Blood: The Last Vampire + Monterey Park Harmony Festival

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Free movies rock.

JAPAN FILM SOCIETY, SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT, AND THE CITY OF MONTEREY PARK PRESENT

BLOOD: THE LAST VAMPIRE

Hit Horror Action Film to be Screened for free at the Monterey Park Harmony Festival

Monterey Park, CA (September 26, 2009) - The Japan Film Society is proud to showcase the all-new action film, Blood: The Last Vampire at this year’s Monterey Park Harmony Festival! Based on the hit animation series “Blood +” and brought to audiences by a producer of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. This martial arts action thriller will be shown for FREE, at a one-night-only screening in the city of Monterey Park, City Council Chambers* on October 17th, 2009, at 5pm, just in time for Halloween.

The deadliest assassin to stand the test of time. From a Producer of Hero and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon comes Blood: The Last Vampire, based on the cult hit anime series. Demons have infested Earth. And only one warrior stands between the dark and the light: Saya, a half-human, half-vampire samurai who preys on those who feast on human blood. Joining forces with the shadowy society known as the Council, Saya is dispatched to an American military base, where an intense series of swordfights leads her to the deadliest vampire of all. And now after 400 years, Saya's greatest hunt is about to begin.

BLOOD: THE LAST VAMPIRE was directed by French filmmaker Chris Nahon, who previously helmed the action epics Empire of the Wolves and Kiss of the Dragon. It was written by Chris Chow (The Eye 3, Jet Li’s Fearless) and produced by William Kong (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero). Starring Gianna Jun (If I Were Superman) and Allison Miller (TV’s “Kings”, 17 Again), the film’s supporting cast includes, Japanese international superstar, Koyuki (The Last Samurai), Michael Byrne (Gangs of New York), and Colin Salmon (Die Another Day.

Blood: The Last Vampire is rated R for violent content. Individuals under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult to attend this screening.

*City Council Chambers are located at 320 West Newmark Avenue, Monterey Park, CA 91754

Founded earlier this year, the Japan Film Society (JFS) is dedicated to supporting the art of Japanese and Japanese-influenced film among Western audiences. Its membership is comprised of artists, business people and film lovers, many of whom come from within the entertainment industry and who have been longtime participants in other Film Festivals and Cinema events.

Hari Kondabolu, Joe Wong, And Edwin Li

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Got this sent in my way and it sounds like it should be a great night, so if you're not doing anything next week - you might want to check this out.

WHAT: Joe Wong, Hari Kondabolu and Edwin Li at the SF Punchline!

WHEN: Tuesday October 6th and Wednesday October 7th

WHERE: SF Punchline (444 Battery St, San Francisco, CA 94111)

COST: $15 (18+)

DISCOUNT TICKETS HERE:
http://www.goldstar.com/events/san-francisco-ca/comedian-joe-wong.html

And Some Links
Hari will also be opening for legendary Marc Maron for 5 shows in 3 nights at the Punchline from Thursday October 8th through Saturday October 10th. Pick up tickets here.

When Justin And Oliver Went Into Near Space With Duct Tape, $150, And A Beer Cooler

Wednesday, September 30, 2009



If you happened to miss this earlier in the month (which I did), armed with $150, three MIT students (including Eric Newton who's not in the above video) decided to see if they could get pictures in space - or near space - with low tech equipment.

And they did. You can see the pictures on their Web site as well as learn a little bit more about them.

But what's also great about this is some of the comments they've elicited:

Tristian Ngo

I read your story on Yahoo about your little $150 project. I am a 7th grader and i think you are cool.

Madhurita Mukherjee

You and your team opened a new avenue to the entire process……..
Pretty cool huh?

Hot Track: I Am Strong, Priscilla Ahn, And DJ Tiesto

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

If you're into Priscilla Ahn from Blue Note Records and you also like a little electronica DJ Tiesto style you'll love the collaboration "I Am Strong" and like one of the commenters already said on her blog:

Bought it.

Pick it up at iTunes.

Watch It Online For Free: The Killing Of A Chinese Cookie

Tuesday, September 29, 2009



Got some e-mail sent down my way from Cherry Sky Films (thanks Chris) of Better Luck Tomorrow, Finishing the Game, and Ping Pong Playa - that one of their films The Killing Of A Chinese Fortune Cookie is available online to watch for free at Snag Films.

Check out it out online for free here, and then if you want it for your collection, make sure to pick up the DVD down at Amazon.

Pic: Asian American Women Of Rock (Cast Of Thousands)

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

MV: Tell Yourself

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

UP IN ARMS: A Night Of Hip Hop And Spoken Word To Honor Fong Lee And End Police Brutality

Monday, September 28, 2009



I never really posted about the Fong Lee case for some reason. I know the news, the stories - the injustice - so I'm definitely glad to hear about this show which is going to benefit the family of Fong Lee for their legal costs and even though it should go without saying - I'll say it anyway:

Get on down and support the community.

That Poster Really Did Suck Ass

Monday, September 28, 2009



In a previous post, I talked about the Tufts University campaign poster dust up, but just in case you didn't remember here's some background info again:

Two weeks ago, In-Goo Kwak, a freshman studying international relations and an immigrant from South Korea, put up a series of posters around his dormitory parodying the campaign poster of Alice Pang, another freshman of Asian descent who was running for the Tufts Community Union Senate. Kwak was not actually running for a student government position, but posted the parody next to Pang’s at the encouragement of his dorm mates. who thought he was right to poke fun at the air of political correctness he perceived on the campus.
Like I said - people getting together to talk about race is a good thing - but let's just say it all together:

It really does suck ass.

Apl.de.Ap, Jeepney Music, And Aid To Victims Of Typhoon Ondoy

Monday, September 28, 2009

Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas and founder of Jeepney Music has pledged immediate aid and is asking people from around the world to assist the thousands affected by the typhoon that swept through Manila. Apl who's a native to the Philippines and the creative ambassador to the country, has setup a site to help victims to donate through the Apl Foundation relief fund.

“My heart is broken to see so many of my Filipino brothers and sisters hurt by this disaster. We must all bond together and move forward to restore the city we hold dear. I’m asking the global community for their support and donations to assist the thousands of Filipinos affected by this tragedy.”
Go to www.jeepneymusic.com to donate.

This One's For The MILF's

Monday, September 28, 2009

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

A Few Words For Utada

Monday, September 28, 2009

Utada (or as my iPhone likes to call you "oooo-tada"),

First off, you know I love you right? And I don't mean that in the stalker way, nor do I mean that about you personally, or that I'd carry your baby (the white adopted one maybe some day we'll hear about?) because let's face it, you, Utada, could never compare to, well - The Utada. I'm sure you're fine in your own right (with all of your flaws I don't want to know about it), but you can't stack up to yourself no matter how much you try so let's just leave it at that for right now.

I'm just putting it out there that I'm kind of waiting for another video from the This Is The One album, and like I've said before - I kinda hope it's "Poppin" - I'm not hoping for any upskirt videos or anything like that (because I'm not a pervert), but again - no panties...turn you on - it's not like it'd be a bad video you know?

P.S.

I'm not really sure which Utada I'm sending this too, but feel free to pass it on by if it's not the right one.

A Quick Letter To Asian American Authors

Monday, September 28, 2009

Dear Asian American Authors,

I would kindly ask you that you please no longer write books even though I understand that it might be your passion (your calling some might say). The reason I say this is purely selfish however, so you are, of course, free to just tell me to fuck off.

Here's the deal. Last night I came in about 5:00 in the morning from a pretty long stint of gambling, got a quick nap, and was off to work doing my thing (which consists of as little as possible) and my plan - which sounded really good - was to basically fall asleep in my clothes once I got home. No e-mail. No blog. Nada.

Good plan right?

I thought so.

Apparently though someone else had other ideas, because the book I picked up last month "I Love Yous Are For White People" which I stored in my stack for next year - somehow landed in my hands as I was having an after work rendezvous with my special place (and by special place I mean my white porcelain kingdom).

And guess what - and this is where I have my issues with you authors - I couldn't put that fucker down. I'm already half way through this MF and I may have to finish it up tonight, and the way I read, lips wide open pronouncing every word - fuck people - I'm not going to sleep tonight.

Help an Asian brother out. Write some shit that sucks. Thanks to you because I'll be so sleep deprived every answer to every question in every meeting is going to have something to do with government cheese coming out the wrong hole and instead of looking like a semi-professional drone who's only there to pick up a paycheck like everybody else, I'll probably be ending meetings with my pants down and my hands out asking for quarters, and as security is dragging me out the door I'll just be screaming like an idiot "I'll beat you Trucker! I'm going to beat your ass down!"

Then I'll be homeless.

And it'll be all your fault.

Raymond Townsend And The Filipino Hoops And Heritage Tour

Saturday, September 26, 2009



This is definitely pretty cool. I got an e-mail sent out to me from Raymond Townsend about a great event that's happening in the next few months and wanted to make sure to post it on up in his own words:

Hello,

As a UCLA All-American, First and only Filipino-American to ever be drafted in the NBA First Round and only "Pinoy" to play in the NBA for the Golden State Warriors and the Indiana Pacers, I am proud to have my vision of the NBA and the Filipino-American communities throughout the United States come together for one evening to celebrate our enriched Heritage and Culture, promote our young talented Filipino performers and represent our love for the game of NBA basketball come to fruition. I am thankful for the opportunity to bring our FILIPINO HOOPS and HERITAGE TOUR to Los Angles to inaugarate the NBA 2009-2010 season on Saturday, December 5th, 2009, at 7:30 pm at the Staples Center.

This will be a "historic" event as it is the first time in Los Angeles an NBA event of this magnitude will be presented. As I have been fortunate and grateful to have lived out a Filipino's basketball dream, playing in the NBA, I also want to promote our young "Filipino" entertainers who are performing at this event to follow their dreams. Hopefully, this FHHN Tour will encourage a young Filipino to strive for their dreams for I have already proved that "all things are possible" even the impossible dream. This will be a wonderful evening, where I know in my heart, our Filipino community will support. I am thankful to be the ambassador to bring the NBA and our Filipino communities together. Thank you for your time and support.

All the Best,

Raymond Townsend
First Filipino in the NBA
Check out the poster below as well as hit filipinohoopsandheritage.com for all the information on the event.

Jen Wang, NPR, And Tell Me More

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Got this sent on in that Jen Wang, who did a great post on Asian American women, health, and depression down at Disgrasian was recently out on NPR's Tell Me More. Definitely great to see some Asian American bloggers being called on to talk about Asian American issues. One thing that kind of caught me a little bit by surprise though was that Michel Martin (host) almost sounded a little bit surprised when Aileen Duldulao (guest #2) was making the correlation between the stereotyping of Asian American women and depression - almost like she couldn't see the connection. Maybe I got that wrong though.

Check out the full interview and transcript down at NPR.

I Would Completely Love To Be Reincarnated As Oprah's Cat

Thursday, September 24, 2009

For some odd reason I was thinking about what a great life it would be like to be Oprah's favorite cat.

I'd probably have a plush apartment, my own chef, unlimited toys (some of them who I'd think of as my enemies) . And I can only imagine how good the catnip would be. I'm not quite sure who makes the best, most chill catnip out there, but I know I'd have the best.

All in all, one could live a worse life.

I could come back as a dung beetle. No long cuddle sessions and people stroking me all day, contemplating my life of doing nothing.

Nope.

It could just be dung.

Judy Chu And The Employment Non-Discrimination Act

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Just got into office and already Judy Chu is looking to help change the landscape on the employment and discrimination front:

Rep. Judy Chu, D-CA32, participated in a House committee hearing today on legislation she is co-sponsoring to prohibit employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Introduced by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 3017) would prohibit employment discrimination, preferential treatment, and retaliation on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity by employers with 15 or more employees. Currently, it is legal to discriminate in the workplace based on sexual orientation in 29 states and in 38 states based on gender identity.
Read it in full here.

The 2nd National Asian American Theater Festival And The Many Faces of Asian American Theater

Wednesday, September 23, 2009



The 2nd NATIONAL ASIAN AMERICAN THEATER FESTIVAL will take place in New York City October 13 to 18, with productions presented at Theater for the New City. More than 100 Asian-American theatre artists from across the U.S. - playwrights, directors, actors, designers - will converge in New York for a week of performances ranging from Chekhov to a musical about Imelda Marcos to new plays that demonstrate the emerging voices of a young generation of Asian-American writers.
Get more info down at the naatf site.

Stupid Quote For The Day

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Reading down at the NY Daily News on the "Brawl For The Hall" between John Liu and David Yassky, here's Hank Sheinkopf on John Liu:

"He spent a lot of time with black voters. He tried to make himself a black candidate and was quite successful," said Hank Sheinkopf, a consultant who worked for fourth-place finisher David Weprin in the race for controller.
To me it's just plain idiocy that an Asian American candidate can't just appeal to other races and ethnicities, but rather if they make inroads to other communities, are sometimes perceived as trying to be someone else.

Some World Headlines

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Things that are sometimes good to know, or at least might make you scratch your head.

South Korea Clears Way for iPhone Sales

SEOUL -- Industry analysts and software developers praised South Korea's decision to allow the sale of Apple Inc.'s iPhone here, a move that may crack open one of the world's most closed and expensive markets for ...
Chinese president calls for building harmonious world

Chinese President Hu Jintao put forward a four-point proposal on building a harmonious world on Wednesday, calling on the international community to work together for world peace and development.
US keeps Myanmar sanctions, plans more talks

The United States will pursue deeper engagement with Myanmar's military rulers to try to spur democratic reform but will not ease sanctions for now, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Wednesday.
Japan's new PM vows to face up to wartime memories

Hatoyama made the pledge during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and ahead of a Group of 20 summit in Pittsburgh, said the Japanese government official.
SKorea leader urges North to return to nuke talks

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak said Wednesday that North Korea must scrap its atomic weapons programs before the divided Korean Peninsula can be unified with the signing of a peace treaty to formally end the Korean War.

This Is Lame As Shit

Wednesday, September 23, 2009



600,000 + views.

Oh joy.

Because We All Want Some Mark Dacascos?

Wednesday, September 23, 2009



It is good to see Dacascos shaking his ass out their on DWTS getting another male AA face out there - at least as far as the general principle is concerned - well maybe - but then again, I can't really remember another API out there that's done that kind of dance, with that type of song choice, with that type of costume, along with a gong sound at the end. But him and Schwimmer did look good together, so who knows - maybe there's a dance to redemption?

Sam Yoons No More?

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Well, I guess it was a good ride while it lasted, and for everyone Asian American out there that wins one, there a couple that don't, but there's no shame in that whatsoever, because if we're not out there at least giving it a try - we'll never get anywhere.

Here's hoping we'll see Sam Yoon get that win the next time around.

Getting Your Network Mixer On With The CACF

Wednesday, September 23, 2009



Sent in my way and like always - a good cause.

At Your Service!
Service Auction Fundraiser + Networking Mixer


Thursday, October 1, 2009
6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
BLVD – 199 Bowery @ Spring St.


Suggested Donation: $10

Join the Action Council as we kick off the Fall with a networking mixer and our very first service auction fundraiser!

This special event will promote the talents and expertise of our friends in the community as they offer their services for aution. Our amazing array of donations includes martial arts training, jewelry design, fitness instruction, breakdancing lessons, personal coaching, and much more!

Enjoy appetizers and drink specials while mingling with peers and bidding on up to 30 incredible services donated just for this event. All proceeds will beneft the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF).

For more informaiton, visit www.cacf.org or email cacffundraiser@gmail.com.

CACF, the nation’s only pan-Asian children’s advocacy organizaiton, aims to improve the health and well-being of Asian Pacific American children and families in New York City.
Cool.

About That Time I Was Asked To Give A Happy Ending...

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Once in my life, probably more than I want to admit, I wasn't quite as, I don't know, street savvy I guess, as I am now. That's not saying that I still don't fuck it up - because I do - but, I actually have learned a few things here and there.

For instance.

When you answer an Ad in the back of local magazine for massage work, which I did once in my past, and the place you go too ends up being an apartment not quite the "suite" that you thought it was, and the owner actually does speak from his throat through one of those voice machines while still smoking Pall Malls (because apparently that's what you smoke when talk through your throat) the job description really isn't about massage therapy.

I've learned that now, and I gotta tell you - standing in a skanky apartment where the massage room is a bedroom with a sheet over the doorway in a room that really does smell like day old sex is definitely an experience - especially when you're there for a job interview.

And one of the things my interviewer (a different guy from Pall Mall) told me was that while I didn't actually have to fuck or suck anyone - his words not mine - I did in fact have to get them off. If I wanted to get paid, I was going to have to give the Happy Ending. I can't tell you how the conversation shifted from massage to fucking and sucking, from women to men, to having clients take you out to lunch to being called exotic (which apparently was a plus) - because that's just the way it went - but I can tell you this:

I booked my ass out there as fast as I could trying to feign as much interest as I could so I would be able to leave all limbs intact, because I gotta be honest, I was still getting my footing as a person and reading people, and while now I know I wouldn't have ended up in the trunk of a car, at the time - definitely wasn't so sure.

But - and I think only in part because nothing bad actually happened (because who knows what could have happened if it was another day in another place) - it was an interesting experience to have, and did give me some perspectives:

  1. Bring a friend to any massage therapy interview. Someone who can carry is probably good.
  2. If the place you're going to is a an apartment, it could be legit, but most likely not.
  3. You probably need training from a reputable institution to make $2000 a week from a few clients where you actually only do real massage. If you don't have that training, most likely it's $200 a trick.
  4. As much as I like to think of myself as having absolutely no morals whatsoever, apparently I was never able to actually prostitute myself. I do however wonder if I would have had it actually been women versus men (because the dick just doesn't excite me sexually, however I do wish it would because then I would be bi, and I mean c'mon, who wouldn't want two genders to choose from?).
  5. This actually wasn't the dumbest, nor most embarrassing thing I've ever done (because hooking up with someone at a club, then going out onto the dance floor - and I don't dance - having everyone stare at you're while thinking to yourself "Damn I must look good tonight" only to go home and find yourself draped in hickeys like you were attacked by a school of leeches? That's embarrassing).
O.K.

That's it.

Don't say I never share (even if you really didn't want to know).

Asian On Asian And The Bubble Tea Chat

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

I was reading out this article on a recent chat that happened down at Tufts where one Asian student put out a flier, intended as a spoof, that alluded to several stereotypes of Asians making references to small eyes and a phrase in broken English. Like usual, there were comments from both sides - some found it offensive others didn't think twice about it. Once commentator on the Tufts Daily even went so far to say:

Dear fellow asians: your oversensitivity has made me want to vomit. Thanks.

But apparently they had a good meeting about the flyer at the monthly Bubble Tea Chats, and you know what? Sometimes this just has to happen, and will happen, and in the end - it's good for the discussion.

Kind of like the Godfather - takes care of the bad blood.

KAFFNY 2010 Call for Submissions

Tuesday, September 22, 2009



The 4th Annual Korean American Film Festival New York (KAFFNY) is scheduled for February 27th, 2010 at TheTimesCenter. KAFFNY is a one-day New York festival screening works by emerging filmmakers. Our program features films of all genres and lengths from a variety of Korean and American perspectives.

New for 2010 is our Narrative Shorts Competition with Jury and Audience Awards with cash prizes. Also new are Web Screenings, submissions received and selections screened on a rolling basis year round, open to all genres, completed by any date.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

We are now accepting short film submissions from filmmakers of Korean descent and of any nationality.

Narrative Shorts Competition:

Narrative films, completed January 1st, 2008 or later.
Filmmakers of Korean descent and any nationality.
Films shorter than 30 minutes preferred.
Jury Award – Cash Prize $500
Audience Award – Cash Prize $500

Shorts Program:

All genres, completed any date.
Filmmakers of any descent and any nationality.
Films shorter than 30 minutes preferred.

Feature Presentation:

Narrative or Documentary films, completed January 1st, 2008 or later.
Filmmakers of Korean descent and any nationality.
Films longer than 60 minutes preferred.

Web Screenings:

All genres, completed any date.
Films will be screened on a rolling basis throughout the year at www.kaffny.com

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Step 1:
Fill out online entry form at: http://kaffny.com/2010entryform/

Step 2:
Send DVD submissions, NTSC Region 0 or 1, to:
KAFFNY
c/o Barrel
42 W 24th Street
New York, NY 10010

The submission deadline is November 30, 2009 (except Web Screenings). There is no entry fee. Programming decisions will be made by December 31st, 2009.

Please direct your inquires to info@kaffny.com. Also, visit our website at http://www.kaffny.com/.

The Second Annual JANM ID Film Fest

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

The second annual ID Film Fest, a festival dedicated to contemporary digital films that explore and celebrate identity within the diverse Asian/Pacific Islander community, will present an international and local line-up of films Thursday, Oct. 1 through Saturday, Oct. 3. The films will be showcased at the Japanese American National Museum’s state of the art Democracy Forum in the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, located at 111 N. Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Organized by co-programmers Quentin Lee and the National Museum’s Koji Sakai, the ID Film Fest will premiere several Hong Kong films in addition to showcasing Asian American films from the class of 1997.

Known as the unofficial “Asian American New Wave of 1997,” many of these films were groundbreaking within the Asian American film community. The film festival will also present a number of poignant short films that focus on Japanese American identity.

FREE for JANM members; $5 non-members per program. Or you can buy a festival pass for $30. (Unless otherwise noted.)

For more information about any of these films, please visit janm.org/events (click to October) to see a description of the films.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1:

8 PM - OPENING NIGHT ($5.00 for Museum members, $8.00 non-members)
*Seikaku (Directed by Jaysn Kim)
*Sunsets (Directed by Michael Aki & Eric Nakamura): A special
never-before-seen new cut.This film is part of our Class of 1997 retrospective.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2:

6 PM - Three Narrow Gates (Directed by Vincent Chui): US Premier. This film is
part of our spotlight on Hong Kong Independent films

8 PM - King of Spy (Directed by Chu Ka Yat): US Premier. This film is part of
our spotlight on Hong Kong Independent films.

10 PM - Citizen King (Directed by Johnson Lee & Ching Long): US Premier. This
film is part of our spotlight on Hong Kong Independent films.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3:

12 PM - Lovers on the Road (Directed by Jessey Tsang): US Premier. This film
is part of our spotlight on Hong Kong Independent films

2 PM - Strawberry Fields (Directed by Rea Tajiri): This film is part of our
Class of 1997 retrospective and is FREE.

4 PM - Japanese American Shorts Program
* Half Kenneth (Directed by Ken Ochiai)
* A Song for Ourselves (Directed by Tad Nakamura)
* Pawns of the King (Directed by Ming Lai)

6 PM - Yellow (Directed byChris Chan Lee): This film is part of our Class of
1997 retrospective and is FREE.

8 PM - Shopping For Fangs (Directed by Quentin Lee & Justin Lin): This film is
part of our Class of 1997 retrospective and is FREE.

10 PM - Closing Reception

You Might Actually See Yao Play This Year

Monday, September 21, 2009

Just in case you didn't know (even though it's a couple weeks old) according to reports, it seems that Yao Ming might actually see some playing time this year - even if limited and even if the chance is miniscule - team doctors no longer consider his injury career threatening:

"Yao Ming is progressing well. I don't think that [a career-ending scenario] is something that will happen, based on what I'm hearing from the doctors," Morey said in an interview for ESPN The Magazine. "They do know that the bone will heal and he'll get back on it. And they have not actually ruled out [his return] this season. I think that's less likely than likely, but they haven't ruled it out."
Although if it were up to Menk Bateer he'd have Yao stay out for the whole season:

Bateer, who played for Xinjiang Guanghui in the domestic league, was quoted as saying by the Oriental Sports Daily, "Yao was too tired to sustain such a bad injury on his foot. He is higher and heavier than most of the NBA players and has more duties during the off season. It's better for him to take a rest next season."
And that's your NBA update for the day.

Will It Never Stop? More White Washing Of Our People On The Silver Screen

Monday, September 21, 2009

Got this sent in my way (thanks J) and even though I'm not familiar with The Weapon, it doesn't take someone who is to know that we're getting the shaft - again - and that David Henrie is no Tommy Zhou - not even close.

Based on the four-issue comic book, The Weapon stars Tommy Zhou, a martial arts weapon enthusiast by day, a brilliant inventor the rest of the time. He designs a wrist band that creates "an endless variety of weapons from solid holograms." I can't imagine why Zhou thinks this is a good idea, or why he's surprised when evil henchman come after it. Naturally, it isn't just any evil military-industrial complex, but an order of assassins who believe he's stumbled on the lost techniques of the Order of Wu-Shi, "the way of the Weapon." Henrie fans can find the comic at Platinum Studios' store and hopefully be inspired to pick up a few other comics after they read it.

I can't let the story pass without one critical note, and that's the blatant disregard for the character's Asian descent. While Henrie is confident that his Disney fans will still love "the empowerment and action-filled journey my character experiences" and stresses that he's studied mixed martial arts, it's a shame Platinum had chosen to empower a young Chinese-American actor instead. That's no slam on Henrie (what young man doesn't dream of being in an action flick?) but a troubling decision on the part of the studio.
Is it really that hard to find someone - anyone at a film studio - who at least has a modicum of a fucking clue?

The Nichi Bei...Weekly?

Monday, September 21, 2009

Thought some of you might be interested in this article which talks about the demise of print publications even though the market for "ethnic media" is better than ever - and I have to give it up for the crew starting up the new weekly and all the people that are helping to contribute via individual donations (because they're still getting their non-profit status):

A group of community leaders and journalists did something seemingly unusual last week - they started a newspaper, the Nichi Bei Weekly.
But while its introduction comes as economic pressures are forcing publications to scale down or close, it also comes at a time when the audience for ethnic media is bigger than ever.

According to a study earlier this year by New America Media, a San Francisco group that represents 2,000 ethnic news organizations around the country, readership in this sector increased by 16 percent over the last four years.
Get it on.

AZNRaps And IZ

Monday, September 21, 2009



Caught this interview down at aznraps.com about IZ, his new single, and his relationship with FM and wanted to post a little bit of it up here:

AZNRAPS - How did you guys link up in the first place?

IZ – A couple of years ago (April 2007) to be exact, I dropped my first track on MySpace called “On My Feet.” Well actually it wasn’t me, my homegirl Rose who was really involved in the scene with Kollaboration and such, started the MySpace for me and posted my song without even telling me… Which in hindsight, was a pivotal moment in my life because I never planned on making a career out of rap, it was just an outlet for my emotions while I was doing time... I guess after my release, she felt that it would keep me out of trouble and it did… But anyways, Kev heard the track, got at me on MySpace and we started talking… At that point though, we were just scratching the surface... About a month later I was at a club in LA called Velvet Room with a big homie Scrappy and these two dudes (Prohgress and Jsplif) come in wearing Far*East Movement hats looking hella official, and to be completely real, I was impressed… I had heard about these guys from day one, mostly people hating because FM was making it and they were sitting around getting high talking about how FM was never gonna make it… (Look at you now muthafuckas.) Anyways, it turned out that Scrappy knew FM from way back and gave us a formal introduction… The rest is history… A couple collabos later, (“Windows Down”, “I Party”) here we are, me wit a new sound and single, and FM just about everywhere.
Check it out in full.

Is It Just Me Or Were The Emmy Winners Really White Again This Year?

Monday, September 21, 2009

I actually didn't watch this year's awards (I had other more important things to do like catch up on sleep), but as I perused the winners and losers, I asked myself if maybe I was missing something - because again - all the winners seemed really damn white.

Like usual, I'm not saying that they don't deserve some recognition, but I still can't help and wonder how many talented POC got passed over in the initial casting because they weren't, well, White - especially if they were Asian. I mean correct me if I'm wrong here, but was the only Asian face for a winner Shohreh Aghdashloo - which was for the HBO/BBC drama about Saddam Hussein (isn't that apropos)?

And Mad Men?

Sorry people....just another show about a bunch of White People where Asian Americans don't even get talked about - unless we're considered jokes and eye candy.

Hmmm.

I should have stayed in bed.

San Diego Asian Film Festival: How To Festival SDAFF Style

Monday, September 21, 2009

Olivia Thai And The Akufuncture T-Shirt Giveaway

Monday, September 21, 2009

I might be a little late with posting this up, but I think the contest is actually going on every week, so if you want some cool free stuff from Akufuncture - check out the vid below and the rules from the Akufuncture site.

Akufuncture and Olivia Thai are teaming up to have a weekly contest for a free Akufuncture T-Shirt.

Here are the official rules:

1. Each week, Olivia will post a video letting you guys know what is the t-Shirt of the week. You guys then post a video response to Olivia’s video describing in your own words what the t-shirt means. At the end of the week, the Akufuncture team will review all the videos and pick the winner who will receive a free t-shirt.
2. You must be 18 and over to participate.
Here’s the first week’s video

A Little Folk For Your Monday Morning

Monday, September 21, 2009



Check more out at Mary Win Music.

PFPOAMN

Monday, September 21, 2009

If you can decipher the above title of this post I probably wouldn't be patting myself on the back because it just means that you're as delirious as I am (however I will want you as a part of my crew when I go searching for gold).

SketchFest: The Seattle Comedy Festival kicks off in high gear Monday night with jam-packed opening gala show featuring sneak peak teasers from SketchFest acts, The SketchFest Video Contest, and The Cody Rivers Show.

There are still some seats left for the opening gala on Monday, Sept. 21 at 7:30. Tickets available at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/79438 or 800.838.3006

There are 19 fantastic acts from around the world in festival shows every night this
week. For a full schedule and line-up, go to: www.sketchfest.org. The Pork Filled
Players are front and center, appearing in the Monday teaser, performing a set on
Tuesday on the 22nd AND are a part of the comedy group Mash Up (where ALL the groups play mix and match members), late night night on the 26th!

Festival passes and shrinking ticket prices mean you can come to every show for next to nothing. It's the entertainment deal of the century!

Dr. Atul Gawande: You Might Not Have That Kennedy Drawl But You Just Might Be A Replacement

Monday, September 21, 2009



Got word sent out that the Center for American Progress Action Fund has endorsed Dr. Atul Gawande to fill the seat of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy:

Clearly, whomever Gov. Patrick decides to appoint will have a significant role to play in the health care debate over the coming months. It is for that reason we at the Center for American Progress Action Fund believe that Dr. Atul Gawande would be best choice for the job.

Dr. Gawande is a surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, a professor at the Harvard School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School, and has written extensively on medicine for The New Yorker. An articulate and eloquent speaker on health matters, Dr. Gawande is a former Rhodes Scholar, a MacArthur Fellow, and unquestionably one of the nation’s leading health policy experts.

President Obama has told his staff that Dr. Gawande’s writings are “required reading” in the White House. Dr. Gawande has written extensively on sustaining health care reform and lowering health care costs over the long term. He previously worked for Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN) and the 1992 Clinton presidential campaign, and he served on Clinton Health Care Task Force.
If the President of the United States says that you're required reading I think that gives you a leg up over everyone else.

You're From Vietnam, Came To The U.S., And Now You're Getting Your Ass Deported Because Of Paperwork

Monday, September 21, 2009

So I got sent in this link (thanks A.C.) about a Vietnamese kid in the U.S. who came over here when he was around 14, got adopted by a family, and while everything was supposed to be handled via paperwork - apparently because the paperwork didn't actually get signed by someone until a little bit after his 16th birthday - they say this kid isn't legal anymore, really doesn't have any family, and might get deported back to Vietnam, during his senior year.

Now I'm not saying anything, because I know it happens all around - there's red tape everywhere and even if the lawyer says they'l get it, you have a responsibility to get it done - but I just have to wonder if this kid was I don't know, maybe from Sweden, this actually wouldn't be the story that it is - nor that it should be, because c'mon - paperwork filed, but because one signature didn't get on it (because of some dumbass lawyer) he's getting uprooted from his education and getting sent on back?

If you want here's the info I was sent on in about helping to keep the kid in the U.S.:

Franken, Al - (D - MN)

320 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5641
E-mail: info@franken.senate.gov

Klobuchar, Amy - (D - MN)

302 HART SENATE
OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-3244
Web Form:
klobuchar.senate.gov/emailamy.cfm

Reminder: Healthcare, AAA-Fund, And Blogging For Dollar$

Monday, September 21, 2009

Just a reminder my slanty ones that the AAA-Fund blog contest deadline for entries is coming around soon - and was extended until September 25th - so if you're interested in putting your voice out there about health care - now's the time.

And yes. I'm actually helping out with some of the judging on this one.

So get on to it.

And The Break Is Over

Monday, September 21, 2009

Just in case you might have been wondering (although you probably haven't) - yes - I have actually been away for the last few days which accounts for the lack of posts, time shifts, world hunger (I have no idea where that popped up) - and yes - it was kind of nice to be unplugged for a little while - but only for a little while - because in the end - we all need to be plugged in.

Back.To.The.Good.Grind.

If Jimmy Says It, There Might Be Some Truth There

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

History might not be kind to him as a President, but you can't really deny what he stands for as a person, and when a past President of the U.S. comes on out and says the row against Obama is racist - well - there's a lot to be said for that.

Former US President Jimmy Carter says much of the vitriol against President Barack Obama's health reforms and spending plans is "based on racism".

Mr Carter told a public meeting there was "an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president".
Not much more to say than that.

More News On Annie Le

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Some more news on the investigation of Annie Le:

Lab technician in custody in Annie Le slaying

Police and FBI agents staged a dramatic raid on the home of a Yale University animal research technician Tuesday night, seeking evidence that might tie him to the slaying of graduate student Annie Le, whose body was found stuffed behind a wall in a campus research building.

No charges were filed against Raymond Clark III, 24, but police took him into custody while searching for DNA and other physical evidence. Police said Clark would be released after they obtained evidence from him and his apartment.
Friends remember Annie Le's humor and intelligence

Annie Le, whose body was found on the day she planned to wed, was mourned Monday by family members and friends from her hometown in the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills as smart and vibrant, kind and funny. The Yale University graduate student of Vietnamese heritage grew up in a remote, hilly area off a twisting, one-lane gravel road with an aunt and uncle she regarded as parents. Her brother remembered her on Facebook as someone who "left this world doing what she loved."

"She may be small, but she be fierce," Chris Le wrote of his 24-year-old sister, who was pursuing a degree in pharmacology. "Stuck in a 4' 11" frame, she had a 7' tall personality. She will always live on through us."
Police Serve Search Warrant In Annie Le Case

Police Chief James Lewis said at a press conference Tuesday night that police executed a search warrant for the Middletown apartment of Raymond Clark III, a "person of interest" in the slaying of Yale student Annie Le. "We took him into custody to gather evidence from his body and his person," Lewis said. "If he cooperates he'll be released this evening."

Lewis said the search warrant was for Apt. 1A at 40 Ferry St. in Middletown, where at 10:16 p.m. about 20 New Haven, state and federal law enforcement officers, armed with the search warrant, entered 40 Ferry St.
Hopefully they can put this case to rest soon so the family can at least try and find the beginning of some sort of closure.

And Here's Your Snow Patrol Cover For The Day

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Karin Anna Cheung Goes Boom

Wednesday, September 16, 2009



h/t Channel APA

More Happy Is Coming: Windows 7 And That Cute Asian Kid Again

Wednesday, September 16, 2009



Sure. You could say we're still getting stereotyped (but than I'd just have to call you a grinch and it's not even close to Xmas yet) or you could just enjoy it for what it is - incredibly cute.

Windows 7 + precious little Asian kid = maybe people will forget about the craptasticness that was Vista (otherwise known as history repeating itself with Windows Me).

LUMINA Gets Picked Up By KoldCast TV

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

You've heard me talk about LUMINA The Web Series before and I just got sent out some info that they got picked up by KoldCast TV. Definitely cool and congratulations to all involved. Hopefully news like this will give anyone else who's interested in getting into the new media game a swift kick in the camera lens.

Check the PR:

Hong Kong, SAR, China (Wednesday, September 16, 2009). What do Keanu Reeves, Ridley Scott and Jennifer Thym have in common? They are all working on web series, the latest evolution of original online entertainment, typically short form narratives(three to five minutes) in a serial format (ten to thirty webisodes). Hong Kong is represented by the fantasy thriller LUMINA the Web Series, which has just been signed by American Web TV Channel KoldCast TV to join their award-winning slate of
original online content.

“This past week has been amazing,” says LUMINA writer and director Jennifer Thym. “Working with KoldCast TV has been fantastic and heartening - it's rare to meet people who are truly passionate about their work. Web series is still a burgeoning medium, and KoldCast's strategy of being selective about its programming and pro-active about marketing is exactly what the field needs right now. I'm so excited that LUMINA is now on their slate - it's a big step for a new Hong Kong production like ours!"

Marti Resteghini, VP, Network Programming at KoldCast TV, says that KoldCast has been looking for a special series with which to launch its new International channel. “LUMINA is a thrilling fairytale about love, longing and greed. It’s a timeless story that just so happens to be taking place in Hong Kong. Jennifer Thym’s strikingly beautiful series has raised the bar for web programming - both here and abroad,” says Resteghini.

Creating worlds is a passion and one that Thym enjoys. When she entered the film world in July 2008, the investment banker turned filmmaker decided to take a novel approach to reaching her audience. “With LUMINA we wanted to go beyond the conventional format of short film,” says Jennifer Thym, “and create an online fantasy series with wonderful potential for interactivity with its viewers.” As theatrical and DVD sales fall around the world, viewers are increasingly turning to the web for entertainment. “The online audience is already there. To me, it’s about connecting to them with an engaging and beautifully told story.” “LUMINA will open your minds cinematically, and the story will open your hearts to the impossible,” says producer Sommer Nguyen.

LUMINA stars actress and model JuJu Chan, who also stars in the new RTHK reality show on poverty and is the winner of Miss United Nation International Ambassador 2009, Miss United Nation China, Miss Congeniality and Miss TVB People’s Choice for Miss Chinatown USA Pageant 2009. Michael Chan, star of the viral hit Wall Street Fighter IV, and Vince Matthew Chung, winner of The Amazing Race Asia 3, co-star.

The series features music from around the world, including songs from groundbreaking music collective The Enigmatic Army, American college circuit favorite Tim Be Told and China Global Battle of the Bands winner Killer Soap. “Good music is integral to drawing viewers into the story, and I’m honored to have collaborated with such talented musicians,” says Jennifer Thym.

LUMINA the Web Series launched this week with a triple webisode release on KoldCast TV, with new webisodes airing every Monday. The series is free to view on www.koldcast.tv and on www.luminaseries.com.

Boy Oh Boy Is Right

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

There's a good Op-Ed piece in the NYT on Joe Wilson and his recent outburst - and I gotta say - it's definitely right on:

Surrounded by middle-aged white guys — a sepia snapshot of the days when such pols ran Washington like their own men’s club — Joe Wilson yelled “You lie!” at a president who didn’t.

But, fair or not, what I heard was an unspoken word in the air: You lie, boy!

The outburst was unexpected from a milquetoast Republican backbencher from South Carolina who had attracted little media attention. Now it has made him an overnight right-wing hero, inspiring “You lie!” bumper stickers and T-shirts.

The congressman, we learned, belonged to the Sons of Confederate Veterans, led a 2000 campaign to keep the Confederate flag waving above South Carolina’s state Capitol and denounced as a “smear” the true claim of a black woman that she was the daughter of Strom Thurmond, the ’48 segregationist candidate for president. Wilson clearly did not like being lectured and even rebuked by the brainy black president presiding over the majestic chamber.

I’ve been loath to admit that the shrieking lunacy of the summer — the frantic efforts to paint our first black president as the Other, a foreigner, socialist, fascist, Marxist, racist, Commie, Nazi; a cad who would snuff old people; a snake who would indoctrinate kids — had much to do with race.

I tended to agree with some Obama advisers that Democratic presidents typically have provoked a frothing response from paranoids — from Father Coughlin against F.D.R. to Joe McCarthy against Truman to the John Birchers against J.F.K. and the vast right-wing conspiracy against Bill Clinton.

But Wilson’s shocking disrespect for the office of the president — no Democrat ever shouted “liar” at W. when he was hawking a fake case for war in Iraq — convinced me: Some people just can’t believe a black man is president and will never accept it.
Check it out in full here.

Apathy Killed the Asian American Star And Some Random Thoughts

Tuesday, September 15, 2009



Doing my rounds on YouTube I happened to catch this video by GT of a-tunes.net who's also a blogger down at MTV Iggy and I thought I would post it up because it definitely makes you think about the recent conversations of Asian Americans in the media (I guess that's always a topic though).

Here's the info from the YouTube vid:

So I decided to give vlogging a try and I realized I talk WAY too much. I apologize for being so verbose, I'll work on it for the future =).

Anyways, the point of the video is this: Support the music you love, because we, the consumer can shape the market for Asian American musicians.
What I found particularly interesting was the part about how we listen to music and how that can affect artists from the API community and I started to think about my own habits as well as my overall opinions on music distribution.

The music industry has changed - I think we all know that - and the same types of markets that existed 10-15 years ago - hell - even 5 - just aren't the same anymore and music companies - those behemoths we sometimes love to hate - have to find new ways of distribution - and profit. In that sense I think we've all said once or twice "I'm not paying $20 for that Celine Dion album" (o.k - maybe we all haven't said exactly that, but you get my picture - and no - I actually have never bought a Celine Dion album).

It's like I sample a ton of music - YouTube, MySpace, the artist's site - anywhere I can sample new music I will - and I think you have too now - it's just a part of the industry - the ever changing industry - and a new way to market. If you can get 20,000 people to listen to your music via these new vehicles of electronic distribution and you can get 2% to buy the album - there's something to be said for that. It may not always work out like that - but there's a potential to reach more people now more so than ever. At the same time just look at how games and music are joining together to give another new avenue for music - even old music (can anyone say the Beatles?) - it's just a different way of getting it out there and while I know the gaming industry isn't going to tap indie artists - maybe there's a DIY movement for underground games featuring indie artists with the same model.

I guess my point on the above is that you have to adapt - you have to change - and I definitely believe that when it comes to the music companies - just like I do newspapers and other media outlets.

But there's that flip-side too right? I mean if large music companies can't get sales the "old-fashioned" way - how does the indie rocker get it done? If people are downloading music left and right of the latest Ne-Yo hit, and he's only getting 50% of the sales he might have seen (but those people might not have bought it anyway) - what does that say for the independent labels and musicians?

It means it's tougher for them in many ways (and I say that because I do believe niche markets can prevail when it comes to sales of any art if the base is supportive).

I'm kind of getting off track here - and probably not following a straight line - but you should kind of get my point that it in effect it's trickle down economics.

But I think there's a way - at least in some respects - which is just going out and making sure to buy the albums. Listen - I'm not going to preach about certain things - because I listen to as much free shit as I can - but - I also buy a lot of music from Asian artists. iTunes, Amazon, old school - I'm going to buy it if I like it - especially if it comes from the community because I understand I get a lot of shit for free and when it comes down to it - if I don't support them by actually buying the music - even if it's just a song - I know that in the end - they may not be around to keep on making music - and I gotta tell ya - if I couldn't pop in some of my favorite artists from the API community - life would kind of suck ass - because I gotta have music. I gotta have that vibe. And I'm not rich - I do o.k. - but I still think about bills, job security - all that good stuff - but I can also drop some cash gambling - or even say going through drive thrus to pick up food ('cause I like a smorgasbord and after I hit 3 places, there's like $25-$30 bucks right there - and I'm talking from the dollar menu people).

You kind of see my point? Shit food that's just going to make your ass bigger - or supporting Asian American musicians? If you take a look at your ass every now and then (and I do because I can't miss that fucker) - you'll kind of start setting some priorities.

So to wrap that last part up here's the quick breakdown. If you don't buy Asian American music but yet gorge yourself to death on the dollar menu - just take one week off a month and support an API musician because your ass and your ears will thank you later on down the road when get a little slimmer and you also have some new music to listen too.

Now all that being said - I do think there's more to it - which is the part of race and how it plays into who and what is accepted as mainstream music. Think about it this way. Even in Asian countries they still have to put up with music piracy, people not buying through traditional models, etc. - but yet they still have their stars - their #1 chart toppers and they're Asian. And while you might be saying to yourself "Ummm...it's because everyone's Asian" - the point is about acceptance on where you're from.

Same thing here in the U.S. We have chart toppers and people selling millions of records. But - they aren't Asian American. Why? Definitely in part because of race. I've had people who've said to me (who are White btw) that there will never be Asian American rockstars on the same level as White musicians because they say they just won't be accepted.

And to me that's the larger issue because technology will always change - everyone always has to adapt - but some things - it's much easier to start getting people to buy music off of iTunes versus getting them to accept an Asian American rockstar or Top 40 hitmaker.

We can go into the reasons why - but it'll be nothing new that already hasn't been said - it's a part of where we still are and what we have to overcome and I think once we start to see people accept Asian artists just like they do other artists - we'll see more and more API music getting the dollars they deserve.

But I think we're making steps too - just look at people like Mike Shinoda, Meg and Dia, FM - it's happening - not as fast as I think we all want but it's coming along in some ways and there's definitely something to be said for that too - so to all the musicians out there in the API community and the Asian artists bringing the vibe to the states - keep doing what your doing - because if you don't no one else will.

MV: Jen Kwok's Date An Asian

Tuesday, September 15, 2009



Official music video for "Date An Asian"
by Jen Kwok, featuring Soce, The Elemental Wizard.

Music Produced by Soce, The Elemental Wizard
Directed by Ballard C. Boyd
Director of Photography - Will Beckley

Featuring some of New York's top male Asian stand-up and improv comedians, and the breakdance troupe Part-Time Models. Visit dateanasian.net for more info, credits, and pictures of sexy asian men.

http://www.dateanasian.net
http://jenkwok.wordpress.com
http://www.ballardcboyd.com
Nice.

20th Anniversary Of Asian American Women Artists Association

Monday, September 14, 2009

Just wanted to post up on a few things that the AAWAA has going on in celebration of their 20th anniversary:

20th Anniversary Art Exhibitions
September 22—October 4
free admission during gallery hours


Made in AAWAA — 20 Years of AAWAA
A Place of Her Own — Artists respond to “If you had a place of your own, what would it be?”
Cheers to Muses — Contemporary works

SOMArts Cultural Center
934 Brannan Street (between 8th and 9th Streets), San Francisco, CA 94103
www.somarts.org
(415) 863-1414

Gallery hours: Tuesday–Friday, 2–7 pm & Saturday 12–5 pm
Plus Saturday, October 3, 12 pm–9 pm & Sunday, October 4, 3–6 pm
Check more out down at the AAWAA site.

Disgrasian Stalks Lynn Chen

Monday, September 14, 2009



Best.Interview.Ever.

A Little Monday Night Superfly

Monday, September 14, 2009



Nice.

Video: Stephanie Jacobsen From Melrose Place

Sunday, September 13, 2009

And Just In Case You Missed The Glee

Sunday, September 13, 2009



You can check out the season premiere down at Fox online.

Draw Manga. Win $100 In Music Downloads

Sunday, September 13, 2009



Caught this via MySpace and wanted to post it on up for all the aspiring manga authors out there.

From J-Pop World:

Got some skill at drawing manga or just want to give it a shot? Here's your chance to have your creation appear at J-Pop World and win $100 in free music downloads from JapanFiles.com.

The Scenerio

You will be drawing a recreation of an incident the female rapper Ray-Law describes in her upcoming interview at J-Pop World. Here goes:

"One day when I was on the stage during a performance the Japanese Yakuza (Mafia) came to the club and made a fuss and got into a scuffle. As soon as my male rap partner and the Yakuza man started to fight, I jumped on the Yakuza man. I got punched as he said "Stay away! Ugly monkey girl!" Then it became a sloppy big melee. At the end I was furious and I said "You are the worst for beating on a woman! I'll never forgive you!" I was so mischievous and feared nothing."

The Specs

Your manga should be a single picture around 1000 px by 1000 px. It should look like its two pages in a manga publication. Remember, mangas are drawn so the reader reads from right to left, so the action starts in the upper right corner and moves to the left!

Here are some pics of Ray-Law to base her character on (Slanty's note: see above). The rest is up to you.

The Pay Off

The winning entry will appear in Ray-Law's interview at J-Pop World, along with your credit, and that lucky winner will receive $100 in free music downloads from JapanFiles.com. All other entries deemed worthy will be posted in the contest page.

The Deadline

All entries must be in by midnight, September 20, 2009 (Sunday night). You can send them to either comments@j-popworld.com or to our MySpace page. Please put "manga contest" in the subject line along with the name you want in your credit plus any link you want to include.

Got it? Then ready... set... manga!!!!
Definitely a cool contest, however maybe because I can't draw, I kinda wonder if those pics above of Ray-Law might induce someone to draw something where she kills with the deadly art of the Asian peace sign.

And a smile.

MariƩ Digby Webcast

Sunday, September 13, 2009

For all of you MariƩ Digby fans out there, in case you didn't know, her next live Webcast will be this Tuesday the 15th from 6:00 - 7:00. You can RSVP here.

Trailer: Fallen City

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Got this sent my way and wanted to post up the trailer for Fallen City by filmmaker Kang Vang which is going to get released this Winter.



Check more out at their MySpace page.

Vietnamese American Filmmaker Stephane Gauger On Asian American Movies Directed By White People

Sunday, September 13, 2009

I caught these quotes up at the OCRegister by filmmaker Stephane Gauger on his thoughts about White On Rice being directed by someone who wasn't Asian American:


Vietnamese American filmmaker Stephane Gauger, who grew up in Orange County and graduated from Cal State Fullerton, says he initially raised his eyebrow when he learned that "White on Rice" was written and directed by a white guy.

But he moderated his view after he met the director and thought about the issue.

"If a filmmaker has great observational skills and can capture another culture with a sense of reality, there is no reason why an Anglo storyteller shouldn't be allowed to make a film about different cultures," said Gauger, whose "The Owl and the Sparrow" was released theatrically earlier this year.

"I'm looking forward to supporting independent film and watching 'White on Rice' at the Irvine Spectrum," said Gauger, whose latest project is a film about painter Paul Gauguin. "I'm curious to see David Boyle's take on Asian culture."
What I like about what Gauger has to say is that it brings up the great topic of what is Asian American film, who should it be helmed by, and in some ways makes me wonder what happens in ten years - do we ever get away from the label? Should we get away from that label - or labels of that ilk - Latino Film, Asian American Film, African American Film - because in some ways the only reason we do the cataloging and the categorization is because we have too - because mainstream media doesn't take a look at us seriously - so we have to do it ourselves. And definitely - we grow from it - we make it our own - because it is - but in the end?

We shouldn't have too.

Don Liu: Giving Lawyers A Good Name

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Before you sue me, know that the title of the post just kind of rolled off my tong - and really - who hasn't heard a good lawyer joke? But this post isn't about you - it's about giving back and doing some good (since, I'll probably need a good lawyer some day):

Don Liu was 37 years old when he became general counsel of Pennsylvania-based IKON Office Solutions in 1999. He thinks he may have been the youngest Fortune 500 GC at that time, but he's certain that he was the only Asian American.

And his rapid ascension up the professional ladder definitely revealed something about the corporate legal profession: There weren't enough people like him to help him along the way.

So now Liu, who has been the top lawyer at Norwalk-based Xerox Corp. since 2007, dedicates a significant amount of his time outside of work to mentoring minority lawyers, many, but not all, Asian American.

At any one time, Liu is mentoring 10 law school students or lawyers and spending up to 10 hours a week doing it. He said people frequently ask him why he spends so much time mentoring. "The answer is simple," he said. "I didn't have it."
DIY people. D.I.Y

Read it in full down at The Hour.

Central Georgia: Sometimes You Just Gotta Close Up Shop

Sunday, September 13, 2009



Over the last few months South Asian gas station and convenience workers - three to be exact - have been murdered in central Georgia, and a couple of days ago Asian businesses decided to shed some more light on the murders - by closing up shop and getting their voices heard:

Hundreds of Asian-American business owners rallied outside Macon City Hall today to protest the murder of three men at Central Georgia gas stations and convenience stores in recent months.

Eyewitnesses report that apparently dozens of convenience stores owned by Asian-Americans in Central Georgia are closed today in protest of the killings and so that business owners could attend the rally and the funeral for one of the victims, Jaymal Patel [...]

Macon lawyer George Greer, speaking for the group, says the business people wanted to call attention to violence against business employees, work with Macon police for solutions to the crime problems, and thank police for their work in arresting suspects in two recent shootings.

Jaymal Patel, shot at a RaceWay station on Mercer University Drive last Friday, is the third man fatally shot at a Central Georgia convenience store in about seven weeks.

In July, a robber shot and killed Danny Patel at the Lina Food store on Irwinton Road in Milledgeville. Then on August 30, Dipak Patel was killed by a robber at the Chevron store on Riverside Drive in Macon. A Macon teenager faces murder charges in the RaceWay shooting, and three men face charges in the Chevron case. The Milledgeville shooting of Danny Patel remains unsolved.
Hopefully they'll continue to work with local law enforcement to not only prevent more senseless killings, but also find the people responsible for Danny Patel's murder.

More James More Kyson More Lee

Sunday, September 13, 2009



A nice write-up in the LA Times on the Heroes and White On Rice star (which opened up in theaters a couple of days ago btw so get on out and see it) where Lee also talks a little bit about Asian American casting:

Perhaps just as notably, Lee's role is that of a regular American guy. He has a band he's serious about, a good but unexciting job and a beautiful girlfriend. He just happens to be Asian American.

"It's true. It seems like a lot of mainstream movies, they have to create a reason for an Asian American character to be there," Lee says. "I think that's why I really like the characters of this movie. Sure, it's a Japanese American family, but they're all very relatable. Tim's in a decent job . . . but his passion is somewhere else. He enjoys success but is definitely going through the intricacies of relationships."
P.S. to the LA Times

We already know how ripped and hot the JKL body is compared to the rest of us mere mortals - did you have to remind us again?

P.S to KFC

I think I'm kind of regretting the fact that I've eaten so many buckets of your chicken (sometimes in one sitting) because it really hasn't given me great JKL abs like I sometimes so desire. It doesn't mean that I'm going to stop eating it - because I've worked hard for my big fat ass - but you know - just thought I'd throw that out there (probably in hopes that you'll send some free coupons my way).

Asian American Fashion Designers And The WSJ

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Just in case you happened to miss it there's a pretty good article down at the Wall Street Journal on the rise of Asian American fashion designers, their take on what they do and how they realize their own American Dream - how it's different for them versus some of their family members who didn't grow up or weren't born in the States - as well as how even though they do want to be recognized for their individual work that they can't also help but feel a sense of pride in seeing more folks like us in the fashion industry.

The Obama Administration Really Does Get Their South Asian On

Sunday, September 13, 2009

In the past I've posted up on some of the South Asian faces that have been tapped for key posts in the White House, but I had no idea that more South Asians serve currently than in any other previous administration. So what should you do?

Throw a party.

The North American South Asian Bar Association (NASABA) and the South Asian Bar Association of Washington D.C. (SABA-DC) honored the South Asian Americans appointed to President Barack Obama`s administration at an event held in Washington D.C. last week. The Obama White House has tapped more South Asian Americans to serve in the administration than any administration in history.

"The event was a great success, with almost 200 people on hand to help celebrate the appointment of so many South Asian Americans to these esteemed positions," said Dharmesh Vashee, president of SABA-DC. President Obama appointed South Asian Americans to positions including Federal Chief Technology Officer, Under Secretary and Chief Scientist, Federal Chief Information Officer, Principal Deputy Solicitor General, and many more.

Neal Katyal, Principal Deputy Solicitor General of the United States, and Preeta Bansal, General Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor for the White House Office of Management and Budget, were both guest speakers at the event.

"Our parents and grandparents dreamed of this kind of success for their children when they made the decision to come to America," said Katyal. "Each of the appointees to the Obama administration has achieved this level of success through hard work, dedication and the unyielding support of their friends and family. Truly, this event was in honor of the legions of people who have helped each of us as we`ve pursued careers in public policy." Katyal`s mother, Pratibha Katyal Malhotra, accompanied him to the reception, as did the families of many of the honorees.
Cool.

October 29-30: The Advancing Justice Conference

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Sounds like it should be a great event, doing some good.

October 29-30, 2009

The Center at Cathedral Plaza - Los Angeles, CA
The Advancing Justice Conference is an inaugural national civil rights and social justice conference, expected to draw several hundred individuals from across the country. The conference aims to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders in one place to address a broad range of issues facing the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. It serves as a unique forum where researchers, advocates, direct service providers and other leaders can meet face-to-face, talk about their common challenges and find ways to work collaboratively.
The featured conference plenary sessions will address the:

landscape for comprehensive immigration reform: understanding the political, organizing, faith and labor angles
latest research on the attitudes and political views and participation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Early bird registration ends September 15, 2009.

Speakers include national and local leaders, policy researchers, legal advocates, direct service providers, students and others dynamically engaged in leadership and social justice work throughout the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

Learn more about workshops, speakers, registration and travel information on the conference Web site. A limited number of travel stipends are available to conference participants. Application is also available online.

The Advancing Justice Conference is a joint project by the Asian American Institute (Chicago), Asian American Justice Center (Washington, D.C.), Asian Law Caucus (San Francisco), and Asian Pacific American Legal Center (Los Angeles).

For more information, please visit us at www.AdvancingJustice.org.

Vote, East West Magazine, Cover Design Contest

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Just a quick post that the East West Cover Design Contest entries are up for voting at http://eastwestmagazine.com/east-west-exhibit/east-west-exhibit-vote.

Dumbfoundead: Rapper-O's

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

September 17th: APAture 2009

Wednesday, September 09, 2009



And it's on.

Kearny Street Workshop presents APAture 2009: A Spotlight on Asian Pacific American Art, happening September 17-26. With events at Poleng Lounge, VIZ Cinema, Hotel Rex, Goforaloop Gallery, and Intersection for the Arts, the festival is a platform for discovery and includes more than 80 artists! This is your chance to see emerging Asian American visual artists, filmmakers, writers, musicians, performers, comics/zinesters and DIY crafters all within two exciting weekends.

For the complete event schedule and to purchase your festival pass, visit http://kearnystreet.org/apature

Dawen, American Me, iTunes, And MTV Iggy

Wednesday, September 09, 2009



While the CD Release Party is still a few days away - you can pick up the new Dawen album "American Me" on iTunes and Amazon now - and just in case you needed a review of the CD before you picked it up - I got that too.

LUMINA Goes Live

Wednesday, September 09, 2009



Just a reminder that LUMINA the Web Series went live yesterday and will be releasing new episodes every Tuesday from here on out until the series is done in October.

Check it out here.

And Some Random Utada For Your Wednesday

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Feel Free To Skip Over This Post Because There's Really Nothing Of Relevance Here

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

While I love to do all the things I love to do on this blog, and it's really not a personal one per se - in that I talk about my daily stuff - today's just one of those days that I feel like using it for my own personal vent - not for anyone in particular - but just because I feel like typing and it is my blog - and I'd be blogging here if it was just me in the woods naked and flogging myself.

I'm just fucking sick of people today. I'm pretty chill - people don't actually annoy or piss me off to an extent where I just feel like busting their ass - but today - everybody's fucking getting to me.

Like I'm getting fucking tired of Asian Americans who talk talk talk fucking talk until their goddam fucking blue in the face, but then don't do shit. When it comes down to actually doing it there's some reason why they didn't, why they couldn't - what fucking roadblock was in their way - gimme a fucking break - if you sign up for shit and you're on a team with other people - get your fucking shit done and stop whining about it. Somedays - like today - the people that really get to me are the ones who are like "community, community, we need to support the community" - sign up to get it on with the "community" - but the next thing you know they're out like the Pope at a Nautica Thorn gang bang or just can't really find the time to do anything - but they'll surely tell you how much great shit their doing for the "community" and how much the fucking "community" matters.

I feel oddly giddy after that paragraph.

I'm also getting out of bounds with the passive aggressives because I mean fuck - can't you just say what the fuck it is that you mean? Can't you just lay it out there and say it? I mean I'm all for being cordial and professional and all that other good shit - but fuck people - I just don't get these motherfuckers. I mean just tell it like it is - within reason for your audience of course - versus every fucking e-mail which always ends in a piss ass "..." after some snark-ass comment because no one taught you how to USE YOUR FUCKING WORDS.

Not just giddy anymore - but I have a smile on my face now too.

And then there's the late 40's early 50's Asian American who sucks up to every fucking white person they see at their job - and don't get me wrong - I get it - we all have to make concessions - you're thinking about retirement - you got a family - but my fucking god people - do you have to suck it like you really mean it? Can't you give the "I don't want to taste that smoker's cum" face before you swallow it whole and lick the dribble off the ground? Because you're kind of fucking it up for the rest of us with your docile me so Oriental give me all the fucking work yes White master I love you White master fucking bullshit. I mean fuck - just because you gotta get someone off doesn't mean you have to cuddle and bring 'em home to meet the family.

Just to let you know - even though I told you to skip this post anyway - now I'm just kinda winded.

But relaxed.

Calm.

Zen-like almost.

I think I'm gonna hit the treadmill.

And they say blog therapy doesn't work.

DVD Waiting To Be Watched

Tuesday, September 08, 2009



I figure four hours is better on the couch anyway.

And How Many Hate Groups Live In Your State?

Tuesday, September 08, 2009



I happened to be stumbling around at SPLCenter.org and wanted to post this map up of their Active Hate Group list.

Probably what I found most surprising (outside of the fact that the little Klan icons on the SPLC interactive map reminded me of something out of South Park) is that Texas wasn't #1 and Oregon (which I sometimes like to refer to as White Militia Country for absolutely no good reason) only had 7 active groups (technically this a good thing though).

And yes - I know my Asian people live and thrive and are taking over the Pacific Northwest and it's not the land of White People Only - but even if Oregon happened to become all Asian five years from now - it'd still take me a while to not call it White Militia Country.

I can't help it.

Bad habits are hard to break.

P.S.

A random note that might amuse you is that everytime I look at a map, Idaho just seems to be out of place and mentally I want to re-arrange it with Nebraska.

I don't know why.