Indonesia: Hotel Bombings Leave 9 Dead

Some bad news coming out of Jakarta with simultaneous bombings at two hotels leaving nine dead and at least forty-two wounded.

Minister: 9 dead in Jakarta hotel blasts (The Jakarta Post)

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Widodo AS says nine people have been killed and at least 42 injured in two powerful blasts that hit two luxury hotels in Mega Kuningan business area in downtown Jakarta. Widodo told reporters that six of the victims were killed at the Marriot hotel, two others at the Ritz-Carlton hotel and one died in hospital.

Deadly Twin Bombings Hit Jakarta Hotels (VOA News)

The two blasts occurred within minutes of each other. Security Minister Widodo Adi Sucipto said the explosions were caused by "high explosives."

The bombs were planted near the restaurant of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and in the basement of the Marriott. The windows of the Ritz-Carlton restaurant were blown out, with debris and shattered glass littering the street.

Indonesia hotel bombings leave 9 dead (LA Times)

Nine people were killed and about 50 were wounded in nearly simultaneous bombings at the JW Marriott and the Ritz-Carlton hotels in central Jakarta today, Indonesian police said. Jakarta police spokesman Chrysnanda Dwilaksana said all the deaths occurred at the Marriott, which was badly damaged in 2003 by a car bombing that killed 12 people. There have not been any major bombings in Indonesia for several years, and this month's presidential election went smoothly, underscoring the progress made by the world's most populous Muslim nation since the chaos and violence that surrounded the downfall of ex-autocrat Suharto in the late 1990s. Witnesses told Indonesian Metro TV that the injured were seen being taken away in ambulances. "Some windows of the Ritz-Carlton building have been shattered, mostly on the lower section. I'm looking at it from my office," said Myra Junor, who works nearby.

Deadly explosions hit Jakarta hotels

One explosion hit the Ritz-Carlton, ripping off its facade, and the other the Marriott Hotel. At least 48 people were injured.No group has yet claimed responsibility for the blasts. Newly re-elected President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has visited the scene of the explosions.

The BBC's Karishma Vaswani in Jakarta says security is extremely tight around the two hotels, with ambulances streaming in every few minutes [...] There were reports of a third explosion in northern Jakarta a few hours later but it was not immediately clear what the cause was. The Manchester United football team was due to arrive in Indonesia on Saturday and was booked to stay at the Ritz-Carlton. The blasts may raise doubts about the team's tour, PA news agency reported. The first two blasts, in Jakarta's central business district, occurred at about 0730 (0030 GMT). Police said another, unexploded, bomb had also been found at the JW Marriott.

Obama At The NAACP

Kupono Aweau Gets Cut From SYTYCD

I guess it was good while it lasted:

Randi and Kupono were ousted based on home viewer votes cast immediately following Wednesday night's performance episode, in which each finalist performed a couple routine, a solo and a group number.

"Dancing to me is like breathing," said Kupono in a video montage that proceeded his ouster. "I just found a new sense of me. It's taken me beyond where I thought I could go, and I'm just grateful for it all. I'm totally grateful for this."

Good to see you while we could.

Neglected Keystrokes

The Fever, August 6th, And Lots Of Drama Goodness

Just a word to all you drama fans, Drama Fever is opening up with a full public launch next month (August 6th) - from an e-mail blast:

...We are also super busy getting DramaFever ready to launch on August 6th! Yes, it's finally going to happen! This means a lot more dramas, and of course, a launch party in NYC to which you're all invited to. We'll post full details about it on our blog on Monday.

Nice.

The Kenji Of The Gallo

I always find stories of redemption interesting on a lot of different fronts: Can people really change? Does redemption mean anything if you've committed unspeakable acts? Is it for real (both the lows, the highs, and the turnaround)? Will people accept the new them? If I put it all in perspective, what does it say about my life?

I don't know the answers to to any of these question when speaking of Kenny "Kenji" Gallo" - but it is an interesting read:

Hello, my name is Kenny Gallo, aka. Kenji, and I am what most people would call a very bad person. As a criminal, I committed sins for which no punishment could ever suffice and no penance could ever atone. If an enemy from years ago were to kill me, it would be the just desserts of the life I lived for two decades. After the crimes I've committed, it would be a lie to say that I don't deserve the ultimate punishment.

There's a reason I'm telling my story on DailyKos, however. Over the past decade, I've transformed myself from a car-bombing drug smuggler and mafioso into a committed father, law-abiding white-collar professional, and a gay rights activist.

I am offering my story in the hope that it will give inspiration to anyone who fears that it is impossible for bad people to turn good and redeem thmselves. If Kenji Gallo can turn his life around, then anyone can.

Continue with my story to learn how I went to life within Pablo Escobar's Medellin Cartel and the American Mafia to a Daily Kos poster agitating for universal tolerance.

Read it in full at the Daily Kos.

Get Your 30 Second Trailer On: The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival Wants You!

If you don't have a feature length film in you - don't despair - now's the time to put that ADD to good use:

The 2nd Annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (PAAFF) is looking for filmmakers (Asian & non-Asian) of all levels to participate in the PAAFF trailer contest, which runs until September 6th, 2009.

Trailer Guidelines

The trailer must:

1) Be exactly 30 seconds.
2) Include all original footage and music, absolutely no copyrighted work accepted and will be disqualified.
3) Promote the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival in an original and creative way.
4) End with this downloadable PAAFF still for the final 5 seconds.
5) Be uploaded to our Youtube group and tagged with “Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival” and “PAAFF.”
6) Notify us by sending an email to Ron with a link to your youtube video.
7) It’s completely free to enter!

Judges include director Todd Angkasuwan (music videos for Snoop Dogg, Far East Movement & many more), producer Philip Lam (Santa Mesa & Undoing) and Cliff Song, representing sponsor HBO.

Prizes

The Grand Prize winner will receive a cash prize* and a pair of All Access Passes to PAAFF and the winning entry will be screened during the film festival and on this website. Finalists will receive a pair of All Access Passes to the festival.

Go the PAAFF site for the fine print.

Burbank Police Department: You're Getting Sued For Being Racist MF's

When you got it coming you got it coming, and let's face it, the Burbank Police Department has it coming to them in a big way by targeting officer Christopher Lee Dunn simply because he's not a White Guy:

Christopher Lee Dunn, who won the Medal of Valor as a Los Angeles Police Department officer before joining the Burbank force, argued in a 22-page complaint that he was subjected to years of racial taunts and discouraged from joining the department's narcotics unit because he was not white. After success with another unit, the lawsuit alleges he was targeted by management before eventually being run out of the department.

In May, five Burbank police officers sued the department and seven current police officials, alleging that they tolerated an environment in which officers commonly used slurs about race, ethnicity and sexual preference directed at them, their colleagues, suspects and the public at large.


Dunn's suit, filed separately, seeks civil penalties and compensatory damages. The Burbank city attorney's office did not immediately return a call for comment.

In addition to the Medal of Valor and the 1999 Top Cop Award, which was presented to him by then-President Bill Clinton, Dunn was the recipient of the 2007 Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Award and the Professional Esteem Award from the Burbank City Council.

According to the suit, Dunn's troubles began over his efforts to join an elite narcotics unit. Dunn alleges that he initially was discouraged by members of the “all-white” unit who said they did not want work with non-whites. When he ultimately was promoted, he alleges that he was subjected to racist jokes and comments.

If you're going to try and pull some racist B.S. in your department (which you shouldn't be doing anyway especially seeing as how you're supposed to uphold the law and be role models) might be good to stay away from the dude who got presented an award from a U.S. President.

Just putting that out there BPD.

APAture Runway III

If you like fashion, and want to support a good cause - this is for you:

Attention local fashionistas – Be the first to experience fresh and eclectic collections from 10 up-and-coming fashion designers at APAture Runway III, featuring LA-based eco-couture designer Linda Wong of The Battalion.

Our lineup of emerging Asian American designers includes Heather Guevarra (Gingerbread Clothing), Amy Ho, Faithy Leong, Jarvinia Li, I Shan Liou, Loretta K Nguyen (fiftyseven-thirtythree), Erica Varize (Evarize), Brian Yee (Bok Choy Apparel), and Shani Solomon (MXW). Take home clothes hot off the runway by bidding in our live auction of designers goods!

All proceeds benefit KSW’s 11th annual APAture, a multidisciplinary arts festival of emerging Asian Pacific American artists, happening September 17-26.

Event Name: APAture Runway III

Venue Name: SOMArts Cultural Center

Venue Address: 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Contact Phone: (415) 503-0520

Short Description:

Third Annual Fashion Show of Emerging Asian American Designers
Co-presented by Kearny Street Workshop and APICC
Admission: $10-20 sliding scale at the door or $8 in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com.

Date: Saturday, August 8, 2009
Time: 7:30-10:30 PM
Website: http://www.kearnystreet.org

Retro Nemo

The 2009 National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Convention And Diversity Career Fair

Everything you wanted to know about the NAAAP Convention and Diversity Career Fair straight from their press release:

Impacted but not disheartened by the economic hardships facing the U.S., the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) is holding its National Convention on August 13-16, 2009 in the Mile-High City, Denver at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The theme is "Leadership at New Heights: Cultivating Leaders for Today and Beyond."

Confirmed keynote speakers including Maya Lin, world-renowned architect of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, Yul Kwon, winner of reality show Survivor: Cook Islands and a bone marrow donation advocate, and Judge Jerry Hada, an appointed judge to the Denver County Court. They lead an impressive list of accomplished Asian American leaders from business, education, arts, and other fields. Convention participants will enjoy 20 workshops, seminars and panels, the largest Asian American job fair in the U.S., exciting entertainment, the launch of Women in NAAAP program, and networking with professionals from across the U.S. and Canada. The convention is open to NAAAP members and the general public. More than 350 people are expected to attend.

The Diversity Career Fair will feature 100 employers and service providers including sponsors Dell Computer, American Family Insurance, Aramark, and Raytheon Corporation. Convention participants and local walk-throughs will be able to meet hiring managers, professional candidates, purchasing agents, small business vendors, and supplier diversity executives. There is no substitute for face-to-face contact.

"This year's annual convention and career faire represent a timely investment in ourselves and our careers. Continuing education and networking are keys to success for all professionals looking to leadership positions," says Brad Baldia, NAAAP's National President. Mr. Baldia has been carefully overseeing the convention as well as the organization's numerous other programs, resources, and member services.

Last year's convention drew more than 350 people from nearly all NAAAP chapters and ventures. Large response from areas outside of Denver will enliven the 2009 convention. The advance registration deadline for $50 savings is August 1, 2009.

Registration details and more information are available at http://www.naaapconvention.org/.

ABOUT NAAAP: The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership-based organization and is the largest and fastest growing Asian professional association with representation in over 25 cities across the United States and Canada. Its vision is "We Make Leaders!" For more information about the NAAAP, go to http://www.naaap.org/.

Judy Chu: You're Going To Congress

Just a quick congratulations to Judy Chu who won her special election and is now headed to Congress:

The former state Assembly member easily captured a special election Tuesday to fill a vacant seat in the 32nd Congressional District. It's a heavily Democratic area that covers part of Los Angeles and its eastern suburbs. Her win will give Democrats 256 votes in the House. There are 178 Republicans. Chu will be Southern California's only Asian American in Congress.

Nice.

iTunage: Paulina Vo

Just in case you were looking for some new music and didn't already know - make sure and check out Paulina Vo and her new album that she released a couple of months ago (you can pick it up on Amazon or iTunes).

Hot Off The Press: Asian Men Redefined 2010 Calendar Giveaway

Yes my people - you've waited long enough - and now you too can enjoy the fourth installment of the Asian Men Redefined Calendar (2010):

Asian Men Redefined Calendar is an all-volunteer calendar photographed and produced by dannydan. 50% of the calendar profit benefits Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center (A&PI Wellness Center), the oldest non-profit HIV/AIDS services organization in North America targeting Asian & Pacific Islander (A&PI) communities. The rest of the profit goes back to the calendar production for the following year. The 2010 calendar is the fourth installment of Asian Men Redefined production featuring 13 new Asian & Pacific Islander men from all over the United States. Every year, the new models were chosen by a panel of judges consisting of friends who have helped the calendar production & some of the models from the previous years. Please visit our website at http://www.asianmenredefined.com/.

Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center (A&PI Wellness Center) is the oldest non-profit HIV/AIDS services organization in North America targeting Asian & Pacific Islander (A&PI) communities. To meet the needs of our clients who are often immigrants or refugees, A&PI Wellness Center's staff speak many Asian languages including: Cantonese, Hawaiian, Hindi, Ilokano, Japanese, Malay, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese and Visayan.

A&PI Wellness Center's HIV Care Services provides free and confidential HIV treatment case management, mental health and substance abuse counseling, on-site primary medical and psychiatric care, client and treatment advocacy, and group and individual support to A&PIs living with HIV/AIDS. To find out more about A&PI Wellness Center, please visit http://www.apiwellness.org/.

Our 2009 wonderful models: Guy Tang (cover), John Paul Dimla (January), J Wong (February), Khristian H M (March), K Yamasaki (April), Joven (May), Jeffierce (June), Gary B (July), Jhaps (August), Ivan Sim (September), Glen L (October), Tien P (November), & Randel S C (December).

Like I said last year - check out the site, pick up the calendar (or two at only $19.95) and support a damn good cause.

I'll Pick Up Three Slanty...But Didn't You Also Say You Had One To Give Away? I Need One For Safe Keeping...

Yes my Hot Asian Man starved readers, I do indeed have one calendar to give away thanks to photographer dannydan, and yes - you know you want it (who in their right mind doesn't want Hot Asian Men?)

But here's the deal.

I'm going to make you work for it (although for those of you truly into Hot Asian Men it really shouldn't be any work at all).

All I want is an e-mail with the subject "I WANT MY FREE HOT ASIAN MEN REDEFINED CALENDAR NOW!" along with all the reasons why we Asian men are just that damn good and you can't live without us (or at least want to adorn your wall with our hot bods) - also include your name and address so the calendar can be sent to you*.

Once I get some quality responses (versus "I just like free stuff. Can I have it?") I'll sift through them and post up the winner's response (first name only).

You have a couple of days to possibly a week to respond to the giveaway.

Good luck!

* The calendar will be sent direct from Asian Men Redefined. Please allow up to 2 weeks for delivery.

FM, JAY-Z And Powerhouse 2009

Nice.

Closer Than Ever: Lodestone Theatre, Karaoke Idol, And Michelle Krusiec

Oh yeah.

Get your karaoke on, have Michelle Krusiec judge you, and support the Lodestone Theatre Ensemble's 10th season and new show Closer Than Ever.

LODESTONE THEATRE ENSEMBLE
under the artistic direction of Philip W. Chung & Chil Kong

presents

KARAOKE IDOL

A fundraiser to support Lodestone's 10th season and the production of CLOSER THAN EVER. Come out to sing and compete for cool prizes. Don't want to sing? Cheer on your favorites plus free appetizers, raffle prizes, drink specials and great friends to hang with. Karaoke Idol’s celebrity judges include: MICHAEL ORLAND, assistant music director and vocal coach from American Idol; RYAN O'CONNOR from the YouTube The Ryan O'Connor Show and MICHELLE KRUSIEC from the film Saving Face. Plus, a special sneak peek performance from the cast of CLOSER THAN EVER.

Café Bleu
3470 W 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90020

Sunday, July 19th, 2009
6:00pm - midnight
Doors Open at 6pm
Karaoke Idol Starts at 7pm

TICKETS AT THE DOOR:
$12 General Admission
$25 General Admission & Entry fee for Karaoke Idol contest

SPECIAL LOW PRESALE PRICES (If checks received by July 17):
$10 General Admission
$20 General Admission & Karaoke Idol Contest

Please make checks out to Lodestone Theatre Ensemble and mail to:

Lodestone Karaoke Idol Fundraiser
PO Box 1072
Studio City, CA 91614

All pre-sale tickets must be received by July 17th, 2009. No "prizes" won are redeemable for cash or have cash value. Please include your name, # of tickets you're buying and phone/email for confirmation. Please include all names of karaoke entrants separately.

All proceeds will go towards the production of CLOSER THAN EVER, running August 8th – 30th, 2009 at GTC Burbank (1111-B West Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91506, located inside George Izay Park).

For more more information see www.lodestonetheatre.org or their Facebook.

Guest Post: Dawen Wang And 5 Asian American Artists' Songs He's Listening To Right Now

By Dawen Wang

We, Asian Americans, are a diverse bunch. For that reason, Asian American music is as eclectic and hard to categorize as we are. The following artists and songs are just a slice of what I've been listening to at the moment. I've been fortunate enough to play with many of these musicians and they represent the thriving Asian American music scene. Running from alt-rock hip hop to experimental pop electronica this selection also serves as a celebration of our musical diversity.

1. After School Special: "Not One for Words"
afterschoolspecialmusic.com

I had the pleasure of playing a show with these guys in February at UCLA. This alt-rock, hip hop group from San Diego has just finished their EP "Not One for Words," available on iTunes and Amazon.com. I'm diggin' their music video of the single "Not One For Words": http://vimeo.com/4063334.

2. Sue Jin: "Made of Sand"
myspace.com/suejinmusic

First time I caught Sue Jin playing a set I was blown away by her powerful vocals and charismatic performance. She puts on some of the most engaging shows with her old school soul and r&b. Armed with just a piano and a mic Sue Jin is one formidable singer-songwriter. Currently listening to her new track, a duet: "Made of Sand:" myspace.com/suejinmusic.

3. Connie Lim and the Forrest Philosophy: "Now"
myspace.com/connielim

I've caught a few of her live shows now, each one better than the last. If you want to see great musicianship and synergy between a singer songwriter, her band, and her audience, go check out Connie Lim and the Forrest Philosophy. There's a bit of funk, some r&b and a lot of great pop thrown into their sound. "Caged Bird" is my personal favorite. Can't wait for them to record it. Until then I leave you with the aptly titled "Now": myspace.com/connielim.

4. Scott Tang: "Message 38"

What do you get when you combine catchy hooks with lo-fi? You get Scott Tang's new album "T-Shirts for Tourists!" Scott's new album is a creative blend of experimental electronica fused with the best of pop sensibilites. The distortion on the entire album lends an aesthetic that is at once nostalgic and new. "The Visitor" is a personal favorite. I first met Scott on the movie set of the yet to be released "The Wedding Palace". We were both extras. I was thrilled to learn that he was a fellow singer-songwriter: myspace.com/scotttang.

5. Alfa: "Isabelle"

I got a chance to play a show with Alfa during the LA leg of her West Coast tour. With her new album "Second Skin," Alfa has been playing shows all over the country, recently performing in an All-Star performance of "Closer" for Kollaboration New York. A guitarist and pianist, Alfa sings and plays in the best tradition of singer songwriters, equally comfortable in French chanson as she is in pop: myspace.com/alfa.

Dawen is a soul r&b singer-songwriter and producer from Los Angeles. His first full length album "American Me" is coming out in summer 2009. He is also the producer of "Declare INDIEpendence," an annual Asian American concert in Chicago. His music video "Wake Up" was recently screened at the 14th Chicago Asian American Showcase. Watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4i35e54kNQ

Become a fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Dawen/60911487018

Subscribe to Dawen's Youtube channel: youtube.com/dawen

You've Got A Big Voice Thia Megia

Congratulations Eun Hee Ji (And You Too Candie Kung)

I guess you can't always be a winner...unless you're Eun Hee Ji.

Eun Hee Ji rolled in a 25-foot birdie putt on the final hole Sunday to earn her first major championship at the U.S. Women's Open. Ji shot an even-par 71 in the final round to finish at even-par 284.

Candie Kung



While she didn't win, Candie Kung who hails from Allen Texas didn't do too bad either taking 2nd place - the best she's ever placed in a LPGA Major.

News Roundup

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