Thanks to TCM and the JLC for making me weep

Last night I re-watched the movie The Joy Luck Club thanks to TCM, and a few things stuck out at me as I haven't seen it in forever since I was younger.

1. That movie is way old now.

2. Maybe I'm just a cream puff at heart but I couldn't help but breakdown like the blithering idiot I am, more than once going "That's just so..." - fill in big words like "sad", "great", "touching".

3. I know luminaries like Frank Chin couldn't stand the book or movie, but really - it was a good flick (see fiction) filled with some great flawed characters. And I love my flawed characters.

4. As an Asian American male I get it to a certain degree about the portrayals, but really, it just doesn't bother me. Maybe it's because I know it's fiction. Maybe because since then we've had so many representations of the Asian/Asian American male (although still lacking). I don't know - I'm kind of on a Mocha high right now so I'm rambling like a blithering idiot - but - it just doesn't bother me. Maybe I need to be more militant.

5. I really think I'm in touch with my sensitive side right now.

6. Sleep deprivation will do that, along with tons o' caffeine.

7. Just wanted to give a shout out to TCM for putting on some cool films. My favorite was the Anna May Wong retrospective Anna May Wong ~ Frosted Yellow Willows: Her Life, Times and Legend.

Win A Shirt-Tail Top In Metallic Silk

I was checking out the ALTRA site for the new re-launch and while it seems to still be in the works, they do have a free giveaway from Vietnamese American designer Thuy Diep. For all the details go to the ALTRA site here.

Jazmin on America's Got Talent

I had mentioned the group Jazmin before in a previous post but hadn't heard much about them lately - so it's cool to see them on this season's America's Got Talent show which is apparently getting some good TV traffic (NBC says it's the #1 show this summer).

Here's a clip from the episode where they make it to Vegas.



Other than the "The Hoff" oogling them - because that's just a non-tasty visual - it's cool to see the singers, and some Asian faces, on the show.

If you want more music from Jazmin, check out their MySpace page.

Film: That Asian Thing

This is coming pretty late, but you still have time to watch the documentary That Asian Thing online for free down at Lycos Cinema, as well as - and more importantly - vote for it to become part of the Independent Features Film Festival at the Tribeca Cinemas.

All you need to do is vote for it by going to http://cinema.lycos.com/movies/that_asian_thing.

Here's a synopsis of the film:

'That Asian Thing' is a culmination of interviews by Jonald Reyes, an Asian-American, who attempts to figure out why there is a low impact of Asian-Americans in mainstream American culture. As he explores his city of Chicago, IL, he finds a growing Asian-American community that continues to educate people on the cultural medium between what is 'Asian' and what is 'American.' Along the way, questions are brought to the forefront: What is mainstream culture? What is Asian-America? and how does this 'model minority' not excel in mediated entertainment? This film exposes performances from amazing spoken word artists, rappers, folk singers, and rock bands. Also, his interviews with actors and comedians spark up thoughts of Asian-American representation and observations.

I haven't seen it myself yet, but caught some clips and while rough, looks like it could be pretty cool. Here's a list of Asian American artists from the film's website at http://www.thatasianthing.com/:

• Alcantara, Charlene Haze - Writer, Spoken word performer www.myspace.com/charlenehaze
• Aoki, Tatsu - Bassist - Assistant Professor, Art Institute of Chicago - founder, Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival http://www.tatsuaoki.com/
• Chan, Jeff - Tenor saxophonist/Composer home.earthlink.net/~jfchan
• Biesenbach, Robert - Actor, Writer http://www.robbiesenbach.com/
• Esguerra, Anida Yoeu - Contemporary artist http://www.atomicshogun.com/
• Inspired By U (I.B.U.) - R&B group Chanthasene, Tommy Musni, Michael Shauf, Jonathan http://www.ibumusic.com/
• Kina, Laura - Assistant Professor, DePaul University - Artist http://www.laurakina.com/
• Lee, Larry - Artist, Educator http://www.larryleechicago.com/
• Lin, Cynthia - Folk/jazz singer http://www.cynthialin.com/
• Lozano, Dr. Elizabeth - Associate Professor, Loyola University www.luc.edu/communication/academics_facultystaff_lozano.html
• Manalansan, Martin - Associate Professor, Univ. of IL, Urbana-Champaign - Author www.anthro.uiuc.edu/faculty/manalansan
• Maxwell, Dobie - Comedian, Instructor Monteverde, Jon (XYZR_KX) - Rock/Electronica musician, Filmmaker jonmonteverde.com
• Munoz, Dr. Romeo - author, Filipino Americans: Journey from Invisibility to Empowerment Munoz, Stephen - Folk/Jazz singer www.myspace.com/stephenmunoz
• Oishi, Carly - singer www.myspace.com/oishimusic
• The Pacifics - Hip hop/rap group KP Norman Rockwell Strike3 http://www.thepacifics.com/
• Park, Mia - Host, Chic-A-Go-Go – actress, writer, director http://www.miapark.com/
• Posen, Brian - Director, Yellow - Artistic Director, Chicago Sketchfest - Instructor http://www.chicagosketchfest.com/
• Quartermile - Rock Band Carey, Paul Chang, Mark Pomerantz, Jon Rarang, Bruce Sono, Shinya www.myspace.com/quartermiletheband
• Robbi - Rapper, Singer http://www.robbilives.com/
• Soni, Rupal - writer, educator rupalisinindia.blogspot.com
• 4 Sons of the Orient - R&B group Insixiengmay, Toby Jang, Luke Reyes, Jesch Robinson, Gary www.myspace.com/4soto
• Stir Friday Night - comedy troupe Canciller, Melissa Lee, Andrew Liu, Jennifer Mok, Ron Nguyen, Foo Pak, Harrison Shyn, Aimee http://www.stirfridaynight.org/
• Yuan, Chien - Actually, Records founder http://www.actuallyrecords.com/
• Chen, Jane - Producer, Red Doors http://www.reddoorsthemovie.com/
• Coats, Mercedes - Co-Director/Producer, To You Sweetheart, Aloha www.walking-iris.com/sweetheartaloha
• Hugh, Tim - Festival Director, Chicago Asian American Showcase http://www.faaim.org/
• Kwan, Julia - Director, Eve and the Firehorse http://www.eveandthefirehorse.com/
• Lee, Georgia - Director, Red Doors http://www.reddoorsthemovie.com/
• Riverton, Mia - Actress, Producer, Red Doors http://www.reddoorsthemovie.com/
• Filipinos in Alliance - University of IL in Chicago (UIC)www2.uic.edu/stud_orgs/cultures/fia
• Indian Student Association - University of IL in Chicago (UIC) - India Night 2006 www2.uic.edu/stud_orgs/cultures/isa
• Kaibigan Organization - Northwestern University - Cultural Show 2006 groups.northwestern.edu/kaibigan
• South Asian Student Alliance - Loyola University www.luc.edu/orgs/sasa
• Young Asians With Power (YAWP!) - Untranslatable 2006 www.thecollectivechicago.org/yawp
  

Random But Cool Asian American Music Notes: Flowsik, miwaLyric, Lyrics Born, IBU, Kawehi, George Shaw, Chops

There's a new MV you can catch down on Vimeo featuring Flowsik, Decipher, Showgunna, and Reign Era.

miwaLyric has a spoken word piece on the new Symptom of the Free Mind album.

Lyrics Born has a new blog down at blogspot.

IBU is having their pre-release party down at Heat Nightclub (IL) June 29th. No cover charge with RSVP: email your full name and phone number to infoibu@aol.com.

Kawehi and her band have a residency down at McMurphy's. When: Every other Wednesday starting July 2nd. Where: McMurphy's Tavern Address: 72 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103.

George Shaw released a new CD to his successfull follow up album Marcus: The Film Music of George Shaw. The new CD is called J-ok’el. You can pick it up at MovieScore Media.

Producer Chops remixes lil wayne which you can check out here down at zShare.

Gary King: Dismal

Here's the latest trailer for Dismal, directed by AA filmmaker Gary King, who's also coming out with New York Lately.

Kollaboration Acoustic 2

Check out the lineup and info for Kollaboration Acoustic 2 which is being held August 2nd down at The Ford Theater from the MySpace bulletin:

KOLLABORATION ACOUSTIC 2 Sat. Aug.2 at the Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood (Near Hollywood Bowl).

Come watch the best Asian Singers in America battle it out for $1700 in total cash prizes in front of Celebrity Judges and 1,250 people! Featuring Special Guest: PAUL DATEH & KEN BELCHER - (millions of views on youtube)

Comedians: Edwin San Juan and Ali Wong

And Competitors:

Benny Mao
Jaewon Choe
Jane Lui
Jason Arimoto
Jennifer Chung
Ken Oak Band
Lady Danville
Million Dollar Babies
Richey Lam
Sam Geunjin Kang
The Shinobies
Tier2

That's a sick lineup.

You can bring a picnic and eat before the show. Make it romantic. or Bring your family. For those 21+ you can bring drinks. VIP tickets will include some free drinks and free entry to the afterparty.

Get tickets here.

NewsBytes

News from around the way:

Asian activists head to Hill, call for bilingual ballot bill

Carrying signs bearing slogans like “I’m a Citizen, Protect My Voting Rights” and chanting in Cantonese about the importance of bilingual ballots, a group of over 100 Asian men, women and children flocked to Beacon Hill Monday for a “civil rights march and speak out” sponsored by the CPA, a Chinatown-based grassroots organization.

Being Chinese American and embracing the "Twinkie"

I was born in Evanston and grew up in Buffalo Grove. Both of my parents were born in Chicago. My maternal and paternal grandparents were born in Asia. When I was younger, my siblings and I didn't speak Chinese in our home as many of my Chinese-American friends did. My parents didn't teach us Chinese. Neither did they make us attend Chinese school. I didn’t mind this because my friends always complained about going since their parents forced them to go.

Filipina receives NAAAP award

"It’s a wonderful and unexpected honor. Being the first Filipina awardee, I feel even more fortunate to have received this recognition. The awards traditionally highlight young scholars from area high schools and those in business, government and not-for-profit who are more seasoned and can offer lessons of experience.

Obama Names AAPI Outreach Director

Charmaine Manansala, a former Pelosi advisor and White House AAPI Initiative staffer, is going to be joining the Obama campaign as AAPI Vote Director. AAA Fund Advisory Board Member Betsy Kim will also be departing the DNC to serve as Deputy Director of AAPI Outreach.

They will be working to outreach to Asian Pacific American Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.

Do you racially stereotype?

"That remark shocked me because why would our arguments which in my opinion had nothing to do with my Asianness and only to do with my individual character flaws be somehow connected to 'other Asians' she might meet in the future? And since our 'racial differences' or my being Asian were not the content of the quarrel that broke us up, I was surprised that she would mention my 'Asianness' out of the blue.

Cool Times 3: Shu Qi, Joan Chen, and Gong Li

Gong Li snapshot

Louis Vuitton collaborated with Soundwalk, a company that specializes in audio walks for travelers, to produce three audio guides for the cities of Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai - each with famous actresses who walk you through the city, where there's also a back story for each guide.

Shu Qi narrates Hong Kong, Gong Li narrates Beijing, and Joan Chen narrates Shanghai, and if you check out the site at http://www.louisvuittonsoundwalk.com/ you'll get treated to some great visuals, music, and trailers for each of the audio guides which you can download to your mp3 player.

Definitely cool.

Shanghai Super Girl

I haven't seen the Super, Girls! documentary, but VBS.TV has been running a series called Shanghai Super Girl which follows around past finalist Yang Lei (a 24 year-old school teacher) from the now defunct Super Girl contest which is like China's version of American Idol.

Here's the first episode:



Check out more at VBS.TV.

At The Movies: Real Asian Versus Fake Asian

Real Asian



Real Asian helps nab the #1 spot at the box office securing about $40 million dollars - already half way to reaching profitability in its first week. With DVD sales added in later on, we'll probably see a lot more of Real Asian in a sequel.

Fake Asian



Fake Asian gets #4 slot, bombs like the Yellow Faced Disgrace it is, barely makes $14 million, and even with DVD sales will probably fall short of making half its $64 million dollar budget back. Fake Asian sees the writing on the wall and decides he should adopt a white baby and paint it yellow so he can look more fashionable in public.

Linked: 155 million and Kung Fu Panda

With the movie still roaring in theaters staying at #2 this weekend and grossing $155,596,000 domestically so far, here's a quick snippet from a Journal of Interesting Tidbits post on why it's not so much the movie, but the same old same old that can get you:

Kung Fu Panda, one can immediately grasp the essence of the movie before even watching it. Having a cute panda with Chinese Kung Fu would surely make a Hollywood block-buster. But the movie is pretty much confined within Hollywood's self-defined, so called "main-stream", perception of Asian Americans.

...

My point wasn't quite about racism, it was more about exploitation of a culture that is routinely treated as "exotic."

And since Asian Americans aren't always as mobilized as black Americans, they sometimes don't throw down over these sorts of things, even if they annoy them. This obviously wasn't worth a full assault. It's more of a minor infraction.

So my point really wasn't so much about the film, but how Asian Americans don't see representations of themselves as just people, not kung fu masters or cartoons, but just people in cinema.

That doesn't mean it's necessarily a bad movie, but it is part of a cycle that continues to only dramatize the parts of Asian culture western audiences are most fascinated by.

Clean. Clear. To the point.

Get That Certification

I was skimming this article in the LA Times about minority owned businesses and the Southern California Minority Business Development Council Inc., and this section gravitated towards me:

How does minority certification help?

It's like the princess in the castle. Yeah, [big corporations] would like to do business with minority businesses, but minority businesses have to fight through the bramble and brush and get there. They have to do what businesses traditionally do, which is to know their market, know the value they can bring, build relationships. If they get to the point of a bid or proposal, they have to be competitively priced and they have to meet credit requirements and have sufficient capital or resources to allow them to perform the service.

Then, if they can jump over all those hurdles like any other business, toward the end of that process, you say, "By the way, we are a certified minority business." Maybe it gives the corporation a chance to say, "We think we can get equal value but this minority company also allows us to be a good corporate citizen and allows us to meet whatever our internal [diversity] goals might be."

Completely agree. I think the bottom line is that if getting that certification helps you get business, you should go for it - forget about thinking you should go without it because you might feel like you don't need it, or you may feel like it's a handout -- it's not.

It's just part of the way the game is shaped to help make things an even playing field and I think if you're getting into business, you should use every advantage that's offered to you because in some ways, people have been using every advantage they have against you.

Hot Track: Nando mo

Asian American Showcase: Declare INDIEpendence - July 3rd, Chicago, IL

This is for my Chicago Midwest peeps - and it sounds like it should be a pretty cool time - so get on out and support some cool Asian American music.



More info on the bands and the event:

Chicago, IL – DAWEN WANG PRODUCTIONS and COCOHEADMUSIC present: Declare INDIEpendence: How Sweet the Sound, an Asian American showcase of four Chicago singer songwriters.

July 3rd, 2008 at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave.
Show starts at 9p.m. Doors open 8:30p.m. 21 and over. $7 cover.

Kick off the holiday weekend with music from four of Chicago’s indie singer songwriters. Music includes David Wycoco’s blend of live loops, projections and rock/pop, and Dawen Wang’s socially conscious neo-soul and r&b. With Mia Park, of Chic-A-Go-Go, hosting.

Featuring:

Dawen Wang: Neo-soul and R&B with socially conscious lyricism; single “Wake Up” featured on 93.1 FM WXRT.

http://www.dawenwangmusic.com/
www.myspace.com/dawenwang

David Wycoco: Rock/pop with multimedia projections and live loops

http://www.davidwycoco.com/
www.myspace.com/davidwycoco

Paolo Escobar & the Prescription: Soul/r&b with acoustic guitars

www.myspace.com/paolosongs

Imelda de la Cruz: Folk/pop multi-instrumentalist

http://www.imeldadelacruz.com/
www.myspace.com/imeldadelacruz

* With Chic-A-Go-Go’s Mia Park (Miss Mia) as Master of Ceremony

Film: Open City

Kim Myung-Min as Jo Dae Young

I caught Open City last night, a SK film that came out earlier this year, and it's worth checking out especially if you're a fan of crime dramas, or you're a fan of Kim Myung-Min (Return, Fake Family, The Great White Tower) or Son Ye-Jin (who makes a big leap forward in breaking out of the romantic dramas/comedies that she's usually associated with).


Son Ye-Jin as Baek Jang Mi

The movie centers around the world of international pickpocketing organizations where Son Ye-Jin plays one of the ringleaders (Baek Jang-Mi) who runs a tattoo parlor by day as a cover-up, and Kim Myun-Min who plays a criminal investigator (Jo Dae-Young) trying to bring the gangs down - each with their own secrets about their past and their family which are revealed throughout the film, and each playing their own cat and mouse game with each other after they meet (Dae-Young learns later that Jang-Mi is a prime target in the investigations).

The organized crime might not be as harrowing as something like Johnnie To's Election - and at first I still couldn't shake the good girl image of Ye-Jin from her previous roles (which left after I saw her getting beat down in an alley by a rival gang) - but it ended up being grittier than I thought - and with some added twists and subplots, it definitely kept me watching (although I think I liked it more than other people did).

Here's the trailer:

Devon Aoki And "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Undead"

While there's no date for a release yet, I'm hoping one comes pretty soon because this doesn't look half bad. Check out the latest trailer:



Check out a recent article down at CHUD as well as the film's site.

Japanese Wagyu Beef And The Most Expensive Burger

I have to admit that if I was in South Kensington right now I'd probably get one of these burgers - which is being billed as the most expensive burger at $185 and has, among other ingredients, massaged Japanese Wagyu beef - just so I could say I ate it:

The Burger, it is selling at 95 pounds ($185) at a Burger King in the exclusive district of South Kensington on Wednesday.

The limited edition of the burger, which can be bought for two days only and has so far sold 50, is challenging the current Guinness Record for the most expensive burger, currently held by the American Double Truffle Burger which cost just 65 pounds ($127) in 1994.

Makes me feel like a rub-down.

1/2 A Man: Charlie Sheen Goes On A Racist Rant

Dear Charlie,

I think your time is done now. In a way it's too bad because I actually liked that show you were on, and while I could only hope they would replace you with someone else who doesn't go into racist rants, they probably won't, and might just ride it out or cancel the show altogether - either which way - you'll be off the air soon enough as you should.

At the same time, I wanted to thank you as well, because you're just another shining example that no matter how many people of color someone may have in their life - and ones that they probably point to so they can say "Look at my friends" to prove they don't have a racist bone in their body - that they can still go off on racist rants.

Slanty

Tiger Has Season Ending Surgery

So after Tiger endures sudden death to win the U.S. Open (which according to an NPR report was the most watched golf tournament on cable) apparently Tiger is out for the rest of the season because he's going under the knife to help rehabilitate his knee:

Woods said he tore the ACL while jogging at home after the British Open last July. He chose not to have surgery and went on a run that included seven consecutive victories, including the Dubai Desert Classic in Europe and his Target World Challenge, an unofficial event.

He did not play overseas late last year for the first time since 2003, hopeful that rest could allow him to play more this year. But the pain intensified through the Masters, where he finished second, and Woods said the cartilage damage developed from the ACL injury.

Talk about being Asian tough.