Saturday, MARCH 12, 2011
FESTIVAL FORUM [12:00PM - 10:00PM]
Japantown Peace Plaza - FREE!
12:00PM J-TOWN CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL PREVIEW
2:00PM HALAU ‘O KEIKIALI’I
3:30PM YOUTH SPEAKS
4:15PM SOFT KNIFE
5:00PM ILLEST VILLAINS
5:30PM SCRABBEL
6:15PM THE HOLA SISTERS
7:00PM MAIKAZE DAIKO
8:00PM BOLLYWOOD UNDER THE STARS
HALAU ‘O KEIKIALI’I: With traditional Hawaiian performances of the hula kahiko (ancient dance), which includes oli (chant), mele (traditional songs), the dances are bound to take your breath away.
YOUTH SPEAKS: Spoken word done right. These emerging poets and spoken-word performers will fight for your mind with their truthful and clever original works.
SOFT KNIFE: One of the true gems in the Bay Area indie-rock scene, Soft Knife’s rhythmic and catchy tune promises to be stuck in your head all day long.
ILLEST VILLAINS: One of the sickest dance crews in San Francisco, these artists will blow your mind with their gravity-defying moves.
SCRABBEL: Scrabbel brings together such a wide array of music, lyrics and pure emotion, gathering it up and neatly parceling it out in tidy packages of pop that will cause you to struggle with the word to define it.
THE HOLA SISTERS: Members of the Taiwanese pop sensation Wonfu, these ladies know how to put on a show. In a rare Bay Area appearance, these pop princesses, with guitar in hand, might just steal the show.
MAIKAZE DAIKO: A community-based Taiko group, the refreshing beats of the drums will surely keep your heart racing.
BOLLYWOOD UNDER THE STARS: Bring a blanket and settle in for a one-of-a-kind movie experience. This is one fun and splashy cinematic event that will warm your heart and keep you entertained ‘til the very end.
Another event includes a new exhibition of socially and culturally conscious of games as well as a panel of breakthrough Asian American female comedians.
PIXEL, POLITICS, AND PLAY
SUPERFROG GALLERY [12:00PM] - FREE!
Games permeate the everyday: We tend to our digital farms, get points for checking in, and play in our phone arcades. Hours are spent on game consoles that feature different was of using the body and the controller. Yet the power of play is not to be trivialized. As a persuasive and unique cultural form, the game medium also includes works of art, environments for learning, new ways of communicating, and calls to political action.
LOOK WHO'S LAUGHING NOW: BREAK OUT FEMALE COMEDIANS
VIZ CINEMA [6:30PM] - $8
In the past few years, the number of Asian American female comedians has blossomed and includes many new and unique personalities. One of which is the star of IFC’s break-out hit “Food Party,” the lovable and truly original Thu Tran. Another new face is Anisha Nagarajan, known for her role as Madhuri, the shy call-center employee in NBC’s “Outsourced.” In this fun and illuminating panel, these talented comedians will reveal what they think is funny, where they get their inspiration and how their backgrounds and ethnicities color their work.
RSVP on Facebook!
Sponsored by TOYOTA and THE WALLACE FOUNDATION
FESTIVAL FORUM: SF Int'l Asian American Film Festival
Monday, February 28, 2011Labels: 2011 SFIAAFF, APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Film Festival
You're In The Top 24 On American Idol: Thia Megia
Thursday, February 24, 2011Labels: 2011 American Idol, APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Thia Megia
Offense: The 25 Most Infamous Asian Villains In Hollywood Films
Wednesday, February 23, 2011If you haven't gotten a chance to check out the series of posts down at YOMYOMF entitled "The 25 Most Infamous Asian Villains in Hollywood Films..." - definitely head on down and at least take a peek - and then - just because you want too - see how our people in Asia celebrated V-day.
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American
Banana 2: Visibility. Viability. Voice
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Just in case you didn't know - don't worry - there's still time to pick up tickets and catch a few of your favorite bloggers throwing it down in Studio City.
Death Row Fact
Wednesday, February 23, 2011I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing when it really comes down to it.
Gunner Lindberg, left on Dec. 23, 1997, right in June 2007, was sentenced to death for the racially-motivated stabbing death of Thien Minh Ly, a Vietnamese American man who had recently earned a graduate degree from Georgetown University. Ly, 24, was stabbed about 40 times on the Tustin High School tennis courts in January 1996 where he had gone to practice in-line skating. Lindberg was the first person sentenced to death using California's hate-crime special circumstance. His case has been affirmed by the California Supreme Court.
Don't Win A $55 Million Jackpot In Saigon?
Wednesday, February 23, 2011Hmmmm....
A Vietnamese American man is currently in the middle of a bitter lawsuit after allegedly winning US$55.5 million at a Ho Chi Minh City casino, which then subsequently refused to pay out the staggering amount.
On October 25th, 2009, Ly Sam was playing the Landlord Game slot at the Sheraton Saigon Hotel’s Palazzo Club, when the machine indicated he had won the incredible $55.5 million cash prize [...]
Consequently, in what has now become the biggest ever lawsuit claim in Vietnamese history, Ly Sam is currently in the process of suing Dai Duong for the huge $55.5 million jackpot. Commenting on the case, his lawyer Tran Cong Ly Tao said:
“Dai Duong Joint Venture must pay the money. Players pay money to play and so when a player wins, the game operator must pay the winner…Even the Penal Code can be based on to charge the game operator with abusing trust to appropriate assets.”
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Gambling
Afraid Of Everest: "Make You Feel My Love" - An Adele Inspired Cover (Feat. Arden Cho)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Nice.
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Music
Apologies, Immigration, Representative Mike Honda, And The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882
Wednesday, February 23, 2011Does it really get any better than this?
No.
No it does not.
On Sunday, a day after the 69th anniversary of the executive order incarcerating Japanese-Americans, Rep. Mike Honda called on Americans to end the blaming of immigrants and called for an official U.S. apology for the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.Read it in full.
Honda, D-San Jose, spoke to about 200 people gathered for the "Day of Remembrance" that solemnly commemorated federal Executive Order 9066, issued Feb. 19, 1942. It authorized the imprisonment of 120,000 Japanese and Japanese-Americans during World War II in internment camps.
Sounding like the high-school teacher he once was, Honda tied together events from American history. Years of scapegoating foreigners for economic woes, he said, led in 1882 to the Chinese Exclusion Act. "1882 was the culmination of things that happened before," he said.
He called for an official U.S. apology for the act, which suspended Chinese immigration, made Chinese living here permanent aliens ineligible for citizenship, and later was extended to other Asians and to bar aliens from owning property.
He and other speakers at the forum at the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin noted the similarities between the treatment of Japanese-Americans 70 years ago and today's anti-immigrant sentiments as well as the post-Sept. 11, 2001, reaction against Muslims, Middle Easterners and South Asians in the United States.
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Government
Blue Scholars Hi-808 Jazzpotato x Basmatibeats Remix
Wednesday, February 23, 2011Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Blue Scholars, Music
Funny Or Die: Tila Tequila, Jennifer Aniston, And Zach Galifianakis (Between Two Ferns)?
Wednesday, February 23, 2011You may have already seen this - but perhaps not.
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Tila Tequila
Sunday: Wing Young Huie
Wednesday, February 23, 2011Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Photographs, Wing Young Huie
That's A Sweet SF Stache Ed Lee, That's A Sweet Sweet Stache
Tuesday, February 22, 2011Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Government
La Grange + La Grange Park (Aka Sometimes It's The Little Things)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011Sure, when you read the fact that La Grange Park IL's Asian American population went up from 218 to 263, and that the village of La Grange (I don't really know the difference between the two though...) has a population increase of Asian Americans over the last ten years of 37% (from 156 to 214) - you might just shrug.
In the scope of everything else that's going on it might just not be that big of a deal.
At the same time I was just thinking to myself that if you were one of the 218 out of the total population of 13,579 (the Park) that extra 45 people who understand some of the things you go through simply because of the way you look and how other people might perceive you - how that increase - small as it could be seen - might actually have a larger impact than thought of at first glance.
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Race
In Pictures: Asian Women Giving Circle
Tuesday, February 22, 2011Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American
SIS + The Penultimate Episode of Sex in Seattle
Tuesday, February 22, 2011All I know is that I can't for April - it can't come too soon for a variety of reasons.
SIS Productions celebrates its 10th Anniversary with its penultimate episode! Tess, Chloe, Elizabeth and Jenna have finally found true love. Or have they? Thoughts of the one that got away can interfere with even the happiest of relationships. And how can reality ever compete with the person of one's dreams? Newcomers and long-time fans will want to catch Sex in Seattle before it goes away! Don't miss the country's longest-running quirky romantic comedy about contemporary Asian American women, their lives and their loves.
Featuring PFP alums May Nguyen and Leilani Berinobis, and directed by PFP alum Miko Premo
WHAT: SEX IN SEATTLE 19: THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY
DATE: April 1 to 30, 2011
TIME: Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm AND 10pm (note late night time!)
LOCATION: Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Avenue on Seattle's Capitol Hill
PRICE: 8 pm shows- $15 general admission, $12 student/senior/actor;
10 pm shows- $10 general admission, $6 student/senior actor
TICKETS: Reservations strongly encouraged. Contact 206-323-9443, tickets@sis-productions.org
Advance tickets will be available at Brown Paper Tickets: 1-800-838-3006.
Order them here.
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Theatre
Good Video VS Video That Still Needs Some Work
Monday, February 21, 2011Blake Griffin Jumps Over a Car
Something called "Tonight I'm Frakking You"
Battle: The Slants Versus U.S. Patent And Trademark Office
Friday, February 18, 2011I have a soft spot in my heart for the The Slants. They were one of the first bands who I got to know in this space. They rep hard for their music - tirelessly - and from at least my interactions with them online - seem like some great folks.
So yeah - I might be a little biased.
But when it comes down to it, no matter how biased I might be - the U.S. Patent And Trademark Office just needs to get a clue.
Don't just take my word for it though.
Read the PR.
ASIAN DANCE-ROCK BAND THE SLANTS CONTINUE LONG BATTLE WITH U.S PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE OVER THE GROUP'S NAMEThank goodness domain name registrars don't have the same issues as U.S. Patent And Trademark Office.
Portland, Oregon-based Asian American dance-rock band The Slants' trademark application for their name, "The Slants" has been rejected by the United States Patent and Trademark Office on the grounds that the term is deemed to be disparaging to persons of Asian descent and not sufficiently embraced by the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community. The dispute began last year and now the band is preparing for an appeal of the decision.
The decision was reached by the Trademark Office despite evidence filed by the band's attorney, which included numerous articles by the Asian American media supporting The Slants, the band's involvement with dozens of API cultural festivals and non-profit organizations, and legal declarations from several well-respected leaders of the API community.
Spencer Trowbridge of McNamer and Company, the law firm representing The Slants, says that "this is a case where the government is making a decision about how members of a minority group can define themselves. The U.S. Government shouldn't be in the business of making those kinds of decisions. The determination of whether a specific term or phrase is disparaging can only be made from the point of view of the referenced minority group."
The band has made a name for themselves through playing hundreds of rock clubs, anime conventions, and Asian American cultural festivals across the country. In addition, the band is widely known as an advocate for Asian American rights, being involved with numerous API organizations and charities. The Slants have travelled throughout North America presenting racial justice workshops, inspiring youth to reconsider stereotypes of Asian Americans, and to take pride in their cultural heritage. They've been featured and supported by the largest Asian American media figures and press in the country, including Asian Week, angryasianman.com, the Asian Reporter, Koream Magazine, and many more.
The Trademark Office responded to the Asian media attention on the band by stating that though the aims of the band "may be laudable... rarely does an article introduce the band without commenting on the controversial nature of the band's name." Elsewhere in the rejection the office cited examples from wiki-articles as evidence that the name belittles the Asian American community.
"What they don't understand," writes The Slants' manager Simon Tam," is that the community is demonstrating their support for our efforts by promoting the band to begin with. It seems that they consider the weight of anonymous wiki-sites to be of greater importance than the voice of the Asian American community itself."
Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons, a coordinator for the Asian Pacific Network of Oregon and longtime policy advocate for the API community, states that "the use of the name The Slants by the musical group of that name does not disparage or offend the Asian and Pacific Islander community, both because of the explicit claiming of the term in a collective sense and because of the obscure nature of the term as a racial epitaph. The reclaiming of an obscure term that has been used to discriminate has a constructive impact when used by a group that also self-identifies as Asian and/or Pacific Islander."
"As a Japanese-American, and lifelong activist within the Asian American community, I do not consider The Slants' use of their name disparaging," writes community leader Mari Watanabe. She continues, "The name is being used in a self-referential manner, carrying a message that promotes Asian culture. This use does not disparage Asian identity; it celebrates it."
The band also cited numerous cases of other Asian Americans using the term in a manner accepted by the API community at large such as The Slant Film Festival, a documentary of Hollywood racism entitled "The Slanted Screen," Chicago Asian American TV show "The Slant," and popular Asian magazine, "Slanted," when filing their response to the initial rejection of the mark. In response, the Trademark Office simply replied that The Slants' "arguments have been considered but are found unpersuasive."
The band is currently working with their attorney on preparing an appeal and seeking help from individuals or organizations who would like to assist. Interested parties should contact Simon Tam at theslants@theslants.com
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, That's Kind Of Messed Up
Vietnamerica + Barnes & Noble = A Picture Really Is Worth A Thousand Words
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Get more down at the GBTran blog.
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Literature
And You Might Be Racist If You Came Up With This Cartoon
Thursday, February 17, 2011I'm Just Going To Go With This One
Thursday, February 17, 2011For some odd reason I was thinking to myself that I've never had sex in a bunny suit before and I'm thinking that before I die I should have that experience at least twice in my life and that when I do - I want a really big ass shagy tail so when I'm deep - down in that good to go stance kind of deep - I can be like "Holy Shit! Look at my big ass tail swinging from side to side! That's MF Awesome!".
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Random, Sexy Bunny Outfits For Spring
In Pictures: Gary Locke Goes Mumbai
Thursday, February 17, 2011
I.Link.You.
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Gary Locke, Government
A Sensory Feast Workshop: KSW And 18 Reasons
Thursday, February 17, 2011From the good folks down at KSW.
A Sensory Feast Workshop Series
Venue: 18 Reasons, 593 Guerrero
Dates/Time: Start 3:30 pm Feb 26, End 5:30 pm Mar 26
Cost: $25-35
Website: kearnystreet.org
Kearny Street Workshop and 18 Reasons present a series of workshops to delight and develop your 5 senses with local artists, educators, and chefs. Every Saturday Feb 26-March 26 from 3:30-5:30 pm. Register at 18reasons.org.
SMELL: Edible Perfumery, Feb 26
Create and edible fragrance with perfumer Yosh Han
TOUCH: Mochi Madness, Mar 5
Hands-on lesson in making mochi. Be prepared to pound.
With Linda Lo of Simply Mochi
HEAR: Writing in the Kitchen, Mar 12
Listen to the subtle sounds of cooking to inspire creative writing.
With Rose K. Mark and Bi-Rite's Susan Kim
TASTE: Southeast Asian Flavor Lab, Mar 19
Create your own personal dipping sauce.
With instructor-chef Thy Tran
SEE: Edible Photography, Mar 26
Print photos with food and onto food - like cake!
With Sita Kuratomi Bhaumik and Mia Nakano of RayKo
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Events
Because You Did Want To Know About The Afterschoolspecial Spring Tour (And Don't Deny It)
Thursday, February 17, 2011Touring behind their recently released, "IT'S ALL IN YOUR HEAD" Full Length Album. These dates are the first leg of the official spring tour for the rap/rock band. For more information, including set times, purchasing tickets, directions, media inquiries e-mail info@afterschoolspecialmusic.com. For more info feel free to visit: www.afterschoolspecialmusic.com
February 25 | 7:30PM W/ Clara C
Yale University- Sudler Hall
New Haven, CT
ALL AGES
February 26 | 6:30PM W/ Jubilee Project, Jason Min, Rooftop Pursuit
Arlene’s Grocery- Jubilee Project Benefit Concert
95 Stanton St.
New York, NY
21+
March 3 | 7:00PM W/ Clara C
Tufts University- Hotung Cafe
Medford, MA
All Ages
March 4 | 7:00PM W/ Wong Fu Productions, Jason Yang, Jennifer Chung, Magnetic North + Taiyo Na, Jason Chen, David Choi, Joseph Vincent, Janice Yan
Boston University- George Sherman Union: Metcalf Hall
Boston, MA
All Ages
March 6 | 7:00PM
Brandeis University- Sherman Function Hall
Waltham, MA
All Ages
March 26 | 8:30PM
afterschoolspecial 3 Year Anniversary Party
KGB Studio
1640 North Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA
18+
April 8 | 5:00PM
Indiana University- IU Auditorium
Bloomington, IN
All Ages
Labels: afterschoolspecial, APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Music
I Think There Should Be More Protests Like In Belgium
Thursday, February 17, 2011By now we should all at least know that something's going on in Egypt (I myself didn't know anything about it until yesterday though but only because I was self contained in a tanning salon both as I emulated White People on television).
At least give yourself that much dignity.
But - and I mean this kindly - as much as the revolution in Egypt is important - even sprouting protests in nearby Packerland - I just think that the protests in Belgium might be something we should take stock of as well.
Why?
Because they're stripping.
Labels: News, Strip Clubs, World
Taiwanese Models Say "No" To Pants
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Apparently a company in Taiwan wanted to market something called "No Pants Day".
I'm just posting the video.
But to answer your inquiry my cheeky little question monster - I didn't find this randomly searching for "Taiwanese Models + no pants" - because I have better things to do than that - no - I read it @ the Shanghaiist.
I don't know what they searched to find it...but that's really none of my concern.
Labels: Asian, Wearing Pants Makes Me Chafe
Willis Chung, Brittany Ishibashi, And Little Tiffany Espensen (AKA That's A Lot Of Asians On House)
Thursday, February 17, 2011
All hail small packages who go up against Hugh Laurie next Monday on FOX.
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Fox, Television
And Thia Makes The Cut
Thursday, February 17, 2011
It's been about two years since I spotted Thia Megia on America's Got Talent.
Moving on to the next round.
Labels: 2011 American Idol, APA, API, Asian, Asian American
Videos: Chrissy Teigen + Jessica Gomes
Wednesday, February 16, 2011If SI has some sort bearing on the psyche of what is considered beautiful in the good 'ol U.S. of A - wrong as it could be - I somehow feel compelled to show you these videos because Chrissy Teigen and Jessica Gomes are of Asian descent and somehow that makes these posts that much more relevant.
At least that's what I'm telling myself...
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, SI 2011
The Parker Quartet, The Cities, And Being Grammy Winners
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
And the Grammy goes too?
Yup. That would be the Twin City's own Parker Quartet who won the Grammy for Best Chamber Music Performance.
Get more down at MPR and their site.
Labels: 2011 Grammys, APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Music
Tuesday Night Vera Wang (Fall Collection 2011)
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Nice collection.
And glad I at least saw some women of color and an Asian face sporting the clothes.
Hines Ward And Being Asian American
Tuesday, February 15, 2011Just in case you missed this last week from the White House AAPI youtube channel.
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, ESPN, Football, Hines Ward
Alexander Wang Goes (And Wins) GQ's Best New Menswear Designer
Tuesday, February 15, 2011Honestly - I'm not sure how I feel about this because the more that Asian American men get accolades in the design and fashion industry the more I'll be forced - or at least expected - to do something with this mop of a fro I have in the mornings versus just leaving it as is and scaring the bejeezus out of the people who work the drive-thru at McDonalds in the morning.
Labels: Alexander Wang, APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Design, Fashion
Hisaye Yamamoto
Tuesday, February 15, 2011The passing of short-story writer and essayist Hisaye Yamamoto is being mourned by her friends and fans across the country and beyond. The author of “Seventeen Syllables and Other Stories” died in Los Angeles on Jan. 30 at the age of 89. (Services will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 16, at 11 a.m. at Fukui Mortuary, 707 E. Temple St., Los Angeles.)Read it in full here.
Filmmaker Emiko Omori, who combined Yamamoto’s short stories “Seventeen Syllables” and “Yoneko’s Earthquake” in the 1991 film “Hot Summer Winds”:
“Hisaye was my first babysitter, and throughout the following years I was not good at keeping in touch. But she was always in my heart. She allowed me to make a movie from two of her wonderful short stories. She agreed to be in a documentary, ‘Rabbit in the Moon,’ that my sister, Chizu, and I made about our internment experiences. She loved to play Scrabble and she always won. She had a beautiful way with words. I miss you, dear Hisaye—my inspiration, my mentor.”
From PressTV:
One of the first Asian American writers to earn literary distinction after World War II, Yamamoto died in her sleep on Jan. 30, 2011, Los Angeles Times quoted the writer's daughter, Kibo Knight.
Yamamoto was born in Redondo Beach in 1921 to immigrant strawberry farmers from Kumamoto, Japan.
She began writing in the 1930s and her early stories were published in prestigious journals such as Partisan Review, as well as in anthologies, including The Best American Short Stories of 1952.
She was 20 when the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor sent the United States into war and her family into an internment camp in Poston, Arizona.
Yamamoto wrote her best stories, including Seventeen Syllables and The Legend of Miss Sasagawara on the preoccupations of the Japanese immigrants and their families.
"She wrote in a true voice," said Japanese-American dramatist and Yamamoto's childhood friend Wakako Yamauchi. "She wrote about what she knew and that was about us - Asians, Japanese Americans. Her stories were wonderful, beautiful legacies."
Yamamoto started working as a reporter and columnist for the African American weekly of Los Angeles Tribune after the World War II.
Her breakthrough came with the 1948 High-Heeled Shoes, a Memoir, followed by other successful stories including the 1950 Wilshire Bus.
"I write when something sticks in my craw," Yamamoto told A. Magazine in 1994. "Writing is a compulsion - or an itch."
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Hisaye Yamamoto, Literature, People
Sweet Film: Clash + SFIAAFF
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
They'll be showing this down at this year's 2011 SFIAAFF and if you haven't saw it yet - get your tickets early.
Labels: 2011 SFIAAFF, APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Festivals, Film
The Japanese American National Museum, Imam Hamza Perez, And The Day of Remembrance
Tuesday, February 15, 2011An important day in our history as APIA's - if you have the time you'll definitely want to get on out to the Japanese American National Museum to hear Imam Hamza Perez:
The Day of Remembrance is held each year around February 19th to commemorate the day that Executive Order 9066 was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt which resulted in the incarceration of over 110,000 Japanese Americans during World War II.Get more information down at their site.
This year's theme, "September 11: Ten Years After” was selected because of growing anti-Muslim sentiments and attacks on mosques across the country. The DOR committee affirms the importance for Japanese Americans to support the Muslim American community. Former Congressman and Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta will address why Japanese Americans have a special responsibility to speak out against civil rights violations and the importance of reaffirming our support for the Muslim American community. In order to understand what the Muslim American community is experiencing, Imam Hamza Perez (New Muslim Cool) will talk about the difficulties he faced setting up his mosque in Pittsburgh. In an effort to prevent further hate crimes and violence, DOR will inspire community members to reflect and take action for community solidarity.
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Day Of Remembrance
Liza Lapira + Traffic Light
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
I don't really know how long the new Fox show "Traffic Light" is going to last - but after watching an episode can at least say it won't get cancelled because of Liza Lapira who's great in the show.
We do love her don't we?
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Liza Lapira, Television
Lisa Ling And Our America
Monday, February 14, 2011
Here's at least one reason to watch OWN.
From religious movements to sex offenders to drug addiction and online brides, "OUR AMERICA with LISA LING" takes viewers along for an in-depth look at some of the most controversial and thought-provoking issues in the United States today. In each episode, Lisa immerses herself into the lives of the people she meets, offering compelling accounts of varied experiences and providing insight into some of our nation's most contentious issues. In sharing these stories, Lisa challenges viewers to understand different perspectives and even question what they themselves have always known to be true in OUR AMERICA.
Premieres February 15, 2011 at 10pm ET
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Lisa Ling, Television
Lists: Merah Chung
Monday, February 14, 2011From the NY Times:
Mel B: It's a Scary World (2011)
Role: Executive Producer
Giuliana & Bill (2011)
Role: Executive Producer
Jerseylicious (2011)
Role: Executive Producer
Peter Perfect (2009)
Role: Executive
Dish (2008)
Role: Executive
Summer Movie Fashion Review (1998)
Role: Producer
Dark Obsession: The Stalking and Murder of Rebecca Schaeffer: The E! True Hollywood Story (1996)
Role: Production Coordinator
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American
East West Player's Wrinkles (And A Fake Porno Video)
Sunday, February 13, 2011By Paul Kikuchi
Directed by Jeff Liu
Grandpa Harry's got a big secret! Unbeknownst to his daughter and grandson, 73 year-old Nisei Harry Fukutani is an internet sensation. But to view his work, you'd have to turn off the parental filter and have a valid credit card. A sticky comedy about sex, lies, and Tiger Balm. This play was developed in East West Players' David Henry Hwang Writers Institute.
In association with Keiro Senior HealthCare.
Generous Support for this production is provided by the S. Mark Taper Foundation Endowment for East West Players.
eastwestplayers.org
Tickets $12 - $35
Order online here
or by phone
213.625.7000 x20
And Yes - Here's Your Fake Porno Video "Grandpa Hideo:
Sexy Time Preview"
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, East West Players, Theatre
History Channel's Top Shot: Jay Lim And Athena Lee
Sunday, February 13, 2011While you may not think this would be that interesting - actually - guns, sharp shooters, and eliminations where someone actually pulls a trigger to cast their vote isn't that bad of a recipe for reality tv (because it could be worse - just think Jerseylicious*).
Jay Lim
Age: 35
Hometown: Fullerton, CA
Occupation: Golf Instructor
"I'm not just a shooter, I'm an athlete. I'm a thinker. I'm all that. Whatever I think--I can get my body to do." Jay Lim is an amateur shooter who believes his natural abilities can earn him the Top Shot title. Boastful? Maybe. But this golf instructor can back it up. He has competed in archery events on a national level, once taking him all the way to the 2004 Olympic Trials. And he doesn't just excel at archery--Jay competes with the air pistol, air rifle, skeet and handgun. He's a self-described over-achiever who loves marksmanship because "there is perfection in shooting, and that is what I strive for."
SKILLS / EXPERIENCE:
* Competes in local and national archery and air pistol events, placing within top 10%
* Qualified in 2004 Olympic Trials for archery
* Olympic and American skeet training by medalist Kim Rhode
* Shoots Olympic air rifles, air pistols, freestyle hand thrown clays, handguns, and blow guns; also throws knives
Athena Lee
Age: 32
Hometown: Katy, TX
Occupation: Oil company contractor
"Who doesn't want to see a short, Asian chick kick butt?" On the pro circuit, kicking butt is exactly what Athena's done. After winning two world IPSC Championship titles on the Philippine Ladies Team--and getting increasingly frustrated with the restrictions on professional shooters there--Athena emigrated to the U.S., where in 2008, she helped win a world title for the American women's team. In addition to competing, she was also a firearms instructor in Houston where she is passionate about opening people's minds about the sport of shooting--and who can be good at it. "It's a good feeling to be competing with a bunch of guys who are bigger than I am."
SKILLS / EXPERIENCE:
* 2002 and 2003 World Speed Shooting Open Women's Champion
* 1999 and 2008 IPSC World Shoot Open Women's Champion
* 2001 and 2007 Australasian Open Women's Champion
* 2002 and 2007 USPSA National Open Women's Champion
Check out more at the History Channel.
* I'm not going to tell you I'm proud of this fact, but yes, I have watched an episode or two...just for research...
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Media, Television
Retro Peggy Wang
Sunday, February 13, 2011Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Music, Peggy Wang
Because You Should Love Hari Kondabolu's Friday Night Stand Up On Comedy Central Presents
Sunday, February 13, 2011I got a chance to sit down and watch Hari Kondabolu on Comedy Central Presents and if you didn't get a chance to check it out when it aired - definitely catch a re-run because it's not just funny - it's intelligent - and Hari Kondablou takes on topics too many other comedians shy away from.
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Comedy, Hari Kondabolu
Remakes, Silly Love Songs, Telly Leung + Glee
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Telly Leung who's on Glee as Wes of The Dalton Warblers
Just because I really like that Glee version of Silly Love Songs I thought why not take the time (because I have nothing else better to do...) and post up some videos - and make a small note to Glee that Telly Leung + Naya Rivera/Santana = could be interesting.
Glad He's Not The Asian Lee (AKA When White People In Office Go Trolling For Sex On Craigslist)
Friday, February 11, 2011Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American
Brewer Does It Again
Friday, February 11, 2011Doesn't this women ever stop?
Arizona's governor isn't giving up on her push to challenge to the federal government's security measures on her state's southern border.And let's just say for the record that out of all the people that spoke during the Tuscan Memorial Speech that she was the last person we really wanted to hear from.
Gov. Jan Brewer on Thursday filed a counter-suit against the federal government, claiming that it had failed to keep the border safe and prevent "an invasion" of illegal immigrants. The Justice Department has sued the state in federal court, challenging its controversial immigration law. With funds she said were raised from private sources, Brewer and the state's attorney general are fighting back.
Labels: Government, Jan Brewer, Race, Racism
Direct Arts And Take Two 2/15
Friday, February 11, 2011If you're looking for something to help take the bite out of V-Day check out some Direct Arts and get to know some of your early Aaron Yoo (and who doesn't want to get a little tipsy anyway?):
Take Two 2/15
7:00 SOCIAL (HALF) HOUR
Theater artists, filmmakers and social activists unite! And get slightly tipsy together.
7:30 DRY CLEAN ONLY, JP Chan, 2006
A dry cleaning clerk is given a special request by a blood-splattered couple with a wad of cash. With Kavi Ladnier, Debargo Sanyal and Aaron Yoo.
8:00 THE GRIND, Written & Directed by Victoria Linchong
Take a look behind the g-string in this "pilot episode" of a serial performance project in development. Set in 1997 when Giuliani is putting the squeeze on community gardens and sex shops, THE GRIND follows two girls, best friends since high school, who both work at a seedy topless club in downtown New York.
Following the program, stay for a discussion with Siobhan Brooks-King from Temple University.
Siobhan Brooks-King is a sex worker activist, who helped organize the country's first and only workplace union of sex workers at The Lusty Lady, a well-known peep show in San Francisco's North Beach district. Her writing has been included in Whores and Other Feminists (ed. Jill Nagle Routledge,1998) and Feminism and Anti-Racism (eds. France Winddance Twine and Kathleen Blee, 2000). She is currently an assistant professor in women's studies at Temple University. Her book, Unequal Desire: Race and Erotic Capital in Societies, was recently published in September 2010 by State University of New York Press.
EQ, Idris Goodwin, Lisa Brimmer, Ed Bok Lee, And Guante
Thursday, February 10, 2011It's never too early to start planning for March.
Get some more down @ FB.Equilibrium: Spoken Word at the Loft is proud to present:
Idris Goodwin, author of These Are The Breaks
With Lisa Brimmer, Ed Bok Lee, and Guante
Book release performance and celebration
Thursday, March 3, 7 p.m.
At the Loft
1011 Washington Avenue South,
Open Book
Cost: Free
Co-sponsored by the Givens Foundation for African American Literature
IDRIS GOODWIN is an award-winning playwright, poet, essayist and performer who uses hip hop arts to create original genre defying performances. His widely produced works have been supported by the The National Endowment for the Arts, The Ford Foundation, The National New Plays Network, The Hip Hop Theater Festival and The Illinois Arts Council. What Is They Feedin’ Our Kids?, Idris’ most popular spoken word poem, aired on HBO’s Def Poetry and The Discovery Channel's Planet Green. Break Beat Poems, his latest hip-hop album, earned praise from The New York Times and National Public Radio and These Are The Breaks, his debut collection of prose, was nominated for a Pushcart Award. Year round, Idris can be found at colleges, K-12 schools, and community organizations across the country promoting cross-cultural literacy and social awareness.
Join us for this special Minneapolis book release for These Are The Breaks. Joining Idris will be special local opening poets Guante, Lisa Brimmer, and Ed Bok Lee.
http://www.idrisgoodwin.blogspot.com/
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Events
Shanghai Showdown?
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
When you have someone from the APIA community called Sum Yung Wang attending this event along with the founders who look to be kinda White (tell me if I'm wrong here though) and a description like this:
The theme for this party is SHANGHAI SHOWDOWN, so get creative and bust out your best asian themed costumes to get your discounted admission before 12! Think geisha, ninjas, samurai, dragons, koi, pandas, or even a giant takeout box! Remember: When you dress up, you're not just at the party; you're a part of it!I'm just going to tell you that I'd rather listen to Christina Aguilera butcher the National Anthem over and over and over again instead of heading on down to what looks to be an incredibly craptacular event.
Yay!
Labels: APA, API, Asian American, Craptacular, Race, Racism
Curtis Yagi
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Here's a quick shout out to Curtis Yagi who dropped me a line about his new album which will be released on CD in March but that you can download now.
Smooth.
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Curtis Yagi, Music
Word Of The Day
Tuesday, February 08, 2011Fro-Mo: When you meet someone and everything doesn't move in slow motion - no - you think to yourself "Damn - she's got a lot of hair - look at that Korean Fro".
Labels: Words
Slants Wicked Live
Monday, February 07, 2011Labels: APA, APA Music, API, Asian, Asian American, The Slants
Pang Ho-Cheung's Dream Home
Monday, February 07, 2011
IFC Midnight is releasing the film Dream Home, "a new boundary-pushing horror film" by Pang Ho-Cheung. You can catch Dream Home On Demand starting February 9th and theaters February 11th.
Facebook.
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Film
Retro Pictures: Veronica Lynn (Pornstar Activist?)
Monday, February 07, 2011TruthTellers Tour + CHAT
Monday, February 07, 2011
Got word sent out about what looks to be a great event.
Check out the info below.
The TruthTellers Tour comes out of NAVIGATE, a program of CHAT, Center for Hmong Arts and Talent, with a mission to nurture explore and illuminate the Hmong American experience through artistic expression.Get more down at the TruthTellers site as well as FB.
TruthTellers spill the beans on their history, religion, love, culture, depression, happiness, and the efforts to balance it all. TruthTellers is a collective of Hmong American artists ranging from spoken word poets, musicians, singers, comedians, and theatre artists offering a perspective into marginalized communities and voices that aren’t represented in the mainstream.
Kickoff night features artists such as the Dirty Darlings, Fres Thao and more to be announced!
Blackdog Coffee and Wine Bar
308 Prince St
Saint Paul, MN
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Events
And A Happy Lunar New Year To You All
Thursday, February 03, 2011Drink.
Be merry.
You're probably already drunk.
Labels: Lunar New Year
To The People In The Winter Storms
Wednesday, February 02, 2011If you're not accustomed to winter weather - snow, ice, below freezing temperatures, and wind chills that'll make you think what the hell are you doing outside - just stay inside.
Don't pass go.
Stay warm, bundle up, and think to yourself about how next year will be better (because it just can't be that bad two years in a row right?).
And yes.
I'll ask that same question too:
WTF?
How did this thing miss my state???!!!!!
I don't care - I'm just glad it did.
# 4100 + Housecleaning
Tuesday, February 01, 2011- Since I didn't do anything for post #4000, I figure the least I can do is note something about #4100.
- Done.
- With that in mind, time to slow it down a little as I give some time to other projects.
- DOA?
- No.
- 1/2 time?
- Very very possible.
Labels: Random House Cleaning
Maxine Hong Kingston + The Asian American Writers' Workshop
Tuesday, February 01, 2011From the AAWW:
Maxine Hong Kingston:More.
A Lunar New Year Benefit for the 20th Anniversary of the Workshop
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
6-10 PM
We're proud to kick off the Asian American Writers' Workshop's twentieth anniversary and ring in the Lunar New Year by featuring Maxine Hong Kingston's ambitious new memoir in verse, I Love a Broad Margin to My Life. In Margin, Kingston has built a poem animated by a soul large enough to take in the full vista of life: age and mortality; wonderful friends and loved ones, both alive and passed away; and journeys through China and America and through the languages of Hawaiian pidgin, Cantonese, and Thoreau and Whitman.
Winner of our first Asian American Lifetime Achievement Award, Kingston will read and answer questions at one of the finest Chinese art galleries in Chelsea. Prior to the reading, guests for our cocktail reception will be able to sip a signature cocktail custom-mixed in her honor and snap a photo with her in our photo booth. And after the reading, we'll be holding an intimate dinner in her honor—seating will be limited, so please reserve your seat today. Help us celebrate the Year of the Rabbit and our own birthday with one of the central writers of American letters.
@Chambers Fine Arts
522 West 19th Street, NY, NY
Btwn 9th and 10th Avenues
Labels: APA, API, Asian, Asian American, Events, Literature