CAAM + The Sikh Coalition’s 1st Annual Diversity Video Competition

Wednesday, August 18, 2010



Because you wanted to know - and don't tell me any different because that would be a flat out lie and if there's one thing I won't stand for is people who lie to me in their minds who I will probably never meet - except for a few select people - who I think should happen to be naked btw. Or have a bag of marshmallows.

And cookies. Because cookies trump being naked.

Are you a filmmaker? Do you care about diversity issues? If so, join the Sikh coalition’s Diversity Video Competition, and you could have a chance to win $1,000, a free roundtrip ticket to New York City, and 2 passes to the Sikh Art and Film Festival. Your film will also be premiered at this popular New York film festival in October.

The purpose of the Competition is to provide a space to engage in an artistic dialogue on civil rights issues, stereotypes, and myths surrounding minority groups with a particular anchor in the Sikh experience. It is through this dialogue that we hope to dissolve ignorance and spread awareness of discriminated minorities.

Topic: Today in the United States, especially since the events of 9/11, the turban has been often associated with terrorist groups, including Osama Bin Laden, the Taliban, and others. However, the vast majority of people who wear turbans in the US are not terrorists, but Sikhs – and their appearance, although similar, often marks them for discrimination. Because of this appearance, Sikhs, as well as many minority groups in America have had to struggle to impart the message: you can’t judge a book by its cover.

Referencing Sikh American and other minority experiences, please create a 5 minute video (or less) that explores the statement, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.”

All entries must be received by September 15, 2010. No film experience is required to participate, and people of all ages are encouraged to submit.

To Apply: Please visit www.sikhcoalition.org to learn more.

There you will find instructions, an application form, judging criteria, rules, and submission guidelines. You will also be able to read more about the 2 judging phases:

1) All videos will be reviewed by an expert judges’ panel and narrowed down to the top two.

2) Then, the 1st place winner will be determined by a popular vote.

And Yes. You Too Can Follow North Korea On Twitter (And YouTube)

Wednesday, August 18, 2010



I don't even know what to make of this except that it's MF crazy. What's next? A North Korean private web cam channel where you'll pay to see people not getting their ass kicked or maybe just something even a little more perverse?

Like people eating at a buffet?

Now that I think about it...

Listen on NPR.

Interview It: Harry Shum Jr.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

And just in case you missed it here's a snippet of the HSJ interview down at Hulu:

What was more intimidating? Dancing with Beyonce or coming up with choreography that was going to be seen by Bill Gates and Al Gore (at the TED conference) and all of Hollywood (at the Oscars)?

[Laughs.] Two totally different worlds! As a nerd, you know, we heard that we’re doing TED and that we were performing for the likes of Bill Gates, Will Smith and Al Gore, and just the smartest people in the world. They’re scientists, so most of them aren’t really into dancing. So that was the harder crowd, because I didn’t know if they were going to appreciate us. But I think both are intimidating — and also, Beyonce, she’s like the queen of all that she does. Being on stage with her is intimidating, especially the first time. Both are, in different ways.
Read it in full here.

The LXD Episode 10 (Finale): I See A Man

Wednesday, August 18, 2010



I don't know about you - but that was just a little too short for me.

I want more.

Maybe that was the point?

Join APAP And Get A Free Copy Of Vincent Who?

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Pretty Simple:

http://blacklava.net/#/item/apa_for_progress_membership/

The Gangster We're All Looking For, One Book, One San Diego, And Yes, It Won (No Thanks To Me)

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Can you believe this?

I get contacted from one of the authors of my favorite books ever to see if I can help out and post out on the One Book, One San Diego contest, a city-wide reading program and wouldn't you know - I don't get it until much much too late because I'm the lamest individual ever.

Ever.

But in the end - it really didn't matter because lê thi diem thúy's novel won.

And that's all that really counts.

Congratulations!

I Hate You Modem But I Love Those Cheap Tickets

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Yes.

Yes. I do.

Thank goodness for coffee and wi-fi and friends who let me break into their houses.

But I'll also be off for a few days after tommorrow as I see how you South Florida API's live.

Nice.

RE: Tila + Rocks

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

As long as I'm on this thumb posting I figure I might as well post on TT getting rocks and other assorted materials thrown at her (from what I remember from the article it was beer bottles as well).

Hey - I know not everyone likes the Tequilla - but seriously - if someone "taunts" me by showing boobage - the last I'd be doing is throwing things at them.

But that's just me.

Because I'm a romantic.

On The Interpretations Film Contest

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

The deadline has been extended to September 15 - so that means you have time...not much - but still some.

Another post to come on a few of my favorite entries.

And yes...that'll be when my little DSL light stops flashing on and off...

And I'm not thumb posting...

Will the gods of dsl spare me?

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Apparently not.

Written from my iPhone.

Maggie Q, Priest, Comic Con, Lopez Tonight, And On Being Blond And Blue Eyed

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Because I know you want more Q I give you - well - more.

Lopez Tonight

This is a really good interview btw - definitely check it out and you'll get the reference in the post title and yes, I do think she looked at that Balls Of Fury still and said to herself "WTH" was I doing there.



Priest Trailer



Comic Con 2010

The LXD Episode 9: Fanboyz

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Still Life: Jet Li + The Expendables

Thursday, August 12, 2010



Opening this weekend at a theater near you.

Whether or not it's going to be any good - that I can't say.

I guess we'll just have to find out together.

2010 Asian American Music Festival: Kero One, Emi Meyer, Jake Shimabukuro, Shanghai Restoration

Thursday, August 12, 2010



Holy mother of all that is amazing people - I can't even begin to tell you how many kick ass artists are going to be here - really - there's just too many of them.

L.A. I think I might have to find my way out there and sleep under your finest bridge.

Sweet.

Paul Im and Disruptive Management, in association with The Japanese American National Museum, present the Asian American Music Festival 2010 (in Five Movements) on October 15, 16 and 17.

Headliners include ukulele legend Jake Shimabukuro, groundbreaking hip-hop artist Shing02 (Shing Oh 2), and international songstress Charmaine Clamor. These superstars will be joined by an eclectic lineup of Asian-American virtuosos in a three-day, multi-cultural celebration, including Jon Jang, Dana Leong, Kero One, Gary Fukushima, Abe Lagrimas, Jr., Noel Okimoto, Emi Meyer, Shanghai Restoration Project, and Sachal Vasandani.

"This year's Asian American Music Festival, an evolution from Asian American Jazz Festival, reflects our decision to celebrate all expressions of music by API (Asian Pacific Islander) artists, no matter the genre," declares Festival Founder/Director Im. "Asian American artists have had rich histories in hip-hop, jazz, world, and electronic music. The festival celebrates diversity while focusing on Asian American cultural identity and the API artists who share this connection."

"As a promoter, the only thing better than having a sold-out festival is having a sold-out festival filled from start to finish with music I love," says Im. "And I really love this Festival's lineup! I'm extremely proud of our programming this year. We're presenting the most current, culturally relevant, and artistically engaging artists of Asian descent in the world today, all together in a cohesive format. Whether it be hip-hop, jazz, pop, world music, or electronica, we've got the best of it all at this year's Asian American Music Festival."

The 2010 Asian American Music Festival's Five Movements:

Movement 1 (Friday Evening, 10/15): Urbanisms
Movement 2 (Saturday Afternoon, 10/16): Generations
Movement 3 (Saturday Evening, 10/16): Stars of the Islands
Movement 4 (Sunday Afternoon, 10/17): Angles
Movement 5 (Sunday Evening, 10/17): Identity

Movement 1 (Friday Evening, 10/15): Urbanisms

8:30pm
Kero One (Hip-Hop)
http://www.kero1.com/

Milk & Jade by Dana Leong (Hip-Hop / Electronic)
http://danaleong.com/

Shing02 (Hip-Hop)
http://www.e22.com/shing02/

Movement 2 (Saturday Afternoon, 10/16): Generations

1:30pm
Gary Fukushima GF3 Trio (Jazz)
http://www.myspace.com/garyfukushima

Jon Jang Solo Piano (Jazz)
http://www.jonjang.com/

The New Asian American Jazz Orchestra (Jazz)
Premiering Concerto for Taiko and Jazz Orchestra by Jon Jang
Directed by Gary Fukushima
http://www.asianamericanmusicfestival.com/


Movement 3 (Saturday Evening, 10/16): Stars of the Islands

8:30pm
Abe Lagrimas, Jr. and Noel Okimoto (World/Jazz)
http://abelagrimasjr.com/
http://noelokimoto.com/

Jake Shimabukuro Trio w/ Noel Okimoto & Dean Taba (World/Jazz/Pop)
http://www.jakeshimabukuro.com/

Movement 4 (Sunday Afternoon, 10/17): Angles

1:30pm
Emi Meyer (Pop / Jazz)
http://www.myspace.com/emimeyer

Shanghai Restoration Project (Hip-Hop / Electronic)
http://shanghairestorationproject.com/home.html

Movement 5 (Sunday Evening, 10/17): Identity

8:30pm
Sachal Vasandani Quartet (Jazz)
http://www.sachalvasandani.com/

Charmaine Clamor & her Killin' Sweethearts (World / Jazz)
http://www.charmaineclamor.com/


For more information see http://www.janm.org and http://www.asianamericanmusicfestival.com

Hip Hop And Hot: The Syrenz, One Night Only, NSU Modern, World Famous, Randy Guiaya, East West Players, And A Whole Lot More

Thursday, August 12, 2010







The photos above are only a part of the artists you can catch this weekend (August 14) down at East West Players Theater and their "Hip Hop Talent for One Night Only" fundraising event.

Check it:

On Saturday, August 14th, East West Players (EWP) will kick off its 45th season with One Night Only: Hip Hop and Hot. Directed by Marilyn Tokuda with musical direction by Nathan Wang, this one night only benefit performance offers the fun and excitement of a night of watching some of Southern California’s best dance crews and will feature the four pillars of hip hop—DJ’ing, MC’ing, Graffiti, and Breaking.

”We are excited to have so much diverse talent performing at Hip Hop and Hot,” says Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang. “The evening promises to be a spectacular night of dancing, music, art, and a great learning experience for all generations.”

In addition to performances by dance crew Velvet Nation, vocalist Sue Jin, and beatbox crew Fresh Beats Inc!, HIP HOP AND HOT will also have performances by: all-female dance crew The Syrenz, featuring Ms. Von (aka Sara Von Gillern) who was one of the top ten contestants on So You Think You Can Dance--Season 3; dance crew from UCLA NSU Modern, the first competitive Nikkei dance group among Southern California's collegiate dance talent; b-girl crew World Famous, whose style ranges from hip-hop, house, freestyle, and break dancing; and vocalist Randy Guiaya of EWP’s Three Filipino Tenors. The Masters of Ceremonies will be the Basco Family (Dante, Darion, Derek, Dion, and Arianna), long-time friends of the theatre.

Having been part of the hip hop community for a long time, the evening offers a great opportunity to have the Basco family introduce theatre audiences to hip hop. DJ Phatrick, graffiti artist SANO, and Takayo Fischer, Emily Kuroda, June Kyoko Lu, and Jeanne Sakata of EWP’s production of the NISEI WIDOWS CLUB round out the evening’s entertainment.

Current major sponsors include:

East West “Playaz” Sponsor—$5,000 Level
Edwin Kwoh and Lynn & Brian Arthurs
Wells Fargo
Rapper and DJ Sponsor—$2,500 Level
T. Rodd Bancroft (2x)
B-Boy and B-Girl Sponsor—$1,000 Level
David L. Mauss

One Night Only: Hip Hop and Hot will be held on Saturday, August 14th, 2010 at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts located at 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. The event starts at 6:00 pm with a hosted bar and reception, continues with the performance at 7:30 pm, and concludes with a raffle drawing and dessert reception. One Night Only: Hip Hop and Hot is a benefit performance, and all proceeds will go toward East West Players’ arts and education programs.

Various levels of sponsorships are available ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Single tickets are $250 for VIP, $100 in the orchestra and $60 in the balcony.

For more information on sponsorship and tickets, visit www.eastwestplayers.org, contact the Development Manager Lisa Tang at ltang@eastwestplayers.org or call (213) 625-7000 x17.

Clara, "The Art In My Heart", Pre-Order, And The Album Release Show

Wednesday, August 11, 2010



PRE-ORDER for "The Art In My Heart" NOW AVAILABLE!

http://www.claracmusic.bigcartel.com/product/claras-album-the-art-in-my-heart-preorder

-FIRST 500 ARE SIGNED BY YOURS TRULY!

ALBUM RELEASE SHOW:

When: September 24, 2010
Where: The Hotel Cafe
1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Who: You, me and other 21+ people!
What: Awesome live music from my debut album with an awesome band! Oh, and since I like to cook, edible goodies from me to you!

TWITTER:
http://www.twitter.com/ClaraCMusic

FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/ClaraCMusic

Kollaboration Acoustic 4: All The Talent You Love (And Yes, I Have Tickets To Give Away Too)

Wednesday, August 11, 2010



It's about that time to get your Kollaboration on Acoustic 4 style - and this year's competition promises to bring everything you've already learned to love about one of the hottest tickets in town:

A kick ass show featuring a ton of great people.

I. Save That Date

Friday, August 27, 2010
8:30PM (Doors Open 6:30PM)
Ford Amphitheatre
2580 Cahuenga Blvd, East,
Hollywood, CA 90068

Ticket Prices:

$15 General Admission, $25 VIP Admission (preferred seating)

VIP Incentives:

*VIP Preferred Seating
*Meet & Greet opportunity with Marié Digby and other selected artists/judges**
*An opportunity to win a FREE iPad

**VIP Meet & Greet with Marié Digby will approximately start at 6:30PM inside of Ford Amphitheatre.

Early Buyer Incentive:

$10 General Admission, if purchased by August 20, 2010

II. Your Competitors Please

ALEX & JACKIE

Alex and Jackie's initial encounter occurred at Kollaboration Acoustic in 2008. They were each other's biggest fans for the next two years before coming together to form a duet. Despite their musical differences, they have been able to harmonize through a common understanding of good humored folk music and their love for family and friends, which continues to inspire them.

JUSTIS KAO

"Music is the one thing that transcends all racial, ethnic, cultural and language barriers. I hope that my voice and music might be able to encourage others to live a life full of dreams and passion that would inspire this generation." A native of Toronto, Canada, Justis graduated with a degree in Contemporary Writing & Production from Berklee College of Music in Boston. Trained as a classical pianist and influenced by the sounds of Gospel, Jazz and Rhythm & Blues, Justis' music has been likened to the sounds of Brian McKnight, Stevie Wonder, and Babyface. His awards include winning Best Male Singer/ Songwriter for the 2006 Los Angeles Music Awards. His album will be out later this year.

ESNA YOON

Esna is a multi-talented LA based singer/songwriter/actress/dancer. She's been collaborating with an ever growing list of other like-minded Asian Pacific American artists throughout the West Coast, performing on sold-out stages and online. Her rich melodic voice is often accompanied by her piano or keyboard as she sings a wide range of musical genres for her growing number of viewers on her youtube account www.youtube.com/esnathesinger.

FLOWETHICS

FlowEthics' music is often dubbed as 'feel good music' by their avid listeners. The group composed of three emcees, one vocalist, and two DJ's create a blend of hip-hop that makes audiences get nostalgic for the genre's past while introducing an original sound. FlowEthics prides themselves in their distinctive stage presence. FlowEthics has been compared to other notable artists such as: Souls of Mischief, A Tribe Called Quest, Hieroglyphics, The Roots, and Black Eyed Peas. Their music has spread to the Czech Republic, Phillippines, Australia and Canada, with albums titled "The Beginning", and "FlowEthics LP."

HIPPIE HIPPIE HOORAH

Hippie Hippie Hoorah came together in October 2009 and consists of Stephanie Chung, Chan Cho and Joe Chang. The band name is derived from their shared understanding of making music for fun. Members Cho and Joe were introduced to each other through the Sunny Hills High School Drum Line. Stephanie performed at "Open Mic Night", an event that Joe had help curate. After their acclaimed performance at the event, they have been performing together as a band at various benefits, talent shows and private parties in Southern California.

PEONY

Peony, aka Judy Lee, is a singer-songwriter who works mainly in her room, recording at her desk with her guitar and mic. Raised in Los Angeles, she currently attends UCLA, aspiring to be an oral hygienist by day and a passionate musician by night. She is currently working on compiling an EP for release in the near future, which is to be titled "Telltale Sleep Light." Identifying strongly with the Korean-American second generation culture, she hopes to expand the community's scope of musical tolerance to incorporate her dreamy, slightly obscure style of lyrical expression and sound. For more music and videos, check out her YouTube channel, "ThePeonyProject."

DAWEN

Dawen blends R&B, funk and jazz with his sensual vibe with what MTV Iggy calls "a soulfully eclectic style". He has recently performed for Macy Gray on her web show. With the release of his debut album 'American Me', Dawen has been on tour throughout the US and Asia. His music runs the gamut, from the Asian American experience to universal themes such as love, loss, and redemption. Dawen's smooth baritone and provocative performances continues to impress audiences everywhere.

LILY BEE

Hailing from Orange County, California, Lily Bee (Lilian Bui), Lily Bee has been playing piano and making music since she was five years old. At age fourteen, she started to play guitar, and not long after learning the chords of Louis, Louis she began to write her own songs. Since then, she has added the ukulele, violin, drums, kazoo and some mean egg shakers to her instrumental repertoire. Lily Bees musical style reflects her lighthearted nature while carrying the weight of broad life experiences which include writing and directing a musical.

SORAH YANG & BRIAN FANG

Sorah Yang is a singer, dance teacher, choreographer, songwriter, and musician from Fremont, CA. After her audition for American Idol, where she received encouraging praise and feedback from several show producers, she’s been motivated to overcome her tremendous stage fright that used to prevent her from singing even in the shower. She is currently a sophomore at USC majoring in Business Administration. Brian Fang, an innovative solo artist, combines a vast variety of musical styles to create a sound that is uniquely his own. Brian has released his debut EP entitled "The EP" in 2008. His various experiences include being voted as a finalist for Star 98.7 fm's Rockstar III contest, appearing at the historic Whisky A Go Go, and performing at many other venues in the Los Angeles and Orange County area. Brian recently released his newest EP entitled "Sleepless Nights". Currently a local musician in the Southern California region, Brian hopes to expand his exposure to a national level.

MISSCAROLINEXOXO

MissCarolinexoxo has had a strong interest in music since the age of four. When college came around in 2006, Missxoxo and her cousin Lexoxo put themselves on the world stage by broadcasting their covers on YouTube, where they quickly gained popularity. In 2010, Nixoxo joined the group. With Missxoxo on vocals and Lexoxo and Nixoxo on strings, the three formed Team XOXO. They currently have more than 37,000 subscribers on youtube and their album will be released later this summer.

JOHNNY LE & IRIS LEONARDO

Johnny Le is a Vietnamese American singer/songwriter from Georgia. He wrote his first song in the fifth grade about a girl who kept rejecting him. He still performs that song at shows to this day. His love for music and creativity has several outlets for he is also a Bboy and DJ by the name Blaze.
Iris Sara Leonardo is a twenty-year old Filipino-American singer. Born in the Philippines and raised in Los Angeles, she has been classically trained as a pianist for twelve years. As a seventh grader, she taught herself to play the guitar and has been a part of two high school bands. During high school, she participated in a Filipino beauty pageant, where she sang and played guitar for the talent portion. Placing third in the contest has inspired her continue pursuing her dreams in music.

III. Get A Set Of Tickets (For Free)

General Admission tickets are only $10 if you get them before August 20th and let's just say it - that's a pretty damn good deal for all the talent you'll get to see at the Acoustic 4 show.

But - if you like free stuff - I also have a set of tickets to giveaway courtesy of the good folks down at Kollaboration.

Just be one of the first five people to e-mail me down at slanteyefortheroundeye[@]gmail.com, I'll choose a name via the scientific "point a finger" method, and you've won.

Must be in the U.S., get your own ride down there, you'll pick up your tickets at the theatre, and just enter if you want to see the show.

Dev Patel Calls Hollywood Racist For Asians

Wednesday, August 11, 2010



While we all know it's nothing new, glad to see someone like Dev Patel coming out and calling out Hollywood for what it can be:

When the film about the Mumbai slums became a surprise hit, winning eight Oscars including best picture last year, it was expected that Patel's career would take off. But the English actor, 20, has been frustrated by the lack of decent roles on offer and is jobless. "Because Slumdog was such a big hit, there was a lot of pressure in terms of what I did next," he says. "For my second film, I wanted a role that would stretch me, but all I was getting offered were stereotypical parts like the goofy Indian sidekick. Asian actors tend not to be sent Hollywood scripts that are substantial or challenging. I'm likely to be offered the roles of a terrorist, cab driver and smart geek."

Can't Win Them All: Satveer Chaudhary

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Not really much to say on this except for what's already been stated.

Indian-American Satveer Chaudhary, who in 1996 became the first Asian-American lawmaker in the Minnesota House of Representatives, has lost in the primary for the State Senate Seat, which he has represented for a decade [...] In all Chaudhary represented his district for 14 years, four years a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and 10 years as the State Senator.

During his tenure, Chaudhary set a number of electoral milestones. When first elected to the House of Representatives in 1996, he was Minnesota's first Asian-American legislator.

Just four years later, his election to the Senate made him the state's first Asian-American Senator, Minnesota's then-youngest Senator, and the highest ranking Asian-Indian official in the nation.
Okay, I do have one thing to say and it has something to do about a door closing, or window opening, or one of the two, but since I can't quite remember and I'm too lazy to look it up because I have porn streaming on those other monitors, I'll just say I think opportunity is knocking for Chaudhary.

Jane Lui: Illusionist Boy (Live Take On Zurich Rooftop)

Wednesday, August 11, 2010