Asian American Cheerleaders Of The NBA

Thursday, May 31, 2012


Sure, some might say that being an NBA cheerleader doesn't promote the cause of strong API women and only serves to keep the fetish alive and well for the non API masses.

Others might say that if you equate being a cheeleader to a sexual toy this might be your own insecurities and projections on sex.

Still others like myself might just say you can catch a full feature down at Asiance Magazine if you're interested.

Kero One + Color Theory + Kickstarter

Thursday, May 31, 2012


Breaking away from the traditional avenue of releasing music, Kero One is using Kickstarter.com to help fund his upcoming album, Color Theory. Kickstarter is a new all-or-nothing funding method where projects must be fully-funded or no money changes hands. For this project to succeed, Kero One is looking to raise $10,000 in less than 30 days. Every pledge to help achieve this goal will not go unnoticed. There will be rewards given for different pledge amounts, such as: CD's and digital copies of Color Theory, T-shirts, records, and much more. All digital copy rewards of Kero One’s upcoming album will be sent prior to the July 4 th release date. Check out Kero One’s story, help make his next album the biggest of his career, and reserve your advance copy of his upcoming album, using the link below.

Help Kick Start It

From The White House Blog: Social Security And You

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Re-post.

As a native Houstonian, I was raised in a community with a large Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population. My exposure to the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of AAPI communities continued during the decade I spent in New York City, where I also had the opportunity to work with AAPI organizations at the local level. At the most personal level, I have had the profoundly joyous experience of being a proud aunt to two incredible children of Chinese and Korean descent. So, while the Census would not count me as an AAPI, this community has always been an integral part of my life.

Through my work with the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, I’ve been able to broaden my experience and gain a national, more holistic perspective on the scope of the challenges and opportunities that exist in this community. My involvement in the Initiative has been one of the highlights of my time in the Administration. It has been such an honor to serve on the Federal Interagency Working Group and learn about the impressive work that’s being done across the administration in support of Executive Order 13515. In addition, it has been a privilege to connect with the leadership of the President’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs and gain a better understanding of their grassroots efforts to improve the lives of AAPIs throughout the country.

My role in the Initiative has positioned me to engage more closely with AAPI employees at my agency. They have taught me so much about their different backgrounds, and they have patiently introduced me to some of the unique elements of the 45 AAPI languages and dialects they speak. Best of all, they have shared their compelling narratives about why they chose careers in public service and how the Social Security Administration’s mission continues to inspire them.

Social Security is America’s most valued and successful domestic program, and few government agencies reach as many people as we do. As part of our plan to increase AAPIs’ awareness of our programs, we recently hosted a conference call/web chat in the Initiative’s Weekly Web Chat Series. During this April 2012 chat, we gave an overview of Social Security benefits and explained the programs and services that are available for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and survivors of deceased workers. We shared information about our online applications, and we discussed the various services we provide to Limited English Proficient populations.

The Social Security Administration is committed to serving all populations. We recognize the great diversity of the American public, and we strive to meet the rapidly changing needs of those we serve. We are thrilled to work with the Initiative to enhance our service to AAPI communities and to achieve our shared goals.

As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, may we be encouraged by our successes and inspired by the many possibilities that remain.

Aviva R. Sufian is a Senior Advisor at the Social Security Administration and is the agency’s designee on the Initiative’s Federal Interagency Working Group.

David So + Pretty Girl Problems

Tuesday, May 29, 2012



If you haven't seen it...see it.

Kollaboration Chicago 2012 Promo + Without You

Tuesday, May 29, 2012



Nice.

Unemployment Statistics

Friday, May 25, 2012

Some unemployment statistics say the following:

Last year marked the second year in a row that Asian Americans had the largest share of unemployed workers who were unemployed long term (i.e., for six months or more). In 2011, 50.1 percent of the Asian American unemployed were unemployed long term, up from 48.7 percent in 2010 (Figure A).

They Said It In 1996

Friday, May 25, 2012

...then-Flushing City Councilwoman Julia Harrison was quoted in the New York Times speaking about the growing Asian-American community in her district. "They were more like colonizers than immigrants," Harrison said. "They sure as hell had a lot of money and they sure as hell knew how to buy property and jack up rents of retail shops and drive people out."

And she still got elected in 1997.

ABC News + Tuyet Le

Friday, May 25, 2012

Power Player Of The Week: Michelle Kwan

Friday, May 25, 2012

Slants Tour Dates + Get On The Bus

Thursday, May 24, 2012



Kickstart it


05/27: Portland, OR: Wonder Northwest Cosplay Dance Party (all-ages)
07/07: Seattle, WA: TBA
07/13: San Francisco, CA: TBA
07/14: San Diego, CA: San Diego Comic Con party at The Stage Bar (21+)
07/15: TBA
07/16: Los Angeles, CA: The Mint (all ages, bar w/ID)
07/17: Las Vegas, NV: TBA
07/18: Phoenix, AZ: The Lost Leaf
07/19: Denver, CO: The UMS Festival
07/20: Tulsa, OK: Tokyo in Tulsa (all-ages)
07/21: Tulsa, OK: Tokyo in Tulsa (all-ages)
07/22: Tulsa, OK: Tokyo in Tulsa (all-ages) - morning
07/22: New Orleans, LA: TBA - late evening
07/23: Tallahassee, FL: The Back Room
07/24: TBA
07/25: Atlanta, GA: TBA
07/26: Nashville, TN: TBA
07/27: Wausau, WI: Wausaubicon (all-ages)
07/28: Wausau, WI: Wausaubicon (all-ages)
08/03: Portland, OR: Dante's (CD Release Party)
08/04: TBA
08/05: Salt Lake City, UT: TBA
08/07: Houstin, TX: TBA
08/08: Austin, TX: TBA
08/09: San Antonio, TX: SanJapan (all-ages)
08/10: San Antonio, TX: SanJapan (all-ages)
08/11: San Antonio, TX: SanJapan (all-ages)

Mnet + Angry Little Asian Girl, Kollaboration

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Cool.

Mnet (www.mnetamerica.com), the first and leading national, 24/7 English-language television network in the U.S. for all things Asian cool, has taken the hottest line-up of original shows inspired by Asian entertainment to the next level with its 2012-13 programming slate. The network’s new programming includes the original series Angry Little Asian Girl, where animation gets an Asian American attitude. Also, YTF unites the biggest YouTube sensations, and Kollaboration takes U.S. cities by storm, scouring the nation for the hottest talent. The line-up was unveiled as the network celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month this May with a series of announcements, including a new content everywhere initiative.

These three new shows join returning original favorites Short Notice, which is launching a film festival tied to season three; Beats Per Mnet (BPM), covering the world of Asian Pop culture; and the daily K-pop music show, Hello Pop!.

“As our programming strategy evolves, we have been able to present original series that exemplifies our passion to bring the best of Asian pop culture to America,” said Ted Kim, acting president & CEO of Mnet. “It is stimulating to watch our new original programming join forces with the previously successful series, further expanding our reach to millennials that love all things Asian cool.”

Kero One - Fast Life Ft. Esna

Tuesday, May 22, 2012



Love.This.

New Love + Taiyo Na

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

SuChin Pak + Makers

Monday, May 21, 2012

The Feministing Five: SuChin Pak

SuChin’s story is one of the many amazing stories highlighted on the new PBS/AOL digital series MAKERS. This digital series and soon-to-be PBS documentary features the stories of trailblazing women like Madeleine Albright, Carol Burnett, Faith Ringgold, Alice Walker, Misty Copeland and our very own Courtney Martin. Talking about the lack of role models for Asians on camera and fighting for the underdog, SuChin continues to create an alternative narrative to the American identity. In one clip she says, “If I can use the system to really help that guy that’s trying to break down the system? That’s when I’m like, nice, that’s a good day’s work.” How can you not love that? And now, without further ado, the Feministing Five, with SuChin Pak.

Cool.

Where'd That Week And A Half Go Btw?

Monday, May 21, 2012

No idea...so much for staying on task here...

Nguyen + Yearbook = Awesome

Monday, May 21, 2012

You might have already heard about this - but in case you haven't - definitely check it out.

Because it's awesome.

On many many levels.

For the eight students at a California high school with the same last name-Nguyen- it was obvious their wallet-size snapshots would be sharing the same yearbook page. So instead of exerting their individuality with the standard Grateful Dead quote and a prom-worthy up-do, they decided to join forces for the ultimate prank. Alexandra, Angela, Angelica, Elizabeth, Emily, Isabella, Madeline and Vi Nguyen all wore the same black off-shoulder dresses and the same hairstyles. Then they went for the win. Eschewing the optional yearbook one-liner under each of their photos, they divided up two sentences that made fellow students and administrators think twice before making any stereotypical assumptions. Altogether, the words under the Nguyen girls' eight pictures read: "We know what you're thinking and no we're not related."

Read it in full here.

Former Playboy Models, Mexico's Presidential Elections, And Reuters Make Me Laugh

Tuesday, May 08, 2012


It's not the debate. It's not even the fact that you have a former Playboy model grab a lot of attention.

Nope.

It's the fact that Reuters felt that we wouldn't be able to figure out that she was the one in the white dress.

Five Years Of Blogging

Friday, May 04, 2012


While I'm in my sixth calendar year of blogging, around this time five years ago is when I started this thing up to put out another voice from the APIA community. I wanted to talk about race and racism, some pop culture, random things that interested me, put the word out on as much as I could from the Asian American community, and in a way, simply to say this is who I am as a member of the APA community -- take it or leave it - and at the end of the day if I could help push out something new to at least a few people about a community that I love to see flourish - even if sometimes from a distance because that's simply who I am - that's a part of what it was and still is all about.

I've learned about myself, the community - a lot since starting this - and I just have to put out a thank you to all the great people I've met either online or offline, those folks who've backed me up, taken the time to help with things I've been involved in, shared what they have to offer, not been turned off because I've wanted to maintain a sense of anonymity when I have and haven't always known how to work that, and not been afraid to say they actually like or use this blog and what I do here.

This blog has never created a lot of dialogue in terms of comments. I've always known because of the language I use, the name of the blog itself, and some of the things I talk about, or the way that I talk about them, that it would never have the reach that some do or will. As I've started blogging less over the past two years, traffic ebbs and flows, and I wonder where it goes from here as I think about other things down the line.

I'm approaching 5,000 posts. The content put out here has been exposed at least 2-3 million times by half a million to a million people. It's a drop in the bucket for a lot of folks, especially over this time -- but for someone who didn't quite know what they were doing, still can't really network worth a damn - if I think about how long it would have taken or the amount of resources needed to get even half that exposure en masse via traditional means (think fliers and gatherings and readings) and to reach some of the people who I have - I can't help but think that I've done what I set out to do here five years ago during this month - because truth be told - I just didn't feel like I was doing enough and I needed to do more.

So to the people that still read this, to those that have lent their voices and their time, to the musicians and filmmakers, writers who've kept me up at night, friends who've passed news my way, and just to those that have been around - keep doing what you do and thank you again, one last time.

Ashton Kutcher + Brown Face + White Dick Racist Tendencies + Breaking It Down For The Clueless

Thursday, May 03, 2012



Some might say to themselves "Why does he have to be a White Dick, why can't he just be a dick?" to which I'd reply, "Because only White People can be this type of a dick where they indulge in racist tendencies."

Others might say "Ashton didn't do anything even remotely racist, it was funny and you people should learn to laugh a little," to which I'd say, "When a White Person dons black face, brown face, yellow face, et al., in this day and age it's a modern day minstrel show no matter which way you cut it and hearkens back to the days when People Of Color had no visibility or power and were treated less than second class citizens. Because of the inequalities in mainstream society for POC and the xenophobic attitudes that still exist - resulting in lower wages, less power to influence government, school bullying, hate crimes, and less than equal health care treatment (to list a few) - it's just as offensive now as it ever was and possibly even more so because you're supposed to know better."

Kollaboration DC 3 Auditions Schedule

Wednesday, May 02, 2012

Finalized Auditions Schedule:

Round 1 – Live Auditions @ University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
Date: Saturday, May 5
Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm
Location: University of Maryland – Rekord Armory, room 0117
Free weekend parking in lots C1 or C2 (http://www.transportation.umd.edu/parking/maps/map_color.pdf)

Round 2 – Live Auditions @ Jammin Java (VA)
Date: Saturday, May 12, 2012
Time: 10:00pm - 12:00am
Location: Jammin Java
227 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180

Round 3 – Live Public Auditions @ Fiesta Asia 2012 (DC) – FOR SOLO OR DUO ACTS ONLY
Date: Saturday, May 19, 2012
Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Location: Fiesta Asia 2012 – Kollaboration Acoustic Lounge Booth
Pennsylvania Ave. between 3rd and 6th Streets, Washington, DC – audition live for judges in front of an audience

Round 4 – Live Auditions @ the George Washington University (DC)
Date: Sunday, June 3
Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm
Location: Marvin Center – Grand Ballroom
800 21st Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20052

AAPI Month: From The White House With Love

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

In honor of us, I'm posting out some stuff from the Big House.

White House Blog

Observing AAPI Heritage Month
Posted by Chris Lu on May 01, 2012 at 09:00 AM EDT


Today, we kick off Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This occasion provides us with a special opportunity to celebrate the successes of our community and the important challenges that still lie ahead.

As the Co-Chair of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, I am proud of the Obama Administration’s efforts to reach out to all members of our diverse community – to hear about the issues on their minds and their ideas for how the federal government can better serve them. Since President Obama re-established the Initiative in October 2009, the Initiative staff and advisory commission members have crisscrossed the country, holding roundtables and forums that have reached over 25,000 people in more than 50 cities.

During our travels around the country, we’ve talked about how the policies of the Obama Administration have helped the AAPI community by:

Creating 4.1 million private sector jobs over the past 25 months.
Providing tax relief to 7.6 million AAPI workers through the payroll tax cut.
Passing 17 tax cuts to help American small businesses, including 1.5 million AAPI-owned businesses in the U.S.
Making health care more accessible and affordable to AAPI families, including expanding preventive services to 3 million AAPIs.
Making college more affordable, including preventing a student loan interest rate increase for 334,000 AAPI students.
President Obama has also appointed a historic number of highly qualified Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to senior positions in his Administration. One of his first actions was nominating three AAPIs – the most ever – to his Cabinet: Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, and former Secretary of Commerce and current Ambassador to China Gary Locke. And over the past three years, the President has nominated more AAPIs to become federal judges than any other administration. When President Obama came to office, there were eight AAPI federal judges. Today, there are 16, and two more await confirmation by the Senate.

Over the next month, we will highlight the many ways in which the Obama Administration has helped the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, and feature some of the AAPI officials serving in the Obama Administration. We hope you will visit this blog to learn more.

Chris Lu is Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary. He is also the Co-Chair of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.



Making Progress to Close the Gaps in AAPI Health Care
Posted by Dr. Howard K. Koh on May 01, 2012 at 06:04 PM EDT
Ed. Note: This item is cross-posted from HealthCare.gov


Each May during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we celebrate the remarkable contributions and accomplishments of the AAPI community to the fabric of our nation. As a Korean American son of immigrants, I am all too familiar with the barriers AAPIs face in accessing health care for reasons such as poverty, lack of insurance, language barriers and other challenges.

But, as the Assistant Secretary for Health, I am particularly pleased to see the progress we have made in closing the gaps in AAPI health care, and am honored to oversee efforts that can address the ongoing health disparities that continue to exist within our vibrant community.

The good news is that the President’s health care law -- the Affordable Care Act – provides us with the opportunity to increase access to care, and vastly improve health outcomes for AAPIs. According to an HHS Research Brief released today, an estimated two million AAPIs will be eligible for insurance coverage by 2016 under the new health care law.

Already, the Affordable Care Act has expanded access to free preventive services. The law requires insurers to cover preventive care so families do not have to pay out-of-pocket costs for services such as well-child visits, flu shots or blood pressure screenings. In 2011, private insurers improved coverage for mammograms, other cancer screenings, and other preventive services to 2.7 million AAPIs. And, to date, 867,000 elderly and disabled AAPIs with Medicare have used free preventive services, including an annual wellness visit with their doctor.

As the law continues to be implemented, uninsured AAPIs will gain access to affordable health care insurance through new Affordable Insurance Exchanges or expanded Medicaid coverage. And AAPIs suffering from chronic diseases, including an estimated 891,000 with diabetes, will have access to promising new health care innovations to improve the management of these conditions.

Today, as we kick off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, let us celebrate the critical progress we are making toward achieving our collective goal of reducing – and eventually eliminating – health care disparities. We are all committed to improving the health and well-being of all Americans, including our family and friends in the AAPI community.

To learn more about the impact of the Affordable Care Act on the health of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders read the issue brief and fact sheet.

Dr. Howard K. Koh serves as Assistant Secretary for Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Official Proclamation

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release May 1, 2012
ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH, 2012

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) have helped make America what it is today. Their histories recall bitter hardships and proud accomplishments -- from the laborers who connected our coasts one-and-a-half centuries ago, to the patriots who fought overseas while their families were interned at home, from those who endured the harsh conditions of Angel Island, to the innovators and entrepreneurs who are driving our Nation's economic growth in Silicon Valley and beyond. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month offers us an opportunity to celebrate the vast contributions Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to our Nation, reflect on the challenges still faced by AAPI communities, and recommit to making the American dream a reality for all.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders comprise many ethnicities and languages, and their myriad achievements embody the American experience. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have started businesses, including some of our Nation's most successful and dynamic enterprises. AAPI men and women are leaders in every aspect of American life -- in government and industry, science and medicine, the arts and our Armed Forces, education and sports.

Yet, while we celebrate these successes, we must remember that too often Asian American and Pacific Islanders face significant adversity. Many AAPI communities continue to fight prejudice and struggle to overcome disparities in education, employment, housing, and health care. My Administration remains committed to addressing these unique challenges. Through the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, we are working to expand opportunities for AAPI communities by improving access to Federal programs where Asian American and Pacific Islanders are currently underserved. To learn more about the Initiative, visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/AAPI.

As we also take this occasion to reflect on our past, we mark 70 years since the Executive Order that authorized the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Last month, I announced my intent to posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom -- the country's highest civilian honor -- to Gordon Hirabayashi, who openly defied this forced relocation, and bravely took his challenge all the way to the United States Supreme Court.

This year, we also commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese cherry blossom trees planted in Washington, D.C., an enduring symbol of the friendship shared between the United States and Japan and a reminder of America's standing as a Pacific nation. Over the centuries, we have maintained a long, rich history of engagement in the Asia-Pacific region, and our AAPI communities have been essential to strengthening the economic, political, and social bonds we share with our partners around the world.

This month, we reflect on the indelible ways AAPI communities have shaped our national life. As we celebrate centuries of trial and triumph, let us rededicate ourselves to making our Nation a place that welcomes the contributions of all people, all colors, and all creeds, and ensures the American dream is within reach for all who seek it.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2012 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to visit www.AsianPacificHeritage.gov to learn more about the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA
# # #

Nordstrom's Chinky Asian Mannequin (aka Huh?)

Tuesday, May 01, 2012


I'm all up for department stores showing some diversity, but WTF is this?

Bowl cut? Check.

Eyes that look nothing like ours? Check.

Creamy white skin? Wait...what the hell...

Isn't the whole idea of a mannequin to at least semi-resemble a real person wearing the department store clothes so someone actually wants to buy those clothes (key phrase being "at least semi-resemble a real person" not a cartoon looking WTH am I staring at distracting me from actually buying clothes caricature)?

I'm going on the record to say yes.

This picture was taken at a Florida Nordstrom - thanks Emmie

To The White People Who Think I'm Going To Steal Their Stuff In The Checkout Line

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Dear Funny White People,

I don't want to steal whatever it is in your cart that you have that I can just go onto the shelf and get myself. That's why we go to the store - so we don't have to fight over adult diapers and Efferdent. I'm also not interested in the $2.50 your getting back as change along with that coupon attached to the receipt for $1.00 off cheap-ass pantyhose. First, I don't wear pantyhose. Second - even if I did - I sure as hell wouldn't be wearing that cheap-ass shit.

And if I wanted to take your bag?

Well I would have taken that MF faster than you could have said "Who was that naked Asian guy who stole my shit and copped a feel on his way out with his dick going all bouncy bouncy and swinging side to side taking out the shelf of newspapers on the way out?"

You looking back at me and then "subtly" maneuvering your body between you and your bag on the checkout counter doesn't deter me from anything.

It just shows me your ass.

Apropos huh?

Hugs And Kisses.

The Slants + IAMTV

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Always good to see more exposure for a hardworking band out of the Pacific North West.

Portland, Oregon-based Asian-American dance-rock band, The Slants, have recently partnered with Independent Asian Music Television (IAMTV), Asia’s first and very own Asian independent channel. Through this alliance, The Slants' three music videos - "You Make Me Alive," "How The Wicked Live," and "Kokoro (I Fall To Pieces)" - will be broadcast in over 75 countries.

The band's latest video, "You Make Me Alive," the lead single off their latest full-length, Pageantry, has already started airing on IAMTV's show Sound Check (every Wednesday and Thursday at 6:30pm EST/3:30pm PST), propelling the video to nearly 150,000 views on YouTube. The video can be viewed at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pw489YTioE

For those in the U.S., you'll be able to catch the show in any city within the Myx TV USA Network or you can access it nationwide through DirecTV (Channel 2067). Those abroad (Africa, Middle East, Europe), refer to your guide in M&L TV or OSN or visit http://myx.tv/find-myx/.

The Slants are a group comprised of Asian Americans who all grew up in different parts of the country: Aron Moxley (vocals), a Vietnamese refugee who grew up in Astoria, Oregon; Simon Young (bass), Chinese-Taiwanese from San Diego, CA; Johnny Fontanilla (guitar), Filipino-Mexican also from San Diego, CA; Tyler Chen (drums), Chinese-German, who lived throughout the Northwest; and Thai Dao (guitar/keyboards), Vietnamese born in Japan and raised in San Diego, CA.

This line up, playing together since October 2008, has spent the majority of their time touring North America. Critics usually compare their music to 80's synthpop: Depeche Mode, New Order, The Cure but with the swagger of late 70's punk rock. Fans of the band know it as "Chinatown Dance Rock."

The band is currently in the studio working on their third full-length, to be released in July 2012.

Cool.