On Break For Labor Day Week

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

As quick note, I'm out on break for the Holiday Week.

See you in a little bit.

Random White House Communication

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Pool started its day at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo where VPOTUS had a closed meet and greet with staff and families.Motorcade rolled from embassy at 1:40 pm for the long drive to Yokota Air Base, arriving 2:32 pm. VPOTUS addressing U.S. Troops here. Open press and streamed at WhiteHouse.gov.Pool was told that this morning at 10 am, VP, daughter in law and granddaughter made a sightseeing trip to the Meiji Shrine. WH will move a photo. Some background on the site:"The Meiji Shrine is a Shinto Shrine. It is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. The formal dedication took place in 1920. "Meiji Shrine is located in a forest that covers an area of 700,000 square-meters (about 175 acres)."Secretary Clinton visited the Meiji Shrine in 2009."

hereandnow: The B-Side

Wednesday, August 24, 2011




Just coming off of their national touring season, hereandnow theatre company is excited to present The B-Side, a collection of short vignettes that examine the often overlooked and under-told stories of people of color in America. Described by fans as captivating, raw, and heartfelt, they continue their tradition of producing original material written by the performers themselves. Expressed through oral language, movement, dance, and song, their stories are your stories.

Tickets priced at $20 available through www.hereandnowtheatrecompany.com.

John Miyasaki, the director and founding member of the company, effortlessly combines the words of the performers with the movement of their bodies and the music of their song to paint works of art on the stage.

Cast members include: Dennis Bover, Ibrahim Chavez, Verwin Gatpandan, Liliana Medina, John Miyasaki, Rona Par, Rick Ramos, Clara Sao, Eileen Soong and Angela Vesagas.

~ hereandnow theatre company 2011
September 10 – 18 at The Blackbox at the Alexandria Hotel
501 S. Spring St., 3rd Floor, Downtown Los Angeles, 90013

Far East Movement + Artwalk

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Shinji Saito + Marcus Koh: That Is Some Crazy YoYo

Friday, August 19, 2011

2011 World YoYo Contest Winner Using Two YoYo's



2011 World YoYo Contest Winner Using One YoYo

Panda Express Goes Lateral Oppression

Thursday, August 18, 2011

I'm not quite sure what to think about all of this (well kind of...) with exception to the fact that I don't eat at Panda Express - I actually like the Taquiera La Hacienda down the street from me - and I'm not just saying that because apparently a Panda Express in San Jose has been discriminating against Latinos and I'd rather be food associated with the TLH.

I'm just a big fan of the taco al pastor.

And yes, I do realize how this all could be taken, but I can't help - I'm hungry.

Again.

Word Of The Day: Ouchpad

Thursday, August 18, 2011

ouchpad [that hurts!]
n.

1. Something that won't sell.
2. Something by HP that won't sell.
3. Something Best Buy wants HP to take back to the tune of over 250,000 units.
4. My butt when it gets slapped really really hard.

An Open Letter To Rex Lee's Wikipedia Page

Thursday, August 18, 2011



Dear Rex Lee's Wikipedia Page,

We love you.

We adore you.

In fact, we both love and adore you.

Well, not actually you, but the Korean American actor (we love and adore him).

But you?

I'm just not that fond of you right now.

And you know why.

Please update yourself with a picture where Rex Lee doesn't look completely shit-faced.

Partially shit-faced is okay - but I know those eyes - I've had those eyes.

That's completely shit-faced.

I'm just happy the word delible comes to mind...

Slanty

I Was Listening To It In 2006 And I Like Little Caesars Thank You Very Much

Thursday, August 18, 2011



I'm thinking about getting a Prius now because at this point I do need four doors and I just don't know if I'm a coupe kind of guy. Sure, I'll still roll a big ass fattie while I'm hitting 5 miles over the speed limit - cause that's just the way I roll - but I figure why not do it saving gas? And more gas money saved is more money for taking out my woman to McDonalds (don't judge the Dollar Menu people).

While I'm at it I just wanted to say that I've been eating a lot of Little Caesars lately and I just think if you snub your nose at getting a large pizza for five dollars (sometimes $4.95 but I don't really understand that so please don't ask me about it) I just don't think you're a True American.
P.S.

I'm also giving kudos to sugar cookies dipped in whipped butter.

And heart attacks.

Definitely heart attacks.

One Of The Greatest Tear Jerkers Of All Time Is Now On Blu-Ray

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Since I seem to be on a SK movie kick, I just thought you may want to know that yes, A Moment To Remember is out on Blu-Ray and say whatever you will because I do in fact know the true story - you'll cry even more when you watch it in full glorious mind-bending 1080P.

Korean Movie Trailers 2011

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Sector 7



Suicide Forecast (aka Life Is Beautiful)



Sunny



Dangerous Meeting



Nice Shorts!



Glove



Night Fishing

In Pictures: Kimchibilly + The RockTigers

Thursday, August 18, 2011



Listen for more down at the Iggy.

Aziz Goes Otis Cameo

Thursday, August 18, 2011



Don't blink.

And yes, no matter what I actually say to myself, there is something to be said for being in the vid for the Billboard #1.

Trailer Love: Liu Ye + Shu Qi = A Beautiful Life

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Random Foreign White People News

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Gerard Depardieu urinated on a plane before it took off.

That's it.

Retro Reflections (Adopted Vietnamese Americans On The Vietnam War, OBL, And The VAD Community)

Thursday, August 18, 2011




That's A Hook And A Video I Can Get Into: Aziatix "Slippin' Away"

Thursday, August 18, 2011

News From Around The Way

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Random news you may or may not want to know.



  • Chinatown: Dining With Strangers

    I went to eat dinner at Chinatown again with the lady for her family reunion over the weekend. Her ancestors have been in the states since the late 1800's and have deep roots in community service. Believe me, I was on my best behavior. I won't talk about my conversations, but I really enjoy hearing stories of proud family history. From my own knowledge, the Chinese Americans that have been here longer seem to be a lot more accepting of others. The recent immigrants, it's hit or miss. My best friend is a third-generation Chinese American engaged to a Mexican. You wouldn't be able to put an ironclad wall between him and a Latin woman. His dad actually served in Vietnam and was constantly asked which side he was on.

  • Staceyann Chin’s Babeh Quest

    Queer Chinese/Jamaican spoken word powerhouse Staceyann Chin recently wrote a piece for HuffPo about her mission to have a baby. It’s an excellent article, and she describes how factors of race, sexuality, and age made her driving desire for motherhood — an experience often taken for granted by many– a complex and protracted journey.

  • SAIGON ELECTRIC: A Vietnamese American’s Journey Back to the Motherland (Part I)

    I’ll be blogging about my first experience as a producer for a film called SAIGON ELECTRIC, a hip hop, coming-of-age film made in Vietnam. It was released in Vietnam in April and is set to be released in select U.S. cities on October 7th. We’re currently mounting an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds for a small, but proper, theatrical release. So without further adieu, here’s Part I of the SAIGON ELECTRIC Journey [...]

  • APA Spotlight: Kathy Lim Ko, President and CEO, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum

    Kathy Lim Ko is president and chief executive officer of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), a national health justice organization which influences policy, mobilizes communities, and strengthens programs and organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Kathy has worked in senior management positions in community-based and philanthropic organizations throughout her 30 year career.

  • I’m a dick: Part 1

    For my next two unsolicited editorials, I’ll ask fairly rude questions. They’re not going to be popular. Let’s just say that I’m certain some will call me a dick, as well as other colorful descriptions. To be honest, though, in recent years I haven’t been the type of person who seeks out “Mr. Congeniality.” So, frankly I don’t care if people call me a dick after reading the following because I’m a firm believer in the right of each individual to question. To question is to be human. The point of the rude questions is to seek out some answers from a few adoptee heavyweights. In particular, I’d like to hear from Susan Cox, whom others have described as the poster adoptee for adoption agencies. Additionally, I would like to get some clarification from Jane Trenka, Tobias Hübinette, Tammy Ko Robinson, and Kim Stoker, four individuals involved in the most recent Korean adoption legislation.

  • Me Love You Long Tongue

    Though it might seem a bit strange, I LOVE that 19-year-old Rhiannon Brooksbank–Jones, a UK student, got her slightly-shorter-than-average tongue lengthened–in a parent-approved, 15-minute elective lingual frenectomy. All so that she could speak Korean without sounding “foreign.”


  • The Hyphen Lowdown on Filmmaker Marissa Aroy

    At Restaurant Peony in Oakland’s Chinatown, I met up with Emmy award-winning filmmaker Marissa Aroy. Named one of the most influential Filipina women by the Filipina Women’s Network in 2010, she and her husband Niall McKay run Media Factory, a production company whose clients include PBS, the National Endowment for the Arts, Wired magazine, The Chabot Space and Science Center, CEO Women, and the Independent Film Channel. In mid-October of this year, Marissa will be traveling to the Philippines for four months to work on a short fictional piece, funded by the Fulbright Scholar Program. Over shrimp har gow, siu mai, and rice noodle rolls, we discussed Aroy’s current projects and how she got into film.

The LXD: Season 3 Episode 1

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Rachael Yamagata + Muppets + The Green Album

Tuesday, August 16, 2011



You know you want it. Released August 23, 2011.

Sweet.

1. "The Muppet Show Theme" (OK Go)
2. "The Rainbow Connection" (Weezer and Hayley Williams)
3. "Mahna Mahna" (The Fray)
4. "Movin' Right Along" (Aklaline Trio)
5. "Our World" (My Morning Jacket)
6. "Halfway Down the Stairs" (Amy Lee)
7. "Mr. Bassman" (Sondre Lerche)
8. "Wishing Song" (The Airborne Toxic Event)
9. "Night Life" (Brandon Saller and Billy Martin)
10. "Bein' Green" (Andrew Bird)
11. "I Hope That Somethin' Better Comes Along" (Matt Nathanson)
12. "I'm Going to Go Back There Someday" (Rachael Yamagata)

Thuy Vy Victoria: Miss World 2011 Contestant

Tuesday, August 16, 2011







Sure, you may say that there's no relevance here except - well - possibly none - but I say I'm kind of under the weather and she's Vietnamese American.

And she's representing Vietnam in the 2011 Miss World contest in London this November.

P.S.

Dear Press Contacts,

Please feel free to send me to London for interviews and photo shoots.

Thanks,
Slanty

Gary Locke = The Backpacker

Monday, August 15, 2011

I don't know about you, but somehow I just envison a new movie with Gary Locke, tinted sunglasses, and a flashback to xXx.

Kind of.

The Smithsonian + Portraiture Now: Asian American Portraits of Encounter

Monday, August 15, 2011










Check more out down at the Washington Post.

In Pictures: Tuyet Le

Monday, August 15, 2011



Chicago Tribune.

More Messed Up White People On How To Be Asian

Friday, August 12, 2011



Damn.


The unidentified woman in the video starts out by telling viewers the offensive series of jokes she’s about to make are in honor of her Asian friend. “So today is my friend Jess’ birthday and she’s Asian, which got me thinking ‘wow what’s it like to be Asian?’ so I did a little research and now I’m going to provide for you a tutorial on how to be Asian.”

Sounds like this woman may have been under a rock during UCLA’s Alexandra Wallace “Asians in libraries are loud” fiasco because not only does this woman articulate every offensive stereotype in the book but she also illustrates how to get what she calls “the look” by smothering French’s classic yellow mustard over her face and putting tape over her eyes to make them appear smaller.
Check the crazy White Girl out here.

Bloodtraffick: Official Trailer

Friday, August 12, 2011


Bloodtraffick: Official Trailer from RockGinger on Vimeo.

Heard from Jennifer Thym down at RockGinger (from the folks that brought you the LUMINA Web Series) and they're back with an action short currently playing on the film festival circuit.

Looks like a lot of good vampire fun if you ask me.


In a world torn by a war between vampires and angels, a human vigilante on the hunt for her missing sisters is lured into the den of a vampire.

This is a sneak peek trailer for an 11 minute action short film which is currently on the film festival circuit. The short is a prequel to a feature film of the same name currently in development. If you liked the trailer or enjoyed the film at a festival, we'd really appreciate it if you'd give us a Like on Facebook (facebook.com/​bloodtraffick) and spread the word to your friends!

Starring: Grace Huang (alivenotdead.com/​gracehuang) and Kirt Kishita (alivenotdead.com/​kirtkishita)
Dir.: Jennifer Thym (rockginger.com)
Producers: Jennifer Thym and Desmond So (alivenotdead.com/​desmondso)
Editor: Bettina Enigl (bettina.stilfabrik.at)
DP's: XiaoSu Han and Andreas Thalhammer (stilfabrik.at)
Composer: Gerrit Wunder (gerritwunder.com)
Action Choreographer: Philip Ng (alivenotdead.com/​philipng)

Art Directors: Billy Lau (billylauisonset.com) and Suki Lui (ripples-of-heart.com)
Sound Design by Sound Disposition (sounddisposition.com)
Additional FX by Moviebrats (moviebrats.com)

Official Selection, Gen Con Indy Film Festival 2011
Official Selection, HollyShorts Film Festival 2011

More info, including behind the scenes photos, on bloodtraffick.com and rockginger.com.

Visual Communications, Koji Steven Sakai, And An Introduction To Screenwriting

Friday, August 12, 2011



Learn it from someone in the know.


CLASSES WITH KOJI STEVEN SAKAI BEGIN SEPTEMBER 22 AT VC
THURSDAYS, through DEC. 1 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM @ Visual Communications, 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

Visual Communications is partnering with Koji Steven Sakai to bring you a ten-session course on the craft of screenwriting. Students will learn proper formatting and structure as well as how to create effective plots, characters, and dialogue – all the necessary techniques to draft a first screenplay. As a bonus, the final class will be dedicated to the business of screenwriting and making it in the industry.

Koji Steven Sakai graduated from USC’s Masters of Professional Writing program and has held several filmmaking fellowships including Visual Communication’s Armed With a Camera Fellowship for Emerging Media Artists. He has written two feature films: HAUNTED HIGHWAY, co-written with Naoko Ihara Witmer and director Junichi Suzuki, was distributed by Lions Gate DVD in 2005. THE PEOPLE I SLEPT WITH, a romantic comedy directed by Quentin Lee, premiered in 2009 to critical acclaim. In addition to his film work, Koji is a regular writer on websites Discover Nikkei and 8Asians. He also contributed a story to Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology, the first graphic novel anthology by and about Asian Americans. Additionally, Koji is the manager of public programs at the Japanese American National Museum.
Sign up for classes down at the VC site.

Mouth to Mouth Open Mic With Air Tabigue And Saurabh Tak

Friday, August 12, 2011

There's still time left.

Friday, August 12, 2011, 8PM

Don't want the summer to end? Neither do we! Come make friends with Filipino American comedian Air Tabigue, who has been featured on NBC, FOX, and PBS, and Moth Slam winning storyteller, writer, and blogger Saurabh Tak. As usual, novelist Ed Lin and stand-up comedian Jen Kwok will be handling hosting duties from our lovely green couch. Wanna get in on the action? Come ready with your own work and sign-up for a 5-minute slot at 7:30PM.

@The Asian American Writers' Workshop
110-112 West 27th Street, 6th Floor
Between 6th and 7th Avenues
Buzzer 600

AMP Music Festival: Kero One, Nylon Pink, The Slants, Sam Kang, Jennifer Chung, Jesse Barrera + A Whole Lot More

Monday, August 08, 2011



All I know is that I think this should be amazing.


The AMP Music Festival will be an all-day event taking place on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at the Market Creek Plaza. With nine hours of entertainment on each stage, there will be something for everyone. The venue is located at 404 Euclid Avenue, San Diego, CA 92114.

With the partnership of the Asian Business Association Community Foundation, this music experience exists for the fans of music and for the love of music, with the aim of creating art and music scholarships and educational programs. We are open to all who love music, the outdoor music experience, or bold adventures!

The AMP Music Festival will:

* Raise awareness and funds for the ABA Community Foundation to provide arts and music scholarships
* Provide local and regional artists an opportunity to perform at a venue with diverse audiences
* Showcase the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) American talent in contemporary music
* Encourage programs in music and culture and foster music education and interest to San Diegans
* Revitalize and build a stronger community through the celebration of music and art

Learn more about the Mission of the AMP Music Festival and the San Diego Asian American Music Festival.

The AMP Music Festival and the San Diego Asian American Music Festival are made possible by the support of the Asian Business Association Community Foundation (ABACF).
Get more info down at the Amp Music Festival site.

Monday Night 3X: Beatconector

Monday, August 08, 2011







Just some random vibes for your Monday night (or early Tuesday morning depending on your time zone).

Virginia Tech

Thursday, August 04, 2011

Please not again. And please don't let the gunman be Asian.

APIA Spoken Word And Summit

Thursday, August 04, 2011

Yes indeed. The day is today.

http://www.apiasummit.com

The Third Annual Korean BBQ Cook-off!

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

If I wasn't doing things like work, eating, and trying to do nothing, I would definitely be there in a flash.


On Saturday, August 6th, The Third Annual Korean BBQ Cook-off presented by the Korean American Coalition will showcase the best Korean BBQ dishes by local Koreatown restaurants and vendors. Following the success of last year’s Cook-off, which drew over 8,000 eager fans, this year’s event will continue the annual tradition by closing down Hobart in between Wilshire and 7th St. Think Koreatown Block Party with a Orion Choco Pie eating contest, a live performance by YouTube sensation Dumbfoundead and the Ktown Top Grill Master Cook-off which features four local chefs who will compete for a $1,000 cash prize and the title of Top Grill Master. Visit www.kbbqcookoff.com for more information.

CONFIRMED JUDGES:

- Jonathan Gold is a well-respected and longtime food critic for L.A. Weekly. He has previously written for the Los Angeles Times and Gourmet Magazine, among many others. In 2007, he became the first food critic to win the Pulitzer Prize.

- Simon Majumdar, author of the critically acclaimed book Eat My Globe. Simon has also been seen on such shows as Iron Chef America, the Next Iron Chef and the new Food Network series, Extreme Chef.

- James Kyson-Lee, is a prominent actor, well known for his role of Ando Masahashi on the NBC television series, Heroes. He has also landed roles in television and film, including The West Wing, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Hawaii Five-O, among many others.

- Ambassador Yeon-sung Shin, Consul General of the Republic of Korea, Los Angeles office.

COOK-OFF CHEFS: (Chef bios at http://kbbqcookoff.com/?cat=8)

- Pat Chung
- Hogan Lee
- Wesley Lieberher
- Chris Oh
- Robert Park (runner-up)

WHEN: Saturday, August 6, 2011 from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

- 1:00 pm – All-You-Can-Eat Choco Pie contest, sponsored by Orion
- 2:30 pm – Special performance by Dumbfoundead, rapper
- 4:00 pm – Cook-Off competition
- 5:30 pm – Awards ceremony

WHERE: The event will take place on S. Hobart Blvd., between Wilshire Blvd and 7th St.

EVENT DETAILS:

- Free admission
- All plates will be sold for $5-$15 each (cash only)
- Korean wine and craft beer garden
- Parking will be $5 flat rate at 3660 Wilshire or 3640 Wilshire
- Vendors include: Park’s BBQ, 8 Colorful Flavors of Pork – Samgyupsal, BCD Tofu House, Seoul Sausage, and more!

You've Been Nominated: Miranda Du

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

All Hail The Obama And Du.

President Barack Obama nominated Miranda Mai Du to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada. If confirmed, Ms. Du would be only the third Asian Pacific American in U.S. history to serve as an Article III judge outside of the east and west coasts. She would also become the first-ever Asian Pacific American to serve as an Article III judge in Nevada.

"Ms. Du's nomination demonstrates President Obama and Senator Reid's continued commitment to promoting qualified, diverse nominees to the federal bench," said Paul O. Hirose, president of NAPABA. "An Asian Pacific American has never before served as an Article III judge in Nevada, and we applaud the Obama Administration's dedication to ensuring a diversity of perspectives on the courts."

The U.S. Census reports a growing Asian Pacific American population in Nevada. In 2010, the Asian Pacific American community in Nevada had grown to approximately 9% of the population. Of the 139 active Article III judgeships in the Ninth Circuit, of which Nevada is a member, only 10 are currently Asian Pacific Americans and none serve in Nevada.

"We applaud President Obama for his continued commitment to a diverse federal judiciary by nominating Miranda Du to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the District of Nevada," said Karen K. Narasaki, president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center, member of Asian American Center for Advancing Justice. "We also applaud Senator Reid for his support of Ms. Du and for recognizing the needed perspective she will bring to the judiciary in the state with the fastest growing Asian American population."

Since 1994, Ms. Du has practiced with the firm of McDonald Carano Wilson LLP in Reno, Nevada, where she is a partner. She is the Chair of the Employment & Labor Law group, and her practice focuses on litigating employment and complex civil cases. She was included in Mountain States Rising Stars, Super Lawyers in 2009, selected as a "Top 20 under 40" Young Professionals in the Reno-Tahoe Area in 2008, and nominated as a Woman of Achievement by the Nevada Women's Fund in 2007. Ms. Du has also served as a Commissioner on the Nevada Commission on Economic Development since 2008. She graduated from the University of California-Berkeley (Boalt Hall) in 1994, and from the University of California-Davis with Honors in 1991. Ms. Du left Vietnam with her family by boat when she was eight years old, and immigrated to Alabama after spending a year in refugee camps in Malaysia.

NAPABA and AAJC join in thanking President Obama for nominating Ms. Du and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for recommending her to the President.

White C**t, MN Nice, Congressman Doug Lamborn, & You Called The President "Tar Baby" (N***er, Dirty Negro, Your Slave Boy, Fit Enough To Be Hanged)

Tuesday, August 02, 2011



It just makes you speechless.

Who calls the President Of The United States a Tar Baby and thinks they can get away with that -- unscathed?

Dumbass White People.

That's who.

And it has a carry over effect. When DWP's think it's okay to slur the President Of The United States referring to him in a way that makes him less than human, fit to be hanged, killed for the fun of it just because of his color and racial makeup - it gives the cue to everyone else that it's okay to block the Person Of Color behind you at the grocery store moving back and forth so they can't get in front of you to see what's on the shelf because you feel your entitled to stay there as long as you want - until the POC comes up behind you and just forces their way in - and woman in front of me - apparently you were about to be called a White Cunt if you would have done that dance in the aisle one more time - at least that's what the APA woman at the grocery store told me before she left with that cake in her hand (I don't know why people feel compelled to tell me such things btw, but I don't mind...).

From the grocery store it's the post office, the gas station, a restaurant, a clinic, Terminal X in your not so favorite airport, getting a job, and access to power and wealth - I mean if the cue is given that it's okay to denigrate a Person Of Color who holds the highest position of power in our country (or at least one of them) what does it say to people on how they can treat the rest of us who don't get round the clock secret service treatment?

P.S.

Sure, you may not approve of the phrase "White Cunt", but if every action has a reaction than that's the reaction from some Women Of Color (because we've all heard variations of it) who seem to encounter a plethora of White Women that try and pull power plays because they think they can. Because they feel entitled. Because they're like some of their White Male counterparts who never give a thought to anyone else except themselves.

When that happens, sometimes MN Nice gets thrown out the window.

Chay Yew, Version 3.0 + Julia Cho, Sung Rno, Han Ong, David Henry Hwang + More

Monday, August 01, 2011

From Theater Mania:


Playwright and director Chay Yew has edited Version 3.0, a major new collection of contemporary Asian American plays, which has just been published by Theatre Communications Group. Tony Award winner David Henry Hwang has written the forward for the volume.

The collection includes Julia Cho's Durango, Sunil Kuruvilla's Rice Boy, Han Ong's Swoony Planet, Sung Rno's wAve, Diana Son's Satellites, Alice Tuan's Last of the Suns and Chay Yew's Question 27, Question 28 [...]

Michelle Phan, Ryan Higa, And The NY Times

Monday, August 01, 2011


NY Times

Nice to see the headlines still come out on the Asian American YouTube revolution.



ASIAN roles in Hollywood have come a long way since Mickey Rooney played a Japanese neighbor in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” But the dearth of Asian lead characters today suggests that there is still a way to go.

It’s an entirely different story, however, on the democratized platform of YouTube, where a young generation of Asian-Americans has found a voice (and millions of eager fans).

Of the 20 most-subscribed-to channels on YouTube, which include series like College Humor Originals and Annoying Orange, three belong to Asian-Americans. Ryan Higa, 21, a Japanese-American comic who lives in Las Vegas, has 4.1 million subscribers to his channel, in which he melds sketch comedy and personal musings. Until recently, he was No. 1 in total subscribers; he is now No. 2.

Michelle Phan, 24, a Vietnamese-American in Los Angeles, has 1.5 million followers, the most-subscribed channel of any woman, Asian or not, on YouTube. Her slickly produced videos offer beauty tips and makeup tutorials. One is inspired by Belle from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Another is by the computer-generated, downloadable, neon-blue-haired Japanese pop icon, Hatsune Miku, who has performed onstage as a hologram. Nowhere else in the media, other than the Internet, are there “really strong Asian roles,” Ms. Phan said.

Summer's Eve, Racist Talking Vaginas, And Steven Colbert

Monday, August 01, 2011

August 11th: Slant Film Festival 2011

Monday, August 01, 2011



I'm wanting to see Asian American Jesus myself.

Aurora Picture Show Announces
11th Annual Slant: Bold Asian American Images Festival


Houston's Asian American film festival, Slant: Bold Asian American Images, returns for the 11th year with an eclectic lineup that represent the best new works by Asian American filmmakers. From a mockumentary that follows a self-important spoken word artist to a sci-fi tale featuring a malfunctioning android, the five short films selected for Slant tell diverse stories. Slant will screen for one night only on Thursday, August 11 at 7:30PM at River Oaks Theatre, 2009 West Gray. Curator Melissa Hung and filmmaker Soham Mehtawill be in attendance.

Works include Fatakra by New York-based, Houston-bred Soham Mehta, winner of a 2011 Student Academy Award. The film, about an immigrant family reuniting after years apart, screened earlier this year at South By Southwest (SXSW). Jaime Lo, small and shy, a charming animation by Toronto-based Lillian Chan, also tells a similar story about a family where one parent works abroad, but from a child's point of view.

J.P. Chan's Digital Antiquities and Tanuj Chopra's PIA are both science fiction films set in the future, but their characters are searching for the past. The program closes with Asian American Jesus, directed by Yasmine Gomez and featuring performer Samantha Chanse as six different characters in a hilarious mockumentary exploring post-racial art and excuses for bad poetry.

Slant was established in 2001 by Melissa Hung, the founding editor of Hyphen, a magazine about Asian American culture. In presenting this festival, Aurora Picture Show participates in exploring the power of moving images in crafting identity and community.

SELECTED FILMS:

Jaime Lo, small and shy by Lillian Chan
Jaime Lo, a shy Chinese Canadian girl, observes the world around her through her drawings. When Jaime's father is sent to Hong Kong for a year-long work assignment, Jaime must use her creativity to cope with his absence.

Fatakra by Soham Mehta
Naveen left India to chase his dreams in America. Three years and a recession later, his wife and son join him. Sparks fly as a family reunites.

PIA by Tanuj Chopra
In San Francisco, in the year 2063, much of human labor has been replaced with service androids called PIAs. One night, a mysterious and malfunctioning PIA appears at Syama Raval's front door.

Digital Antiquities by J.P. Chan
In the year 2036, a woman in an antique electronics shop meets a desperate young man seeking to recover data from an old CD.

Asian American Jesus by Yasmine Gomez
In this mockumentary, performer Samantha Chanse plays six different characters including Truth is Real, a self-professed 'mad scientist of the spoken word,' and the subject of college freshman Suzette Law's final project for her ethnic studies class.

ABOUT THE CURATOR

Melissa Hung is the creator of Slant and the founding editor of Hyphen, a magazine about Asian American culture. She occasionally writes food reviews in haiku at NomNomNomHaiku.com and even more occasionally makes films ¾ her animation Bulldozer has screened nationwide. A native Texan, she now lives in San Francisco, where she directs a creative writing program for youth. Follow her adventures at fluffysharp.com.

WHERE AND WHEN

The 11th Annual Slant: Bold Asian American Images Festival
Thursday, August 11, 7:30 PM
Location: River Oaks Theatre, 2009 West Gray

TICKET INFO

Tickets to the 11th Annual Slant Festival are $10 for non-members and free for Aurora Picture Show members. For tickets and information, visit www.aurorapictureshow.org or call 713-868-2101.

About Aurora Picture Show:

Founded in 1998, Aurora Picture Show is a non-profit micro-cinema that presents artist-made, non-commercial film and video. We are dedicated to expanding the cinematic experience and promoting the understanding and appreciation of moving image art. Aurora's human scale promotes a meaningful and community-oriented exchange between artists and audiences, and strives to not only be a launching pad for emerging artists but to create not-to-be-missed events for Houston.

Aurora Picture Show is funded by its stellar membership, Houston Endowment, Inc, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Brown Foundation, Texas Commission on the Arts, The City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, the Alice Kleberg Reynolds, Susan Vaughan Foundation, Kinder Morgan Foundation and National Endowment for the Arts. Aurora Picture Show is a proud member of Fresh Arts Coalition www.fresharts.org.

Photo Shoot And Interview: Baiyu

Monday, August 01, 2011

Kero One + Sam Ock: Pieces

Monday, August 01, 2011




Proceeds will go to go to International Justice Mission to help in the efforts against human sex trafficking (freeing/restoring slaves). Visit http://www.ijm.org for more info.

http://pluglabel.bandcamp.com/track/pieces-sex-trafficking-gang-violence

Visual Communications And The Food Porn Lab (Stop Taking Crappy Photos)

Monday, August 01, 2011



I just need to hear the words food and porn and you can count me in.

STOP TAKING CRAPPY PHOTOS: VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS’ “THE FOOD PORN LAB” SPONSORED BY STARRY KITCHEN, AUGUST 11 VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS TEACHES PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS AND HOSTS PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

LOS ANGELES, July 29, 2011 – Calling all foodies and amateur photographers! Visual Communications presents "The Food Porn Lab," a multi-dimensional community event that will beef up your photography skills and allow you to flex your shooting muscles. "The Food Porn Lab," set for Thursday, August 11, from 5 to 9 p.m., is a free 3-in-1 event celebrating the love of food that combines a community potluck, photography and food styling workshop taught by a Pulitzer prize-winning Los Angeles Times photojournalist, and photography competition sponsored by Starry Kitchen.

Food Porn is a term popularized by the blogosphere that is used to humorously describe food photography that is so tantalizing that it arouses. The “Food Porn Lab” website boasts the event "will give the foodie in you multiple foodgasms." With the economy suffering still from poor conditions, the free event is a welcomed summer breeze. "We wanted to make a completely free, no-strings-attached event that really gives back to the community," Visual Communications event programmer Alexis Kim said. "Not the type of event that entertains by numbing the audience into vegetables, but one that is completely pleasurable, and stimulates while building skills. Good food, free drinks, cool people, plus a chance to learn skills from an expert in the field without paying a cent. What could be better?"

According to a recent study from the Consumer Electronics Association, 77% of American households now own at least one digital camera, with 40% posting online at sites such as Myspace, Facebook, Photobucket, and Snapfish (http://www.ce.org). Americans are taking photos more than ever before, but is quality following the climbing quantity?

“It’s ridiculous how many images are out there,” Los Angeles Times Photo Editor Kenneth Kwok said. “Our society is so saturated. Digital technology has made it a lot easier. But along with the freedom and flexibility, there’s a lot of bad stuff out there. Look at how many people call themselves a photographer. You used to be able to differentiate a professional from an amateur from just one look at their camera. Now the line of distinction is so blurred.”

Pulitzer prize-winning Los Angeles Times photojournalist Kirk McKoy, along with Los Angeles Times Photo Editor Kenneth Kwok, will teach the free photography workshops. After the workshop, attendees can participate in “The Ultimate Food Porn Challenge, sponsored by Starry Kitchen.” Starry Kitchen is a Pan-Asian eatery in Downtown L.A. that gained fame for its glamorous origins as an illegal underground restaurant run from owner’s home. Participants will compete by photographing ten dishes from Starry Kitchen's rotating menu.

Starry Kitchen owners Thi and Nguyen Tran as well as workshop instructors Kirk McKoy and Kenneth Kwok will judge the photos. The winners will receive the following prizes: display of the winning photo at Starry Kitchen’s restaurant and on its website and menu; two All-Access Festival Passes for the 2012 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival; a $100 Starry Kitchen gift card; and a $100 gift card to fusion gourmet restaurant The Lazy Ox in Little Tokyo.

The one-hour photography workshop will be broken up into two, 30-minute crash course tutorials, allowing the attendees to cycle through the hour with the chance to take the following tutorials: "Food Styling Basics," "Photography: Beginners Basics," and "Photography: Advanced Techniques." Participants will put their new skills to the test and style and shoot the dishes donated by Starry Kitchen. The contest will include categories such as “Best Color,” “Best Competition,” “Best Overall,” and “Most Mouth-Watering.”

The event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. at Visual Communications in Little Tokyo, 120 Judge John Aiso Street, Los Angeles 90012. Parking is available at City Lot #7 (entrance adjacent to David Henry Hwang Theatre; enter at Judge John Aiso St.). To register for the competition, send an email to alexis@vconline.org with the following information: full name, e-mail, phone number, camera model and type (DSLR or Point & Shoot). There is no admissions fee.

Established in 1970, Visual Communications is the nation’s premier Asian Pacific American media arts organization and is dedicated to the honest and accurate portrayals of Asian Pacific American peoples, communities and heritage through the media arts. Visual Communication promotes intercultural understanding through the creation, presentation, preservation and support of media works by and about Asian Pacific Americans. Every spring, it presents the prestigious Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.
Visual Communications is funded in part by the Aratani Foundation, California Community Foundation, Getty Foundation, James Irvine Foundation, Japan Foundation, Japanese American community Services (JACS), Sony, Takahashi Foundation, National Film Preservation Fund APCF, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, Academy Foundation, Union Bank, National Endowment for the Arts Recovery Act Grant, VC Stakeholders and corporate and community supporters.

For more information contact Visual Communications (alexis@vconline.org or (213) 680-4462x31) or visit www.vconline.org. You may also visit “THE FOOD PORN LAB” Facebook Event Page by searching for “THE FOOD PORN LAB” or follow Visual Communications on Twitter at www.twitter.com/vconline.