John Choi Heads The Nation's First Case Against An Archdiocese With Failure To Protect Children

Friday, October 30, 2015

It's unfortunate that charges need to be brought up at all - but by now - we know nothing is truly sacred:

Ramsey County Attorney John Choi filed criminal and civil charges against the archdiocese last summer, citing the church’s failed oversight of former priest Curtis Wehmeyer. Wehmeyer was convicted of sexually abusing two sons of a parishioner in 2010 in a camper parked outside the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Paul, where he was pastor. It is the first time a U.S. archdiocese has been charged with such an offense, and just the second time a U.S. archdiocese has been criminally indicted in a clergy abuse case, say national legal scholars. Clergy abuse cases historically have focused on individual priests.
Here's to hoping for justice.

Really? NYC Police vs Skateboarder

Thursday, October 29, 2015



Pretty messed up simply because you either write the ticket or you don't.

I've skated throughout my whole life and I've never gotten into a situation like that.

Sure - you may get some chases - but...no one's going that crazy because there are ways to get around situations (and that cop decided to just go through them).

It's just a full on take-down.

With pepper spray.

And for what?

Skating?

Harold Hunter is looking down and wishing he could grind down on someone...

Jon Nguyen Grabs The Cover Of TransWorld SKATEboarding

Wednesday, October 28, 2015



Here's the video of him talking about the cover (with family cameos).

Can You Really Be That Sick Of Sam Tsui And Alyson Stoner? The Answer Is No

Wednesday, October 28, 2015



Yeah - that's almost 1 million views.

Jason Chen + MariƩ Digby Call Me On My Cellphone (And Transfer Me To The Drake Hotline)

Wednesday, October 28, 2015



Yeah - I like this.

Gotta put it on my regular rotation.

P.Keys (AKA Paul Kim) Goes Until You Come Back

Wednesday, October 28, 2015



Smooth.

Vibe That Beatrock: Rocky Rivera + GRLGNG

Wednesday, October 28, 2015



Nice.

Hello: It's Your Wednesday Adele Cover From Joseph Vincent

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

An Open Letter To Asian American Guys Who Talk About Being Progressive, Supporting Gender Equality, And Not Being Misogynistic

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Dear Guys (Who I've Already Referenced Above In The Title),

There's nothing wrong with being "progressive", albeit that term when applied to this conversation is in some ways like using the word "tolerate" to me - because let's embrace it versus tolerate it right? And is it really that "progressive" to have a level playing field? Sometimes when I hear the word progressive in that light I can't help but think to myself that it sometimes comes from this POV of not necessarily embracing it and just feeling it, versus that it's just "the right thing to do" and in a way, more of a task of chores to do - not all the time, not everyone, but sometimes. Say all the right things, do all the right things, but something just seems off right?

Anyway, I'm getting off track.

Listen - if I don't support equal pay for everyone, or a workplace of diversity to the highest positions, or can't fathom how women and men are equals, or that women aren't just sex objects for pleasure - easy shit - someone should kick me.

And kick me really really hard.

Because like I said - that's easy shit.

At the same time - maybe not either.

I've seen guys who preach about being supporters and allies, who write about being supporters and allies, but then at the same time, when in a conversation with a man and a woman, will ignore the woman in the conversation almost completely and focus on what the guy is saying.

Literally turn their back on the woman in the conversation.

You can talk all the shit you wanna talk about for supporting women, even be exalted for it, but if you have conversations like that (offline or online equivalents) - what you say doesn't mean a thing because it truly is lip service.

It's like the guys who deny a woman any sexuality but also can't stop thinking of a woman in only a sexual way where they can't see past their own (and possibly repressed) desires to realize that person is in fact a better candidate for a promotion - and I distrust puritans if only because everyone has sex and when you deny that people should appreciate each other's bodies and the way they look - and there are times and places for everything because not everything is appropriate - I think it seeps too much in - the denial - to the point where it becomes the exact opposite.

Everything isn't as it always seems and it's not that cut and it's not that dry.

You like you some adult film (aka porn)?

Does that make you a misogynist who can't support gender equality?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

I guess it depends on what you watch (and I'll always argue the individuals over industries like I do in capitalistic societies however flawed that can be).

But not everyone's gonna admit that or to that.

But they may admit that they don't want their daughter to do or like "traditional" boy things, or their boys to do or like "traditional" girl things.

Funny huh?

I guess I'm just saying that there are things we need to do as men and as males and to question what we do or don't do, but to be real about it.

Let's live in the real world.

Let's be real about the differences between men and women because in not doing so, we're just being "color-blind" if we equate this to race (which isn't a perfect analogy, but you get the picture) - and as we know - that doesn't work and never has because there are so many shades of what color - and what being a woman or man - is all about.

And let's give each other a break here and there (and I guess that would go out to everyone).

Because in the real world it's not binary.

There's a difference between looking at someone to see their outfit and telling them they look nice versus ogling them like a piece of meat and thinking they're your property to do as you wish (and to have that expectation).

There's a difference between being sexual and treating people like a sexual object.

And there's a difference between saying you support gender equality and truly supporting it, just like there's a difference between promoting someone, and promoting someone to a true position of power.

Ok.

That's it.

Soapbox as you will, just be careful of the suds in your eyes.

Redagnaddity Em Flickerus,
Adam

If We're "Killing It" On YouTube How Come We Aren't Dominating Forbes' "The World's Highest-Paid YouTube Stars 2015" List?

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Really - check the article and let me know if you see us more than around 2 times?

Out of 11?

Maybe it's more of a thing where we're just there en masse and if you look at the top 100 (which they should do) we would see ourselves more.

I thought YouTube was the second coming of Second City, YoullyWood, and WhoNeedsThatRecordLabel?

Great to see representation that is there - and I'll take some of that cash too but I'll use it for plastic toys that make sounds while being lit up and that can fly high atop the mescaline sunset versus putting it back into my business (because how is that good advice?) - I was just surprised I didn't see more of us.

So even in YouTube land the deals go to the people that don't look like us?

And yes - you can call me dire if it would so please you.

If You Don't Know About The Model Minority Stereotype Should I Just Kick You?

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

I know people don't know everything, but I just can't help but think to myself that if you don't know anything about the model minority stereotype or its effects, that I should just kick you.

Anywhere.

And by you, I mostly mean All People Of Non-Asian Decent who Have No Clue.

It's not the only thing that defines us or even how others of us were looked at.

Stop the madness I implore you.

Vietnamese Focus: Generations Of Foodies

Tuesday, October 27, 2015



Sounds like this should be a great event and definitely want to get on down there if you can.

The special talk series, scheduled for three different sessions on November 7, will feature chefs, restauranteurs, and entertainers talking about how they found themselves to food (featured are Xanh Bistro's Haley Nguyen, Lynda's Sandwiches' Lynda Trang Dai, and Au Lac's Mai Nguyen to start).

Kick the Event Brite page for more info.

In Pics: Ming Na + James Hong + Bai Ling

Tuesday, October 27, 2015





http://www.whosay.com/status/mingnawen/1158275?wsref=fb&code=WafbaD2

Sorry Folks: Glenn Is MF Dead And I Don't Even Watch The Walking Dead (Although....)

Tuesday, October 27, 2015



I get it.

I don't watch The Walking Dead for some reason (and maybe I'll binge watch it someday).

But I get the idea of Glenn as not only an actor, but an Asian American actor,

A heartthrob,

A hero,

A shining light,

A killer of zombies...

But even though you didn't really see a body (caught the recaps because there was crying in my house during that episode...so I figured I should at least check out the end)...

I'm sorry to say...

That MF's dead!

P.S.

Or they could bring him back - like they can Han for F8 - don't cry too hard now.

Maybe he becomes the savior hybrid of human and zombie helping to lead the people (although I don't know where to because again, I don't watch The Walking Dead...which makes me a zombie in my house btw).

Enjoy The Silence (And The Lamb): Fresh Off The Boat + In Pics (Well One...)

Tuesday, October 27, 2015



Love.The.Visual.

And Mr. T wasn't too bad either.

P.S.

Just in case you thought this was a Depeche Mode post I'll give you some music...

An Open Letter To Race, Gender, and Class in Media v4

Thursday, October 22, 2015



Dear Book:

Apparently I was curious to see what college kids are reading so I decided to thumb through this and I can't quite get my head around the fact that out of 70 chapters there's really only 5 dedicated to Asian Americans, they're pretty slim, and in some cases, a little cursory.

It's just curious to me how you plan to educate about race, gender, and class in media while the APIA community is still under-represented in your pages.

Or maybe that was the point?

...

Yeah, I didn't think so either.

Please get more content, feel free to send me the manuscript, and I'll see you soon.

Or in a couple revisions.

Sincerely (but maybe not),
Adam

The Microsoft Windows 10 "One Of These Kids" Ad Tells Me Asian Kids Miss The Bus And Do Hard Labor While White Kids Go Diving And Make Robots

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Yes, I do love their technology, but this commercial needs a little tweaking and yes, it's a little tongue in cheek - but my point is still made.

Asian Girl Misses The Bus



Everyone else in the commercial is frolicking around (well almost...) but this girl is missing the bus? And she's happy about it? And the bus isn't stopping? We all know any self respecting Asian girl who's in band won't be late for the bus. And she sure as hell won't be happy about it because she knows a whoopin' will be in order when she has to wake Daddy to take her to school (and apparently Daddy isn't awake anyway because he was out on a bender all night which explains why she missed the bus).

Asian Girl Does Hard Labor



If they want to call this "washing dishes" they can spin this any way they want - but look at that kitchen - that's industrial or at best a church kitchen. She's all alone in a dimly lit kitchen and I bet she's even standing on something because she can't even reach the sink.

That girl's doing hard labor and thank god she's not a smoker too because than I would be scared that propane tank might go up in flames (because no one apparently puts that away after they're done cooking).

The White Kids



I'm not saying there's anything wrong about diving and making robots (although I would like to see a diving robot in the commercial) but I'm just wondering why the White Kids aren't missing buses and doing hard labor.



How come they get off Dred Scott free?

And Now That Break Seems Like Eons Ago (AKA 746 Posts Later)

Monday, October 19, 2015

When I took that blogging break in 2013/2014 it just seemed like the right thing to do.

Needed the break and wasn't sure what my directive was.

But coming back felt like the right thing to do too, and 19 months later, 746 posts later, 8/9 years and 5845 posts later - I'm glad I still have this outlet to lend a diatribe, a quick snippet, or simple video.

Because I still get inspired by all that we do in our APIA communities.

Push Back: Nicholas Kristof + Asian American Stereotypes

Monday, October 19, 2015

Glad to see a lot of people wrote in pushing back on the NYT article by Nicholas Kristof and the seemingly undending portrait of the APIA community as ONE ALL KNOWING CYBORG.

A snippet from one reader:

To the Editor: Nicholas Kristof associates the success of Asian-Americans with strong families and strong education. He completely misses the heterogeneity of Asians and the Asian experience in America. He equates Asians with East Asians and ignores the large number of South and Southeast Asians who still struggle to assimilate economically.

Vietnamese and Cambodians remain underrepresented in higher education and suffer from high dropout and incarceration rates. Recognizing the disparate experiences of Asians and how they are marginalized would help all Asians rise as their East Asian counterparts have.

SANG E. LEE

Cary Fukunaga's Beasts of No Nation (AKA Netflixed And Boycotted)

Monday, October 19, 2015

Some BOM info on the Netflix film which also had a limited theater run this weekend:

Netflix teamed with Bleecker Street to release Cary Fukunaga's Beasts of No Nation into 31 theaters this weekend, opening with an estimated $50,699. This one does, of course, come with a major asterisk as it also premiered on Netflix's streaming service the same day it hit theaters, which is where the majority of the film's audience will end up seeing it. Netflix paid $12 million for the feature, which it hopes will enjoy some awards attention over the coming months. As this is relatively new territory we'll have to wait and see how it turns out as there is nothing to necessarily compare it to.
A little more from venture beat:
Netflix made a sly choice for their debut film: a hyper-real depiction of a country (ahem, film industry) ripped to shreds by ineffective governance and infighting. At the forefront is the truly fearsome Commandant, played Idris Elba, a psychopathic warlord who employs an army of child soldiers. Indeed, after winning a few dozen Emmys and Golden Globes for shows like “Orange is the New Black” and “House of Cards,” it’s only logical that Netflix set their sights on the Oscars race. Netflix is no stranger to successful documentaries, but Cary Joji Fukunaga’s incredible film might be the company’s ticket to realm of narrative features. They put a gun to the neck of Blockbuster and HBO, now Netflix wants to take Hollywood by storm. Thankfully, the only child soldiers they need are fictional.

Netflix’s $6M investment might pay off: after turning heads at this year’s Venice International Film Festival, “Beasts” premiered simultaneously online and in theaters this weekend. Unfortunately, the four biggest U.S. theater chains — Regal, Carmike, Cinemark and AMC — decided to boycott the film, making “Beasts” quite literally a limited release.

Literate: Steph Cha + Koream American Feminist Noir

Monday, October 19, 2015



Good article down @ the korea times on writer Steph Cha:

As a newcomer to the literary scene, Cha found relatively quick luck in finding a publisher for her first-ever novel, “Follow Her Home,” the first Juniper Song book released just two years ago. She was 27 years old at the time and still working in law part-time. The second in the series, “Beware Beware,” dropped the following year. “I wasn’t a struggling novelist for many years,” she laughed. “I didn’t wait around for extreme parental disappointment to settle in.”

Her mother — who Cha says is now happy to brag about her daughter’s work — was her first introduction to writing. Cha was maybe five or six years old when she was put through story-writing exercises to learn new vocabulary by her mother.

3 Ways Han Can Be Resurrected For Fast 8

Sunday, October 18, 2015



So I've been saying this to numerous people - particularly K-Wife - that since we never saw the body of Han (and forget the funeral or last minutes in the crash) that they can bring him back for Fast 8. When I say this though it's usually met with a roll of the eyes by the non-believers - but I understand that too because I've never been able to follow it up with anything other than "But you never see the body! It's an opening!".

There's never been a "how". Just that I felt it could be done.

But last night, in a hazy dream fueled by too much homemade chili and a really warm blanket, it came to me.

I can bring Han back and I should share it with the world (or at least my parole officer).

Scenario #1: The Conversation Continued From Furious 7 In Japan Between Sean And Toretto

This is one of those flashbacks where we learn we didn't quite see the whole picture and in Fast 8, the flashback continues the conversation between Dom and Sean from Furious 7 in Japan, and as Dom is walking away after he gets the necklace and picture of Gisele he turns around because something doesn't seem right to him and he says something to the effect of "So you got the necklace and picture by the crash? Even though the car was melted down to almost nothing? How was that possible?" - and from there - just let your imagination go. Dom grabs Sean, Sean talks about how he can't trust anyone and with a flashback to Fast and Furious 6, we learn that Han was pulled out before the explosion (or after it quickly caught on fire) - maybe by an innocent bystander (someone new perhaps?) or maybe even Kamata's men from Tokyo Drift (because he still has to pay a debt) and has gone underground (even more than he was before).

Scenario #2: The Conversation Continued From Furious 7 In Japan With Han

Take the flashback from #1 except instead of a continued conversation between Dom and Sean, after Toretto gets in his car and starts driving in the Tokyo streets - during a stop at a crosswalk he happens to see someone who looks like Han - chases him down - and then the rest is history (Han tells him how he escaped but why he wanted everyone to think he was dead - something along the lines of death following him everywhere and not putting anyone else in danger).

A variation of this could also be Han knowingly stumbling onto Dom's car's windshield at a crosswalk (because he was shadowing him since he got into Japan) getting into his car (after Dom yells at the "bum" to get off his hood but then sees it's Han after he turns around and looks at Dom). They cook up the scheme to fake his funeral and keep him underground to help the team (and when it's revealed that Han is alive to the rest of the team you find out Han helped orchestrate some things from Furious 7 too ala "How do you think we got...").

Scenario #3: Han Just Shows Up For The Barbecue

The ultimate deus ex machina, Han does indeed just pull up in a nice car with tinted windows for a barbecue at the beginning of the movie - and while some are amazed - particularly Roman - others are not. Can't you see the nice banter as Tej explains how Han manged to get away from the explosion and then went underground, Dom talking about how he helped out in Furious 7 (see above) behind the scenes and Roman with his mouth just wide open going "But..."? And everyone else who didn't know about it just accepting it like it's the way it should be, and gives Han a beer and a burger saying how nice it is to see him?

P.S.

I feel like one of these 3 scenarios (or a combination of them) will work and if the powers that be don't think so (that would be anyone) I urge someone to start a petition to simply bring Han back and let someone else figure out how to do it because remember - you still never saw the body...

#TBT Night Music For The Lovers: Kick That Rocketeer

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Joseph Choe VS The Trump

Wednesday, October 14, 2015



Here's a quote from the Korea Times:

Joseph Choe, 17, a Harvard College student, also put Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the spot in April with a question about women who were forced to be sex slaves during World War II. During a campaign speech in New Hampshire, Trump said Korea receives free military protection from 28,500 American servicemen. "I just want to get the facts straight," Choe said during a question and answer session following the speech. Trump interrupted him to ask if he was from Korea. "I am not. I was born in Texas and raised in Colorado," Choe said. "No matter where I am from, I would like to get the facts straight. And I want to tell you that that is not true. South Korea paid $861 million."
A career in politics?

Oh yeah.

Conan + Randall Park's Baby Mentalist

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

So I'm late with this (but remember that I'm lazy and I was out on familia business) but if you haven't seen the baby mentalist - well now you can.

Here.

Well actually down here.

@ Team Coco.

Celebrating Bruce Lee + Visual Communications + The JANM

Tuesday, October 13, 2015



Sounds like this should be a great time so get on down if you can.

Join Visual Communications as we celebrate the life and legacy of Bruce Lee. Start the celebration off with a screening of In His Own Words, followed by an intimate conversation with Bruce's daughter Shannon Lee and god-daughter Diana Lee Inosanto. These two will reflect on their personal stories to show how Bruce and his legacy continue to impact not only their lives, but the lives of other people worldwide.

Following the conversation, come join us at the Aratani Central Hall in the Japanese American National Museum, where we will host a reception, complete with live performances, special guests, a silent auction with various Bruce Lee memorabilia, delicious appetizers, bites, and beverages.

Celebrating Bruce Lee will take place at the Japanese American National Museum on Sunday, November 15th, and will begin at 5:00 PM. Buy your tickets here, starting on Friday, October 9th, at 12:00 PM. Tickets are priced according to the components of the event. If you would like to attend the screening and the celebration, one (1) ticket is $150.00. If you would like to attend the celebration ONLY, one (1) ticket is $100.00.

If you and your organization are interested in purchasing a VIP Sponsorship Package ($2,500.00), please contact francis@vconline.org. The sponsorship package includes reserved seating at the screening, conversation, and reception, along with VIP wine and food platters.

Proceeds from this event will go to Visual Communications.

Get more info here.

#HillaryForPresident AKA Let The Games Begin AKA Why Would I Vote For The Old White Guy? AKA #NoMoreOldWhiteManBurnInMyCrotch

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

While I've had to take a little time off from over the last week or so, now seems the right time to make a post - because it's finally the Democrats turn at the debate podium.

And yes, you did read that title correctly.

While I would like to see some more diversity among the Democratic nominees - being a POC doesn't mean I'm with you (see Ben Carson) - at the end of the day - my vote is for Hillary.

She's got the experience. She's poised. She's not going to do damage like a Republican - and yes - I'm also going identity politics in the sense that I want to identify with a woman president (sure, it's not quite the same...but you get me).

The Burn?

It's not like he's a bad guy, or that I even disagree vehemently with his views - but is he going to be strides above Hillary?

No.

Is Hillary going to run the country into the ground (and I ask that if you're a Bernie fan)?

No.

So why wouldn't I want to vote for diversity?

For something different than a White Male? And I say that with respect to all the awesome Presidents we've had who just happened to be White Men...although "just happened to be" may not be a phrase that actually means "just happened to be" and "awesome" is probably debatable for some.

Why?

No reason.

P.S.

I really do want to hear the phrase "Madam President".

A Little Kevin, A Little So, And Why Am I Afraid?

Sunday, October 04, 2015

Link.

Listen.

Share.

Dr. Ken Is The Best Thing Since 2012

Sunday, October 04, 2015

I didn't get a chance to watch this yet (but only because I was doing some Dr. Ken stuff myself) - but will be soon - and according to the numbers - tvbythenumbers to be exact - apparently it had ABC’s highest-rated comedy opening since 2012 (for 1/2 hour comedy's) in that time slot.

Nice.