Another year, another Academy Award nominations announcement. And as usual, not an Asian name or face in sight. The best we could do was Russell, the chubby Asian kid in Disney/Pixar's Up, which was one of the ten(!) films nominated this year for Best Picture. You're carrying the banner for us, Russell!
Up was also nominated for Best Animated Feature, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score and Best Sound Editing -- all well deserved, in my opinion. But I was at least also hoping for a Best Animated Short nomination for Partly Cloudy, directed by Pixar animator Peter Sohn. Alas, no love.
One other bit of Asian representation comes in the form of a Best Documentary Feature nomination for Burma VJ, about the 2007 Buddhist monk uprising against Burma's military regime, and one video journalist's efforts to keep the world informed about the state of affairs inside the closed country.
And that's about it! I guess we could show a little love to Star Trek and its four nominations. I like John Cho as Sulu, and I like that movie. So yay for that.
Frankly, I'm not really surprised at the lack of any kind of Asian representation at what's supposed to be Hollywood's biggest night. In fact, Asians at the Oscars are the rare exception -- an anomaly at the party. That's Hollywood. Read the full list of Academy Award nominations here.
And hey, while we're on the topic, another non-surprise: Vanity Fair's "New Hollywood" issue completely lacks diversity.
UPDATE: I'm informed that Kavi, nominated for Best Live Action Short. The director is a white guy, but the film is a story about modern day slavery in India, filmed in Hindi, on location with an Indian cast and a lot of local crew. So, that's one more, sort of.
2.02.2010
at long last! lost season six premieres tonight!
Well, tonight's the night. The sixth season premiere of Lost -- the beginning of the end. To celebrate the occasion, I have just pre-ordered my Dr. Edgar Halliwax Bobble Head, now available from Entertainment Earth.
Yes, Dr. Halliwax, aka Pierre Chang, the scientist from the Dharma Initiative orientation films (played by Francois Chau) has his very own bobble head. My collection now includes Benjamin Linus and Vincent Masuka from Dexter.
Really, really looking forward to the premiere tonight. If I can, I'm going to try to live-Tweet the episode with a little bit of commentary (during the West Coast broadcast). Follow along on Twitter here.
phan s. ngo appointed deputy chief of san jose police
Last week, the San Jose Police Department announced that it has appointed Capt. Phan S. Ngo as Deputy Chief. Considering the strained relationship the department has suffered with the Vietnamese American community in recent years, this news is a pretty big deal: San Jose police chief chooses Vietnamese-American as new deputy chief.
It's historic. Ngo, who was airlifted as a child out of Saigon during the last days of the Vietnam War, is not only the first Vietnamese American to serve as a deputy chief in San Jose, but he is believed to be the highest-ranking Vietnamese-American officer on any major U.S. police department.
His appointment comes at a time of great distrust for police within the Vietnamese American community, largely due to two recent cases -- the police shooting of a mentally-ill Daniel Pham in the backyard of his home, and the violent, videotaped arrest of San Jose State University student Phuong Ho.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that there were about 90,000 Vietnamese living in San Jose in 2008 -- more than any American city. According to department officials, there are about 40 Vietnamese-American officers in the San Jose Police Department, making up 2.8 percent of the force.
Ngo, who first joined the force as an officer in 1989, is now the only nonwhite member of Davis' top command staff. Hopefully, this is a first step -- a small step -- in the right direction.
It's historic. Ngo, who was airlifted as a child out of Saigon during the last days of the Vietnam War, is not only the first Vietnamese American to serve as a deputy chief in San Jose, but he is believed to be the highest-ranking Vietnamese-American officer on any major U.S. police department.
His appointment comes at a time of great distrust for police within the Vietnamese American community, largely due to two recent cases -- the police shooting of a mentally-ill Daniel Pham in the backyard of his home, and the violent, videotaped arrest of San Jose State University student Phuong Ho.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that there were about 90,000 Vietnamese living in San Jose in 2008 -- more than any American city. According to department officials, there are about 40 Vietnamese-American officers in the San Jose Police Department, making up 2.8 percent of the force.
Ngo, who first joined the force as an officer in 1989, is now the only nonwhite member of Davis' top command staff. Hopefully, this is a first step -- a small step -- in the right direction.
pep and the "asian persuasian"
So last night, I turned on the tube to see an Asian dude named Tom making some serious smoove moves on VH1's Let's Talk About Pep, a reality dating show which follows the romantic life of Pep -- yes, the one and only "Pepa" of Salt-N-Pepa.
In the episode, Pepa goes on a date with Tom the doctor, who also happens to be a chef -- and Asian. Her girlfriends go a little crazy ("Shut up!") when they discover she got "open" with an Asian guy. But it's all good, because it seems that Tom knows what he's doing.
Tom makes dinner for her, then busts out a blindfold for some tastin'. Sounds cheesy, and it is, but believe it or not, it all goes pretty well -- I was rather amused. Smooth, Tom. Pep shares the encounter with her girlfriends and dubs it the "Asian Persuasion." You can watch the full episode on the VH1 website here.
aaldef's assessment of census outreach to asian americans
Last week, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund released findings from its six-month assessment of the Census Bureau's programs and outreach to Asian Americans, which recommends that the Bureau must be more focused to ensure a full and accurate count of Asian Americans. Here's an excerpt from AALDEF's press release:
In addition, beginning in late February, individuals will be able to report problems and potential violations of law to AALDEF through a multilingual telephone hotline and an online form to an attorney. For more information, read the full press release here.
The Census Bureau generally has been responsive to the needs of Asian Americans, but AALDEF identified some problem areas that should be addressed. Key findings from AALDEF's report include:A copy of the report can be downloaded from the AALDEF's website here. AALDEF will continue advocating for stronger enforcement of the census confidentiality provisions and seek a moratorium on immigration enforcement actions during the census enumeration period.
Insufficient Partnership Specialist staff in Chicago, Northern Virginia, and Detroit to meet community needs. In those regions, specific communities, such as Korean Americans and Bangladeshi Americans, may be overlooked. One community leader in Chicago noted that the staff does not resemble or understand the communities they are assigned to serve.
Complaints about partnership specialists in Silicon Valley and Chicago. Census Bureau outreach staff were unresponsive to inquiries or provided insufficient information about census operations. One community leader in Silicon Valley noted that some specialists were unprofessional and dismissive of community concerns.
More detailed assurances about confidentiality needed. Despite the Bureau's numerous statements about the confidentiality of census data, community groups still want further assurances. They seek more details on the privacy protections and a legal opinion from the Attorney General that the USA Patriot Act does not compromise confidentiality. AALDEF is still awaiting responses to outstanding Freedom of Information Act requests.
Difficulty in obtaining translated educational materials. One group in Chicago requested materials in Vietnamese, but only received posters and fact sheets in English.
Translation errors in the Bureau's Vietnamese-language materials. The Bureau has occasionally used the Vietnamese word for census as which refers to a communist government investigation. After community complaints, the Bureau recently fixed these errors in its online materials, but those corrections will not appear in the printed census forms.
Lack of transparency of paid media campaign. Almost no community groups were able to preview draft advertisements. Many groups are concerned that the final advertisements will not resonate with particular hard-to-count communities. AALDEF observed such problems with census advertisements in the 2000 Census.
Groups are unaware of important census programs, such as the Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QAC) and Be Counted sites. Many community leaders did not know how to sign up or did not understand that they had to be QACs or Be Counted sites in order to receive blank census forms.
In addition, beginning in late February, individuals will be able to report problems and potential violations of law to AALDEF through a multilingual telephone hotline and an online form to an attorney. For more information, read the full press release here.
2.01.2010
actors at play present beware of cupid
For all you theater fans in Southern California, do check out Beward of Cupid, a unique theatrical production centered on Valentine's Day, presenting stories based on love and other matters of the heart. It opens this Friday, February 5 at The Actor's Playpen in Los Angeles.
Directed by Julia Cho and Benjamin Kim, the show is the inaugural production for Actors at Play. The cast includes Jason Rogel, Julia Cho, Benjamin Kim, Lynnette Li, Sandy Yu, Jared Asato, Sara Ceballos and Chris Miyasaki. Here are some details:
Actors at Play presentSounds cool. The show runs Fridays-Sundays, February 5-21. Lover, haters, and everything in between -- there is something for you. This has got to be better than that movie Valentine's Day. Who needs Julia Roberts when you've got this cool cast of characters? For more information about Beware of Cupid, go here. And to purchase tickets, go here.
BEWARE OF CUPID
a Valentine's Day show
FEBRUARY 5 - 21, 2010
Falling in love for the first time, struggling to make a relationship work,
getting over the one that got away... BEWARE OF CUPID presents a
collection of pieces that explore love and other matters of the heart.
OPENS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5th
Fridays, Saturdays @ 8:00pm
Sunday matinees @ 3:00pm
THE ACTOR'S PLAYPEN
1514 N Gardner St
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(off of Sunset Blvd, near the Guitar Center)
FEATURING
Jared Asato | Sara Ceballos | Julia Cho | Benjamin Kim
Lynnette Li | Chris Miyasaki | Jason Rogel | Sandy Yu
TICKETS
$14 online pre-sale | $20 at-the-door
(Ask about our special discounts and group rates!)
research study on korean adoptees
I recently heard from Saebom, a Korean adoptee who is conducting a research study on fellow Korean adoptees and their experiences going to Korea (and returning to their pre-Korea lives). If you're a Korean adoptee who fits the bill, they could use your help with their research. Read on for details:
We need your help if you are a Korean adoptee who is:For more information about the study, and to get the password to take the survey, contact Rae Anne and Saebom at 2curiouskads [at] gmail com. Then head over to the survey link here. And spread the word to anyone who who might be interested in participating.
* Currently 20 years or older
* Went to Korea at age 20 or older
* Went to Korea and RETURNED to pre-Korea life
Please respond to our independent research study!
There are only 49 questions, and it should take 20-30 minutes. Email us for the password at 2curiouskads [at] gmail com, and then proceed to this link: http://www.kwiksurveys.com/online-survey.php?surveyID=BIDNH_636365b6. Be sure to enable cookies before you start so you can go back later on if you need to.
Some of these questions might seem personal, but the more open and honest you can be the more helpful your responses will be for other adoptees. Please know that your responses are generated anonymously.
Feel free to post this message on your own blog or copy, paste and email it to anyone who might be interested in participating. Or simply email us at 2curiouskads [at] gmail com, with a list of emails, and we'll be happy to send out the information.
Here’s some info on us. We are Korean adoptees, 32 and 35 years old, who've been Korea 2-3 times. After we returned from Korea last year we felt isolated. Displaced. Confused. Unable to ease back into our pre-Korea lives. We wondered if other adoptees felt the same way. More importantly, if they didn't, what had they done to prevent these feelings from manifesting? What sort of foundations, behaviors, life circumstances did they have in place that enabled them to feel rooted and connected when they returned? And how could this information offer support to other adoptees?
This is where you come in. If we get enough responses we will develop the results into a presentation for the IKAA Gathering in Seoul this summer so that your responses will help others just like you.
Much appreciation,
Rae Anne and Saebom
2curiouskads [at] gmail com
aaron yoo and jessalyn wanlim in the good guy
Happened to catch the trailer for The Good Guy, a romantic comedy about young New Yorkers trying to find that special someone... and talking and complaining about it all along the way. In the trailer, I spotted Aaron Yoo and Jessalyn Wanlim, playing friends of the guy and girl, respectively. Because hey, every attractive white romcom protagonist needs an Asian sidekick, right? The movie opens in limited release on February 19.
hatchet attack survivor recovering
This is a crazy, heartbreaking story from a few weeks back about 30-year-old Chris Anguiano, who was nearly killed in a hatchet attack that left him legally blind and brain damaged: Hatchet attack victim strives to recover.
Anguiano was sleeping in his Escondido home with his then-girlfriend after 1 a.m. July 9 when a man burst into the house, looking for his estranged wife. She was in the next room with her 7-year-old daughter and boyfriend.According to Anguiano's parents, he suffered 17 hatchet wounds. It's a miracle he survived. Anguiano, who was previously a nursing assistant and had plans to become a registered nurse, is now focusing on walking without assistance and undergoing stem cell therapy to regain his sight.
Authorities said the man mistook Anguiano's girlfriend for his wife and attacked Anguiano and the woman, who suffered wounds to her hands and feet.
A former Border Patrol agent, Gamalier Reyes Rivera, 33, has been charged with four counts of attempted murder on four people in the house, burglary, torture, mayhem and assault with a deadly weapon. He is scheduled to be arraigned Feb. 16 in Vista Superior Court, a district attorney's spokesman said. If convicted, Rivera could be sentenced to life in prison.
orange county loves jennifer chung
The OC Weekly recently ran a short interview with everybody's favorite singing college student/YouTube sweetheart Jennifer Chung, whose music is described as "lighthearted Colbie Callat delivery mixed with a touch of Natasha Bedingfield-style soul": Q&A: UC Irvine Student Jennifer Chung on How Millions Of YouTube Users Jump Started Her Career.
support the nomination of judge edward chen
Last August, President Barack Obama nominated Magistrate Judge Edward Chen to the federal court. Nominated by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, Judge Chen received extremely positive support from a diverse group of individuals and organizations, including "Unanimously Well Qualified" rating by the American Bar Association. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Judge Chen's nomination in October 2009.
Without explanation, Judge Chen's nomination was returned to the White House in late December. As was anticipated, President Obama renominated Judge Chen for the federal court on January 20. Now, your help is needed to communicate to the Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid of Nevada, that Judge Chen's nomination deserves to be presented to the full Senate for a vote. You can sign the following letter in support of Judge Chen:
Without explanation, Judge Chen's nomination was returned to the White House in late December. As was anticipated, President Obama renominated Judge Chen for the federal court on January 20. Now, your help is needed to communicate to the Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid of Nevada, that Judge Chen's nomination deserves to be presented to the full Senate for a vote. You can sign the following letter in support of Judge Chen:
To the Honorable Harry Reid, United States Senator and Majority Leader:Judge Chen's nomination deserves a straight up-or-down vote in the Senate. You can help make that happen by signing the short online form, and your letter will be sent to Majority Leader Reid. For more information, visit FairJudges.net, a website of the Asian Pacific Bar of California.
I'm writing to support Judge Edward Chen's nomination as a federal district court judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and request that his nomination be considered for a fair up-or-down vote by the full Senate.
For more than eight years, Judge Chen has demonstrated that he has made the transition from zealous advocate to balanced, fair, and evenhanded jurist. As a U.S. magistrate judge, he has over 300 published opinions on a range of subjects, having only been overturned twice by the Court of Appeals. Judge Chen was also rated "Unanimously Well Qualified" by the American Bar Association -- a thorough process that examined his record as a judge and attorney.
Judge Chen has mainstream values and attacks against his character are unfair, especially given his excellent record as a judge.
The Senate should move Judge Chen's nomination without any further delay. He is entitled to a full floor vote by the Senate.
Thank you for your consideration,
priscilla ahn: "find my way back home"
The Mighty Fifty does it again. I cannot get enough these great Priscilla Ahn videos, filmed during her awesome live session for KoreAm. Here's the latest one for "Find My Way Back Home," one of my favorite songs from her album A Good Day
. Keep them coming! For more from The Mighty Fifty, go to their website here. For more info on Priscilla Ah, go here.
the 'proud racist'
Meet Bob Kellar. At a recent rally against illegal immigration, the Santa Clarita, California city councilman described himself as "a proud racist" and says he has no regrets over the remark: Calif. city councilman says he's 'proud racist.'
Kellar made the comment at a rally a couple of weeks ago, in the largely white and conservative community of Santa Clarita, which has seen a large influx of Hispanic immigrants. His videotaped remarks were posted on YouTube and caused an uproar. Here's what he said:
Kellar made the comment at a rally a couple of weeks ago, in the largely white and conservative community of Santa Clarita, which has seen a large influx of Hispanic immigrants. His videotaped remarks were posted on YouTube and caused an uproar. Here's what he said:
At the rally, Kellar recalled that Theodore Roosevelt once said the United States had room for only one flag and for one language — English. He said he mentioned the former president's comment at a City Council meeting several years ago.That's right, Bob. Be all that you can be. What's disappointing is that last week, Kellar released a statement explaining that his remarks were taken out of context. That sucks. If you're going to say that you're not just a racist, but a proud racist, own it. Embrace it. Be it. Don't try to explain it away -- be the proud racist you claim to be! Get it out in the open. That's racist!
"The only thing I heard back from a couple of people was, 'Bob, you sound like a racist,'" Kellar told the rally. "I said, 'That's good. If that's what you think I am because I happen to believe in America, then I'm a proud racist. You're darn right I am.'"
1.31.2010
mark your calendars: kollaboration 10, march 6
All right, Los Angeles. Mark your calendars, because this is going to be epic. Kollaboration 10 comes to the Shrine Auditorium on Saturday, March 6. That's right, the world-famous Asian American talent competition celebrates its tenth year -- and its biggest show yet. Here are the details:
KOLLABORATION 10When it first started in 2000, Kollaboration was just a humble little talent show with lots of doubters. Now it's an international movement, packing thousands into the historic Shrine Auditorium. So get your tickets -- they're going fast.
Empowerment through Entertainment
Date: Saturday, March 6, 2010
Time: 7PM (Doors open at 6PM)
Venue: Shrine Auditorium
665 W Jefferson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90007-3626
~6,300 SEATS ~ PERFORMERS COMPETING FOR CASH PRIZES~
$500 Freestyle Dance & $500 Freestyle Vocal Competition!!
LIMITED DISCOUNTED TICKETS AVAILABLE AT:
http://www.kollaboration.org/Tickets/Los-Angeles/Kollaboration-10-Tickets.html
Special Guest Performers:
Rex Navarrete - Comedian
Tony Rock - Comedian
We are Heroes
Prepix
Pigeon John - Rapper
Vudoo Soul - Singer
Korean Union Dancerz - Hip Hop Dance Group
Just Kidding Films - Guest Appearance
and more!!
Competitors:
Jason Yang
Clara
Paul Jisung Kim
Sam Hart
Mike Isberto & Alfa
Will Volume
Bhangra Empire
I haven't even heard of half the competitors in this year's lineup, but that's kind of what Kollaboration is all about. Every year, you get to discover some really amazing untapped Asian American talent. See it all happen live. For more information, visit the Kollaboration website here.
man arrested in mother's gruesome murder
News of another gruesome killing, this time in Solana Beach, California... Last week, San Diego County Sheriff's Department took 28-year-old Bryan Chenhua Chang into custody in connection with the death Sherry Chu Chang -- his mother: Police arrest son for murder of Solana Beach woman.
The victim was found dead in her home with signs of substantial trauma on her body. She was apparently beaten to death, possibly with a hammer, then dismembered. Detectives reportedly found her right arm and parts of her skull in a refrigerator: Gruesome details emerge at son's arraignment.
Prosecutors believe the motive for the attack was money. A concerned co-worker had called authorities to check on Ms. Chang when she didn't show up for work. Deputies found her dead last Monday morning inside a downstairs bathroom of her home. Her son was arrested on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.
At Bryan Chang's hearing on Friday, bail was set at $5 million. If convicted, Chang faces a prison sentence of 26 years to life. According to the Deputy District Attorney, the case is still being reviewed and a decision whether to seek the death penalty could be made later.
The victim was found dead in her home with signs of substantial trauma on her body. She was apparently beaten to death, possibly with a hammer, then dismembered. Detectives reportedly found her right arm and parts of her skull in a refrigerator: Gruesome details emerge at son's arraignment.
Prosecutors believe the motive for the attack was money. A concerned co-worker had called authorities to check on Ms. Chang when she didn't show up for work. Deputies found her dead last Monday morning inside a downstairs bathroom of her home. Her son was arrested on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.
At Bryan Chang's hearing on Friday, bail was set at $5 million. If convicted, Chang faces a prison sentence of 26 years to life. According to the Deputy District Attorney, the case is still being reviewed and a decision whether to seek the death penalty could be made later.
far east movement featured as "subway fresh buzz" artist
Our friends in Far East Movement were recently featured on MTV.com as Subway's Fresh Buzz artist of the week presented by MTV Iggy, featuring an interview with the guys, an exclusive one-take performance of "Girls on the Dance Floor," and, of course, FM grabbing a delicious lunch at Subway. It's a good glimpse of FM talking about what they do and what they're all about it. Good stuff.
nypd promotes thomas m. chan to assistant chief
Last week, NYPD Deputy Police Chief Thomas M. Chan was promoted to Assistant Chief in a ceremony at police headquarters. With the promotion, Chan has achieved a two-star rank -- the highest held by an Asian American officer in the history of the Department: Police Commissioner Ray Kelly promotes a Hispanic and an Asian to highest rankings in NYPD history.
Chan, who is now in charge of NYPD's school safety division, was appointed to the New York City Police Department in January 1982, and began his career on patrol in the 26 Precinct. He was promoted to Sergeant in November 1985; Lieutenant in May 1989; Captain in July 1993; Deputy Inspector in August 1995; Inspector in November 2000; and Deputy Chief in October 2004.
He has served in the 5, 7 and 26 Precincts, as well as Highway Units 1and 2, the Traffic Division, the Office of the Chief of Department, Patrol Borough Manhattan South; Patrol Borough Staten Island; and Manhattan South Detective Operations.
Before serving as Executive Officer of Patrol Borough Manhattan South, Chief Chan has also served as the Adjutant of Patrol Borough Manhattan South and Patrol Borouth Staten Island. He has served as the Commanding Officer of the 5 Precinct and Manhattan South Detective Operations, and as Executive Officer of the 5 and 7 Precincts.
Assistant Chief Chan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospital Administration from St. John's University.
Chan, who is now in charge of NYPD's school safety division, was appointed to the New York City Police Department in January 1982, and began his career on patrol in the 26 Precinct. He was promoted to Sergeant in November 1985; Lieutenant in May 1989; Captain in July 1993; Deputy Inspector in August 1995; Inspector in November 2000; and Deputy Chief in October 2004.
He has served in the 5, 7 and 26 Precincts, as well as Highway Units 1and 2, the Traffic Division, the Office of the Chief of Department, Patrol Borough Manhattan South; Patrol Borough Staten Island; and Manhattan South Detective Operations.
Before serving as Executive Officer of Patrol Borough Manhattan South, Chief Chan has also served as the Adjutant of Patrol Borough Manhattan South and Patrol Borouth Staten Island. He has served as the Commanding Officer of the 5 Precinct and Manhattan South Detective Operations, and as Executive Officer of the 5 and 7 Precincts.
Assistant Chief Chan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospital Administration from St. John's University.
alexander shen's my first time ep
Alexander Shen, an illustrator who got his hands on a guitar and wrote some silly, funny songs, has just released his first EP, aptly titled My First Time. I previously posted about Alex and his song "Legacy." This EP is more in the same vein, with track titles like "My Robot Wife," and "Zombie Love Song." Listen to samples and purchase the record here. And to learn more about Alexander, visit his website here.
man awarded $130,000 in racist attack
Some news out of Australia... In Sydney, a man has been ordered by a court to pay more than $130,000 for the brutal, unprovoked, racially-motivated attack on an Asian man four years ago: Defendant must give victim $130,000.
David Chia was sitting in a car with his girlfriend outside his home when they were approached by a group of men who emerged from a nearby property, and then later attacked:
The judge awarded Chia $130,505, including $75,000 in general damages and $40,000 in aggravated and exemplary damages. That's racist!
David Chia was sitting in a car with his girlfriend outside his home when they were approached by a group of men who emerged from a nearby property, and then later attacked:
But later that evening, when the men approached in their cars, Mr Chia's foot was struck by one of the vehicles and he was set upon.Shuan Wickenden was convicted of the assault and fined $1000, but his co-offenders apparently remain at large. Chia suffered a broken leg partial facial nerve palsy and neck and shoulder injuries. He was on crutches for more than six months and continues to suffer post traumatic stress.
He told his girlfriend to drive away as the men began punching him and kicking his head as he lay on the ground.
Mr Wickenden yelled: "You f***ing Asian, I'm going to kill you, you gook," the court heard.
Mr Chia ran past his home, where he knew his parents to be sleeping, as he was afraid the men would follow him there.
He ran down the driveway of a nearby property, where Mr Wickenden caught up with him, striking him on the back and the head with a garden stake he had taken from a neighbouring front yard.
The judge awarded Chia $130,505, including $75,000 in general damages and $40,000 in aggravated and exemplary damages. That's racist!
slackistan trailer
I am intrigued by the trailer for Slackistan, an upcoming indie feature directed by Hammad Khan, about a group of twentysomething friends hanging out in Islamabad. Here's the short synopsis from the website:
A group of twenty-something friends hang out in the rich neighbourhoods of the federal capital city aka 'Isloo.' Hasan flirts with both filmmaking dreams, as well as secret crush Aisha. But a daily routine of cruising around town with his cocky, status-obsessed buddy Sherry could keep Hasan from escaping the existential bubble he is trapped in.I don't know much about the movie, but it has a great title, and the potential to be a cool, stereotype-busting little indie. Because really, why should only young white Americans have the monopoly on slacker cinema? For more information about the movie, go to the Slackistan website here.
the guy behind "doppelganger week"
Like most Facebook memes, "Doppelganger Week" got tiring pretty quickly. I also found it kind of hard to play along, since there are so few Asian male celebrities, let alone ones that I actually resemble. Yeah, I'm not fun. But Huffington Post has a brief Interview With Bob Patel, Creator of "Doppelganger Week" on Facebook. He apparently is a mustached dead ringer for an Indian Tom Selleck.
1.30.2010
this week's angriest posts
Not really the angriest, just the most viewed.
- the 50 most racist movies (you didn't think were racist)
- the game "supports" korean pop group
- jeff & erin's epic wedding trailer
- now casting: the new hawaii five-o
- not always right: "real chinese restaurant"
- "how to spot a jap"
- new last airbender posters
- kenneth chou: former taiwanese pop star / med student / test prep pirate
- the john park movement has begun
- what exactly does "asian experience" taste like?
1.29.2010
brush your teeth!
A fun video to make you smile. This was apparently created to encourage kids to practice good hygiene. Brushing is important, kids! My favorite part is the end, where the kids are gettin' down. Keep an eye on the guy with the C3P0 shirts... He's got moves!
vancouver police beating victim sues the city
Yao Wei Wu, the man who was beaten by police in a case of mistaken identity when they knocked on the wrong door, is now suing the city of Vancouver for damages: Man beaten by Vancouver police sues city.
Honestly, can you blame him? Wu suffered cuts and bruises to his face after two plainclothes officers showed up at his door -- the wrong door-- late last week responding to a domestic violence call.
The Vancouver Police Department has admitted the officers had the wrong residence and has issued an apology to Wu. Police Chief Jim Chu visited the Wu home the night after the attack to apologize to the victim personally.
According to his attorney, Wu will seek damages for assault. Meanwhile, one of the two officers involved has been reassigned to administrative duties while the incident is investigated. More here: Delta Police to probe mistaken assault.
Honestly, can you blame him? Wu suffered cuts and bruises to his face after two plainclothes officers showed up at his door -- the wrong door-- late last week responding to a domestic violence call.
The Vancouver Police Department has admitted the officers had the wrong residence and has issued an apology to Wu. Police Chief Jim Chu visited the Wu home the night after the attack to apologize to the victim personally.
According to his attorney, Wu will seek damages for assault. Meanwhile, one of the two officers involved has been reassigned to administrative duties while the incident is investigated. More here: Delta Police to probe mistaken assault.
a movie recommendation from denea
Saw this here, liked it. Forget Netflix user reviews -- these are reviews of the real people! You're at the video store, looking for a good Friday night flick... Hey, what's Sucker Free City
? Is it any good? Oh wait, there's a note... Oh, hell yes. We're renting this. You're damn right, Denea. It's HELLA good. (Seriously, it is.)
man charged with stalking and killing neighbor
Some shocking, gruesome news out of Queens... This week, police arrested 47-year-old Huang Chen for the stabbing death of his neighbor Qian Wu. But as medical examiner's office revealed, she wasn't just stabbed -- her heart and lungs had been ripped from her body: Neighbor Charged With Stalking and Killing Woman.
The murder was apparently the culmination of years of harrassment by the suspect, who lives two doors away from the victim. Wu ran an employment agency with her husband, and had tried unsuccessfully to help him find employment. He apparently made romantic advances toward her, which she rebuffed. Then Chen turned stalker:
Caught, you killer. But why the hell did he have to remove her heart and lungs? More here: Accused Queens killer Huang Chen ripped out victim Qian Wu's heart and lungs, cops say.
The murder was apparently the culmination of years of harrassment by the suspect, who lives two doors away from the victim. Wu ran an employment agency with her husband, and had tried unsuccessfully to help him find employment. He apparently made romantic advances toward her, which she rebuffed. Then Chen turned stalker:
In 2006, Mr. Chen spent 30 days in jail for choking her and punching her in the face, and since then Ms. Wu had received at least five orders of protection against him. The Queens district attorney’s office charged Mr. Chen with second-degree murder, as well as with stalking, possession of a weapon and tampering with evidence. A woman was also arrested, charged with helping dispose of the murder weapons — which the authorities said were a hammer and a utility knife. The police said they did not know the whereabouts of Ms. Wu's lungs and heart, and were searching for them.Detectives at the hospital became suspicious when Chen showed up at the hospital with cuts on his legs and arms, saying that he had been assaulted by a robber. Although he had blood on his shoes, his clothes were clean. Security cameras revealed Chen going into his apartment building covered in blood, then later leaving with a woman carrying a bag.
Caught, you killer. But why the hell did he have to remove her heart and lungs? More here: Accused Queens killer Huang Chen ripped out victim Qian Wu's heart and lungs, cops say.
[spoiler] the first four minutes of lost season six
All right, dudes. If you're going crazy waiting for the return of Lost, and can't wait four days for the season premiere, the first four minutes of the episode have found their way online. Spoiler warning blah blah blah.
Granted, the first half of the clip is from the very end of last season, but the other half is... intriguing, and seems to confirm a lot of speculation about this season. Just a taste. Anyway, watch the clip before it gets taken down. Or if you can resist, catch the season premiere on Tuesday, February 2.
aapis, you are needed on california's redestricting committee!
Calling all AAPIs in California... The Asian Pacific American Legal Center and other AAPI organizations are encouraging qualified individuals to apply for the new redistricting commission established by Proposition 11. The 14-person citizens commission will draw new maps for state legislative and Board of Equalization districts in 2011. How the new maps are drawn will determine whether AAPI communities are kept together or split unfairly.
As of yesterday (January 28, 2010), 548 of the 10716 applicants (5.1%) are Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI). However, AAPIs represent nearly 15% of the state's total population. Although the percentage of AAPI applicants has increased in the past two weeks, the deadline to apply is coming up fast. Unless additional people of color including AAPIs apply, there is significant risk that the commission will not reflect California's diversity. Up-to-date statistics can be found here.
If you're interested in being part of the commission, you must fill out an online form to apply for the commission. The form can be found at here and is due by February 12. APALC is working with eight partner organizations to conduct application workshops for interested individuals, happening throughout the state. Here are some details:
Here's also a good San Francisco Chronicle article on the lack of diversity in the redestricting panel's current applicant pool: Critics say redistricting panel needs diversity.
As of yesterday (January 28, 2010), 548 of the 10716 applicants (5.1%) are Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI). However, AAPIs represent nearly 15% of the state's total population. Although the percentage of AAPI applicants has increased in the past two weeks, the deadline to apply is coming up fast. Unless additional people of color including AAPIs apply, there is significant risk that the commission will not reflect California's diversity. Up-to-date statistics can be found here.
If you're interested in being part of the commission, you must fill out an online form to apply for the commission. The form can be found at here and is due by February 12. APALC is working with eight partner organizations to conduct application workshops for interested individuals, happening throughout the state. Here are some details:
Contra Costa County WorkshopAdditional workshops will be held in San Diego and Fresno. The schedule of workshops will be updated here. For more information about the commission or the workshops, please contact APALC at redistricting@apalc.org or visit the CAPAFR Facebook page here.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Host: East Bay Asian Voter Education Consortium
Location: Orinda Library - Garden Room
26 Orinda Way
Orinda, CA 94563
To RSVP: Emily Chang, chang.emily@sbcglobal.net or (925) 997-8164
or Jenn Pae, jennpae@gmail.com
San Francisco County Workshop
Thursday, February 4, 2010, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Host: Asian Law Caucus
Location: Chinese for Affirmative Action, Community Room
The Kuo Building
17 Walter U. Lum Place
San Francisco, CA 94108
To RSVP: Carlo de la Cruz, carlod@asianlawcaucus.org or (415) 896-1701
Orange County Workshop
Saturday, February 6, 2010, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon
Host: Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA)
Location: OCAPICA Office
12900 Garden Grove Blvd, Suite 214A
Garden Grove, CA 92843
To RSVP: Asma Men, amen@ocapica.org or (714) 636-9095 ext. 203
Alameda County Workshop
Saturday, February 6, 2010, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Host: East Bay Asian Voter Education Consortium
Location: East Bay Area Youth Center
2025 E. 12th Street
Oakland, CA 94601
To RSVP: Jenn Pae, jennpae@gmail.com
Los Angeles County Workshop
Wednesday, February 10, 2010, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Host: Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council (A3PCON)
Location: Asian Pacific American Legal Center
1145 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
To RSVP: Mark Masaoka, mark.a3pcon@live.com or (213) 239-0300
Santa Clara County Workshop
Wednesday, February 10, 2010, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Host: Asian Law Alliance
Location: Asian Law Alliance
184 E. Jackson St.
San Jose, CA 95112
To RSVP: Jacquelyn Maruhashi, alacensus@aol.com or (408) 287-9710
Here's also a good San Francisco Chronicle article on the lack of diversity in the redestricting panel's current applicant pool: Critics say redistricting panel needs diversity.
angry reader of the week: helen gym
It's time, once again, to meet another Angry Reader of the Week, spotlighting you, the very special readers of this website. Over the years, I've been able to connect with a lot of cool folks, and this is a way of showing some appreciation and attention to the people who help make this blog what it is. This week's Angry Reader is community organizer Helen Gym.
the big zhang on campus
At UC Berkeley, Max Zhang is literally the big man on campus. The 7-foot-3 sophomore, who plays center for Cal's basketball team, has been putting up solid numbers for the Bears this season. Here's a recent San Francisco Chronicle profile on the tallest Chinese dude at Cal: Cal's Zhang is one big man on campus.
Zhang, who hails from China, came to Berkeley as "a tall Chinese kid that had a chance," according to coaches:
Zhang, who hails from China, came to Berkeley as "a tall Chinese kid that had a chance," according to coaches:
Dick Marquis, a coach in China, came with Zhang and arranged a campus visit with his old friend, then-San Diego coach Brad Holland.Since starting with Cal, he's definitely gained a fan following. However, being instantly recognizable has its drawbacks. Apparently, everywhere the guy goes, some fool has to yell, "Hey, Yao Ming!" What, every tall-ass Asian guy is Yao Ming now? That's stupid.
"When Dick first called me, he said he had a tall Chinese kid that had a chance," Holland said. "Max really liked his campus visit, we thought he was a great kid and had potential, and we were all set."
Until Holland abruptly was fired in March 2007. Ben Braun, then coaching at Cal, learned there was a 7-3 kid without a school playing in AAU games in Los Angeles, and the rest is history.
Holland, now an assistant coach at UCSB, had the opportunity to coach against Zhang when the Gauchos visited Haas Pavilion last month.
"He's much improved in a variety of ways," Holland said. "He's got more strength and moved very well. It was neat to see his growth and how the Cal fans responded to him. It made me feel great."
"how to spot a jap"
How about some racist fun for your Friday? Saw this over at You Offend Me You Offend My Family: How to Spot a Jap. This is from an actual pamphlet distributed to American soldiers during World War II.
I've seen this before, but I've never seen a hi-res scan this good before:
Alfredo's post reminded me of a cartoon I came across which was actually used during WWII in a U.S. Army pamphlet distributed to soldiers in a Pocket Guide to China. The section called "How to Spot a Jap" instructed military men on how to distinguish between Japanese and Chinese Americans. I think the bit about how Chinese smile more often because the Japanese expect to be shot "and are unhappy about the whole thing" is particularly hilarious.Hilarious and kind of scary. It's frightening to think that actual United States Army personnel were seriously referring to this pamphlet to tell the difference between a friendly Chinese person and the evil Japanese enemy. View the comic strip in its entirely here.
another american detained in north korea
Aw man, what? Not again. The North Korean government reports that it has detained yet another U.S. citizen for illegally entering its territory across the border from China: US man 'detained' in North Korea.
North Korea's official news agency KCNA says the man was arrested on Monday and is now being questioned. It did not identify the man by name or provide any other details. More here: NKorea says American man detained at China border.
This is the second arrest of a U.S. citizen reported in North Korea in the past several weeks. A man, widely believed to be American missionary Robert Park, was detained for illegally entering through the North Korea-China border. According to South Korean activists, he cross over to raise the issue of human rights.
However, the same South Korean activist connected to Park says he has no knowledge of the second American detainee. The State Department, as well as the U.S. embassies in Beijing and Seoul have had no comment thus far.
So who the heck is this guy? And what is he doing over there?
North Korea's official news agency KCNA says the man was arrested on Monday and is now being questioned. It did not identify the man by name or provide any other details. More here: NKorea says American man detained at China border.
This is the second arrest of a U.S. citizen reported in North Korea in the past several weeks. A man, widely believed to be American missionary Robert Park, was detained for illegally entering through the North Korea-China border. According to South Korean activists, he cross over to raise the issue of human rights.
However, the same South Korean activist connected to Park says he has no knowledge of the second American detainee. The State Department, as well as the U.S. embassies in Beijing and Seoul have had no comment thus far.
So who the heck is this guy? And what is he doing over there?
1.28.2010
why torture is wrong, and the people who love them
For theater fans in Los Angeles, check out Why Torture Is Wrong and the People Who Love Them, a new comedy by Christopher Durang, presented by The Blank Theatre Company and making its west coast premiere at the The Stella Adler Theatre in Hollywood. The play features our friend Sunil Malhotra and Alec Mapa, who I'm told have pretty prominent roles. Here are details:
WHY TORTURE IS WRONG, AND THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEMThis sounds like a crazy-ass play, and I like it. The title alone should intrigue you. The production officially opens on February 6, but previews start this weekend, on January 30. For more information about the play, including ticket info, go to the The Blank Theatre Company here.
by Christopher Durang
Directed by Daniel Henning
West Coast Premiere - LIMITED ENGAGEMENT!
THE STELLA ADLER THEATRE
6773 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
January 30 - March 14, 2010
Our "Poet Laureate of the Absurd," Christopher Durang turns political humor upside down with this raucous and provocative satire about America's growing homeland "insecurity." A young woman is suddenly in crisis: Is her new husband, whom she married when drunk, a terrorist? Or just crazy? Or both? Is her father's hobby of butterfly collecting really a cover for his involvement in a shadow government? Why does her mother enjoy going to the theatre so much? Does she seek mental escape, or is she insane? Honing in on our private terrors both at home and abroad, Durang oddly relieves our fears in this black comedy for an era of yellow, orange and red alerts. Don't miss the West Coast Premiere of this hilarious and sometimes disturbing new work which recently extended with rave reviews at the Public Theater in New York.
where the mountain meets the moon wins newbery honor
Cool news. Last week, Grace Lin's children's book Where the Mountain Meets the Moon was awarded a Newbery Honor by the American Library Association. This is one of the highest honors given to American literature for children. Congratulations!
I previously mentioned Where the Mountain Meets the Moon last month as part of my Angry Holiday Gift Guide. Did you pick it up?
The book is described as a fantastical adventure fable in the tradition of The Wizard of Oz, inspired by the author's love of traditional Chinese folk tales. To learn more about Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, visit Grace Lin's website here. Also check out her blog here.
was awarded a Newbery Honor by the American Library Association. This is one of the highest honors given to American literature for children. Congratulations!I previously mentioned Where the Mountain Meets the Moon last month as part of my Angry Holiday Gift Guide. Did you pick it up?
The book is described as a fantastical adventure fable in the tradition of The Wizard of Oz, inspired by the author's love of traditional Chinese folk tales. To learn more about Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, visit Grace Lin's website here. Also check out her blog here.
trailer for sanjit and ranju majumdar's determinism
Here's the trailer for Determinism, directed by twin brothers Sanjit and Ranju Majumdar. It's an indie crime thriller set in a fictional Pennsylvania college town "where students and drug dealers are often one and the same." Here's an excerpt from the synopsis:
Alec, the film's anti-hero, is an alienated South Asian. He's always been an outsider, and he certainly doesn't fit in here. New York is his Mecca. Tristan, his former best friend and a reformed cokehead, is a white guy, living with Alec's ex-girlfriend, the beautiful, black Lynn. Tristan thinks he's got it made.To be honest, I'm not super impressed with the trailer. It's certainly gritty. And decidedly low-budget. But then again, I've seen underwhelming trailers that turned out to be pretty damn good movies. Not sure when you'll have the chance to see this film, but for more information, check the Determinism website.
Broke and cut off from his family after he flunks out of school, Alec sets off to free himself from the stereotypical role of “South Asian Geek” imposed upon him from birth. So opposed to typecasting that he can barely use a computer, he is determined to transcend Determinism — by any means necessary.
Guns and gangstas have an allure that Alec can almost taste. Taking on the gangsta mantel, Alec convinces Tristan to be his lookout when he robs a local drug dealer. The winnings are Alec's ticket to New York, where he can start afresh and live in a world where color is no barrier.
What seems like a simple heist inadvertently turns into a spiraling bloodbath — and way more than Alec had bargained for. But Alec's manic obsession keeps him in the game. No matter what goes down, he's not leaving town without his money
kenneth chou: former taiwanese pop star / med student / test prep pirate
Asian behaving badly... test prep piracy edition! This is the tale of 30-year-old SUNY Upstate Medical University student Kenneth Chou, who paid his way through med school by copying Kaplan lecture DVDs from his school's library and reselling them online: Med Student Turns to Test-Prep Piracy.
Kaplan claims Chou infringed at least 17 copyrighted works and made between $100,000 and $200,000 from selling pirated test prep data. Selling the material through eBay and other sites, Chou charged between $1,000 and $2,000 for a course set that included 70 DVDs.
This is a pretty lame scheme, but what's kind of amusing is the fact that Chou is apparently a former Taiwanese boy-band member. If I'm not mistaken, test prep pirate Kenneth Chou is Kenny, aka Zhou Yi Ming of Machi.
Kaplan claims Chou infringed at least 17 copyrighted works and made between $100,000 and $200,000 from selling pirated test prep data. Selling the material through eBay and other sites, Chou charged between $1,000 and $2,000 for a course set that included 70 DVDs.
This is a pretty lame scheme, but what's kind of amusing is the fact that Chou is apparently a former Taiwanese boy-band member. If I'm not mistaken, test prep pirate Kenneth Chou is Kenny, aka Zhou Yi Ming of Machi.
Chou was born in Ohio and grew up in California. He obtained his undergraduate degree at the University of California at Irvine in 2005, but at one point went to Taiwan to cut two rock albums with a boy band called Machi. The albums sold very well in China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore, according to a deposition Chou gave in the case.Hey, medical school can get pretty expensive. And I guess with his Taiwanese pop star days behind him, the Machi music royalties weren't really paying the bills. But with all the time and energy that probably went into ripping off Kaplan and running this scam, perhaps medical school never should've been this guy's calling in the first place.
grant imahara blows things up for a living
Pacific Citizen has a great profile on Grant Imahara, cast member of Discovery Channel's hit blow-stuff-up show Mythbusters: He's Bringing Geeky Back.
I only recently became a fan of the show (thanks to a kickass Mythbusters marathon over the holidays) but I have concluded that Grant, who has a background in engineering, robotics and movie special effects, has the greatest job in the world.
Season 8 of Mythbusters began filming last week, and new episodes are set to air March, when they will surely blow more stuff up. In the meantime, you can be one of the many who follow Grant Imahara on Twitter.
aaldef summer legal internship program 2010
Founded in 1974, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund is a national organization that protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans. By combining litigation, advocacy, education and organizing, AALDEF works with Asian American communities across the country to secure human rights for all. And they're looking for summer legal interns:
SUMMER LEGAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM 2010More details at the AALDEF website. I know a lot of law students are reading this -- maybe this opportunity is for you. AALDEF could use your help. For further information, contact Bethany Li at 212-966-5932 x213 or bli@aaldef.org, or Alex Saingchin at 888-406-1555 x1 or asaingchin@aaldef.org. Please do not email applications to these addresses.
Internships for the summer of 2010 are available in the following program areas:
* Anti-Trafficking Initiative - legal research on the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act and Fair Labor Standards Act, as well as outreach, community education, and advocacy on the rights of women and youth trafficking survivors.
* Community Health Care Initiative - legal research, community education and outreach in the areas of immigration, government benefits, language rights, and health care access;
* Economic Justice for Workers - litigation on behalf of garment, restaurant, and other low wage workers;
* New Jersey - Asian American Legal Project - community outreach, education, and organizing with Asian immigrant workers in New Jersey; performing client intake and legal interpretation; managing workers' claims with government agencies; conducting legal research and writing, and administering community surveys with workers.
* Educational Equity and Youth Rights - legal services, policy work, community education, research and litigation concerning educational equity, juvenile justice, affirmative action and post 9-11 hate violence and racial targeting;
* Housing Justice Project - community outreach/education, community planning, research, and litigation on housing and land use issues affecting low-income Asian immigrant communities;
* Immigrant Access to Justice - litigation, legal services, and organizing/outreach with communities impacted by 9-11, including special interest detainees, special registration, racial profiling, voluntary FBI interviews, and local and state enforcement of immigration laws.
* Voting Rights - legal research and fact development under the Voting Rights Act and Equal Protection Clause challenging anti-Asian voter discrimination, advocacy on bilingual ballots, and state and local election reform; produce reports and organize public forums.
* Census 2010 - legal research on the confidentiality of census information and enforcement of civil rights law, conduct client intake to protect the anonymity of undocumented immigrants, conduct outreach and legal trainings.
Description of Summer Internship Program:
The summer program is ten weeks, from approximately June 7 through August 13. Interns work full-time and are supervised by attorneys in specific program areas. Interns will work on litigation, particularly legal research and writing, legal and policy advocacy, community outreach and education, and client intakes. Each program area differs in emphasis. Summer interns attend weekly brown bag lectures on a range of public interest legal topics along with interns from other legal defense funds and civil rights groups. AALDEF also provides trainings in housing law, naturalization procedures, and immigration law. The position is unpaid. However, in previous years many AALDEF interns have been successful at securing independent funding. Academic credit can be arranged.
To Apply:
Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to be received by AALDEF on or before Friday, February 8, 2010 at the address below. Please indicate the top three program areas on which you would be interested in focusing. Only law students qualify for AALDEF's legal internships. Fax or email applications are acceptable.
Any bilingual ability should be stated in the application. Bilingual ability is helpful but not required. Gujarati, Hindi, Khmer, Korean, and Urdu-speaking applicants are especially urged to apply.
Applications will be reviewed upon receipt until the February 8, 2010 deadline. Interviewing will take place in February and early March, however, some interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis prior to that time. Please note that only applicants who have been granted interviews will be notified of their advancement in the application process.
Summer Internship Search (Legal)
Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund
99 Hudson Street, 12th floor
New York, New York 10013-2815
Fax: 212-966-4303 Email: info@aaldef.org
america's best dance crew season five premieres tonight
Awwww yeah. The fifth season of America's Best Dance Crew premieres tonight. It completely snuck up on me -- I almost forgot. I don't really watch a lot of MTV outside of Dance Crew (I will never forgive myself for watching an episode of Jersey Shore -- that's one hour I can never get back.)
This season of ABDC kicks off with three regional casting specials, where five crews will go head-to-head to be the top three in their respective region. Then the top nine crews will compete week-to-week as usual.
Check out this promo for the show, featuring last seasons champs, We Are Heroes: New Heroes Will Rise Promo. Pretty cheesy, but it fits their style.
All new season, all new crews. So far, Asian representation (and the west coast, for that matter) have completely dominated this competition. Can they do it again? Here are the bios for the crews that will compete tonight. Interesting looking bunch. How do I know who to root for? We'll find out. Tune in tonight, 10/9c.
now casting: the new hawaii five-o
Last year, word got out that they're making a new version of Hawaii Five-O.
I'll admit, I'm a little too young to remember the old show, which ran 1968-80, but I know Jack Lord starred as Steve McGarrett, the head of a special Hawaii State Police unit fighting the underworld in the island state. And of course, everybody knows that theme song. Lord was the star, but the regular cast included Kam Fong as Det. Chin Ho Kelly, and a handful of other Asian actors over the years.
Anyway, they're making a new one, from the executive producer of Criminal Minds. From the looks of the casting call, the classic characters are back. I'm assuming they want a white dude to play McGarrett, because you know, this is American television. But there are a couple of Asian American characters:
Location: HawaiiComing soon to network TV: the new Hawaii Five-O! Starring a white dude. But I guess you can always make room for a wise, old Asian dude and a hot Asian babe. Is it too much to hope for a small semblance of reality where we get to see a Hawaii that reflects the actual Asian population? With real Asian people... walking around in the background at least? You know -- the Hawaii that Sarah Palin is scared of. (Thanks, Camille.)
Storyline: When his father is taken hostage and killed by a notorious human trafficker and criminal kingpin, Naval Lt. Commander STEVE McGARRETT is determined to bring the killers to justice. And his best bet to do so is becoming the head of a special federal task force in Hawaii. Not only will McGarrett and his hand-picked team stand as the first line of defense against crime, drugs and terrorism in a strategically vital region, but McGarrett will also use his special powers to solve the baffling mystery that emerges after his father's murder...
Roles:
Lt. Commander Steve McGarrett 34-39 Mid to late 30s. This craggy, tenacious Navy commander is a former Navy SEAL whose illustrious resume includes stints as a special investigator and a tenure with Naval Intelligence. McGarrett has been tracking the notorious Hesse brothers for years, but when his father is taken hostage and slain during his perilous investigation, he's determined to have justice. To that end, he accepts Hawaiian governor Pat Jameson's offer to run a federal task force centered in Hawaii, and imbued with latitude and special rights not granted to the police rank and file. McGarrett hand-picks an elite crew for his team, which stands as the first line of defense against encroaching terrorists and criminals in a strategically vital region. But in the meanwhile, he's determined to trace the baffling clues his murdered father left behind -- evidence that points to an unsolved mystery stretching all the way back to his mother's death, years previously... SERIES REGULAR (1)
Detective Danny "Danno" Williams Male 30-39
A veteran cop from the Baltimore P.D., he has recently undergone an acrimonious divorce and has transferred to Hawaii to be near his 7 year old daughter. A real "working man in paradise," he's the "only guy on the island without a tan and always looks like he slept in his clothes." Gruff and driven, with plenty of raw courage and a 24/7 work ethic, Danno has already alienated the laid-back native Hawaiians in his department, and when McGarrett swoops in and takes over his present murder investigation, he's resentful, to say the least. Forced to partner with McGarrett, Danno is initially leery of their association -- but as he grows more familiar with his maverick new boss, he begins to appreciate the opportunity to work with McGarrett. And indeed, he quickly becomes an indispensable member of McGarrett's elite team, not to mention McGarrett's trusted associate and friend... SERIES REGULAR (15)
Chin Ho Kelly Male 50-59
A tough, capable Asian man in his 50s, he's a 20 year veteran of the Honolulu police force who was a close friend of McGarrett's cop dad. However, Chin was recently drummed out of the department for accepting payoffs, even though he was completely innocent of all charges. Now a security officer in Pearl Harbor, he's grateful to McGarrett for offering him the chance to clear his name and get back into active duty. A savvy guy with a lot of connections on the island, Chin also becomes a crucial member of McGarrett's federal task force... SERIES REGULAR (14)
Kono Kalakaua
Chin's niece, age 23-27, she's a spectacular Asian/Hawaiian beauty who is a champion surfer, with the smarts to match her amazing physical prowess. However, Kono's sole interest is getting her badge and becoming a cop. She's about to graduate from the police academy when McGarrett recruits her to join his team. Amped and ready for action, Kono goes undercover as a downtrodden immigrant girl looking for help from a notorious human trafficker -- a perilous assignment that takes a disastrous turn... SERIES REGULAR (40)
Governor Pat Jameson Female 41-44
A bright, beautiful woman in her early 40s, she's the Governor of Hawaii, a "local Hawaiian with a Washingtonian's backgone" who is that rarest of creatures -- a completely honest politician. Sincerely sorry to hear of McGarrett's loss, she offers him the unique opportunity to run a task force imbued with special federal powers beyond the run-of-the-mill police department. Her sincerity impresses McGarrett deeply, and bodes well for their future association... SERIES REGULAR - 10/13 (11)
Mary Ann McGarrett Female 25-30
McGarrett's younger sister, she's a punked-out young woman with a checkered past, including stints in rehab and several brushes with the law. Mary has been acting out ever since her mother's early death, at which point she felt effectively abandoned by her father -- an apparent betrayal she's still trying to work through. When she shows up high at their father's funeral, McGarrett is enraged -- but under his anger, he has a deep and loving bond with his sister, although that has been stretched to the breaking point in recent years. However, Mary's realization that her father's apparent neglect may have actually been his attempt to protect her from a mysterious menace just may inspire Mary to turn her chaotic life around... RECURRING / POSSIBLE SERIES REGULAR (16)
what exactly does "asian experience" taste like?
I'm pretty sure I mentioned this a couple of years ago, but it has landed in my mailbox again. And it must be shared. Above, you will see two cans of Steven Seagal's Lightning Bolt. Yes, that Steven Seagal. And yes, an energy drink that bears his name. "A natural energy drink packed with vitamins and exotic botanicals." Signed, Steven Seagal.
You're wondering the same thing I am, right? You're wondering what exactly "Asian Experience" flavor tastes like. Lotus root? Dim sum grease? Fermented sweat of washed up aikido instructor? I will never know, because I refuse to drink anything from a can with Steven Seagal's face on it, just on principle. Drink at your own risk. (Thanks, Lisa.)
reshma saujani challenging incumbent for house seat
Reshman Saujani, a 34-year-old hedge fund lawyer, is getting a lot of attention for her bold bid to unseat Representative Carolyn B. Maloney, With some prominent Democratic donors now back her, it's a challenge that is turning heads on the Upper East Side of Manhattan: Pro-Wall Street Democrat Takes On a House Veteran.
Saujani is apparently the first Indian American woman to run for Congress, and she is counting on South Asians to support her in droves. But what's even more intriguing is her goal of becoming an advocate for the financial industry in the Capitol. She says she's running on her Wall Street record, "not from it."
Some Democrats just see Saujani as a young upstart with little experience trying to throw a wrench in the way things are done by refusing to "get in line." Win or lose, you've got to admit, she's pretty bold. I'm intrigued. This is definitely a race to keep an eye on. More here: Former Davis Polk Associate Dreams of Making U.S. Political History.
Saujani is apparently the first Indian American woman to run for Congress, and she is counting on South Asians to support her in droves. But what's even more intriguing is her goal of becoming an advocate for the financial industry in the Capitol. She says she's running on her Wall Street record, "not from it."
Ms. Saujani, in an interview, said she was "running on my Wall Street record, not from it." She called Ms. Maloney "asleep at the wheel" for saying the economy was improving, and accused her and the entire New York Congressional delegation of failing to do enough to aid business. She said her hedge fund work was great preparation for representing the district, home to many of the financial industry's players, and she chided Ms. Maloney for bashing banks and calling for a 100 percent tax on some bonuses.It's a gutsy line to run on, considering Wall Street's battered reputation as of late. Saujani's campaign has also rankled many high-profile feminists who have loyally supported Maloney for her work on mammograms, equal pay, reproductive rights and violence against women. A former state president of the National Organization for Women apparently even emailed Saujani asking her not to challenge Maloney.
"Instead of browbeating Wall Street, I want to invite them to help create jobs," Ms. Saujani said, talking up an idea to connect investment houses with technology start-ups.
"If you go to Texas, you'll never hear a Congressional member speak poorly of the oil industry," she added. "In Michigan, you'll never hear a Congressional member speak poorly of the auto industry. This is our bread and butter."
Some Democrats just see Saujani as a young upstart with little experience trying to throw a wrench in the way things are done by refusing to "get in line." Win or lose, you've got to admit, she's pretty bold. I'm intrigued. This is definitely a race to keep an eye on. More here: Former Davis Polk Associate Dreams of Making U.S. Political History.
1.27.2010
4c the power presents project love
This Saturday, 4C the Power presents Project LOVE, a benefit concert with AJ Rafael, Passion, Jennifer Chung, Jesse Barrera and others to raise funds for AJ Rafael's upcoming missions excursion with the Mahal Foundation to the Philppines, and Ying Vang, a young woman who has been diagnosed with liver cancer. Some details:
4C the Power presents Project LOVE!If you're in the Southern California this weekend, check out some good music for some good causes. For more information about the event, and to purchase tickets, go to the 4C the Power website here. You can also take a look at Project LOVE's Facebook event page here.
Please join 4C the Power and hosts AJ Rafael, Tom Ngo and the Chi Alpha Delta Sorority of UCLA as they present Project LOVE with performances by AJ Rafael, Passion, Jennifer Chung, Jesse Barrera and other surprise artists.
AJ Rafael joins with the Mahal Foundation in a missions excursion to the Philippines from February 1-8. This will be 7 days of serving the poor and the needy, learning about the filipino culture, and helping victims of the recent typhoon ondoy. They will also be helping impoverished school children to read and find joy in music. AJ and the Mahal foundation have a great passion to end poverty in the Philippines.
This event will also raise funds for Ying Vang a Chi Alpha Delta Alumni who has been diagnosed with liver cancer.
Date:
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Location:
Hacienda Center
1695 S. Azusa Ave
Hacienda Heights, CA
Showtime:
8:00 pm
Tickets:
$15 presale
$20 at the door
saalt regional conference: empowering south asians in new jersey
This weekend in New Jersey, South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) presents its first regional conference, "Empowering South Asians in New Jersey," bringing together community members, activists and allies to learn about key issues affecting South Asians in the region. Some more information:
Announcing First SAALT Regional Conference: "Empowering South Asians in New Jersey"Sounds like it should be a really eventful, informative and empowering weekend. To learn more about the conference, contact Qudsia Raja, SAALT's New Jersey Outreach Coordinator, at qudsia@saalt.org. To view the full conference schedule, visit the SAALT website here.
WHAT: A statewide conference in New Jersey bringing together community members, activists and allies to learn about key issues affecting South Asians in the region, develop leadership skills and identify strategies to strengthen the community. The conference will feature plenaries, skills-building workshops, informational panels, professional development session and networking opportunities as well as an awards reception.
WHERE: Montclair State University Student Center in Montclair, NJ
WHEN: January 30 - 31, 2010
WHY: The South Asian community in New Jersey is very diverse and has been growing over the past few decades. This conference offers community members, activists and allies the opportunity to connect, network, learn, share and strategize to build a strong, active and engaged community in the state and the region.
new seriously single: "been so long"
The cool kids in Seriously have released their new single, "Been So Long," now available for download exclusively at Allkpop. Starting February 1, it'll be available on Seriously's website, then worldwide on February 23 at most digital outlets.
The track is the second single in Seriously's On Your Mark release campaign -- one song a month, for nine months. So far, so good. For a preview, check out a brief teaser for the song here. To learn more about Seriously and their music, visit the band's website here.
state of the union address tonight
As you know, President Obama's "Year One" State of the Union address is tonight -- in a couple of hours, actually. I already mentioned that Houston high school student Li Boynton will be there as a guest of Michelle Obama. That's pretty cool.
The guest list for the First Lady's box also includes Ping Fu, co-founder of the technology company Geomagic. Here are the official bios for Li Boynton and Ping Fu, according to the guest list provided by the White House Press Secretary:
The guest list for the First Lady's box also includes Ping Fu, co-founder of the technology company Geomagic. Here are the official bios for Li Boynton and Ping Fu, according to the guest list provided by the White House Press Secretary:
Li Boynton (Bellaire, TX)By the way, our friend Jeff Yang will be liveblogging tonight's State of the Union Address for Asian Pacific Americans for Progress, starting at 8:45pm ET. You can follow along with his observations as Obama (hopefully) covers the key issues. For more information, go to the Asian Pacific Americans for Progress blog here.
Li is a 18-year-old senior from Bellaire, Texas whose passion for science and global health has led her to new and potentially ground-breaking methods for testing the quality of drinking water. Almost one billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and 3.5 million people die each year from water-related diseases. Observing the limitations and significant expense of conventional chemical-specific tests, Boynton saw a need for a broader, more efficient assay for testing – and developed a bacteria bio-sensor. Li’s work, which has the potential to be significant in improving public health worldwide, received the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair award for 2009.
Ping Fu (Chapel Hill, NC)
Ping Fu co-founded Geomagic, a company which pioneers technologies that fundamentally change the way products are designed, engineered and manufactured around the world from automobiles to medical devices. Geomagic, under her leadership, has been an active participant in the SBA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Fu has led Geomagic to deliver broad-based economic impact to the US economy with tangible results – the company tripled its customer base and employment while achieving high growth and profitability. As such, the NSF awarded Geomagic the prestigious Tibbetts Award for exemplifying the very best in SBIR.
Fu has more than 25 years of software industry experience in database, internet technology, and visual computing. Before Geomagic, she was the Director of Visualization at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications and is also, actively involved in promoting entrepreneurship and women in mathematics and sciences.
trailer for bong joon-ho's mother
Apple's got the trailer for Mother, the latest thriller from director Bong Joon-Ho, the guy behind The Host and Memories of Murder (which are both awesome movies). The film has picked up acclaim at a number of international film festivals, and is getting a U.S. theatrical release this spring from Magnolia Pictures.
Mother is about a single mom who sets out to find a killer when her asocial loser son is accused of murdering a young girl. I haven't been able to catch it, but I've heard nothing but good things. To watch the trailer, go here. To learn more about the film, go here. Mother opens in limited release on March 12.
cheering for "our own kind"
Jeff Yang's latest "Asian Pop" column is all about basketball: A league of their own. As Harvard's Jeremy Lin continues to turn heads and leads the Crimson toward victory -- giving Asian American hoops fans a reason to believe -- Jeff tangles with the light and dark side of cheering for "your people" to succeed.
Meanwhile, an Atlanta sports promoter, Don "Moose" Lewis, recently made the announcement that he's starting a new pro basketball league called the All-American Basketball Alliance -- which would distinguish itself from the NBA by only allowing players who are "natural-born United States citizens with both parents of Caucasian race." Jeff interviews Lewis, then thankfully calls out underlying racism behind his notion of "genuine American entertainment":
To write the piece, Jeff called on a big group of some of the most passionate Asian American sports fans he knows, and got a really interesting conversation going about race and sports. He couldn't fit the entire "virtual roundtable" into his column, but he's posted up the transcript in its entirety on his blog. Check it out part one: Ballers of Another Color: An Asian American Roundtable on Race and Sports. Then read part two.
Meanwhile, an Atlanta sports promoter, Don "Moose" Lewis, recently made the announcement that he's starting a new pro basketball league called the All-American Basketball Alliance -- which would distinguish itself from the NBA by only allowing players who are "natural-born United States citizens with both parents of Caucasian race." Jeff interviews Lewis, then thankfully calls out underlying racism behind his notion of "genuine American entertainment":
Of course, much of Lewis's language is, bluntly speaking, a screen for the most insidious type of racism imaginable -- the type that denies itself while simultaneously claiming injury from a historically victimized population. When he uses the term "our kind," it echoes the bristling, preemptively hateful phrase "your kind" -- as in, "We don't like 'your kind' 'round here." When he says that the NBA is full of uncouth, showboating brawlers ("Would you want to go to the game and worry about a player flipping you off or attacking you in the stands?"), he's putting family-friendly context around a subtext that's rooted in white fear of a black planet.But what's the difference between when White-Only Basketball League guy says he wants to "root for our own kind," and your average Asian American basketball fan goes crazy over players like Jeremy Lin, or even Yao Ming? Are we not, in fact, cheering for the guy who looks like us? I'll admit, I do it here all the time -- not just in sports, but in almost every other arena. But reading the article, I think difference is fairly obvious.
To write the piece, Jeff called on a big group of some of the most passionate Asian American sports fans he knows, and got a really interesting conversation going about race and sports. He couldn't fit the entire "virtual roundtable" into his column, but he's posted up the transcript in its entirety on his blog. Check it out part one: Ballers of Another Color: An Asian American Roundtable on Race and Sports. Then read part two.
manzanar barracks groundbreaking, february 13
Next month, the National Park Service, Friends of Manzanar and the Manzanar History Association invite the public to attend a barracks groundbreaking event at the Manzanar Historic Site. When completed, the project will reconstruct barracks to accurately represent what baracks life was like for Japanese American internees.
While in operation during World War II, Manzanar War Relocation Center confined more than 10,000 Japanese Americans in 36 blocks. Each block included 14 barracks buildings, a mess hall, a recreation building, latrines, and laundry and ironing rooms. After the war, the buildings were sold for scrap lumber or relocated.
In 1997, in consultation with the Manzanar Advisory Commission, former internees, historians and others, the National Park Service approved the development of Block 14 as a "demonstration block" to interpret daily life in the camp. Last year, Congress approved funding for reconstructing Barracks 1 and 8 on Block 14.
Barracks 1 will appear as it would have when Japanese Americans first arrived at Manzanar in 1942. Barracks 8 will be reconstructed to represent barracks life in 1945. A restored World War II mess hall moved to the site from Bishop Airport in 2002 will be open to visitors later this year.
The groundbreaking event will take place Saturday, February 14 at 1:00pm. For more information, take a look at the press release: Manzanar Barracks Groundbreaking Set For February 13, 2010. And to learn more about the Manzanar National Historic Site, go here.
police looking for leads in dallas donut shop murder
In Dallas, homicide detectives are still looking for the two masked men who shot and killed Kee-Sun Chung while trying to rob his doughnut shop on December 21: Police seek leads on doughnut shop owner's killers.
Anyone with information can contact the homicide unit at 214-671-3661 or Crime Stoppers at 214-670-TIPS. More here: Family renews plea for tips in Dallas donut shop murder case.
Video surveillance showed two men rushing into the store at 337 E. Ledbetter Drive at 7:03 a.m. A masked man, wearing dark bluejeans and a leather jacket, ran in first with a chrome-colored revolver in his right hand. A second masked man came in behind him, wearing a camouflage jacket and a dark-colored hat with an unidentified red inscription.Police are hoping that someone will come forward with information about the suspects, who remain at large. A $20,000 reward is being offered, but they're also just hoping someone listens to the Chung family's pleas for justice.
The first man confronted Chung and pointed the gun at him. Chung put his hands up, apparently begging the man not to shoot him. The second man then tried to open the cash register.
The two men were in the store for 17 seconds before they shot Chung and fled.
Anyone with information can contact the homicide unit at 214-671-3661 or Crime Stoppers at 214-670-TIPS. More here: Family renews plea for tips in Dallas donut shop murder case.
the 50 most racist movies (you didn't think were racist)
Complex is generally a pretty awful magazine, and not really known for its sensitivity. That's why this list they've put together, The 50 Most Racist Movies (You Didn't Think Were Racist) is really surprising... and totally spot-on.
It's pretty damn comprehensive, with all the films we love to hate around here, including 45. You Only Live Twice, 32. Dragonball Evolution, 26. The Last Samurai, 5. Sixteen Candles, and my personal favorite, 8. Every Rob Schneider Movie.
And to what film does Complex bestow the honor of the number 1 Most Racist Movie? None other than Breakfast at Tiffany's, citing Mickey Rooney's inexplicable yellowface as the bucktoothed Mr. Yunioshi. Complex, we agree -- that's racist! (Thanks, Jason.)
four men (including an asian!) arrested in phone tap plot
Asians behaving badly... dirty political sneakery edition! Yesterday, federal officials charged four men with plotting to illegally access and manipulate the telephone system in the New Orleans office of U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu: 4 Arrested in Phone Tampering at Landrieu Office.
The men -- James O'Keefe, Joseph Basel, Robert Flanagan and Stan Dai -- were charged with entering federal property under false pretenses with the intent of committing a felony, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 12.
The arrest is getting a lot of attention because one of the men, O'Keefe, is the conservative activist who gained fame last year by secretly recording members of the community group Acorn giving him (disguised as a pimp) advice on how to set up a brothel. The video damaged Acorn's reputation and prompted Congress to cut off some of its federal money.
But let's turn our attention to the Asian dude in the sneaky wiretap crew, 24-year-old Stan Dai. Media Matters has compiled some details about the mysterious Mr. Dai, who is based in the D.C. area and has frequently been involved in conservative causes: O'Keefe's three alleged accomplices: Conservative activists Dai, Basel and Flanagan.
More details about him here. Interestingly, it seems that Dai is not only a sneaky political conspirator, but also a literary satirist, having penned a work called -- I kid you not -- The Penis Monologues, with awesome passages like "My Angry Penis" and "The Giant Coochie Snorcher That Could." Sounds like a masterpiece -- definitely the work of a man who would attempt to bug a senator's office.
It's not exactly clear what the men were trying to do in Landrieu's office, or what kind of information they were trying to gather. But the guys posed as telephone repairmen, dressed in "blue denim pants, blue work shirts, light green fluorescent vests, tool belts, and construction-style hard hats." Worst disguises ever. More here: 4 charged in U.S. Senate office infiltration in New Orleans.
The men -- James O'Keefe, Joseph Basel, Robert Flanagan and Stan Dai -- were charged with entering federal property under false pretenses with the intent of committing a felony, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 12.
The arrest is getting a lot of attention because one of the men, O'Keefe, is the conservative activist who gained fame last year by secretly recording members of the community group Acorn giving him (disguised as a pimp) advice on how to set up a brothel. The video damaged Acorn's reputation and prompted Congress to cut off some of its federal money.
But let's turn our attention to the Asian dude in the sneaky wiretap crew, 24-year-old Stan Dai. Media Matters has compiled some details about the mysterious Mr. Dai, who is based in the D.C. area and has frequently been involved in conservative causes: O'Keefe's three alleged accomplices: Conservative activists Dai, Basel and Flanagan.
More details about him here. Interestingly, it seems that Dai is not only a sneaky political conspirator, but also a literary satirist, having penned a work called -- I kid you not -- The Penis Monologues, with awesome passages like "My Angry Penis" and "The Giant Coochie Snorcher That Could." Sounds like a masterpiece -- definitely the work of a man who would attempt to bug a senator's office.
It's not exactly clear what the men were trying to do in Landrieu's office, or what kind of information they were trying to gather. But the guys posed as telephone repairmen, dressed in "blue denim pants, blue work shirts, light green fluorescent vests, tool belts, and construction-style hard hats." Worst disguises ever. More here: 4 charged in U.S. Senate office infiltration in New Orleans.
1.26.2010
go!style 2010 concert, february 5
Bay Area! Here's an opportunity to see some very cool APA talent... Arts organizations RAMA and viveSF present GO!STYLE, a variety concert featuring the liks of comedians Ali Wong and Sheng Wang, musicians Magnetic North and Goh Nakamura and more. It's happening Friday, February 5 at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater in San Francisco. Here are some details:
GO!STYLESounds like fun. GO!STYLE is all about creating a new APA arts culture in the Bay Area. To learn more, and to see the full artist lineup and bios, go to the GO!STYLE website here, or the Facebook event page here. To purchase tickets, go here.
Friday, February 5th
8:00pm
Palace of Fine Arts Theater
3301 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA
$40 General Admission
Purchase 5 tix together, get 10% off
Hosts:
Ali Wong
Sheng Wang
Featuring:
Magnetic North
Goh Nakamura
The Odds Dance Crew (from Funkbrella Dance Company)
Michelle Martinez
Loa Niumeitolu
Fuifuilupe Niumeitolu
Oh, and you are encouraged to come out to the GO!STYLE Launch party, happening this Friday, January 29 at Horizon Restaurant and Lounge, featuring a live show by Tim Be Told. Details on Facebook here. Bay Area Rise Up!
vote for 8asians in the 2010 bloggies
Some love for our friends over at fellow Asian American blog 8Asians, which has been nominated -- for the second year in a row -- for Best Group Blog in the 10th Annual Weblog Awards (aka the Bloggies). Congratulations!
Considering how much space we've carved for ourselves on the internet, it's nice to see some Asian American blogs getting some recognition. They're actually one of the few Asian American blogs that have ever been nominated.
How cool would it be to see them win, up against blogs like The Huffington Post, Lifehacker, Serious Eats and Momversation? You can vote for them this week over at 2010.bloggies.com. Voting closes Sunday, January 31st at 10 PM, EST.
Considering how much space we've carved for ourselves on the internet, it's nice to see some Asian American blogs getting some recognition. They're actually one of the few Asian American blogs that have ever been nominated.
How cool would it be to see them win, up against blogs like The Huffington Post, Lifehacker, Serious Eats and Momversation? You can vote for them this week over at 2010.bloggies.com. Voting closes Sunday, January 31st at 10 PM, EST.
the john park movement has begun
It seems that American Idol contestant John Park's memorable audition left a big impression on a lot of people. EW.com has made a list of its top 20 singers from season 9's first two weeks, and guess who they'e ranked #1?
1. John Park (New this week; pictured, left): The rich, buttery baritone he displayed on Blood Sweat & Tears' "I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know" was perhaps the tastiest treat to come out of the first four audition episodes of season 9. Plus, his lips, teeth, and bottom end have Shania Twain's stamp of approval. How can you not get behind the guy?Wow. Just two weeks into this season's auditions, he's emerged as one of the early fan favorites. I believe it. This guy's got the stuff that could take him all the way, and I'm looking forward to seeing him compete in Hollywood. In the meantime, I just heard from Don and Laura Chin, who have launched a John Park fansite.
annie le murder suspect pleads not guilty
Raymond Clark III, the animal research technician charged with killing Yale graduate student Annie Le, appeared in New Haven Superior Court today and pleaded not guilty to murder and an added charge of felony murder: Yale lab tech pleads not guilty in student killing.
Clark is accused of stranging Le in September, five days before her planned wedding. In court, he waived his right to a probable cause hearing, where he could have challenged whether prosectors had enough evidence to try him.
Prosecutors revealed that they were adding the felony murder count. Felony murder is alleged when someone dies during the commission of a felony, such as robbery, burglary, kidnapping and sexual assault, or an attempted felony. Under Connecticut's felony murder law, prosecutors don't have to prove that a killing was intentional.
Murder and felony murder each carry a sentence of 25 to 60 years in prison. Details of the new charge, including what the alleged felony was, weren't released. There are a lot of facts about this case that remain unclear, including a motive, but the investigation is still apparently ongoing. More here: Clark pleads not guilty.
Clark is accused of stranging Le in September, five days before her planned wedding. In court, he waived his right to a probable cause hearing, where he could have challenged whether prosectors had enough evidence to try him.
Prosecutors revealed that they were adding the felony murder count. Felony murder is alleged when someone dies during the commission of a felony, such as robbery, burglary, kidnapping and sexual assault, or an attempted felony. Under Connecticut's felony murder law, prosecutors don't have to prove that a killing was intentional.
Murder and felony murder each carry a sentence of 25 to 60 years in prison. Details of the new charge, including what the alleged felony was, weren't released. There are a lot of facts about this case that remain unclear, including a motive, but the investigation is still apparently ongoing. More here: Clark pleads not guilty.
stupid radio shack commercial with asian "master"
Ack. Why do people keep making commercials like this? How many times must we see the ancient Asian martial arts master, in ads for instant chow mein or Hot Pockets ...and cell phones. This one for Radio Shack, apparently entitled "Sensei" and starring Arnold Chon, features a lot of yelling, kicking, and little sense. Fifteen seconds of a lot of nonsense. (Thanks, Jo Anna.)
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