No love for Spielberg - but his movies are O.K.

Apparently Spielberg is still getting hit with criticism for pulling out of the Beijing Olympics:

Hollywood film-maker Steven Spielberg has been ridiculed in the Chinese media and on the Internet for living in a "sci-fi" dream world over his decision to sever ties with the Beijing Olympics.

"Mr. Spielberg knows nothing about China's endeavor to solve the Darfur issue," Xinhua quoted a commentary in the Guangming Daily as saying. "He is unqualified to blame the Chinese government."

One posting said: "The US slaughters civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq. Director Spielberg, don't you feel ashamed being an American? You don't criticize your own country, then how can you criticize China?".

You've got to start wondering how this might all play out - and if bigger things are going to start happening - but then again - as long as everyone still loves E.T. - maybe this will all blow over:

But Spielberg's work has been spared criticism, according to the Xinhua report, because Chinese people still loved his movies. It quoted Xinghe, a Chinese writer, as saying that the US producer had inspired Chinese youngsters who love science fiction.

"He has great talent. We are regretful over his decision, but we can still enjoy his movies," he said.

Box Office: Step Up 2 the Streets debuts strong with the #2 position

While there's technically one more day in the weekend - the numbers are in - and Jon Chu's new film Step Up 2 The Streets (chock full of Asian goodness) came in at #2 for the V-Day weekend pulling in strong $26.3 million since its early Thursday release - right behind the #1 movie with Hayden Christensen and Samuel L. Jackson Jumper, which has taken in $33.9 million since its Thursday release.

Next up for Chu - The Prom.

Health Care Access

A snippet from an article at Newsweek on a new American Cancer Society study:

In a new study, which will be published in the March issue of the journal Lancet Oncology, researchers at the American Cancer Society (ACS)—where Brawley is now chief medical officer—analyzed records of more than 3.7 million cancer patients diagnosed between 1998 and 2004 throughout the country. They found that minority and uninsured cancer patients like the woman at Grady Memorial Hospital have a significantly higher risk than white patients and those with private insurance of having reached an advanced stage of the disease by the time they are diagnosed or seek treatment.

But even when you take insurance into account, race still has an effect," says Elizabeth Ward, one of the study's authors and managing director of surveillance at the ACS. "So we have to look at factors operating at a variety of levels ... whether the facilities that are available are acceptable, whether or not the person can access [specialized] care, whether there have been experiences of discrimination or a feeling that one is not receiving good care at a particular facility, especially if it seems related to race or ethnicity."

Read the full article here.

Music, Blue Scholars, and Asian American Hip Hop

Update: Video clip was changed from Joe Metro to Back Home

The Asian American duo Blue Scholars - Geologic and Sabzi - in addition to their touring and running MassLine Media, will also be doing a panel discussion down at Colorado State University this February 28th to talk about their music, social justice, contradictions, and inspirations.

Check out the video for their track Back Home:



For more info on Blue Scholars, go to their official site, MySpace, or Wikipedia.

K.T. Tatara and MTV's Most Valuable Players

If you're not familiar with the comedy of K.T. Tatara - see the YouTube clip below - and if you get a chance, watch him as one of the comedian personalities on MTV's Most Valuable Players where they're recapping some of the most outrageous reality tv show characters.

K.T. Tatara at The Ice House



For more on K.T. Tatara, check out his Comedy Central profile, official site, or MySpace page.

Sen. Chris Buttars, black babies, and the NAACP

Interesting story on Senator Chris Buttars late this week, and being asked to step down for racially charged (see subtle racist) comments he made on the Senate floor:

While the regional head of the NAACP is calling for Sen. Chris Buttars to resign over a racially charged comment, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. says that is a matter for voters. And Senate President John Valentine says the decision is Buttars' alone. During debate Tuesday on a bill to equalize school construction funds, Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, called the measure an "ugly baby." Other senators picked up on the metaphor and as Buttars stood to oppose the measure, he said: "This baby is black. It is a dark, ugly thing."

During a break after the debate, Sen. Ross Romero approached Senate President John Valentine with concerns about the offensive remark and, when senators returned, Buttars apologized, but insisted it was not meant to be racist. "I made a comment that I think a lot of people could take racist. I certainly did not mean that in any way but it was wrong and certainly could easily have been taken that way," Buttars said. "I apologize to anyone who took offense. . . . I ask for your forgiveness."

Jeanetta Williams, regional president of NAACP, is calling for Buttars' resignation. "We are asking him to step down," she said. Williams had said Tuesday evening that she accepted Buttars' apology and would not demand that he step aside, but she later remembered an earlier incident where Buttars questioned the legality of the Supreme Court's landmark civil rights ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, which did away with the "separate but equal" doctrine.

Read the full article down at the Salt Lake Tribune.

Race Roundup

News bytes on race and racism from around the way:

Racist etchings should be fully investigated

When symbols of racism show up in public, it’s always offensive. When those responsible for the property figuratively shrug their shoulders, it’s downright distressing.

Houston DA resigns amid scandal over e-mails containing porn, racist and political comments

A district attorney who's considered the state's most powerful prosecutor resigned Friday under the weight of a scandal involving the release of dozens of pornographic, racist and political e-mails on his office computer. Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal blamed the bizarre inbox contents, which included love notes to his secretary and campaign strategizing, on a combination of drugs he had been prescribed that affected his judgment, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Fashion is racist: insider lifts lid on 'ethnic exclusion'

Speaking as London Fashion Week drew to a close, Carole White, co-founder of Premier Model Management, which supplies models to top fashion brands, admitted that finding work for black clients was significantly harder than for the white models, because both magazines and fashion designers were reluctant to employ them.

Hastings says 'racist streak' may hurt Obama

As the race between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama has tightened to the point that it may be settled only by superdelegates at the Democratic presidential nominating convention in August, a prominent South Florida political leader is saying that America's racial attitudes will hurt Obama's chances.

Ann Coulter Starts Early with Racist Slurs Against Obama

Watching "Countdown" with Keith Olbermann yesterday on MSNBC (the only hour of basic cable where one might hear something relevant) I learned that Ann Coulter has already begun implementing the Far Right's strategy of smearing Barack Obama. Coulter's job is to inject into the Republican echo chamber racist words that would be unacceptable anywhere else. We are drearily familiar with her lies, false accusations, exaggerations, innuendo, and racist attacks while pretending to be "funny."

Coming Soon: Gary King and New York Lately

Asian American filmmaker Gary King just wrapped up the filming of his new movie New York Lately where it's headed into post production, looking at a release date later this year (winter) - and from the trailers on the film's site, it looks like it's going to be a pretty cool flick and a great feature film debut for King who both wrote and directed the movie (more info as the release date gets closer).


Gary King with his crew behind the scenes

For more info check out the official site at http://www.nylatelymovie.com/, as well as the film's MySpace page, and Gary King's Director's Blog.

Spielberg, China, and E.T.

If you haven't heard, Steven Spielberg has decided pull out from any involvement in the Beijing Olympics, where he was supposed to be on a team for the opening ceromonies helmed by Director Zhang Yimou, citing Darfur and China's involvement with the Sudanese government. From Variety:

Steven Spielberg has decided not to participate in this summer's Beijing Olympic Games as an artistic adviser, citing China's lack of progress in resolving the humanitarian crisis in Darfur.

His move is a public relations blow to the Chinese government, which is under pressure to force the government of Sudan to resolve the crisis in Darfur. Spielberg's worldwide profile could lead others involved in the Games to pull out and even lead sponsors to reconsider their roles in the event.

"I find that my conscience will not allow me to continue with business as usual," Spielberg said. "At this point, my time and energy must be spent not on Olympic ceremonies but doing all I can to help bring an end to the unspeakable crimes against humanity that continue to be committed in Darfur."

And the Chinese Government's response? Word from the Chinese Government and some local bloggers insist that it's more politicising of the games. From The Independent:

We regret Steven Spielberg's decision but we don't need him to stage an excellent Olympics, was China's defiant response to the film-maker's resignation as artistic director of the Beijing Olympics this summer. In line with previous comments about human rights defenders trying to tie political issues to the greatest sporting show on Earth, Beijing officials blamed activists with unspecified "ulterior motives" for trying to spoil the Games.

The tone of the Chinese response is best described as a combination of defiance, nationalistic resolve and a feeling of being hard done by. "It is understandable if some people do not understand the Chinese government policy on Darfur. But I am afraid that some people may have ulterior motives, and this we cannot accept," said Liu Jianchao, aForeign Ministry spokesman. He emphasised China's concern about the humanitarian crisis in Darfur but insisted China had been playing a constructive role in promoting peace there.

The news has not been widely reported in China but it has prompted a reaction among bloggers. One described Spielberg as a volunteer salesman working without a salary, peddling the American Dream by making blockbusters. "Maybe without his help we can show during the Olympics the more traditional side of our culture. Farewell, Mr Spielberg! Maybe the people of Iraq need you more than us."

At the same time as all of this is happening, China is apparently also censoring Spielberg's film E.T. as well as any movie with aliens, ghosts, or the supernatural. From the Telegraph UK:

Even before Spielberg announced he was pulling out of the Beijing Olympics, Chinese officials were plotting against his most lovable creation - ET.

In a new twist in the Chinese censors’ campaign to clean up the country’s viewing habits, aliens, ghosts and all other aspects of horror and the supernatural are to be banned from videos.

Video and audio products often “involve alien-looking characters and fictional storytelling, both specifically plotted for the sole purpose of terror,” the General Administration of Press and Publications, one of two main censorship bodies, said.

Vietnam: The Pepper King

Who knew?

There is a shortage of pepper around the globe and the pepper price is expected to stay firmly high for the next three years, at least. Vietnam now provides 60% of the world’s total pepper. International pepper traders say that if domestic production is allowed to be adversely affected, the supply shortage will intensify.

Read more down at the Vietnam Economic Times.

Bai Ling: Strip Searched

So FOXNews and the AFP are reporting that Bai Ling was arrested for shoplifting - about $16 worth of goods - and the Star Magazine had this to say on the ordeal:

Bai Ling, if you really wanted to read about yourself in Star, we would have gladly just given you a magazine!

Instead, on Feb. 13, the "actress" — who appears in our Worst of the Grammys fashion coverage — was arrested in a gift shop at LAX for stealing not one, but two copies of Star, as well as two packs of AAA batteries (total worth around $16).

According to reports, a store employee witnessed Ling shoplifting and completed a strip search, which turned up the stolen goods. Police were called and she was taken to Pacific Station, where a tearful Ling was questioned for two hours, booked for misdemeanor shoplifting and released (no mug shot was taken).

Ling will appear in court on March 5 to face charges.

A strip search? For batteries? That must have hurt.

Hey - at least it's not a DUI.

NPO: Out Against Abuse

I got sent an e-mail from the founder of a new non-profit that's starting up to help with domestic abuse in the South Asian community called Out Against Abuse. They're just getting started, so go on over and check out their site and see if you can't help out with this worthy cause. Here's some more info that Sabrin Chowdhury sent over about the NPO:

The main purpose of this forum is to bring together activists, volunteers, survivors, and members of the community to encourage the discussion of gender related abuse and how it affects the South Asian community. We hope through constant dialogue and collaboration we can all learn from each other and work to educate our community on how to end gender related violence in our homes and lives.

The features of the website/blog will include a biweekly interview spotlighting an activist, allowing readers to learn more about their research and impact on advancing women’s rights. The blog will also be updated frequently with recent news and insightful articles.

I encourage you to visit the website (www.outagainstabuse.com) and offer any suggestions, make comments on the blogs, start the discussion, and pass it on to your volunteers and survivors, activists, scholars, and the rest of your community.

Pass it on if you can.

The Wachowskis, Rain, and Ninja Assassin

According to Variety, Korean entertainer Rain (Jung Ji-hoon) will be following up his starring role from I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK, with the lead role in Larry and Andy Wachowski's Warner Brother's pic Ninja Assassin (Rain is also in another Wachowski movie Speed Racer, albeit in a supporting role).

While it sounds like it could be interesting, let's just hope that they change the title of the movie before it's released to something that doesn't sound so Chuck Norris.

Filming should start in May.

V is for Valentine - or - Vaginas with teeth

A special post for V-Day

If you don't think Valentine's Day is a mass marketing scheme to drain you of your hard earned cash for things that you should really be doing all year round - hats off to you, and may you enjoy the day with your loved one.

On the other hand - if you find Valetine's Day to just be an excuse for people to say I love you to someone they just met in the hopes that they'll put out - then you'll probably enjoy the trailer for the film Teeth.

View the trailer

ImaginAsian Investment

With the demise of AZN Television - it's good to see that ImaginAsian Entertainment is still looking to expand and widen their reach:

Fujisankei Communications International (FCI), a subsidiary of Japan’s Fuji Television Network, has made an investment in the Asian-American media outfit ImaginAsian Entertainment (IA).

The investment follows a similar move last year by Korea’s Sidus Corp. “Fujisankei’s decision to invest and marry their U.S. media goals with IA’s vision is a reflection on the emphasis Asian media companies are placing on leveraging their strategic importance in the marketplace—the companies that have the most to gain are getting smarter and organizing,” said Augustine Hong, the chairman and CEO of IA.

In addition to its financial investment, Fujisankei will provide a slate of news and entertainment content for the Asian-American cable outlet iaTV, including Japanese drama and variety shows.

Read the complete article here at World Screen.

Kon Ichikawa

Kon Ichikawa, the Japanese film director whose versatility ranged beyond his well-known antiwar dramas like “The Burmese Harp” and “Fires on the Plain” to comedies, documentaries and literary adaptations, died on Wednesday in Tokyo. He was 92.

Mr. Ichikawa’s career reached what many consider its high point when Americans were streaming to art-cinema houses in the 1950s and ’60s to see movies by emerging masters like Ingmar Bergman. In those years some critics rated Mr. Ichikawa on a level with Akira Kurosawa. He was “once hailed as one of the world’s greatest directors,” Olaf Möller wrote in 2001 in Film Comment.

He was also versatile in his 60-year career, directing hugely profitable thrillers, very black comedies and cartoons.

Read the full article at the NY Times.

Workplace Discrimination: You want to play like a racist, you've got to pay like a racist

A little late with posting these as they've happened over the past month - but check out some of these settlements from employers and unions that have to pay out because of discriminatory practices based on race and national origin:

Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local 28 (New York): $6.2 million dollars to 156 employees

This case actually has roots as far back as 1971 - so while it's a win, it's kind of sad that it's taken so long - but at the same time, it's being hailed as a historic settlement because of the rights it gives to sheet metal workers. The basic crux of the settlement is that 156 minority workers from the Local 28 lost wages as a result of being referred to fewer job opportunities when compared to their white counterparts - and finally - after years of going back and forth - it's been settled.

Henredon Furniture Industries: $450,000

According to the settlement, since 1986, African American workers have had to endure shots of racist language thrown at them with no help from the management of the company - and in addition to verbal harassment - as if that wasn't enough - also have had to endure threats of being lynched via nooses pictured all over the furniture plant where they worked.

While I'm glad to see these getting settled and some justice finally getting served - when will business finally get a clue?

Head to Head: The Eye (Remake) and Jessica Alba versus The Eye and Lee Sinje (aka Angelica Lee)

After seeing the remake of the Pang Brother's film The Eye with Jessica Alba - and being a fan of the original with Lee Sinje (as well as the Pang Brothers) - I thought a head to head competition was in order pitting the two movies, and their stars against each other in a no-holds barred winner take all head to head battle.

Note to readers: This post contains a ton of spoilers.

Now that the spoiler warning is out of the way - let the battle begin.

Jessica Alba versus Lee Sinje

As much as each actress has their own style and substance, comparing the two in this role is a little lopsided.

Lee Sinje won two Best Actress awards for her role in the original film at the Golden Horse Awards and Hong Kong Film Festival, and prior to that in 2001 received the New Talent Award at the Berlin International Film Festival for her role in Ai ni ai wo (Betelnut Beauty) - all of which is to say that while Jessica Alba does a credible job in the remake, she doesn't quite have the acting chops of Lee Sinje - and it shows in the final cut of each film.

Winner: Lee Sinje

Storyline, Characters, and the Ending

Both movies have the same basic plot, and the remake does a good job of keeping the main story arcs from the original - but some of the extra additions it adds - including the ending - all make the U.S. version not as scary - or suspenseful - as the original.

A couple of key differences from the original and the remake:

• Hospital Stay: In the original, Lee spent a lot more time in the hospital before she went home after her operation - and like a good story should - it helped add to the suspense of the movie and everything that was happening. In the remake, it felt like Alba was rushed out too early after her surgery - she didn't spend enough time in the sterile and washed out colors of the hospital getting adjusted to her new eyes.
• The Sister: While the sister in the first movie proved to be a little aloof, almost uncaring, in the remake, Parker Posey as the sister seems almost too concerned. Posey plays the dutiful sister, taking Alba back home after her operation, offering to stay with her, and even planning a welcome back party once they arrive. Contrast that to Candy Lo, who plays Sinje's sister in the original - she's aloof and almost uncaring and really doesn't speak much in the movie - Sinje's family is concerned, but in a much more distant way which adds to the feeling that Lee's character Mun is dealing with everything almost alone.
• The Ending: In the remake, both parts to the end of the movie are less intense and apocalyptic than the original - Alba actually saves everyone in the final scene, while Lee ends up watching everyone burn to death as she tries helplessly to free them.

I know that the remake was designed to have a storybook Hollywood ending, and in a lot of ways it fits within the overall tone of that version - but if they would have stuck to the same ending where Alba doesn't save everyone, where she's not the hero - I think it would have added to the remake's credibility, and also showed that Alba was willing to take a chance on a new type of role versus the ones she's been taking lately where she either helps save the day, or everything just ends up working out for her.

Winner: The Original

The Laugh Factor

When you have a horror/suspense movie - probably the last thing you want is the audience actually laughing when they really shouldn't - and it happened twice in the theater I watched it at. The worst came before the final scene where Alba, who is making peace with the ghost whose eyes she has, is cradling her in her arms - but seen through the eyes of her doctor who can't see ghosts - we see her talking and holding no one - which proved to be comical for everyone watching.

Winner (or actually loser in this case): The Remake

Special Effects and Editing

While everyone thought the remake might actually be better in the special effects department - sadly - while the effects were decent, they weren't what you would expect when doing a remake of a classic horror/suspense film with a larger budget. At the same time, the soundtrack and the editing of the original was just better executed - one thing you just can't duplicate is the Pang style.

Winner: The Original

And the winner is...

Hands down, the original version of The Eye is the better of the two movies - and while the U.S. version wasn't horrible by any means (because there's worse out there) - when you remake a classic film like The Eye - you have to make it your own, but still stay true to the original - and that's something the U.S. remake just wasn't quite able to do.

Orange Range: Kimi Station

The latest MV from Japanese band Orange Range for their single Kimi Station which is getting officially released March 5th.

YouTube: Go go communitychannel

Off for a couple of months without any videos, communitychannel (aka 21 yr-old comedian/photoshop/imovie Vietnamese Australian vlogger Natalie - who's had over 2 million views and has 51,000+ subscribers) has gotten back into the YouTube seat with almost famous - not quite virgin...!? spammers and thewinekone. OH and my dress! - but still a good watch.

View almost famous



View virgin...!? spammers and thewinekone. OH and my dress!