It's Wing. It's Young. And It's Huie

Saturday, January 30, 2010



Got this passed my way and wanted to make sure and post it on up.

The Macalester College Art Gallery is pleased to announce the exhibition "Identity and the American Landscape: The Photography of Wing Young Huie."

Designed as a travelling exhibition and career survey, it includes photographs from multiple projects spanning Huie's career as a photographer and public artist. The exhibition includes works from Frogtown: Photographs and Conversations From An Urban Neighborhood, Lake Street USA, Looking for Asian America: An Ethnocentric Tour and new images from the upcoming University Avenue Project along with photographs from smaller scale, and perhaps, lesser known projects. The exhibition originates at Macalester College and then travels to Kalamazoo, Michigan.

http://www.macalester.edu/gallery/

Best Thing Ever

Saturday, January 30, 2010



h/t/ Alpha Asian

Become A Development Intern For CAAM

Friday, January 29, 2010

You know that I know that your mom knows I have a treasure trail - which obviously leads to some good shit - and while that has absolutely nothing to do with this post whatsoever - I couldn't help but just let that finally be said.

Again.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Center for Asian American Media

POSITION: Development Intern
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: February – April 2010
TIME COMMITMENT: 15 – 20 hours per week
SALARY: Unpaid; college credit may be available

JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Center for Asian American Media seeks a motivated, enthusiastic and dedicated individual who is passionate about Asian American and Asian media to assist the Development Department in facilitating corporate sponsor, partner and member benefits and coordinating all corporate sponsor, partner and member-related activities for the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) and its annual San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (SFIAAFF), which takes place March 11 – 21, 2010. This position is best suited for an individual willing to share and gain skills in the areas of event planning, fundraising and community relations.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:
• Works with the Development Team to implement sponsor, partner and member benefits (including creating signage and sponsor on-screen slideshow and resizing sponsor and partner logos for the Festival website)
• Coordinate and oversee the delivery of all incoming sponsor and partner materials (including sponsor banners, giveaway items and donated goods)
• Provide on-site logistical support at special events during the Festival
• Assist with various aspects of CAAM’s 30th Anniversary (including marketing and overseeing the production of commemorative poster)
• Assist in post-Festival wrap-up reporting
• Provide general administrative support (including filing, database entry and mailings)

QUALIFICATIONS:
The Development Intern should have excellent communication and organizational skills, thrive in a rigorous, high-energy work environment, and possess adaptability, initiative and high-pressure problem-solving skills.

Fluency with MS Office software and Adobe Photoshop is required. Experience with Final Cut Pro or iMovie a plus. Must be Mac-proficient.

TO APPLY:
Please send a resume and cover letter by January 22, 2010 to Shelly Kim, Member Services & Donations Manager, 145 9th St. #350, San Francisco, CA 94103 or via email to shelly[at]asianamericanmedia[dot]org. No phone calls, please.

ABOUT CAAM: The Center for Asian American Media is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting stories that convey the richness and diversity of Asian American experiences to the broadest audience possible. We do this by funding, producing, distributing and exhibiting works in film, television and digital media. CAAM is an equal opportunity employer.

Hot Track: Do or Die - The Vox Merger f/ Rexx Banner And Far East Movement

Friday, January 29, 2010

Got this sent in my way and wanted to make sure and post it on up - because seriously - it's a hot MF track.

Do or Die



Here's also the track Reasons by The Vox Merger



Thanks Dan

Apparently The Recommendations Of 4 Out Of 5 Doctors Was Really Wrong

Thursday, January 28, 2010

As someone I was talking too so aptly put - 4 out of 5 doctors will tell you that if a star in a Korean Drama has cancer they're probably going to die.

Thank you Korean Drama for not following those recommendations.

h/t CJ

Get Your DIY Music Video Contest On (Aka SFIAAFF And The 3rd Annual DIY Music Video Contest)

Thursday, January 28, 2010

It's about that time - and yes - you really do want to get on out and support the community by kicking to their launch party (and if you do I'll personally hug you - but please shower beforehand and don't worry if you see me running towards you at full speed in a bear suit. I'm needy and like to play dress up).

28th SFIAAFF and 3rd Annual DIY Music Video Contest Launch Party
Co-Presented by SFIAAFF and Locus@KSW
Thursday, February 11, Doors: 8pm
111 Minna Gallery, 111 Minna Street, San Francisco
$10 21+ Free for CAAM Members

The 28th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (SFIAAFF) running March 11-21, 2010 is right around the corner! Be one of the first to pick up the program guide at the official Festival Launch Party!

This year the Festival combines forces with Locus@KSW to kick off the 3rd Annual Toyota DIY Music Video Contest the same evening. Be among the first to see a slate of new Asian American music videos, vote for your favorites, and hear live bands!

The DIY Music Video teams are competing for a spot in the 28th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival and an exciting prize provided by Toyota. Your votes will determine which video makes it to the film festival! The two-week long voting period begins online at asianamericanmedia.org immediately following the launch party.

The DIY Music Video Teams

Richard Gali / Melvin
Mark Jaramilla / Mandeep Sethi and Hopie $pitshard
Jim Espinas / Bantercut
Melissa Hung / The Invisible Cities
Elaine Kwok and DB Cheng / Jenn Grinels
Dean Matsueda and Joe To / Goh Nakamura

featuring the sweet sounds of the PEACHES DJs
SIMILAK CHYLD
DEEANDROID
THAT GIRL

Sponsored by TOYOTA™

Vote For 8Asians For Best Group Weblog

Thursday, January 28, 2010



For the second year in a row the crew down at 8Asians is one of the five finalists for Best Group Blog in the 2010 Bloggies along with The Huffington Post, Lifehacker, Serious Eats and Momversation - and as you might expect - 8Asians is also one of the few Asian American blogs that have ever been nominated for the category.

So get on out and vote.

Feb 5-7: San Francisco Arts of Pacific Asia Show

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Got this sent on in (thanks Treanne) and wanted to make sure and post it on up:

SAN FRANCISCO ARTS OF PACIFIC ASIA SHOW IS A TOP DESTINATION FOR COLLECTORS, CURATORS AND ART INVESTORS FROM FEBRUARY 5-7, 2010

Landmark Asian Art Fair is an Anchor Event for San Francisco's New Cultural Arts Week 'Arte Du Monde'

Opening Night Benefits the Asian Art Museum Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Arts Culture

The 14th Annual San Francisco Arts of Pacific Asia Show (SFAPA) returns to the Fort Mason Center February 5-7, 2010. One of the top Asian Art Shows in North America, the upcoming 2010 show will bring 85 vetted private and international galleries to the Bay City. In recent years the SFAPA has been growing a following of Asian Contemporary galleries and collectors in addition to the existing roster of museum-quality antiques. The SFAPA is a once-a-year opportunity to view collections from private galleries that are predominantly by-appointment-only.

Echoing a trend towards contemporary Asian works the SFAPA is one of the only art fairs that visually demonstrate the roots of modern Asian art and the evolution of art in Asia. Due to the breadth and quality of items on display from Mainland and Pacific Asia, the SFAPA is an ideal opportunity for collectors, art investors, museum and arts professionals to purchase new items on the marketplace, spot trends and evaluate the state to their own collections.

Antique and contemporary Asian pieces continue to fetch respected prices in global auctions. These arts continue to be solid short/long term investment for the coming year. In June 2009, Antiques Roadshow appraised an antique collection of Chinese jade for $1 million, their highest appraisal to date. With most experts advising that art collecting is one of the better investments in this recession, novice art investors are interested in purchasing for the first time. Visitors to the San Francisco Arts of Pacific Asia Show have the opportunity to speak and engage with the most knowledgeable Asian art specialists in the world in a welcoming environment.

The 2010 San Francisco Arts of Pacific Asia Show will feature a special exhibit of brush paintings by celebrated writer and art expert Vichai Chinalai. Inspired by Chinese calligraphy, Heart of the Brush uniquely combines writing and painting and will be on view and available for purchase throughout the duration of the show. The paintings reflect the artist's Thai-Buddhist background and encompassing interest in Asian philosophy & art.

The San Francisco Arts of Pacific Asia Show is an anchor event for Arte Du Monde, a week-long celebration of the cultural arts in San Francisco. Arte Du Monde will feature educational programming and event for local and visiting cultural arts enthusiasts. For more information, please visit www.artedumondesf.com.

The San Francisco Arts of Pacific Asia Show will host an Opening Night Preview and Benefit for the Asian Art Museum's Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Arts & Culture. Taking place Thursday, February 4th, 2010 the Preview is considered a staple on the San Francisco social calendar. The gala routinely draws collectors, political officials, business executives, socialites, curators, design and arts professionals as well as arts enthusiasts. A colorful and entertaining evening, the preview features lively music, dancers and is catered by Dan McCall & Associates.

General admission for The San Francisco Arts of Pacific Asia Show is $15 per person. The show is open to the public Friday February 5, from 11:00am-7:00pm; Saturday, February 6, from 11:00am - 7:00pm; and Sunday, February 7 from 11:00am-5:00pm. There will be no admittance after 4:30pm on Sunday. There is a special Opening Night Preview to benefit the Asian Art Museum Chong-Moon Lee Center on Thursday, February 4 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Preview Night Tickets are $85 for Asian Art Museum members and $115 for non-members. Please call (415) 581-3788 or email apa@asianart.org to purchase for the opening night benefit preview.

The Arts of Pacific Asia Show is held at the Festival Pavilion at the Fort Mason Center, which is located at the intersection of Buchanan Street and Marina Boulevard in the Marina District of San Francisco. For additional information, the public should call (310) 455-2886, or visit www.caskeylees.com.

About Caskey Lees Inc.

Since 1985 California based Caskey Lees Inc. has produced high-end vetted antiques and fine arts shows. The production team of Bill Caskey and Elizabeth Lees is widely recognized for refining and expanding the art & antique shows to a new level in this country. Caskey Lees Inc. produces six shows annually; three in New York City, one in Los Angeles and two in San Francisco. For additional information about upcoming shows please visit www.caskeylees.com.

About the Asian Art Museum

The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is one of the largest museums in the Western world devoted exclusively to Asian Art, with a collection of over 17,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years of history. The museum is a public institution whose mission is to lead a diverse global audience in discovering the unique material, aesthetic, and intellectual achievements of Asian art and culture.

AAIFF Entries And Your Final Deadline

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Got some info sent in as a reminder that while the early deadline has passed for AAIFF 2010 entires - you still have about a month until the final deadline.

Your friendly reminder.

Just a quick note that January 27 marks the early deadline for submissions to
the 33rd Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF'10). Films submitted
online and postmarked by today can still save on their submission fees. The
categories now accepting submissions are:

* Narrative Features
*
Documentary Features
* Short Films
* Music Video
* Screenplays
*
Works-In-Progress
* Youth Films (by filmmakers under 20)

Early
Deadline: January 27, 2010 (postmarked)
Final Deadline: February 24, 2010
(postmarked)

Submit through Withoutabox at
www.withoutabox.com/login/5751 to receive $5 discount

For complete
details please visit: http://www.asiancinevision.org

We are also holding
a National Festival Tour Cinema Me short film contest for non-professional,
aspiring, and emerging filmmakers to submit a short film – under five minutes –
completed between the periods of November 9, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
Contestants have chance to win a Grand Prize of $3,000 provided by Toyota.
Finalists also have a chance for screening at the 33rd Asian American
International Film Festival, New York City, July 2010. Deadline to enter is
April 30, 2010.

For more information please visit:
http://asiancinevision.org/nationaltour.html

ABOUT ASIAN CINEVISION (ACV)

Asian CineVision, Inc. is a
not-for-profit national media arts organization dedicated to the development,
promotion and preservation of film and video arts by and about people of Asian
descent. Founded in 1976 by Hong Kong cinema legend Tsui Hark, Oscar-nominated
director Christine Choy, Danny Yung, and Peter Chow, ACV began as a media
activism organization. The organization continues to serve the Asian American
community by promoting the works of Asian and Asian American filmmakers, and
providing a window to the diverse experiences and livelihoods of the Asian
diaspora. For more information on ACV, please visit www.asiancinevision.org.

ABOUT THE ASIAN AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL FILM
FESTIVAL (AAIFF)


AAIFF is the first and longest running festival in the
country devoted to showcasing films created by media artists of Asian descent
and about the Asian community. Founded in 1978, AAIFF continues to be a leading
showcase for Asian American film and video. In addition to panels, workshops,
and film receptions, this year's festival will feature the work of over 50
filmmakers during the weekend of July 23-26 across three locations: the
Clearview Chelsea Cinemas, SVA Theater, & the newly renovated Museum of
Chinese in America. For more information on AAIFF '09, please visit
www.aaiff.org.

You Know What Korean Drama?

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

All I'm saying is that while I'm glad they finally got together, there's only 2 1/2 episodes left and she's still got cancer and I don't think she's going to make it out alive. Now I could be wrong, but all I'm saying is that this is going to be a little cruel - and I'm talking about for me here - if she actually does.

Just putting it out there...

Retro Kero One And El Gambina

Monday, January 25, 2010

Ghost In The Rain

Monday, January 25, 2010

Some Monday Night Kana Nishino

Monday, January 25, 2010

KAFFNY 2010 Program

Monday, January 25, 2010

SHORTS COMPETITION

The Last Mermaids
Directed by Liz Chae

A Green Mountain in the Drawer
Directed by Hwa Jun Lee

His Name Is Trevor
Directed by Kim Seuk Hwan

A Cup of Coffee
Directed by Lee Young Woo

Maley from India
Directed by Jang Jaehyun

Hide and Seek
Directed by Chih-Wei Chang

My Four Inch Precious
Directed by Sou Yun Sim

Crippled
Directed by Ien Chi

SHORTS

L’Asilo di Brea
Directed by Dae Hoon Kim

Une Vie Merveilleuse a Paris
Directed by Sungmi Park

The 8th Samurai
Directed by Justin Ambrosino

Duelers
Directed by Min Oh

A School Rep
Directed by Park Sang-Joon

One Night in LA
Directed by Jon Maxwell

Deli
Directed by Hosik Kim

The Tin Soldier
Directed by Jennifer Cho Suhr

Familyship
Directed by Yoon Hye-Ryeom

Meet Parents
Directed by Yang Jun-ho

Our Knight
Directed by Eugene Yi

FEATURES

Make Yourself at Home
Directed by Soopum Sohn

Munyurangbo
Directed by Lee Isaac Chung

Thirst
Directed by Chan Wook Park

Going Home
Directed by Jason Hoffman

Rumor Has It...And We're Really Comparing These Two?

Monday, January 25, 2010

  1. No, I'm not MacRumors, but I did read some gossip in North By Northwestern that says maybe John Park is one of the lucky dozen. It's a spoiler but it's probably not true anyway...
  2. I know Anoop is rooting for John Park, but do we have to link them together? And yes - don't kid yourself - the fact that they both have an a cappella background doesn't mean squat...

Yes, That Really Was Andrew Garcia From YouTube On The Previews For American Idol Tomorrow Night

Monday, January 25, 2010



And yes again - that really was Randy saying how great he was. And one more time, yes, that's the same Andrew Garcia doing the Knock You Down cover* with Cathy Nguyen.

*And yes just one last time, there are still more 2009 In Review posts coming because it's still January, and that's how I roll.

SFIAAFF 2010 Sneak Preview

Monday, January 25, 2010

From the CAAM website:

The Center for Asian American Media invites you and a guest to a
special sneak screening of the 28th San Francisco International Asian American Film
Festival
.

Tuesday, January 26th
6:30PM – Light Reception
7:15PM – Screening

Dolby Labs
100 Potrero Avenue,
San Francisco, CA

Street parking available: Map

THIS SCREENING IS FOR CAAM MEMBERS ONLY. PLEASE RSVP BY FRIDAY,
JANUARY 22ND. To join CAAM or for more information, visit us online at http://asianamericanmedia.org/or email us at
membership[at]asianamericanmedia[dot]org.

Special thanks to:
Dolby Labs
Kirin Brewery of America
Lolonis Winery
Maharani

An Open Letter To My Asian American Penis

Monday, January 25, 2010

Dear Penis,

First I just wanted to apologize because honestly – I haven’t really done much for you lately. Sure, we’ve had some fun, but Thanksgiving came last year and I didn’t actually thank you or even give you a pat on the head, then there was Xmas and there weren’t any presents for you under the tree much less even your own stocking, and when New Years rolled around, I didn’t even try and kiss you under the mistletoe (I think in part though because I’m just not that flexible, not because I don't want to).

I guess when all is said and done, I should really just say Thank You.

Thank you for not being a Jackie Chan sellout penis.

Thank you for being a penis that doesn't use the word "Negro" (and just between us, I can only imagine what Harry Reid's penis really says late at night).

Thanks for being a penis who does it for the love so I don't have to cut a check and figure out penis union worker dues.

Thank you for not being a penis that posts up pictures of The First Lady and then tweets "Wow he has to wake up to this every morning" (aka Scott Baio penis).

And most definitely - thank you for not being a penis owned and operated by NBC - because who the hell knows where I'd find you then.

But the most important thing I have to thank you for? What I'm most grateful about?

Thank you for not being a White Penis.

Not that there's anything bad with White Penis mind you, but if one day I looked down and you were a White Penis, I would think something went terribly wrong and then I would have to start calling you penis of Dr. Moreau and I just don't think that would be good for anybody.

So penis of mine, penis of the API community, my Asian American penis, penis who loves phở, bulgogi, those tasty little side dishes, a hot bowl of ramen --

Thanks for just being you.

O.K., I'll see you soon.

Me.

Ideas From The Land Of Dumbass: The All White Basketball League

Monday, January 25, 2010

I betting this doesn't take off like Don hopes it does:

Don “Moose” Lewis says his idea of an all-white league is not racist. He says the game has evolved now into high flying entertainment, which is very athletic, and is missing the true fundamentals of basketball.

Don “Moose” Lewis, on the phone: “Our style of game is going to be a fundamental-based game because we have to have a quality form of basketball that basically suits the talent of the players playing in the league.“
I don't even think Pau "I love all you chinky bastards" Gasol* would even join that league.

And that's saying a lot.

*The answer to your question is No. I never get tired of reminding Lakers' fans about who's actually on their team and how tarnished that championship really is...

The SEC, Henry Hu, And Being A Prophet

Monday, January 25, 2010



Who: Henry Hu.

Why: His 1993 article "Misunderstood Derivatives: The Causes of Informational Failure and the Promise of Regulatory Incrementalism" which basically told us how FUBARd we'd be.

Think AIG.

Where he's now: Getting used to his gig heading the Division of Risk, Strategy and Financial Innovation - aka RiskFin - down at the SEC.

Random Thought On Picture: I think he wants ice cream. With sprinkles.

Sunday Night Ayu

Sunday, January 24, 2010

AAA-Fund And Finding A Campaign Job

Sunday, January 24, 2010

From my friends down at the AAA-Fund for all the folks that want to get a little more politically involved:

Ever wonder what it's like to work on a political campaign? Want to know how to become a political consultant, a pollster or press secretary?

AAA-Fund invites you to a professional development panel to learn how you can get involved in this critical 2010 political cycle. Speakers are Anil Mammen, Parag Mehta, Madalene Mielke, Shripal Shah, and Ed Yoon, with moderator Irene Lin.

DATE/TIME: Tuesday, January 26, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m

LOCATION: DNC Wasserman Room, 1st Floor
430 S. Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC

RSVP REQUIRED: Seating is limited, so please RSVP to
info@aaa-fund.org.

MORE: http://www.aaa-fund.com/?p=4045

Asian American Students Association's Date Auction for Charity

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Caught this via an alert and wanted to post up some information on it because it is going to a good cause:

Looking for love or a bit of romance?
Head over to AASA’s Date Auction ‘cause now is your chance!
We have a wonderful lineup of auctionees,
Invite all your friends or whomever you please.
The proceeds of this fundraiser are all for goodwill,
They will be going to Haiti, so please donate if you will.
For your entertainment we’re acting out a play,
A fairytale theme with the modern twist of today.
You’ll see Cinderella, the Prince, Beauty and the Beast too,
But what you’ll have to find out is who ends up with who?
Come one, come all to this lovely event,
Your charitable bids will be money well spent!


UM’s Asian American Students Association presents: “All You Need is Love,” a date auction with a fairytale theme that will raise money for the relief efforts in Haiti.

Save the Date: Friday, February 5, 2010. Doors open at 6:30pm, and the auction and theatrical performance will begin at 7pm (Don’t get there late or else Cinderella’s carriage will turn into a pumpkin!)

Location: Clarke Recital Hall at UM’s Frost School of Music

[What is a date auction?] A group of AASA members have graciously offered to auction themselves in order to raise money for charity. Anyone can bid on any individual, and the winning bidder will have the opportunity to go on a date or just hang out with his or her auctionee. The winning bid will be donated to charity.

[Don’t want to bid on an auctionee?] No problem! Come out to watch the play. This year’s theme is a modern, humorous take on Disney fairytale classics.

[Where do I buy tickets and how much do they cost?] AASA members will be selling tickets at the breezeway in front of the UC from February 1 – 5. They are $5 if you buy them in advance and $7 if you buy them at the door.
While I don't know all - or any of the members for that fact from this student association - I would like to caution them from having lots of White People bid on what I'm guessing are Asian Americans because even for a good cause when you have a lot of WP buying up Asian Americans, I'm not really sure if the good outweighs the bad.

So with that in mind - Asian Americans down in Miami - get on out in full force and support the cause by bidding on your own people so they don't have to spend even one night of indentured servitude.

Speaking Out In Richmond

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Always nice to read articles about people making sure that when the conversation roles around to POC and the racial demographic that we're getting included in the mix.

FYI:

"We have new people, we have a burgeoning Asian population and Latino population," said Reggie Gordon, CEO of the Greater Richmond chapter of the American Red Cross. "I've been to countless meetings where they've said, 'Hello, we're here too!' The black and the white thing is our past, but our future is a different mosaic."

Malik Khan, spokesman for the Asian American Society of Central Virginia, concurs. He said other minorities bring a healthy dose of objectivity to the conversation.

"We're neither white nor black, we're Asian," said Khan, a native of Pakistan who moved to the U.S. in 1973.

Getting Your Japanese Glee On

Sunday, January 24, 2010



Caught this via the Asakawa Hotness Blog (aka Nikkei View) and wanted to post it up here as well.

Nice.

Random Note To People Who Have No Idea Who John Cho Is

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Get a fucking clue because when you say things like "I had no idea who John Cho was" - it makes you sound like a douche.

That's it.

Justin Chon's Great Adventure

Sunday, January 24, 2010



Definitely an interesting article I was reading out in the Korea Times about Justin Chon including the following quotes:

Chon is regarded as being part of a new generation of Asian-American actors, who portray non-typecast characters ― being neither the agile Bruce Lee nor the nerdy Long Duk Dong (``Sixteen Candles'').
Nice to see that at least other people around the world are getting it. Now if we could only get some studio execs to see it too than we might be on the road less traveled by Tom Cruise Imitations (which coincidentally also has the acronym TMI, but I guess in this case could also be TMC as in Too Much Cruise, but then I wonder if people would get that confused with the television channel...).

While adequate roles for Asians are lacking, Chon suggested that Asian-American artists themselves ― filmmakers, actors, producers ― are also responsible.

``I went to an Asian film festival and the movies playing there were like `Joy Luck Club 20,''' he said, explaining that many Asian-American works have not evolved much since the 1989 book-turned-movie, ``Joy Luck Club,'' which portrays cultural and identity conflicts.
While I don't quite agree with what Chon says - because there's some great API film out there - we do always seem to come back to some JLC (which you know makes me weep).

Read out the full article here.

A Quick Letter To White People Who Know Nothing About China And U.S. Relations

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Dear White People Who Know Nothing About China And U.S. Relations,

First, I'm not saying that there aren't White People who don't know anything about the politics between China and the U.S.,
because there obviously are, but as an FYI to those WP who think they do but really don't - and you're trying to show how erudite you are about the topic with someone who actually knows what they're talking about and keeps on correcting you (and just happns to be Chinese American and happens to work in a field where it's there job to know these things) but you keep on saying things like "But when I was in Thailand I heard..." - you kind of look like a dumbass. There's nothing wrong with being a dumbass because hey - just look at me - but it doesn't really help with the all too pervasive image of the White Person Who Must Know Everything Especially If It's Something About Asia.

And while I know some of you will take this the wrong way, you really shouldn't because I'm just trying to help out and do my part for the White Community.

Because I'm a giver.

All the best,
Slanty

P.S

Yes it's true that I can't help listening to other people's conversations.

Random 2010 Winter Olympic's Post: Mirai Nagasu

Saturday, January 23, 2010

I don't know about you, but at sixteen I was just hoping I didn't wet myself.

You're An Executive Director And You Want To Go To Harvard (And You Also Like Asian People)

Saturday, January 23, 2010

I wanted to re-post this up from the Asian American giving site because it looks like a great opportunity for any Executive Directors of NPO's:

The Harvard Business School Asian American Alumni Association (HBS4A) will be sponsoring a full tuition, room, board, and materials scholarship for a non-profit executive director to attend the Strategic Perspective Non-Profit Management Program at Harvard Business School this July.

HBS4A was founded in 2003 as the first Asian American alumni club from a top MBA program and was also the first to launch an Asian American non-profit leadership scholarship program.

Previous organizations which have benefited from the HBS4A scholarship include the New York Asian Women's Center in 2006, the Chinese Community Center in Houston in 2007, the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association of Philadelphia in 2008, and the Chinese Information and Service Center of Seattle in 2009.
If you know of an executive director at a non-profit organization which benefits the Asian American community, please direct them to the scholarship website for more information!

You Be The Judge: Is Justin Lin "Retarded" For Making Asian American Films?

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Forgetting the fact that they're a part of the beautiful people (who we all love to hate - and by we I mean me), the crew from YOMYOMF really does have some great looks into Asian Americans and media simply because of where they sit.

Here's a snippet from Justin Lin's recent post "Am I “retarded” for making Asian American films?":

“For a group of people that are supposed to be good at math, you guys must be retarded to keep making Asian American films.” That is a direct quote from a conversation I had with a veteran film producer last week about one of my upcoming projects. But before you make any judgment, you need to know that he is Asian American.

Such remarks are not uncommon from a lot of Asian Americans working in the industry. In fact they tend to be some of the loudest naysayers and, at times, biggest obstacles on anything ‘Asian American’ (I will get to that on another day). That being said, I do understand his point. He was referring to Asian American cinema as a business. “Screw business!” you might say, but the reality is that filmmaking is a collision between art and commerce (even the cheapest of films will cost more than your average Mercedes). And within the context of Asian American films, the big elephant in the room has always been its business viability. “It’s a young man’s game,” a filmmaker once told me about Asian American films, “it’s fun to talk about representin’ and stuff until you get a mortgage.” And as a business it definitely makes no sense.
Read it in full here.

J.R.A. (aka JR Aquino): Exposure

Saturday, January 23, 2010



I've posted up in the past on YouTuber/Musician JR Aquino and he's got a new album out called "Exposure" which you can pick up down at Amazon and soon iTunes. Check more out down at his YouTube channel.

May Lee-Yang And "Ten Reasons Why I'd Be a Bad P0rn Star"

Friday, January 22, 2010

Don't kid yourself - you'd go just to see what the free giveaway and prizes would be.

Ten Reasons Why I'd Be a Bad P0rn Star
Written & Performed by May Lee-Yang
Directing and Dramaturgy by Ka Vang
Creative Consulting by Molly Van Avery


In "Ten Reasons Why I’d Be a Bad P0rn Star", May Lee-Yang employs comedic storytelling, on-site sex toy demonstrations, and some cultural competency training as she explores marriage, porn, romance novel fantasies, and how to talk about sex in the Hmong culture (a definite no-no). All performances will include giveaways and prizes.

Performance Schedule

Friday, January 22 at 9:30pm
Saturday, January 23 at 9:30pm

Tickets: $15; Students/Seniors - $12
For tickets, call 612-339-4944 or visit http://www.illusiontheater.org/.

This play is part of the 2010 Lights Up! Series that runs from January 19-24, 2010. The Lighthouse Group returns with the 5th Annual Lights Up! Series, which gives up-and-coming artists the opportunity to create new work. This year’s developing work will be performed in repertory and will include "A Candid World" and "Ten Reasons Why I’d Be a Bad Porn Star."

Join us for one or both of these exciting new works - See both shows for $20 with a 2010 Lights Up! Series Package! Call 612-339-4944 or visit http://www.illusiontheater.org/ for more information or to reserve your tickets.

Location: Illusion Theater
528 Hennepin Avenue – 8th Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Corner of Hennepin and 5th /6th Street
1.5 blocks from Gay 90s

Children Of Invention On YouTube

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Definitely some great news passed in my way - especially if you've never seen Children Of Invention (but then again you've probably already picked up the DVD...):

TZE CHUN'S "CHILDREN OF INVENTION" AMONG FIVE SUNDANCE FILMS TO LAUNCH YOUTUBE RENTALS

Sundance/YouTube Collaboration Is Next Step In Film's Ongoing Hybrid Distribution Strategy

Park City, UT - Tze Chun's CHILDREN OF INVENTION , one of the most-awarded and best-reviewed festival films of 2009 will be among the five Sundance features to launch YouTube Rentals, the company's new foray into online video-on-demand rentals. The film, about two young children left to fend for themselves when their mother gets embroiled in an illegal pyramid scheme, will be available for rental exclusively at YouTube during the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, which runs January 22 to 31. Additionally, in the tradition of a post-screening Q&A, Chun will be posting video blogs to answer some of the questions that viewers ask in the "Comments" section.

"We're very excited to be taking part in this initiative," said Chun. "YouTube gives us exposure to the largest online video audience in the world, and allows us to engage directly with the community of people interested in our film. CHILDREN OF INVENTION isn't the type of film YouTube is traditionally known for; it's a heartfelt family drama that's built not only to entertain, but also to move the viewer. And at 86 minutes long, it's probably 85 minutes longer than most videos YouTube users log on to watch. But we're hoping that the YouTube audience, as well as viewers new to YouTube, will see this as a paradigm shift--we hope that they will come to the site to get immersed in a film for an hour and a half, and have the type of experience that one usually reserves for the theaters."

Starting with their first festival after Sundance last year, the filmmakers have been utilizing the film's critical acclaim and press attention to self-distribute DVDs while on the festival circuit. "Our goal has always been a release strategy that embraces the exciting shifts in audience behavior," Chun said. "And we cannot think of a more perfect partner than the freethinkers at YouTube and Google. After premiering at Sundance last year and playing over 40 festivals, we are happy to come full circle back to Sundance for our online VOD premiere. We hope that this new YouTube platform will bring filmmakers one step closer to reaching their audiences, and let audiences see what truly independent film is capable of!"

Producer Mynette Louie added, "This Sundance-YouTube partnership is totally in line with our hybrid distribution philosophy for this film: capitalize on festival publicity, retain as many rights as possible, and challenge the existing release windows in the hopes of establishing better, more flexible distribution options for indie films." Louie and Chun were recently named in Ted Hope's list of "21 Brave Thinkers Of Truly Free Film."

In yet another example of shifting distribution windows, CHILDREN OF INVENTION will be self-released theatrically in Boston on February 26, and in New York and Los Angeles on March 12. The New York release, facilitated by Variance Films, is a joint, or "DIWO" ("Do It With Others"), release with Dave Boyle's comedy WHITE ON RICE, another festival darling of 2009.

CHILDREN OF INVENTION is available for rent on YouTube from January 22-31 at http://www.youtube.com/childrenofinvention. For more information about the upcoming theatrical release in Boston, New York, and Los Angeles, or to purchase a DVD, go to www.childrenofinvention.com.

There will be a press conference about the YouTube/Sundance initiative on Friday, January 22 at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. Details are below:

WHEN: Friday, January 22, 2 p.m. MT
WHERE: The Yard, located at 1251 Kearns Blvd., Park City, UT 84060
WHO: YouTube spokespeople, including David Eun, VP of content partnerships, and participating Sundance filmmakers along with John Cooper, Director of the Sundance Film Festival
WHAT: An informal conversation followed by Q&A
RSVP: Rachael Horwitz, rhorwitz@cutline.com or 206.290.5334

Be In A Margaret Cho Music Video

Wednesday, January 20, 2010



Margaret Cho & Friends – plus music video shoot!

I’m doing one last Margaret Cho and Friends show at El Cid in February. We’ll be filming the audience during the show, as part of the video for “Eat Shit and Die,” the song from my new album that I wrote with Grant Lee Phillips.

Please come and be a part of it! It’s gonna be a lot of fun and at the helm will be the amazing Liam Sullivan!! Liam has signed on to direct videos for my record, which I am so thrilled about – so if you always wanted to be in a music video, and you are fans of me and Liam – it’s gonna be a dream come true. We are doing a 1920s extravaganza and if you come dressed in 20s attire, we will put you front and center, and you will get a free Revolution DVD. And I am sure you will look super cute too. So please come and join us in this very very special event. I will be performing, along with some special guests, we will film me, we will film you – it’s gonna be amazing!!!

Native Son: The Sacramento of Joe Wayne Fong

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Getting Your Seattle Leadership Conference On

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Executive Development Institute (EDI)
Date: Saturday, January 30, 2010
Time: 7:30am - 1:30pm
Location: Asian Counseling and Referral Service
Street: 3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S.
City/Town: Seattle, WA

This conference is for Asian Pacific professionals and will provide a rich networking and learning forum, with culturally tailored, interactive training, to jumpstart your 2010 leadership journey. Conference will feature keynote speaker Chee Chew, Engineering Director, Google, Inc.

Register at http://www.ediorg.org/
Early bird registration (before January 15, 2010) = $50
Registration after January 15, 2010 = $65

Workshop Information (select 2 workshops when registering)
Session I: Risk Taking: Making Changes Happen
Instructor - J.D. Hokoyama, President & CEO, LEAP

Session II: Straight Talk for Tough Situations
Instructor - Vanna Novak, President & Owner, Speak to Persuade

Session III: Re-Invent Yourself: Shape Your Authentic Brand and Energize Your Career
Instructor - Colleen Yamaguchi, Leadership Coach & Consultant

Obama Nomination Profile: Judge Lucy H. Koh

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Judge Lucy H. Koh: Nominee for the United States District Court, Northern District of California

Judge Lucy H. Koh currently sits on the Superior Court of California for the County of Santa Clara, the state's trial court of general jurisdiction. Prior to being appointed to the bench by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2008, she was in private practice in Palo Alto, where she was a litigation partner representing technology companies in patent, trade secret, and commercial civil matters. Prior to her work in private practice, Judge Koh was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Central District of California. She is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Korean American Bar Association of Northern California. Judge Koh received her B.A. from Harvard University in 1990 and her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1993.

Asian Americans Supporting Conan O'Brien

Wednesday, January 20, 2010



Eddie Kim, Angry Asian Man, Karin Anna Cheung, Dante Basco, and "like a BILLION" other people.

Nice.

Vent Magazine Trailer: The C.R.E.A.M. Issue

Wednesday, January 20, 2010



Check more out on Facebook.

Excerpts from Grace Rowe's "The Grid Life"

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

I've posted up in the past on Grace Rowe and I was checking out what was new on YouTube and stumbled on this video with excerpts from her one-woman show "The Grid Life".

Definitely worth the watch (albeit NSFW).

Shania Twain Wants To F*** John Park (And I'm Sure JYP Wouldn't Mind A Crack At Him Either)

Wednesday, January 20, 2010



If John Park doesn't make it to round number whatever - whenever - you can bet your ass he's going to have a long career in a SK boy band because you know JYP is watching...

h/t antisocial-ladder

Alexa Chung Goes Madewell

Wednesday, January 20, 2010



From across the poind, to the PR folks, to the inbox, and now on to you.

Alexa Chung is many things: TV personality, model, DJ, writer, photographer, downtown-cool style icon, best-dressed-list mainstay . . . and now she can add fashion designer to the list. She’s is partnering with Madewell, the heritage denim label that’s part of J.Crew Group, to create an exclusive collection—her first-ever collaboration with any label—due to debut fall 2010. Chung will translate her widely admired aesthetic and irreverently sexy tomboy look to this limited-edition Alexa Chung for Madewell collection, which will include covetable jeans and a tightly-edited group of key pieces to wear with them. The collection will be sold through madewell1937.com - which will also be launching ecommerce this spring - and in Madewell stores nationwide. Chung will also be the creative muse and face of the collection for a planned fall ad campaign.

“I’m very excited for my first collaboration and thrilled that it’s with Madewell,” says British-bred Chung. “This partnership came together organically and is a great fit as the brand is so classic and really encompasses my style. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the team and I can’t wait for my friends to wear it!”

The evolution of the relationship between Madewell and Chung was a natural one: When the Madewell team, already inspired by Chung’s innate style, learned that Chung, in turn, was a Madewell fan (and a regular at Madewell’s Soho store), they knew their mutual admiration could be spun into a partnership fusing their creative sensibilities.

“Alexa’s style is inspiring and inventive, yet unbelievably approachable and down-to-earth,” says Madewell design director Kin Ying Lee. “The way she puts everything together is so spot-on—and so perfectly Madewell. What excited us the most about Alexa is that she has such a clear point of view, and she enthusiastically brings that to the collection.”

In the lead up to the collection’s launch, the latest developments about the collection will be tweeted by Chung at twitter.com/madewell1937, and additional updates will be posted on madewell1937.com.


About Madewell

Originally founded in 1937 in New Bedford, Massachusetts as a traditional work wear label, Madewell was reinvented and relaunched in 2006 as a modern-day heritage denim purveyor under the J.Crew Group (NYSE: JCG) by J.Crew Group Chairman and CEO Millard "Mickey" Drexler. The vintage-meets-modern influence of the line draws from Madewell’s historic roots. In addition to denim, a full range of downtown-cool clothing and accessories is also on offer. Each Madewell piece has an easygoing feel and is designed to pair back to denim to create an individual, inspired look. Madewell currently has 17 stores across the U.S., including a flagship in New York City's Soho. Madewell's website, www.madewell1937.com, will be launching ecommerce in mid-2010.

About Alexa

Born in central England, 26-year-old television personality, writer, model and style icon Chung started her career in London after attending art school. She moved to New York City in 2009 to launch her widely acclaimed live daily MTV talk show It's On with Alexa Chung, and was quickly lauded for her inspirational style in the pages of Vogue. In her free time, Alexa serves as a contributing editor to British Vogue, enjoys scouring for vintage, taking photos, watching MAD MEN and singing bad Karaoke.

Seven Predictions For 2010

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

A guest post I wrote up for the good folks down at Bicoastal Bitchin.

  1. Jon Goselin sheds sixty pounds, enters a Cbruhs “Don’t Be A Douche” Clinic, gets a new reality TV show, and forever after when Cbruhs sees The Goz with another woman she falls to her knees and weeps to herself thinking “Why not me Lord?!!!! Why not me?!!!!!”
  2. Every time this happens she finds a shiny new quarter on the ground next to a stick of gum and always decides that Stride doesn’t actually last that long and that leprechauns should be more careful with their gold.
  3. Sarah Palin inexplicably starts reading (just the comics mind you) joins Fox News, and forever after is known as the lady who gets scared of Asian people.
  4. For a moment I think I become psychic.
  5. Sono Sion teams up with Park Chan-Wook to create a 12 hour epic where a priest turned werewolf takes upskirt videos to avenge his father’s death who’s actually his sister that had a sex change in Iran with the U.S. remake deftly titled Sono Sion teams up with Park Chan-Wook to create a 12 hour epic where a priest turned werewolf takes upskirt videos to avenge his father’s death who’s actually his sister that had a sex change in Iran.
  6. Much to the chagrin of its teen star Justin Bieber, it lags behind Avatar in total ticket sales.

And my seventh prediction for 2010

Alone in a dark alley as I'm cupping my balls praying that I can still have children the echos from my attacker screaming at the top of her lungs "I did it for you Jon! I did it for you!" haunt me for months to come...

Lots a love to the Bicoastal Bitchin crew and best of luck in 2010.

SFIAAFF: It's Coming

Tuesday, January 19, 2010



Stay tuned for our program release on Tuesday, February 9, 2010, announcing the line-up of feature films, documentaries, shorts programs, and panel discussions. The 28th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival promises to be the most exciting to date, featuring a dynamic and forward-looking selection of the best in Asian American and new Asian cinema. Ranging from locally produced films to thrilling films from the Philippines, Japan, Thailand, and China.

Tickets will go on sale beginning February 11 for CAAM members and February 15 for the general public.

Catch the 28th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival running March 11th through the 21st in San Francisco, Berkeley, and San Jose. For information, visit www.asianamericanmedia.org.

Some Leejay And Passion

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Another First: Susan Shin Angulo

Tuesday, January 19, 2010



Sometimes it's the little things that might actually be bigger than we think:

Newly elected Township Councilwoman Susan Shin Angulo took part in her inaugural Council meeting tonight, and, in being sworn into office, made an historic debut as New Jersey’s first Korean-American woman to win a seat in government. According to the Center for American Women and Politics in Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute of Politics, she is the only female government official of Korean descent currently serving in any of the state’s elected public offices.

Getting To Know Debra Suh

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Saw this post up on Disgrasian about CPAF Executive Director Debra Suh and wanted to make sure and post up the link as it's a definite good read.

Name: Debra Suh

Hails from: Los Angeles

Occupation: Executive Director of the Center for the Pacific Asian Family, a non-profit organization recognized nationally for its pioneering work in domestic violence and sexual assault in the Los Angeles Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community.

Known for: Fighting violence with action and reprzentasian. In addition to her work with CPAF, Suh serves as the Board VP of the statewide coalition, California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, and as a Speaker of the Assembly appointee to the California Emergency Management Agency’s Domestic Violence Advisory Council. She has won the Durfee Sabbatical Award and KCET/Union Bank Local Hero Award. Before joining CPAF in 1999, Debra worked as an attorney at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles where she established the API Unit. She was a past president of the Korean American Bar Association and Women’s Organization Reaching Koreans.
Read it in full here.

Are The Haitian Adoptions Of Childen Of Color More Symbolic Than Anything Else?

Tuesday, January 19, 2010



I'm all up for people helping out in the time of need especially during a natural disaster when the damages to a country who's economy is already fragile is in the billions - but it's headlines like Quebec holding new Haitian adoption requests over child smuggling fear that begs the question of what type of help is really needed.

Kids need homes.

No one's going to argue against that.

No one should be arguing against that.

But what about the implications of race? What about the implications of the majority of these kids probably being placed into White families as Children Of Color who grow up into Adults Of Color with I'm assuming little thought to that fact right now?

What if that child actually wasn't an orphan?

What if they were a part of a larger human trafficking ring?

I have to wonder if these adoptions of children of color might be more symbolic than anything else considering the following statement in an article from the NY Times today:

It normally takes three years to adopt a child from Haiti, because of a lengthy process required under Haitian law. The Haitian government has had reason to be cautious; there are about 200 orphanages in Haiti, but United Nations officials say not all are legitimate. Some are fronts for traffickers who buy children from their parents and sell them to couples in other countries. “In orphanages in Haiti there are an awful lot of children who are not orphans,” said Christopher de Bono, a Unicef spokesman.
With the U.S. now loosening its policy on adoptions in Haiti because of the earthquake, with that policy affecting roughly 900 children the question becomes this:

Does that number of children affected by this policy change outweigh what might be used and exploited as an open door for child trafficking?

I'm not going to say that there aren't other things to think about. I'm not going to say that it's a simple topic to dissect - race, adoptions, foster care - especially on a larger global scale - but I have to think - at least right now - that the answer to the last question is no.

Gwendoline Yeo, Stories On Stage, And Asian American Identity

Tuesday, January 19, 2010



Caught this post down at the Nikkei View on Gwendoline Yeo and wanted to post up some of it up here as well:

We saw an awesome theatrical performance over the weekend, as part of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts‘ “Stories on Stage” series of dramatic literary readings. The performance was a draft of “Laughing with My Mouth Wide Open,” a work in progress. It’s a one-woman show by Gwendoline Yeo, an actress and musician from Los Angeles whose script is an autobiographical look back at her life as an Asian American who immigrated as a child from Singapore.
Read it in full.

Visual Crunch And MYX

Tuesday, January 19, 2010



I've had this sitting in my inbox for a little bit (thanks Yick) but wanted to make sure and post on up about a new show on MYX called Visual Crunch which documents out the independent spirit exhibited by young Asian Americans in art, media, and entertainment, who's guests this season include people like Vienna Teng, Mike Relm, Blue Scholars, Scott Teng, and Melissa Reyes.

What is Visual Crunch?

Visual Crunch is a weekly 30-minute show on MYX. It presents the best indie music videos, and reveals how low-budget producers create high-quality works of art! Hear straight from the directors and producers who take on this monster, as they share their experience of turning music into a music video.

Check out the teasers of the show:
http://myx.tv/channel/video/27/visual-crunch

When will Visual Crunch be aired?

Premiere: Thursdays 2000 PT/ 2300 ET, starting January 21st

Laotian American Organization And Refugee Nation

Tuesday, January 19, 2010



Refugee Nation is finally coming home (thanks Leslie).

A mother lives in the darkness of a South Los Angeles apartment. An Army General struggles to forget a lost war. A son battles in the streets of urban America. Refugee Nation is about a young generation struggling to understand their history and the silence of an elder generation still healing from the traumas of the U.S. waged Secret War in Laos during the Vietnam War era.

More than just a telling of Laotian American history, the two-person performance eloquently touches upon crucial issues relating to the refugee experience, assimilation, generation gap, and mental health by interweaving drama, film, music, and audience interaction. The result is a product that not only brings to light the hidden stories of Laotian Americans around the U.S., but one that is able to unite people from all types of backgrounds, ethnicities, and histories by relaying the ideas of change, loss, struggle, healing, and the unrelenting strength of the human spirit.

As we welcome a new decade, the Refugee Nation continues to grow. With the certainty of new refugee arrivals coming from the Middle East, what can we learn from the wounds of a war 30 years ago that are still yet to be healed?

The event is free and open to the public. The show will run for 60 minutes and will be followed by a 30-minute Question and Answer session with the artists.

Official Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=265547966604

Parking information: Ackerman Grand Ballroom is conveniently located next to UCLA Parking Lots 9 and 6. All day parking permits may be purchased at the parking kiosk on Westwood Blvd. & Strathmore for $10. Pay by space parking is also available in Lot 6 at the same daily rate.

For more information, please contact Leslie Chanthaphasouk at laoatucla@gmail.com or 714-383-4543.

The following event was made possible through the following campus partners: Campus Programs Committee, USA/BOD Programming Fund, UCLA Asian American Studies Center, UCLA Center for Southeast Asian Studies, and Critical Asian Pacific Islander Students for Action (CAPSA).

On The Clock Episode 3

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Community Channel, Inappropriate Behaviour, And Sentimental Toys

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Because That Was A Kick Ass Speech

Monday, January 18, 2010

Everyone Wants Long Lush Asian Hair

Monday, January 18, 2010



I'm not saying we don't have long lush beautiful Asian hair (or can't, because I did rock that ponytail for a while) although I'm not really saying there's a secret to it either (other than you know - just being MF Asian) - however - what I am saying is that if you're going to use us to sell one of your crap ass products why not at least put a picture of us actually on the advertisement?

If you're selling a way to give non-Asian people the attributes of Asian hair I'd think you'd at least want to show your customers what they would be getting (and again not to belabor the point, but if you want Asian hair, you need to be Asian, or you need to pay me for some hair - and just an FYI - it's double for everything below the belt - because that's some good shit people).

I mean you've already co-opted us to sell your product - why not just go all the way?

I think it's marketing 101.

Chance Pe Dance

Sunday, January 17, 2010



While we all know I can't dance myself it never stops me from watching people who actually can, and while it's not the LXD - it's not bad either.

Love. Struggle. SMS Voting.

Sunday Night Becky And BoA

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Becky - 心こめて - (Kokoro Komete)



BoA - まもりたい - White Wishes

The Style Network, Jeannie Mai, And How Do I Look?

Sunday, January 17, 2010



If anyone should have the authority to tell you how good - or how bad you look - it should be Jeannie Mai because let's face it - we all knew back in the days of the now defunct AZN TV's Stir who one of those emerging stars would be.

Or at least who looked the best.

Check out How Do I Look Saturdays @ 8/7c on The Style Network.

Some Random Faces From Project Runway

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Jay Nicolas Sario



Ping Wu

Who Moved My Kimchi: Getting Your Young Professionals Conference On

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Admit it - you'd go to this conference for the name alone.

Slamdance: Gul And Adnan Hussain

Sunday, January 17, 2010

"Gul" (flower) A short film by Adnan Hussain (Trailer 2) from Adnan Hussain on Vimeo.

Synopsis:

Gul, a young girl, is awakened by her mother's dying breath. She struggles to recall her past. A child's view illustrates conflicts between abuse, self determination, human rights, and the environment. Her world manifests through visual poetry. Raw, expressive, painted style computer animation is scored with masterful Sindhi Folk music from the villages of Pakistan. With all that she finds, can love create hope in the face of oppression?

Director Bio:

Adnan Hussain spent his formative years in the US and Pakistan. A childhood fascination with writing combined with a diet of comics, cartoons and books warped his brain forever, leaving him no choice but to do animation. After years of visual effects and animation work, "Gul" marks his directorial debut.

War Story:

The music for "Gul" took me to Sindh, Pakistan. False leads were hit before vital contacts made it happen. In the end, it was easy to connect the musicians to the emotions of “Gul” and the way they expressed it with music was beyond anything I could have imagined.
Screening down at Slamdance this Jan. 22, and Jan 26.

Gurinder Chadha, It's A Wonderful Afterlife, And Yes, The Bee Gees

Sunday, January 17, 2010

The Giles Li Decade Wrap-Up

Sunday, January 17, 2010

In case you've happened to miss it (and it's understandable if you're like me because I'm just happy to know what day of the week it is) definitely check out the Giles Li blog "long live giles li" for his series of decade long recaps including the following lists:

Nice.

Call For Entries: San Diego Asian Film Festival 2010

Sunday, January 17, 2010



Got this sent in from the good folks down at the SDAFF (Thanks Dan) and wanted to make sure and post it on up for all the filmmakers out there doing their thing because you'd be lying to yourselves if you said you never wanted anyone to see your films except for your grandmama and that scary guy that looks into your windows with binoculars.

And yes.

I'm always watching you*.

The San Diego Asian Film Foundation (SDAFF) is proud to announce its 2010 call for entries. SDAFF will celebrate its 11th annual film festival season to an estimated audience of more than 18,000 during 8 days of film, panels, and exciting special events.

The San Diego Asian Film Festival is competitive, seeking entries in the following categories: narrative feature, narrative short, documentary feature, documentary short, and animation. An independent jury selects winners in each category, along with the Grand Jury award, which are announced at the Festival’s Gala Awards Night on Saturday, October 23, 2010. Festival programmers also select a first-time filmmaker to receive the George C. Lin Emerging Filmmaker Award, which is accompanied by a $1,000 prize.

Films/videos submitted must be directed or principally acted by an artist of Asian or Pacific Islander descent; or whose subject matter relates to Asian or Pacific Islander culture.
  1. Early Deadline: April 30, 2009 ($25 Submission Fee)
  2. Late Deadline: June 11, 2009 ($40 Submission Fee)
The 11th San Diego Asian Film Festival is schedule for October 21-28, 2010 at the Mission Valley UltraStar Cinemas at Hazard Center. All rules, entry forms, application, and festival info can be found online at http://www.sdaff.org/.

The San Diego Asian Film Festival is an event of the San Diego Asian Film Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting audiences with the Human Experience through the Pan-Asian media arts.
* Except for when you're doing research by screening those "art" films. I'm doing a little more than just watching at that moment.

Vote For The Center For The Pacific Asian Family In The Chase Community Giving Program

Sunday, January 17, 2010



While voting is ending soon on January 22nd, you can still help make a difference by voting for the CPAF for the Chase Community Giving - who's now in the top 25 - where the winner will get $1 million dollars and the next five organizations in voting will receive $100,000.

Voting is simple. Just go to http://www.VoteCPAF.org.

There's Also That Reality

If you look at the Chase Giving Leaderboard, the reality is that the CPAF will need a lot more help to get one of those top six slots. I hope they can get there - and they can only get there with your help so don't take that as an excuse to say "My vote won't matter" - because it will.

Because it does.

But if they don't make that top six, I hope a couple of things:

  1. For people that never knew about CPAF that they don't just vote, but that in the long term - they donate. They become sustaining members for an organization and a cause that affects so many individuals.

  2. I hope Chase not only gives to the top six, but to the top 100 as well, even if just $10,000 per organization. While it may not seem like a lot, for any non-profit, $10,000 can go a long way, and while Chase is doing a great thing already - I think they can do more.

    I think they have to do more.

Dumbfounded: Peter Pan Complex

Sunday, January 17, 2010



Here's a link to a free download of the song.

Ailee's Shoe Game

Sunday, January 17, 2010

I first posted up on Ailee close to two years ago (yeah I know - time flies when it's Slanty Time) and I got send some information from MP3Waxx about her new single Shoe Game which has a pretty slick vibe.

Check out the video below



And yes. I realized shortly after the second post on Ailee that it was indeed a cover.

Holiday Hangover Happy Hour

Saturday, January 16, 2010



Black Sheep. CACF Action Council. Raffling steak.

I don't think there's anything else you need to know.

Because You Can Never Have Enough Videos About Pho

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Kristi Yamaguchi And Yo-Yo Ma On Faces Of America

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Kristi Yamaguchi - Part 1



Yo-Yo Ma - Part 1

Support API's On The Silver Screen And The Slant Film Festival

Thursday, January 14, 2010

We all know how important it is to promote the community on all levels and at the same time we know that with funding cuts, the economy - some guy called Madoff - sometimes we need to open up the pocket book just a little more because even just a small amount helps:



How You Can Donate

Slant needs your help to put on 2010’s festival. Because of drastic cuts in funding to arts organizations, our budget has decreased. But we can still put on a quality festival by being thrifty and creative. We just need a little help – to be exact, we need $1,500. Please consider making a donation to Slant. Donations are tax deductible and go towards paying artists and filmmakers. Any amount is appreciated.

Join Slant’s club of supporters and receive the following thank-you gifts:

$25 to $49
Free entry to all Slant events
Recognition on Slant website and printed program

$50
Free entry to all Slant events
Recognition on Slant website and printed program
Your choice of an Aurora pint glass or T-shirt

$100
Free entry to all Slant events for you and a guest
Recognition on Slant website and printed program
Your choice of an Aurora pint glass or T-shirt
4-issue subscription to Hyphen

$250
Free entry to all Slant events for you and a guest
Recognition on Slant website and printed program
Aurora Pint Glass
Aurora T-shirt
4-issue subscription to Hyphen

$500
Free entry to all Slant events for you and a guest
Recognition on Slant website and printed program
Aurora Pint Glass
Aurora T-shirt
4-issue subscription to Hyphen
Slant Culture Pack (a selection of music, writing, art and more by Asian American artists)

Send checks to:

Aurora Picture Show – Slant
1524 Sul Ross
Houston, TX 77006

Or donate online via PayPal. (Credit cards are accepted.) Thank you so much for your support of aspiring, emerging, and mid-career Asian American artists.
Let's Recap

Slant Film Festival = Supporting Strong Images Of API's On The Silver Screen.

Yes.

You Can Help.

Donate Online Now.

Getting Your Submission On: OSOJI, Ken Choy, And The Mavericks Of Asian Pacific Islander Descent

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Ken Choy and Mavericks of Asian Pacific Islander Descent announce an open call for submissions for OSOJI.

OSOJI is an innovative theater experience which will have a world premiere at Breaking the Bow 2 scheduled to be held at Highways Performance Space October 2010. Artistic groups will develop and work on individual pieces which will then be weaved together to create a larger theatrical extravaganza exploring spiritual, political, cultural, and physical cleansing. Based on the year-end Japanese ritual of housecleaning prior to the start of the new year, OSOJI will implement a multitude of artistic forms and genres.

Asian Pacific Islander groups, organizations, companies, troupes, collectives, and any and all ad hoc formations working in theater, dance, improvisation, comedy, music, API cultural expressions, and performance are encouraged to submit general proposals. Large and small; established and new are desired to collaborate on the work.

Groups should be able to create short pieces that can be performed by 3-4 representatives of the group; representatives must be able and willing to attend full rehearsals with the larger collective in order to blend the pieces together. Representatives also must be willing to share and teach artistic form to the larger collective, if applicable, as well as be open to learn other techniques and artistic expressions.

Due to venue size, a maximum of 25 individuals will participate in this endeavor.
Full details on focus of individual pieces will be released once participating companies are chosen, but a general idea surrounds the 108 sins. Artistic tone is both highly comedic, dramatic, and theatrical; more relatable than esoteric; socially significant. There will be pay.

Deadline for proposals is January 31 but earlier submissions are encouraged. Proposals should include biographical, artistic focus, and previous work information and ideas on how the project will benefit from the submitting organization. High consideration will also be given to those who demonstrate the ability and willingness for the business side of the project such as advertising, promotion, and audience attainment. If sending work samples, please send either link or attachments in a separate email. Only general concepts of pieces are asked for at this time.

For more information, please contact Ken Choy at ken@mapid.us.
And you're waiting for?

Hari Kondabolu And Comedy Central

Thursday, January 14, 2010

You've all heard me talk in previous posts about Hari Kondabolu and I got sent in some news that he'll be appearing on John Oliver of the Daily Show's new Comedy Central program "John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show" this Friday, January 15th at 11pm so definitely make sure and check it on out.

Thanks Hari!

May Ling, Someday, And Songs With A Voice

Thursday, January 14, 2010

I got sent in some info from singer May Ling about the video/song "Someday", from the project Songs with a Voice and I definitely wanted to post it on up because it has a message we should all care about.



More information on the project

Someday” a music video addressing domestic violence has achieved recognition from the 15 Minutes of Fame Film Festival in the 1:00 seating in Palm Bay Florida.

Created in conjunction with the New York Asian Women's Center (NYAWC), “Someday” is a song that brings awareness to the complexities of domestic violence. Since its launch in October, it has been used both by domestic violence support groups and high school classrooms to invigorate discussion on the topic.

“Domestic violence is often hidden behind the closed doors of perfectly ordinary, middle-class American homes,” says director Scott Gabriel. “We want to bring the issue into the public forum and make sure that people are aware that resources exist to help. We were ecstatic at the support we’ve received by the NYAWC and the outreach that others have been able to accomplish since its first showing.”

“Music has the special ability to communicate issues that people normally do not want to discuss,” said singer/songwriter May Ling. “In the 70’s, many popular songs were about changing the world for the better. In the last three decades, popular musicians seem to be increasingly sticking to lighter topics. My hope is that ‘Someday’ will inspire social dialogue and positive change. ”

The music and clips from ‘Someday’ will be featured in a new public service announcement for NYAWC on NY 1. The group has also completed a Chinese PSA and is currently working to find a station interested in donating air time. They also hope to translate the PSA into other languages and make it available in other regions to help spread the word.

When asked about what is in store for the future, May Ling responded, “I am hoping to do more songs that will motivate public activism.” Other songs, in May Ling’s collaboration with Bennett Media Studios, deal with child trafficking, the Khmer Rouge, and victims of the Sichuan Earthquake.

During their life time one hundred thousand Asian women in New York City will be abused by their partner – emotionally, financially, physically, or sexually. NYAWC helps victims overcome violence and govern their own lives, free of abuse. The Center works to raise public awareness about domestic violence, advocates for the rights of battered women, and creates an agenda for social change. The group’s 24 hour, multi-lingual help line provides assistance in 11 different languages and can be reached at 1-888-888-7702. For more information on the NYAWC, visit www.nyawc.org.

Songs with a Voice is a collaboration of artists, who combine the mediums of film and music to reach those in need and inspire activism. For more information on Songs with a Voice, visit www.songswithavoice.com.

"15 MINUTES OF FAME" is a festival of independent films produced by filmmakers from across the U.S., and around the globe. Genres range from comedy and drama, to music videos and documentaries. The festival is sponsored by local husband-and-wife filmmakers Ray & Migdalia Etheridge. There festival will take place on Jan 15-16, 2010. For more information, visit their website at: http://15minutefilmfest.com/