical role in nurturing innovation, expanding global markets, protecting and managing our ocean fisheries, and fostering economic growth.

The Department of Commerce can and will help create the jobs and the economic vitality our nation needs.

When I was first sworn in as governor of the great state of Washington, I told a story of how 100 years ago my grandfather came from China as a teenager and worked for a family as a houseboy in exchange for English lessons, just one mile from the governor's mansion. It took our family 100 years to move that one mile, a journey possible only in America.

And during World War II, my father served in the United States Army as a staff sergeant and landed on the shores of Normandy. As a kid, I lived in public housing, and my mom and dad worked very hard in the neighborhood grocery store that they owned.

We grew up on the values of, "Get a good education, work hard, and take care of each other." It was a struggle. But thanks to their sacrifices, I received the best education America offered. And here I am today, proud to have the opportunity to serve all the people of our great nation.

My family's story is America's story. Our story is just one of hundreds of millions since the birth of our nation, of people coming from every part of the world in pursuit of the American dream of freedom, hope and opportunity.

In hard times, Americans have rallied together, sacrificed, and even given their lives for our country, because they believe in the essential goodness and promise of America.

Americans are prepared to do the same today. They believe in your leadership, Mr. President, and want you to succeed, because they want America to succeed. They want a better future for themselves and their children.
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We will harness the resources and the talent of the Department of Commerce to help you fulfill your commitment to the American people to build a stronger and more prosperous nation. I embrace this opportunity to serve you and the American people. And, finally, I want to thank my family, my parents and brother and sisters and the extended Locke clan, but especially my beautiful and truly gifted and loving wife, Mona, and the joys of our lives, Emily, Dylan, and Madeline.

Today would not have been possible without their love, support and sacrifices.

And thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity.
Asian American political goodness.

Hot Track: Daichi Miura - Your Love (Ft. KREVA)

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Three Times A Charm? Gary Locke Likely Choice To Head The Commerce Department

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Caught the news out on the Washington Post that Gary Locke - who's been the only Chinese American to ever be elected as the governor of a state - could be joining Eric Shinseki and Steven Chu as part of the Obama Cabinet.

Former Washington governor Gary Locke is likely to be President Obama's choice to head the Commerce Department, according to several administration officials briefed on the decision.

Locke would be the third person put forward by Obama for the job, after withdrawals by New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D), because of an ongoing pay-to-play investigation of his administration, and Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), who backed out after concluding that his ideological differences with the administration could not be resolved.

Locke did not reply to an e-mail seeking comment, and the White House said no announcement would be made about the post today or tomorrow.

The choice of Locke for commerce secretary would continue a pair of themes that have emerged as Obama has assembled his Cabinet: diversity and reaching out to former rivals.
Nice.

Inc.Com's College Start-ups: Getting Your Asian American Business On

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Recession? What recession? Don't talk to me about a recession - or at least that you can't be in college, Asian American, and striking out on your own. Check out three Asian Americans who are being featured out on Inc.Com's Cool College Start-ups (go here for the full text on each one and then also vote for them too).

Danny Klam (Simply Splendid Donuts, University of Houston)




Some college students schedule classes so they can sleep in as late as possible, but not Danny Klam. The University of Houston senior, who is double-majoring in entrepreneurship and marketing, often begins his day at 3 a.m., opening one of the three Simply Splendid Donuts and Ice Cream stores he owns The chain employs a staff of 12. Last year, it grossed $750,000 and, this year, revenue is on track to top $1.2 million. "The hours are crazy," Klam says. "You just have to make time and get your priorities straight."
Jessica Mah (InternshipIN, University of California, Berkeley)




At the tender age of 14, Jessica Mah sold her first company, which rented server space to small businesses, at a marginal profit. She then set up jessicamah.com and began to blog about business and technology from a young person's perspective. Last fall, Mah, now a Berkeley junior, came up with the idea for a new venture, which she began to chronicle on the site. "All of us were looking for internships, and I had no clue where to start," Mah says. "This is how business ideas begin: You want to do something, and you run into problems." Equal parts Craigslist and Mediabistro, the new site, InternshipIN, helps students identify high-quality internships—i.e., internships that do not involve "getting coffee and making copies," Mah says. Much of the initial traffic has come through a partnership with SimplyHired, a job search engine.
Brian Laoruangroch (Green Mobile, University of Missouri)




Brian Laoruangroch's eBay hobby has grown into a business with $500,000 a year in revenue. Starting in 2004, the University of Missouri student realized he could buy old mobile phones and resell them for a profit. He built his own website to market refurbished phones and then opened a kiosk in a local mall. Last summer, Laoruangroch decided the business, Green Mobile, was large enough to support a retail storefront. He borrowed money from his parents and then landed a $50,000 bank loan backed by the Small Business Administration.

Secret Identities: Preview #2 "9066"

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Here's the second promo "9066" for Secret Identities.

Lyrics Born And Jimmy Kimmel

Monday, February 23, 2009

I was hitting up the Lyrics Born YouTube page and caught this video of him performing on the Jimmy Kimmel show. The video isn't the best quality - but it's still pretty cool to see him vibing late night:

13 Minutes Magazine Looking For Writers

Monday, February 23, 2009

Just wanted to post this on up for any writers that want to get inked:

Looking to polish your portfolio with published work? Thirteen Minutes Magazine is looking for skilled writers who can come up with articles to contribute to the magazine. We’re looking for fresh ideas, beyond the usual culture 101 pieces we see everyday. Thirteen Minutes Magazine covers Fashion, Entertainment, Culture, Cuisine, Health and Beauty and Travel. If you think you have a great idea that would make an eye-catching and engaging piece, please submit your story idea, along with a sample of your work to info@13minutesmag.com.

Please also view our writers guidelines at http://13minutesmag.com/index/contact-us/
Cool.

Careless Wicked Smiles

Monday, February 23, 2009

Here are two of my personal favorites from the Locus Arts Do It Yourself Music Video Contest.

"Wicked Smile" By Cast Of Thousands



"Careless" By MUD

Tammy And Victor: You've Got Pie On Your Face But That's O.K.

Monday, February 23, 2009

If Tammy and Victor keep this up - because it seemed like they came in light years ahead of everyone else for first place this episode - they've gotta be a lock to win this season.

Here's their "after the show" video complete with cake on their face where Tammy talks a little bit about breaking out and being more than the little sister.

It Was Hell: Just A Quick Goodbye To Ji

Monday, February 23, 2009



Just wanted to give a quick shout out to Ji on Hell's Kitchen who seemed like a cool contestant, and when she hurt her ankle decided to give up her place for someone that would be able to compete (because you have your whole career ahead of you).

Eric Holder, A Nation Of Cowards, And I'm Not Half An American

Monday, February 23, 2009

I just thought I'd speak a bit on last week's news about Attorney General Eric Holder and his comments that we're a nation of cowards when it comes to race, and the ensuing media blacklash that came from it.

And The Truth Is

We are a nation of cowards when it comes to talking about race. It doesn't mean we don't always try, or we don't give some effort at times, but when it comes down to it - a lot of times - we shy away from real conversations because we're afraid of the implications. The fact that we elected a black President, while it shows some things, doesn't speak to everything - it can't speak to everything - because electing a President Of Color doesn't quite hold the same consequences when it comes to race and racism in our everyday lives.

Sometimes we're afraid to call out our friends (of all colors) on their own prejudice, bigotry, or ignorance because we don't want to confront them. We want to give them a pass, even though we know that we shouldn't. We're afraid of losing their friendship. We're afraid that we won't be able to come to some sort of middle ground with them. We think about it. But a lot of times, we don't do anything about it. We just say to ourselves "If that happens again" or "If it happens in a different place" or "They do good things so..." or "They really didn't mean that" - anything other than actually confronting what's in front of us.

And if it's hard with our friends, it's even harder with family members. We pretend we don't hear it, or we pretend that maybe we didn't hear it correctly. Sometimes we just say "It's a generational thing" or sometimes we say nothing at all. If we're afraid of losing friends, we're even more afraid of losing family, so we don't do or say anything except what's in our minds.

In each instance we're afraid of doing the right thing, and for the majority of people I've met or heard about, at one time or another - we've all been cowards in that sense. We're afraid to really talk about race because of what we might lose.

The white person doesn't want to hear from the person of color because they're afraid of what they might truly find out about themselves. It doesn't mean that they can't change, or that they can't be a better person, but in order to do that, they have to take a deep look at themselves. They have to feel some White Guilt. They have to acknowledge areas in their own lives where they've been less than who they might imagine themselves to be and where they've contributed to racism in our society and in their own daily lives. Even the most "progressive" and "liberal" white people I've known can't always see how they don't think about their actions as someone who's white. They can't always acknowledge the fact that they have had the upper hand in society and how that's affected communities of color. They might think about things on a large scale - like in electing a President Of Color - but they don't always think about how they treat people of color in their everyday lives. By having to look that deep into the mirror, they're afraid of losing who they are. They're afraid that by looking that deep into their own lives that they may not be able to overcome what they see is wrong.

As people of color - sometimes we don't want to hear from that white person. Sometimes we can't even acknowledge them and let them get out what they want to say because we can't face the truth that we could learn something from them on matters of race and racism. While in a lot of ways we want people to educate themselves so we don't always have too, that also means we have to let go of some control, some power - we have to put our trust in other people in something where it hasn't always been in our best interest to do so. At the same time - deep down - sometimes we just don't want to get hurt - and talking about race with people who aren't of color can open us up to that. Say whatever you want - but there's been at least one time in your life as a person of color that you just went to wherever you call home and broke down however you do it because someone was racist or prejudice against you - because they made you feel smaller than you ever should have - because something just wasn't right. Sometimes we think it's easier to be on the defensive or just not get into a real conversation at all on race with someone who's white, because we're afraid they just won't get it, and by opening up the conversation, it opens us up to being vulnerable too.

Btw - I'm not Half An American

I know I should expect some of the responses I've heard after Eric Holder's words - especially from Pat Buchanan - but finding myself at the site landofthefree I happened to stumble upon this gem among many many others (and yes, I'm not suprised either but still feel like talking about it):

Education has been known to relieve all sorts of ignorance. I believe the true coward is the person who hides behind his race and refuses to educate his children beyond victimhood.

I also believe a lot of the confusion could be erased if we begin teaching children that if you are born in the United States, you are an American and not some hyphenated half-American. A hyphenated American is probably more likely a coward.
While I could go off on a number of things, I just thought I'd put out there that I don't think I'll ever not have anything but a low tolerance for people that can't understand that you can be American but still qualify yourself as an Asian American, and that it really only seems to be an issue when that extra qualification comes from people of color, or when the person is responding to something someone of color said that they don't like on race. No one ever says anything about German Americans, Italian Americans, Swedish Americans, or Irish Americans. Everybody loves St. Patties day and drinking green beer but you never hear the statement "Why do those people need their own day".

So just get over it, because I'm All American - I'm just Asian too. The fact that I'm one doesn't make me any less of the other.

And Can I Say This One More Time?

I don't want to be in the great melting pot where I lose complete shape of who I am as a person and become indistinguishable from everyone else - because it's really not possible. I want to retain my shape and pick up tasty flavors from the people next to me where together we make a great tasty bite of food.

Say no to the melting pot and yes to the salad bowl.

Danny Lee Takes Over Europe Too

Sunday, February 22, 2009



After becoming the youngest person to win golf's U.S. Amateur Championship last year, apparently 18 year-old Lee decided he needed to take over Europe as well:

Lee doesn't get any money - he's still an amateur - but he does get the distinction of being the youngest-ever winner on the European Tour. Lee is 18 years and 213 days old. The previous youngest winner in Euro Tour history was Dale Hayes, who claimed the 1971 Spanish Open at 18 years and 290 days. Lee also is the second amateur in Euro Tour history to win a tournament, joining Pablo Martin who won in 2007.

Lee is originally from South Korea, but his family moved to New Zealand when he was eight and Lee plays as a Kiwi.

Random Thoughts On The Academy Awards

Sunday, February 22, 2009



Here are some of my thoughts now that the 2009 Oscars are over with:

1. That was a lot of Asian people on the Oscars - more so than anytime else I can remember.

Loved the dance numbers.

2. Slumdog Millionaire pounced the competition so bad that I almost felt sorry for everyone else (the keyword though being "almost").

3. While I was a complete fan of Penelope Cruz in her past movies I would never pay to see Vicky Cristina Barcelona or give it any award for one simple reason:



When you pimp out your Asian stepdaughter - to yourself - using your parental power and influence to get your incestual pedo on - that's just fucked up - and I really do have to question anyone that works with him.

You gotta have standards don't ya?

4. I'm not really sure what I think about the Best Actor/Actress "Let me speak to you directly" presentation that they did this year - it seemed a little forced (especially for the guys).

I think they should skip it next time.

5. Seriously - will I ever be able to get away from Breakfast At Tiffany's? Can we just stop referencing that movie altogether?

6. The Conscience of Nhem En didn't win, but I was glad to see the film Departures win (even though I still have to see both). Yeah - I know what you're going to say, but do you think I really care?

7. Didn't Alicia Keys look great? And can you believe they paired her with Zack Efron? Goes down as the worst pairing in Oscar history.

8. Did I just post up on Zack Efron? Damn - I need a break.

Asian American Women And Retirement

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Even though I don't save anything anyway - unless you count the money in my shoe that I keep just in case I lose all my money at the blackjack table (because apparently that MIT gene skipped me) this article up a Filipina Moms caught my eye on Asian American women and retirement:

Am I saving enough for my retirement? No. Should I be worried? Yes. This Saturday's edition of Bonnie Erbe's PBS show, To The Contrary , had an interesting slant on retirement: the fact that saving for retirement can be especially challenging for Asian-American women. Since we're all familiar with the cultural stereotype of Asians being hardworking, frugal and good at saving, I was surprised to hear that a significant number of Asian American women (28%) rely soley on Social Security for retirement income.

Bonnie Erbe's panel included Former Assistant Secretary on Aging Dr. Jeanette Takamura and Global Summit of Women President Irene Natividad (who is Filipino American), and they spent some time discussing why retirement savings can be an issue for Asian Americans. First of all, we have long lifespans (Asian American women's lifespan is about 86 years, 5 years longer than for white females, and almost 10 years longer than for African Americans). Second, we're women, and women generally earn 70 cents to the dollar as compared to men's salaries in similar jobs. And third -- which I found most interesting -- many Asian American women find themselves in the position of becoming caregivers for their own parents (even as they care for their children), and average caregiver could actually lose as much as $25,000 in Social Security benefits!
I just may retire to Manila too.

Wal-Mart Settles For $17.5 Million

Sunday, February 22, 2009

While in some ways it's a drop in the bucket for Wal-Mart - I am happy to hear that they had to pay out 17.5 million in a class action lawsuit for not hiring drivers in their trucking department if they were black - because you know - if you're not white you just can't drive, or be responsible.

Now if only they would do something about that health insurance thing they can never seem to get right.

Film: Asian American Studies Now! Documentary (Short Version) Part 2

Friday, February 20, 2009

I posted up Part 1 of this in a previous post - here's part 2.

Tak Toyoshima At The NJAHS Awards

Friday, February 20, 2009

Caught this down at Asian American Comics:

Exciting and humbling news. I'm being honored by the National Japanese American Historical Society at this year's awards dinner on Saturday, March 21 (6pm reception, 7pm dinner and program). The event will take place at the Kabuki Hotel in San Francisco's J-Town (1625 Post St.) and is open to the public but it is a fundraiser so keep that in mind with the ticket price of $150 a person. If you're in the SF area that weekend I'll be there Friday afternoon through Sunday morning so swing by for the dinner or let's hang afterward. The Many Faces of Manga exhibit is also open through June 30.

Here's a little background on the NJAHS so you get a better understanding of their mission and what the fund-raising is going to support. NJAHS was founded in 1980 as "Go For Broke, Inc.", whose purpose was to promote the history and accomplishments of Japanese American veterans of the 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service who distinguished themselves during World War II. As the organization evolved into an institution dedicated to preserving the history of Japanese Americans in general and educating the public about the contributions of Japanese Americans to American Society, it changed its name in 1986 to the National Japanese American Historical Society.

Falling for Grace: Reel Film Festival for Women

Friday, February 20, 2009

I've posted on this movie before, and while I haven't seen it, it's great to see another AA film keep on making the rounds. Falling for Grace by Fay Ann Lee is going to be showing next month down at the Reel Film Festival for Women in Beverly Hills and apparently might also be getting a worldwide television release.

Erudite And Eruditic

Friday, February 20, 2009

Been meaning to make a post on this about a week ago -- but here are two different takes from two different Asian Americans, one male and one female on Rihanna and Chris Brown.

Link 1. Link 2.

Fred Korematsu, Scott Fujita, Thinking Out Loud, And This Story On "Japs Surrender"

Friday, February 20, 2009

I'm not exactly sure where I'm going with this post - so feel free to skip over it - because I plan on being really random and probably not saying much of anything (but that's really nothing new and you should have already grown used to it by now).

Was There Any Media Coverage?

Was it me or did I just not hear a peep from mainstream media about Executive Order 9066 yesterday? Did I miss it all or do we really just not matter? That being said - I do miss morning shows, mid morning shows, and afternoon shows so I can't really tell you for sure (and feel free to say "Dude.."), but at least to me - it didn't feel like it got any mainstream coverage and I'm just wondering to myself right now how many people actually know the name Fred Korematsu - everybody knows Pearl Harbor, but how many people know the story of Fred Korematsu?

And I know - mainstream media was caught up in the NY Post Obama cartoon and we're now living in a "post racial" society where maybe it's really of no use to look back on the past - especially when it concerns Asian Americans (and it's such a downer anyway right?) - but I just can't help thinking to myself how I'd kind of like to see a picture of Korematsu flashed up on the screen every hour on the hour on every single channel for that day.

Who Is Japanese?

There's this article I was reading on ESPN about Scott Fujita, and what I found interesting about it was just that it magnified how different race, ethnicity, and color can be, but at the same time, how much they collide with each other - and if that sounds like a sugary baked good topped with a side of green beans when all you really want is a biscuit - that's all I have for you on this one (and you probably shouldn't be trying to follow my train of thought right now anyway).

What Was I Thinking Out Loud About?

Between that last part and some noodles I'm munching on right now I kind of forgot what I was going to be thinking out loud about.

Sorry?

This One's Difficult

I got sent an article (thanks Koji) which you can read here - and I have to be honest - this one's a little tough for me and in a way I'm thinking through my thoughts here as I type, versus having it figured out and then posting up on it (so maybe this is actually what I was going to be thinking out loud about - but then that would make the title of this post redundant) so...

What makes a situation like this difficult is the racial history of the U.S. If a newspaper headline reads "Nazis Surrender!" - while you can take into consideration that both Americans of German and Italian descent were also under scrutiny during WWII, it wasn't the same as Japanese internment. The level of xenophobia wasn't, and never has been, the same when you compare people of color, to people who aren't of color. Between then and now, while things have definitely gotten better, there's still racism against Asian Americans - in some areas we're still looked at as the foreigners who aren't really American even though by every standard we are and have been for quite some time. The term "JAP" wasn't just used as a term to refer to a foreign enemy of the United States, but also towards citizens of its own country and as much as we might want to try and separate the contexts that they were used in - I don't think we really can.

Do I think taking it down is a snub towards the veterans though?

Honestly I don't know. I didn't serve in WWII. I've never fought in a war. I can't tell you what it would mean to me if I was on the other side and someone took it down. I don't think taking it down is akin to offering an apology, and I don't think replacing it with a headline that reads "Japan Surrenders" diminishes anything that those who fought in that war did. But I'm not them. I can't fully stand in their shoes and feel what they might be feeling when they think about the lives that they saw being lost from their side.

When it comes down to it though, I think this probably could have been handled in a better way.

Either they could have just swapped it out without saying anything with a good line like "I found this one and it's better because it talks more about..." - putting a little PR shine into it - or - and I think this might a better idea - keep the same headline up, but, make sure to put up information about the Japanese Internment Camps across from it (or next to it) along with information on the reparations awarded to Japanese Americans.

If the feeling is that by taking it down it's whitewashing history - that being the veteran's history - it also ensures that it shows all of history, side by side, and the complexity of the time.

Other random thought on this is just because it is a headline doesn't necessarily make it right.

Maybe some more thoughts on this later.

Annual Day Of Remembrance At The Smithsonian

Thursday, February 19, 2009

I'm just going to re-print this up in full from the Smithsonian Asia Pacific American Program's website. If you get a chance, hopefully you can still attend this event:

Thursday, February 19, 2009, 6:30 p.m.
Rasmuson Theater
National Museum of the American Indian
4th Street & Independence Avenue, SW
Metro: L'Enfant Plaza (all lines except Red); exit Maryland Avenue/Smithsonian Museums

To mark the 67th anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt which led to the imprisonment of 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry during World War II, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program welcomes three distinguished writers to talk about their recent titles highlighting the Japanese American experience.

David Mura, already an established nonfiction writer, presents his debut novel, Famous Suicides of the Japanese Empire, about a self-proclaimed itinerant historian who must delve into his own family's past—populated by both a 442nd survivor with a Purple Heart and a No-No Boy—to understand how his parents' youthful experiences shaped not only their lives, but lives of subsequent generations to come.

Kiyo Sato arrives with her award-winning memoir, Dandelion Through the Crack: The Sato Family Quest for the American Dream, which will be republished next spring as Kiyo's Story: A Japanese Family's Quest for the American Dream. The memoir captures the experiences of a Japanese American family from California, who survives the Great Depression, only to live through the challenges of being imprisoned at Poston Relocation Camp during World War II.

Cedrick Shimo, featured in Shirley Castelnuovo's Soldiers of Conscience: Japanese American Military Resisters in World War II, will round out the evening's trio. Soldiers of Conscience tells the story of men who were deployed in a segregated battalion in the U.S. Army to mop up after other units had damaged property during training missions in the United States. These resisters were used in this fashion after protesting the mass imprisonment of their Japanese American families during WWII. The accomplished Cedrick Shimo, who wrote the book's foreword, was one of these brave resisters. He presents the work of Dr. Castelnuovo, who is unfortunately unable to join us for the program.

Come join us for an illuminating evening offering distinctly different perspectives of the Japanese American experience during World War II. Our very own APA Program Director, Dr. Franklin Odo, himself a renowned historian, will moderate this lively discussion.

This event is co-sponsored by the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation and the Japanese American Citizens League.

And Here's Your Dancing Asian Guy

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Caught this down at 8Asians and wanted to repost it up here - Ely Kim does 100 dances with 100 songs in 100 locations.


BOOMBOX from Ely Kim on Vimeo.

I guess we all need a hobby right?

Stage: Connecting Trains

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Not quite exactly sure what I think of this because I do have to ask the question of if this was the other way around what would I think - but for right now here's a snippet from Back Stage:

An audacious casting decision lies at the heart of the world premiere of Leah's Train, Karen Hartman's play about three generations of Russian-American Jewish women: The entire company is Asian-American.

Produced by the National Asian American Theatre Company, the play tells the story of Ruth, who skips her grandmother Leah's funeral and butts heads with her mother, Hannah. Along the way, she travels into the past via train, where she encounters her grandmother and uncle as children -- Russian youngsters fleeing the Holocaust. Leah's Train is the company's first world premiere of a non-Asian play, and it opens shortly after the inauguration of President Obama, an event that some commentators have suggested signals the beginning of a post-racial society. "Boundaries are disappearing," says Mia Katigbak, who plays Hannah and is NAATCO’s producing director. "So why don’t we do it in the theatre?
Read it in full here.

There's Still The Wildcard Round

Thursday, February 19, 2009

I'm not just saying this because Anoop is Asian American - but really - Michael Sarva just doesn't have as good a voice or look than Anoop, and while deep down I knew that the votes would be swinging Sarva's way in the end - I was hoping I might be wrong and Anoop would actually make the cut last night.

But like the title of the post says though - there's always the wildcard round.

And who knows - maybe there's hope for Kai.

Another Newspaper Goes Down

Thursday, February 19, 2009

From NAM:

After more than a decade on newsstands, Ming Pao Daily, a Chinese language newspaper based in San Francisco, kissed its readers goodbye on Valentine’s Day.

The newspaper, whose parent publisher is in Hong Kong, ran a “ceasing publication announcement” on Saturday, saying it had been forced to withdraw from the market because its operations “had been severely affected by the economic recession.”

About two weeks earlier, Ming Pao Daily halted publication of its New York City print edition. It still maintains an online presence.
Maybe there'll be a stimulus package for Asian American print publications?

Hawaii Music Awards

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Yes, there is a Hawaii Music Awards and yes, they are honoring Camile Velasco:

Maui's Camile Velasco, a former contestant on "American Idol," is being honored for Single of the Year at the 12th annual Hawaii Music Awards for her rendition of Bob Marley's classic, "Guava Jelly."

The singer collaborated with Grammy Award-winning producer Stephen Marley, the son of Bob Marley, to record the song in Kingston, Jamaica at Bob Marley's original home recording studio at 56 Hope Road.

"I could not be more proud to receive this honor from my home state for a song written by Bob Marley, a man whose musical talent has deeply inspired my artistic drive," Velasco said, in a press release. "I feel really humbled and thankful to my record label and my managing agents. This is just the beginning and I am extremely excited for what the future has in store for me."
Read more here.

Secret Identities: Updates And Promo #1

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

You know I've posted in the past about Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology that's going to explore Asian American culture, identity, and history through superhero comics, and interestingly enough, as I was looking to do a blog post on The Gene Generation, I got sent out some info from Parry Shen that there are going to be seven new promos released each week up until the publish date.

Check out the first promo video which was put up last week (with the description following).



This story serves as the preface of SECRET IDENTITIES on page 7. It details a fun behind the scenes look into the how's & why's the book came to existence. It answers how the editors all met and explains why this particular anthology, right now?

A full pdf version of the preface is viewable here: http://secretidentities.org/preview.pdf

SECRET IDENTITIES will be available in stores, April 2009 from The New Press but you may pre-order your copy at amazon.com today!

"In the Beginning" - Story by: Jeff Yang, Art by: Jef Castro -- is part 1 of 8 trailer story videos scheduled to be released.

Check for new preview videos every Sunday at http://www.secretidentities.org/ - under "NEWS"
Here's a list of some of the contributors.

Greg Pak: (writer of “Planet Hulk”, “World War Hulk”, “Skaar – Son of Hulk”)

Bernard Chang: (artist on “Iron Man” and “Wonder Woman”)

Francis Tsai: (artist on “Marvel Comics Presents” and “Heroes for Hire”)

Greg LaRocque: (artist on “Marvel Team Up” and “The Flash”)

Sonny Liew: (Vertigo’s “My Faith for Frankie” and Image’s “Liquid City” Anthology)

Kazu Kibuishi: (editor of Image’s “Flight” anthology)

Christine Norrie: (artist on “Black Canary Wedding Special” and creator of “Breaking Up”)

Tak Toyoshima: (creator of first Asian American strip for United Feature Syndicate: “Secret Asian Man”)

Cliff Chiang: (artist on “Green Arrow/Black Canary” for DC Comics)

Dustin Nguyen: (artist on “Detective Comics” for DC Comics)

Jamie Ford: (“Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” from Ballantine/Random House)

Gene Yang: (“American Born Chinese” - National Book Award finalist, Best Book of the Year: Publisher’s Weekly, San Francisco Chronicle, School Library Journal, amazon.com, NPR Holiday pick, 2007 Michael L. Printz Award winner)

Mike Kang: (director of “The Motel” and “West 32nd”)

Lynn Chen: (actress from “Saving Face” and “Lakeview Terrace”)

Keiko Agena: (actress from “Gilmore Girls” and “Major Movie Star”)

Yul Kwon: (winner of “Survivor: Cook Islands”)

Leonardo Nam: (actor from “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants”)

Sung Kang: (actor from “Better Luck Tomorrow” and “Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift”)

Kelly Hu: (actress from “X2: X-Men United” and “The Mummy Returns”)

Dustin Tri Nguyen: (actor from “21 Jump Street” and “Finishing the Game”)
Even if you're not into comics/graphic novels - you can't tell me that you're not at least a little bit interested...

And Just Because You Want More (The Teacher Edition)

Fresh Off The Box With Kina Grannis

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Caught this video down at the Fresh Off The Box YouTube channel with Kina Grannis at the Kollaboration 9 promo event.

A Song For Ourselves Mixtape

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

You've heard me talk about this in previous posts and I just caught down at AAM that A Song For Ourselves The MixTape is available for download.

Get it here down at zShare - you'll have to wait through some ads but nothing too bad (it's about 95 MB).

YouTube: Disgrasian Has No Pants And Also Gets Physical

Tuesday, February 17, 2009



Catching up on some reading I headed on over to Disgrasian and what did I find?

Disgrasian went YouTube.

Sans pants.

Definitely looking forward to more vlogs in the future from the dynamic duo - and just in case you were wondering - no - you will never see me in tights on YouTube.

But only because I'm not cool enough to pull it off.

Nice.

Subcribe to the Disgrasian YouTube Channel here.

SFIAAFF, Tickets On Sale Now, And That's A Good Deal (But Please Don't Drool On Me)

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Just in case you didn't know, tickets are now available for the general movie going audience for SFIAAFF - they actually went on sale yesterday for non CAAM members - and while nothing's sold out yet - you never know when a movie you really want to see will be, so get on out and get your tickets now - and just in case you're looking for a great deal (but then again aren't they all?) one screening that gives you some of the most film for your buck is the double feature of Kiyoshi Kurosawa's Serpent's Path and Eyes of the Spider down at the Castro Theatre.

10 bucks for almost three hours of film?

That's too good to pass up so I'd pick up your tickets to that show now - but just a warning - if it ends up being a little too much movie for you and you happen to be sitting next to me and need a nap - if you drool on me - you definitely owe me dinner - or at least some popcorn.

East West Players 43rd Anniversary Visionary Awards

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

This is still a couple of months away but wanted to post up on it to get on your radar:

East West Players (EWP), the nation's premier Asian American theatre, celebrates its 43rdAnniversary with its glamorous Visionary Awards Dinner & Silent Auction, which salutes those who have raised the visibility of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community through their artistic excellence and support of Asian Pacific American performing arts.

The award winning event will take place at the Hilton Universal City on Monday, April 27, 2009. Proceeds from the event will benefit East West Players' educational and artistic programs.

"Following the theme of our 43rd Anniversary Season, the evenings theme will be Beyond Presence," announced Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang. "East West Players and the APA community have certainly established a presence on the national landscape, but now it is time to take our presence to the next step and we invite all our supporters to join us."

Nathan Wang will lead the orchestra for the 7th year as the evening's Musical Director. The orchestra will be a combination of professional studio musicians and students of the Olympia Youth Orchestra.

This years Honorees will include:

VISIONARY AWARD

John Cho: At East West Players, John Cho has appeared in several productions including F.O.B. (1997), THE TASTE OF KONO COFFEE (1996) and MY TIRED BROKE ASS PONTIFICATING SLAPSTICK FUNK (2000). He gained attention with a feature role in the 1999 comedy American Pie and its sequels. His career soared to a new level with the release of the 2004 hit film Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, leading to a sequel Harold and Kumar 2: Escape from Guantanamo Bay, which Cho starred in again. Cho also had a starring role in the ensemble cast of Better Luck Tomorrow, a drama/dark comedy focusing on the travails of a group of Asian Americans living in Southern California. He has guest starred on several TV shows including How I Met Your Mother, Ugly Betty, House M.D. and Grey's Anatomy. He will be starring in the new Star Trek movie as Hikaru Sulu, which opens nation-wide May 8, 2009.
Check out more here.

It Can't Just Be Carrie Ann Inaba

Monday, February 16, 2009

You know I love watching some DWTS, and while this upcoming season has people in it that'll be interesting to see how they do - Jewel, Steve Wozniak, and David Alan Grier - did I miss the Asian American contestant? Was there a rule that we don't know about that says once you have an Asian American who wins it all that you can't have another on a season directly following that one?

Did I not get the memo?

Trailer: Karma Calling

Monday, February 16, 2009

Here's the trailer for Karma Calling which is going to be showing up at SFIAAFF.



The synopsis from the film site:

What happens when a bunch of hapless Hindus from Hoboken get mixed up with an underworld don with connections to an Indian call center? And what happens when a good Jersey girl falls for a smooth operator thousands of miles away? For one thing, the phone keeps ringing.

Meet the Raj family: deep in denial about its creeping credit card debt, dodging collection notices and phone calls. When eldest daughter Sonal finally picks up the phone, she meets a call center operator like no other, Rob Roy. Little does she know that he’s oceans away.

Her brother Shyam, a college drop out, is too busy dreaming of becoming the next Dr. Dre (peddling his hip-hop album Hapa Means Weed in Japanese) to notice the bills piling up. But romance is in the air for him too, in the form of Radha, a village girl from India, arriving in America to marry a Dollar Store mogul.

As for the youngest daughter Jamuna, well, she just wants a Bat Mitzvah. And another bag of Doritos.

Add to this mix Mausi, a chai-fueled Mary Poppins fresh from India, hell bent on getting this meat-eating, energy-wasting, spendthrift family in line. Little does she know that the Gods have it all figured out.

Narrated by award-winning actor Tony Sirico (aka “Paulie Walnuts” of The Sopranos), Karma Calling is a snapshot of our hyper-globalized world through the eyes of a Garden state family just trying to get by. It’s a quintessential American tale about unlikely alliances, outsourcing, and outwitting.

And at its heart, it is the story of a family
learning to live together.

When karma calls, you can’t hang up

You're In The Top 2...At Least For Now

Monday, February 16, 2009



Coming in right behind the mom/son team of Margie and Luke (who are pretty cool themselves) and leading a lot of the way through the first leg - you have to think that right now the brother/sister duo of Tammy and Victor have a pretty good shot at winning it all.



Looked like fun.

Getting Their Due: Filipino WWII Veterans

Monday, February 16, 2009

Just wanted to post this on up about the WWII Filipino Veterans I saw up at APA For Progress:

Today, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) applauded the passage of H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which includes one of CAPAC’s top legislative priorities: Compensation for Filipino World War II Veterans.

H.R. 1 includes authorization of one-time compensation to Filipino World War II veterans who fought alongside American soldiers. Funds for the authorization were already appropriated in the 110th Congress. CAPAC members issued the following statements in response to today’s vote:

Rep. Mike Honda (CA-15), CAPAC chair: “Today, we’ve reached a significant milestone in honoring the service of the Filipino World War II veterans. Finally, through this funding, our government gives some recognition and thanks to the Filipino soldiers who fought under the Stars and Stripes and helped rid the world of tyranny and fascism. This token of gratitude for their service is long overdue. I thank Democratic Leadership for their critical efforts in supporting the Filipino veterans.”

Sen. Daniel K. Inouye (HI): “Today is a great day for Filipino veterans of World War II. With passage in the House this afternoon, and expected passage in the Senate this evening, the Filipino veterans will receive their long-overdue compensation from the United States government. While I believe that this action should have happened long ago, I hope that these veterans will now know that the people of the United States truly appreciate the great sacrifices that they and their fallen comrades made for our country.”
Check it out in full.

Jabbawockeez And Shaqawockeez

Monday, February 16, 2009



Not the greatest video quality - but here's a clip from the All-Star introductions with dance crew Jabbawockeez and The Big Legendary.

Nice.

The NY Times And Alexander Wang

Sunday, February 15, 2009



The NY Times has a good video interview with fasion designer Alexander Wang and his take on how fasion is changing and the pressures that the industry faces.

Check it out here.

Taiyo Na And Magnetic North

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Just wanted to post on up for my folks in MA that Taiyo Na and Magnetic North are going to be playing out two shows this February 20th and 21st. Here's the info:

02-20-2009 20:00 at Boston Progress (with Magnetic North)East Meets West - 934 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 Cost: TBA

02-21-2009 20:00 at Northeastern University (with Magnetic North)TBA, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 Cost: Free!

Here's some vids to get you in the mood.



King Of Fighters Movie Poster

Sunday, February 15, 2009



Wanted to post up the movie poster for the 2010 flick King Of Fighters which is going to have a pretty decent Asian and Asian American cast including Will Yun Lee, Maggie Q and Françoise Yip (directed by Gordan Chan).

8 Years And Counting No More: Anthony Kang

Sunday, February 15, 2009



I don't play a lot of golf.

While I like the driving range, there's just something about the rules and me not being able to play naked that somehow makes it less fun for me - but if I were a golfer - and I was Anthony Kang - I'd be jumping for joy not only because of the $2 million for winning the Malaysian Open - but because eight years of being dry - as in winning a title dry - that's a long time.

Glad he found his swing.

Meg & Dia: Here, Here, And Here

Friday, February 13, 2009



When I started this blog, one of the first posts for a band with Asian Americans in it was Meg & Dia, and while I haven't posted much on them since then (they've been touring for the past couple of years) if you haven't heard their music yet you'll soon have a chance to catch their new album Here, Here, and Here which comes out in April - and from listening to the two new tracks (which you can pick up at iTunes right now) off the upcoming effort - I gotta think to myself that this could be the album that really pushes them into mainstream success.

Check out the trailer for Here, Here, and Here and then hit to their site to learn more about the upcoming album



And Just In Case You Missed Them...

Here are the two videos for their two standout tracks "Roses" and "Monster" from their first album Something Real.

Roses



Monster

Tan Le And Nam Do Of Emotiv Systems

Friday, February 13, 2009

In a previous post on some magazine covers with Asian faces, one of them had Tan Le on it from Emotiv Systems - which is making software and gear so that you can control stuff with your mind - and since I thought that was pretty cool - also wanted post up both her and Nam Do's bios from their site profile along with some pics.



Tan Le, Cofounder and President

Tan Le is a technology entrepreneur. Before she joined Emotiv, Tan cofounded and ran SASme, a pioneer in providing SMPP platforms to telecommunication carriers and content aggregators, and one of the companies responsible for the creation of Australia's SMS application market. Tan helped grow SASme from its humble beginnings to a thriving company with multiple markets worldwide. Tan has also worked with one of Australia's leading law firms, Freehills.

In 1998, Tan was named Young Australian of the Year (the most prestigious prize for an Australian) and voted one of Australia's 30 Most Successful Women Under 30. At the age of twenty-one, Tan graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws (with Honors) from Monash University.

Tan was a Special Visitor to the United Kingdom as a guest of the British High Commission and Foreign Commonwealth Office, a Goodwill Ambassador for Australia in Asia, and a Patron of the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program. Tan has been an Ambassador for the Status of Women since 2001, and she's also been appointed to a number of prominent Boards, including Plan International Australia, Australian Citizenship Council, National Committee for Human Rights Education in Australia, and RMIT Business in Entrepreneurship.




Nam Do, Cofounder and CEO

Nam Do is a serial technology entrepreneur. Prior to forming Emotiv, Nam co-founded and ran SASme, a pioneer in providing SMPP platforms to telecommunication carriers and content aggregators in Australia and Asia. SASme is one of the companies largely responsible for the creation of Australia's SMS application market. Nam helped grow SASme from its humble beginnings to a thriving company with multiple markets worldwide.

Nam's background is in Strategic Planning and Management, and he is also an expert in Information Technology and Multimedia. At the age of nine, Nam was selected to join a special program in Mathematics and Physics at the National School for Gifted Students in Vietnam. In 1995, Nam won one of Vietnam's most prestigious scholarships for study abroad. In 1996, Nam came to Australia's RMIT University under a scholarship program for students with exceptional academic ability and leadership potential. Nam started his first technology company when he was a final year student at RMIT University in Melbourne.

Nam has been a driving force of Emotiv since co-founding the company in 2003. In 2007, Nam was voted as one of Australia's Top 10 Digital Entrepreneurs.

The Amazing Race: Tammy And Victor

Friday, February 13, 2009

They seem fit, they have the brains, apparently they're well traveled - and let's just say it - that's a good looking set of siblings - but will the brother and sister team of Tammy and Victor Jih be able to stop themselves from wringing the other one's neck on their way to possibly winning the big prize?

Below is their info from the CBS cast page.





Tammy Jih (26); Victor Jih (35)
Hometown: San Francisco, Calif./Los Angeles, Calif.
Occupation: Lawyers
Relationship: Siblings/Lawyers

If they can manage to work together, this smart and sassy brother/sister duo – both with Harvard Law degrees – might have just what it takes to outsmart the competition and cross the finish line first.

Tammy is a litigator who believes that her ability to keep a cool head under pressure, especially with little or no sleep, will lead to success on the Race. Her biggest pet peeve with her brother is that he’s a bit of a control freak. This was never more evident than when they recently traveled with friends to China and Victor mapped out the entire trip down to the minute.

Victor is a partner at his law firm and works as a corporate litigator. He is running the Race to see if he and his sister can co-exist in a hyper-competitive situation without driving each other crazy. Victor thinks that his teammate can be immature and selfish and he’s hoping the Race will remedy that.

Victor is confident in his decision making and believes his sister should do what he says as he knows best. Tammy would like to prove to Victor that she’s not a baby anymore and that it’s time he view her as an equal. Victor is modeling his game play after the cut-throat style of Rob and Amber while Tammy prefers Season 12 winners TK and Rachel’s laid back approach.

Both have traveled extensively and are supremely confident in their ability to win the million dollar prize.

Meet them (video may take a moment to load)



See them in action starting this Sunday.

Bobby Jindal Is Getting The Last Word

Thursday, February 12, 2009



Here's a quick bit from the NY Times blog:

Considered one of the rising (and youngest) stars in the Republican party, Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana has just snared another coup. Republican leaders announced today that he’s been selected to deliver the G.O.P.’s response to President Obama’s speech before a joint session of Congress on Feb. 24.

Mr. Jindal, whose name was floated as a possible vice-presidential partner for Senator John McCain during last year’s campaign, will speak from Baton Rouge.
While Jindal is definitely becoming a rising star in the GOP, and I'm happy to see a young Asian and Indian American rise in the political scene - just between you and me - no way in hell would I vote for him in 2012, because while it's great that he's Asian, I just couldn't get behind someone who's:

  • Rated 100% by the NRLC, not indicating a pro-choice stance, and pretty much has a "no exceptions" policy.
  • Voted YES on Constitutionally defining marriage as one-man-one-woman.
  • Rated 0% by the HRC, indicating an anti-gay-rights stance
  • Rated 33% by the NAACP, indicating an anti-affirmative-action stance.
  • Voted YES on declaring Iraq part of War on Terror with no exit date.
And really - unless Obama completely tanks it this round - he's already got my vote for the second, so there's no use in me contemplating someone else - especially Jindal - because it's not like I'm all of a sudden going to wake up and become some hard ass non pro-choicer who repeats the idiot mantra of "one man one woman" while not caring if companies keep on saving their most powerful positions for people who aren't of color, toss one back, and think to myself "Deadline? We don't need a deadline. Who needs a deadline?"