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.