Even Our Friends Across The Pond Are Getting In On The Whitewashing Convo, And I'm Just Going To Call Jake Gyllenhall A Racist

Monday, May 31, 2010

So I was reading this article down at the Telegraph on the Prince Of Persia and it just sparked a few things - in particular this quote:

Jehanzeb Dar, an independent filmmaker, said: "This part really needed to go to someone who's Persian. It's not only insulting to Persians, it's also insulting to white people. It's saying white people can't enjoy movies unless the protagonist is white."
Obviously that first part should go without saying - because it should be insulting to someone who's Persian - and anyone here that's from the API community - because it's White Washing.

And that last part - well - that should go without saying too - because it is true - it should be insulting to all the White People who say they're not racist - because they should love seeing anyone in a good role even if they aren't White because I like movies where the main characters aren't Asian or Asian American - that's fine with me - it's the fact that I don't see enough Asian faces on the screen in American film that gets me (stating the obvious here again).

But that is - well - what it is.

I'm really just writing this post because now that I think of it - if you take a role in a movie that's been White Washed and you're a White Guy - you know what?

I'm not really going to call you racially sensitive.

Say it till you're blue in the face that you're not a racist, that you have no prejudice - but when you take a role meant for someone that's Asian - you just told everyone else that they can only sit in the back of the bus and that you - White Male - are going to take your rightful place in the front of the bus.

You didn't do anything to usurp the status quo - you didn't give up your seat - you kept the system running which forces POC - and specifically Asian Americans - from having equal opportunity.

Sure - you didn't shout from a rooftop at the top of your lungs "White People Only" - but you didn't need too either.

Just the fact that you took the role, said it loud and clear.

And In A Related Post (See Previous): EMT With Dan AKA Dan From After School Special

Monday, May 31, 2010

Ellie + channelAPA.com

Monday, May 31, 2010

A Quick Word On Racialicious And Carmen Van Kerckhove

Monday, May 31, 2010

I'm a little late on this - been catching up on some reading - and while you probably already know this if you're a daily reader of Racialicous - Carmen Van Kerckhove, after spending eight years online and offline talking about race and racism, is moving on in another direction.

When I first started up this blog one of the places I hit religiously was Racialious, and while I'm more of a skimmer these days and I never got to know Carmen Van Kerckhove - I'll always be grateful for the space that she created where people like me, getting a feel for what they wanted to do, could send in a link, check out a post, and just see another Asian face doing their thing in the blogosphere.

Thanks for all that you did and those that you inspired.

Nikki Haley: Pros And Cons

Monday, May 31, 2010


Nikki Haley on the right

Pros

  • She's Asian and not a White Guy (wiki love: "Her parents Dr. Ajit and Raj Randhawa are Indian Punjabi Sikh immigrants from Amritsar and she has an older brother Mitti, sister Simran Singh, and younger brother Charan").
  • Has a concealed weapons permit. I can't help it - I'm a firm believer in people being able to carry a gun if that's what you want to do (although I don't think taxpayers should have to pay if you're dumb about it and shoot yourself in the nether region - even if I have sympathy).
Cons

  • Endorsed by Sarah Palin (that's like the Godfather kiss of death).
  • Pro-Life versus Pro-Choice.
  • Loves the Tea-Party.

Ed Wang Signs Four-Year Deal With The Bills

Monday, May 31, 2010

You've heard me talk about Ed Wang before and apparently he's that much closer to actually playing in the NFL for a few years to come hopefully inspiring a lot more Chinese American - and any Asian American - to pursue their dreams of getting their ass kicked on the field (because football is not golf).

The Bills did not disclose terms of Wang's contract but local media reported it was a four-year deal [...] Following his selection by the Bills at last month's draft, Wang said he would be honored to be the first Chinese-American player in the 32-team league.
Sizeable.

J.A.M. Sessions

Monday, May 31, 2010



Got this sent in a bit ago and for some odd reason just felt like posting it up now.

People getting their free groove on.

C'mon People: Come Up With Something Better Than Boston Sucks

Monday, May 31, 2010

Do I even need to say more?

No.

No I do not.

Episode 4: Ktown Cowboys

Monday, May 31, 2010

Random Thought On Spider-Man

Friday, May 28, 2010

Why not have Justin Chon play the next Web-slinger?

Just asking...

Wear It Like You Own It

Friday, May 28, 2010



1. Who are you?

My name is Lee Le. I am a second-generation Vietnamese-American woman born and raised in Orange County, CA. My age? Nice try. I’m not telling.

2. What’s your story?

I am currently attending the California State University of Long Beach majoring in Asian Studies, Chinese Studies, and Linguistics with a minor in Anthropology. As you can see, I have a hard time choosing just one of something; I try not to go near Baskin Robbins. As a soon-to-be graduate walking into the world, my future is uncertain, but I think everyone’s is to some degree.

3. Why do you support Racebending.com and how did you learn about us?

After learning about the casting for The Last Airbender last year, I was outraged. However, there’s only so long you can discuss an issue within your circle of friends before the conversation dies. I was wondering if there was a larger discourse out there on the issue that I can participate in. That’s when I found Racebending.com on Facebook.

I’m not sure how much of a tangible difference we can make, but it is important to keep the conversation going. I’ve heard so many young Asian-Americans say that racism is no longer a relevant topic for us. I tell them to go look up what year Asian-Americans got the vote; it’s more recent than you think. I tell them to go look up Vincent Chin; it’s more heartbreaking than you can imagine. Keep the conversation alive. Social change begins with discourse; it begins with the conversation you and I are having right now.
Read it in full down at racebending.com

Making An Impact: Jessica Chau

Friday, May 28, 2010

This is a great story for a couple of reasons - one is that Boston College put a name to their Asian American Scholarship (now known as the Benigno and Corazon Aquino Scholarship) and that Jessica Chau - the recipient of said scholarship - is just someone the world should get to know.

The scholarship is given to a junior who demonstrates a strong commitment to the Asian American community at BC.

"I am humbled and honored to be awarded the Aquino Scholarship," said Chau, a sociology major from San Francisco. "If you read the biography of Benigno and Corazon Aquino, you quickly realize that they have done so much - exemplary leaders, tireless advocates. It's a humbling experience to be given an award with their names attached and a challenge to continue their work in the future."

Chau knows about personal challenge. Her family fled Vietnam on a boat built by her father and lived as refugees in Malaysia for several years before settling in the Chinese community in San Francisco.

At Boston College, Chau has established herself as a student leader, volunteering as a mentor to seven elementary school girls in the "Strong Women, Strong Girls" program. A staff member of the BC Women of Color Caucus, she also serves as political and education director of the BC Asian Caucus.
Read it aloud.

NACBA: If You're In Toronto

Friday, May 28, 2010



North American Chinese Basketball Association Tournament

In Their Own Words: Ching-In Chen And Olivewood Cemetery

Friday, May 28, 2010

Caugh this article and wanted to post some of it up where Ching-In Chen, the author of The Heart’s Traffic, talks about her poem "Olivewood Cemetery: a haibun of Riverside, California".

This poem began at a Ching Ming (grave-cleaning) ceremony for the Riverside Chinese who hadn’t been sent back to China and didn’t have descendants to take care of them. I felt a chill — of history, ghosts, untold stories, communal energy — as we gathered to read the names of the dead. The list also consisted of death causes, occupations, ages. As the roll call continued on in my head, what became clear was how much I did not know about these people. At the time, I was teaching sections for Creative Writing and we had to read Rick Moody’s “Boys,” in which he repeats the same sentence over and over, adding in different meanings by adding layers over the sentence. This made sense to me for my Chinatown dead.
Read it in full here.

Artichoke & Peachies, Mko, Memories, Grace Su, And Arden Cho

Friday, May 28, 2010

Arden Cho And Grace Su (aka peachies.net blog)

Descriptor(s): Model, blogger, filmmaker, actress, vlogger.



Mko - Memories - Energized Vocal Remix (Arden Cho)

Co-Write A Song With Kina Grannis

Friday, May 28, 2010



What?

You say you've always wanted to write a song with Kina Grannis?

Now's your chance.

Get Your Haiku On And Win Free Stuff

Thursday, May 27, 2010

I realize this is a little late in the month - but the Asia Society wants you to tell them the best things about being Asian American - in the form of a Haiku. Which - if you don't remember and who would blame you (because I can barely remember yesterday much less that a Haiku entailed) - it's a 5 syllable line, 7 syllable line, and then one last 5 syllable line like the following bad haiku:

Hi tomodachi,
Toi muon to know what you said,
Mexico in Fall?

The winning Haiku will get a CD and a book from the AsiaStore.

Cool.

Random Sandra Endo Post (Because Of JuJu Chang)

Thursday, May 27, 2010



This post sponsored in part by my curiosity of who JuJu Chang was following on Twitter -- one of them being CNN national correspondent Sandra Endo.

Jay Legaspi: Picture Perfect

Tuesday, May 25, 2010



I got word sent out my way about Jay Legaspi's debut full length CD which is out today, and after giving it a few plays all I have to say is that you should definitely get on out and give it a listen, because it's just good music that gets better with each rotation. Picture Perfect showcases what Legaspi does best -- setting the table with infectious hooks, a soul/rock vibe, and an honesty that every singer and songwriter should take a cue from.

At the same time he's taking some chances with new sounds like "Paper Shapes", "Interlude", and "Maggie" but still keeping his signature strings - backed by a fuller and more mature sound - with songs like "T-Shirt & Sweats", "Newly Made Stranger", "Untitled", and one of my favorite newest songs "Jacketlining" - which btw should definitely get picked up for a soundtrack.

Get the album at jaylegaspi.com and at iTunes.

On Second Thought

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Maybe my posts have NBA mojo after all?

Yeah. I know.

Suns knot it up and put some pressure on the Lakers.

And since neither team plays defense I'm still feeling pretty good about a Celtics championship.

Nice.

Do I Have The Post Of Death Or Something?

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

What the hell? I make that post about the Lakers and now they're ahead?

Again I ask - what the hell?

It's The Suns It's The Lakers (Guess Who I'm Rooting For?)

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

In all honesty - sure - I bash the Lakers, the people, the organization (and don't worry - I know their roots) but I get it - they might be your team and you might actually like them and sometimes you're just stuck with who you're stuck with in terms of teams - I know - and while you might think I'm rooting for the Suns - technically I am - there's a piece of me that would like to see the Lakers in the Finals.

But that's only because I'm looking for a Celtics Lakers rematch.

And Celtics beatdown.

Magnetic North & Taiyo Na: Home:Word

Tuesday, May 25, 2010



Magnetic North. Taiyo Na. Collaboration Album.

Release Date June 8, 2010.

What's not to love?

Get the sampler.

And There's A Release Party

Cover Art: Lakshmi Menon

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Rumors + Wrestling + WWE = Su Yung Drop Kicks You In The Nads

Tuesday, May 25, 2010



I don't really know much about wrestling - but apparently there's a rumor going around that the WWE has signed Memphis Wrestling's Su Yung to a developmental deal - and while you may balk at things like this - you have to admit - it still takes skill - and honestly - I wouldn't want to be dropped to ground like that because I like my back...

In Pictures: Hot Asian Americans

Tuesday, May 25, 2010



Linkage

Ellen + Dance Kid

Tuesday, May 25, 2010



I don't know if I'd want my four-year old kid grabbing their crotch on national tv impersonating someone who coincidently, might have wanted to grab his crotch - but then again - I'm not a dad. At the same time - if my kid could get me rich by grabbing his crotch on tv who am I to stand in the way of his greatness?

Again. This is why I'm not a dad.

Kid does have steps though.

The Scoop + Tinhte.vn + iPod Touch With 2MP Camera?

Monday, May 24, 2010

After posting up info on the 13-inch White Macbook right before Apple officially unveiled the product as well as posting up a next gen iphone looking a lot like the one Gizmodo had - Tinhte.vn does it again - this time with the iPod touch (which apparently has a 2 megapixel camera).

Updates: Laura Ling + Euna Lee

Monday, May 24, 2010

Some links to videos of Laura Ling on different shows:

Euna Lee's book will be coming out this fall.

Because You Wanted A Kim Kardashian And Vera Wang Picture

Monday, May 24, 2010

Interpretations: Far East Futura, Blowout Sale, Cambodian American, And Represent

Monday, May 24, 2010

I wanted to make sure and post up as many of the videos from the YOMYOMF Interpretations initiative supporting aspiring filmmakers because it's definitely a cool thing they're doing - so if you get a chance, check out the vids below.

Far East Futura
By Evan Jackson Leong featuring Far East Movement



Blowout Sale
By the filmmaking team of Timothy Kendall, Chris Marrs & Danny Pudi



Cambodian American
By Emmy Award-winner Spencer Nakasako



Represent
By Academy Award® nominated writer Iris Yamashita starring and choreographed by Phillip “PacMan” Chbeeb from So You Think You Can Dance

Because It's My Fourth Year Blogging I Give You Pictures Of Me (As A Bitchin' Toddler)

Monday, May 24, 2010

It seems like just yesterday I started up this rag of a thing I call a blog and while I could make a long post of reflections I figure I'll just give you pictures of me as a toddler in B & W because that's just somehow better (I also just took photos of photos from my iPhone so you get what you get).

Where It All Began



When I see this picture I just wonder what was on the left. Was it a giant cookie? Candy Stripers? Or maybe I was just peeing myself and I felt too embarrased to look directly into the camera. While I'm hoping it was #2, or at least #1 (or who know's maybe there was a big cookie and Candy Stripers) I'm thinking most likely I was in fact probably wetting myself.

That's Just Not Flattering



Where the hell is my right arm in this picture? What's up with those knee-highs? And why the fuck wasn't my drink filled? Apparently I had reasons not to be in a good mood at the time.

I'm Not Sure What Look I Was Going For On This One



I wonder about parents when they dress their kids because if you notice not only is my shit fucked up but the worse part of it all is that the platabearduck in the middle of my shirt is wearing a MF matching ensemble and somehow - that's just wrong (and I'm also a little surprised it doesn't have a matching platabearduck on its shirt too).

Apparently It All Worked Out Though



Snazzy.

Free Watch: HBO's East Of Main Street: Asians Aloud

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Definitely worth the watch.

http://www.charter.net/tv/tvonline/play?vid=277730&vendor=hbo

h/t bitter.sweet.asian

Gary King + channelAPA.com

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Glad to see the good folks down at channelAPA.com getting some screen time with Asian American filmmaker Gary King of What's Up Lovely, Dismal, and New York Lately (to name a few).

Getting Ready For Fall: Hawaii Five-O, Maggie Q, And Nikita

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Hawaii Five-O



Nikita

Winner! Colleen Hanabusa

Sunday, May 23, 2010

In a previous post I talked about the race involving Sen. Colleen Hanabusa and some of the resistence - or let's call it non-support - from the DCCC - but I guess when it comes down to it - you just need a little help from your friends.

Stunning the national political establishment, Colleen Hanabusa emerged as the top Hawai’i Democrat in a divisive special election for Congress. The AAA-Fund candidate’s dramatic finish makes her the odds-on favorite to win this Congressional seat in November.

“Some told us that we shouldn’t be in this race. They told us to sit on the sidelines. They thought that we were going to fail. But momentum has been on our side, and continues to build to our advantage,” said Colleen Hanabusa.

“Tonight, Colleen Hanabusa stood and delivered. Like Joe Sestak, she listened to the voters, and not to voices outside the state,” said Gautam Dutta, AAA Fund Executive Director. “We’ll continue to do our utmost to help her win this Democratic district in the September primary and November general election,” Dutta added.
Nice.

From You The Reader

Sunday, May 23, 2010

I think the readers here are like me - total voyeurs - but I thought I'd post this email on up from long-time reader J (with her permission) because at the very least - it'll make you think.

You might be interested to know I discussed the incarceration of Japanese Americans with an Asian Woman who said she talked to detainees who said it wasn't so bad...she said you were with your families and you Japanese were all together and safe what was so bad with that?..shows how little she knew...NOTHING...she also said her husband had to suffer by wearing a sign around his neck proclaiming he wasn't Japanese...but Korean...so he apparently did not want what was happening to the West Coast Japanese..happen to him....She is a fool to speak without knowing the facts...She told me the camps were not concentration camps...but internment camps...look at theSupreme Court's Opinion written by Justice Black he called them Concentration Camps..the Japanese were fenced in with armed guards and people were shot and beaten up

The Japanese Americans lost all of their civil rights ...a lot lost all they owned...but what amazes me is how much of what the Japanese Americans history has been lost by other Asians..so sad....but History will repeat itself if one is not careful...soon all the Japanese Americans who were in the Concentration camps will pass on..I hope the History of shame of what America did to them because of their ancestry will not be forgotten....

23 Year-Old Woman Now On Life Support

Sunday, May 23, 2010

I don't even know what to say about this story from last week that was sent in to me about a 23-year-old woman from China who recently immigrated on a student visa so she could study and who's now on life support.

On Sunday night, a 23-year-old woman walking home with her groceries on the 133 block of 41st Road in Flushing when she was struck on the head with a metal pipe, dragged into an alley and raped with the pipe [...]

The victim, who recently immigrated from China on a student visa and was living with an uncle, is in grave condition, with a "fractured skull, bleeding on the brain and trauma to the vagina." Assemblyman Grace Meng told the Daily News, "She was working in a nail salon, saving up money. She was going to start attending school. "She had good grades in China. That's why her parents wanted her to come and expand her horizons." Now Meng and Rep. Gary Ackerman are working to get an expedited visa for the victim's mother to come to the U.S.
Be safe and be aware of your surroundings.

Thank you Alice for sending this in so more people could be made aware of it.

MV: David Choi + That Girl

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Episode 3: Ktown Cowboys

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Asian Americans And Soul

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Just in case you missed it.

African-American icons like Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Mary J. Blige are often associated with soul music. Even some white artists have found success in this genre. But Asian-American soul artists have yet to break through into the mainstream. Host Allison Keyes talks with culture and music critic Oliver Wang about a number of soulful Asian singers who are trying to reverse that trend.

ALLISON KEYES, host:

Say you're bopping around on YouTube and you might come across this.

(Soundbite of song, "Trust You")

Ms. HEATHER PARK (R&B singer): (Singing) I can't trust you. You are too smooth. So smooth. I can't be with you. No.

KEYES: That's Heather Park. She's sexy. She's soulful. And she just happens to be Korean. She's the latest in the tradition of Asian-American soul singers who are trying - so far, unsuccessfully - to break into mainstream music. That's her new single "Trust You."

Here to tell us more about what Asian-American singers face in the music business is Oliver Wang. He's a cultural critic and a sociology professor at Cal State Long Beach. He joins us from member station KPCC in Pasadena.

Welcome, Oliver.

Professor OLIVER WANG (Sociology, California State University, Long Beach): Hey, good to be back.

KEYES: So tell us about this Heather Park and this sort of poppy reggae thing she has going. What kind of reception is she getting?
Check it on in full down at NPR.

Fine Glee. You Win For Now (But Just By A Little)

Thursday, May 20, 2010

I won't deny the goodness that is Iqbal Theba - and I've mentioned him before - but when you also have someone billed as one of the stars - who stops stuttering - but doesn't get any real lines - I can't help it - I just have to post up on it and I have to question the people of Glee.

But apparently they've made me eat some of my words.

But just by a little.

Tina did get some more lines in the last episode and was actually semi-featured in an actual episode where we actually got to see her for more than an actual split second where we could actually see a facial expression - or sometimes two.

And she got to do a little dancing with Mike (albeit in the dark and they really didn't focus on them all the time).

But it still felt a little empty.

The episode was still more about Artie than Tina. She's still kind of a backdrop even when she's semi-featured and I'm hoping we just get to see her as something - well - more than what she is now.

I'm not sure what that more is, but Glee surprises me in most every other aspect and I want to be surprised with the characters that are Asian American too and right now - I'm just not as surprised as I think I should be.

In Pictures: That Guy Has Really Red Hair

Wednesday, May 19, 2010



See more Chin-Chin.

A PSA Brought To You By The White House (Shhh...It's About Sex)

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

From The White House Media Affairs Office To My Inbox And Now On To You.

Posted by Dr. Howard Koh on May 18, 2010 at 09:42 AM EDT

"Saving face can't make you safe. Talk about HIV" is the theme for tomorrow's sixth annual observance of National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. I am an Asian American who has seen the stigma and silence around HIV in my community, so this theme and the day itself have particular meaning for me. On this important occasion, I want to acknowledge all the communities and organizations around the country working to break that silence and address the impact of HIV on the diverse set of people who make up our nation’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI communities.

The number of HIV/AIDS cases among AAPIs may be higher than reported because of underreporting or misclassification of Asian Americans and other Pacific Islanders. Many AAPIs in the United States experience cultural, economic and language barriers that contribute to discrimination and make HIV prevention, care, and treatment efforts even more challenging.

This is a time to acknowledge these challenges and expand the use of culturally appropriate solutions. As the lead organizer of National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the Banyan Tree Project as well as many other organizations have been working to create and share resources, plan local events and reduce HIV/AIDS-related discrimination and stigma in AAPI communities.

Another way we are addressing these challenges is by sharing our voices in the development of our National HIV/AIDS Strategy. Health care providers, advocacy groups, and people living with HIV/AIDS from the AAPI community answered the call and provided input on ways to improve HIV prevention, care, research, and treatment in our nation. The Office of National AIDS Policy has led the Administration’s commitment to developing the Strategy through an inclusive process with a broad range of perspectives and stakeholders, including AAPI communities, and will soon release the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.

I encourage you to join me in taking action and ask yourself: When was the last time I talked about HIV with a family member, friend, or neighbor? CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested for HIV at least once as part of their routine health care. There are HIV testing sites around the country, many of which offer free or low-cost testing. Many of these locations also offer STD screenings and hepatitis vaccines.

To find out where to go in your area for an HIV test, visit www.HIVtest.org, send a text message with your ZIP code to “KNOWIT” (566948), or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).

Learn more about AAPI HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and how HIV/AIDS the AAPI community: National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Dr. Howard Koh is Assistant Secretary for Health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Remember.

You can still get a great blow job with a condom on.

I Agree With Rima Fakih: There's Nothing Wrong With Dancing. On A Stage. With A Pole. Fully Clothed (Okay, Maybe That Last Part I Have An Issue With)

Wednesday, May 19, 2010




Tell me what's wrong with this picture. You're the first Muslim American and Second Arab American to win Miss USA - a beauty pageant just in case you didn't know - but somehow it's wrong that you were on the stage looking hot as a MF?

I mean isn't that somehow just a little incongruous when a large portion of a beauty contest is to look - umm - hot as a MF?



Yes.

Yes it is.

Hilcrhyme: 大丈夫

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Tuesday BENI And A Retro Cover

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

ユラユラ / ギミギミ♥



The Boy Is Mine With Tynisha Keli

Ryan Higa's My YouTube Story

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

One More Reason To Not Like The Lakers: That Would Be Phil Jackson And His Dumbass Comments

Monday, May 17, 2010

As you might be able to tell from the timing of this post I'm not watching the Lakers/Suns game right now - even though I should be rooting for the Suns I'm kind of superstitious that way and for some reason I figure by not watching - the Suns will win (although they need to get their ass in motion).

Yeah I know - it has no bearing whatsoever on the outcome of the game (unless they win).

But as I was checking out the score on ESPN I happened to catch this article on Phil Jackson and what he had to mumble on SB1070:

In comments made to ESPN.com's J.A. Adande on May 4 about state Senate Bill 1070, Jackson said, "Am I crazy, or am I the only one that heard [the legislature] say 'we just took the United States immigration law and adapted it to our state.'" [...]

And I think this one's still kind of coming out to balance as to how it's going to be favorably looked upon by our public. If I heard it right the American people are really for stronger immigration laws, if I'm not mistaken
PJ though "made it clear he didn't want to get involved in politics and initially said he didn't think teams should get involved in politics as the Suns did on May 5 when they wore jerseys that read 'Los Suns' in Game 2 of their playoff series with the San Antonio Spurs. Suns players and owner Robert Sarver have spoken out against the bill."

So if you're Phil Jackson and you want to speak out on the bill and how favorably it could still be looked at (because apparently the jury is still out on whether or not this is a racist law) it's fine as a MF. But if you're - I don't know - anybody else in the NBA not named Phil Jackson - apparently you shouldn't say anything about it whatsoever.

Let's Recap Shall We?

On The Lakers' Team: Pau WTF Did Those Chinky Bastards Get Upset About Gasol and Phil How The Fuck Did All These Colored People Who Can't Speak English Get Into My Country Jackson.

On The Celtics: Sweet Sweet Ray.

I think the choice is simple.

Machete, Alex Jones, Horray For Race Wars!!!! And Yes, I Do Think Maybe Danny Trejo Is The New Charles Manson

Monday, May 17, 2010



If the above makes any sense to you whatsoever where you start thinking to yourself "Hmmm....that kind of makes some sense and you know what? Maybe Robert Rodriguez is completely careless after all and now I'm going to be scared to see that movie and I don't even think I'm going to go out of my house the weekend it opens", I have one simple tiny, itty bitty thing to say to you.

It's just a film.

Now I'm not going to deny the importance of film, media, novels, the written word, or seeing images that you can compare yourself too - because all of them can start a movement, a revolution - they can even illicit responses from Presidents.

But the real person doing the instigating - actual damage affecting real lives - it's Jones himself.

What Jones is saying is that the Latino community - as well as all immigrants with brown skin and naturalization certificates - have no self control.

That we're animals who can be swayed into mass murder by one man and his movie and that we're everything this country has told us we were at one time or another no matter how much evidence there was to the contrary.

That we've deserved to be locked up and treated without any dignity whatsoever because we are less than human.

That's a lot more damaging than a film could ever be because that mindset - the one that Jones is perpetuating - it leads to hate crimes, racial profiling, glass ceilings, redlining, communities and individuals of color not getting the access they need to basic services, and the continued blanketing of culture and ethnicity.

Our color and our voice.

But Maybe I'm Wrong

Maybe once I actually see the film - because Danny Trejo's eyes pierce deep into my soul and all I need is a simple command to be set off - I mean - maybe I will start a race riot.

Maybe I'll become a killing machine who does in fact try to kill all the White People.

And by all the White People I mean everyone - because I'm betting that I'm also too dumb to distinguish between any types of people whatsoever and since I'll already be in a blood thirsty rage technically I won't care as long as I'm getting in some kill time.

Sweet sweet kill time.

Random Vienna Teng

Monday, May 17, 2010

From MySpace To Me And Now On To You:

MAY & JUNE TOUR DATES

Despite the mighty Eyjafjallajokull, the VT Trio did make it to two-thirds of our Europe gigs—with sold-out shows in most cities, including places we were visiting for the first time! Deutschland, Vielen Dank. You never cease to amaze. We'll be back in August, including a rescheduled date of the cancelled show in Köln.

http://viennateng.com/tour/

Next week Alex & I headline some of our favorite spots on the West Coast, supported by Sara Watkins and Paul Freeman. Then in June, we're thrilled to be opening for the one & only BRANDI CARLILE! (If you have not seen this woman with her band, you must. And not just because I get to play Elton John's piano part on one of her tunes.)

***** VIENNA TENG & ALEX WONG *****

5/10 PORTLAND, OR - Mississippi Studios s/Sara Watkins
5/11 SEATTLE, WA - Triple Door (2 shows) s/Sara Watkins
5/14 WINTERS, CA - Palms Playhouse s/Paul Freeman
5/15 SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Yoshi's (2 shows) s/Paul Freeman
5/16 SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Yoshi's (2 shows) s/Paul Freeman
5/17 SANTA CRUZ, CA - Kuumbwa Jazz Center s/Paul Freeman
5/18 SANTA BARBARA, CA - SOhO s/Sara Watkins
5/20 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA* - Coach House s/Sara Watkins
5/21 SANTA MONICA, CA - McCabe's s/Sara Watkins
5/22 SAN DIEGO, CA - Anthology s/Sara Watkins

* special deal: $5 off advance tickets! call 949.496.8930 and mention "Vanishing Moment"

***** OPENING FOR BRANDI CARLILE (VT&AW) *****
http://www.brandicarlile.com/

6/3 ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - House of Blues
6/4 CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - Jefferson Theater
6/5 NORFOLK, VA - The NorVa
6/6 RICHMOND, VA - The National
6/8 JACKSONVILLE, FL - Florida Theater
6/9 CHARLESTON, SC - The Music Farm
6/11 GREENVILLE, SC - The Handlebar
6/13 MEMPHIS, TN - Minglewood Hall

Detailed tour calendar is always here:

http://viennateng.com/tour/

-------------------------
LIVE ALBUM AVAILABLE FOR ORDER

It's here, ladies and gents! THE MOMENT ALWAYS VANISHING is fresh off the presses and just about ready to make its way to you.

Here's what we've made:

A CD of 14 songs with intros, in a sleeve with artwork designed by Diana Ho ($10)
http://www.viennateng.portmerch.com/stores/product.php?productid=17392

A beautiful HARDBOUND BOOK of Tim Wong's photos from Joe's Pub, short essays, and select fan artwork; includes CD ($30)
http://www.viennateng.portmerch.com/stores/product.php?productid=17393

A custom, eco-friendly USB FLASH DRIVE with all the audio from the CD (full-quality and MP3), plus an "encore set" of songs & intros, video from the Joe's Pub show by Ehud Lazin, and other goodies ($20)
http://viennateng.portmerch.com/stores/product.php?productid=17394

For now, it's all available exclusively at the viennateng.com store, shipping May 17, and at live shows starting May 10. (Look for a digital release at iTunes, Amazon, etc. over the summer.)

Buy the live album here:
http://viennateng.portmerch.com

Errors And Cartoon Boobs

Monday, May 17, 2010

Jon M. Chu's My YouTube Story

Monday, May 17, 2010

White People Intervention: Obama And That Sanford And Son Picture

Monday, May 17, 2010



It's time for another White People Intervention - 'cause these people from the Smithtown Messenger really need it. But don't take my word for it:

Hazel N. Dukes, president of the state NAACP conference, said in a statement Wednesday that the county should immediately pull advertising from any publication that ran the photo [...]

"It is simply shocking and outrageous that such a blatantly racist ad would run in any paper, much less an official paper of Suffolk County," Dukes said. "New Yorkers of all races and ethnicity are disgusted by it and reject it." [...]

Tracey Edwards, the NAACP's Long Island regional director, described the portrayal of the Obamas as "despicable and disrespectful. If this was intended as satire, it misses the mark."
Yup.

I'll even drive.

Monday Morning いきものがかり

Monday, May 17, 2010

Retro Jennii Lê

Monday, May 17, 2010

It Opened This Weekend: Tom Huang's "Why Am I Doing This?"

Sunday, May 16, 2010



From AsianAmericanFilm.com via Tom Huang:

The film is a drama-comedy about two buddies, one Asian-American, one African-American, trying to make it in Hollywood but failing, as well as dealing with relationships, crazy family and paying rent. We've had a strong audience response at film festivals across the country, and have been fortunate enough win a few awards, including two Best Feature Film awards from the Philadelphia Asia-Am Film Festival and the Houston Comedy Film Festival as well as a Director's New Vision Award from the Cinequest Film Fest.
Cool.

In Pictures: Gordon Tsai

Sunday, May 16, 2010



Link + Article

EMT With Clara Chung

Sunday, May 16, 2010

WTF Is Wrong With You Arizona? P.S. I Love You Michael Yaki

Sunday, May 16, 2010

I was reading this article down at the SF Gate and well - I think the post title says it all - because really - WTF is wrong with you Arizona? How incredibly effed up do you have to be to follow the mother of all racist laws with another mother of all racist laws?

I think we should all silently ponder that answer as you read an excerpt on the matter from someone better than me:

The statute bans courses that "promote resentment toward a race or class of people . . . are designed primarily for pupils of a particular ethnic group . . and advocate ethnic solidarity." The statute then goes onto exempt courses on the Holocaust because, of course, without that exemption, every class that shows Schindler's List where at the conclusion you resent the Nazis (a class of people) and wanting to save the Jews (promoting solidarity), you would have violated Horne's law [...]

Horne's dilemma is that enforcement will be so arbitrary, so capricious, relying, most likely, on Horne's particular biases and whims that the statute is begging for a First Amendment challenge. How do you quantify or measure "resentment." "Ethnic solidarity?" If two Latino students, hearing about the plight of migrant workers in the lettuce fields of California, feel that they should send a donation to the United Farm Workers to help them combat the agrigrower owners, has that crossed a line? [...]

And let's not forget Arizona's participation in one of the most shameful acts of racism in American history: the incarceration of over 100,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. The Arizona desert was a lovely place for west coast Americans to spend their time simply because of their ethnic heritage.
I'm going with option #1 which I think is the only option there which is "pretty MF effed up" - and I do realize that it's a little redundant - but in this case - I think it's warranted.

This Is A Quote That Makes Me Think, And Are Asians The New White?

Sunday, May 16, 2010

From this AP article:

"Without diminishing the seriousness of what happened to the Asian seniors — this has been happening to African-American seniors for a long time," Brown said. "If you move into a community where there is violence, you will be a victim."
Part of where I grew up was in Milwaukee - which according to early Census reports was the most segregated city in the U.S. when it came to the White/Black demographic - and you could feel it too when I was there.

I was privy to hearing some of the most racist conversations out in the open - White People coming up with every imaginable racial epithet you could think of (because they had no issue talking in front of someone who was Asian) - and the quote above made me think for a moment about how hard these situations are that we're hearing about between the Black and Asian communities in some areas.

I remember once telling a friend probably around five years back after reading an article where communities of Black and Hispanic descent were becoming resentful of Asian Americans moving into the same areas that I thought it was interesting because out of everyone, I thought shouldn't these communities be more open to new faces and ethnicities simply because of what they've went through (at the same time understanding what we as Asian Americans have gone through as well)?

You know what my friend said to me (and I call her my Oracle In Training). She said "Yeah, but when you work so hard to get at least something - even just a little - you don't want to give that up - to anyone."

And I couldn't help but think about the above quote in relation to this - and how if this was different - where more media attention was being placed on the matter because it was Asian on Black crime and the above quote was from someone who was Asian American instead, wouldn't I kind of be like "Yeah - but this shit has been happening for a while in the API community and no one's given a damn about it until it started happening to Black People."?

Yeah - I think there's some truth to that.

I think there's a lot of truth to that.

And I wonder about this current situation and the perceptions of it.

Will it - on a whole I'm speaking - make us more divided as communities of color?

Does it add to the perception as I've heard one individual say that "Asians Are The New White." - wrong as that perception may be?

If you look at it from the quote above - as much as I possibly can not being African American - what does it say in terms of racial identity when there is more news focused on an event when the victims are of a specific race and ethnicity where previously there wasn't as much focus?

In a way - right or wrong - does it say that the specific race and ethnicity garners more attention - that in some ways - they are more worthy of news - more worthy of justice - because there's only so much you can print or allow resources too?

I don't know - but I can't help that the question comes to mind.

If anyone thinks though that Asian Americans are in fact the "New White" it only serves to marginalize and effectively wipe out what we as a whole in terms of communities and laws have had to go through - because we don't all have it easy. All of us don't have access to health care. Some of us are in fact one paycheck away from being out on the street.

It's just a matter of fact - but only if you look at the whole community - not what you think the community is made up of.

But at the same time the simple fact is that the following statements do have some validity:

That perception can be reality. That it's easier to know less and think you know more than actually admitting you don't know as much as you thought and actually working to find out what you don't. That you don't care about what's going on in your community until it affects you - and sometimes by then - it becomes too late to do anything about it.

In that way - on all sides - I think we still have a lot of learning to do.

At least that's what I'm going with tonight.

Vietnamese Voices Of The Gulf Coast

Sunday, May 16, 2010



VAYLA
http://www.vayla-no.org/

Boat People SOS
http://www.bpsos.org/

More On South. Phila. High

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Will this ever end?

Brown quit Thursday after The Inquirer raised questions about her lack of an active Pennsylvania principal's certificate, and just ahead of a no-confidence vote by teachers and staff.

She left a school that made national headlines Dec. 3, when groups of mostly African American students carried out a daylong series of assaults on about 30 Asians. Seven Asian students went to hospitals, and about 50 boycotted classes for a week.

The violence triggered inquiries by the Philadelphia School District, the state Human Relations Commission, and the Justice Department. Even now, despite administrators' statements to the contrary, Asian students say they remain targets of taunts, petty abuses, and outright violence.

"It's still happening," said Duong Nghe Ly, a junior from Vietnam. "It's still happening every single day at school."
Ever?

Only In Japan The I-Fairy Rules

Sunday, May 16, 2010



A humanoid robot conducted a wedding ceremony in Tokyo on Sunday - a world first, according to the manufacturer of the "I-Fairy," a four-foot (1.2 metre) tall seated robot with flashing eyes and plastic pigtails.
Sweet Sweet I-Fairy.

Random Randall Park

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Just a random note while I was watching the Celtics take home court advantage away from the Magic I happened to catch Randall Park in a new commercial - I think it was a beer commercial (although I can't seem to find it on YouTube right now).

At the same time here's an interview with channelAPA.com

Wonder Girls: 2 Different Tears (And Yes, That's A Cameo By Bobby Lee)

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Korean Version



English Version

AK Connection, Adoption And Ambiguous Loss, And Jae Ran Kim

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Got this sent in to my inbox and wanted to post it on up because if there's one thing I've learned from meeting a ton of kick ass Korean Americans who are transracial - and Asian Americans - the transracial voice sometimes doesn't get enough voice - so if you're in the area - which is home to the largest transracial KA community in the nation (there's a joke that there are more transracial KA's than lakes in this state) - check it on out.

"Adoption and Ambiguous Loss:" A Presentation by Jae Ran Kim

Date: Thursday, May 27, 2010
Time: 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Location: Carlson School of Management, Room 1-142, University of Minnesota
Street: 321 19th Avenue S
City/Town: Minneapolis, MN

Description

AK Connection is proud to host "Adoption and Ambiguous Loss:" A Presentation by Korean adoptee Jae Ran Kim, MSW, LGSW, and Doctoral Student at the University of Minnesota School of Social Work.

For many adopted persons, the lingering effects of ambiguous loss follow us through to other relationships in our lives. Recognizing ambiguous loss is not about pathologizing adoptees - in fact, most people have experienced some form of ambiguous loss in their lives. What is ambiguous loss and how does this phenomenon affect adoptees, adoptive parents and birth familes? Jae Ran's presentation will attempt to define ambiguous loss and to present ways for those of us who have experienced adoption to learn to live with the ambiguity and to feel validated with regard to the full range of our feelings.

The presentation will start at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by time for Q & A. Light refreshments will be provided.

This event is free and open to the public. Please feel free to extend an invitation to your friends and family. Attendees wishing to support AK Connection's programming are encouraged to become paying members of AK Connection before or at the event. Membership applications are available at http://www.akconnection.com/.

AK Connection would also like to thank the Consortium for the Study of the Asias at the University of Minnesota for their support of this event.
Yeah - it may not be that light and fluffy - but hey - I guess not everything is all the time right?

Sarah Palin, Jan Brewer, And I'm Starting To Think The Show Glee Is Anti-Asian

Sunday, May 16, 2010

First, let me just say that it's been a busy week - and the weather's finally nice - because it was cloudy and overcast - and when you have 6 months of winter - joking - albeit it does snow in April sometimes - some days I just want to get on out and enjoy some of it - but not all of it because I'm a vampire who gets no sun - but yet I'm still darker than some of you White People (unless you go tanning and then I just look more natural than you).

But so I was catching up on my Glee and you know what?

WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO THE ASIAN CHARACTERS?

In an episode where everyone had to sing a solo - guess who the hell didn't get to sing - or even dance.

You guessed it.

That would be any character of Asian descent.

I'm not saying they have to be the stars - but when everyone else of color on the show gets to sing a solo - sometimes twice - you know what that tells me?

That tells me that they only care about saying they have some Asian Americans on the show - not that those Asian Americans do anything on the show - basically relegating them to "You can't testify against White People" status and I really don't give two Jan Brewers and a Sarah Palin what you might have to say to the contrary - because for a much as I've been liking the show - it's begining to look pretty MF'ing Anti-Asian in every single way and I'm just waiting for the episode where M. Night Shyamalan directs and decides that Jenna Ushkowitz and Harry Shum Jr. can be played by one lone White Kid.

Get it the fuck together Glee.

Dumbfoundead + Dok2 + MYK + Kero One

Sunday, May 16, 2010



Atlanta - Center Stage Theater - Friday, May 28, 2010
Ticketmaster - http://bit.ly/dfdatl

San Francisco - SOMArts Center - Saturday, May 29, 2010
Tickets - http://bit.ly/9eT15L

Seattle - Showbox at the Market - Sunday, May 30, 2010
Ticketmaster - http://bit.ly/9RhStJ

HBO, Ep. 2, And Ktown Cowboys

Sunday, May 16, 2010



Is it just me or does this get better and better?

And shouldn't I be watching this on HBO?

Yes.

Yes I should.

Violins Can Be Really Cool: Paul Dateh's Top 40 Violin Mashup

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Been seeing this around and wanted to make sure and post it because it's just that damn good in every single way from the music and the video.



Pick it up free here.

Maya Soetoro-Ng, Kip Fulbeck, Conversations, And The JANM

Friday, May 14, 2010

I think you'll definitely want to check this out.

Multicultural and global educator Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng will engage artist, slam poet, filmmaker and author Kip Fulbeck as part of the Japanese American National Museum’s on-going series, “Conversations”, in a special ticketed presentation set for Saturday, June 12, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Tateuchi Democracy Forum. Tickets are $15 for National Museum members and $20 for non-members.

Soetoro-Ng, who is currently an education specialist at the East West Center which promotes cooperation and exchange between the United States and Asia, has spent her career developing humanities curriculum for alternative public and private schools in New York City and Honolulu and conducting teacher training workshops in the U.S. and Indonesia. A lecturer in the University of Hawaii's College of Education from 2000 to 2006, she earned her Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii in international comparative education. Soetoro-Ng is also known as President Barack Obama’s maternal half-sister, having been born and raised in Indonesia and educated in Hawai`i. She
campaigned for her older brother during the 2008 Presidential election.

Fulbeck, an award-winning artist, performer, and professor of art at the University of California, Santa Barbara, created the current National Museum exhibition, Mixed: Portraits of Multiracial Kids by Kip Fulbeck, featuring over 70 framed photographic images of children of multiple racial heritage and their statements or drawings. Fulbeck also created a book under the same title as the exhibition and is known as a leading artist and filmmaker on the subject of mixed race identity. He maintains a number of on-going projects, including the Web site, http://thehapaproject.com/. He also developed the extremely popular 2006 National Museum exhibition, kip fulbeck: part asian, 100% hapa, which drew thousands of visitors.

Soetoro-Ng, whose father is Indonesian, wrote the foreword to Fulbeck’s book. In it, she explains, “There are advantages and disadvantages to being mixed. On one hand, mixed kids have an expanded worldview; on the other hand, they may feel torn by divided loyalties. I envied those around me who had a clear community. There is great value in seeing ourselves reflected in others and knowing that there is some shared experience between us and others ‘out there.’ “

Actress Amy Hill will moderate the conversation. Hill, whose mother was Japanese, has worked steadily over the years in films, television and stage. She had a prominent role in the film “50 First Dates” and regularly voices characters in animated series such as King of the Hill, American Dad and Lilo and Stitch. She will be heard in the upcoming Nickelodeon series Kung Fu Panda and recently made a pilot for HBO, co-starring Laura Dern.

“The Japanese American National Museum is very proud to help bring together Maya Soetoro-Ng and Kip Fulbeck,” stated Akemi Kikumura Yano, President & CEO of the National Museum. “As the 2000 Census made clear, there is a growing population with multi-cultural, multi-ethnic backgrounds. Both Kip and Maya have been at the forefront in articulating their experiences and the National Museum is pleased to have them discuss their lives in our Tateuchi Democracy Forum.”

This event includes the presentation of the Loving Prize by the Mixed Roots Film & Literary Festival (which takes place at the National Museum on Sunday, June 13, beginning at 11 a.m.). The Loving Prize is named in honor of the June 12, 1967 Supreme Court decision, Loving v. Virginia, in which the remaining anti-miscegenation laws in 16 states, which banned marriages between the races, were finally struck down. Several groups and organizations now commemorate that landmark case by celebrating June 12 as Loving Day.

The Loving Prize, established in 2008, is awarded annually to outstanding artists, storytellers and community leaders for inspirational dedication to celebrating and illuminating the Mixed racial and cultural experience. Previous honorees include Kip Fulbeck, James McBride, Angela Nissel and Maria P.P. Root. The award will be presented prior to the Kip Fulbeck-Maya Soetoro-Ng program. For more information on the Mixed Roots Film & Literary Festival, go to mxroots.org.

“Conversations” is an on-going series for the National Museum that brings together distinguished and accomplished individuals and provides the opportunity for them to share their experiences and points-of-view on a variety of subjects. The series was inaugurated last year with former Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta and actor/activist George Takei.

Presenting Sponsor for “Conversations” is the MedLife Foundation, with additional support from American Airlines, Tateuchi Foundation, the City of Los Angeles’ Department of Cultural Affairs and Mixed Roots Film & Literary Festival. Media sponsors are the Los Angeles Downtown News and the Rafu Shimpo.

For more information on “Conversations” or to reserve tickets, call the Japanese American National Museum at (213) 625-0414. For more information on the National Museum and its programs, go to www.janm.org.

Random Question I Can't Help Asking

Friday, May 14, 2010

As I was microwaving the food of champions the other night - frozen chicken tenders and egg rolls - I had to ask myself the question of if it would be wrong to pleasure myself while taking a moment here and there to eat some food - you know - space it out a little.

Make it an event.

Or - because there is an "or" here - if it would be wrong to masturbate with hot food waiting for me that I could see out of the corner of my eye.

And I know what you're saying - but this is what goes through the mind of one non-descript guy who happens to be Asian American.

And a blogger (which might be good or bad depending upon how you look at this post).


And - in case you're wondering - I did neither for a few reasons including the following:

  • Food is sex. Sometimes it's not great sex, but it's sex nonetheless and I want to make sure I enjoy the whole experience unfettered by anything else (while also noting how lucky I am that I get to treat food as something pleasurable versus a basic need).

  • Sex is - well - sex. And I don't know about you - but even when it's just with myself (which I know technically isn't sex per se) I like to make the most out of it. Like I don't think I could ever enjoy a great steak while someone was SMC'ing me underneath a table in a restuarant (where I assume it would be very darkly lit).

    I just don't think I could concentrate on either to a point where it would be pleasurable for either sensation.

That's it.

A Quick Note To Anyone Who Buys The Playboy 3-D Centerfold Issue

Friday, May 14, 2010



I'm not saying there's anything wrong with 3-D --- although who in their right mind would buy a 3-D TV right now (way too early) --- and as much as some of you might think I'd be all about this centerfold in 3-D --- that's really not the case.

Why?

Simple.

If you want 3-D it's called the Strip Club.

I'll Take A Number 5 Please (AKA Bron Bron Go Bye Bye)

Thursday, May 13, 2010



You can say he's the biggest trash talker in the NBA but I'll just say he's vocal - and if you let him get into your head - well - than you must be weak.

But look at that smile - c'mon - how can you deny that?

You can't. It's just that simple.

But no matter what you say, it's called a championship ring and moving on to the Eastern Conference Finals.

That's Just Not A Good Look



Really it's not.

Rebuilding Versailles

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Caught this in my inbox via Pacific Citizen and wanted to post it on up.



Check out the article down at PC.

Sweet Sweet Ray

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Been a busy week - so not a ton of posts - but I do have to say this.

Sweet Sweet Ray.

3-2.

Nice.

And just remember Lakers' fans.

It was Utah.

A Note To The Guy That Stole My Subs (And The Subs From The Two People In Front Of Me As Well)

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Dear Guy At Un-Named Sub Shop,

Dude - that takes balls to load up 7 subs into a bag and walk out of there like they were your own. I in part blame it on the fact that the people weren't calling out the subs they were putting out there on the counter - because if I would have heard mine I would have snatched those MF's up - because I was hungry.

At the same time, since you were standing there already - waiting - and it looked like there were already a few subs you were picking up for yourself and your crew of painter friends - why would we - or should we - have suspected anything different?

Now I still got my subs - so that's fine - but all I'm saying is that people work hard to make those subs - and the fact that you stole three people's subs and had to make people do extra work - to re-make those subs you stole - kind of says something about you - in particular that you have no conscience when it comes to other's people food.

And somehow that's just wrong.

Kinda funny.

But still wrong.

O.K., that's it.

I hope you get chlamydia and it hurts when you pee.

Slanty

Retro Random K-Drama Music Video

Monday, May 10, 2010



What?

You got something to say?

I can't help it - I marshmellow.

And yes. I did intend to actually write it that way.

Btw: One Word For Cleveland

Monday, May 10, 2010

Even.

DramaFever And Hulu Get It On

Monday, May 10, 2010

See?

Hard work and cool dramas from the homelands are in fact another way to get your professional groove on.

DramaFever is now offering mainstream U.S. audiences viewing television programs online on Hulu.com, the best of Asian programming. A brand new Hulu-DramaFever show page offers Americans free and easy access to a curated selection of the most popular blockbuster titles from Korea, Philippines, China, and Japan, including full-length television series, documentaries, music videos, and more. For the first time for many, people now have a way to discover and enjoy the convenience of watching the primetime drama, comedy, action, and suspense series, which are shaping and reflecting societal trends and pop cultural tastes in Asia today. All videos are streaming in high quality with English subtitles or dubbing. DramaFever is an online Asian programming content distributor, and Hulu is an online video service that offers hit TV shows, movies and clips at Hulu.com and other online destination sites, anytime in the U.S.

Initially in May, DramaFever will distribute a total of 116 episodes of the most recent seasons of four of Korea’s hit television series, which enjoy large international followings and popularity among non-Asian audiences on DramaFever.com. Then each month, DramaFever will add one to two additional titles, up to 40 new hours of programming to the DramaFever show page at

http://www.hulu.com/network/DramaFever.

DramaFever will draw from its ever-expanding library, one of the most comprehensive and current collections of legal Asian content in the U.S. – at present over 100 titles representing 5,000 hours of programming. As DramaFever secures more deals with Asian TV networks and partners, new videos across entertainment genres and countries will become available.

“Asian content has wide appeal internationally and is growing in popularity among non-Asian audiences. People are curious about what’s popular in the East or want alternatives to traditional TV programming,” says co-founder Suk Park. “We created DramaFever to make the best of Asian entertainment more accessible to mainstream American and Canadian audiences, and our deal with Hulu helps us introduce this content to the millions who visit and explore new videos on Hulu every day.”

According to co-founder Seung Bak, internal research, supported by third-party statistics indicates that over 50% of visitors to DramaFever.com are non-Asian and that that figure is growing. Since its launch in August 2009, DramaFever.com’s user base has increased 500% to approximately 250,000 unique monthly visitors, who on average watch 45 minutes of video per visit and spend approximately four hours a month on the site, discovering new content and celebrities.

This month, the DramaFever show page on Hulu will play full seasons of Korean hit series, ranging from high-ratings action thriller “Iris” -- reminiscent of “Alias” or “24” -- to romantic comedy and situational comedy series “Coffee Prince” and “My Lovely Samsoon”, as well as Korean historical drama “Queen SeonDuk.” All titles feature the country’s biggest stars and big budget productions. For similar content and a wider selection of videos, people can also visit DramaFever.com to watch for free or pay just $4.99 per month for premium membership, which includes uninterrupted advertising-free programming, access to exclusive content and other advanced features. Future plans will bring content from DramaFever to mobile and Web TV platforms.

Thanks Rosally

Random Free Track

Monday, May 10, 2010

From The Slants:

"HEARTBEAT IS HEAVEN" (Free Mp3!)

Have you received this totally free, unreleased download yet? This is a brand new song that we didn't include on "Pageantry" but we're giving out for free to you. It's available courtesy of the good people at G Sake and you can get the password to download it here:

http://fburls.com/53-BzuIf6XO/t/s/txt/cid/598261/sid/120291760


Cool.

SACNAS Responds To AZ Immigration Law SB1

Monday, May 10, 2010

'Cause you gotta do what you gotta do - and that means boycotting the shit out of Arizona.

SACNAS eliminates Arizona as potential conference location citing likelihood of attendee harassment due to SB1070 immigration law

SANTA CRUZ, CA, May 10, 2010 - In a recent letter to Governor Jan Brewer, SACNAS formally withdrew Phoenix as a potential conference site for its 2012 national conference, stating the new Arizona immigration law virtually guarantees harassment of its conference attendees, most of whom are Hispanic. SACNAS, a national society of scientists advancing Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in science, estimates the total loss in revenue to the local economy at $3 million.

"The leadership of SACNAS strongly believes the immigration law SB1070 will make the state inhospitable to people of color, especially Hispanics," says society president, Jose Dolores Garcia, PhD. "We have been seriously considering Phoenix as a site for our conference in 2012. However, we feel the passage of this law and the policies of Maricopa County Sheriff Arpaio will lead to racial profiling of our students and faculty."

Each year, SACNAS holds a major annual national conference bringing together 3,000 student and professional scientists for a four-day meeting. Members of the organization are among the nation's brightest minds in science and represent over 300 leading research facilities, colleges and universities, government agencies and corporations.

The organization's executive director, Judit Camacho points out, "We are not only concerned for our Hispanic attendees, but also for the Native American populations we serve. The law's potential impact on the civil liberties of all Americans cannot be underestimated. Unfortunately, the state has simply become too hostile for the safety and well-being of our members."

If Arizona's current punitive immigration law is repealed, SACNAS may again consider Phoenix as a possible future conference site.

SACNAS is a 37-year-old professional society of scientists dedicated to fostering the success of Chicano/Hispanic and Native American scientists-from college students to professionals-in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership. It has been recognized by the National Science Board as the premier organization promoting diversity in science careers and has received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring.

www.sacnas.org

Get Lost: DiRECT ARTS + Round & Round + The Exiles

Sunday, May 09, 2010



Got this sent in my way from DiRECT ARTS and wanted to post it on up.

I love the nuances of language - how there is a word for a smell in Chinese that has noreal equivalent in English (xiang is the smell of rice cooking, the smell of something frying) - how in Spanish, the word for "handcuff" is the same as the word for "wife." I believe the more ways you have of describing something, the more nuanced is your understanding of the world. Part of this belief is from growing up speaking Taiwanese, a language that was banned for 50 years. Language has always been something precious to me - and like all precious things, it's powerful and coveted.

Wipe out a people's language and you wipe out their power.

Take Two this month will feature a play and film about trying to retain a language and a culture that is lost. Julia Cho's sensitive short about a linguist's failure of communication is paired with a feature film about a group of Native Americans in Bunker Hill, a neighborhood in downtown Los Angeles that no longer exists. The wonderful Obie winner Ching Valdes Aran will be directing and we look forward to seeing the gorgeous cinematography of THE EXILES on Theatre 80's amazing 30 foot screen. It'll be an evocative double bill and we hope you'll experience it with us.

Theater, film, smart beautiful interesting people, what more can you ask for? Come join us at Theater 80 next Tuesday!

--V

Take Two riffs on loss and longing in the pairing of two poetic pieces: Julia Cho's poignant ROUND & ROUND and THE EXILES, a film that itself was lost for nearly 50 years. Directed by Obie winner Ching Valdes Aran, ROUND AND ROUND by Julia Cho is a poignant short play in which a linguist runs out of words to save his crumbling marriage. Lauded by the Los Angeles Times for "crafting intricate, often poetic pieces that blur the lines between fact and fiction," Julia Cho's plays have been produced at South Coast Repertory, The Vineyard Theatre, The Public Theater, Long Wharf Theatre, Playwrights Horizons, New York Theatre Workshop and East West Players. Julia won the 2004 Weissburger Award for BFE and recently received the 2010 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for THE LANGUAGE ARCHIVE.

THE EXILES by Kent McKenzie, chronicles a brawling, boozy day in the life of several young Native Americans living in Bunker Hill, a downtown Los Angeles neighborhood that no longer exists. A labor of love shot over a 3-year period by Kent McKenzie and fellow students at USC, the film was hailed at the Venice Film Festival in 1961 but tragically did not find commercial distribution. It remained unseen by the general public for nearly 50 years, forgotten except for fans like Thom Anderson who heaped praises on the film in his documentary LOS ANGELES PLAYS ITSELF.

Restored by Milestone Pictures, the film was selected for the 2008 Berlin Film Festival and played at IFC last year. Gorgeously shot with a happening early '60s soundtrack, THE EXILES is a remarkable record of a vanished community - gritty, realistic and ahead of its time.

"A beautifully photographed slice of down-and-almost-out life, a near-heavenly vision of a near-hell... situated at the juncture of nonfiction and fiction..." --Manohla Dargis, NY Times

"Mackenzie's sparkling, moody black-and-white images of what might be called the Native American Diaspora... depict a classic American story of aspiration and tragedy. It is beautiful and devastating." -Armond White, NY Press

THEATER 80 80 St. Marks Place(at 1st Avenue) 6:00 - Social (half) Hour 6:30 - The Short 7:00 - The Feature $8 tickets - cash only at the door

Sherman Alexie