Thursday Morning New Heights: Top Of The World

Thursday, May 29, 2014



Download the new single from iTunes and Amazon.

Hoping: Toufue Vang Jumps Into A River To Save Nephew

Tuesday, May 27, 2014


A search resumed Monday in the St. Croix River for a 21-year-old Coon Rapids, Minn. man who went missing after jumping into the water to rescue his nephew on Sunday.
Calvin Vang, 11, tripped on a rock and fell into the water while fishing at a scenic boat landing near Taylors Falls at about 6 p.m. on Sunday. One Good Samaritan jumped off a 30-foot cliff to rescue him, and the boy's uncle, Toufue Vang, 21, also jumped in after the boy. Although Calvin was safely rescued and returned to shore, his uncle did not come up.

The full story.

Neighborhood Watch: 2 Million Native Americans And 50 Senators Are Apparently Wrong (aka Brian McCarthy And The NFL...)

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

While I'm pleased to see that 50 Senators and tribal organizations representing more than 2 million Native Americans are trying to get the NFL to change their ways, it's really not a surprise (unfortunately) when I read things about NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy:

In a written response, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said "diversity and inclusion" have long been a focus of the NFL.

"The intent of the team's name has always been to present a strong, positive and respectful image," McCarthy said. "The name is not used by the team or the NFL in any other context, though we respect those that view it differently."
Of course he doesn't see the issue with it and only sees it as a strong and positive image because he looks like this:



Diversity and inclusion?

Bruno Mars, as much as I love him, doesn't count my big foreheaded White Man (and yes I realize I went all ad hominem on the man and that you may not think of foreheaded as a real word, but I'm okay with all of that).

In Case You Missed It: Ho v. Sim Enterprises, Inc. + $1.2 million In Damages

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

I'm not saying that $100,000 isn't something, but when it comes to cases like this - yeah - I'd rather see it in the millions.

[...] a Manhattan federal judge awarded 13 Chinatown garment workers over $1.2 million in damages for unpaid minimum wage and overtime pay owed between 2005 to 2010. The plaintiffs were represented by the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF).

The 13 Chinese immigrant garment workers were employed at the Walker Street Factory in Lower Manhattan six or seven days a week, regularly toiling over 10 to 12 hours a day or even longer when the factory was rushing to complete some garments. The factory produced garments primarily for two retailers, Dress Barn and Lane Bryant. (Neither of these companies were parties to the lawsuit.) The workers were paid by the piece and often did not earn the minimum wage or receive overtime pay.

Beyond the labor law violations, the factory owed these workers over $110,000 in unpaid wages when it closed in October 2010. The two individuals named as defendants, Jun Reng Zhou, the factory boss, and Jin Xian Mei, the factory manager, both of Brooklyn, tried to blame others for failing to pay the workers, but the federal judge found their testimony "inconsistent and incredible."

The defendants testified that they were not the boss and manager of the factory, that the real bosses came to the factory at night when no one was there and calculated the wages, and then left the checks and cash for the workers. These same phantom bosses purportedly called Zhou and Mei to tell them to meet a person in a car near the factory to be given instructions or cash for the payroll. Of course, none of the garment workers had ever seen these imaginary bosses.

The decision describes how one woman garment worker was given a check for $150, even though she was owed $200. She pleaded with the manager to obtain the remaining $50 to buy food for her grandson, who was recovering from surgery, but the manager refused.

Ken Kimerling, AALDEF legal director and the attorney representing the garment workers, said: "Not all of the garments made for American manufacturers are made overseas. Garment sweatshops still exist in Manhattan, and workers are still not being paid overtime and minimum wages. This excellent decision shows that while some manufacturers may be spending more to monitor their work overseas, they still need to protect American workers as well."

The decision in Ho v. Sim Enterprises, Inc. can be downloaded here.

Stories Untold: Race, Representation and Politics in Children's and Young Adult Books

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

You still have time (because it's not until tomorrow) to get on down to the Asian American Writers' Workshop:

The worlds we create in books, whether historical, contemporary or fantasy, inform our notions of ourselves and our possibilities. Yet fewer than 10% of the books published for children and young adults in recent years featured main characters of color. Fewer still were written by authors of color.

Join us for a panel discussion about race in children’s and young adult books. How are characters of color written about in children’s fiction today? Which books represent communities of color accurately, and which do not? How does a skewed understanding of history undermine our ability to navigate our futures? And what can we do to ensure that our children read stories that reflect their lives?

Panelists:

Charlene Allen writes fiction for middle grade and young adult audiences. Find links to her writing at charleneallen.com.

Dr. Sharon Cadiz is a nationally recognized child development expert with a passion for children’s literature.

Matt de la Peña is the author of seven critically-acclaimed young adult and middle grade novels, and one exciting picture book. See his work at: mattdelapena.com.

Vikki Law is a freelance writer and editor. You can find links to her writings at victorialaw.net/writings

Stacy Whitman is the founder and publisher of Tu Books, an imprint of Lee & Low Books.. Find her on Twitter at @tubooks.

The evening will be moderated by activist and writer Sonia J Cheruvillil.
FB.

3X: Your EEOC Round Up

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

I thought I would go down and check out what the EEOC has been up to over the last couple of months.

It's good.

And it's bad.

EEOC Sues Louisville Hospital for Race Discrimination

Federal Judge Finds Global Horizons Liable for Discriminating, Harassing, and Retaliating Against Hundreds of Thai Farm Workers in EEOC Suit

EEOC Sues LaFontaine Buick For Racial Harassment

On The Mass Shootings At UC Santa Barbara And The Shooting In Maplewood

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

I don't really even know what to say to any of this except that there's just a better way to deal with the issues, the illness, arguments, whatever it is, than doing what's been done.

Remember the victims.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-isla-vista-ucsb-memorial-service-20140527-story.html

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Weihan-David-Wang-Wanted-to-Move-Out-of-Isla-Vista-Apartment-With-Elliot-Rodger-Parents-260674901.html

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2014/03/27/charges-dad-shot-son-because-he-wouldnt-pay-for-cable/

5th Annual Kollaboration DC

Tuesday, May 27, 2014



Definitely sounds like this is going to be a live show. Love the Kollaboration folks and love seeing them still do what they do.

This year’s finalists are (in no particular order):

A-Live, Rapper representing Fairfax, VA

Jae Jin, Singer/Songwriter representing Baltimore, MD

Eric Hosuk Yoo, Singer/Songwriter representing Timonium, MD

Jessica Millete, Singer/Songwriter representing Fairfax, VA

Paradise, Singer/Songwriter representing Reston, VA

Intrepid, Rock Band representing Reston, VA

There will also be special performances by DANakaDan, Dave Yoon, award-winning spoken word artist George “G” Yamazawa Jr.

Tix are $20 - pick them up.

P.S.

The Kollab site seems to be down at the moment, but don't worry - I'm sure it will be back up soon, and the tix link brings you to the actual ticket sale site.

Asian American Smokers (Who Quit): The CDC Wants You For Their Campaign (And You Can Get Paid)

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

I got contacted about this CDC campaign a few days ago (and remember I live under a rock and I'm also a procrastinator...) and while they are looking for ex-smokers of all ethnicities, they are also looking for us Asian Americans/Asians to help in the cause (I would love to help, but since I'm still a smoker and I break cameras I think I have to decline).



Click the image for a larger version.

NAPABA + PR + Chicago + Anti-Asian

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

1612 K Street NW, Suite 1400
Washington, DC 20006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2014

Contact: Tina Matsuoka
(202) 775-9555

ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN LEGAL GROUPS URGE CHICAGO OFFICIALS TO INVESTIGATE ANTI-ASIAN AND ANTI-IMMIGRANT VIDEO INCIDENT

WASHINGTON — The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and its Chicago-based affiliates — the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago (AABA), Chinese American Bar Association of Greater Chicago (CABA), and Korean American Bar Association of Chicago (KABA) — along with the Filipino American Lawyers Association of Chicago (FALA) and the Indian-American Bar Association of Chicago (IABA) express concern over the actions of certain Chicago police officers captured by recently-released video surveillance, which depicts officers using racist and anti-immigrant language during an arrest last summer.

“The actions shown in the video raise questions about how people of color and immigrants, particularly those who are limited English proficient, are treated by Chicago police officers,” said Bill Simonitsch, president of NAPABA. “We urge Mayor Emanuel and Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy to fully investigate this incident and work with the local Asian Pacific American community to ensure that immigrants and all people of color feel protected by local law enforcement officials.”

According to a lawsuit filed in federal court on May 14, 2014, Chicago police officers verbally harassed and physically abused a Chinese American spa manager during a raid on a local business in July 2013. The security video shows officers entering the spa, apprehending the woman and striking her while she was kneeling and handcuffed. Police officers can be heard on the video making racist and anti-immigrant remarks during the arrest. One officer refused to believe that the woman was an American citizen and told her “You’re not f------ American! I'll put you in a UPS box and send you back to wherever the f--- you came from."

NAPABA, AABA, CABA, KABA, FALA, and IABA urge the City of Chicago and the Chicago Police Department to fully investigate the specific allegations raised by the video, determine whether any systemic problems of official misconduct exist, and take appropriate action to ensure that all visitors and residents, regardless of gender, race, national origin, immigration status, or English proficiency, feel welcome and safe in the City of Chicago.

###

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is the national association of Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students. NAPABA represents the interests of over 40,000 attorneys and 68 state and local Asian Pacific American bar associations. Its members include solo practitioners, large firm lawyers, corporate counsel, legal service and non-profit attorneys, and lawyers serving at all levels of government. NAPABA continues to be a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian Pacific American communities. Through its national network of committees and affiliates, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of color in the legal profession.

Tuesday Night Dami Im "Super Love"

Tuesday, May 27, 2014



And yes...

I do actually love this...

There's just no other way to put it.

From SK Australia with love?

And Your Waiting..Taeyang

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Kickstart It: Good Luck Soup Interactive: A Transmedia Documentary

Friday, May 23, 2014



From the Kickstarter page:

Good Luck Soup Interactive is one component of our transmedia storytelling project documenting and sharing stories of the Japanese American and Japanese Canadian experience after they left the internment camps. This web-based, interactive component will complement, reinforce, and encourage participation in the larger effort to preserve this history through social media, participatory storytelling and community events.

Our transmedia project also includes a feature-length documentary film. Titled Good Luck Soup, the film tells the post-World War II story of one Japanese American family that we hope encourages others to tell their own story through our interactive and participatory website, Good Luck Soup Interactive.

Here's a little more from Project Director Matthew Hashiguchi:
Growing up, I often heard my grandmother talk about her time in “camp,” and as a kid, I wasn’t sure what she was talking about. A day camp? A summer camp?
As I grew older, I began to realize what “camp” was. It was the internment camps and they were incarcerated because they were Japanese and viewed as dangerous.

I was born and raised in an Irish neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio, and the topics of race, culture and identity were prevalent in my life at a very young age. As I looked at my group of friends, whom were mostly Irish, I felt not that we were different but that I was different. This difference had become obvious in others around me as well. Looking somewhat Japanese and having a Japanese last name in a predominantly Irish Catholic grade school did nothing to downplay these dissimilarities. My inability to blend in translated into my own personal struggles and I rejected my Japanese heritage. I just wanted to fit in.

Throughout high school and college, I continued to hear my grandmother talk about her struggles as a Japanese American. Not only while in the internment camps but also as a Japanese American living within a society that vilified and discriminated against her. And, it was through her stories that I was able to overcome my own obstacles. Her ability to discuss these painful memories, with no resentment, gave me the courage to embrace the heritage and identity of my self and family.

I want to offer the power of storytelling to other Japanese Americans and Japanese Canadians, both young and old, whose lives have been impacted by the internment camps. I want to preserve these experiences, so that future generations are reminded of past struggles and adversity. And, I want to create a location where we can share these memories, so that we may educate, empower and inspire others, just as my grandmother has done for me.

Contribute to the kickstarter campaign.

Bambu: Welcome To The Party

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Thursday AJ Rafael: Matchmaker

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Anson Tsui + Steven Hsiao = SpoonRocket

Thursday, May 22, 2014



From the Mashable:

While Steven Hsiao and Anson Tsui were in their senior year of college at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2009, they decided to start a delivery service for Vietnamese and Mexican food. They sourced fresh ingredients, prepared the meals and delivered it themselves to other students. Neither Hsiao nor Tsui had much of a food background; they studied sociology and bioengineering, respectively. But looking at their peers in school, they saw an opportunity for a late-night delivery service.

And recently they secured out $11 million in funding.

Not bad young men, not bad at all.

An Open Letter To The White Lady Who I Picked Up A Birthday Cake From

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Dear White Lady,

When someone picks up a cake from the store that you work in and it's an Asian American name, or any other name for that matter, that apparently is not "normal" to you because your sphere of influence must be lacking in diversity, I would suggest that instead of the WTH face you decided to give me while you were looking through your little cards of orders, you might just want to control that a little more and simply smile and ask what name it was again so your customers don't feel offended and uncomfortable and that maybe they shouldn't be shopping in your store/location (instead of me having to look at your Pastry White Face and taking it upon myself to spell it out for you versus you asking - because if I wouldn't have I think I would have spent the whole day there).

Hugs And Kisses From The Dirty Asian American Man Who Didn't Feel Comfortable In Your Store,
Adam

P.S.

I think your Princess Cake sucks ass and if it was my birthday I'd just get some cupcakes from SA.

If The Bundy's And Their Supporters Can Do It, So Can I?

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Well...sure...although...

probably...

most likely...

I'd get shot.

So I won't pay taxes then...

Mike Relm + Talking + Anderson Cale "Flight"

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Linkin Park Hunting Party Extended Trailer

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Thursday Night Cover: Jason Chen + Not A Bad Thing

Thursday, May 15, 2014

David So + Solange + Jay-Z

Thursday, May 15, 2014

You're A First (By 94-0): Indira Talwani

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Definitely cool to see another fist happening (from last week on the 8th):

Today, Indira Talwani was confirmed to United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts with a 94-0 vote. Talwani will be the first person of Asian descent to serve as a federal judge in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the first person of Asian descent to serve as an Article III judge in the courts covered by the First Circuit, and only the second female Article III judge of South Asian descent nationwide.

"Indira Talwani's confirmation is cause for further celebration as we observe Asian Pacific American Heritage Month," said William J. Simonitsch, president of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). "With her confirmation, Judge Talwani makes history as ‘the first' of many titles and we congratulate Judge Talwani on her accomplishments."

Prior to her confirmation, Judge Talwani was partner at the Massachusetts law firm of Segal Roitman and the San Francisco law firm of Altshuler Berzon LLP. After graduating for law school, she clerked for the Honorable Stanley A. Weigel on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Judge Talwani has been recognized for several awards, including: Best Lawyers in America (2013); Massachusetts Super Lawyers (2012); Top 10 Lawyers of the Year, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (2010); and Chinese Progressive Association's Workers Justice Award (2012). Judge Talwani received her J.D. from the University of California Berkeley School of Law and B.A. from Harvard/Radcliffe College.

NAPABA applauds President Obama for this nomination, and thanks Senator Elizabeth Warren for her support of Judge Talwani. Her confirmation today increases the number of active Asian Pacific American Article III judges to 25 nationwide: 4 federal appellate court judges and 21 federal district court judges.

You Still Have Time To Be A Floater (Volunteer) For The Asian Heritage Street Celebration

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Looks like they still need some folks for the early and late portions - check it out here.

Read It # 2: That's Not Pho + Hipster Chefs

Tuesday, May 13, 2014


My favorite line from this article @ OC Weekly:

"...what part of pho nachos sounded appetizing? You're taking two great foods and you're ruining both of their good names."

xD.

Read It: YOMYOMF + Why ‘Fresh Off the Boat’ is not the new ‘All-American Girl’

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Linkage: http://youoffendmeyouoffendmyfamily.com/why-fresh-off-the-boat-is-not-the-new-all-american-girl/

All Systems Are A Go

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

To my one reader (and space aliens),

Yes, I have been in the middle of a move, and yes, I have neglected my techno-regions and email for a week or so.

Pruning is now in order.

Hugs, Kisses, And A Kick To The Nuts For Sterling's CNN Interview,
Adam

3X Viet Am: Michael Nhat + Onslaught

Tuesday, May 06, 2014







Check out the LA artist's new album Onslaught:

You're A First: Judge Mary Yu

Tuesday, May 06, 2014

Gov. Jay Inslee has appointed King County Superior Court Judge Mary Yu to the Washington state Supreme Court. Appointed as a judge in 2000 by then-Gov. Gary Locke, Yu will be the first openly gay justice, and the first Asian American, on the state’s high court. King County Superior Court Judge Mary Yu was appointed to the Washington state Supreme Court on Thursday, becoming the first openly gay justice, as well as the first Asian American, to serve on the state’s high court. The 56-year-old, one of 19 applicants for the seat being vacated by Justice James Johnson, was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday. Johnson, considered the court’s most conservative member, announced his retirement last month, citing health issues. He left the bench Wednesday.
I know at the end of the day that it shouldn't matter and that at some point it doesn't need to be stated (and some people would argue that it doesn't or shouldn't be now) but the fact that it has mattered, is why at least to me, it matters now.

Go Go Washington State Supreme Court.

Yes, Prosperity Eludes Some Asian Families...

Tuesday, May 06, 2014

Among all the articles that I'm seeing today on the Tiger Mom effect and the work ethic of Asian American kids (I'm guessing because of our month...) nice to see this article keeping it financially real.

By now, you may have heard the buzz about Queens. You may have marveled at the gleaming new high rises and the pricey penthouses, at the influx of young professionals and the blossoming post-recession economy.

But talk to Amy Chan, a 42-year-old waitress, and she’ll tell you the flip side of that story.

In her neighborhood in Elmhurst, many Asian families live in crowded apartments and homes, and struggle to get by. Last summer, Ms. Chan lost her job at the Chinese restaurant where she had worked for five years.

It took her six months to find another one.

On the surface, this might seem confounding. Wasn’t it just a few months ago that Amy Chua of Tiger Mother fame was trumpeting her new book highlighting the impressive success of Asian-Americans? Haven’t recent reports pointed to more jobs, more construction and more opportunity in Queens?

Nice Girls Crew: Season 2 (Episodes 1 - 5)

Tuesday, May 06, 2014



After a good vacation there's nothing better than sitting down and starting Season 2 of Nice Girls Crew which you can watch on the CAMMCHANNEL.

And yes,

I do love you Sheetal Sheth.

P.S.

I go good with toast and pop tarts.

Web Series To Watch: 2 Girls | 1 Asian + Season 1 Trailer

Tuesday, May 06, 2014



I got an email from the creators (Kelly Colburn + Kaela Mei-Shing Garvin) of a new Web Series called 2 Girls | 1 Asian and wanted to make sure and post up the Season 1 Trailer as well as some info on the show.

We love female-driven comedy, but don't often see ourselves reflected in the entertainment we're offered. As an answer to that, 2 Girls | 1 Asian follows Caela and Kelliye, two half-Asian actresses living together in Brooklyn. Our first season follows the girls through breakups, career trials, apartment troubles, and even fissions within their friendship, but ultimately it's the story of two girls who value each other more than they value the mistakes the other makes. Our perspective on race in America gives us a unique filter through which to view the "single girl in the big city" narrative, so our episodes actively work to subvert Asian American stereotypes we're tired of seeing. Plus, there’s a musical episode! We’re looking forward to sharing our independent production online June 5, 2014.
I watched the Season 1 Trailer and can't wait for this to premiere next month.

Funny, DIY'ing it, and a musical episode?

What's not to love?

Check out some more linkage.

www.facebook.com/2Girls1Asian
www.twitter.com/2Girls1Asian
www.2girls1asian.com

The Slants Get Some Team Coco Love And Promotion

Tuesday, May 06, 2014

Check it out:

Team Coco is proud to premiere "Just One Kiss," the new guerilla-style video from The Slants, Portland-natives who describe themselves as the "world's first and only all-Asian American dance rock band." Check out their third full-length release "The Yellow Album."

http://teamcoco.com/video/the-slants-just-one-kiss-exclusive-video-premiere

Big Daddy Needed That (Working) Vacation + Sterling Can Just...

Monday, May 05, 2014

Yes, yes he did.

One other piece of news to comment on from last week:

Sterling should just go quietly into the night, but like a Crazy Racist White Man apparently is shopping around for legal firms and word on the news circuit is that the one firm that might take him (because all of the other legal firms have a clue) is the one Paula Deen used...

I guess Crazy White People will always have at last a few people watching their back.

And Also

I know he might have been setup (because someone had to record it right?) - but I don't care because a racist is a racist is a racist.

Entrapment works.

Good for us. Bad for Crazy White People.