Bambu: ...exact change... Reloaded

Friday, April 29, 2011



Hard copies of ...exact change... Reloaded are available at all Amoeba Music locations, Fingerprints in Long Beach, Backside Records in Burbank, Access Music in San Diego, and Fifth Element in Minneapolis. You can also order your copy online at beatrockmusic.com or pick up the digital version on iTunes.
Videos From Reloaded

Something



Menacing Looks (with Krondon)

Forward Looking Statement: Indemnifying Your Press Release?

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

I was reading a press release sent in and at the bottom it had the following:


The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause this event¹s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
And for some reason I just felt like posting it up (versus something about Obama, the long form, and tweedle dee) simply because I just have to wonder what type of world we live in when you have to add that at the bottom of your press release.

But I do like that phrase "forward looking statements" though....

I could use that with my boss.

Something like "Oh no - I didn't mean to say I'd have that done by today - that was just a forward looking statement I wanted to let you know about because it could have happened..."

Ralph Macchio Waxes On And Waxes Off On DWTS

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

And on the waxing Macchio had this to say:


As for Macchio’s decision to perform his iconic wax on/wax off from The Karate Kid, the 49-year-old actor said he gave it a lot of thought before bringing Mr. Miyagi’s moves to the dance floor. “I’m so protective of the Karate Kid stuff. I’ve been asked do the [movie ending] crane kick since day one!” said Macchio. “For me, that’s a move for the climax. This is a move for the training process. I’m at week six. I wanted to frame it in a dance that made sense. If I put this in a waltz…how about the rumba? It doesn’t work. This was the dance for it.”
Will this thing never die?

Random Tuesday BENI

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

45th Anniversary: East West Players, Harry Shum Jr., Tamlyn Tomita (And I Guess I Have To Mention James Kyson Lee Too...)

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Even though I can't stand the all too perfect sexier than thou JKL (which is realy just jealousy) who'll be co-emceeing the event with Tamlyn Tomita I have to admit - this sounds like a pretty damn good time for a pretty damn good cause....even if you have to look at the so un-just in this world gorgeous body of James Kyson Lee all night long (see - I can use his full name if I want too).

East West Players (EWP), the nation’s premier Asian American theatre, celebrates its 45th Anniversary with its glamorous Visionary Awards Dinner & Silent Auction, and salutes those who have raised the visibility of the Asian Pacific American (APA) community through their artistic excellence and support of the Asian Pacific American performing arts. The acclaimed fundraising event will take place at the Hilton Universal City on Monday, May 2, 2011. Proceeds from the gala will benefit East West Players’ educational and artistic programs.

Harry Shum Jr. can currently be seen as one of the stars of the mega hit series of the fall 2009 season, “Glee”. Winner of both Golden Globe and SAG Awards in 2010 and 2011, the show is created and produced by Ryan Murphy (Nip/Tuck). Harry plays “Mike Chang”, a football player with dancing abilities that ends up joining the Glee Club despite the fact that it is social suicide. In addition to his acting, Harry is starring in and associate producer/co-choreographer of The LXD (Legion of Extraordinary Dancers) – an online dance adventure created by director Jon M. Chu (STEP UP 3D). The Breakout Performance award recognizes someone who, through an outstanding performance that year, has made a huge impact on the visibility of the Asian Pacific American community. This year’s honorees include previously announced Michael Hagiwara and Bank of America.

James Kyson Lee (Mortal Kombat, Hawaii Five-O, Heroes) will be joining Tamlyn Tomita (The Joy Luck Club, Karate Kid Part II) in co-emceeing the event.
Performers include Joan Almedilla (Miss Saigon, Les Miserables), Laurie Cadevida (Miss Saigon, Aida, The Pajama Game), The Three Filipino Tenors (Antoine Reynaldo Diel, Randy Guiaya, Lito Villareal), Nathan Wang and the 45th Anniversary Orchestra, and more to be announced.

Presenters include Dante Basco (Take the Lead, The Debut, Hook), Karin Anna Cheung (The People I Slept With, Better Luck Tomorrow), John Cho (Harold and Kumar, Star Trek, Flash Forward), Rodney Kageyama (Gung Ho, The Next Karate Kid), George Takei (Star Trek, Heroes) Aaron Takahashi (Mr. Sunshine, Yes Man) and more to be announced.
“We are excited and proud to recognize these honorees and showcase performers and presenters on the East West Players stage,” says EWP Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang. “The 45th Anniversary is a special year for East West Players celebrating a milestone in the Asian American arts community.”

Current major sponsors include: PLATINUM CIRCLE: CBS Corporation, Comcast NBCUniversal, Mattel, Inc., The Walt Disney Company; GOLD CIRCLE: Bank of America, The Thomas R. Bancroft Family, Wells Fargo. Our VIP Reception is sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal.

East West Players’ 45th Anniversary Visionary Awards Dinner and Silent Auction will be held on Monday, May 2, 2011 at the Hilton Universal City, 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, CA 91608. The no-host reception and silent auction will start at 6pm. The dinner and awards program will start at 7pm. Tickets are $175 - $1,250. Full table sponsorship packages are also available. For more information on East West Players’ 45th Anniversary Visionary Awards Dinner and Silent Auction, please visit www.EastWestPlayers.org or contact Development Manager Lisa Tang at (213) 625-7000 x17 or LTang@EastWestPlayers.org.

As the event draws closer, special celebrity appearances, additional honorees, and performers will be announced.

The Angry Asian Man 10th Anniversary Party

Monday, April 25, 2011

He's the like Godfather of Asian American blogging - so get on down and party with Phil Yu in conjunction with the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

Maybe also try and steal a kiss.


Angry Asian Man 10th Anniversary Party

Saturday, April 30
10 pm
$15 (free for badgeholders)

Siren Studios
1050 N. Orange Dr.,
Hollywood, CA 90038

Angry Asian Man turns 10! So we're celebrating with the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. Please join us for fun, friends and community.

Featuring:
* Special performance from The Shanghai Restoration Project
* Guest DJ O-Dub
* Complimentary drinks from Jinro
* Cookies by The Sweeter Things Co.
* Photo flip books by A Little Scene
...and The Mighty Boba Truck parked outside

Special sponsor thanks to Mnet

CBS's Mike And Molly Ching Chong (And Some Laundry Jokes)

Monday, April 25, 2011



I sat down from a long day at work and decided I just couldn't quite watch the Spurs, so I decided to tune into CBS -- and while I don't watch this show a lot (a few episodes early) Mike & Molly was on - and of the few episodes I have actually seen - they've been cute, they've been funny. And I was definitely with them on that whole Marie Claire blog hoopla from late last year.

So there I was enjoying some of the cute and the funny when out of the blue came full on straight up RACIST SPEAK in the form of CHING CHONG, LAUNDRY JOKES, and "Hey - let's make fun of Korean food while we're at it too" which went something like this * (the premise is that Carl has a key to Mike's apartment, is seeing someone new and takes her over to Mike's apartment to have sex - Mike and Molly stumble in on this and Molly wants Mike to get his key back from Carl):


MIKE: "Why can't you go over to her place?"
CARL: "I can't have sex with the smell of kimchi six feet below me."
MIKE: "She's Korean?"
CARL: "I think so. Is "tum yum boo tam Korean?"
MIKE: "I think it's fake."
CARL: "Why can't you bring her back to your place?"
MIKE: "I can't do that. My Grandma will have her doing the laundry."

And then after another couple of lines Carl is imitating this woman and goes into straight on Ching Chong saying some gibberish that's supposed to be Korean - because you know - what better way to imitate the Asian woman your dating than "Tuk tee tam too mee kam tuk tuk" (aka ching chong ching chong ching chong).

I mean when you sum it up it all kind of comes out like this:

Carl finally has a woman.

She's kind of a kink and likes to tie him up (this news later on in the episode).

He can't stand the smell of her food (because you know, our food is disgusting and smelly) but that doesn't matter because he just wants to fuck her.

His grandma will make her do the laundry if he takes her home (because that's of course what everyone thinks about when they see an Asian woman) but that's okay because he has the key to Mike's place.

So he can fuck her there.

And apparently Carl's new woman also speaks like a MF idiot in a language that absolutely no one can understand.

But that's okay too.

Carl doesn't actually need to hear what she has to say.

Carl just wants to fuck her.

So Let's Recap

Ching Chong? Check.

Dirty Asian Food? Check.

Asian Woman Cum Fuck Me Suckee I Do Anything No Ticky No Washy?

Check that off the list too.

Say No A Priori Say No

It's amazing to me that a show who comes out and makes it a point to talk about not discriminating against people because of their weight - that when it comes to the APA community - apparently - they just don't give a fuck.

* Just For The Record

This was from the episode "Carl Gets A Girl" which aired tonight on CBS 9:30/8:30c. I don't have the actual transcripts - nor do I have it recorded - so the above is paraphrase - but it's pretty damn close to the actual dialogue (and the spirit is definitely there - the spirit of BS racist speak - but a spirit nonetheless).

Hopefully CBS will put this up on their site soon hereafter so you can view it for yourself (or better yet, maybe there's a transcript of it floating around).

That's A Hot Track: Mondega, Bambu, And Music For The People

Monday, April 25, 2011



This is the first music video off of Mondega's forthcoming album titled FOOD, CLOTHING & LOVE featuring the Filipino American and Native Gunner Bambu. The adage is, "A man is content with just food, clothing and shelter". Shelter is replaced by love, for without it, we will never feel at home.

FOOD, CLOTHING & LOVE releases April 28, 2011.

Nathacha Appanah, Hanif Kureishi, And Amitava Kumar

Monday, April 25, 2011

Is it just me or are the good folks down at the The Asian American Writers' Workshop just that much more literay than I'll ever be? I know the answer to that question but I thought I'd pose it anyway, mostly for me, just because at least then I can respond to my own question putting letters together, which make sentences, which at the end of the day helps in me sounding like a somewhat coherent individual.

And not so much like an illiterate dumbass.


Always wanted to dine with literary superstars?

On Wednesday (4/27) at 12:30PM, we are hosting a lunch with celebrated novelist and screenplay writer Hanif Kureishi. Author Amitava Kumar will lead the conversation with Kureishi at fine-dining Indian restaurant Yuva. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance online to indulge in dosas, curries, and literary chit-chat with two of the world's most prominent South Asian writers.

And next Saturday (4/30)M, Nathacha Appanah, who the New York Times Book Review has proclaimed "a beautiful new voice," will read from her award-winning novel, The Last Brother, alongside playwright Ranbir Sidhu and Lebanese visual artist and writer Youmna Chlala.
Nice.

Fat Ninja + Asian Heritage Street Celebration

Monday, April 25, 2011



So here's the deal on this post.

I was going through e-mail checking out some of the press releases and info that gets sent my way (which is amazing to me that I have crap to wade through btw because who would have thought that people will still send in things since I'm on 1/2 time...) and I was going to post up some quick info on the Asian Heritage Street Celebration (SF) but while going to their site saw a post on one of their vendor highlights - which was Fat Ninja - and I just couldn't help but post on that because he's a cute fat little ninja and if there's anything that brightens up your day it should be a fat little ninja.

Linkage.

Big APA Bash, Kollaboration Seattle, And A Little Verizon

Monday, April 25, 2011



I didn't have time to post up on the Kollaboration Atlantic Times Square event before I got the info (more acts TBD and I'll let you know when I know - seriously...this time I will) - but my goodness people - when you have events all the time because you're just doing that much APA goodness - well...I can only keep up with so much (but that's just an excuse for me being lazy).

I digress.

VERIZON WIRELESS CELEBRATES SEATTLE’S ASIAN AMERICAN MUSIC AND CULTURE
Kollaboration Seattle Entertainment to Highlight Verizon-Sponsored Event Honoring Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

(Seattle, WA) — Verizon Wireless is hosting the 2011 Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Bash in honor of Asian American leaders in the Puget Sound area. The event is a grand finale to APA Heritage Month and will feature Kollaboration Seattle musical artists: kings, New Heights, and Sam Shin.

This is the company’s third year hosting the APA Heritage Bash. Last year’s guests included local cultural leaders, professionals, representatives from entertainment and non-profit groups. The event is highlighted as a night of appreciation for APA contributions and accomplishments. This year, industry leaders will be recognized in the following award categories: The Advocate, The Innovator and The Motivator of the year.

“Asian American presence is on the rise, even in the Mainstream,” said Amir Sadeghi, Manager of Multicultural Marketing Programs for the Pacific Northwest Region at Verizon Wireless. “There’s positive change happening every year, and Verizon Wireless wants to be there to reflect, celebrate and spotlight rising talent in our community.”

The 2011 APA Heritage Bash has partnered with Kollaboration Seattle, a non-profit organization committed to promoting APA presence in mainstream entertainment and media. Founded in 2000 in Los Angeles, nine chapters have formed throughout the United States and Canada. Kollaboration Seattle is sending the top finalists from their October 2010 show to perform at the APA Heritage Bash.

Date:
Friday, May 20, 2011

Location:
Hard Rock Café Seattle
116 Pike Street
Seattle, WA 98101

Time:
Doors open at 8:00pm

Tickets:
$12 pre-sale, $20 at the door

The event is for 21 years and up. Tickets can be purchased online at www.hardrock.com/seattle or in person at the Hard Rock Café Rock Shop. Verizon Wireless will be distributing special prizes and giveaways throughout the evening.

For more information about Verizon events in Seattle, visit www.verizoninsider.com/seattle. For more information about Kollaboration Seattle, visit www.kollaborationseattle.org.

You Should Like This (A Lot): Jen Kwok + DanAKADan = That Thang

Monday, April 25, 2011



Word is that DANakaDAN had the opportunity to collaborate with Jen Kwok on this video and song when he was down in NYC and all I have to say is that I'm loving this thing even if I don't know what the hell their talking about.

But I love those blow-up unicorns.

Sweet sweet unicorns.

What exactly is That Thang? Jen Kwok ("Date An Asian") & DANakaDAN (afterschoolspecial) pair up in their new collabo music vid "That Thang", directed by Ballard C Boyd. Thangs are going to get BUSY...if they can figure out what that thang is.


Filmed at the HERE Performing Arts Center in NYC during a one day shoot.

SUBSCRIBE TO CHANNELS:
http://youtube.com/afterschoolspecialsd
http://youtube.com/jenkwokfunnygirl

Written & Performed by Jen Kwok & DANakaDAN (afterschoolspecial)
Directed by Ballard C. Boyd
Music Produced by soce, the elemental wizard

Ballard Boyd:
http://ballardcboyd.com

soce, the elemental wizard:
http://greathiphop.com

Special thanks to HERE:
http://here.org

I Don't Trust Myself: Andrew Garcia, Jeremy Passion, And JRA

Monday, April 25, 2011

And That's A Sweep...

Monday, April 25, 2011

Sure - the Celtics may not have the youth and the "star power" of Miami - but then again - can Miami find someone to make a shot at the end of the game?

Guess we'll see.

I Am A Korean American Hard Body

Thursday, April 21, 2011



From a horny reader to my inbox and now on to you.


Joseph B Johnson
Age 24
Savannah, GA
Personal Trainer/Fitness Model

Own Words

Hey everyone! Man it makes my day to see such a strong group of half-Koreans! Little bit about me, I was born at Kunsan AFB. As the story goes for most of us, my father is American, and my mother is Korean. Growing up my mother was sure to ensure that I understand the importance and pride of being Korean. Being raised in an Americanized society, she would never hesitate to remind me that I am half-Korean. I love it when she says “Remember Josep you have the Korean blood in you.”
View more hard body.

San Francisco Diasporic Vietnamese Film Festival

Wednesday, April 20, 2011



Because sometimes you want textual stimulation.


Free event!

Come and be a part of the first Vietnamese Film Festival in San Francisco!!


An all-day film festival centering the histories, communities, identities, and imagery of Vietnam and the diaspora - featuring narrative, documentary and experimental films!

SCHEDULE:

10:30-10:55: Fading Light(Theo Huong Den Ma Di) by Thien Do
11:00-12:30: Mother Fish by Khoa Do
12:45-1:15: Unidentified Vietnam No. 18 by Lana Lin & H. Thao Lam
1:20-2:15: Hanoi Eclipse: The Music of Dai Lam Linh by Barley Norton
2:30-3:25: The Blindness Series by Tran T. Kim-Trang
3:30-4:00: Compilation of Nguyen's Shorts by Nguyen Tan Hoang
4:15-6:10: Touch (Sneak Preview Screening) by Minh Duc Nguyen
6:15-6:20: SFSU Student Performance
6:25-7:20: Touch Q&A with Long Nguyen and Bety Le (actors)
7:35-7:55: Sunday Menu by Liesl Nguyen
8:00-9:30: Don't Be Afraid, Bi! by Phan Dang Di
Visit www.dvanonline.org for schedule details.

Tinhte.vn = iPhone Multitasking

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

It's Racist Grandma Time!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011



Sure - she may kind of, sort of, in some way maybe resemble someone who could possibly bake you some cookies (even though they might be laced with arsenic) - but really - she's just a racist White Lady.


Marilyn Davenport, the Fullerton grandmother and Republican official who gained national notoriety on April 15 after distributing a racist email image of President Barack Obama as a chimpanzee, has agreed to appear live Wednesday on California's powerhouse talk radio network.

The deal was set today, according to Tim Whitacre, a Santa Ana Republican activist and former U.S. Marine who is advising and supporting Davenport while Orange County Republican Party Chairman Scott Baugh, the man who defeated Whitacre for the party's top slot earlier this year, is calling on Davenport to resign over the scandal.

"Given the unfair light in which Marilyn has been portrayed by some opportunistic local Republican leaders, it is important for the public to hear straight from her," Whitacre said. "She has been falsely accused of being a racist."
Really?

Falsely accused?

When you send things like this in an e-mail I'm thinking I really won't touch those cookies after all.

That ASICS Commercial + I Give You Hot Asian Male Eye Candy

Wednesday, April 20, 2011



I've been seeing this commercial getting played a lot as I've been watching the playoffs and from what I hear - this is one smoking hot Asian guy.

You're welcome.

Correctional Apparitions

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Apparently in one of my previous posts I said that it was unethical for me to talk about my fictitious therapy sessions.

Apparently this is not true as told to me by a real live therapist.

Even in the make-believe world.

And all of this leads me to the following conclusion:

If I ever do go to therapy I'm hoping I have lots of sex with my therapist be it man, woman, or simply Mr. Potato Head so I can post all the gory details.

Thousand Hearts Benefit Concert

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Another great concert for a great cause.


BENEFIT CONCERT

Supporting Japan Disaster Relief – Presented by TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A.


LOS ANGELES – On Saturday, April 23, 2011, the Thousand Hearts Benefit Concert (http://www.thousandhearts.org) will bring together a showcase of artists, celebrities and dignitaries from the worlds of music, dance, television/film and government to raise funds and awareness for the survivors of the Japan earthquake-tsunami at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. 100% of the net proceeds will go directly to the hardest-hit prefectures of Fukushima, Iwate and Miyagi with no administrative fees or holds on funds. Thousand Hearts is produced by Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Aid Project, a nonprofit organization established by multi-cultural community leaders throughout the State of California.

Grammy-nominated and internationally-renowned Japanese jazz group HIROSHIMA, featuring international J-Pop star MIKA TODD and MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew Season 3 Champions QUEST CREW, will headline the show. Other performers include hip-hop violinist and international YouTube sensations PAUL DATEH & KEN BELCHER and adult-contemporary rock band CURD.

Confirmed dignitaries in appearance include Japanese Deputy General Consul YUSUKE SHINDO and Consul TOSHIO ODAGIRI, U.S. Congressman MIKE HONDA, City of Pasadena Councilman STEVE MADISON, and Mayor of the City of Riverside (sister city to the City of Sendai in Japan) RON LOVERIDGE.

Confirmed special celebrity guest appearances include LOU DIAMOND PHILLIPS (Courage Under Fire, Young Guns, La Bamba), MARK DACASCOS (Iron Chef America, Hawaii Five-O, Brotherhood of the Wolf), BRIANA EVIGAN (Sorority Row, Step Up 2: The Streets), JULIA LING (Chuck, E.R., Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip), DANTE BASCO (Take the Lead, The Debut, Hook), and NICK GISMODI (FanFare, Nick’s Doing What).

Additional performers and special guests will be listed at www.thousandhearts.org. Performers and special guests will walk the red carpet at 5:00 pm and the Thousand Hearts Benefit Concert will begin at 7:00 pm.

Tickets are $20, $40 and $60 and are available at Ticketmaster (1-800-982-2787 or on-line) as well as the Pasadena Civic Auditorium Box Office on Fridays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (www.thepasadenacivic.com or 626-449-7360).

If Takai Tweets It Then It Must Be Good (Aka Akira = White People)

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

From the Takai in the latest battle to not Whitewash us again in Hollywood:


Akira epic fail. All actors up for Kaneda & Tetsuo are white?. Sign & RT the [virtual] petition.
Do it now.

Zhou Long: You're The 2011 Pulitzer Music Prize Winner

Wednesday, April 20, 2011



I can't actually vouch for this opera (because I know nothing about it), but that really doesn't matter because:

1. Who would you rather take opera advice from - me - or the people from the Pulitzer? Sure, you may want to say me right away (but only because you know I'm that incredible) but in this case (and this doesn't happen often so don't get used to it) that answer would be wrong.

2. It won a Pulitzer - and while yes you can say that might not mean anything - well - wtf have you done? When you win a Pulitzer then maybe you can scoff at it.

Your Asian+Asian American Educational Statistic For The Day

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Yes it's true.

The incoming freshman class of 2011 at UCLA is a whopping 45% Asian and Asian American.

In Pictures: Release Ai WeiWei

Wednesday, April 20, 2011



Your Post Link.

The Millions Walk-On Role Contest

Wednesday, April 20, 2011



Because I thought you might want to know....

We're holding our official WALK-ON ROLE CONTEST! Win a Walk-On Role in the PREMIER EPISODE of MILLIONS!

All you have to do is give us the Best or Worst Pick-Up Line that you've ever heard and post it on:

YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/MillionsTheSeries - In the comments of http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FZEbtS-TxU

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/MillionsTheSeries

TWITTER: @MillionsSeries - with hashtag #millionstheseries

To qualify, you MUST Subscribe (YouTube), Like (Facebook), or Follow Us (Twitter) depending on where you're posting. You're free to post in one or all 3 places to increase your chances. We'll add up the total.

The Pick-Up Line with the most "Love" (Thumbs Up, Likes, or Retweets) wins! So share, share, share to win!

The Winner will get to say that very same Pick-Up Line in their walk-on part in the actual Premier Episode! That's not all, the Winner gets to choose a friend to make a cameo with them! Afterwards, they'll both get to make one of the coolest status updates ever, and tell everyone how sort of famous they are.

The Deadline is TUESDAY, MAY 3RD, 2011! So get to it! The sooner you give us your Pick-Up Lines, the better your chances of getting more "Love" from your friends!

For full details on the contest visit: http://millionstheseries.com/millions-walkon-role-contest

HOLLA FOR JAPAN: A Benefit Concert: Magnetic North, Taiyo Na, Vudoo Soul, Sam Kang, Alfa, The Home:Word House Band

Wednesday, April 20, 2011



Great Cause. Great Music.

Get on down if you can.


Home for the Holla'Days Presents...

HOLLA FOR JAPAN: A Benefit Concert

Featuring…

MAGNETIC NORTH
TAIYO NA
VUDOO SOUL
SAM KANG
ALFA
& THE HOME:WORD HOUSE BAND

Hosted by SHENG WANG

Saturday April 30th, 8-10pm
The Bitter End
147 Bleecker St, NY NY
$15 Students/$20 General
100% of proceeds will go to the International Rescue Committee
ALL AGES WELCOME
18+ w/ Gov't issued ID
18- Must be accompanied by parent

Seating is limited.
Tickets sold on a first come first served basis.
HOLLA!
And Just Because...

From a video put up last week "Home For The Holla'Days II Redux"

Resilience + The LA Asian Pacific Film Festival

Tuesday, April 19, 2011



I got an e-mail sent in from co-producer Jessica Windt of the film "Resilience" that their film will be making its Los Angeles premiere at the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival on Wednesday, May 4 at 7:00pm and is nominated for Best Documentary by the LAAPFF jury.


(New York, NY; April 2011) “As long as I’m alive, I will do everything I can for you… No matter how much I give, it will never be enough. That’s a mother’s love.” Words said, yet not understood after thirty years of separation between a mother and son in the documentary film Resilience.

This award-winning documentary takes a look at a side of adoption rarely told—what happens after the reunion. Resilience follows a Korean birth mother and her American son as they reunite and attempt to build a relationship after 30 years apart. Unable to communicate with each other, clashing culturally, the film follows the perspectives of both mother and son as they struggle to become a family again.

Resilience makes its Los Angeles premiere at the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival on Wednesday, May 4 at 7:00pm. The feature documentary is nominated for Best Documentary by the LAAPFF jury. Winners will be announced at the festival’s closing night gala. Ticketing and information at: www.asianfilmfestla.org

As a young mother, Myung-ja Noh found herself on the verge of poverty and desperation. Leaving her son in the care of relatives, she went to another city for work. When she returned, her baby was gone—taken away and put up for adoption.
Living in South Dakota, Brent Beesley had an “all-American” upbringing, hardly questioning his origins or Korean identity. Brent had always wondered why he was given up but never thought he would find the answer—until a search for his medical records lands him on Korean national TV meeting his biological mother for the first time.

Director Tammy Chu knows this material well. She made her first short documentary, Searching for Go-hyang (1998) about her own reunion with her Korean family. Chu takes an insider’s perspective on adoption as well as reunion. She captures the nuanced interaction and emotional expressions of mother and son, adoptee and natural mother, in Resilience, her directorial feature debut.
In Resilience, we witness Myung-ja and Brent’s lives change after they reunite. But the reunion is short-lived, and Brent must return home. Meeting twice over the next four years, they navigate a delicate, indirect path towards reconciliation and understanding.

Behind the emotional reunion lies an unsettling history. Brent learns that it was his grandmother and aunt who made the decision to put him up for adoption, unbeknownst to his mother, Myung-ja. Theirs is one story of literally thousands where children were sent away for adoption from South Korea, sometimes without parental consent.

An estimated 200,000 children have been adopted internationally from South Korea since the Korean War (1950-53). Today, South Korea has reached the ranks of developed, economically advanced nations, yet continues to send over one thousand children abroad annually. One of the main factors is stigma against single mothers in Korea, and a lack of government support. Over 90% of children adopted internationally from Korea are born to single mothers. Even today, single mothers are shamed into silence and discouraged from raising their own children. Instead they are encouraged to give up their children for domestic or international adoption.
Resilience is a story about what it means to be a family, including the challenges of building broken ties and coming to terms with the past. Myung-ja and Brent’s story appeals to anyone who knows the loss of being separated from a loved one, only to have the hope of finding them again.

Resilience was awarded “Best Documentary” by the DC APA Film Festival and the Asian Film Festival of Dallas and made official award recipient by the Palm Beach International Women’s Film Festival. Resilience has been invited to screen in countries around the world including the U.S., South Korea, Australia and the Netherlands.

Resilience has been made possible through independent fundraising, outreach and support. The film was completed in September 2009 with the help of an online fundraising campaign. Using social media, over $11,000 was raised in one month by individual donations from nonprofit groups and individual supporters primarily from the international adoption community.

To view the film trailer and learn more visit: http://www.resiliencefilm.com/Clips.html

Resilience is a Korea-U.S. co-production by Nameless Films and KoRoot. Directed/ produced by Tammy Chu, produced/edited by Anthony Gilmore, co-produced by Jessica Windt and executive produced by Do-hyun Kim.

Running Time: 75 minutes

Awards & Festivals

· Asian Film Festival of Dallas, 2010 – *Best Documentary*
· DC APA Film Festival, 2010 – *Best Documentary Feature*
· Pusan International Film Festival, 2009 - Asian Network of Documentary Award
· Palm Beach Women’s International Film Festival, 2011 –*Award Winner*
· Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, 2011 - *Best Documentary Nominee*
· Vancouver Asian Film Festival, 2010
· IAWRT-India Asian Women’s Film Festival, 2010
· San Diego Asian Film Festival, 2010
· Korean Film Festival, Honolulu, 2011
Cool.

Apple Versus South Korea And My Therapist's Leather Patent Shoes

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Just a little business news to throw your way (because I'm not good for much else these days - just ask my therapist - she says I should stop looking at her red leather patent heels in sessions to which I say "But I can't help it. I have issues. Isn't that what I'm here for? Aren't you supposed to help me with those issues?" - it spirals downward from there and I can't really tell you anything more because technically it's not ethical, but that's kind of moot actually because I really don't have a therapist - much to my friend's chagrin...)

Anyway - back to the task at hand.

Samsung vows to counter against Apple who claims the South Korean technology behemoth copied their phone and tablets.

I know this is all a part of business and getting the upper hand, but really - I think of it as The Great White Hope going up against K-Drama.

I think we know who will win.

P.S.



I love you Son Ye-Jin.

That's Just An Interesting Name For An Incumbent In Nigeria

Monday, April 18, 2011

I'll admit I don't know much about Nigeria except for what I hear and read about - which is mostly nothing btw - however I did feel the need to post that I do find the name Goodluck Jonathan somewhat interesting.

Rally At KDWB Studios Today At 7:30 AM

Friday, April 15, 2011



Join a rally on Friday, April 15 at 7:30 a.m. in front of KDWB studios, 1600 Utica Ave. S. in St. Louis Park, Minn. Take a stand against racism, celebrate diversity. Sponsored by the Hmong Organizing Program at TakeAction MN.

Click here to tune in to Suab Hmong Radio LIVE TalkShow exclusive with Sandy'CI Moua on April 12, 2011 begin at 8:00 PM Wisconsin time.

A Busy Week, The Golden Rule, And Hai Muoi Hai

Friday, April 15, 2011

Dear Blog, Even though I said I'd be going 1/2 time for a while I still feel like I'm sometimes not giving you the love and compassion you deserve, which I know can sometimes actually mean my, because the blog is an extension of me, so maybe that means I'm not loving myself enough (even though those close to me will tell you differently) - but I just wanted to say "Hi" after an incredibly busy thank goodness it's over and I'm not taking any work home this weekend type of week (because like the true cubicle lover I am I'll do work on my day off next week). Also If I don't call myself an activist and a community organizer I can't be held to the same standards that someone who actually calls themselves an activist and community organizer would. Remember that I'm the laziest MF you will ever meet (and yes, you and I both hope that never happens because there will be awkward silence and you'll think to yourself "Well....this kinda sucks....who is this douche?" And Also... To my new club acquaintance Truong: Man I hope I look that good at 53 and damn straight - you got a lot of loving in the ripper room from the girl who said she could count in French and then proceeded to look towards the ceiling with a studios look on her face saying "Uno...dos....tres...." I'm not saying she's crazy. I'm just saying she can't count. In French.

CACF + You Got Talent

Tuesday, April 12, 2011


Thursday, April 21 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Soiree, 199 Bowery New York, NY Enjoy hip-hop dancing, singing, comedy, and more at “You Got Talent,” a fundraiser for the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF). Support your friends, listen to judges’ comments, and enjoy drink specials throughout the night. Audience voting will determine the top three acts. Doors open @ 6:30 p.m.; show starts @ 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $20 pre-sale / $25 at door Celebrity judges: Karla Garcia, Jen Kwok, Zawadi Noel Emcee: Ruby Veridiano DJ: VNA Buy tickets and get more info at http://cacf.org/supportus_actioncouncil.html#YouGotTalent. Presented by CACF’s Action Council, the contest is a spin-off of the Action Council’s past three “Asian American Idol” events. All proceeds will benefit CACF, the nation’s only pan-Asian children’s advocacy organization. More info at http://www.cacf.org.

LOL: Workin' Swine To Five

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Because we all love bacon.

Pork Filled Players are Workin' Swine to Five Punch in to Workin’ Swine to Five with the Pork Filled Players, Seattle’s longest running sketch comedy group! Running May 6 to 21, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, Workin’ is sketch comedy on the funny side of the workplace, from morning java to Happy Hour, at the Ballard Underground (2220 NW Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA). Workin’ Swine to Five explores the quirks of the daily grind, as well as online addictions, Jane Austen acolytes, and plenty of kickass stage combat! Joining PFP (the Northwest’s longest tenured Asian American theatre group) are special guests Assaulted Fish (perennial favorite from Vancouver, BC), Seattle’s sketch comedy duo Charles and Bellingham’s sketch/improv sensation, The DK and Morgan Show. Led by Head Hawg Roger Tang and Lead Writer Maggie Lee (featured panelist at the Third National Asian American Theater Conference), PFP also includes Brian Beckley, Agastya Kohli, May Nguyen, Yvette Zaepfel and newcomer Narea Kang. Not only is PFP the only Asian American sketch comedy group in Seattle, but they also feature unique geek humor and a rare majority of female comedy writers/performers. For more information, check the PFP website at www.porkfilled.com , the Facebook page (Facebook.com/PorkFilled) or email at oink@porkfilled.com . Tickets can be bought online. Scientists, programmers and nerds by day…by night, they are the Pork Filled Players! Since 1997, the Pork Filled Players have waged a never-ending battle to unleash their funny bone on audiences of every race, creed and gender across the Northwest. Beneath their guises as mild-mannered engineers, journalists and office workers, PFP has honed their humor like a scalpel (or is it dull meat cleaver?) to whack away at notions of race, class and culture in 21st Century America. Adept at both sketch comedy and traditional theatre, PFP is redefining Asian American humor with maximum tongue-in-cheekiness, geeky wit and hilarious racial disharmony, all with an Amazing Kung-Fu Grip!

That's A Sweet Beat: Triangle Offense - It's All Good

Monday, April 11, 2011

Definitely liking the sound - clean.

Triangle Offense is back at it again, with the latest leak from their upcoming mixtape "The First Love". "It's All Good (TO's Diner)" is the first release from their brand new "TO Tuesdays" campaign, in which they'll be dropping some form of new media (songs, videos, etc.) weekly. Bry of Triangle Offense says, "We selected this single because we felt it set the perfect vibe for spring. We wanted the track to have a more traditional hip-hop sound than people are used to hearing from us."
Download it directly.

Mouth To Mouth, Open Mics, Bushra Rehman, And Tom X. Chao

Monday, April 11, 2011

I really don't have much to say except to reiterate what's already being said below: Come for the booze.

Friday, April 15, 2011, 9PM Our monthly open mic party is always a riot. April 15 will be no exception. New York City-born poet Bushra Rehman, who Ishle Yi Park has called “a little bundle of magic,” and performance artist and playwright Tom X. Chao, who, according to Richard Yates, is the "author of at least one unforgettable story," join Mouth to Mouth hosts Ed Lin and Jen Kwok. Come for laughs, booze, and more! @The Asian American Writers' Workshop 110-112 West 27th Street, 6th Floor Between 6th and 7th Avenues Buzzer 600 $5 suggested donation open to the public sign up at 8:30 PM for a 5 minute slot

8Asians + Arirang TV

Monday, April 11, 2011



Hosted by Kathy Choi and Danny Cho, "Real Talk" featured three of the eight Asians including Joz, Moye & Koji as well as Dr Eliza Noh of Cal State Fullerton.

You can view the episode online next week at Real Talk's website:
http://www.arirang.co.kr/Tv2/Tv_About_Content.asp?PROG_CODE=TVCR0583&MENU_CODE=101304&code=Po2&sys_lang=Eng

If The Today Show Doesn't Have Ann Curry Replace Meredith Vieira That's Just MF Crazy (And Possibly Racist)

Friday, April 08, 2011



When Katie Couric left The Today Show I can't lie - a little piece of me wept. Sure, I didn't really watch the show anymore because I had things to do like work and fondle myself, or somedays (even better) fondle myself while actually at work (because who doesn't want to get paid for that?) but I did weep just a little (mostly though because I too was fixated on her million dollar insured legs*).

But I also thought it was an opening, a new millennium, the beginning of a fiscal year where the forecasts were bullish, growth was imminent, and everyone forgot about the scandal with the CEO and that underage girl at Polkafest XII: Rise Of The Accordion.

It was going to be the start of something great.

An Asian American women co-hosting The Today Show.

Regularly.

America's number one rated morning show ready to wake you up with a cup of coffee and a splash of Ann Curry.

But it didn't happen.

And while I have nothing against Meredith Vieira herself I still can't help but hold a tiny little grudge against her, because I feel like she robbed me of being able to call in sick while lounging around in my pj's eagerly awaiting the next installment of Ann and Matt on location in The Galápagos Islands.

I'm not bitter, I just don't think I can ever really forgive her.

But second chances do happen.

Meredith Vieira is leaving, Matt Lauer could be following her quickly, and according to a TVGuide poll more than 60% of voters think the job should go to the woman we all can't help but love (even if just a little).

What else do you need?

* I'm actually not quite sure if that's the exact number - I just remembering hearing this when I had a run-in with a nun - but that's another post..

Sarah Kay's Spoken Word Poetry Playlist

Thursday, April 07, 2011



Over half a million views and some good words - what more do you want?

The Slants, The US Patent And Trademark Office, And Taking A Survey

Thursday, April 07, 2011

As some of you know the band The Slants, are embroiled in a dispute with the US Patent and Trademark Office over their actual name and I received an e-mail about their cause which goes a little something like this:

As you're aware, our band (The Slants) has been fighting with the US Patent and Trademark Office over the right to protect our name. One of the most critical components of our case is getting a public survey from a 3rd party where the majority of respondents are APA's. We're not allowed to host the link because we need the results to be as objective as possible.
So there you have it. If you think an APA band should be allowed to call themselves The Slants, and trademark the name, and think that the US Patent and Trademark office shouldn't be telling an APA band that their name is racist - well - take the survey. And feel free to reprint.

Fast Five, L.A. Asian Film Fest, Danny Pudi, Parvesh Cheena, YOMYOMF, And Some Free Tickets

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

The L.A. Asian Film Fest, Justin Lin's latest film, Danny Pudi, Parvesh Cheena, AND free tickets? What the hell is there not to love about this? Exactly.

YOMYOMF will be the community presenter for the event taking place at the Director’s Guild building in West Hollywood and we’ll be teaming up with Visual Communications for a fun evening that will include a red carpet (including a reunion of the casts of Justin’s previous films Better Luck Tomorrow and Finishing the Game), a post-show reception with lots of food and drinks, the premiere of the final version of our short Car Talk 2 starring Sung and Tyrese, and much more. Your emcees for the evening will be two of the funniest guys around: Danny Pudi (Abed from Community) and Parvesh Cheena (Gupta from Outsourced). Starting April 8 (or today for VC members), you can purchase your tickets here and be one of the first to catch the movie before it opens on April 29. But you can also enter for a chance to win a FREE pair of tickets from YOMYOMF by sending us a tweet and live tweeting for us during the opening night event if you are selected. Three readers will each win a pair of VIP tickets to the opening night screening of Fast Five. Here’s what you need to do for a chance to win:
Read it in full.

Qui Nguyen + Beau Sia = Krunk Fu EWP Style

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

From East West Players to my inbox and now on to you.

East West Players (EWP), the nation’s premier Asian American theatre, continues its 45th Anniversary season, themed Shake It Up, with the world premiere hip hop musical, KRUNK FU BATTLE BATTLE, with book by Qui Nguyen, Lyrics by Beau Sia, Vocal Music by Marc Macalintal, Dance Music provided by Rynan Paguio and Jason Tyler Chong, Musical Direction by Marc Macalintal, and Choreography by Jason Tyler Chong. This production will be directed by EWP Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang. The cast of the production includes Joan Almedilla, Cesar Cipriano, Liza B. Domingo, Lawrence Kao, Evan Moua, Leng Phe, Megumi Tatsumikawa, Matt Tayao, and Troy Terashita. Generous support for this production is provided by the S. Mark Taper Foundation Endowment for East West Players. Under the guidance of Sir Master Cert, young Norman Lee battles the baddest b-boy crew at Sunset Park High for respect, honor, and the heart of sweet Cindy Chang. “East West Players is shaking it up with this world premiere hip hop musical KRUNK FU BATTLE BATTLE,” says EWP Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang. “This musical about first love, respect, and standing up for yourself is something that will resonate with audience members young and old. But its presentation will be like no other musical we’ve produced. Get ready for an amazing, foot-stomping good time.” Qui Nguyen (book) is the Co-Artistic Director of the Obie Award winning production company, Vampire Cowboys. He is a resident playwright of New Dramatists, a co-director of the Ma-Yi Writers Lab, a member of Ensemble Studio Theatre. Beau Sia (lyrics) is a spoken word artist and has been featured in Def Poetry Jam and has earned two National Poetry Slam Championships. Marc Macalintal (vocal music and musical direction) is the Artistic Director and one of the founding members of Asian American improv troupe Room to Improv. He was the musical director for MARRY ME A LITTLE and THE LAST FIVE YEARS at EWP and adapted the score for EWP’s box office hit production of PIPPIN. Jason Tyler Chong (choreography and dance music) has choreographed and performed shows at the MGM Grand, concerts in Asia, Miss Universe Pageant, and the Grammy’s. He is currently an instructor at the Edge Performing Arts Center in Hollywood. Rynan Paguio a.k.a. Kid Rainen (dance music) is a member of the JabbaWockeeZ Crew that performed and won Season 1 of America’s Best Dance Crews. He is also affiliated with two other dance groups, Footwork Fanatix and Kilafornia. Tim Dang (director) is the Producing Artistic Director of East West Players. Recent directing credits at EWP include IMELDA: A NEW MUSICAL, PIPPIN, EQUUS, VOICES FROM OKINAWA, and MYSTERIOUS SKIN. The design team consists of set and projection designer Adam Flemming, lighting designer Dan Weingarten, costumer designer Annalisa Adams, property master Ken Takemoto, fight choreographer Diana Lee Inosanto. The stage manager is Ondina Dominguez. Additional funding for KRUNK FU BATTLE BATTLE is provided by the James Irvine Foundation, the California Community Foundation, Shubert Foundation, The LA Board of Supervisors through the LA County Arts Commission, City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation. KRUNK FU BATTLE BATTLE is proud to be a partner with the National Asian American Theater Conference/Festival and the Festival of New American Musicals. All performances of KRUNK FU BATTLE BATTLE will be staged at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. KRUNK FU BATTLE BATTLE opens Wednesday, May 18, 2011 and closes on Sunday, June 26, 2011. Opening night will be accompanied by a pre-performance cocktail reception and a post-show reception with the cast and creative team. Performances are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Previews are Thursday - Saturday, May 12 - 14 at 8pm and Sunday, May 15 at 2pm. The Pay-What-You-Can Performance will be held Thursday, May 19 at 8 pm with a suggested $5 minimum. The post-show discussion will be held on Sunday, May 29. General Tickets range from $40 - $50. Preview tickets are $20 for all seats. Opening night tickets are $70 for all seats. Tickets are currently on sale. For ticket purchases or more information, please call East West Players at (213) 625-7000 or visit www.eastwestplayers.org. Senior, student and group discounts are available. Dates and details are subject to change.

East West Players: Getting Your Playwriting Competition On

Monday, April 04, 2011

For all you aspiring playwriters out there now's your chance to stake your claim to five grand and first place (or second, third, or even honorable mention is still good - hell - let's face it - if you just enter, at least that means you're doing more than I ever will in my lifetime).

East West Players, the nation’s premier Asian American theatre organization, is pleased to announce Face of the Future, a playwriting competition with cash prizes awarded to the top three plays, including $5,000 for the first place winner, $2,500 for second place, and $1,000 for third place. All winners will be considered for workshop and/or production at East West Players. This year, the focus is on the exploration of the reality of multicultural America from an Asian American perspective. For instance, subject matter might include, but not limited to, biracial or multiracial identity, clashes or collaborations between cultures, or international/transnational storylines. “Through Face of the Future, East West Players hopes to encourage more works with Asian American themes and characters,” says EWP Producing Artistic Director, Tim Dang. “We encourage everyone with ideas exploring these themes to submit their play. As we move into a more multiracial and global society, it is important to process the many levels and complexities of stories in our lives. We continue to encourage comedies as Asian American theatre is in need of these works to balance an overwhelming majority of dramas. Our audiences also demand more humor in their lives as a diversion from serious world events.” East West Players previously held a competition in 2008 called Pacific Century. The winners of Pacific Century included S. Vasanti Saxena for SUN SISTERS, Philip W. Chung for MY MAN KONO, and Michael Golamco for YEAR ZERO. All our playwriting contests have received major funding from The James Irvine Foundation. Previous EWP writing competition judges have included Henry Chan, Julia Cho, Philip Kan Gotanda, Amy Hill, David Henry Hwang, Judith Nihei, Gary Shimokawa, Alice Tuan, and Wakako Yamauchi. Submissions will be accepted beginning May 2 through August 31, 2011. Notification of winners will take place in February 2012. Submissions must be original, unproduced full-length plays or musicals. Translations or adaptations will not be accepted. Submissions must have Asian Pacific American themes and/or characters as the primary focus. All genres are welcome, comedies are encouraged. Plays should require no more than 5-7 actors. Musicals should require no more than 10-12 actors. The story should be told in less than 2.5 hours including a 15-minute intermission and must be accessible to a primarily English-speaking audience. East West Players must have the first option to produce. All submissions must include a $20 entry fee with the Face of the Future entry form which can be found at: http://www.eastwestplayers.org/arts_education/literary_competitions.htm. Submissions should be mailed to FACE OF THE FUTURE Playwriting Competition, 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. For additional information, please contact Literary Manager Jeff Liu at 213.625.7000 x27 or JLiu@EastWestPlayers.org.