Holiday Hiatus

Monday, December 20, 2010

Winter storms + flu season = catch up + sporadic posts for the rest of the year.

Happy New Year (early).

Home For The Holla'Days II: Magnetic North + Taiyo Na + Vudoo Soul + Geunjin + Ruth Cho

Tuesday, December 14, 2010



For the second year in a row it's Home For The Holla'Days which means good people, great music, and doing some exceptional DIY for the organization Aid To Children Without Parents:

ACWP’s Saving in Children Crisis ("SCIC") program was first established in 2004 to help economically disadvantaged and high-risk Vietnamese children from "children trafficking." In the poorest area of Southeast Asia , children are at risk of being or have been a victim of "children trafficking" where they’ve been kidnapped, sold, traded or tricked into child slavery and/or prostitution. The SCIC program is targeting children from the age range from 5 to 14 years old. These children come from extremely poor families in remote areas along the border of Cambodia such as and Svay Pak and Phnom Penh and rural or metropolitan cities in Southern Vietnam such as An Giang, Song Be, Kien Giang, Dong Thap, Can Tho and even Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) in Vietnam. ACWP founded SCIC program after discovering a small village in Cambodia that was formed by a group of poor Vietnamese immigrants whose families migrate to Cambodia in search for work. For some desperate families, parents resulted to selling their children to brothels.

ACWP aims to help children who may be lured into sex trafficking. As a result, ACWP has developed various programs to provide immediate solution and long-term commitment to preventing children from being a victim of human trafficking crime; i.e., ranges from providing education, or vocational training and financial assistance.
Get tickets and check out more about the show down at the site.

East West Players + Wrinkles

Tuesday, December 14, 2010



Sounds good to me.

East West Players (EWP), the nation’s premier Asian American theatre, continues its 45th Anniversary season, themed Shake It Up, with the world premiere comedy WRINKLES by Paul Kikuchi. This production will be directed by Jeff Liu. The cast of the production includes Sab Shimono, Amy Hill, Elizabeth Ho, Ki Hong Lee, Scott Keiji Takeda, and Lisa Dring. Generous support for this production is provided by the S. Mark Taper Foundation Endowment for East West Players.

Grandpa Harry’s got a big secret! In this comedy, unbeknownst to his daughter and grandson, 73 year-old Nisei Harry Fukutani is an internet sensation. But to view his work, you’d have to turn off the parental filter and have a valid credit card. A sticky comedy about sex, lies, and tiger balm. This play was developed in East West Players’ David Henry Hwang Writers Institute.

“East West Players is shaking it up with this world premiere comedy WRINKLES,” says EWP Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang. “On the surface, it is a great intergenerational comedy, but if you dig deeper, there are issues of aging as our baby boomer generation enters retirement. We want to show audiences that senior citizens are vibrant and healthy in all aspects of their lives. We hope audiences young and old are able to gain new perspectives on our senior citizen community after seeing this play.”

Paul Kikuchi (Playwright) is a playwright, substitute teacher and weekend trumpet player. Born and bred in Pasadena, California, he attended UC Santa Barbara where he received a BA in English Literature. He has also written six screenplays which have landed him three different agents, two options and a cup of Winchell’s coffee. His first play, IXNAY, had its world premiere at East West Players in 2009 and was nominated for a 2010 Garland Award for playwriting. Paul lives with his wife Maida, two daughters and dog in South Pasadena.

Jeff Liu (Director) is the Literary Manager of East West Players and was the Resident Director for Lodestone Theatre Ensemble during its ten year run. His productions include the world premieres of TEXAS, TERMINUS AMERICANA (Ovation Award nominee), SOLVE FOR X, THE GOLDEN HOUR, IXNAY, and GRACE KIM AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS. An independent feature he co-wrote, CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES, was nominated for two IFP Spirit Awards.

The design team consists of set designer Alan Muraoka, lighting designer Dan Weingarten, costumer designer Bich Vu, sound designer Dennis Yen and property master Ken Takemoto. The stage manager is Jaclyn Kalkhurst.

Additional funding for WRINKLES is provided by the James Irvine Foundation, the California Community Foundation, Shubert Foundation, The LA Board of Supervisors through the LA County Arts Commission, City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation.

All performances of WRINKLES will be staged at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. WRINKLES opens Wednesday, February 16, 2011 and closes on Sunday, March 13, 2011. Opening night will be accompanied by a pre-performance cocktail reception and a post-show reception with the cast and creative team. Performances are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Previews are Thursday - Saturday, February 10 – 12 at 8pm and Sunday, February 13 at 2pm. The Pay-What-You-Can Performance will be held Thursday, February 17 at 8 pm with a suggested $5 minimum. The post-show discussion will be held on Sunday, February 27.

General Tickets range from $30 - $40. Preview tickets are $20 for all seats. Opening night tickets are $60 for all seats. Tickets are currently on sale. For ticket purchases or more information, please call East West Players at (213) 625-7000 or visit www.eastwestplayers.org. Senior, student and group discounts are available. Dates and details are subject to change.

One Week Away

Friday, December 10, 2010

Mu, Dreamland, Katie Hae Leo, And Gifted And Talented

Friday, December 10, 2010

If you're in the MSP area and have nothing to do on Saturday evening get on down and catch the reading of Katie Hae Leo's play Gifted And Talented down at Dreamland Arts.

GIFTED AND TALENTED by Katie Hae Leo

Julius is an Asian American man with superhero powers who does good deeds with the help of sidekick Kane. But when Felicia enters their lives, Kane flexes his muscles in surprising ways.

Sat. Dec. 11 at 7pm
Featuring Eric Sharp, Sherwin Resurreccion, Katie Bradley, Jason Vogen

All readings at Dreamland Arts.

Tickets are FREE. $5 suggested donation at the door. Seating is limited, so make reservations today by calling 651-645-5506 or emailing your reservation request to info@dreamlandarts.com

More information: http://www.muperformingarts.org/

I'm Just Going To Post This Matisyahu Video

Friday, December 10, 2010



I'm not going to tell you that we could probably delve deeper into the realm of an American Hasidic Jewish Reggae musician and all that might come with that (just do a search on Matisyahu) - because I'm sure we could if we wanted too - but really - I just wanted to post the video because it's kind of catchy and he's rapping in a snowsuit and iceskates.

That's pretty damn sweet.

Somehow This Is Just Wrong

Thursday, December 09, 2010

The Lexicon Of Cute

Thursday, December 09, 2010

So the only reason I'm actually writing this post is because I was lounging around with someone a month or so ago and somehow the phrase "Lexicon Of Cute" came out of my mouth and I don't really have any idea exactly what it meant at the time but the next thing you know they da noi "You should do a post on the Lexicon Of Cute".

Now, over a month later - since I'm in a sickly flu infested state (actually not really anymore as I'm on the tail end of it) I've decided to go ahead and actually do a post with that exact title even though I don't know what exactly it really is.

But I think it'll go something like the following: Below is a list of things I think of when I think of the Lexicon Of Cute.

1. Sanrio's Buta Coron aka Cute Plushy Pig You Just Want To Squeeze



2. The word "K" in a txt message from a SO, dating partner, or someone you'd just like to get to know more because somehow it sounds sweet and like there's a hug attached to it (and maybe a free late night snack of pancakes too).

3. Steve Wozniak (I can't help it - he kind of reminds me of Yogi The Bear).



4. Yogi The Bear (and a Boo Boo)



5. Pictures of cats

20 Essential Works of Asian American Literature?

Thursday, December 09, 2010

I caught this link down at someplace called Masters Degree and while I don't know who wrote it, thought I would pass it on as they've listed up what they think are the 20 essential Asian American piece of literature you should know.

And yes.

I'm way too lazy to be doing that.

The American Sociological Review Says Asian American Men Are Getting The Shaft (And Not In A Good Way With Some Lube And Nice Fingering Pleasure)

Thursday, December 09, 2010

Apparently Asian American men - we earn less than our White male counterparts.

At least on a whole, because me - I just use blackmail to get what I want -- and yes, I'm damn good at it, but I actually probably still get paid less because part of my agreement wasn't more money but more red Gummi Bears (I couldn't help it, they're just really tasty and heard the place I work at had the best uncut Gummi Bears around) -- and some extra time off of course to work off said Gummi Bear compensation.

Asian-American men are paid up to 29 percent less than equally qualified white males, according to a new study.

The gap is narrowest, at 8 percent, for U.S.-born Asian-Americans who speak fluent English and widest, at nearly 30 percent, for first-generation U.S. citizens who were born and educated abroad.

Even men who were born and educated abroad but who received university degrees in the U.S. earn 14 percent less than white men.

“The most striking result is that native-born Asian Americans - who were born in the U.S. and speak English perfectly - their income is 8 percent lower than whites after controlling for their college majors, their places of residence and their level of education,” said ChangHwan Kim.

“No ethnic group has reached full parity with whites,” the assistant professor of sociology at the University of Kansas added in a telephone interview.

Stamp The LIRR

Thursday, December 09, 2010

I can't really tell you anything more about this than what I read in the Gothamist, but I can say that I really don't know anyone who would come up to someone they work with - who wasn't their friend - and jiggle their boob just to say hi.

A lesbian locomotive engineer is suing the Long Island Railroad for millions, accusing superiors of punishing her more harshly than her co-workers because she's gay and Asian-American. Melissa Stampf, 43, was accused of grabbing a fellow engineer's breast in a parking lot at the West Side rail yards. Stampf had been friends with her accuser, Angela Trigg, leading up the incident, and even shared a locker with her, the Daily News reports. But that collegiality ended one day in June 2006, when Stampf spotted Trigg sitting in her car and went over to say hello.

"I put my hand on and squeezed her shoulder," Stampf testified yesterday. "She said, 'What are you doing?' She said if I touched her again she'll 'break my fucking arm.' I was shocked. She repeated it again, 'Don't fucking touch me.' I felt there was some kind of tension in the air and I walked away." (A threat to break somebody's arm does tend to harsh the mellow.) A male co-worker in Trigg's car backed up Trigg's allegation that Stampf didn't grab her shoulder, but instead "grabbed and jiggled" one of Trigg's breasts.

You Could Be A First: Kat Chang + Amazing Race

Thursday, December 09, 2010



Even with all the hype surrounding the The Amazing Race this season I haven't actually been watching as much - hardly at all really - but television goes on no matter who's watching it (well...kind of...) -- and guess who could also be the first women pair to win the race since it started?

Yup.

That would be those people above.

Check out the finale on CBS this Sunday at 7:00 PM CST.

Margaret Cho + Grammys

Wednesday, December 08, 2010








Catchafire, Rachael Chong, And Doing Good

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

I was listening to NPR last night on my way over to a friends and they happened to be profiling some non-profits and how they were working with social media and technology and the next thing you know I was txting myself the name catchafire.org, which was started by Rachael Chong (also a blogger down at the Huffington Post).

Catchafire matches professionals who want to volunteer their skills with nonprofits and social enterprises that need their help. We match volunteers and organizations based on a variety of characteristics including skills, cause interests, and time availability.

We help organizations identify their needs as short-term, discrete, and individual-based projects. Our projects are structured in this way to make it easy for professionals to find time to volunteer in the midst of their busy daily lives. Check out our projects here.

We charge nonprofits and social enterprises less than 5% of the cost that they would normally pay for the professional services our volunteers provide. Our service is free for all professionals willing to donate their time. We also help corporations offer our skills-based volunteer opportunities for their employees.

Catchafire is a New York City-based, for-profit social mission business and a certified B-Corporation.
Find out more.

Bio: Grant Imahara

Wednesday, December 08, 2010



Mythbusters Bio

Electronics and radio-control specialist GRANT IMAHARA is a former animatronics engineer and model maker for Industrial Light & Magic, where he worked on such movies as The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, A.I.: Artificial Intelligence and Van Helsing. Grant also worked on The Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions.

In addition to operating R2-D2 (one of only a handful of official operators), Grant has another claim to beloved-character fame: developing a custom circuit to cycle the Energizer Bunny's arm beats and ears at a constant rate. In fact, he's responsible for all the electronics installation and radio programming on the current generation of bunnies, even serving as the bunny's driver and crew supervisor on numerous commercials.

A native of Los Angeles, Calif., Grant earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California. He's also the author of the book, Kickin' Bot: An Illustrated Guide to Building Combat Robots. His own machine, DEADBLOW, is a former BattleBots champion.
Twitter Love.

MTV Iggy Artist Of The Week: Mondega

Tuesday, December 07, 2010



Links.

Get It On-Demand: A Song For Ourselves

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Got this passed my way from filmmaker Tadashi Nakamura and wanted to make sure and pass it on.

Hi everyone,

I'm excited to announce that A Song For Ourselves is now available On-Demand to Comcast digital cable subscribers for only $0.99! Comcast just launched "Cinema Asian America", a ground-breaking new video-on demand project featuring some of the best in Asian American cinema. Each month Comcast will feature a new curated line-up, which means A Song For Ourselves will only be available from Dec. 1st - Jan. 3rd. Also available this month is a musical montage of highlights from Jake Shimabukuro's Japan tour that we shot in the summer. This is a really significant opportunity to show corporations like Comcast that there is indeed an audience for relevant Asian American content on televison, so please order (it's only a buck!) and spread the word!

If you have Comcast this is what you do:

1) Click on the “On Demand” button
2) Look under the “Movies” folder
3) Select the “Movie Collections” folder
4) Select the “Cinema Asian America” folder to see the list of films
Cool.

Eiko & Koma: Naked YouTube

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Since I missed seeing actual naked people at The Walker when Eiko & Koma were here and can't actually provide you with any sort of review I'll just provide you with some naked YouTube.



And yes.

I don't know what's going on either.

East West Players And Allos: The Story Of Carlos Bulosan

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

From my inbox to you (with love).

East West Players (EWP), the nation’s premier Asian American theatre, presents the touring production of ALLOS: THE STORY OF CARLOS BULOSAN by Giovanni Ortega as part of its Theatre For Youth Program. With generous funding from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and California Community Foundation, East West Players ensures that this school year’s Theatre for Youth touring production of ALLOS: THE STORY OF CARLOS BULOSAN can provide multicultural outreach to the underserved communities in the Los Angeles area. Through this, the touring production will serve as a forum to educate communities on a part of American History not often discussed in schools. The tour begins next year mid February and ends in March.

ALLOS: THE STORY OF CARLOS BULOSAN tells the story of an important American hero many do not know about and history text books do not discuss. Like so many immigrants seeking a better life, he followed his brothers to America only to find violence, racism and exploitation. Bulosan used his writing to combat discrimination and became an advocate for migrant workers rights. In 1946, his semi-autobiographical novel America is in the Heart became the voice of the Filipino immigrant experience. Bulosan’s story is a testament to one man’s courage and spirit in a country that rejected him, yet he never ceased to love and believe in the country he called home – America.

“We believe Carlos Bulosan’s compelling story of struggle and triumph will inspire students to become more responsible citizens by learning to respect the hard-earned civil rights of all ethnicities and cultures,” says Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang. “We try to tell the stories not often learned in the mainstream. This touring production reflects our commitment to utilize the performing arts as a tool to teach students about American history, immigrant rights, and how the arts can be an important tool in uniting a community. This tour is especially important at this time when so many schools are cutting back on arts education. The title of the play is an example of an educational moment in and of itself. Allos was Carlos Bulosan’s nickname growing up and it is a typical Filipino custom to give people nicknames.”

East West Players is the longest running theatre of color AND the largest producer of Asian American artistic work. Located in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo, it is committed to teaching American history, diversity and respect for many different culture. EWP’s Theatre for Youth Touring Production has toured Southern California since 1972. To book this touring production for your school or organization, please contact Arts Education Director, Marilyn Tokuda at (213) 625-7000 x15 or email mtokuda@eastwestplayers.org. For more information on all of East West Players productions and educational programs, please call East West Players at (213) 625-7000 or visit www.eastwestplayers.org.

An Open Letter To TMM

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Militant:

I figure I could write up an e-mail and send it your way, but I feel like posting, so I guess that's what I'm going to do - but I was checking out the last few posts - and you know what I've always liked about them? They're just real - down to the core - in a way something I can never do - and yeah - everything is what it is - but at the base - when it comes to the posts - to the blog - you just represent - you put out a voice that's distinctly you and while it takes time to traverse things - figure out which way to go, what to keep behind closed doors, what to let go, and what to go after (in the good and the bad) - I'm always appreciating the voice you put out there - the stories you talk about in an unflinching way, sometimes from the most personal of vantage points.

And I respect that.

Because some things just need to be said.

TrĂșc Duym, Icee, Bad Girl, Suboi, And More Saigon Electric

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Just to catch you up (and me too), here are some music vids from the upcoming Saigon Electric/Yo soundtrack.

TrĂșc Duy feat. Icee - Bad Girl



Suboi - Away



The Offical Trailer

YUI: Rain

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

AAA, Paradise, And I Just Like The Hook

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Random Video Of People In Hawaii

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Joe Nguyen: You're A German Vietnamese Dominican Jewish Coemdian

Tuesday, December 07, 2010



I'm Lazy.

Therefore I give linkage.

Randy Tran + Suc Song Moi

Monday, December 06, 2010

I just thought this was a good story and wanted to post a little but of it up:

Abandoned as a new-born, US-Vietnamese singer Randy Tran returns to his native land to search for his mother and the meaning to life. Minh Thu reports.

Where is the most boring place to live? "Where I don't find any relatives," Randy Tran, a Vietnamese-American pop singer, replies. Where is the most desirous place to sing? "Anywhere I'm received," he says.

Tran has returned to Viet Nam three times but has never performed in more shows than he did during his most recent visit.

He sang at HCM City's Trong Dong (Bronze Drum) Music Stage Theatre, the southern province of Tay Ninh, Ha Noi, the northern city of Hai Phong and will perform again in the central city of Da Nang this weekend before returning to the US [...]

Although Tran sees that many things have changed since he was young, many people still remember and welcome him. They are surprised that he speaks Vietnamese and hasn't forgotten them or his former life.

"This trip is very meaningful to me, I have a chance to sing for my people and raise money for the flood victims. That's a special emotion when the audiences love hearing my songs. They even ask me to repeat."
Check it on in full here.

The Phan Family

Monday, December 06, 2010

This is some sad news - and any death is - but if there's one thing that can come out of this it's that the family of Vinh Phan at least got some sort of justice -- albeit a monetary settlement isn't what I'd exactly call justice.

Vinh Phan will never again walk through the front door of the Olympia home he shares with his parents.

He died on June 3, 2007, in Alaska while working aboard the F/T Enterprise, a factory trawler. According to a U.S. Coast Guard report, he was hosing fish out of a holding tank when a hydraulic door was activated, crushing his head. His parents and four siblings agreed that there was only one thing they had to do: tell their story to a judge.

“We strongly believe that the American judicial system is meant to bring out the truths and through the truths that justice and fairness shall prevail,” explained Ken Phan, Vinh’s younger brother.

“[A lawsuit was] their only recourse, and of course, it’s no substitute for their son, but it was the one thing they could do to honor him,” said Corrie Yackulic, the family’s lawyer.

In February 2009, Ken Phan, their second oldest son, served as a personal representative of his deceased brother’s estate and filed a civil lawsuit against O’Hara Corporation, owner and operator of the F/T Enterprise.

On Sept. 21, the company admitted liability, and King County Superior Court Judge Steven Gonzalez ruled in favor of Phan’s parents. “Bang Phan and Tron Bui are proper statutory beneficiaries under the Death on the High Seas Act … in the amount of $522,362.50,” wrote Gonzalez, in his final statement.

And Yes, Kamala Harris Is A First

Monday, December 06, 2010



She's both the first Asian American - and - African American to be elected as California's Attorney General.

And she's a Democrat.

Nice.

Going Under The Educational Radar: Cambodians, Laotions, And Hmong

Monday, December 06, 2010

Apparently if you're one of the above, you're getting the short end of the stick when it comes to education which means that you, unlike your fist pumping Korean counterparts (you know I love you my K-plushies but you know you're out there) always seem to go under the radar when it comes to this education thing (and living wage thing too).

In California, which has the country's largest and most diverse Asian population, 45 percent of Hmong haven't graduated high school, the highest proportion among all 40-plus subgroups, UC researchers say. Furthermore, 40 percent of Cambodians and Laotians haven't finished high school, which is twice the statewide rate regardless of race. And about 20 percent of Pacific Islanders drop out of high school statewide.
I think you should revolt against your people - and by people, I mean fist pumping Koreans.

In Pictures: Ivy League Asian Americans

Monday, December 06, 2010



Listen - I'm not saying that everyon's not having a good time once the camera was off - on the contrary - I'm sure there was a lot of...something...although I'm not sure what - and I'm sure it was fun - and I give mucho kudos to Justine Chiu and Laiyin Li for getting it together - because what they're doing is important.

All I'm saying is that I'm sure there's at least one person there wondering when the keg was going to get broken out.

Supporting the DREAM Act (And A Little Gary Locke)

Monday, December 06, 2010

Far be it for me to tell you in-depth about things I don't actually know about even though it doesn't always stop me from doing so (just remember that when I tell you how to make a million dollars by chewing gum and that to get you started first you need to stuff one $100 dollar bill in my g-string - and even though I'm a guy - it looks damn good).

So instead - I'll just let someone better tell you about what you should know that I can't really tell you anything more about except that it sounds much better coming from Gary Locke.

The President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders supports the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act ( "DREAM Act" ). The DREAM Act is good for our economy, our security, and our nation.

"Research has shown the potential of undocumented students to contribute to the economy and the U.S. workforce," said Gary Locke, secretary of commerce and co-chair of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. "The DREAM Act would offer a rigorous and lengthy pathway towards earned legalization that would be a powerful incentive for young people to stay in school, graduate, stay out of trouble, and contribute to the economic stability of our country."

According to a University of California report, Asian and Pacific Islander students make up approximately 40 percent of the total undocumented student population enrolled in the University of California system. Additionally, many undocumented Asian students are children of parents who have fled from war-torn countries.
While I can't tell you much I can point you to the link as well as tell make sure that your eyes have focused in on the part in bold.

Because that's important.

Will China Rein In North Korea? Was Deep Throat Really That Controversial?

Monday, December 06, 2010

In answer to these questions I give you the following.

No.

And maybe.

Cho Versus Palin And Those Gosselin Kids

Monday, December 06, 2010



So to get you up to speed this new feud goes something like this:


  1. I'm not really sure it's a feud since Cho writes that she actualy got along well with her.
  2. Even if it's not, I'm still making it a feud because it's just more interesting that way.
  3. Cho said that "Sarah supposedly blames Bristol harshly and openly (in the circles that I heard it from) for not winning the election, and so she told Bristol she “owed” it to her to do DWTS so that “America would fall in love with her again” and make it possible for Sarah Palin to run in 2012 with America behind her all the way."
  4. Bristol has responded saying that it saddened her and that if Cho ever has a question to "call me girlfriend" which somehow just doesn't sound right coming out of her keyboard.
I actually believe the Cho even though I can't believe that Palin really might run - and not because I don't know why she's going to run (it's her "brand") but because she probably thinks she's got an actual chance.

And on another note - Palin's new show (yes - that's hard to type) will be featuring Kate and 8.

visualizAsian + Hyphen Magazine

Friday, December 03, 2010

Last Call (at least for the year).

We’ve scheduled one more visualizAsian call before the end of the year, with publisher Lisa Lee and editor-in-chief Harry Mok of Hyphen magazine!

If you’re not familiar with Hyphen, it’s the 7-and-a-half-year-old magazine that offers, as it says on the cover, “Asian America Unabridged.” It’s not only a fine, high-quality publication featuring strong writing and editing and graphics, it’s one of the few national print media outlets that covers Asian American issues and pop culture, and it follows in the footsteps of many now-gone magazines, starting with the late, great A magazine and including such titles as TransPacific and East-West. Other mags currently being produced include KoreAm and Giant Robot, whose editor, Eric Nakamura, we spoke to earlier this year.

Our conversation with Lisa and Harry about Hyphen will be at 7 pm PT (10 pm ET) on Wednesday, December 8. Register here if you’re new to visualizAsian (if you’ve registered before you’ll receive an email with the phone and webcast information; you don’t need to register again).
Get it on.

Jason Yang Memorial And Fundraiser

Thursday, December 02, 2010

When: Thursday, December 2 · 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Location: Northbrook Alliance Church, 6240 Aldrich Ave. N., Brooklyn Center, MN, 55430

Allies, friends and relatives please join us for an evening of remembering Jason Yang and coming together as a community to support his family. The Jason Yang Memorial and Fundraiser will be held next Thursday, December 2, 2010 at the Northbrook Alliance Church, 6240 Aldrich Ave. N., Brooklyn Center, MN, 55430 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm.

All are welcome to attend this respectful and peaceful memorial. The evening will provide an opportunity for the community to come together and grieve Jason's tragic death with the family, but it will also serve as a celebration of Jason's life and the many lives he touched before he was so abruptly taken from us all. Aside from the heartbreaking loss of their husband, brother, father and son - the family has incurred and will continue to be burdened with a great financial cost. Let us come together as a community to help support them with their funeral expenses, legal fees and ongoing investigations so that the family may finally attain the truth and justice they deserve. We must also keep in mind, Jason's untimely passing has left a loving wife and four beautiful children without a husband or father. Please spread this throughout your network of family and friends and ask that they contribute what they can, but most importantly ask that they show up with you Thursday to stand in support with Jason's family.

If you are unable to attend please consider making a donation to the Jason Yang Memorial Fund:
Jason Yang Memorial Fund
Western Bank
663 University Ave.
St. Paul, MN, 55104

A special thanks to the Family and Friends of Jason Yang Committee for their continued dedication and struggle to bringing truth and justice to Jason's family. As we move forward, let us remember that "We Are All Jason Yang."

With gratitude,
Daniel Yang, Jason Yang Family Advocate

For more information please visit:
www.facebook.com/justiceforjasonyang

History: Rosa Parks

Wednesday, December 01, 2010



On December 1, 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama, Parks, age 42, refused to obey bus driver James Blake's order that she give up her seat to make room for a white passenger. Her action was not the first of its kind. Irene Morgan in 1946, and Sarah Louise Keys in 1955,[2] had won rulings before the U.S. Supreme Court, and the Interstate Commerce Commission, respectively, in the area of interstate bus travel. Nine months before Parks refused to give up her seat, 15-year-old Claudette Colvin refused to move from her seat on the same bus system. In New York City, in 1854, Lizzie Jennings engaged in similar activity, leading to the desegregation of the horsecars and horse-drawn omnibuses of that city.[3] But unlike these previous individual actions of civil disobedience, Parks' action sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Parks' act of defiance became an important symbol of the modern Civil Rights Movement and Parks became an international icon of resistance to racial segregation. She organized and collaborated with civil rights leaders, including boycott leader Martin Luther King, Jr., helping to launch him to national prominence in the civil rights movement.

At the time of her action, Parks was secretary of the Montgomery chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and had recently attended the Highlander Folk School, a Tennessee center for workers' rights and racial equality. Nonetheless, she took her action as a private citizen "tired of giving in". Although widely honored in later years for her action, she suffered for it, losing her job as a seamstress in a local department store. Eventually, she moved to Detroit, Michigan, where she found similar work. From 1965 to 1988 she served as secretary and receptionist to African-American U.S. Representative John Conyers. After retirement from this position, she wrote an autobiography and lived a largely private life in Detroit. In her final years she suffered from dementia and became embroiled in a lawsuit filed on her behalf against American hip-hop duo OutKast.

Parks eventually received many honors ranging from the 1979 Spingarn Medal to the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal and a posthumous statue in the United States Capitol's National Statuary Hall. Her death in 2005 was a major story in the United States' leading newspapers. She was granted the posthumous honor of lying in honor at the Capitol Rotunda.

Getting Your Beatrock Music Anniversay Celebrations On

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Buzzword For The Week: WikiLeaks

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Even if you've been living under a rock in a cesspool of your own spit (cherry flavored hopefully) I'm just hoping you know the buzzword of the week:

WikiLeaks aka - WikiLeakage.

30 Reasons To Support The Asian American Writers' Workshop

Tuesday, November 30, 2010



  1. We're the place to go when your mother tells you you're wasting your life with this writing thing.
  2. The United Asian American Organizations named us one of the top five Asian American groups in the country.
  3. We helped curate the first Asian American ComiCon where we held a panel on the politics and aesthetics of nerds. You know, your people?
  4. We're fun. We curated the book party for Monique Truong's new novel about synaesthesia and handed out miracleberries, the fruit that rewires your taste buds.
  5. The mother of a Workshop youth program student writes: "After a turbulent year of racism and bullying in his own school, [my son] was delighted to discover a supportive circle of peers at the Workshop. 'I never knew there was a place like this,' he marveled to me after the first day. 'I felt like I belonged on the spot.'"
  6. You think literature should connect to real life. You like that we've done programs on transnational adoption, desi teens in Silicon Valley, Jose Rizal, Bollywood-influenced weddings, the formation of the Chinese American middle class, political reform in China, Burma and Bangladesh, and the Cultural Revolution.
  7. Not only are we one of the most active Asian American and literary spaces in New York, we're also most most stylistically diverse. We've featured Fatima Bhutto, enfant terrible Tao Lin, avant-pop electronica duo Matmos, Law & Order's B.D. Wong, LOLCats entrepreneur Ben Huh, Pulitzer-winning poet Louise Gluck, Slate music writer Hua Hsu, Watchmen writer Alex Tse, G.I. Joe creator Larry Hama, crime novelist Henry Chang, journalist Jennifer 8. Lee, saxophonist-activist Fred Ho, hip hop activist Jeff Chang, architect Billie Tsien, Crimean Tatar absurdist rocker Cihan Kaan, legal blogger David Lat, and Pakistani punk band The Kominas.
  8. You got free beer, ice cream, and a mix CD at our MIX TAPE READING featuring seven writers writing about their favorite songs.
  9. We've been doing all this on personal computers!
  10. Your dollars make sure we are around the next Thursday night you decide to need to hear some poems, drink some booze, lament, and celebrate.
Okay - so technically that was only ten - but I'm coming off a Holiday Buzz, some time off, and a past couple of months that have been really really busy -- and you can read the rest here and if you're so inclined donate.

At Your Service 2: Benefit For Coalition For Asian American Children & Families

Tuesday, November 30, 2010



Plan your schedule accordingly because what beats doing something good and having a kick ass time?

Exactly.

Give a $20 donation at the door
Get a $10 Auction Coupon

Wednesday, December 8th
6:30 pm - 10 pm
Chinatown Brasserie
380 Lafayette Street, NYC

Emceed by: Helen Hong, Comedian and Producer/Host of K-Date

Music by: DJ VNA

Hosted by: CACF's Action Council

Ring in the holidays with dim sum and drink specials!
Bid on amazing services donated by some of our talented supporters!
WIN Dance Lessons * Home-cooked Meals * Photo Sessions * Fitness Classes* And MORE!

Random FM ft Roger Sanchez

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

And A Happy Turkey Day

Thursday, November 25, 2010



Whether it be the strip club, the poker table, a movie, some family, a group of friends, or even the drive-thru at some random restaurant that's somehow open, at the shopping mall, or even if you're not celebrating but hard at work because that's just what you have to do....well -- eat, drink, and remember the one golden rule:

Tofurkey isn't as good as the real thing.

Bill Imada, Outsourced, And Guy Aoki

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Caught this article down at Advertising Age and wanted to pass it on.

"It would have been more ground breaking and refreshing if [NBC] had an Indian American as the star -- someone who had to go to India but has no knowledge of the culture or language," states Guy Aoki, founding president of Media Access Network for Asian Americans (MANAA). Aoki believes that casting an Asian-American actor as the "Outsourced" lead character would have forced viewers to put aside their preconceived notions about Asian Americans, who are often viewed as perpetual foreigners because of the way they look. According to Aoki, "It would send the message that we can't assume that someone with an Indian face is a foreigner and not as American as anyone else. Maybe [NBC] could introduce a character like that in the future."

But even Aoki agrees that the program has merit.

"'Outsourced' is positive in that it tackles the issue of outsourcing jobs head-on," notes Aoki, who has taken on the networks and studios for not portraying real-world issues and challenges. "I was surprised that people would watch a series about Indians at call centers because there is so much resentment about American jobs going to India."
Read it in full here.

Jonathan Lee: Teach 'Em Young

Monday, November 22, 2010



If you think you need to be of driving age to stage a demonstration in Tiananmen Square (trying to get the DMZ between North and South Korea turned into a peace park) where only minutes later you get picked up by Chinese authorities - think again.

Being thirteen will suffice.

A 13-year-old American boy campaigning to turn the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea into a peace park tried to get the Chinese president's attention Monday, staging a brief protest near Tiananmen Square before being led away by police. Jonathan Lee unfurled a sign saying "peace treaty" and "nuclear free DMZ children's peace forest" as he stood outside Tiananmen Gate just north of the square in central Beijing [...]

Less than a minute after Lee began his demonstration, a man presumed to be a plainclothes police officer grabbed the boy's sign and waved away watching journalists, who had been contacted by Lee's family ahead of time. Three or four uniformed police officers then hurriedly escorted Lee and his mother away without commotion. Police held the pair and a few hours later Lee and his mother, Melissa Lee, returned to their hotel where they were joined by the boy's father and sister. The family arrived unaccompanied at Beijing airport Monday evening to catch a Korean Airlines flight to Seoul, but declined to comment to The Associated Press.
All I have to say is that you should give this kid a lot of kudos because at thirteen I was just thinking of a way to keep my fake mustache on so I could get into the strip club and the only thing I would have been protesting (even though I wasn't protesting anything) would have been the right to knock down a few beers at an early age and since I wasn't really that smart at that time either (and not much has changed folks) I would have been advocating for 21.

Yeah.

Definitely gotta give it up for this kid.

Soiree: Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Damn straight:

Academy Award Nominee Iris Yamashita (Letters from Iwo Jima) and Quentin Lee, director of The People I've Slept With will be amongst the celebrities at the CAPE Soiree.

The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) presents its highly-anticipated “CAPE Soiree” at Vibiana (210 S. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012), December 2, 2010; 6:30-11:00pm.

This year’s electrifying event will feature special appearances by the two Mr. Sulus of Star Trek: John Cho and the legendary George Takei.

Tickets are $75.00 for CAPE Members; $95.00 for Nonmembers. A special Soiree Combo Ticket is also available. Ticket purchase and detailed information are available at www.capeusa.org.

Additional celebrity guests include Dancing With the Stars’ Carrie Ann Inaba, Twilight’s Justin Chon, and Gilmore Girl’s Keiko Agena. Honorees are Comedian Ken Jeong and CBS President of Entertainment, Nina Tassler.

About CAPE: Founded in 1991 in Los Angeles, CAPE is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing diversity and creating social change by actively developing, promoting, and positioning Asian Pacific Americans for key artistic and leadership roles in the entertainment industry and media arts.
More information can be found at Capeusa.org.

Kal Penn Comes Back Home (To The White House)

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

It seems like even the third installment of Harold and Kumar can't keep Kal Penn away from his rightful place at the White House doing - well - apparently what he was doing before (I'm joking).

Kal Penn, former actor of television series “House,” is returning to the White House after fulfilling contract obligations for the third and latest “Harold and Kumar" installment.

The White House recently issued a statement that said Penn, the only successful Indian American actor in Hollywood, has been appointed as the go-to person “for those in the Arts, Youth, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.”

Profile: Chau Trinh-Shevrin + New York University’s Center for the Study of Asian American Health

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Because you may want to know:

For years, New York health-care providers treated Asian-Americans afflicted by serious, even life-threatening illnesses with ever-increasing frequency. Many doctors in the nation’s largest city agreed that Asians seemed particularly at risk for specific health problems just like any other racial group, but there was neither research nor statistics supporting physician observations.

Enter New York University’s Center for the Study of Asian American Health (CSAAH), which emphasizes community-based participatory research and problem solving. Established in 2003, it is perhaps the only center of its kind at a U.S. academic medical center dedicated solely to evaluating public health issues of this racial group. Among other things, CSAAH:

Develops and conducts research to address and eliminate health disparities.

Builds and improves public and private partnerships to increase outreach and advocacy in response to social and other inequities faced by Asian-Americans.
And if you do.

Wednesday Night Covers + Mary Seno

Wednesday, November 17, 2010



And A Ukulele Cover

Random Cool Factoid: There Really Could Be An Asian American President (Now...If People Happened To Die)

Wednesday, November 17, 2010



Did you know that since Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) is now president pro tempore of the Senate (elected to the position on Monday) that he's Number Three in line to take over the presidency?

Sure, you can say it will never happen and that this isn't anything to actually post up on - but really - stranger things have happened.

And yes.

That still shocks me.

Go Wisconsin?

And Just In Case You Were Wondering...

Wednesday, November 17, 2010



Jean Quan was the actual winner.

I Refudiate You + Brandy Got The Shaft

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Sweet sweet Palinism's:

Sarah Palin's lack of command of the English language has led the Global Language Monitor to name "refudiate" as one of the top words used in 2010. When trying to look smart by combining "refute" and "repudiate," Palin's verbal faux pas became an Internet sensation.
Nice.

That Palin Can't Dance

I'm just going to say that no matter what you think the fact that Brandy got voted off DWTS over the other Palin simply says that the end of the world is coming.

Really.

Mu Performing Arts + Cowboy Versus Samurai

Wednesday, November 17, 2010



The Guthrie Theater presents
a Mu Performing Arts production of
Cowboy Versus Samurai
by Michael Golamco
directed by Randy Reyes


The lives of the only two Asian Americans in the tiny town of Breakneck, Wyoming, are turned upside down when the beautiful Veronica Lee, a Korean American teacher from New York City, moves to town. Cowboy Versus Samurai is a romantic comedy that re-imagines the Cyrano de Bergerac story in which the "nose" is race. This production features actors John Catron, Sun Mee Chomet (Macbeth), Kurt Kwan (Mu's production of Yellow Face) and Sherwin Resurreccion (M. Butterfly).
Ticket Prices

Tue, Wed, Sun Evening; Weekday Matinees $22
Thu Evening; Sat & Sun Matinees $26
Fri & Sat Evenings $30

This Just Isn't Hello Kitty

Tuesday, November 16, 2010



Usually I don't post things people send me that I could care less about it - but in this case I'll make an exception simply because this picture just isn't the way to get Hello Kitty back on the radar (wait...did it ever leave?)

And yes - if you don't know these White People I don't blame you (and you can be White too): Ashlee Simpson and hubby Pete Wentz.

Yup. He looks thrilled doesn't he?

Kyle Chu, Mr. Hyphen, And Tell Me More

Monday, November 15, 2010



Mr. Hyphen, a signature event of Hyphen magazine, celebrates Asian-American men who are committed to strengthening their communities through a contest structured like a beauty pageant. The prize is a $1000 donation to the winner's nonprofit organization. Host Michel Martin speaks with winner Kyle Chu, a self-proclaimed "queer Chinese-American and San Francisco native," to learn why he chose to compete, how gender and racial stereotypes have affected him personally, and what social changes he strives to accomplish for the Asian-American community [...]

Welcome and congratulations.

Mr. KYLE CHU (Winner, Mr. Hyphen 2010): Thank you so much. It's a pleasure to be here today.

MARTIN: How are you describing the contest? I mean, I didn't feel right about beauty contest, but I didn't know what else to say, 'cause beauty is part of it - or handsomeness. How did you describe it, and why did you want to participate?

Mr. CHU: The reason I applied is I can actually attribute it to a really positive internship experience with the Center for Asian-American Media, which is the organization I represented. I wanted to show my appreciation for them in proportions larger than a fruitcake, I guess.

(Soundbite of laughter)

MARTIN: Okay.

Mr. CHU: And so I feel like Hyphen was a great fit for that because Hyphen magazine and the Center for Asian-American Media have parallel mission statements in that they both want to attest to that diversity of the Asian-American experience.
Listen to it in full down at NPR.

Far East Movement + The Tonight Show

Monday, November 15, 2010



Sure, we may all still feel the fallout from the Conan/Leno fiasco but hey - it's still the Tonight Show and just in case people weren't aware now they know FM aren't White Guys (and remember - I do love my White People - but that last part really is important because some people think we just can't rock a stage).

Btw - I think I have to give the Lopez Tonight performance the nod over the Tonight Show - it just felt better right?

Mike Le, Eddie Kim, And More On That KTown Reality Show

Monday, November 15, 2010

Random Notes On The MSP Asian Film Festival

Monday, November 15, 2010

If you haven't noticed, this thing I loosely call a blog hasn't gotten a lot of love over the past couple of weeks (and the last month wasn't what I'd call a blog-a-thon either) and while it's chastised me from afar - hey - I was seeing a bunch of film and meeting some great people.

So how did the first MSP Asian Film Festival go?

Here's my breakdown.

  • Anurag Kashyap has some intense fans.
  • Mark Tang's Open Season was packed and if you haven't gotten to see it - you really should.
  • Apparently Portland people really do have some spunk (and yes I have pictures to prove it).
  • There's only so many people you can reach in a limited amount of time and in The Cities as great as the communities are, sometimes getting them all together isn't as easy as you might think. But isn't that true anywhere?
  • See Enemies Of The People.
  • I can watch a long film and I'm not saying I could do any better - but I gotta tell ya - Poetry was a long MF film. Good. But make sure to bring in some popcorn and possibly someone to cuddle with who you can keep on saying things like "I could be watching people getting blown up downstairs at The Legend Of Chao Fa but since you've forced me to watch this, I think I should at least get to cop a feel."
  • The Legend Of Chao Fa + Stars from Thailand = Really Good Crowds.
  • Does Asian, or Asian American Film bring in more audiences? I can't really tell you, but I think overall you have to have both because that's just the way we roll.
  • Panels really can turn in to roundtables.
  • I don't know what those special drinks were at the Closing Night - but I did have a few of them - and yes - they were tasty.
  • From what I hear - this just might be going down next year...who knows too - maybe with a lot more of a slant too.

And now back to your regular TV schedule.

Released: Aung San Suu Kyi

Monday, November 15, 2010



This has been a long time coming and to be honest, when I caught the news over at a friend's house, I thought two things:

1. Finally.

2. What happens next? What does this mean for Myanmar (aka Burma)?

I don't think anyone - especially me - really knows what it means and how things will play out for her in the future, but this, at the very least, is a start.

From CNN:

Freed activist Aung San Suu Kyi pledged Monday to keep working toward restoring democracy and improving human rights in Myanmar, saying she is not concerned about being detained again in the future.

"Actually, I don't think about it," Suu Kyi, who was released from house arrest Saturday, said in her first comments to CNN. The 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient has spent 15 of the past 21 years under house arrest for her dogged opposition to authoritarian rule in Myanmar -- which she calls by its former name, Burma.

"I may be detained again," Suu Kyi said, noting she's been in and out of house arrest over the last two decades. "I just do what I can do at the moment," she said.

"We have to work together," she said. "That is the main message. Those inside the country have to work together and also those supporters outside."

Suu Kyi had much the same message for her supporters Sunday, telling them in a speech, "I'm not going to be able to do it alone. You've got to do it with me. One person alone can't do anything as important as bringing change and democracy to a country."

"We would like to form a network of people working for democracy," she told CNN Monday, and said she would like to open a dialogue with "those who are in a position to do something, to change the situation in Burma for the better."
Apparently she hasn't had any contact with Myanmar's military leader and head of state Gen. Than Shwe and probably won't be seeing her children anytime soon as they still haven't gotten visa's to visit her - so that dialogue is still ongoing.

Statement By The President

While the Burmese regime has gone to extraordinary lengths to isolate and silence Aung San Suu Kyi, she has continued her brave fight for democracy, peace, and change in Burma. She is a hero of mine and a source of inspiration for all who work to advance basic human rights in Burma and around the world. The United States welcomes her long overdue release. Whether Aung San Suu Kyi is living in the prison of her house, or the prison of her country, does not change the fact that she, and the political opposition she represents, has been systematically silenced, incarcerated, and deprived of any opportunity to engage in political processes that could change Burma. It is time for the Burmese regime to release all political prisoners, not just one.The United States looks forward to the day when all of Burma’s people are free from fear and persecution. Following Aung San Suu Kyi’s powerful example, we recommit ourselves to remaining steadfast advocates of freedom and human rights for the Burmese people, and accountability for those who continue to oppress them.

Pacquiao Beats Antonio Margarito

Monday, November 15, 2010

Just in case you don't really follow boxing, here's some news you still might want to know just so you can be in the know.

[...] Pacquiao added to his lengthy legacy Saturday night by defeating a taller, stronger and more desperate Antonio Margarito before 41,734 at Cowboys Stadium. Margarito of Tijuana, Mexico, had five inches and 17 pounds on Pacquiao, but by the end of the WBC super welterweight championship, the big guy was beaten up by the little guy.

Margarito emerged a bloody mess. Both eyes were virtually swollen shut from Pacquiao connecting on 411 power punches. One judge had Pacquiao winning all 12 rounds, while The Post had him winning 11 of 12.

"This was the hardest fight of my boxing career," Pacquiao insisted. "He was a lot bigger than me. I tried to fight him toe-to-toe, but he's really a great fighter with a big heart." [...]
So I guess there's only a couple of things left to do...

It's up to Floyd Mayweather now to decide whether he wants to fight Manny Pacquiao and settle once and for all who is the best boxer on the planet.

Pacquiao had said the fight would be "good for boxing" and his promoter Bob Arum is willing to make another attempt at reaching a deal. The only holdup appears to be Mayweather and whether he really wants to fight the Filipino slugger.
Get in full here.

Better Luck Next Time: Anh "Joseph" Cao

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

He was a first.

Now he's not returning.

I don't know whether to be happy or sad.

Or just a little indifferent.

It was a good run while it lasted?

P.S.

I think the above should be some sort of poetic form (and for anyone that wants to say "craptastic", I possibly might agree with you on that one).

Apparently Kinect Isn't Actually Racist (Maybe?)

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

I'm not a game console programmer, nor quite that eruditic (and yes, that's my own made up word based on a word which somehow doesn't always sounds like a word), but this is my thought on the "Is Kinetic Racist" issue that I know you've thinking about (because who in their right mind wouldn't be?):

If you need lot's o' light for your console to recognize people with dark skin, I'm just wondering if the people that actually made the recognition software weren't quite thinking about anyone else but White People therefore begging the question of if the people behind the recognition software rather than the gaming console itself are a little racially insensitive (even if some of them were POC because I honestly don't know and let's just say it for the record that you can be a POC and still be MF clueless - and I'll include myself in that one at times).

And just for the record - I don't know about you, but I don't know a lot of gaming consoles that rounded up "The Jews" (somehow the word anthropomorphism comes to mind).

Random Quote From A Former President

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

"It hurt," Bush said. "You can disagree with my politics but don't ever accuse me of being a racist."
Linkage

The Story: Manny Pacquiao

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Get Loaded With MYX Down At UC Davis

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

I Like You Rishi Chandra (And Sometimes NPR)

Tuesday, November 09, 2010



Sure, I don't know Rishi Chandra, but I can't help but feel a kinship to him if only because he's leading us into a new kick-ass world even if it's not ready for primetime.

Sorry - I couldn't help that.

On a recent visit to Google's offices in Mountain View, I sat down with Chandra and one of the Logitech boxes to see how it worked. He pulled out a very lightweight keyboard connected to the TV and pressed a button. A search box appeared on the screen.

"Anyone who understands the web understands this notion of being able to type in where you want to go, and we'll help you get there," he says as he types out a search for the spoof newspaper The Onion — one of Chandra's favorites. "The Onion actually has a great set of video content online," he tells me.

Chandra clicks on the link, and a list of Onion videos pops up. He clicks on one, and a mock-serious newscaster fills the 40-inch screen. Chandra and I sit back on comfortable chairs and laugh as the announcer says, "Just ahead, The Huffington Post has launched a new print edition featuring articles torn out of other newspapers."

Other fans of online video may find, as I did, that this is a vast improvement over sitting at a desk chair hunched over a computer. Of course, I was just getting a show from a Google employee.
Listen (and read) in full down at NPR.

Chinky Cartoon Yellow Face Or Just A Little Cute?

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Jeff Yang, Superman, Bernard Chang, And Getting Your Superhero On

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Again - that's just some sweet DIY.

And you know you want to listen.

visualizAsian is back for November with a killer fun live conversation, an hour with Jeff Yang and Bernard Chang on the role of superheroes and comics, and why there aren’t many Asian American superheroes.

The chat will be Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 7 pm PT, 10 pm ET, and if you haven’t registered for a visualizAsian call before, you can sign up in a jiffy.

These two guys are eminently qualified to speak about Asian Americans as well as comic books and superheroes:

Jeff Yang is the Asian Pop columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, and one of the leading lights of Asian American pop culturedom. We’ve run into him at AAJA conventions, where he’s moderated panels galore over the years. He’s been on the forefront of Asian American pop for years. We first knew his name as the editor of the gone-but-not-forgotten pioneering AsianAm publication, A magazine. He’s also written pop culture compendiums that are musts in every AsianAm library (Eastern Standard Time is one). His latest project, as editor-in-chief of “Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology” is so cool he and his crew of co-editors, writers and artists are getting to do a second volume.

Bernard Chang is one of a handful of notable Asian American artists working in comic books. He’s worked on both Marvel and DC superheroes, and he’s currently one of the artists drawing the most venerable superhero of them all, Superman.
What's up vizualizAsian?

CAAM Goes Jennifer Hayashida At The Flaherty Film Seminar

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Millions The Series + Sexy Party Time

Tuesday, November 09, 2010



I haven't actually been able to get to the site itself, but I'm thinking it's just a glitch - check it often - and make sure and check out the YouTube channel.

Sexy Party Time

Gwendoline Yeo Has Her Mouth Wide Open

Tuesday, November 09, 2010



I can't make it to this - but you - you might be able too for the Opening Weekend.

Gwendoline Yeo's Laughing with My Mouth Wide Open

Starring Gwendoline Yeo, also featuring Dennis Delsing
Directed by Mark St. Amant
Produced by Gaalan Michaelson
(The Black Dahlia Theatre)

A sharply observed and riotously funny celebration of Yeo's cultural journey from Singapore to America, and from family identity to self-identity and womanhood, accented by her performance on the Chinese long zither (“gu-zheng").

Saturday, November 20 @ 8 pm or Sunday, November 21 @ 7 pm

EL CENTRO THEATRE
804 Santa N. El Centro Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90038
(2 blocks north of Melrose, between Vine and Gower)

Hot Track: Siow + We Were

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Nice.

You've Been Honored: East West Players

Tuesday, November 09, 2010



Just ask yourself this simple question - when the hell did you ever get honored for anything?

Exactly.

Now bow the MF down.

East West Players (EWP), the nation’s premier Asian American theatre, was awarded the Heritage Award at the 9th Annual Autumn Festival on Saturday, November 6, 2010 held at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA.

The 9th Annual Autumn Festival celebrates the cultures of China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. At each of the Aquarium’s cultural festivals, an outstanding leader in the community is honored with the Heritage Award. Cecile Fisher, Vice President of Marketing for the Aquarium of the Pacific, was there to host the awards ceremony. Jan Perry, Los Angeles City Councilwoman of the Ninth District, presented the award to Tim Dang, Producing Artistic Director of East West Players, after she performed a Japanese dance to open the ceremony.

“We are honored to have been presented with the Heritage Award for the work we’ve done in our community,” says Tim Dang. “East West Players is about telling stories, especially from the Asian Pacific American community. We always try to bring entertainment, education, and enlightenment in our main stage productions and educational programs so our neighborhoods can feel that much more in touch with each other.”

The weekend was a flurry of activities and featured live music and dance performances, cultural arts exhibits, and children’s crafts. Throughout the weekend artisans and other vendors displayed and sold their works. Various ethnic entrees were also presented.

Kina Grannis + Back To December

Tuesday, November 09, 2010



It's Tuesday.

You need a little music.

Jean Quan: We Won't Know Until We Know

Saturday, November 06, 2010

Straight outta the Asian American Action Fund:

Will Oakland elect its first Asian American Mayor? We’ll find out on Sunday after a razor-close election.

As I write this, Oakland City Councilmember Jean Quan leads former California Senate Pro Tem Don Perata by just over 1,800 votes (51 percent to 49 percent) — but up to 15,000 votes have yet to be counted.
Read it in full here.

An Open Letter To Real K-Girl

Saturday, November 06, 2010

Dear Real K-Girl,

I just want you to know that if you read that last Open Letter To Imaginary K-Girl -- it wasn't actually me who wrote that.

Well, I mean, it was me, but it wasn't actually me who was writing that.

In fact I'd kind of like to come to my own defense and just say that I think it was written under duress (sometimes I wonder if that's really a word btw, because it kind of sounds like "undress" which I know makes absolutely no sense whatsoever when it comes to wondering if it's a real word, but I think you already know I don't make sense all the time).

To be honest -- I think there was an imaginary gun pointed to my head with someone forcing me to write it.

I'll even go so far as to say that I was also possibly drugged.

Maybe even tied up as well.

Are you buying any of this btw?

No?

Not even a little?

Yeah - I probably wouldn't either so I guess I should just say what I've come here to say --

What these posts are really about.

We all have these pictures of who we see in our mind sometimes about who we'll be with, the perfect moment, these things that you just think should be.

We all have them somedays.

But honestly?

They all pale in comparison to you.

This woman, this touch, the way your hand found mine that one evening when I dropped you off even though we both weren't quite sure at the time -- the way you look when I pick you up in the dead of night because I just can't wait to see you for another day and because it's just fun to drive around with embers and ashes and cracks in the windows - and those long conversations, those late night whispers, drive-by kisses and skin against skin:

They're so much more than anything I could have ever possibly imagined.

An Open Letter To Imaginary K-Girl

Saturday, November 06, 2010

Dear Imaginary K-Girl:

I figured as I was doing my laundry right now it might be a nice time to write you this letter, in part, because even though you're imaginary, I still feel the need to tell you things - and honestly - I've been kind of busy lately, and I feel bad that I haven't told you all the things I really want to say to you.

So here it goes....

First, I just want to say that you're perfect.

I mean really perfect.

Movie perfect.

Son Ye-Jin in "A Moment To Remember" perfect.

And that I also love you.

I mean really love you.

Like the type of love I can only express through a Hallmark card (because as you know, I'm not a man of words when it usually comes to my feelings).

I know it may not be true love, in part because you're just a fiction of my imagination, but it's love nonetheless.

And I feel it -- so it has to be real.

And if I could?

Well --

I might even marry you (although imaginary J-Girl might not really care for me anymore if we're married, but honestly, she hasn't really been around lately and the last time we were supposed to meet she stood me up and I just didn't think that was nice of her to do even if she really did have a prior engagement that she forgot about).

But here's the thing - we kind of need to keep it low key, a little bit more so than we have - and I know what you're going to say -- it's really me who needs to tone it down because you're not the one professing your love from rooftops to people you don't know and that I'm actually the loud one in bed who wakes up the neighbors.

But I figure there's no "I" in imaginary coupledom.

We're a team.

And sure, no one can actually see you, but that doesn't matter to me --

Because you're perfect.

And I love you.

I really really do.

But....

And I don't know how to say this - so I'm just going to say it.

You're kind of making Real K-Girl a little jealous and I'm not really sure how to handle that and I know what you want to say - and I kind of agree - even though I love you - you are imaginary - and it does beg the question of how sound Real K-Girl is if she gets jealous of you Imaginary K-Girl.

In fact, come to think about it, she's even jealous of Unicorn Girl.

Who in their right mind would be jealous of Unicorn Girl?

And the more I think about it - I'm actually a little peeved - because I'm no one's fool - there's no ring on this finger - no one controls me. No one tells me who I can and cannot see.

I'm a Big Cat.

And the Big Cat needs to roar.

In fact....

I'm gonna tell Real K-Girl exactly what I think about this whole situation....

O.K.

I'll see you soon.

Yours.

Indiana University Students Gather After Recent Attacks

Friday, November 05, 2010

People - can you all please stop fucking around with my student folks? And by fucking around I mean robbing and slinging racial slurs their way?

Students packed a room on Indiana University's campus Wednesday night. They talked about racial concerns after Asian American students were hurt, robbed and called racial slurs by two African Americans while walking on campus early Sunday morning. Justin Sohn is an Asian American student and says he isn't surprised by the comments, but he is shocked by the robbery, "The racial comments happen all the time. It's something that as an asian american you learn to live with." [...]

Police say their investigation does not show the students were targeted because of their race, even though racial slurs were used during the crime.
Again, when will people actually get the fact that when someone commits a crime against someone else and starts breaking out the racial epithets that yes - it actually is a crime based on racial prejudice and that yeah - they were probably targeted because of their race?

I'm kind of thinking maybe never?

Get a clue.

Boston Asian American Film Festival 2010

Friday, November 05, 2010

And if you're in Boston next week make sure and check out the BAAFF 2010 as it's going to have a lot of great films including: The Things We Carry, AOKI, The People I've Slept With, and Today's Special - so definitely get on out and enjoy the show -- because remember - DIY just doesn't happen - it needs you too.

The Boston Asian American Film Festival (BAAFF), presented by the Asian American Resource Workshop (AARW), aims to educate, interact, and engage the Greater Boston community on Asian American social and cultural concerns.
Get more info down @ http://www.aarw.org/baaff2010

Cool.

Page Turner And The Sexy Nerd Party

Friday, November 05, 2010

While this week has been busy and I'm not expecting a ton of posts this week (and has that really been any different from the last few weeks - no - no it hasn't) - I wanted to make sure and post this up:

The Sexy Nerd Party: Page Turner Kick-Off with Fred Ho and Das Racist
Featuring drinks, music, dancing and guest appearances by Tao Lin, Richard Price, Lorraine Adams, Nami Mun, Karan Mahajan, and others.
Live music by Fred Ho and Das Racist
Saturday, November 6, 8-11pm
Chambers Fine Arts, 522 West 19th Street, NY, NY
$40 entry / $60 for two


Sorry, pal. If you're a writer or if you're Asian American, odds are you were once a nerd. Don't be ashamed--you're all grown-up now and besides, thanks to Andre 3000, Tina Fey, and Google, nerd chic is in. So, throw on your most festive attire and stumble over to the swankiest Asian Art gallery in New York, where we'll have drinks and dancing. You can support your favorite nonprofit by gazing shyly at the cute red-haired girl across the room, getting drunk in the presence of writers likeTao Lin, Richard Price, Lorraine Adams, Nami Mun, and Karan Mahajan, and dance awkwardly in the corner with your favorite sexy nerd. Featuring jazz legend Fred Ho and hip hop ensemble Das Racist as musical guests. You bring the sexy, we'll bring the nerd. Admission comes with free sexy nerd glasses.

PAGE TURNER: The Asian American Literary Festival
Featuring Susan Choi, Tao Lin, Tan Lin, Das Racist, Richard Price, Tim Wu, Henry Chang and others!
Sunday, November 7, 11am-6pm
Literary Awards Reception 6-7pm
powerHouse Books, 37 Main St Brooklyn, NY, NY


Hey, let's you and I create the next Asian American intellectual milieu. The Workshop's premiere festival will feature more than twenty writers to create a brainy and eclectic literary space. Hear Richard Price, author of Lush Life and The Wire, talks shop about the Lower East Side with crime novelist Henry Chang. Marvel at well-known writers reading their best work that got rejected by literary journals. And take a break at our cozy upstairs mezzanine space--we're calling it The Hangout and it's where we'll have Asian American superheroes, drunken scrabble, and more. It all shakes down at the hottest bookstore in New York.

Featuring Meena Alexander, Gina Apostol, Henry Chang, Samantha Chanse, Susan Choi, Thomas Sayers Ellis, Luis H. Francia, Sarah Gambito, V.V. Ganeshananthan, Fred Ho, Young-ha Kim, Myung-mi Kim, Hari Kondabolu, Amitava Kumar, Tan Lin, Tao Lin, Jerry Ma, Karan Mahajan, Cate Marvin, Nami Mun, Manijeh Nasrabadi, Wena Poon, Richard Price, Iraj Isaac Rahmim, Bino A. Realuyo, Akhil Sharma, Roger Shimomura, Sung J. Woo, Tim Wu, Jeff Yang, and Monica Youn.
http://pageturnerfest.org/#pageturner