people stories

The Los Angeles Times recently ran a really interesting profile on Jimmy Sakoda, the LAPD's first Japanese American lieutenant, who has been pursuing a murder case for 27 years. His efforts finally resulted in the international arrest of Kazuyoshi Miura for the murder of his wife Kazumi: After 27 years, his duty still calls.

Acclaimed artist/architect Maya Lin, celebrated as the creator of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, is working on what she says will be her "last memorial": Maya Lin's earthly concerns. The work-in-progress will grieve for the animals, birds and plants driven into extinction—and warn of the urgency of acting now to halt the devastation.

Another story, this time in the Orange County Register, on author Jennifer 8. Lee and her recently-published book The Fortune Cookie Chronicles, all about the history and culture of Chinese cuisine in America: Chinese food - as American as apple pie. As I've said before, it's a really informative, fun read, and I recommend it to everyone.

Famed auteur Wong Kar Wai's latest film My Blueberry Nights opens in select theaters this Friday: "My Blueberry Nights" Director Wong Kar Wai. The film is the director's English-language debut, and apparently his tribute to Americana. The film is also singer Norah Jones' debut acting role: Norah Jones brings musical touch to movie role.

Here's an interview with up-and-coming cinematographer Rain Kathy Li: REEL Lady: Cinematographer Rain Kathy Li. A former protege of sorts of renowed Hong Kong cinematographer Christopher Doyle, she recently worked on Gus Van Sant's Paranoid Park, and was named one of Variety's 10 Cinematographers to Watch.