Cantonese Go Bye Bye?

Because you wanted to know a little bit more about what's happening in the world around you which doesn't involve the movie Inception.

The second rally in as many weeks -- sparked by a proposal to switch much programing on local television to mainstream Mandarin Chinese -- had kicked off largely peacefully on Sunday afternoon in Guangzhou until several hundred police officers showed up and tried to break up proceedings, triggering scuffles.

About two dozen people were taken away by police and detained, including eight Hong Kong journalists, said one reporter at the scene who was held and questioned for several hours before being released.

Officials detained the organizer of a similar protest last week for several days and threatened to punish anyone who organized new demonstrations.

Read it in full here.

KevJumba + Iyaz + Hot Track

Caught this as I was checking out bitter.sweet.asian and wanted to make sure and post it up on here as well if you haven't already seen it.

Sunday Night Mika Nakashima

The LXD Episode 7: The Dark Doctor Deal

The LXD Episode 6: Duet

I Hotel + Karen Tei Yamashita

Chalk this up to another book I'll probably never read because I'm illiterate - but you? You can read.

'I Hotel," Karen Tei Yamashita's fourth novel, will be called many things, first of which will be brilliant, which it is. Due to its length and density, it will also be called "sprawling," which it isn't. Like James Joyce's modernist monument, "Ulysses," "I Hotel" is so elegantly constructed that it is as much a piece of architecture as a book. Unlike architecture, or "Ulysses," for that matter, it can be fully understood without taking a 30-hour course involving additional reading material.

What's up James?

Anh Phai Di: Attract Asian Women With Hypnosis!

You people - and by you people I mean you crazy crazy MF's - you will never stop will you?

Even though I know what this would be, I just couldn't help clicking on it because I felt like reading the absurd.

In addition, Asian women are particularly vulnerable to the tactics of the conversation – especially when “laced” with Hypnosis. Such a tactic is known to be splitting the most powerful – and is said to be able to fall in love with Asian women less than 15 minutes. Early action can to change your social life forever! Get your Attract Asian Women Today.

So just remember - you too can get an Asian woman in as little as 15 minutes.

With hypnosis.

Dumbass.

Because You Want Something Beautiful On A Sunday Night

And even though I've posted this before - does it really matter?

Local Chill: Café Kem

While it's been open for about three months now - technically they're having their grand opening - and if you've never been here, you really want to check it out.

Great wi-fi (because you can't always say that about other cafes and especially not my hotel in NYC). A really chill atmosphere. Slick music. Seating for groups as well as individuals. The Mango Bubble Tea I'll definitely recommend. The strawberry Gelato I'll dream about - and how can you deny a place that has all that (including Bánh Mì) but still makes a kick ass iced coffee?



You really can't.



http://www.cafekem.me
2524 Nicollet Ave S #101
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: 612.208.0254

Getting Your APIA Open Mic On At The National Poetry Slam

You've got a voice. And you have some words to share - I know you do. But if you've kept it inside and are looking for a place to let it out - now's your chance.

Asian Pacific Islander American Open Mic at the National Poetry Slam

Saturday August 7, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
At the Lowry Lab Theater
355 Wabasha Street North
Saint Paul, MN

Hosted by the Twin Cities' own Bao Phi and Sonic Rain.

This event will feature local and national APIA spoken word poetry talent. Door charge is $3.

It will also be a community building event in anticipation of the National APIA Spoken Word Poetry Summit that will take place in Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minnesota July 28-31, 2011. More information on that will be made available here:

http://www.facebook.com/l/4ddc9rAAExBgvVfXp4GuowAzYWg
http://www.apiasummit.com/

*Note* Please don’t mistake The ‘Lowry Lab’ Theater for the ‘Lowry’ Theater, as they are in the same building. The Lowry Lab can be accessed via St. Peter Street.

And you have been challenged.

Tadashi Nakamura, Jake Shimabukuro, Center For Asian American Media, And Blue Roses Falling

Is it just me, or am I one of the luckiest people in the world?

I think I must be, because I get sent in some of the greatest things - take for instance the above clip that ended up in my mailbox via filmmaker Tadashi Nakamura of a video he took of Jake Shimabukuro performing "Blue Roses Falling".

If that clip is any indication of what the documentary film about Jake Shimabukuro is going to be like (produced by the Center for Asian American Media and directed by Nakamura) - all I have to say is that I can't wait to check it out and I could kick myself for not seeing Shimabukuro live when I had the chance.

Good things come to those who wait?

Albert Chan And Descendants Of The Past, Ancestors Of The Future

Got word from Chinese American director and actor Albert M. Chan about a new project he's working on and wanted to make sure and post on up about it (more later as I pass on some questions his way).

Boston, MA - July 30, 2010 - Chinese-American director and actor Albert M. Chan launched pre-production this week for his upcoming dramatic film DESCENDANTS OF THE PAST, ANCESTORS OF THE FUTURE with a new website and fundraising campaign. Visitors to the website, located at http://descendantsofthepast.com, can read more about the film, watch behind-the-scenes videos, and make contributions to the project.

"The story is one that's very close to my heart," Chan reveals. "Based on the circumstances a half century ago which led my grandfather, Art Kem Lee, to immigrate to San Francisco while my mother, Betty Chan, immigrated to Toronto, the story is told in the present day from the point of view of an expectant father who desperately needs to find out how his mother and her own father could have lived apart for most of their lives. DESCENDANTS OF THE PAST, ANCESTORS OF THE FUTURE is a universal story about the sacrifices families make, and the powerful bond that ties all generations of a family together - living, deceased, and yet to come."

The project will be beautifully shot on 35mm film by Emmy-nominated cinematographer Cira Felina Bolla. "Cira's words to me was that she was 'completely blown away' with the beauty of the script," Chan recalls. "She's one the few female cinematographers around, so she brings a different interpretation and sensitivity to her work." Chan's goal is to raise $25,000, which will cover the costs of shooting on 35mm film.

The music composer will be Ryan Leach, a graduate of Berklee College of Music. "Ryan's so incredibly talented as well," Chan raves. "His diverse musical background makes him a master at blending different styles and genres. I'm really looking forward to hearing how he'll blend western and eastern styles for our film."

The project also reunites much of the team from Chan's previous film, FATE SCORES, including editor/producer Aaron Howland, actor/producer Brian D. Evans, and assistant director/producer Richard Possemato. FATE SCORES won an award from the National Film Board of Canada, was acquired for distribution by Moving Images Distribution, and screened at major festivals across North America including the Boston International Film Festival, Vancouver Asian Film Festival, Asian American International Film Festival (NYC), Sedona International Film Festival, Memphis International Film Festival, Wisconsin Film Festival, and Connecticut Film Festival.

Collectively, the team has worked on such projects as THE DARK KNIGHT, GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST, COLD CASE, HOUSE MD, LAW & ORDER SVU, BEE MOVIE, THE SIMPSONS MOVIE, BODY OF PROOF, EVERY DAY, UNDERDOG, and BROTHERHOOD.

As part of an underrepresented ethnic minority in film and TV, Chan wanted to tell a meaningful story from his own unique cultural perspective as a Chinese American. Chan hopes to connect the finished film with audiences at international film festivals, immigrant advocacy groups, educational institutions, Asian community groups, Asian youth groups, broadcast television, socially conscious artistic groups, and Asian historical organizations.

"I really hope the film resonates strongly with immigrants like my mother and grandfather who had the bravery and foresight to forge a better future for successive generations, as well as with the children of immigrants like myself, who often struggle with issues of cultural identity and their sense of belonging," Chan says. "Hopefully, they'll understand the incredible strength of kinship, which can span generations and continents."

DESCENDANTS OF THE PAST, ANCESTORS OF THE FUTURE is produced by Chanal Productions LLC (http://chanalproductions.com/).

Cool.

Hot Tracks: SiOW

You know I love music - and I got contacted by an Asian artist named SiOW - born and raised in Melbourne and now out of Londong - and if you like some R&B/Soul you definitely want to take a listen - and I haven't even heard all the tracks in full.

Put on some headphones and check out the vibes - and remember the name - because if you're not hearing about SiOW after his debut album drops at the end of 2010 - I must be tone-deaf.

Bio

Siow is in London recording and performing independent R&B where real instruments meet the current R&B sound. Born and raised in Melbourne Australia, he began playing the piano at age five and has had a love for music ever since. Legendary composer John Altman said “it’s like a breath of fresh air” when listening to Siow’s music where live instruments such as the piano, guitar and saxophone feature from track-to-track. Siow’s debut album is set to be released at the end of 2010. He is currently working on his first single release and music video. While encouraging audience participation in his performances, Siow enjoys playing either with his live band, or acoustically on the piano and will be making live appearances in the United Kingdom.

And Because You Wanted To Know More

Listen: http://www.reverbnation.com/siow
Download something free: http://www.officialsiow.com/

I Suck And I've Found Some Bliss

Man I suck this week - but last night - I found bliss.

Sure bliss comes in the form of technology and more screens being multiplied and watching my people do the things they do.

But I'm geeky. Dorky. Things that make my bliss, won't always make yours.

That's all.

Back to posts and doing what I do, 'cause I kinda feel like I've been out for a bit.

Oh wait.

I have.

That Was An Unintended Break

I guess work afer a week off + summer = not a hell of a lot of posts this week.

Back to your regularly scheduled show.

Oh wait....

When Norman Mineta Went To The Smithsonian

One day I'll have my picture hanging in The Smithsonian as well. Sure, it might be because of something horrible I end up doing like coming up with a way to clone just bits and pieces of people so I can sell on underground market (which also goes to show you that even in my fantasies I'm not all there because if I could clone things then why would I need to sell body parts....).

Either way.

A portrait of the first Asian Pacific American to hold a presidential Cabinet post is being installed in the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. The portrait of former transportation and commerce secretary Norman Mineta will be installed Monday, becoming part of the museum's permanent collection.

I clone you.

Get In The Know: DramaFever Audience Favorite Short Film Award

From the PR:

Today, DramaFever.com and Asian Cinevision (ACV) announced the creation of a brand new eight-week online short film festival and audience favorite award contest to find the next break-out Asian filmmaker. Running today through 12 noon Eastern on September 6, the “DramaFever Audience Favorite Short Film Award” festival and contest is designed to expose 20 emerging filmmakers of select AAIIFF screened film shorts from USA, Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. The winner will be announced September 15 and have their work featured on DramaFever.com’s front page for one week.

DramaFever.com will host the contest and festival on a dedicated DramaFever-ACV Festival page at www.DramaFever.com/ACV.

DramaFever, the leading video website for mainstream English-speaking U.S. online audiences interested in the best of entertainment from Asia and Asian-Americans and ACV, presenters of the Asian American International Film Festival (AAIIFF formed a partnership, which effectively extends the reach of the AAIIFF. The AAIIFF is the first and longest-running Asian film festival in America and takes place in New York theaters every summer.

"With this brand new online contest to find the ‘next Ang Lee’, DramaFever has the rare opportunity to help emerging filmmakers share their work with hundreds of thousands film fans instantly,” says David Hou, vice president of DramaFever. “Typically, directors spend years to have their film screen in dozens of theaters on the festival circuit for one or two days, and this partnership with ACV frees film makers from traditional limitations.”

Shades of Yellow + National Queer Southeast Asian Conference

Here's a good write-up about a conference that happened a few weeks ago that I wanted to make sure and post on up.

The first ever National Queer Southeast Asian Conference took place at the Radisson University Hotel in Minneapolis last weekend. The conference was hosted by Shades of Yellow, the Twin Cities Hmong Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ) organization, and provided a space for Southeast Asians and allies from around the country to discuss issues that are important to the Queer Southeast Asian communities.

The event started off with an opening dinner on Friday at Pagoda Dinkytown where State Senators Scott Dibble (DFL-60) and Patricia Torres Ray (DFL-62) spoke of their support of the Queer API movement along with PFund Board Chair Lupe Castillo.

Participants were able to attend workshops all day on Saturday which included, Coming out/Growing up Queer as Southeast Asian, LGBTQ in Southeast Asia vs. America, Queer Immigrant’s Rights, Creating Queer API Safe Spaces & Organizations, and Women, Gays, Trans, Ally and Youth Caucuses.

This conference was organized by the Queer Southeast Asian Network which includes member organizations: Shades of Yellow in Minneapolis; Providence Youth Student Movement in Providence, RI; Freedom Inc. in Madison, WI and Khmer in Action in Seattle.

Read more about the conference here and check out Shades of Yellow down at their site.

Irvin R. Lai

I didn't know Irvin Lai, but I'm always a saddened to hear when a community leader passes away making me think about what I really do know - and what I should really care about.

Born in 1927 on a farm outside Locke, the historic Chinese settlement in the Sacramento River delta, Lai was a third-generation Chinese American who moved to Los Angeles in his teens, served in the U.S. military during World War II and the Korean War, went to college on the GI Bill and eventually worked in the family's restaurant, refrigeration and construction businesses.

But his heart and all his spare time were devoted to serving the community, a virtue he acquired from his mother, Effie Lai, a volunteer social worker who helped new immigrants from China adapt to life on California's old frontier.

"He was probably one of the greatest Southern California civil rights leaders I've ever known," said Democratic Assemblyman Mike Eng. "He was at the forefront of virtually every civil rights issue in Southern California."

As an active promoter of Chinese culture, history and civil rights, Lai took on numerous leadership positions, including national president of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, head of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles, commissioner of the Asian American Education Commission and director of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association.

Read it in full.

Daphne Kwok And The President's Advisory Commission On Asian American And Pacific Islanders

From the White House Media Affairs Office to my inbox and now on to you.

DAPHNE KWOK APPOINTED TO CHAIR PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY COMMISSION ON ASIAN AMERICANS AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS

Commission to work with White House Initiative, community leaders to advise federal agencies on needed services for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

On Monday, July 26, President Obama appointed Daphne Kwok of San Francisco, Calif. as Chair of his Advisory Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islanders. The Commission was re-established last year by the President as part of a White House Initiative to improve the lives of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities underserved by federal resources.

White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders Executive Director Kiran Ahuja said Kwok’s more than two decades of experience as a community leader at both the national and state levels make her an invaluable asset to the Commission.

“Daphne knows what services and protections Asian American and Pacific Islanders need and what resources they can bring to the table to build a strong collaboration with the Obama Administration,” said Ahuja. “Together, we’re going to work hard to let all Asian American and Pacific Islanders know the resources the Administration has available to help improve their everyday lives."

Kwok is currently the Executive Director of Asians and Pacific Islanders with Disabilities of California. She previously served as the executive director of the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation, the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, as well as the Organization of Chinese Americans, a national civil rights organization with more than 10,000 members. She was also the first-elected Chair of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans.

In addition, Kwok has served on the Secretary of Energy's Advisory Council and on the boards of a wide range of Asian American and Pacific Islander groups, including APIA Vote, National Japanese American Memorial Foundation, Southeast Asia Resource Action Center, National Coalition of Asian Pacific American Community Development and the Asian Pacific American Caucus of the American Political Science Association. She is also a Founding Board Member of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund.

As chair of the Commission, Kwok will work with the White House Initiative to increase public- and private-sector collaboration and community involvement in the effort. Kwok will work closely with Ahuja and the Initiative co-chairs, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, in addressing issues that are critical to the AAPI community.

Thus far, the White House Initiative has held dozens of meetings with top agency officials and community leaders from across the country on issues including education opportunities, housing, jobs, employment issues and health disparities. The work of the Commission is more important than ever as AAPIs have experienced the largest decline in homeownership of any racial group over the last year and their poverty rates, work-related injuries and job losses have also increased.

Cool.