Calling All Filmmakers: The Visual Communications Armed With A Camera Fellowship

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

If you think you never win - because remember (everyone loves a winner) - now's your chance to to put your hat into the mix - and really - you don't have anything to lose. APA artists get some well needed money to help create their next short, some networking opportunities, access to equipment - and did I say money already - and the big corporations get squat. Sure - technically they have nothing to do with this - because it's DIY VC style - but you get what I'm saying.

It's a win win for everyone.

The Armed With a Camera (AWC) Fellowship for Emerging Media Artists nurtures the next generation of Asian Pacific American media artists to capture their world, surroundings and outlook on life. Visual Communications works with the Fellows for seven months and provides special training, mentoring and networking opportunities, access to facilities and equipment plus a stipend to create five-minute digital shorts that premiere at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival and other venues nationwide.

HOW TO APPLY

The 2010-2011 Armed With A Camera Fellowship is accepting submissions July 1 - October 1, 2010. Up to 10 artists will be selected for the Fellowship. We will announce the new class of Fellows in October.

ARMED WITH A CAMERA FELLOWSHIP
FOR EMERGING MEDIA ARTISTS 2010-2011


Visual Communications (VC) seeks to cultivate a new generation of Asian Pacific American media artists committed to preserving the legacy and vision of VC. ARMED WITH A CAMERA FELLOWSHIP will award up to ten fellows $500 to complete a five-minute digital video, within a five-month span of time. Through the ARMED WITH A CAMERA FELLOWSHIP, emerging media artists will capture their world, surroundings and outlook on life as a part of a new generation of Asian Pacific Americans.

Final projects must be shot in digital video format and completed by March 30, 2011. A special program will showcase all completed projects at various VC exhibitions across the city of Los Angeles, including the 2011 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival and other venues nationwide. VC will co-own the productions and will also package and distribute completed works. Distribution income will aid in the continuation of the Armed with a Camera Fellowship.

Applicant Eligibility

Eligible applicants must be of Asian Pacific descent, 30 years old or younger in the year 2011, residents of California and have had previous work in The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival or any other VC exhibition and/or any Film Festival—this may include on-campus student festivals. If you’re not sure of your eligibility, please contact Visual Communications. Women, South Asian and Southeast Asian filmmakers are highly encouraged to apply to the AWC Fellowship.

Project Criteria

All projects must conform to the following guidelines:

• Final piece must be a new, original work
• Final piece must be shot in digital video format
• Final piece must be completed by March 30, 2011 for inclusion in the 2011 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
• Total length of final piece must not exceed five minutes
• If budget for each project exceeds $500, you must show/explain other sources of funding
• Priority will be given to animation, documentary and experimental pieces.

Fellowship Selection Process

Up to ten artists will be selected each year based on their demonstrated commitment to the arts, production and exhibition experience, and the quality of their sample work. Consideration will be given to communities that have been underserved and underrepresented in the media arts. A review panel composed of community members, media artists, and curators will judge the work based on artistic innovation, feasibility within the timeline, and budget of their proposed projects. Applicants will be contacted by the last week of October 2010.
For more information and the actual applications head on down to the Visual Communications site.

DVD: Why Am I Doing This By Tom Huang

Wednesday, June 30, 2010



Pre-Order it down at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Wallmart.

Kinda Like Science (Okay, Maybe Not): KSW, Intersection for the Arts and AMATE's 7th Annual Intergenerational Writers Lab Final Reading

Wednesday, June 30, 2010



First - let's just praise the above flier - because that's pretty damn hot - and if that doesn't clue you in to the creativity that's going down - one can only ask what you think constitutes creativity.

KNOW THE NAMES OF THINGS

Final Literary Reading and Online Anthology Launch of the 7th annual Intergenerational Writers Lab.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Intersection for the Arts
446 Valencia St. SF
$5-20 sliding scale

Presented by Kearny Street Workshop, Intersection for the Arts and AMATE: Women Painting Stories, the IWL provides local emerging writers/artists with the opportunity to challenge, develop, and expand their practice by working with established writers and artists in a variety of genres.

Featuring Readings and Performances by:
Jimmy Biala
Lorna Dee Cervantes
Ben Fong-Torres
Leticia Hernandez
Genny Lim

And the 2010 IWL Participants:

C. Adan Cabrera
Emilie Coulson
Lyndsey Ellis
Marisa Gedney
Bill Gong
Meldy Hernandez
Nancy Larson
Page McBee
Ruby Rain
Natalie Vigil

Maya Lin: America’s Best

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Got this sent in my way and now I pass it on to you because if nothing else you should really know who's America's Best.

The San Francisco Arts Commission’s What is Missing? Sculpture by Acclaimed Artist Maya Lin Recognized as One of America’s Best Public Artworks at the 2010 Americans for the Arts Convention in Baltimore

San Francisco’s Main Library card catalogue installation by artists Ann Chamberlain and Ann Hamilton also honored.

SAN FRANCISCO, June 30, 2010 – Luis R. Cancel, director of cultural affairs for the San Francisco Arts Commission, is pleased to announce that What is Missing? by world-renowned artist Maya Lin was selected as one of the best public artworks in the United States at the 2010 Americans for the Arts convention held in Baltimore from June 25–27. Located at the California Academy of Sciences, the sculpture is part of Lin’s last memorial and the first component of a multi-sited, multimedia artwork dedicated to raising awareness about the current crisis surrounding biodiversity and habitat loss. During the annual Public Art Year in Review session, two independent art experts, artists Helen Lessick and Fred Wilson, presented 40 of their top choices for the most innovative permanent or temporary public artworks created or debuted in 2009. What is Missing? was chosen from more than 300 entries from across the country. In addition, a 1996 installation by Ann Hamilton and Ann Chamberlain comprised of catalogue cards at San Francisco’s Main Library was selected as one of the best public art projects in the last 50 years.

“We are incredibly proud to receive this honor as it demonstrates our commitment to enriching our City by commissioning new artworks by some of the world’s most celebrated artists,” said Mr. Cancel. “Maya Lin’s last memorial, What is Missing?, is a powerful reminder of what we stand to lose should we continue to consume energy and natural resources at our current rate. At a time when the Gulf of Mexico is being ravaged by an unprecedented oil leak, her message of sustainability and habitat protection is especially critical.”

This is the 10th year that Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts, has recognized public art works. The artists and commissioning organizations involved in creating and supporting these public art works will receive letters of recognition and congratulations from Americans for the Arts. Last year, the Arts Commission’s The Language of the Birds by Brian Goggin and Dorka Keehn, located on the corner of Columbus and Broadway, received the same honor. San Francisco Arts Commission projects have consistently been selected by the Public Art Network and Americans for the Arts as among the best in the United States.

For more information about What is Missing, visit the “Press Release” section at www.sfartscommission.org/pubartcollection or contact Kate Patterson at kate.patterson@sfgov.org.

To learn more about What is Missing? and to watch some of the videos visit www.whatismissing.net.
Cool.

33rd Asian American International Film Festival Shorts Lineup

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Because you can never have enough film and let's just all hail AAIFF like we know we should.

Asian CineVision (ACV) announced today the short films selected to screen at the 33rd Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF10). The line up consists of a total of 71 short films that have been divided into 10 presentations. The short films admitted to this year's festival showcase the latest works by filmmakers of Asian descent as well as films that explore themes and issues prevalent to the Asian community. The selection includes two International Premieres, one U.S. premiere, four East Coast premieres, and five New York premieres. Tani Ikeda's Turn of Harvest, which will be making its World Premiere at the AAIFF10, is one of the seven short films up for the Excellence in Short Filmmaking Award.

"We have received an especially strong group of submissions this year that explore a range of genres including comedy, science fiction, and documentary," says Martha Tien, the AAIFF10 Program Manager. "This year's festival also consists of three unique short film programs which pay tribute to their respective countries in the manner of New York, I Love You and Paris J'Taime. Two of the programs are composed of films entirely from Taiwan and one is comprised of films from Malaysia." The two short film programs from Taiwan, Eye on Taiwan and Taipei 24 H, are part of a special joint presentation on New Taiwanese Cinema between ACV and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO).

In addition to its international titles, the AAIFF10 short film programs also draws from a very strong pool of local filmmakers, including J.P. Chan's Empire Corner and Greg Pak's Mister Green. A special youth program will also feature the works of filmmakers under the age of 21. The AAIFF10 will run July 15 through July 24 in New York City. Short films will screen at various venues including Chelsea Clearview Cinema, the Quad Cinema, and the Museum of Chinese America. The full short film program line-up is as follows. More details can also be found on the festival website (aaiff.org/2010).


Oh Family, Where Art Thou? (7)
Films that remind us of the complex dynamics that make each family so singularly fascinating and unique.

Mochi directed by Chung Li (Taiwan)
In Space directed by Visra Vichit-Vadanka (Thailand)
Daughters directed by Chloe Zhao (USA)
Hide and Seek directed by Asako Ushio (USA)
Unrest directed by Christina Rubenstein (USA)
Puncture Wounds directed by Jason Ho (USA)
The Hirosaki Players directed by Jeff Sousa (USA)

It's a little bit funny... (5)
Films that offers unexpectedly humorous takes on the lives of its characters.

Kilo directed by Kiel Murray and Phil Lorin (USA)
Father Sister directed by Soyeon Kim (South Korea)
Lychee Thieves directed by Kathleen Man (USA)
Empire Corner directed by JP Chan (USA)
Wu is Dead directed by Rich Wong (USA)

Back to the Future (6)
Films that dabble with the myriad ways time shapes the courses of our lives.

Fish in Barrel directed by Randall Okida (Canada)
Boond directed by Abhishek Pathak (India)
Once More directed by Hiroo Takoaka (USA)
Mr. Green directed by Greg Pak (USA)
Memento Mori directed by Yohko Shiraishi (USA)
Transparent Movement directed by Soyeon Kim (South Korea)

The First Kiss (6)
Films that explore one of the most prevalent themes in storytelling -- one of the certainties in life besides death and taxes, love is never easy!

Lovers directed by Do-yeon Kim (South Korea)
The Queen directed by Christina Choe (USA)
Gareeb Nawaz's Taxi directed by Ritesh Batra (USA)
Tall Enough directed by Berry Jekins (USA)
Works of Art directed by Andrew Pang (USA)
Poi Dogs directed by Joel Moffett (USA)

Eye on Taiwan (4)

Happy Ending directed by Wei Chen Chang (Taiwan)
Sleeping with Her directed by Chih Yi Wen (Taiwan)
Letting Off directed by Hung Ju Chang (Taiwan)
Ketchup directed by Wen Chung Lu (Taiwan)

Untold Stories (5)
Documentary films that cover a range of topics from all corners of the world.

Memory of Forgotten War directed by Deann Borshay Liem and Ramsay Liem (USA)
Born Sweet directed by Cynthia Wade (Cambodia)
Mr. Shanbag's Shop directed by Asha Ghosh (USA/India)
Turn of the Harvest directed by Tani Ikeda (China)
Fine Threads directed by Adele Pham (USA)

CUNY Shorts (7)
AAIFF10 teams up with returning collaborator Asian American / Asian Research Institute of the City University of New York (CUNY) to showcase a range of narrative, documentary and experimental short films from students in CUNY system.

Antithesis directed by Jon-Carlos Evans (USA)
Behold the swelling scene directed by MunJong (Arckii) Kim (USA)
Boundary directed by Pyeunghun Baik (USA)
Ball directed by Jung Eun Kim (USA)
Nurturing the Hybrid Identity directed by Sudip Shakya (USA)
Struggle for Existence directed by Laurie Sumiye (Filiak) (USA)
Undocumented Hope directed by Tanvir Toy (USA)

Youth Shorts (8)
Young filmmakers under the age of 21 experiment with film to sound off on matters important to them

Beauty and the Box directed by Chrystian Rodriguez (USA)
I'm Not Even That directed by Asatha Vohra, Wendy Yuan Zhang, Michelle Kwong, Claudia von Nostitz (USA)
Not That Different directed by Junia Zhang (USA)
Skye directed by Yoomi Park (USA)
Chinese Antique directed by Anthony Ma (USA)
The Prodigy directed by Adam Lee (USA)
White Night directed by Teresa Lee (USA)
My New York directed by Derek Horton (USA)

Taipei 24 H (8)
Taipei 24H invites eight directors to employ their innovative styles and distinct perspectives to create a filmic essay of Taipei City.

Share the Morning directed by Cheng, Feng-feng (Taiwan)
Just A Little Run directed by Niu, Cheng-zer (Taiwan)
Summer Heat directed by Debbie Hsue (Taiwan)
Save the Lover directed by Cheng, Hsian-tse (Taiwan)
Somke directed by Lee, Chi-yuam (Taiwan)
Dream Walker directed by Chen, Ying-jung (Taiwan)
Owl Service directed by An, Je-yi (Taiwan)
Remembrance directed by Lee, Kang-sheng (Taiwan)

15 Malaysia
Uncensored and bold, the fifteen filmmakers featured in this collection speak out on the societal taboos of sex, race, religion and politics in Malaysia.

Potong Saga directed by Yuhang Ho (Malaysia)
Chocolate directed by Yasmin Ahmad (Malaysia)
The Tree directed by Auir Muhammad (Malaysia)
House directed by Linus Chung (Malaysia)
Halal directed by Liew Seng Tat (Malaysia)
The Son directed by Desmond Ng (Malaysia)
Lumpur directed by Kamal Sabran (Malaysia)
One Future directed by Chui Mui Tan (Malaysia)
Slovak Sling directed by Ming Jin Woo (Malaysia)
Gerhana directed by James Lee (Malaysia)
Meter directed by Benji and Bahir (Malaysia)
Duit Kecil directed by Johan John (Malaysia)
Healthy Paranoia directed by Khairil Bahar (Malaysia)
Lollipop directed by Nam Ron (Malaysia)
Rojak! directed by Suleiman Brothers (Malaysia)

About AAIFF

The Asian American International Film Festival 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 harbors a unique curatorial vision. More than an expression of collective identity, the festival is anchored by the distinct contributions of its members. It is a platform for filmmakers of all backgrounds to develop the constructs of Asian cinema and cultivate the next generation of talent. 33 years after its inception, AAIFF continues to be a leading showcase for Asian American film and video, placing a substantial focus on local and independent works and working to enrich New York’s Asian cultural community.

About 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 ACV began as a social service media activist organization in New York City’s Chinatown. The organization continues to serve the Asian American community by presenting, promoting and preserving the works of Asian and Asian American mediamakers, and providing a window to the diverse experiences and livelihoods of the Asian diaspora.

Wednesday: Stewart Kwoh And The Asian Pacific American Legal Center

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

A little close with this one but wanted to make sure and post it on up (thanks Grace).

NEW REPORT SHOWS GOVERNMENT AGENICES
ARE ILL-PREPARED TO SERVE
LATINO & ASIAN IMMIGRANTS IN A DISASTER

WHAT: Release of new report by the Tomas Rivera Policy Institute (TPRI) and the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC), a member of Asian American Center for Advancing Justice, showing that despite a significant population of Asian Americans and Latinos in Los Angeles County, city and county agencies are poorly prepared to handle limited English speakers before or during a disaster.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 10 – 11 am

WHERE: Asian Pacific American Legal Center, Community Room (1st Floor)
1145 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Located at the intersection of Wilshire Blvd. and Lucas Ave.
Paid parking available in lot just north of APALC on Lucas Ave.

WHO: Featured speakers include: Stewart Kwoh, President and Executive Director, Asian Pacific American Legal Center
Harry Pachon, President, Tomas Rivera Policy Institute
Victoria Wilson, Research Assistant, Demographic Research Project, Asian Pacific American Legal Center

WHY: Limited English proficient (LEP) communities are among Los Angeles County’s most vulnerable groups when a disaster or other emergency occurs. As a follow-up to an earlier report documenting this disparity, TRPI and APALC conducted in-depth interviews with numerous city officials in Los Angeles County for cities with LEP populations exceeding 25 percent, as well as with officials representing Los Angeles County. The study finds that most city governments are underprepared to reach out and serve LEP communities in the event of an emergency.

Holy Shit! I'm Prescient. At Least About Jon Gosselin

Monday, June 28, 2010

And wouldn't you know who's on the Yahoo! front page (and you might have seen this already, but I have Google set as my default home page) - yes - yes - it's JG - and I kinda of predicted a possible - hopefull - resurgence.

Jon Gosselin's 'Rebirth' Via New Tattoo

Jon Gosselin has a brand new addition to his life — and it isn't another kid. The reality star debuted a fresh tattoo featuring an enormous Korean dragon that covers most of his back. Jon, who is half-Korean, chose the dragon to represent his maternal heritage.
Take that Kate!

I have no idea why I'm posting on this...

Retro Monday BENI

Monday, June 28, 2010



I found an embed. It's Monday. And well. I can't help it. I like this song. And you can deny it all you want, but you'd want to be in this video too.

One More Reason To Go After M. Night

Monday, June 28, 2010

And I do quote:

There are four nations, and I had to eventually make a decision about what nationality each of them are. What happened was, Noah Ringer walked in the door – and there was no other human being on the planet that could play Aang except for this kid.

To me, he felt mixed race with an Asian quality to him.
Well then.

That settles everything.

Random News I Could Care Less About (Kind Of)

Monday, June 28, 2010

Don't just say it's White People news because I see some of you in those A & F t-shirts and while I want to pull you aside - to the center where everyone can see you - and give you a public shaming - usually I'll just give you a pass because I need my morning coffee (and by morning I mean noon).

With sales down and consumer interest flagging, Abercrombie & Fitch has decided it's time to bring back its provocative catalog. The return of A&F Quarterly, which will go on sale July 17 for $10, is a blatant grab for the attention of America's recession-wracked teen spenders. Will it succeed?
Is it wrong for me to hope for the demise of a company even in this still somewhat recession filled time that we find ourselves living in?

Probably.

But I can't help it.

I'm kind of petty like that.

Daniel Wu + The U.S. + Maybe Those Actors In Asia Are Really Helping The Cause

Monday, June 28, 2010



Those early DW flicks....well, I guess we all have to start somewhere (and it's not like you can't find nuggets of the not so good here) - but Daniel Wu has come into his own - and now he's going to try and break out into the U.S. market (apparently he just signed up with an agency here in the states):

His fascination with Hong Kong cinema led to a trip to the former British colony in 1997 to witness its handover to China. Out of funds, he tried modeling and was spotted by a Hong Kong director in a fashion ad.

Thirteen years later, he has 50 movies under his belt and is one of the Chinese-language industry's biggest stars. Childhood idol Chan has become a frequent screen partner, most recently in the Tokyo-set drama "Shinjuku Incident." With a summer blockbuster due out on Thursday and clothing, watch and skin care endorsements, it's hard to miss Wu's picture in this wealthy shopping-crazed city of 7 million people.

Now Wu is hoping to leverage his reputation in the land of his ancestors to correct the cinematic prejudices of his home country. He recently signed with the Hollywood talent broker Creative Artists Agency.

"It's amazing that 30 years later, there still aren't (positive Asian-American role models). And I would like to help change that," he said.

The University of Oregon architecture graduate says part of the challenge is choosing the right roles. He said he has already turned down parts that he feels portrays Asians in a negative light.
I know that sometimes we can't help but make the difference between Asian and Asian American and lament that fact that an actor from Asia is getting a part over an Asian American - but just the fact that more people are getting out - and getting accustomed to seeing an Asian face - any Asian face - sometimes it can be a good thing.

And now we have someone like DW who's not only a bona fide star in Asia, but who's also Asian American coming on down to make a mark in the U.S.

Worldwide marketing power and he's Asian American?

I'll be interested to see how this one plays out.

Random Cho + Drop Dead Diva

Monday, June 28, 2010

I don't watch Lifetime, but you might - so I give you this Margaret Cho snippet:

Margaret Cho has revealed that she liked being able to work with other Asian-Americans on Drop Dead Diva [...]

"In shows, it's usually just one of us," she explained. "It's very rare to have more than one Asian-American actor on anything ever. So it was this special, really rare, cool thing for us to hang out."
Watch it online and Sundays at 9 P.M.

All Hail Kai Ryssdal (And Legaci)

Monday, June 28, 2010

I can't help but love me some Marketplace and the smooth sounds of Kai Ryssdal - who - just in case you missed it - did a feature on Legaci - interviewing Josh Kun from the Annenberg School at University of Southern California:

Ryssdal: What's the big deal these guys are Filipino-Americans?

Kun: Well, part of the big deal is that you just don't see many Filipino Americans, or for that matter Asian American, on the pop charts or the R&B charts, so to suddenly see this quartet of guys on some of the biggest stages in American pop music is a big deal.

Ryssdal: How did they come to attention, then, of who I must say is not my favorite pop artist in the world, Justin Bieber?

Kun: First of all, I heard you listening to Justin before I came in, so I just wanted to let listeners know. They came to his attention the same way Justin Bieber came to the world's attention, which is actually on YouTube [...]

Ryssdal: What's it going to take, then, for major record labels to get smart and say, "I gotta sign one of these guys."

Kun: This is one of the great mysteries. I mean, if you look at the amount of Asian Americans on YouTube versus the scarcity of Asian Americans on the pop charts, it's this big kind of like "why?" question. And some people believe it's kind of lingering, old-school racism. Others believe that within U.S. pop culture the idea of Asian Americans as somehow not quite "American" still persists in many ways. And many others just talk about kind of more basic stereotypes -- that, in fact, mainstream U.S. culture is not used to seeing Asian American kids who aren't mathematicians or who aren't behind the scenes as DJs.

Yeah I know. Two posts in a row with a Beiber reference.

Somehow that's just wrong.

But I do you give you some Legaci news straight from Marketplace and technically that's worth more.

July 24: Kollaboration Houston

Sunday, June 27, 2010



While I question The Beiber cover - I have to admit - it does sound good - but more importantly - Houston - time to get your Kollaboration on.

Because You Wanted More BENI news

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Just a word to all my BENI fans - she'll be kicking it down July 3 for the Anime Expo 2010. Pick up some tix here.

Top 10 Asian Comedians Of All Time

Sunday, June 27, 2010



Got this sent in from David down at the blog Make It in the Motherland on his top ten Asian comedians of all time:

For the past few decades, steady progress has been made in one of the last frontiers of Asian American occupation: the entertainment industry. More recently, things seem to be approaching a tipping point – with Asian comedians boldly leading the way. Comedy has the unique ability to bring audiences across racial barriers to come together and is the first genre to experience breakthroughs. Asian comedians are beginning to get more leading and supporting roles in Hollywood, with increasing diversity in characters. The internet has been crucial in the discovery and dissemination of new Asian comics, allowing some to cater entirely to Asian audiences and sustain a career. The Asian comedians on this list range from the goofy, to the nerdy, to the intelligent and everything in between. Some play to the mainstream, others to ethnic niches or both. But they all have one thing in common: in an Asian American entertainment scene where the odds are stacked against you, the following ten comics have left their mark.
So who's on the list?

Guess you'll have to read it.

July At The Japanese American National Museum

Sunday, June 27, 2010

From my folks down at the JANM who are screening some great films this upcoming month.

Calling Tokyo: Japanese American Radio Broadcasters of World War II
Saturday, July 10 • 2 PM

Calling Tokyo tells the story of Japanese Americans who participated in the United States and Britain’s World War II broadcast campaign to influence the hearts and minds of people in Japan. Some of the radio broadcasters will share their experiences after the screening.

A Crossroad Called Manzanar
Saturday, July 24 • 2 PM
Cose: FREE!

Months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, two best friends spend their final moments together, not realizing their lives will soon be forever changed by the incarceration of all Japanese and Japanese American living along the West Coast.

You Don’t Know Jack
Saturday, July 31 • 2 PM
Cost: FREE!

You Don’t Know Jack is a new one-hour documentary film by director/filmmaker and San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi that tells the fascinating story of a pioneering American entertainer Jack Soo, born Goro Suzuki.
And remember - free is good.

Power Sucks

Sunday, June 27, 2010

I tell you people - first it's my DSL, than it's my Power. Will the gods of we don't like you Slanty gimme a MF break?

No.

No they won't.

I think I'll have to do a 100 blog post Monday to make up for the lack of posts.

Nice.

Charice Pempengco + AndPop + Glee + Just Because I Can

Thursday, June 24, 2010

AndPop Interview



It's True

I know this might be little old news (from Monday) but just in case you didn't know - yes indeed - she's joining the cast of Glee - and while I'll be curious to see how they deal with her backstory - let's just say it together:

Can't.Wait.For.Next.Season.

And Just Because I Can

You Should Know: Jessalyn Wanlim Is A Scoundrel

Thursday, June 24, 2010



Numbers And Stats

Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 106 lbs
Bust: 0
Waist: 24
Hips: 33
Cup: A
Dress: 0
Shoe: 7.5
Hair color: Black
Hair length: Medium
Eye color: Brown
Ethnicity: Asian
Skin color: Tanned
Experience: Experienced
Compensation: Depends on Assignment
Shoot nudes: No
Genres: n/a

Last Seen On

ABC's Scoundrels as Patty Hong

Happy Hour: Coalition for Asian American Children And Families (CACF) Action Council

Thursday, June 24, 2010



Yeah yeah - I know what you're thinking. Children? Family? Happy Hour? WTF?

WTF indeed...as in Why TF won't you go?

Interested in becoming more involved in the Asian Pacific American community?

The Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF) Action Council invites you to a happy hour at:

Verlaine
110 Rivington @ Essex St
Sunday June 27th
5 to 8 pm
Open Bar from 5 to 6 pm!

Come learn more about the Action Council and how you can get involved. Meet members of the current Action Council and learn about our upcoming projects!

Questions: actioncouncil@cacf.org; www.cacf.org

The Action Council is a group of young professionals who support and raise awareness for CACF's mission & goals.

CACF is the nation's only pan-Asian children's advocacy nonprofit organization. CACF aims to improve the health and well-being of Asian Pacific American children and families across New York City.
Sweet sweet happy hour...

CBS And Kina Grannis Get A Second Cup Of Coffee

Thursday, June 24, 2010



Been seeing this around and wanted to make sure and post it on up.

And Just A Quick Note For You Lakers' Fans

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Kiss my ass and just remember who helped you win the MF championship...yeah - you already know who I'm thinking about...but I do have to say that if the Lakers are your team you probably were overjoyed - and well - you win some, you lose some, and I can't begrudge the happiness you're probably still feeling even if it completely irks me...

P.S. On Comments

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Since I've been getting ultra spam over the past couple of weeks - which is getting better - comments are on moderation, and while the readers here will always be voyeurs (and that's ok with me because like I've always said I like to watch too) - since that actually takes work - it may take a few hours or 24 of them to get your comment up.

I've never claimed to be a hard worker people.

Mariqueen Maandig + How To Destroy Angels

Thursday, June 24, 2010



I never heard of this group before checking down into the BCB site and while it may make me want to slit my ankles (cause I'm really a wuss) on a scale of 1-10 I give it a treacherous.

Speak To Us Lauren Tom, Speak To Us

Thursday, June 24, 2010

I actually didn't read all of this yet - part 1 or part 2 - but I figure if you were a fan of Friends or just liked to laugh at it or just wanted some Lauren Tom goodness - those posts are for you.

Episode 7: Ktown Cowboys

Thursday, June 24, 2010



Just for the MF record - I was totally into the Lionel Richie - that shit made me weep.

Nice.

Thank You Gods Of DSL

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Finally. New DSL has arrived.

And it was easy to setup.

I give you kudos.

It takes that long to flip a switch?

Somehow I feel like I just did something poetic...

Vincent Who? Special Edition DVD

Sunday, June 20, 2010



I got sent word in from the Vincent Who? team about a new DVD Special Edition that marks the 28th anniversary of the hate crime against Vincent Chin.

Here's what director Tony Lam had to say about it:

This week marks the 28th anniversary of the hate crime murder of Vincent Chin, a case that ignited the first Asian American civil rights movement and gave rise to a new "Asian American" identity and community.

In commemoration, we are releasing a Special Edition DVD of VINCENT WHO?, the 2009 documentary about Vincent Chin and the Asian American experience in political activism (see our new widescreen trailer). We are also launching a new website dedicated to Vincent Chin and his legacy to serve as an educational resource.

In doing so, we hope to contribute toward the day when the momentous, but mostly unknown story of Vincent Chin becomes a familiar one, not only among Asian Americans, but all Americans.
The special edition DVD has both the 4:3 and 16:9 widescreen formats and has some great new discounts for educational showings and use.

Pick it up and check out more at the site.

Film: La Petite Salon At SF LGBT Film Festival

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Sweet sweet Viet Am film. Catch it if you can:

Frameline34: San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival

Shorts Program: One Night - La Petite Salon
Mark your calender on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 9:30pm at the Roxie Theater.
TEXT VOTING CODE: s609

Tickets available for purchase at http://www.frameline.org/events/

AFTERPARTY @ The Lexington Club
3464 19th Street (Between Mission and Valencia)
San Francisco, CA 94110

Details about the screening is available at http://www.frameline.org/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=2146&FID=47.
Thanks Cat

KAC National THINK (Topple Hunger in North Korea) Conference

Sunday, June 20, 2010

I got this sent in and wanted to make sure and post it up. While I don't know a lot about the conference - it looks like they have a lot of interesting speakers and panels.

KAC National THINK (Topple Hunger in North Korea) Conference, June 25 & June 26th, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles

Friday, June 25
Welcoming Reception (6-8pm)

Saturday, June 26
Breakfast/Registration (8:30-9am)

Panel 1 - North Korean Defector: Cheol-Hwan Kang (9:30-10:50am)

Panel 2 - Kim Jong Il's regime: past, transition, and future; hunger issues: John Park, David Kang, and David Karl (11am-12:20pm)

Lunch/Panel 3 - North Korean Orphan Adoption Bill currently in Congress: Sang Man Han-Schneider and Suzanne Scholte (12:30-2pm)

Panel 4 - NGOs in action in North Korea: Eugene Bell and Asia Foundation (2:10-3:30pm)

Panel 5 - North Korean Defector: Dr. Ae-Ran Lee (3:40-5p)
Reception and National Gala Dinner Event (6-9pm)

Partial list of confirmed panelists include:

Cheol-Hwan Kang (North Korean Defector; current Journalist in Seoul, Korea)

Dr. Ae-Ran Lee (North Korean Defector; 2010 International Women of Courage Award recipient)

Sang Man (Sam) Han-Schneider (founder of the Han-Schneider International Children's Foundation)

Professor David Kang (USC Korean Studies Institute Director)

David Karl (President of the Asia Strategy Initiative)

John S. Park (Senior Research Associate at the United States Institute of Peace)

Suzanne Scholte (President of the Defense Forum Foundation)

With the T.H.I.N.K. Conference, KAC hopes to garner support from the community as well as to educate the general public about the dire situation of the North Korean people. We will be focusing on both the humanitarian crisis within the country in addition to North Korea’s prospects in the near future as well as next few decades. We anticipate over 400 attendees for the conference with expert panel members and experience on North Korean issues.

Please join us, and feel free to forward this THINK Conference information to your friends and colleagues. If you are not able to join us, perhaps you would consider donating so that we can give deserving college students scholarships to attend the T.H.I.N.K. Conference.

The Korean American Coalition is non-profit, non-partisan community advocacy organization. Our mission is to promote the civic concerns, civil rights, and community affairs of the Korean American community through education, community organizing leadership development, and coalition-building with diverse community.

Kero One Video Preview: On Bended Knee Feat. Sam Ock

Sunday, June 20, 2010



Pick up the new album on iTunes now.

Here's What They're Saying (From Limewire)

“Calling Bay Area rapper Kero One the Asian Eminem might at first seem like an exercise in stereotyping until you tune into the messages he’s delivering on his third album, Kinetic World. Centerpiece track “Asian Kids” pulls no punches in its penetrating analysis of the cultural conflicts and contradictions that come into play when it comes to assimilating Asians into hip-hop culture. Of course, a “conscious” underground rapper like Kero One doesn’t limit his cultural critiques simply to his own ethnicity — Kinetic World finds him taking on society at large with a nuanced, sophisticated lyrical approach that goes hand in hand with his turbo-tongued flow. But even before you start to dig into the impressive lyrical content of Kinetic World, there’s a whole other level to be appreciated; Kero One makes the most of juicy, jazz-soaked production throughout the album, sometimes harking back to the glory days of jazz-sampling pioneers like A Tribe Called Quest. Whichever way you enter this record, there’s a lot to think about and a lot to absorb, from the rhymes to the concept to the arrangements, and the beats that back it all up.”

In And Out

Friday, June 18, 2010

I'll be a little sporadic posting over the next few days...some here some there, and then back to full speed as I get a few more things in order....nice.

This Is Why We Still Need Our Voices To Be Heard

Thursday, June 17, 2010

If this doesn't cue you in to the racism that we still face within the workplace, I'm not sure what will:


More than a hundred Asian American workers gathered last week to make their voices heard about the unique challenges that Asian Americans face on the job. In a historic meeting arranged by the New York chapter of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), workers defined the barriers to organizing, the need for improved community and labor partnerships, and shared successful organizing strategies.

"When my rich employer gave me a stale pizza, threw it in the kitchen table without a plate, I was convinced then that after the apartheid era, slavery and racism still exist in this country," Mona Lunot, a Filipina domestic worker said in the hearing.

Lunot added that she directly experienced slavery, abuse, discrimination, sexual harassment and other violations of human rights from the moment that she left her life in the Philippines in 2000 to become a domestic worker for a diplomat here in the United States.
Fuck that.

I would have picked that pizza up and thrown that MF back at them so fast...oh wait...that's really easy to say, but when you have a family, are new to a country, and are on the opposite end of the racial spectrum in terms of power - you can't always do that.

And that's exactly why we still need our voices heard.

Get inspired.

Fashion For A Passion

Thursday, June 17, 2010

So this is a little far off into the future but wanted to post up on it anway as the fundraiser is coming out in the next few months (and it's never too early to start your planning).

Dallas nonprofit ATG Against The Grain Productions presents the 2nd Annual Fashion For A Passion from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 25 at LandCo/7 Senses located at 1202 N. Riverside in Dallas, Texas. The event will showcase collections from emerging Asian American designers Khanh Nguyen for Nhã Khanh, Nikki Duong Koenig for Cykochik, Lyly Thanh Koenig for Lyly Thanh, Prashi Shah for Prashe and Judy Yang. This year’s event will also feature the collection of Chloe Dao, Season 2 winner of Project Runway, with the designer in attendance. In addition to the fashion showcase, there will be musical acts, as well as an exhibition of work by local Asian American artists. The event also features a live auction of pieces from each fashion designer’s collection, with the proceeds to benefit orphanages in Vietnam and ATG’s community outreach initiatives.
See more here.

See? We're Good For Business

Thursday, June 17, 2010

I simply give you this from the dry, but nevertheless educational Lodging And Hospitality site.

Unquestionably, the most important thing to happen in the hotel industry in the last 25 years has been the emergence of the Asian-American hotel community. Sadly, however, after all these years there still is lingering resentment and prejudice toward Indian hoteliers by guests and even others in the hotel industry.

The rest of us non-morons appreciate the stellar accomplishments of the 10,000-plus Indian-American hoteliers. They continue to lead the lodging industry in a number of crucial ways: They’re entrepreneurial, a trait that originally built the industry. While risk-takers, Indian hoteliers are also careful not to extend beyond their financial and organizational capabilities. And, finally, Asian-American hoteliers are fiercely family-oriented, another characteristic of the industry before Big Business discovered it. Many Asian-American-owned properties and hotel companies are now run by second- and even third-generation family members, who mostly retain the culture’s passion for hard work, smart growth and strong business ethics.

I was reminded of the contributions of Asian-American hoteliers by reading a new study from the Asian American Hotel Owners Association detailing the financial muscle of its 10,000 members. Collectively, they own 20,000 hotels with 1.8 million rooms and valued at $129 billion. That’s 40 percent of all the hotels in the U.S. and 39 percent of the guestrooms.
Holy Shit Batman - 40 percent of all the hotels?

Someone get me a MF deal!

Fwd: Shows To Oprah, Portraits, And Here

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Getting a lot of things forwarded to me from forwards, and so - I forward on to you.

  • Filmmaker Jennifer Arndt-Johns is pitching a show to Oprah and it's possible her target audience just might like it. Vote for it down here: http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html
  • You can check out the Misplaced Baggage Vietnamese Adoptee Portrait Series down at ADK Photography which says this about the project:

    Celebrating our lives thirty-five years after the war. This is a portrait series of most of the Vietnamese adoptees that attended the first reunion hosted by Operation Reunite and Project Return II: Out of the Ashes. in Sài Gòn, Viet Nam. This is the first reunion of its kind and I want to thank especially Trista Goldberg and Le-Thanh Hung and all the VADS who have participated in the foto shoots for making this project a reality. Thank you for the honor of letting me document our lives, for our voices need to be heard.
  • June 22nd, you can meet and greet with the creative team behind the book "HERE: A Visual History of Korean Adoptees in Minnesota."

A Thought To Remember

Thursday, June 17, 2010

I was checking out the bitter.sweet.asian site and caught this post on her profile down at I Am Korean American and I just think this is a great line and wanted to re-post it up here:

I’ve recently come to realize that I define what it means to be Korean American and Korean American does not define me
Check it out in full here.

An Open Letter To Unicorn Girl

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Dear Unicorn Girl:

I really don't know why I'm writing this post. I guess it has something to do with the fact that I mentioned you to a friend and than said I was going to post on you, but other than that - I'm not really sure why (however it may come to me as I finish writing it).

First let me say you are absolutely 100% no holds barred girl next door I think you rival Shu Qi beautiful. And I think you might be my muse - but we'll get to that later.

Second, yes I'm kinda of kicking myself for not saying hi to you the first night I saw you when you did that thing that all guys love which is stand with your legs crossed and then take your foot out of your heel and kind of let it hang - because it's just enough for us to get us completely interested especially if you also happen to be wearing a white skirt at the time - and yes this is after I seemed to run into you about three other times.

Now I know what you're going to say Unicorn Girl which is "Why didn't you say hi to me? I was giving you the vibe" and that answer is simple - I didn't know if you were really giving me the vibe - because sometimes it's hard to tell with Unicorns - and more importantly - I couldn't tell if you were actually with someone at the time because it's really hard to tell when we travel in groups and you're sitting next to a guy who's sitting on a chair with another women who seems to be his wife but then when you sit next to him, he puts his arm around you - kind of.

Was it familial?

Are you a sister-in law?

Did he just win something big?

I still don't know these answers to these questions.

O.K., so you may be wondering why I'm referring to you as Unicorn Girl - and this is why - which also brings me back to why you might be my muse - albeit a muse that directs me to winning slot machines.

See a few weeks later I happened to be at the same gambling establishment and I swear to all that is mythical that you walked right past me with a knowing smile of remembering me.

At least I'm pretty sure that was you.

Now I was all set to jump up and say "What the hell, didn't I see you here a few weeks ago?" - but I was in the middle of a bonus round and well you know - it's the bonus round - but I tried to look for you again, got distracted, and then sat down on another machine and said to myself "If I get into the bonus round again, I'm going to search her out in the same area that I saw her last time."

So truth be told - I did get into the bonus round, although I did stay there for another 20 spins or so - but I did go back to where I saw you earlier.

And as you might know - I didn't find you there.

I got up on chairs to get a good view. I went to the middle. I went to the side. I went to that big machine you happened to be mesmerized by when I saw you the first time- but nothing.

You were gone.

It was like you never existed.

Did I just imagine you?

I don't know, maybe I did...

There is a happy ending however.

See, I ended up going the machine that I saw you at a few weeks prior where I couldn't tell who was married to who - and wouldn't you know it - after a few spins I got into the bonus round and won five hundred and some odd dollars at that same machine (not bad for a $1.50 bet).

I know right?

Awesome.

And as you might have already guessed - that machine had Unicorns on it - which is why I'm now referring to you as Unicorn Girl and I figure even though I didn't find you again - I still got points for trying and that's all we can ask for right?

Because who knows. We could have met. Took a stroll outside. Gotten to know each other. I would have been a consummate gentlemen offering to get you a drink from the free drink dispenser and a one dollar slot dog to go with it - but in the end would it have lasted?

Would it have been real?

I guess we'll never know.

But I do know this much: That five hundred dollars was real.

So here's to hoping I see you again where we get to finally meet, or maybe I just end up winning a $300,000 progressive jackpot.

Slanty

A Random Note On Blogosphere And All That Comes With It

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Obviously I read a lot of blogs, news, alerts - anything I can get my hands on - and I've said before here in this space - at times - balance doesn't always happen.

To be a blogger - it's not someone who utilizes a blog as an extension of what they're already into. It's not an organization or company that blogs to get their brand out.

We're a hybrid of newscasters, editors, writers, Op-Ed, and sometime activists even if we don't know it.

Yet we're all still human.

We still feel. We have ego. We can be aggressive and even more so passive aggressive.

Sometimes it's not what we say, but it's what we don't say and what we allude too.

As much as bloggers in the Asian American and Pacific Islander space are a community getting the same alerts, the same PR's, knowing or being in the know of some of the same people and organizations even if not always knowing the individuals themselves, and there's a sense of doing a greater good even with everything that might come with it -- we all have our own lives, our own causes, our own events and organizations we support, and without a doubt - our own opinions.

Blogging is passion. It's emotion. It's taking the time to put something out there - whatever that may be - even if you ask yourself if you should be somewhere else doing something else (to which you usually say no). And as visceral as it might be, it can be just as mechanical.

But it's an evolution because it does involve a specific POV.

And we make mistakes. Sometimes we hit the mark and other times we fall a little short of where we wanted to be either in what we do, or how we might do it, or how we might engage those situations and people because of what we do, as important or as trite as some people might think it is.

I guess my thought is this:

We do what we do, we say what we say, and we gotta take the good and the bad with it and however it affects whatever we do in relation to the blogs we pour our time into.

That's just a fact.

At the end of the day though - with everything that can come with this thing called blogging - because of everything it is - sometimes - well, sometimes you give a pass and call it a day.

I know. I've given passes, and I've gotten passes - and somedays, that's just the way it goes.

You're A First: Sharon Woo

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

I don't really know what a Chief of Criminal Division actually does - but I'm thinking it sounds good on the resume:

District Attorney Kamala D. Harris has appointed Sharon Woo as the new Chief of Criminal Division at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office.

She is the first Chinese American woman to hold this prestigious position in the City and County of San Francisco. Currently, Woo is the Managing Attorney of the Narcotics Unit. A graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles, she later received her Juris Doctorate from the University of San Francisco, School of Law.

Because You Wanted A Picture Of Daniel Henney's Dog In A Hoodie And Glasses

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Listen, Watch, Learn: Christina Lagdameo

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Part 1



Part 2



Get In The Know

Christina Lagdameo is committed to the social, economic, and political empowerment of people of color, especially Asian Pacific Americans, women, and girls. From 2000 to 2007, Lagdameo worked for the White House Office of Management and Budget and examined over $45 billion in federal income support programs, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, Refugee Resettlement, and issues relating to asset poverty.

She received her master's degree in urban policy from the New School for Social Research in New York City and bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland. While attending the University of Maryland, she pressured the administration to establish the first Asian American studies (AAS) program in the D.C. metropolitan area, and she later received one of the first AAS certificates from the school.
Lagdameo was formerly the chair of the national board for the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, whose mission is to build an APA women's movement among those who believe in advancing social justice and to address the concerns and increase the rights of APA women and girls.

Since 2007, Lagdameo has been traveling around the world and living in Mysore, India, where she volunteered with a nonprofit organization that rescues and rehabilitates survivors of sex trafficking. With this organization, Lagdameo coordinated various programs including the Cycle to Stop Human Trafficking, a 30-day ride to 60 villages in Karnataka, India, with 20 survivors and 10 foreign volunteers who trained survivors in activism and public speaking.

In April 2010, Lagdameo was appointed to the position of deputy director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for the Obama administration. While this puts a temporary hiatus on her world travels, Lagdameo is honored and humbled to be back in Washington and to serve the community in this new capacity.

In Pictures: Kiki Wongo

Wednesday, June 16, 2010



Nylon Pink Rhythm Guitarist And Moonlighting Runway Model Kiki Wongo.

AAIFF 2010 Schedule

Wednesday, June 16, 2010



Because you wanted to know (no - really, you did).

Thurs 7.15

Opening Night Presentation Manila Skies 7:30p CV

Fri 7.16

15 Malaysia 1:15p Quad
For Youth by Youth 4:00p MOCA
Woman on Fire Looks for Water 4:00p Quad
Zoom Hunting 6:00p CV
Copyrights and Wrongs 6:00p MOCA
Oh Family, Where Art Thou? 6:15p CV
It's a Little Bit Funny... 7:00p Quad
Slice 8:45p CV
Wo Ai Ni Mommy 9:00p CV
Back to the Future 9:00p Quad
AAIFF Amplified 9:00p

Sat 7.17

For Youth by Youth 12:00p MOCA
In the Matter of Cha Jung Hee 12:30p CV
The Arrival 1:00p Quad
Youth Workshop 2:00p DCTV
Yang Yang 3:00p CV
9500 Liberty 3:30p Quad
Interpretations 5:00p CV
Mao's Last Dancer 6:00p CV
The First Kiss 6:15p Quad
Eye on Taiwan 7:30p CV
Lt. Watada 9:00p Quad

Centerpiece Presentation Au Revoir Taipei 9:00p CV

Sun 7.18

CUNY Shorts 1:00p Quad
Making it Green 1:00p MOCA
The Things We Carry 2:45p CV
China Online? 3:00p MOCA
Mystery Screening 3:30p Quad
Other Nature 4:00p CV
Raspberry Magic 5:30p CV
Taipei 24H 6:30p CV
Untold Stories 6:30p Quad
Miss Kicki 8:30p CV
At the End of Daybreak 9:00p Quad

Mon 7.19

She, A Chinese 6:00p CV
Work-In-Progress 7:00p Tribeca Cinema
Mountain Thief 9:30p CV

Tues 7.20

Fog 6:00p CV
The Mikado Project 8:30p CV

Wed 7.21

Closing Night Presentation The People I've Slept With 7:30p CV

Deep Foundation, Magnetic North, Heather Park, Taiyo Na, And Channel APA

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Wanted to make sure and post up these videos just in case you missed any of them from the channel APA team who are doing just an amazing job of getting on out and making sure that more voices get heard.

Magnetic North



Heather Park



Deep Foundation



Taiyo Na

SDAFF And Reel In The Vote

Monday, June 14, 2010



You know it. I know it. We all know it -- getting your vote on for whatever, or whoever it is can make a difference. And when you have a little help - or prodding - from your friends, or even a stranger - it makes it that much easier - and in this case - maybe you can help be that friendly stranger prodding (or gently nudging) someone to vote.

Check it out.

Our friends at the San Diego Asian Film Foundation want YOU to join their REEL IN THE VOTE campaign, to increase voting among Asian Pacific Islanders (APIs). All you have to do is come up with a creative, 30-second video that helps encourage APIs to go to the polls in November.

This contest is NON-PARTISAN and offers $2,000+ in prizes for the top three entries, plus Travel and Lodging expenses to 11th San Diego Asian Film Festival in October. Watch the sample PSA here: http://bit.ly/PSAREELINVOTE

For more info on Reel in the Vote at http://sdaff.org/festival/reel-in-the-vote.php or feel free to contact us at 858.565.1264 Info@sdaff.org

Here's a sample PSA from Karen Lin (which won't be in the competition).



Thanks Dan

2010 Advancing Justice Conference, Asian Americans And Pacific Islanders United In Strength

Monday, June 14, 2010

Got this sent in my way and wanted to make sure and post it on up (thanks Grace).

LEADING ASIAN AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS ANNOUNCE NEW SHARED BRAND AT THE 2010 ADVANCING JUSTICE CONFERENCE
IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Harold Hongju Koh, U.S. Department of State, will deliver keynote speech; conference speakers include Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA), Judge Denny Chin, Secretary Norman Y. Mineta and others

WHAT: WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 2010 Advancing Justice Conference, “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders United in Strength” is a national civil rights and social justice conference that aims to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders in one place to address a broad range of issues facing the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. The four hosting organizations will announce a new level of partnership under a shared name in order to better promote a fair and equitable society by empowering Asian American Pacific Islanders and other underserved communities. The conference is hosted by the Asian American Justice Center (Washington, D.C.), Asian American Institute (Chicago, IL), Asian Law Caucus (San Francisco, CA) and the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (Los Angeles, CA).

The Conference covers a variety of issues including: immigration reform and enforcement, immigrant integration, human rights, civil rights and national security, healthcare, English language learner, reauthorization of NCLB, and LGBT rights. It also includes presentations on corporate and foundation fundraising, new media, community organizing, board and commission participation, capacity building and intergroup collaboration. See below for the full conference agenda or visit http://www.advancingjustice.org/2010/schedule.

On the last day of conference, participants will participate in Immigration Advocacy Day and visit with members of Congress, key policy makers and advocates to discuss critical legislative priorities of importance to the Asian American community.
Looks like a lot of great workshops and incredible speakers including: Judge Denny Chin, Rep. Mike Honda, Harold Hongju Koh, Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, and Tina Tchen.

Definitely make sure and check it out if you can.

Deanna Fei, Amy Tan, And Dirty Words

Monday, June 14, 2010

I caught this article up at the Huffington Post by author Deanna Fei and it couldn't help but catch my eye:

The day that a review of my first novel ran in the New York Times, I received a Facebook friend request from Amy Tan. It seemed she was welcoming me into the club--of novelists, Chinese American novelists, Chinese American female novelists reviewed in the Times. I was about to eagerly accept when I remembered that during my first radio interview a few days earlier--an interview I'd posted to my website, Twitter, and Facebook--I'd called her a dirty word.
If that doesn't make you interested, I don't know what does.

Read it in full here.

Episode 6: Ktown Cowboys

Saturday, June 12, 2010

A Quick Note To Noodles And Co

Friday, June 11, 2010

Dear NAC:

I'll be quick about this because I have some of your food waiting for me to eat, but why is it that the spaghetti and meatballs regular is two times larger than the stroganoff regular size? I didn't ask for small, but for some reason it looks small and I don't understand why regular for one, looks like small for the other.

I'm not really mad per se, I just don't understand, however, I would like a large stroganoff, not a small, even if it's regular.

Good Day,
Slanty

Arizona Did It Again, Miller Valley Elementary, Steve Blair, And Make Those Kids Look Less Brown And More White Please

Thursday, June 10, 2010


The artists who painted the mural

Is it just me or does Arizona have some things to work out?

In the latest blight upon the state, apparently no one wants a mural with kids of color on it especially when the the kid of color is the one actually being featured.


Artists who painted a mural at an elementary school in Prescott depicting four students, with the most prominent being a Hispanic boy, were asked to lighten the faces amid taunts and tensions.

R.E. Wall, the artist who heads the Prescott Downtown Mural Project, told a local newspaper passersby regularly shouted racially charged comments at his group while they were creating the mural at the Miller Valley Elementary School.

"You're desecrating our school," "Get the ni---- off the wall," "Get the sp-- off the wall," were common, Wall said. "The pressure stayed up consistently," Wall said. "We had two months of cars shouting at us."
Yeah. I know.

And like always (at least it seems to be the case these days) there's a politician involved.


The ranting of one city councilman seems to have revved up the controversy in the community. "Art is in the eye of the beholder, but I say [the mural] looks like graffiti in L.A.," Councilman Steve Blair said.

"I am not a racist individual," Blair said on a radio show last month, "but I will tell you depicting a black guy in the middle of that mural, based upon who's President of the United States today and based upon the history of this community, when I grew up we had four black families - who I have been very good friends with for years - to depict the biggest picture on that building as a black person, I would have to ask the question, 'Why?'"
Oh yeah. There's a principle involved too.


The school's principal, Jeff Lane, told the newspaper he asked the artists to "remove some shadowing that made the faces darker than they are."
And yes, they did in fact start lightening up the mural so the kids would appear more "radiant and happy."

But Don't Fear. All Is Well Now...Sort Of

The good news is that non-racist common sense finally seemed to prevail as the mural is going back to its original state and Steve Blair lost his radio gig (and could also lose his Council seat).

Miller Valley Elementary principle Jeff Lane however still has a job.

Two out of three isn't bad I guess.

Doing It One White Person At A Time

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Even though I don't know a ton about this new group - sounds like a step in the right direction because as we all know, it's just not up to us as POC to get it done:


“It shouldn’t always be the work of people of color to stop white people from being racist or to inform white people that they are being racist.”

Those words come from Hannah Jacoby, a founding member of the Chicago Alliance for Racial Equity. The alliance is hosting its first Anti-Racism Workshop for White Allies on Saturday. The workshop will train white people to be effective allies with minority groups among other white people. "Everything we try to do here is with the intention of movement building,” Jacoby said. This organization was created by white staff members and supporters of the Chicago Freedom School to teach members of the white community how to be effective allies with minorities.
Again, sounds pretty good to me, and I applaud them for taking the initiative.

I will be honest though and say that if I saw a bunch of White People wearing jackets with bold letters on them saying "White Allies" - and nothing else - I'm thinking they may be trying to kick my ass because I wouldn't be sure whose allies they actually were.

Just want to say my peace before they make t-shirts.

And You Might Be Racially Insensitive If...

Thursday, June 10, 2010

  • You post up real estate ads that say "The said land shall not be sold, leased or rented to any person other than of the Caucasian race."
  • You think Islam is a threat to America.
  • You actually were found guilty in court of making racist comments.
  • Even though bowling is fun for everyone you won't allow people to bowl at your establishment because they're Black.
  • You promote a book called The Red Network: A "Who's Who" and Handbook of Radicalism for Patriots.
  • Your neighbors have filed charges against you in Santa Fe. And you once played the part of Batman.

Dumbfounded: Up In The Air

Thursday, June 10, 2010

I'm Not Traditional Nor Respectful And If You Really Want To Pick Up An Asian American Man (Or Take It To The Next Level) Here's How

Thursday, June 10, 2010

So I was reading these posts down at YOMYOMF which have to do a lot with the non-Asian American/Asian American male pairing and in some ways kind of sums up why some women love us so much -- which comes down to us being respectful, traditional, and dignified.

Hmmmm

I'm an Asian American male and not that respectful.

I'm kind of a dick actually and most people that have known me for any amount of time will tell you that, especially after they've thrown a drink in my face for something that I've said.

Dignified?

I've been known to actually stop in traffic, get out of the car, and berate the people behind me for using their horn too much while shouting at me.

When I happen to leave my hole in the wall and go to what some people might call a "real restaurant", when they try to take my fork I can't help but resist to which they reply (as they laugh at me trying to take said fork out of my hand) "We'll bring you a new one for the next course."

Traditional?

Uhhh. Ok.

If that means keeping my tradition of buying the bestest and softest Kleenex to masturbate into (because I believe in treating myself well) - sure - I'm totally traditional.

Things To Say To Help Get An Asian American Man Or Take It To The Next Level (At Least Some Of Us)

There's no money-back guarantee here and I'm leaning on porn and letters to penthouse, but this shit's free and if you're not paying for advice it's probably not that good anyway so don't bother e-mailing me with "WTF is this?"

  • I was thinking for our first date, just because I don't know if I could control myself around you alone and I don't want to take things too fast, maybe I'd bring a friend along just to make it more comfortable and interesting. She's really cool and she loves to give head. Give him a moment to catch his breath and then say K?
  • Lean over and whisper into his ear while you show ample skin God my pussay is so fucking wet for you right now. And remember, you have to say pusssay - kinda trashy not like you're raising your hand to answer a question (think Randall Park keyed up raising his hand saying "Oooo Ooooo my pussy's wet. My pussy's really wet! See! See!" - it ruins the effect).
  • I have an extra ticket to the NBA Finals. Wanna go? (that one would work specifically on me btw because I could care about sex - it's the NBA finals - and as long as we're talking about being wet I think Ray Allen needs some lube to help the ball go in - 0 of 13 - that's criminal Ray).
  • I was thinking maybe we'd get some Pho and then afterwards we could you know, go into the alley...Make sure to wink at this point. But...if you're not up for that, maybe you could get out the video camera later on? I think this one is fool-proof because it lets him know you're interested as well as brings food and technology into the mix while also giving him some creative control, all things the Asian American male just can't deny.
  • As you're getting to know more about each other's likes and dislikes sexually just drop in the obligatory My last boyfriend didn't really like to do the same things I did and I just got tired of it because I really like ass to mouth a lot and he just didn't want to do that. I mean c'mon - who doesn't like a little ass to mouth action?
Again, no money-back guarantee, no assurances, and this advice is coming from someone who's a proclaimed romantic at heart.

Good luck in snagging your next, or first, Asian American male.

The LXD: July 7th 2010

Wednesday, June 09, 2010



Nice.

You're A Winner: God is D_ad + Phoenix Comicon Film Festival 2010

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Got some news sent out my way that the Abe Lim feaure God is d_ad won both Best Feature and Best Ensemble Cast down at Phoenix Comicon Film Festival 2010.

Cool.

Thanks Abe

Andrew Cuomo Investigating iPad Discrimination Claims

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

The bottom line on this one is that we're to blame here. We love to smuggle shit. Don't deny it. Sure, the iPad won't fit up our ass, but that won't stop us because we're determined MF's. We'll tear that shit apart piece by MF piece and then hide all the parts in other people's luggage (albeit White People's luggage who we don't know because there's that possibility that we'll get stopped with another group of Asian faces and asked if we're all together and even though we'll say no, it'll still culminate in a group strip search).

Although.............even though I can't help myself from smuggling things, because it's like a reflex, now that I think about it....is it really smuggling once I've purchased it? Is the iPad an endangered species or something that I didn't know about? Is there some sort of user agreement when I buy it that says I can't bring it out of the country?

Even to Germany?

Andy Ho And The 2010 American Express NGen Fellows

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

I don't know exactly what an American Express NGen Fellow actually does - and yes, I'm too lazy to look it up - but apparently Andy Ho is one of them and I'm pretty sure it's a good thing unless all they do is get together and figure out different ways to shave their pubicals which isn't a bad thing per se, but I just don't think it needs to be sponsored by Amex.

S. Philly High 6 Months Later

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

This is from Helen Gym (down at The Philadelphia Public School Notebook) who's a former Notebook editor and a founder of Parents United for Public Education, a board member at Asian Americans United, and who was also named Philadelphia Inquirer's "Citizen of the Year" in December 2007 because of her work in education, immigration and community activism.

Here’s what hasn’t happened:

Any effort to acknowledge that the District must address and handle bias and harassment at the school.

Instead, Supt. Arlene Ackerman has continued to heighten racial tension and confusion by defending a disgraced LaGreta Brown (whom she described as a victim) and casting blame on Asian youth, claiming in this article last month that she knew of an incident (without any details mind you) where Asian students attacked African American students two years ago.

New policies and protocols to develop appropriate responses to bias and harassment.

What we’ve found is that the District lacks options. They only know two things – suspend or ignore. And we’ve seen that in full force at Southern, where students have been suspended without any investigation or, in other cases, told to hug when they’ve had food thrown at them or racial slurs cast in their face. When new students arrive, there is no orientation process for them or their families; students and the school community have not had any new policies shared with them post-Dec. 3.

Significant dialogue and training to address race and race relations.

A set of recommendations by the U.S. Dept. of Justice has been largely ignored since being published in February. To date, there has been two half-day professional development sessions for staff that focused specifically on diversity and multiracial issues. A small subset of students participated in two half-day dialogue sessions last December. An afterschool club is run by the graciousness of civic leaders like Sonny Hill and City Councilman James Kenney, but it’s unclear how it’s being sustained and infused throughout the school and school day. Dialogue and healing must occur between and among students, staff and the broader school community.

Compliance with language access mandates.

Flagrant violations abound for students and families who don’t speak English. Interpretation is inconsistent and frequently inaccurate. Parents who don’t speak English have been turned away by the school.

Follow through and dialogue with students and families.

This is where humanity steps in. When students have informed the school and District of harassment and assault, they never hear back from the school how the incident is resolved, whether there’s been an investigation, and what next steps the school is planning to take to address their concerns.
Glad to know there are people like Helen out there helping to make sure what needs to happen actually does.

Dr. Konrad Ng, The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program, Getting His Acting Director On, And A Quick Note To The Smithsonian On Their Ads

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Since I'm not feeling that wordy right now - other than this - I'll just give you the info from the Smithsonian.

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program welcomes Dr. Konrad Ng as Acting Director. Dr. Ng, the Program’s scholar-in-residence in Fall 2009, he is well acquainted with – and already much appreciated throughout – the Smithsonian Institution. He is a professor of creative media at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and a scholar of Asian American cinema and digital media with a decade-long history of working in Asian and Asian American cultural institutions, programs, and organizations.

Message from Acting Director:

Dear Friends,

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Acting Director of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American (APA) Program. As we know, the APA Program is vital to the mission of the Smithsonian and plays an important role in telling the American story. I am absolutely committed to strengthening the program and celebrating the APA experience during my tenure.

I thank Dr. Richard Kurin, the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for History, Art, and Culture, for overseeing the APA Program over the past several months. Though Dr. Kurin supervises some 19 museums and programs as well as a number of the Smithsonian’s major initiatives, he still found time to be a champion of the APA Program within the Smithsonian’s senior leadership.

Since my appointment, I have learned that the caliber of the APA Program is incumbent upon the commitment and generosity of people who believe in the Program’s importance and can envision its possibilities. As you will discover in our monthly newsletter, we have a number of terrific events and projects scheduled for the summer. I invite you to attend these events — there is no doubt that you will have fun — but there is an additional invitation that I must extend: Please join me in supporting our valuable APA Program; its future is up to us.

Yours,

Konrad Ng
To The Smithsonian On Your Generated Ads

I know you need cash - we all do - but - you're also the Smithsonian and as much as you want to monetize your web site - I think it would behoove you to take the generated ads off your pages that highlight APA programs becaue they also show things like the following (pulled directly from your site):

Asian Women Dating Site
1000s photos, 100s Videos, Chat, Email, Call, Tours & more...
OrientBrides.com


Call me crazy, but I don't think you need money that bad.

Jason Wu + Rachel Weisz

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

While it makes for a good picture can I just say that I think Jason looks a little better than Rachel in this picture?

She's a little shiny ya know?

Still cute, but shiny nonetheless (and I say that with full knowledge that I'm shiny 100% all of the time because ugly people are just like that).

And BTW



Who the hell knew he also designed cellphones?

Sure they're from GE but they still look pretty.

Released: Magnetic North & Taiyo Na "Home:Word"

Wednesday, June 09, 2010



There's really not much to say except that if you don't want to pick this album up I just don't want to know you, and when I say I don't want to know you, I'm just kinda wondering if you have any soul whatsoever because if you can't vibe to this - I don't know what you can vibe too.

HOME:WORD
BY MAGNETIC NORTH & TAIYO NA


I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.
-Maya Angelou

Because we are building home here, and no one can ever tell us to go back where we came from again.
-Malaya Arevalo

Home:Word is the highly anticipated collaboration album between Magnetic North and Taiyo Na. Soulful, organic, lyrical and lush, Home:Word is a hip-hop concept album about the journey for home. With a unified sound and theme, the album displays an intimacy and passion uncommon in today’s popular music. Live musicianship and intelligent yet accessible storytelling showcase a trio reminiscent of The Fugees, a breath of fresh air within today’s hip-hop landscape dominated by brand-name dropping electro-pop and nostalgic coke-rap. Socially conscious, eclectic, rooted in soul and funk, yet with a polished sheen, the 3 MCs convey a dynamic chemistry and a wide breath of influences heard throughout the 10 tracks of the album. The anthemic “We Belong” is a warrior’s song against Right-wing anti-immigrant hysteria and the persistence of Hollywood racism. Feel-good jams like “Summertime” and “It’ll Work Out” keep the dance floor thumping and the barbeque cooking. The rap ballads of “New Love” and “I’m Here” sit right by your side in a car seat or bedroom pillow, while “Postcards” and the title track bring it all on home. Home:Word is that rare record that helps to create a new American music, one rooted in American traditions yet re-imagined by global immigrant narratives. It is a new sound by a new group representing a new generation.

Thank you for your support!
Please forward if you like what you hear!

Magnetic North & Taiyo Na

Pick up physical copies & exclusive MNTN merchandise available at: http://www.magnetichiphop.com/shop/

Get your streaming tracks & digital downloads available at: http://homewordsound.bandcamp.com/album/home-word

Thanks Taiyo