Holiday Sparseness And Happy Holidays From Slanta

Friday, December 23, 2016

Well - apparently, I'm a little on the hiatus side for posts in the last week - and I would imagine in the next week as well.

Who knows - maybe a few extra posts to get me over the hump for this year - or maybe I'm just saying that to hedge my bets?

Happy Holidays either way!

Slanta.

February 9 - March 12, 2017: EWP + FREE OUTGOING + Anupama Chandrasekhar

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Definitely sounds like this should be a good show. Below is from the PR.

EAST WEST PLAYERS ANNOUNCES CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM OF
FREE OUTGOING, WHICH BEGINS PERFORMANCES ON FEBRUARY 9, 2017


East West Players (EWP), the nation’s longest-running professional theatre of color in the country and the largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work, is pleased to announce the cast and creative team for the US premiere of Free Outgoing, which Time Out, London has praised as “…a gripping and insightful story”, and The Independent has called “…profoundly affecting.” Written by Anupama Chandrasekhar and directed by Snehal Desai in his directorial debut as EWP Artistic Director, Free Outgoing begins performances on February 9 and runs until March 12, 2017, with opening night on February 15.

In this internationally acclaimed and timely play about a middle-class home in conservative Chennai, 15-year-old Deepa is filmed by her boyfriend engaging in a sexual act. The indiscreet cell phone video goes viral, becoming a national scandal that exposes gender double standards and conflicting views of female sexuality. Deepa’s single mother Malini—a modern-day Mother Courage—struggles to protect her children while caught between India’s embrace of new technology and adherence to old-world values.

“In the last decade, technology has transformed the way we navigate the world, yet the lens with which we see and judge our girls and women has hardly changed,” says playwright Anupama Chandrasekhar. “I wrote Free Outgoing in anger to explore hypocrisy regarding female sexuality and to understand my world better. I’m thrilled and honored that Free Outgoing is being staged by East West Players as part of their season showcasing women of color. EWP is indispensable for getting marginalized voices heard and for putting female practitioners center stage.”

“When I first read the script, it left me breathless," says EWP Artistic Director Snehal Desai. “I was drawn to the timeliness and intensity of Free Outgoing, which centers on the epic struggle of a woman caught between traditional customs and youthful exploration. Anupama is a brilliant journalist and political playwright, whose writing incites dialogue about relevant social issues and gender inequality. It’s the most provocative play of our season.”

Making their EWP debuts are Anna Khaja (TV: Quantico, True Blood, Stitchers, and Silicon Valley) as Malini, Anil Kumar (Manhattan Theater Club’s The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife; TV: NCIS, Six Feet Under, 24, and Law & Order: SVU) as Ramesh, and Kavi Ladnier (The Public Theatre’s ANON(YMOUS); TV: Heroes and General Hospital) as Nirmala/Kokila/Usha. Kapil Talwalkar (EWP’s Animals Out of Paper) will play Sharan.

The creative team includes Snehal Desai (Director), Stephanie Kerley Schwartz (Scenic Designer), Katelan Braymer (Lighting Design), Sharath Patel (Sound Designer), Rachel Myers (Costume Design), Glenn Michael Baker (Assistant Scenic Design/Prop Master), and Brandon Hong Cheng (Stage Manager).

Free Outgoing is presented in association with Boom Arts.

All performances of Free Outgoing will be staged at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center of the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Previews are Thursday, February 9 through Sunday, February 12, with 8pm shows from Thursday to Saturday, and 2pm matinee shows from Saturday to Sunday. All preview seats are $25. Opening night is Wednesday, February 15 at 8pm. “Pay-What-You-Can” performance is on Thursday, February 16 at 8pm. The production runs until March 12.

Tickets may be purchased at www.eastwestplayers.org or please call (213) 625-7000, making sure to mention any wheelchair/accessible seating needs. Student, senior, and group discounts are available. General Admission ticket prices range from $35 to $50. Dates, details, and ticket prices are subject to change.

East West Players is proud to stage Anupama Chandrasekhar’s Free Outgoing as part of Radiant, a 51st Anniversary Season that focuses on featuring stories by and about women.

For more information about East West Players, please visit www.eastwestplayers.org.

From Across The Pond: I Guess I'll Never See This Play (In the Depths of Dead Love)

Monday, December 19, 2016

Errr....okay.

When the Print Room, a London theatre, cast white actors in Howard Barker’s In the Depths of Dead Love – a play set in ancient China, with characters named Chin and Mrs Hu – members of the BAME artist community took it as an insult, an assertion that there simply weren’t, in the mind of the company, the director and the playwright, sufficiently talented artists of Asian descent in London to embody these characters. With the release of a statement on Monday attempting to explain their process, the leadership of the Print Room hasn't defended themselves by protesting that they had indeed attempted to cast the role with Asian actors. Rather, they denied that race and ethnicity mattered at all in casting. In doing so, the theatre showed that it does not comprehend what yellowface and racial erasure mean, and have made no effort to show any empathy to the community they have affronted.

Read it in full.

This Is How You Eat A Chicken Wing BD Wong Style

Monday, December 19, 2016



Damn - looking good as a MF.

P.S. Tonight's The Night For George Takei's Allegiance On Broadway Film Event (One Night Only)

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Just a quick reminder in case you forgot, didn't know, or just needed a nudge (if you didn't already see it on Broadway).

Tonight.

Allegiance.

One night only in theaters.

Buy and check tickets here: http://www.fathomevents.com/event/allegiance

Social Media Is Real People Too (Discard It If You Want But It Really Is The People)

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Yeah - sure, I get it - being online is in certain ways sometimes anonymous and it can compel people to just say whatever the hell they want - but that's kind of the point.

Social Media = Real People.

Sometimes people want to discount the real people simply because they post up on social media - which is really just their way of discounting POC and Asian Americans.

Ok.

That's it.

A Little Viet. A Little Gone. A Big Review

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Nice.

VIETGONE, Qui Nguyen’s quasi-autobiographical play, couldn’t have come at a better time. By telling the story, more or less, of his parents’ immigration to the U.S. in 1975 Nguyen reminds us of how integral to our national character the immigrant experience is [...] If this all sounds very serious, rest assured that VIETGONE is not at all depressing. To the contrary, it’s a rollicking, occasionally hilarious love story told through a combination of dialogue, rap music and cartoon-like production numbers. The main story focuses on Tong (Jeena Yi), an audacious 30-year old determined to avoid the married life her mother and her society expect. Landing in the refugee camp gives Tong the freedom to become her own person even as she falls in love despite herself with the hunky Quang (James Ryen), a helicopter pilot who had to leave his wife and children behind in Saigon.

Sorry - That's Sold Out Already (Dean + Transparent Live Sessions)

Thursday, December 08, 2016



Just make sure you're in the know and then you'll forever be in...well - the know.

And tickets.

You might be able to still stalk him though if you wait?

*The MEET & GREET w/ DEAN will be at 6 PM at THE MAYAN (12/09/2016).
The Meet & Greet ticket includes a picture and poster from DEAN!
Photos will be taken in groups of 2.


http://transparentagency.com

P.S: I Love You

Thursday, December 08, 2016



Kisses.

Executive Order 13800: Indigogo The Hell Out Of This Film Project + Mustafa Rony Zeno + Koji Steven Sakai + Phinneas Kyomura

Thursday, December 08, 2016



All I know is that I'm gonna back this and I hope you do too because this film needs to be made.

Writer/Producer and former executive at the Japanese American National Museum Koji Steven Sakai and filmmaker/cultural anthropologist Mustafa Rony Zeno, and producer Phinny Kiyomura are looking for your help to fund their newest film Executive Order 13800. This is a project that touches upon both of their passions for social Justice and for telling compelling human dramas.

Executive Order 13800 is inspired by the internment of Japanese American during World War II. But instead of happening 75 years ago, it is happening today with Muslim and Arab Americans.

EO13800 follows an Arab American family after a second major terrorist attack to hit the United States in one month. President Trump issues Executive Order 13800 which gives all Muslim Americans two weeks to report to a government site to register. During those two weeks, the family's world turns completely upside down. With the executive order, they instantly lose their civil rights -- such as new curfew laws prohibit them from going out after dusk, they are no longer able to gather or pray together, they can’t express their faith publicly and not to mention the constant threat of violence against them.

Both Koji and Mustafa have been working on this project for the past year. However, they abandoned it a year ago because it seemed too far-fetched. However, because of the results of the recent presidential election, they both now see that the scenario found in EO13800 could actually happen. Koji, being a descendant of a camp survivor, believes this is one of his most important projects he's ever worked on. He has made it his life's work to educate people about the camps and to ensure that what happened to his family never happens to anyone ever again.

It has a flexible goal and one month for the campaign down at Indigogo and seems to be making some nice traction which already shows the interest in this project, albeit they still have 85% of their goal to get too - so get on out and support this film project if this is down your alley.

Racist, Homophobic, And Fat Shaming!??? Holy Shit! Now I HAVE To Watch The Gilmore Girls' Reboot!

Tuesday, December 06, 2016

With a title like Was ‘Gilmore Girls’ always as racist, homophobic, and fat-shaming as the revival is? - now I have to watch it - even if just for the scene with the "pool boy".

What!??

I'm gonna watch this soon.

I'll report back later.

Maybe?

In the meantime - check out the article @ The Frisky from Divya Amladi.

Random Soko Glam Charlotte Cho

Monday, December 05, 2016



If you're into Korean skincare and makeup you probably know Charlotte Cho - but if not - well - now you do?

Here's an article from earlier this year spring @ VF.

MV + This Is So Good It Really Is Like Heaven

Friday, December 02, 2016



Love this rendition.

Starving + Late Night Marie Digby + Clara C

Friday, December 02, 2016



Smooth.

Writing In The Moments + Life And Being Asian American

Thursday, December 01, 2016

As I was posting on my morning on FB this morning, it reminded me of a post I was going to do and the general thought that I do like to write and catalog things in the moment. I keep a lot of things for me, or just between family and close friends, just because they're normal day life, or things you don't need to share with other people, or are thinking about etc. - but I think there's a value in sometimes talking in that moment.

After you reflect on things, sometimes that visceral feeling, which is basic to so much gets lost and you can't always go back to it to truly do something with it. Sometimes there's rationalization versus reflection - at least for me - and I think there's value in sometimes showing those vulnerabilities - because life isn't always a win and sometimes that's what fuels it all. To do better. And sometimes it's those common losses, or hard days, or not out of the ordinary - but unexpected times - saying them - letting them know they exist - I think there is a power to that.

It's not always pretty. May not go as expected. But nothing is perfect. Sometimes you still have to weed. Sometimes it's just a different POV and you can't fix what you can't acknowledge and in a way you can't celebrate either because you haven't acknowledged what you're celebrating for.

Elaine Chao Is One Of The Chosen Ones

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

It's not like she's new to this - see the Bush years.

And she still has to be confirmed.

And it's great that she's Asian American, an immigrant, etc.

But...she still plays for the darkside...

At the end of the day though I guess we get to have our red one's too?

It's A Double Standard? I Just Feel Like Phrases Like "I Was Fucking These Bitches" By Asian American Guys In The Rap Game Kinda Sucks Ass. But Women Can Kick It All Day Long?

Tuesday, November 29, 2016



First off I'm not gonna say I don't have things to learn, things to work on, etc. - not trying to play that game. And I'm not gonna say I don't listen to some old school rap at times that's like...err - I don't think I can defend that. Not saying that at all (but I also don't listen to it a ton anymore).

But with new music, new vibes, I just feel like when I hear Asian American dudes rapping and they're all like "I was fucking these bitches" - I just get turned off by a slick tune that has some lines in it like that.

In some ways I don't have this completely formulated and I'm kind of just thinking through a thought I was having a few weeks ago (or at various times throughout time) and all I can think to myself is - "Well, if someone's fucking you, you should be nice".

It's like if someone's tossing them some salad, that's really nice of them - because not everyone likes salad.

I'd be like "She's my queen."

She can still be nasty as a MF, but she can still be a queen (and I'm sure that in itself can be deconstructed - as can posts in this blog).

At the same time, I don't have anything against women like Raven Felix with that LatinX vibe going on doing what they do - because it's really none of my business in some ways, and I look at it as taking it back, etc. (although I've had conversations on whether or not a feminist can like the song and video above).

Like I said - I don't have this thought out - and I'm not saying all the dudes are misogynistic assholes - I just feel like they can say things differently, because it just kills the vibe.

And yes - I realize what I just did.

Which I guess just begs the question of language in general (for instance should I have starred everything above in the title?).

More to ponder at a later time.

Watch aka SEOUL If You Haven't Checked It Out Already (I Guess That Depends If You Liked AKA Dan Or Not)

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Just in case you haven't checked any of the AKA stuff out, you can watch aka SEOUL down at NBC News America right now for free (which I guess is the way it's supposed to be, because if they started charging, I would be like - what?). I know not everyone has dug everything - but sometimes the old ones just don't get the new ones, and the new ones, just don't respect the old ones, or the old ones don't think they respect the old ones.

Here's to one day the old ones and the new ones sitting down and having drinks and figuring some shit out.

And yes - I'm ageless MF's.

MV: Joseph Vincent + Magnetize

Tuesday, November 29, 2016



Just started listening to this.

Not bad.

Not bad at all.

Helios: Femina + Chapter 28 + Michelle Phan

Tuesday, November 29, 2016



Pretty cool if you haven't checked this out already, and the latest chapter (two for this month) just went up a day ago.

Check it out down at webtoons.com

And Just Because I'm Wishing It Were Summer

MANAA Praises MOANA As The Gold Standard

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

No matter what you may think of the new film Moana - some people like it, some people don't - I thought I'd throw this out there from MANAA. I personally haven't seen the film and don't have a ton of thoughts on it myself right now.

LOS ANGELES-The Media Action Network for Asian Americans (MANAA) is enthusiastically supporting the new Disney motion picture Moana for using Pacific Islander talent at multiple levels in order to accurately reflect the values and culture of Pacific Islanders.

The computer animated film, which opens Wednesday, stars newcomer Auli’i Cravalho of Hawaii as the title character--the 16 year old daughter of the chief of Motonui who leaves the island to help save her people from starvation, seeking out the demi-God Maui (played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson). It is directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, who oversaw The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), and Hercules (1997).

Five years in the making, the producers journeyed to Fiji, Samoa and Tahiti to do research, met with various Pacific Islander communities, hired initial writer Taika Waititi and Opetaia Foa’i to compose songs (along with Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda and Mark Mancina), and Pacific Islander actors to voice just about every speaking character (Alan Tudyk plays a rooster and a villager).

“Moana is the gold standard for how movies should be made,” says MANAA board member Rakshak Sahni. “If you are making a film about Pacific Islanders, it is a given that you should hire Pacific Islanders both in front of and behind the camera. Yet in the past and present we have seen studios creating stories about Asians and Pacific Islanders but hiring White writers and White actors to perform or voice the roles.

“Christine Cadena (Senior Vice President, Multicultural Initiatives at The Walt Disney Studios) allowed MANAA and Pacific Islanders to see the film ahead of the critics, and we were touched and moved. It was humbling to see how producer Osnat Shurer and her team went to other cultures, learned as much as they could about them, and in collaboration with people from these communities created something beautiful of which they all can be proud.”

“Contrast that with the recent animated movie Kubo and the Two Strings,” says MANAA Founding President Guy Aoki, “where an extended Japanese family from medieval times was voiced entirely by white actors like Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Rooney Mara, Ralph Fiennes, and Brenda Vaccaro.”

“When many Pacific Islanders spoke up during a Q&A with Moana producer Osnat Shurer, they were in tears,” reported MANAA Vice President Miriam Nakamura-Quan. “They felt that Disney had somehow managed to combine three different cultures and values into one and present it accurately and authentically to a wider audience. Many related with the feisty, rebellious Grandma (Rachel House)--who encourages Moana to ignore the warnings and to ‘journey beyond the reef’ in order to save the people of Motonui—because they have grandmothers like that.”

Adds Aoki, “There isn’t a single white person in the entire movie. Disney had confidence in their story that they didn’t have to compromise--as many filmmakers do--feeling they needed a white character for the audience to identify with. We’re confident that children of all ages and backgrounds will identify with Moana, a girl who fearlessly accomplishes the seeming impossible because she feels it’s her duty to help her people. She’s certainly an inspiration and a role model for girls. Moana doesn’t even get a love interest in this story. She stands just fine on her own.

“The studio has gone out of its way to depict a culture that makes up only .5% of the U.S. population. We have to support such an endeavor, because it proves that in such ethnic stories, there are universal truths and experiences that audiences of all backgrounds can relate to. It’s a great movie to take the entire family to. I swore they combined real photography to shoot the ultra-clear beach scenes, but they were all computer-generated. We hope everyone will support Moana this Thanksgiving weekend.”
Disney has had a solid record of staying true to the Asian/Pacific Islander cultures it depicts in animated movies. MANAA gave Media Achievement Awards to Mulan (1998) and Lilo and Stitch (2002) and was very supportive of Up (2009), which co-starred then-8 year old unknown Japanese American actor Jordan Nagai as Russell, even though the part didn’t necessarily call for an Asian American.

MANAA, the only organization solely dedicated to advocating balanced, sensitive, and positive depiction and coverage of Asian Americans, was founded in 1992. It led nationwide protests against the film Rising Sun in 1993 and challenged Sarah Silverman’s use of “Chinks” in her joke on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and Bill Maher’s “Politically Incorrect” in 2001. Since 1999, as part of the Asian Pacific American Media Coalition, MANAA has met annually with the top four television networks pushing for more inclusion of Asian Americans. In 2015, it also promoted that vision with talent agencies ICM Partners, WME, Paradigm, and CAA.

Err - Getting To Emails (It's The Holidays?)

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Just a quick note on emails and releases, etc. - if you sent me something - err - I'm a little slow these days on some of those things...catching up soon.

Tim Be Told - Friends and Foes (Official Lyric Video)

Tuesday, November 22, 2016



Off the upcoming new album "Friends and Foes".

Twice The Dance: Jay Park X 1MILLION Dance Studio

Tuesday, November 22, 2016


Jay Park X 1MILLION / 'All I Wanna Do (K) (Feat. Hoody, Loco)' (Choreography Ver.)



Me Like Yuh - Jay Park / Bongyoung Park Choreography (ft.Yujin So of Playback)

C.S. Lee + Lil' Tasty + Dumbfoundead + Murals (Prod. By Stereotypes)

Tuesday, November 22, 2016



Loved the cameos by C.S. Lee and Lil' Tasty.

Joseph Vincent: "Magnetize" Official Teaser (Full Video 11/23/2016)

Tuesday, November 22, 2016



From the trailer looks like this should be a good video.

Far East Movement's "Freal Luv" M/V Hits Over 11 Million Views

Tuesday, November 22, 2016



What more can you say?

Well - okay - I guess you could say that if you haven't picked up the album you're missing out - but other than that...

11+ million views and counting.

Nice work if you can get it.

Fine White America Trump Land. You Have Your World. We Have Ours. You're Still Going To Lose Your Job

Friday, November 18, 2016

If all of these White People coming out of the woods are just - well - here now (versus being put back under the rocks where they should be - and it truly doesn't surprise me at the end of the day that White America stood up for its White Ways, even though I had hoped for the better) - so be it.

But don't think I'm not coming out at you. I can puff out my chest just like you can White America.

You aren't walking all over me and I won't even come close to saying that you've won because everyone is looking to quash what's out there. If you haven't noticed no one is sitting down for this, and while you can point to a Trump Presidency for rationalization of your racism, guess what?

You're still going to lose your job. You're still going to be called out because it's already in motion - a better world than the one you're fighting for. You're still going to lose business because you don't get it. Voting for Trump - in secrecy and not admitting it may have won him the election, and there are definite repercussions, but thinking that it allows you on a personal level to get away with that?

It'll be denounced in the light of day when cowards always show that they are indeed cowards - because people still need to eat. They'll secretly vote for Trump and snicker in their back rooms, but they won't back you publicly.

So you've been warned. Charge at your own risk.

On Blogging At Its Core

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

I can't say I always do this, but I think at the end of the day, it's what I try for at the core - which is to add another viewpoint and voice because I believe that representation as an Asian American, on any level, in whatever view or speech, is important.

A lot of other people have shown me that just by example of living their lives and doing what they do as Asian Americans and sure, what's being said matters too - but sometimes only to a degree.

John Choi Gets It Done (AKA Jeronimo Yanez Is Getting Charged And Philando Castile Gets At Least Some Justice)

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Some more to say on this as I've been at ground zero around so much of this - but this is good news and welcome news:

In a stunning decision that shook police and protesters alike, the officer who fatally shot Philando Castile was charged with manslaughter in his death — likely the first Minnesota officer in modern memory charged for such an incident.

“Unreasonable fear cannot justify the use of deadly force,” Ramsey County attorney John Choi said Wednesday during a news conference in which he announced he was charging St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez, 28, with second-degree manslaughter for Castile’s death, and with two felony counts of dangerous discharge of a firearm for endangering the two other people in Castile’s car.

“My conscience tells me it would be wrong for me to ask a grand jury to make this decision when I know in my heart what needs to be done … In order to achieve justice, we must be willing to do the right thing.”

Helicopters - can you stop buzzing me at some point please?

You're The Kollaboration STAR Showcase Winner: Timothy John

Monday, November 14, 2016



Congratulations to Timothy John for winning Kollaboration STAR (and who also won Kollaboration LA)! Check him out from his LA appearance/win!

Here's to hoping we keep on seeing Timothy John for years to come.

#youngblood

I'm Still In Shock #4: I Want To Get It Done In Spite Of Trump

Thursday, November 10, 2016

There's that piece in me that knows Trump can't do everything he's said on the campaign trail - to what extent I don't know though.

But I feel like I want to prosper in spite of him now - not just survive - but prosper. Use every tool I have to achieve as much success as I can - and then know that I'll probably land somewhere in the middle.

I'm okay with that because I still have to move forward. I can't be left standing frozen in terror. I won't accept defeat like that.

I'm Still In Shock #3: Protest Out This Nation. Light It Up With Power. Be The Catalyst For Change.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

If you have the means to do it - I say by all means - rise up and protest the election of this leader because it is our right to peacefully protest our nation's laws and processes. It is our right to speak up against the tyrannies that aren't inclusive of all Americans in this country - and that's what this election has done - and it's unavoidable.

A rift in our consciousness as Americans cannot and should not be subdued because these are the very same chasms that created the foundation for this country and have moved it along to a better nation.

As we grow we must fight. Just as the founders of this country spoke to create a better place to live - so must we now as the keepers of this country, as the catalysts for change, to face those same fears that they did and do whatever it is that we can - on a collective and individual level - to right the wrongs our our society.

We must continue to push back to the archaic mindsets that let this happen.

We must show the country what will happen if Trump and Washington set out to actually try and implement their racist and xenophobic pathways.

I say light this fucker up.

I'm Still In Shock #2: Racism Begets Bad Data But Now We Know

Thursday, November 10, 2016

At the end of the day, one take away from this election is that no matter how good your data collection methods are - you're not getting anything if it's not the right data.

If you can't get to the data.

If the data you are analyzing is hidden in secrecy because people's racism won't let that data out of the box - they don't want it to be shown on an individual level.

But now we know because racism can't be hidden - it shows itself eventually.

And while the individual data for the outlook wasn't the full dataset - we've collected the data we need to know because of how this election turned out - we understand now, from a collective level that you can say whatever it is you want Old White Men and Women.

But we know - we know what's in your hearts, we know how you want this world to turn out.

I'm Still In Shock #1

Thursday, November 10, 2016

This is a short post - but like many others - I thought we'd be talking about the first woman President of the United States - but in reality, our nation, albeit not by the popular vote (and we need to think about changing the electorate system in our country - because this is now the second time this has happened from a Democratic POV) - just elected a celebrity TV star who's rhetoric has been racist, xenophobic, and misogynistic - and on those coattails - the House and Senate is paved with red.

And I'm still reeling from it.

That's Sriracha: When Huy Fong Foods And Primitive Skateboards Collide

Friday, November 04, 2016

Saucy.



More Saucy.

Get Your Film On: SDAFF 2016 November 3-12

Thursday, November 03, 2016



Tons of great films running from today through the 12th.

Get 'em while you can!

http://festival.sdaff.org/2016/all-films-events/

HBO APA Visionaries And LAAPFF Deadlines Loom So You Better Get Your Arse In Motion

Wednesday, November 02, 2016

Seriously - you don't have that much time left:

HURRY! HBO "APA VISIONARIES" CLOSES NOV. 7
If you were already hard at work (or just getting started) on your submission to HBO's digital filmmaking competition, "HBO APA Visionaries," then you better hurry...the competition closes on Nov. 7, 2016. "HBO APA Visionaries," dedicated to showcasing emerging APA film directors with unique perspectives of the Asian Pacific & Pacific Islander experience, will showcase the winners at the 2017 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.
FINAL CALL FOR LAAPFF 2017 ENTRIES NOV. 25
ATTENTION FILMMAKERS! The Final Deadline for feature-length and short films by and/or about Asian Pacific and Asian international artists for the 2017 edition of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival is coming up on Nov. 25.
Get it.

Steven Yeun Lands Cover Of Entertainment Weekly (For What That's Worth)

Wednesday, November 02, 2016



Nice.

Although what's not as nice is that he's only the 3rd Asian American Male to land the cover since EW started publishing in 1990.

Twenty-Six years and all we get is three dudes.

I guess that's something?

Get The List Of All 245 APIA Candidates Running For Office This November AKA Holy Shit 245 Candidates!

Wednesday, November 02, 2016

The good folks down at the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) have put together an awesome list of ALL the Asian American and Pacific Islander candidates running for office - so good.

Check out the list @ http://apaics.org/2016-elections/

From Sam Wang And The Princeton Election Consortium To The Clinton Meta-Margin

Tuesday, November 01, 2016

If you want numbers, stats, and odds - if you want to know the winners - this is the place and the man to go to.

And yes - just in case you were wondering - the Comey emails don't mean a thing:

Around here, trick-or-treat just ended. Or so we think. Actually, there’s one more trick: the Senate.

Everyone’s up in arms over this Comey/email thing. As I suggested would be the case, it’s not affecting the Presidential race in any meaningful way. That cake is baked. However, like any good thriller, there’s a fake ending – the election next Tuesday. After that comes actual governing.

Oh White NPR - Can Your Normalize POC?

Monday, October 31, 2016

You know NPR - sometimes you're good - and I understand - you just want to do good and be the public radio station that you can be - and true there are local programs - but sometimes I just can't help but think you need to normalize more POC versus having them just talk about "POC things" - know what I'm saying?

Probably not.

See ya.

Cecilia Hae-jin Lee, Angela Bong-ah Lee, And Roasted Sesame Kitchen

Monday, October 31, 2016



Good interview down at the Korea Times at entrepreneurs Cecilia Hae-jin Lee and Angela Bong-ah Lee on their new restaurant and Korean cuisine.

Q: How did you first settle on bibimbap among Korean recipes?

Cecilia Lee: I had an idea to start a build-your-own bibimbap restaurant about six years ago. At that time, I heard CJ Foods would be starting a restaurant called Bibigo with a similar concept, so I thought there was no way I could compete, so I didn't pursue the idea at that time. However, my passion for Korean food and idea to have a Korean restaurant in America's fast-casual food space would not leave me. After I met Angela, I felt like I finally had a partner I could trust to move my idea forward. I think bibimbap is one of the best ways to introduce Korean cuisine to those who've never tried it.

Angela Lee: When Cecilia suggested that I be a partner for a fast casual restaurant, I thought it was a great idea. Bibimbap in my opinion is one of the traditional foods that has not been changed since coming to America. We kept the flavors traditional, but added California options such as kale. As a community nutritionist for over nine years, it was very important to me that customers get options — providing options is a great way to introduce new flavors, especially different vegetables and vegetable preparations.

In Pics: Jeremy Lin + Totally Awesome Hulk + Greg Pak

Saturday, October 29, 2016



I'm not a die-hard comics guy but I do like what I've liked and that'll be great when this comes out with the issue written by Greg Pak. I'm just going to have to pick this up just because you know?



Some words:

“They had me with Hulk’s hair. We’re kindred spirits,” Lin said. “It is an honor and a cool opportunity to become part of the Amadeus Cho, ‘Totally Awesome Hulk’ storyline. Additionally, I think it’s great that Marvel is making real efforts to add diversity to its superheroes and their origin stories.”

JLin Pacers VS Nets Highlights (10-28 - The Almost Triple Double)

Saturday, October 29, 2016



Highlights start around the 2:00 minute mark.

Thank the Speed of Lin @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCATGU90o8IpoODvsQ-TKh5w

Can We Deport More Asian Americans For Doing Nothing Wrong? AKA Adoptee Adam Crasper Is Still Getting The Shaft AKA Deport Me Too MF's AKA Brown Kids Just Get Raped AKA Human Parts For Sale

Friday, October 28, 2016

I guess I could talk about all the work that's been done behind the scenes by a lot of community members, some of who I know to help Adam Crasper not get deported.

I could talk about the Adoptee Citizenship Act where so much work has been done to hopefully overturn archaic laws to give citizenship to so many people who are rightly citizens.

But at the end of the day though - I think I'll just say this:

What the fuck is wrong with you America? I mean I know what the fuck is wrong with you, but can you at some time stop molesting the children?

And by children, I mean children who are now adults who came to this country not by their own volition, and by molesting, I mean not affording them the same laws as everyone else.

Because what the fuck would you call it?

Basically America, you're just raping adults - and let me tell you - I've been fucked too many times by this system - too many of my friends have been fucked by the system.

Adam Crasper - he's one of many that deserves the right to exist in the country that helped facilitate the transfer of brown and black kids.

Brown and black kids that were "good" enough - or at least perceived to be "good" enough - to live in America - but that's the rub right?

America says good enough as children - but fuck you as an adult.

America says fuck you for everything you're going to be outside of a little Asian prince or princess that can't be the image of the colonial thinking that backed those decisions in the first place.

Deport Adam Crasper?

Deport me too MF's.

Take me back to my homeland so I can say fuck you from afar with both middle fingers.

In fact America - why don't you just deport every single immigrant that came to this country no matter how they got here.

Oh wait - that wouldn't be right?

That would be unconstitutional?

But not for adopted Asian Americans - that shit has been and always will be fucked up - it's like having a RETURN CARD at your disposal - except it's for human lives.

And that's what this all is isn't it?

The commodification of human parts - human pieces that can be bought, sold, and returned at any MF given time.

Give everything - and then take it away.

Not even a chance to make something better. Not even a chance to make shit happen.

America - fuck you for this one and for everything that surrounds it - the laws, the mindsets, the way you go about fucking and raping the minds and bodies of everyone involved.

Fuck you.

Random Friday Kina Grannis Cover

Friday, October 28, 2016



Say what you want about the original - but it's just catchy.

Liking the cover from a few weeks ago.

#BrownAsiansExist + The Marginalization Of Brown Asians + I Feel You

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

First - let me just kick an article your way:

The marginalization of Brown Asians

A few days ago, I and four other Brown Asians criticized the New York Times for their disregard of the Brown Asian community in a recent video outlining Asian Americans’ experiences of racism. The video outlined the familiar stories of Asian Americans experiencing racist statements in their workplaces and from strangers out in public. But only one of the interviewees talked about the Filipino American experience and none of them spoke of being South Asian.

And yeah - it is Filipino American History Month...

And I feel them.

'Cause you know - Big Slanty's Southeast Asian American.

Sometimes we just down at the bottom - well at least perceived to be - even if we get in the conversation.

So down with the East Asians!

Just kidding.

But you know what everyone is saying right?

Right.

Asian American Groups Meet At Fox News And It Doesn't Sound Surprising

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Everyone has heard of the Fox News segment which started a slew of videos and hashtags on being Asian American and the racism that we face - and apparently some orgs went on down to Fox News and had a sit down.

This doesn't surprise me:

Ron Kim, a New York state assemblyman in attendance, told The Post that a representative from ‘‘The O’Reilly Factor’’ and a senior representative from the news side of the channel attended the meeting. Together they played a ‘‘good cop, bad cop’’ routine, said Kim [...] As far as overall impressions go, Kim came away thinking that the two Fox News reps ‘‘didn’t understand the gravity of the situation.’’ He said that the group presented the men with the open letter, and that they were ‘‘taken aback’’ by the display.

I give them kudos for trying - at the same time I kind of think of it like an intervention where no one's really paying attention and the person you went to have the intervention for is just waiting for you to leave.

LeendaD + Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2016 Parody

Wednesday, October 26, 2016



Haven't check out any videos in a bit - good to see the subscribers keep on increasing.

That's A Smooth Cover: Marié Digby + Moon River

Wednesday, October 26, 2016



I could listen to this all night.

Just need some snow, a fireplace, and a glass of something.

And yes - apparently I think of snow (and being cuddly) when I hear this song.

Wong Fu Raps With Tom Hanks

Wednesday, October 26, 2016



Just in case you haven't seen this yet - check it out - because it's live (well you'll see...it's not like club style - but it's still live).

Rapping starts around 3:42.

MyxTV + Fil-Am Sweater Beats+ Elements Music & Arts Festival

Wednesday, October 26, 2016



Check the vid and the interview with Sweater Beats (starts around 1:27).

A Medium Read: Ben Huh (Cheezburger) On Pursuing Passion Or Business

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

I came here to build a new company. But after wandering the hipster cafes of SOMA for 31 days meeting amazing people, I failed to find something I love. While I dreamt up ideas for a company, my personal passion tugged at me. I ignored it because I judged it to be too risky. Too impossible to consider. Too ambitious to be sane. For someone who has told thousands of entrepreneurs to follow their passions, my denial felt hypocritical.

“Is my pursuit of success stopping me from doing what makes me happy?” I wondered. So I sought to appease the heart. I figured if I spent a few days on it, I would find a reason to put it aside for good and get back to starting a company.

Read it in full here.

All The Far East Movement News + Videos From Their New Album "Identity" That You Could Want (Or At Least A Decent Amount)

Wednesday, October 26, 2016



The revolt.tv article @ https://revolt.tv/stories/2016/10/24/thoughts-east-movement-identity-07005de674

Video #1: Fighter ft. Yoonmirae & Autolaser



Biggest EDM release shout out @ http://edm.com/articles/2016/10/21/biggest-releases-oct21

Video #2: Freal Luv ft. Chanyeol & Tinashe



Video #3: Umbrella ( 우산 ) Part 1 ft Hyolyn & Gill Chang



From Billboard @ http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/7541034/far-east-movement-freal-luv-video-identity-album-exclusive

"Identity has always been an issue with us, from how we perceive ourselves as Americans to how people actually see us, and how Asia sees us as foreigners while people in the U.S. might think Asia is home to us," the band tells Billboard of creating the album. "When we were first starting in the music industry people would telling us to wear glasses and change our name from Far East movement because it's 'too Asian.' It was a different time, but that type of stuff stays with you and affects your perspective...we decided to disconnect, work on building our production and writing skills, spend time traveling around Asia learning the music scene, the business culture and proper customs. The trips gave us some real clarity on our own identity and what we want to do next in our own lives, which gave us the inspiration to make a new album. Identity is a Far East Movement, in a sense, bridging artists from the east with artists from the west while fusing different genres we love."

From NBC News @ http://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/4-years-after-last-album-far-east-movement-finds-their-n670086

Producing for artists in Asia helped Far East Movement gain a deeper appreciation, respect, and understanding of the scene and the culture, Nishimura said. It was vital in helping them reconnect with their identity and focus on a collaborative, global effort to include unifying sounds on their new record. "Talent is global," Nishimura said. "There's no fear. The top artists here [in Asia] are amazing just like the top artists in the U.S. There's no borders on talent." Much of that talent from Asia, as well as from the United States, is featured on "Identity," which features collaboration with American rapper Soulja Boy, South Korean rapper Loco, singer-songwriter Macy Gray, Jay Park, Tiffany from K-Pop group Girls' Generation, and others.

And Yes

Been listening to this album which hit #1 on the dance album iTunes charts, and I'm loving it.

And Yes #2

Since no one else can make the crossover and merge the worlds - and by no one else I mean crazy management and companies who haven't been able to do it - FM I think has done just that - and that only goes to show one thing:

Sometimes you just gotta do yourself.

Uber, Driving By Itself, Anthony Ha, And The Crunch Report (October 25th)

Wednesday, October 26, 2016



I just like this - and I like seeing Anthony Ha out there doing his thing.

Nice work if you can get it.

P.S.

I can only get so good of a screenshot.

Watch It Online (Seriously Do It Now): Kelly Tsai + Say You Heard My Echo

Wednesday, October 26, 2016



"Say You Heard My Echo," A Play about Spirit & Survival in the Decade After 9/11. Written by Kelly Tsai.

Recorded live at HERE Arts Center, NYC, September 2012. To download PDF script for free, http://goo.gl/RXLQeS.

Act 1: The Activist (00:00-25:52) / Act 2: The Soldier (25:53-54:45) / Act 3: The Librarian (54:46-1:23:38)

Play Directed by Jesse Y. Jou. Video Directed / Edited by Kelly Tsai. Featuring YaliniDream, Kelly Tsai, and Adeeba Rana. Produced by Nancy Kim, Ying Le, and Andre Lancaster. Dramaturgy by Amissa Miller. Associate Directed by Devin Brain. Sound Design by Mike Skinner. Costumes by Valerie Bart. Set & Props by Chien-Yu Peng. Lighting by Alan Edwards. Stage Mgt. by John Nehlich.

Developed via Asian American Arts Alliance Call & Response at Flushing Town Hall, Poetic License Theater Festival, Hip Hop Theater Festival, & Rising Circle PlayRISE with funding by Asian Women's Giving Circle, NYU A/P/A Institute, Rising Circle Theater Company, and our 158 Kickstarter Backers. For more info, email: booking@kellytsai.com.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv2oNcxraqM&feature=youtu.be

P.S. If You Don't Know Glenn Is Dead...Glenn Is Dead

Monday, October 24, 2016



Better days above I guess...'cause you know, he's dead now and even though people wished they would have done something different -

apparently when it's an Asian American character - you follow the rules from the original source...

because we die off eventually?

Get It Now: OPERATION: Survive + Koji Steven Sakai

Friday, October 21, 2016



I'm just gonna copy this out from Koji's post:

A few months ago author Nicholas Sansbury Smith asked me to write in his bestselling Extinction Cycle Kindle World series. The books are a culmination of badass military action and well-researched medical science that bring the zombie apocalypse to life in a way never seen before.

I’ve written a story called OPERATION: Survive about a father and son who try to survive the end of the world. You can download my book on Amazon for the low low price of $1.99 (Don’t worry, you don’t need to own a Kindle to read it).

For those that aren’t familiar with the Extinction Cycle you can check out the six books here. As I have said millions of times, one of my favorite zombie book series EVER

Prolific.

I Wonder: Empowering Communities + Business Value (AKA The Tech Field Pays My Bills)

Friday, October 21, 2016

#StreamOfThoughts

I definitely love all the projects that I've been involved in from a community or arts standpoint, or projects that I'm not a part of, but have gotten to know - because there's truly a sense of community there - pushing for something different, maybe trying to make something better, or maybe just trying to add a new voice, and a new vision.

Not always, but a lot of times, they're based in the arts, media, or social justice, or a combination - and it got me wondering if I should be doing some things outside of that realm focused on technology and business and trying to build the skills and networks of those that can benefit and have a want - all of which in some ways are completely different from the projects I've been involved in or tried to get off the ground.

I've taught some technology before (at a local community center) - and it was great to see the people there just learn and feel empowered, and some of them got jobs after the classes - in part because of them.

In some ways I think tech workers can be (at least at times) in a better place than others to be able to provide education, advice, or a roadmap to either the beginning of a new field, or a more enhanced role in the field.

Hmmm...

I'm going to have to think about that one for bit.

Interpretations Winners Announced

Thursday, October 20, 2016



Nice.

I really liked all of the films and all of the opportunities that the filmmakers will be getting - what more could you ask for?

So definite kudos to everyone involved.

Check out all of the winners down @ http://www.yomyomf.com/here-are-your-2016-interpretations-short-film-initiative-winners-honorable-mentions/

MV: Big Phony (빅 포니) - "Hanging on a Thread" + An Rong Xu

Wednesday, October 19, 2016



Music video written & directed by An Rong Xu: http://anrongxu.com.

Sweet.

Fresh Traditions X Fashion Show (10th Anniversary) November 6th

Tuesday, October 18, 2016



Sunday, November 6 at 6 PM - 10 PM

A'BULAE
255 6th St E,
Saint Paul,
Minnesota 55101

FB Show And Ticket Info @ https://www.facebook.com/events/305341819836125

Direct Event Brite Tix Info @ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fresh-traditions-x-fashion-show-tickets-27503888872

Note that it doesn't look like anything is available for purchase yet (asks for a code), but sounds like it should be up and running in the next day or so.

P.S. Even If You Don't Smell You Still Need To Wash It

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

We all know by now some of us don't smell but I'd just say don't let that get to your head because if you do, you're probably not getting any head -

That's for the girls and the boys btw.

No one's gonna be feeling you.

You're just gonna be left not getting felt.

Headless and zipped up like it's -30 with windchill.

Even if you gotta spit shine it on your way to work, in the bathroom, or just when no one's looking - at least give them the basic car wash you know?

All right.

Keep it fresh.

P.S.

If you vote Trump you vote for Humpback whales being scorched from the earth by fire bombs dropping from the sky starting the process of human extinction - a series of events more catastrophic than the next.......eeek!

Spooky....

3X Monday Covers (AKA Can Someone Make Joseph Vincent A Mega-Star Already? AKA Close To Chainsmoking Away The Weekend): Into You (with KOLAJ), Starboy (With David Chen), And Closer

Monday, October 17, 2016





Apparently I Can't Spell...

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

#editor #where #art #thou?

Kickstart It: The Big Bachi Film + Derek Shimoda + Naomi Hirahara + Oliver Ike + Mark Tasaka + Koji Steven Sakai

Tuesday, October 11, 2016



Definitely sounds like a great project and film that I'll want to see - and with great names attached to it I guess I'd just expect it to be good?

Back the project @ https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/159059653/the-big-bachi-film

Random Stuff That's Tough To Do With One Hand (AKA You Probably Guessed One)

Tuesday, October 11, 2016



1. Opening jars. I really do need that other hand.

2. Beating myself senseless because somehow I missed becoming a backer for Snakehead the movie.

3. Cutting my nails.

4. Flipping off the TV with both middle fingers when I'm watching the debates (and btw, how can you still be undecided?).

5. Masturbating. I mean, I'm not trying to say anything about anything, but give it a try. Where do you hold the kleenex? Who's got next and who's got the balls? What if you need to press a key on the keyboard?

6. Typing of any sort. I was getting decent with one hand though.

Ok.

That's it.

You're A First: Elaine Quijano + First Asian American Moderator For A Presidential Campaign Debate

Tuesday, October 04, 2016



1. Awesome.

2. Doesn't MSNBC usually put the name of the moderator up there?

3. She's only 42.

4. Second generation Filipino American.

5. Quijano is an NY CBSN anchor, CBS News correspondent, and anchor of CBS Weekend News.

Movies I Don't Need To See To Know They're Bad: The Asian Connection (AKA Another Steven Seagal Crapfest)

Wednesday, September 14, 2016



Perusing Redbox I stumbled upon the DVD cover and couldn't resist finding out a little more - and with an "endorsement" like this (among other things) the film speaks for itself:

If you're reading this review of the Steven Seagal vehicle "The Asian Connection," it is probably too late to dissuade you from seeing almost any other movie. I get it: you want to see a movie with a vaguely racist-sounding title starring the has-been star of cheesy action films like "Hard to Kill," "Marked for Death," and "Above the Law." These films are bad, but in an endearingly disastrous way. The same is basically true of "The Asian Connection," a lousy bank heist flick and one of Seagal's most engagingly tacky recent efforts. I want to defend this movie, but it's so bad that I must warn you: if you watch this film knowing that it is Steven-Seagal-wearing-a-du-rag-and-glowering-impassively-at-attractive-young-women bad, you will get what you pay for. That's both an endorsement and a warning.
Err...bloated, old, racist, pervy Seagal for 100 please?

Broken Wrist = A Few Less Posts

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Should be self explanatory, but probably not a ton of posts for the next couple of weeks as my left wrist is broken and it needs time to get casted and get into a healing rhythm.

Ok.

P.S. Matt Lauer #currygate

Friday, September 09, 2016

I didn't like you anyway and apparently people behind the scenes aren't so fond of what you just did either (that's why Lester Holt has upstaged you):

Behind the scenes, NBC execs concede Matt Lauer forum performance was "disaster"

And you remember why I didn't like you don't you?

#currygate #imstillinvestigating #youlose

Vote Now: The Interpretations Top 15

Thursday, September 08, 2016

Oh hellz yeah.

Top 15.

Gotta watch 'em.

You should too.

Watch. Vote. Spread the word.

A list of the finalists:

DADDY DAY directed by Faroukh Virani
HIT OR MISS directed by Kristine Gerolaga
ICE CREAM DREAMS directed by Shea William Vanderpoort
LILY directed by Angela Park
NUTS directed by Leon Cheo
PAPER CHILDREN directed by Jeff Gadigan
PREY directed by Matthew King
REAL directed by Hiroshi Hara
SCARE ME directed by Elaine Loh
SINGULARITY directed by Tom Choi
SKETCH directed by Jason M. Klein
SOCKS FOR YOU! directed by Rommel Andaya
SWING directed by Andrew Pang
THE MAJESTIC MR. JESSE directed by Lawrence Chen
WINGMAN directed by Julia Chang

http://www.yomyomf.com/here-are-the-interpretations-top-15-and-the-final-jury/

In Pictures: Nước Short Film

Wednesday, September 07, 2016



https://www.facebook.com/nuocfilm/

Too Proud + Mental Illness + Vietnamese Americans

Wednesday, September 07, 2016

Good (but sad) article down at the OC Register, and mental health and therapy - gotta be true to what's real and deal with it - versus burying down deep inside.

Four years ago, Lanie Tran was broke and homeless. The single mother was living in her car with an adult daughter and a son who was going to middle school. “I felt stuck, like my hands were tied and I couldn’t move,” she said. “I felt ... paralyzed.” That’s what it took for Tran to eventually seek help from the Vietnamese Community of Orange County – a clinic in Westminster that provides comprehensive health services to the county’s Vietnamese population – to treat her daughter’s, son’s and her own mental health issues, which ranged from depression to schizophrenia [...] Tran was a war orphan who grew up with adoptive parents. In Vietnam, she watched people with mental illnesses stigmatized in school, in public, even within families. Tran did not want that for herself or her children [...] Tran is just one example of how mental health stigma devastates Vietnamese American families, a majority of whom have been affected by the multiple traumas wrought by war – imprisonment, torture in concentration camps – uprooting their families, fleeing by boat as they fended off pirates and braved turbulent seas, and eventually reestablishing their lives in a different country.

Read it in full.

Subject: Travel Pool Report 9 - Hawaii

Friday, September 02, 2016

Honestly, I have no idea how I got signed up for these White House Press Office reports, but yet I still don't unsubscribe even though I just see the headlines for the most part, occasionally click on one, and then delete everything else. For some odd reason I decided to post one.

Subject: Travel pool report 9 - Hawaii
The pool reconnected with POTUS and the cartcade just after 16:50 Midway time, making the very short trip to the landing strip. On the way we passed canaries, terns and officers' quarters which were designed by Albert Kahn.

Arriving on the tarmac, Cart Force One pulled up to the bottom of the stairs and POTUS jumped out eating a snack. He thanked some of the aides who helped organize the trip, shook some hands and made his way up the steps.

Air Force One departed Midway Atoll at 16:56, gliding over the reef and climbing into the clouds.
The flight was largely uneventful.

At 20:38 Air Force One Landed at Pearl Harbor.

POTUS left the plane and loaded into the motorcade, which is now moving through very light rain to Kailua, whence we came.

Stir Friday Night + 8 Angry Asians + Starring Scarlett Johansson

Friday, September 02, 2016



Oh hell yes.

Stir Friday Night presents their newest sketch comedy revue:

8 Angry Asians
Starring Scarlett Johansson

*The role of Scarlett Johansson will be played by 8 Asians.

Written & performed by
Brooke Montoya, Dacey Arashiba, Elyse Ahmad, Jonald Reyes, Loreen Targos, Nic Park, Ray Hui, & Scott Hanada
Directed by Jay Steigmann

Music Direction by Katie Foster

Stage Manager: Dujuan Pritchett

Stir Friday Night is a 21-year-old Asian-American comedy group. Some of our alumni include Danny Pudi from Community, and Steven Yeun from The Walking Dead.

P.S. Joseph Tran From "Last Samurai"

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Good lookin' out.

Hope you defend the title next year.

Linkage

P.S.

"Six of the eight competing dance crews featured one to two members of Asian descent — for a total of nine — whose ethnic backgrounds included Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, Khazakstani, Bangladeshi and Taiwanese."

I feel like it should have been more.



Re: Vietnamese Gangs AKA More Than Nails And Rings

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Why is it that everyone reports on Viet gangs and MF nail salons or the people that work there but you don't see them post shit about anything else?

'Cause that's all we are?

Yeah - that's all I'm saying - 'cause that's all that needs to be said.

An Open Letter To My Young Asian Americans Who Like To Drop The N-Word

Monday, August 29, 2016

Dear Youngins,

First off, I am going to refer to you as youngins, because you are. And no, Grandpa doesn't have one foot in the grave, in fact, you can just call me Big Daddy. Unlike you, Big Daddy doesn't lose it early when someone takes off their jacket on a date, and yes, by "lose it" I mean cum early.

I just didn't want to startle you.

And sure Mrs. Big Daddy might have some other things to say on those nights when apparently Big Daddy can't make anybody happy, but who the hell knew I was marrying someone who had a phobia about open closet doors and I was so good at not closing them?

But this isn't about me - this is about you.

I feel you. I get you. I understand in some ways you feel a brotherhood because Black men are men of color, men who've overcame things when faced with people who looked at them differently because of the color of their skin. There's a culture and history there that you can relate to and as POC, communities of color, we share some of those same bonds and shared inequities.

But my youngins - my Asian American youngins, dick and no dick alike:

You're not Black.

You can't call me your n___a.

You can't say hey "What's up my n____a?".

Because again - you're not Black.

That's just the way it works.

You're not down with the Black community. You're appropriating from the Black community. The same community in ways that you're trying to pay homage to in your own way, and again,

I get it -

But you gotta find your own language.

You have to be true to who you are.

--BDS Signing Off--

4X: Random Parry Shen And General Hospital

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Brad Cooper (Parry Shen) GH Episodes 14-19



Brad Cooper (Parry Shen) GH Episodes 26-34



Brad Cooper (Parry Shen) May & June 2014 - GH Episodes



Brad Cooper (2016-03-21) - Brad & Griffin's Jobs Are Threatened



I can't say I watch GH on a regular basis mostly in part because it's in the day and while I'm not averse to the Soap Opera - I typically don't watch them (and I'm still in the process of working a good DVR solution, but I'm a procrastinator). But I have to say the clips I have seen of GH with Parry Shen are really good.

Real real good.

MIN: Take Me Away (AKA I Can't Help It. There're Just Too Many Great Viet Music Videos This Month)

Saturday, August 27, 2016



MIN always seems to have a different look while retaining that sense of self, but the 28 year-old never seems to step out of her comfort zone - and the music is there. Definitely becoming one of my favorite singers.

That's A Chill Sexy Viet Song + Video + "Chỉ Là" By Trang Pháp ft. Dj Xillix + Close To A Million

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Snakehead + Kickstarter

Saturday, August 27, 2016



Snakehead is a feature film about a woman's rise in the international underworld of human smuggling set in New York Chinatown.

Here's a part of the project bio from director Evan Jackson Leong:

I humbly present SNAKEHEAD, a passion project that I've been working on for over 9 years.

Inspired by true events and based in New York's Chinatown, we follow our anti hero, Sister Tse as she rises to one of the most sought after human smugglers in FBI history. From the moment she lands in American waters she quickly learns that the American dream wasn't what she was promised. We will explore the reality of the modern American immigrant through the lens of the Chinatown underworld.

Ultimately, this is a story about a Bad ass Asian woman who finds her community as a feared and respected boss.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/arowanafilms/snakehead?ref=video

This Is My Jam + It's That Good (But Only If You Love Great Dancing And Hooks)

Saturday, August 27, 2016



Seriously.

This is my jam.

NEWDAY | Phan Ngọc Luân ft Mai Ngô | Official MV

Saturday, August 27, 2016



I like the song, but I think I wanted a different video, even though it still kept me watching.

#forgetaboutme #lovethisyourself #mytwocentsisworthapenny

Oh Yes: Mina Oba + Akiko Noguchi + Joy And Sorrow2

Friday, August 26, 2016



This is just four minutes of awesome.

What more do you need?

The Overlooked Consumer Group...Us

Thursday, August 25, 2016



Always good to see some articles talking about how we're overlooked (for the most part).

Yet this fixation may lead some to overlook today’s fastest-growing ethnic consumer group: Asian Americans. In 2015, they had an estimated buying power of $825 billion, which is expected to grow to $1.1 trillion in 2020, according to the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia. In the past 15 years, the Asian American consumer market grew by 199 percent, outpacing gains in the disposable income of Latinos, whites, blacks, and Native Americans. The U.S. Latino population might be three times larger than the Asian American community, but the Asian American population is now growing at a faster rate overall.

Watch It: Annalé + Roses

Tuesday, August 23, 2016



Good soul.

Korean American Soul.

Nice.

Pick up the track @ http://smarturl.it/Roses-Single-iTunes

Not Lifted: Well...That New CL Video And Song Kinda Sucks Doesn't It? What's Wrong With The Marketing People? Who Does This Shit? I Need Asian Americans?

Tuesday, August 23, 2016



I've been wrong before, but when it comes to Asian stars trying to make a splash in the music biz here in the U.S. - they've all died the death that technically they should - and remember I love my pop of all varieties - but I've been right in knowing that their U.S. singles or the way they were marketed - just suck.

And that's the best way to put it.

Remember BoA's video that got panned? How about Utada going on the morning show (like who got that gig) - and yes Utada is technically Asian American and they should have done a lot more.

Where's Girls Generation now in the U.S. Where's Se7en after he dropped it with Lil Kim?

See - you can't try and make someone U.S. hip hop, when they aren't (although I thought Se7en's single was pretty good).

You need Asian Americans to kick it like that - 'cause you know - we're a part of U.S. hip hop.

And it has to be genuine.

On one hand I'm up for Asian stars trying to do it in the U.S. - I'm down with that. But not when you do it like this, and not when Asian American musicians and artists aren't getting the respect that they deserve.

And this video by CL....it just reeks of appropriation *not* being genuine - even though it wants to be cool.

But we all know you can want things...even if you never get them.

I almost feel like I need to manage someone because no one seems to know how take an Asian star and make them a crossover here. It's like they take the best parts of what made them good, drop it all, and then mold them into something they're clearly not. And sure - I have no experience in this whatsoever - but I feel like I could do a better job then what's been done because the bar keeps getting set pretty MF low.

P.S.

Way to steal that line from Jin. Clearly it is "lifted".

Goodread: I Started A Viral Hashtag For More Asian Representation

Friday, August 19, 2016

Kick it:

Then, during my sophomore year of high school, Fresh Off the Boat started to air. It was the first television show I had ever seen that featured multiple Asian-American leads. I was especially inspired by Constance Wu, who expertly played the leading female role of the family matriarch. The show gave me hope that one day more Asian-American stories would be heard, and that more Asian-Americans actors and actresses would be given more opportunities to do what they love. While I had already decided not to pursue acting by the time the show aired, it was still great to finally see people who looked like me on TV, to feel like I was finally represented. Fresh Off the Boat's success also proves that Hollywood’s conviction that only white actors and actresses are "bankable" is a lie (which, in fact, past studies have already proven).

MV + Dumbfoundead + Harambe

Wednesday, August 17, 2016



That will wake you up.

CAAM + "Who is American?" Immigration, Exclusion & The American Dream Educational Outreach Campaign (Now Until September 15th)

Monday, August 15, 2016

From the campaign:

The campaign, "Who is American?" Educational Outreach for the PBS Documentary THE CHINESE EXCLUSION ACT will run from Monday, August 15 - Thursday, September 15, 2016. Our goal is to raise $50,000 to distribute free educational resources and host community screenings to reach thousands of students, teachers, and community members in support of the new PBS documentary THE CHINESE EXCLUSION ACT by acclaimed filmmakers Ric Burns and Li-Shin Yu of Steeplechase Films. CAAM is leading the outreach and is one of the co-producers of this landmark project.
Check it out and donate here.

Trailers: Spa Night + Andrew Ahn

Monday, August 15, 2016



A little bit about Andrew Ahn

Read It: Acting While Asian An Essay by Ann Harada At Stage And Candor

Friday, August 12, 2016

I know things are getting better for actors of Asian descent. I know efforts are being made to increase diversity in casting and that awareness is being raised in regards to yellowface and race-specific casting. I know this because I hear white actors complaining that they are losing roles “because of diversity.” I also know this because black actors have made it a point to come up to me and say, “Wow, I thought we had it bad, but you guys REALLY don’t have many opportunities.”

Read it in full.

Some Chasing, Some Lovely, Some Reviews

Friday, August 12, 2016



From Audiofemme:

Hailing from Nashville, sister duo Chloe and Taylor are able to weave a vivid tale with their voices and light acoustic guitar that’ll give you goosebumps. This folky pair advocate working toward positive change, and their music is a fantastic reflection of that. “Always and Never Enough” is an introspective peak into how they process the positive yet tragic elements of the human element and everyday existence.

A Little DNC @ The 8 Of The Asians

Friday, August 12, 2016

Just gonna peep you over here down @ 8Asians by one of their longtime bloggers John and his coverage at the DNC.

Nice.

"Seoul Man" Just Feels So White And It Reminds Me Of That Bad C. Thomas Howell Movie Too

Friday, August 12, 2016



So this article down at the Washington Post caught my eye called "Slippers at work? Nonstop alcohol? Tales of an American executive in Korea" and I don't exactly know why I wanted to read it, but I felt like I should, and apparently the article is an excerpt from "Seoul Man: A Memoir of Cars, Culture, Crisis, and Unexpected Hilarity Inside a Korean Corporate Titan".

I'm not saying the author is some rude brash and racist American - he seems like a pretty normal guy - out of his element of course, and it's not like I'm sure he doesn't have a fondness for his time there...I guess it just seems White.

You can hang out with Koreans here in the U.S. and get your soju and mic on --- and replace Korean with a decent amount of Asian ethnicities and the same thing goes (and yes, we are not one monolithic singleton, blah blah blah blah blah, but c'mon - ...you were never singing too loud with someone after a shot?).

He seemed so surprised by everything, and it's just so White to be so surprised by some of those things - if not maybe all of them.

What did we know about South Korea coming in? Little more than most Americans do: It’s the most wired nation on earth, the kids are ultra-high-achievers in academics, and they eat kimchi. Surrounded by our LG flat-screen TVs, Samsung smartphones, and Hyundai and Kia cars, most Americans know Korea for its powerhouse consumer brands — and perhaps for the murderous Kim dynasty in the North, whose periodic outbursts alternate between lethal threats and farce.

I get it.

We play percentages and numbers. But when those numbers and percentages are millions of people, it makes you wonder a little bit about someone's depth of field and what's in focus and what's not. I know it's not quite my right to feel slighted - but I do.

Just a little.

It's kinda like - dude. This is all you knew about SK coming into it?

Did you not have any Asian American friends?

A subscription to DramaFever maybe?

Something?

I feel like you deserve what you get in that scenario - and it's this painted picture of this "unseen" "mysterious" culture that kind of gets to me - perpetuating the myth of the Ancient Chinese Secret which I can use to describe this, because it's the same piece of paper written by the same thought - and in all reality - some of this, is just asking some people over some bubble tea you know?

It's not that ancient and it's not that secret.

I'm not saying I know what it's like to work in his position at Hyundai and that there's not something of educational value there from his POV. But it's a White POV which also doesn't seem to have a lot Asian American or Asian influence - and don't you hate those people sometimes who know the foreign exchange student, or someone's brother's wife is from some country in the Motherlands but other than that they don't actually have any Asian American sphere's of influence in their life?

It's almost as if it's dismissive by omission.

And by omission we don't exist and don't enter the narrative for so many people.

It's like we're forgotten.

I think that's what gets me the most.

#TBT: Racial Stereotyping of Asians and Asian Americans...A Reflection On The Wayne Lo Case

Thursday, August 11, 2016

http://scholarship.law.berkeley.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1060&context=aalj

If My Balls Were Famous Temples I Would Call Them Temples, But They're Not, So I Just Call Them Balls

Thursday, August 11, 2016

This probably should have been a tweet...

But I'm lazy.



I don't know if I'd want those near my tem...my balls.

I'll give it a try though...'cause I own one.

Maybe I should do a reaction video...hmmmm...maybe.

Dear Big Fat Cock Fucker

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Honestly, I just wanted to use that in a post title because I don't think I've ever used that exact phrase in a post title.

And yes, I'm sure I can come up with a photo or two, but then I'd digress into a series of posts that are just childish.

And why would I want to do that?

Ok.

I'm going to resume watching bad TV now...

What Does Being The Only Super Regional Korean American Bank Mean? Will There Be A Bank Of Bánh Mì Too?

Thursday, August 11, 2016

I read through the press release and I'm still not quite sure what this really means.

They say it will be called the Bank of Hope.

They say "Bank of Hope will serve as a cornerstone for Korean-American communities across the United States, and we look forward to introducing our new brand to our customers, communities and shareholders".

Special loans for Korean Americans?

Dramafever in the lounge while you wait for your personal banker?

Ahjussis getting ready to one hand smack you when you didn't make your payment?

Or just serving the Korean American community?

I'm a little confused but also intrigued.

And as I asked in the title I wonder if BBCN Bancorp and Wilshire Bancorp will create a new subsidiary called the Bank Of Bánh Mì?

Sure it may not be as enticing as Bank of Hope - but I also have to wonder about putting my money into a bank with the word "hope" in it - as in "I hope my money stays safe".

I mean with Bank of Bánh Mì at least you know some White hipsters are gonna ask if they can put some money in ('cause you know - they want to be on the bleeding edge).

Hmmm....I'll have to ponder this for another 5 minutes or so.