The WEDDING PALACE needs background talent for an airport scene 5'6" and over tomorrow for a 7:30AM call time at:If you're interested in being an extra, contact Grace at grace@peachies.net. As it says, there are about twenty more days of shooting left, so there will be plenty of opportunities to be a part of the production.
601 S Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90005 (SW corner at 6th)
Wardrobe: Bright, saturated colors, no black or white. No logos. Bring changes and come camera ready. The taller the better, if you have shoes that make you taller, bring 'em!
Also, we have 20 more days of production, so we will need extras throughout (please email me to stay in the loop).
WEDDING PALACE stars Brian Tee ("Crash"), Kang Haejung (Oldboy), Bobby Lee ("MADtv"), Steve Park ("In Living Color"), and Margaret Cho!
11.11.2008
more more extras needed for the wedding palace
Once again, some more background extras are need for The Wedding Palace shooting tomorrow, November 12, in Los Angeles. It looks they need people who are 5'6" and over. Here are the details:
will smith's son to star in karate kid remake
So I've already mentioned Will Smith's involvement in the Hollywood remake of Oldboy, but it seems the Fresh Prince is attached to another remake. Or rather, his son is. According to Variety, 10-year-old Jaden will appear in a remake of The Karate Kid: Will Smith's Son to Remake Karate Kid.
We first heard rumors about this project almost a year ago. I guess it's really happening. Over twenty years after the original movie, Columbia Pictures is resurrecting the franchise, with Jaden Smith as the Daniel-san character.
As we all know, the original starred Ralph Macchio as the new kid in town who gets his ass beat every day by a gang of bullies, until he strikes up a friendship with quirky old dude who teaches him karate. Somewhere along the way, the kid hooks up with Elisabeth Shue. And then later, Tamlyn Tomita.
This new movie will reportedly be filmed in Beijing. Does that mean that the Cobra Kai-like bullies will be Chinese? Greaaaaat.
I guess the only question left is, who will play the Mr. Miyagi character? It became the role that defined Pat Morita's career. Previous rumors suggested Jackie Chan or Stephen Chow. While I like both of these guys, I can't seem to get too excited about this movie. But of course, studio execs never listen to what I think. Bastards.
jeff chang named 2008 usa ford fellow
This week, scholar/writer/activist Jeff Chang was named a 2008 USA Ford Fellow in Literature by United States Artists, a national arts advocacy organization that invests in America's artists and illuminates the value of artists to society. He was among 51 recipients of United States Artists' prestigious 2008 Fellows program.
Jeff is the author of Can't Stop Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation
and the editor of Total Chaos: The Art and Aesthetics of Hip-Hop. He most recently covered the 2008 presidential election for Vibe and Vibe.com.
Other Asian American recipients of United States Artists' 2008 fellows program include filmmaker Cary Joji Fukunaga, performance artist Tehching Hsieh, writer Le Thi Diem Thuy, musician Wu Man, and architect/designer J. Meejin Yoon.
Jeff is the author of Can't Stop Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation
and the editor of Total Chaos: The Art and Aesthetics of Hip-Hop. He most recently covered the 2008 presidential election for Vibe and Vibe.com.Other Asian American recipients of United States Artists' 2008 fellows program include filmmaker Cary Joji Fukunaga, performance artist Tehching Hsieh, writer Le Thi Diem Thuy, musician Wu Man, and architect/designer J. Meejin Yoon.
union square rapist targeting asian women
My Asian sisters, stay vigilant, stay safe, and watch your back. In New York, police are hunting for a serial rapist who has been targeting Asian women. The suspect apparently follows his victims from Manhattan's Union Square subway station, then brutally attacks them at home: SERIAL RAPE FIEND.
According to police, the attacker has raped two women in their building vestibules, and has attempted to assault two others since October 1. There may be more victims who have yet to come forward.
The suspect waits until a woman unlocks the door to her apartment building and then pounces from behind, choking his victims unconscious before raping them. The three most recent attacks occurred on October 20.
The suspect is described as 6 feet tall and 170 pounds, and is in his late 20s. He wears a dark, hooded sweatshirt. Anyone with information should contact the Crime Stoppers hot line at (800) 577-TIPS, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577. Somebody, catch this sick bastard.
According to police, the attacker has raped two women in their building vestibules, and has attempted to assault two others since October 1. There may be more victims who have yet to come forward.
The suspect waits until a woman unlocks the door to her apartment building and then pounces from behind, choking his victims unconscious before raping them. The three most recent attacks occurred on October 20.
The suspect is described as 6 feet tall and 170 pounds, and is in his late 20s. He wears a dark, hooded sweatshirt. Anyone with information should contact the Crime Stoppers hot line at (800) 577-TIPS, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577. Somebody, catch this sick bastard.
obama on veterans day
This is one of the New York Times Pictures of the Day. You can't see her face in this photo, but that's clearly Tammy Duckworth hugging President-elect Barack Obama at the Bronze Soldiers Memorial in Chicago. Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran, lost both her legs in combat as a helicopter pilot during the war. She now serves as director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.
I just heard that there's currently a grassroots campaign pushing for Obama to appoint Duckworth as Secretary of Veterans' Affairs in his incoming administration: Tammy Duckworth Being Pushed For Veterans Affairs Secretary. I think it's safe to say that she would be awesome at it. Here's an online petition in support of the appointment: Cleland Duckworth Petition.
brothers fighting brothers
For Veterans Day, CNN has a crazy story about four brothers who fought in World War II—two for the United States, two on the sise of Japan: Veterans in focus: Brothers fighting brothers.
Not long after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Harry and Ken Akune were sent to live in an internment camp in Amache, Colorado, but were soon recruited by the U.S. Army's Military Intelligence Service as interpreters.
Meanwhile in Japan, their father was raising the rest of his large family on the island of Kyushu. The youngest brothers, Saburo and Shiro, were just teenagers when they were drafted into the Imperial Japanese Navy.
Like I said, it's a crazy story, though I've heard that the situation was not totally uncommon. Anyway, read the article. It's a pretty fascinating look at a family divided by war, and the bitterness the four brothers initially felt against each other when the war ended.
Not long after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Harry and Ken Akune were sent to live in an internment camp in Amache, Colorado, but were soon recruited by the U.S. Army's Military Intelligence Service as interpreters.
Meanwhile in Japan, their father was raising the rest of his large family on the island of Kyushu. The youngest brothers, Saburo and Shiro, were just teenagers when they were drafted into the Imperial Japanese Navy.
Like I said, it's a crazy story, though I've heard that the situation was not totally uncommon. Anyway, read the article. It's a pretty fascinating look at a family divided by war, and the bitterness the four brothers initially felt against each other when the war ended.
new report on chinese americans to be released
Tomorrow morning in Washington D.C., the University of Maryland will hold a media briefing to release findings from a comprehensive new report on Chinese Americans. Based on extensive census data and personal interviews, the report challenges some widely held stereotypes about Chinese American success, especially with regard to educational and professional achievement—the so-called "model minority myth."
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Maryland's Asian American Studies Program, with funding and assistance from the Organization of Chinese Americans. Both organizations will make presentations at the briefing and answer questions.
The report, two-years in the making, offers a complete profile of Chinese Americans' socio-economic standing, educational achievements, higher education and employment patterns, levels of civic engagement, and more. Here's the full press release on tomorrow's briefing:
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Maryland's Asian American Studies Program, with funding and assistance from the Organization of Chinese Americans. Both organizations will make presentations at the briefing and answer questions.
The report, two-years in the making, offers a complete profile of Chinese Americans' socio-economic standing, educational achievements, higher education and employment patterns, levels of civic engagement, and more. Here's the full press release on tomorrow's briefing:
Myth-Busting, Major Research on Chinese Americans: Release, BriefingIt should be a really interesting, eye-opening report, and important not only for the Chinese American community, but the Asian American community at large. I won't be able to attend the briefing, but I'll be sure to post the report's findings here when it becomes available.
WHAT:
The University of Maryland will hold a media briefing to release surprising economic, educational and related findings from the most comprehensive and current profile of Chinese Americans.
Based on extensive census data and personal interviews, the report challenges some widely held stereotypes about Chinese American success, especially with regard to educational and professional achievement -- the so-called "model minority myth." The report offers recommendations based on the findings.
Researchers from the University of Maryland's Asian American Studies Program conducted the research with funding and assistance from OCA, the nation's largest Chinese American community organization. Both organizations will make presentations at the briefing and answer questions.
The study, two-years in the making, offers a complete profile of Chinese Americans' socio-economic standing, educational achievements, higher education and employment patterns, levels of civic engagement, and more.
Chinese Americans represent the largest portion of the Asian American population, roughly 25 percent. They are also the fastest growing immigrant group in the nation.
"As with most stereotypes, some popular beliefs about Chinese Americans simply don't withstand intensive research findings," says University of Maryland demographer and sociologist Larry H. Shinagawa, the principal investigator and director of the University of Maryland's Asian American Studies Program. "The diversity we found was surprising and points to social problems that need to be addressed."
http://www.aast.umd.edu/director.html
The Asian American Studies Program at the University of Maryland is one of only two Census Information Centers in the nation focusing on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and the only one on the East Coast. The program offers students the opportunity to study critically the experiences of Asian Americans through an interdisciplinary approach. More online: http://www.aast.umd.edu/
Founded in 1973 as the Organization of Chinese Americans, OCA is a national organization dedicated to the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States. OCA is engaged in organizing its more than 80 chapters and college affiliates across the nation to develop both leadership and community involvement in all parts of the country. More online: http://www.ocanational.org/
WHO:
Larry H. Shinagawa: principal investigator, director, University of Maryland Asian American Studies Program, associate professor of American Studies. For the past 30 years, Shinagawa has been involved in the fields of sociology, American Studies, multicultural education, ethnic studies, and Asian American Studies. http://www.aast.umd.edu/director.html
Ginny Gong: OCA national president. She serves on a number of boards and commissions and is a frequently requested speaker. She is also the host of a weekly television talk show, "Ginny's... Where East Meets West," which is entering its tenth year. http://www.ggcommunications.net/
Michael C. Lin: OCA executive director. Among his various leadership capacities, Lin served for four years as the OCA national president (1995 - 1998). He recently retired from the National Institutes of Health as a program director where his responsibilities included nurturing and funding cutting edge research in the cardiovascular field. http://www.ocanational.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=45
WHEN:
Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
WHERE:
Zenger Room, National Press Club, 529 14th Street, NW, 13th Floor, Washington, D.C.
when hollywood rips off south korea
Hot on the heels of last week's news that Steven Spielberg and Will Smith were in talks to collaborate on a Hollywood remake of Oldboy here's a blog post with an interesting roundup of other hit South Korean films that have been remade, announced or are in the works: When Hollywood Rips Off South Korea.
I'm still shaking my head over the Oldboy news. And the My Sassy Girl remake starring Elisha Cuthbert (which eventually went straight to DVD) was a bad idea from day one. But the one that makes no freaking sense to me is the proposed remake of JSA. To be honest, I hope most of these projects remain in development limbo... (Thanks, Jaeki.)
I'm still shaking my head over the Oldboy news. And the My Sassy Girl remake starring Elisha Cuthbert (which eventually went straight to DVD) was a bad idea from day one. But the one that makes no freaking sense to me is the proposed remake of JSA. To be honest, I hope most of these projects remain in development limbo... (Thanks, Jaeki.)
steve byrne on the tonight show
Comedian Steve Byrne informs me that he'll be a guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno tonight. Senator John McCain is scheduled to be the main guest, so it should be a pretty interesting evening. Tune in tonight (Tuesday) to see the man who was almost President, and some good ol' fashioned comedy from Steve Byrne. He's a funny guy.
By the way, if you haven't seen Steve's hour-long Comedy Central special Happy Hour, which aired earlier this year, I highly recommend checking it out. It's available at Amazon.com and downloadable on iTunes. To learn more about Steve, and see clips of his comedy visit his official website here.
UPDATE: If you tuned into The Tonight Show on Tuesday night, you did not see Steve. I guess things with Senator McCain got interesting, so they ran out of time. Here's the email I got from Steve:
By the way, if you haven't seen Steve's hour-long Comedy Central special Happy Hour, which aired earlier this year, I highly recommend checking it out. It's available at Amazon.com
and downloadable on iTunes. To learn more about Steve, and see clips of his comedy visit his official website here.UPDATE: If you tuned into The Tonight Show on Tuesday night, you did not see Steve. I guess things with Senator McCain got interesting, so they ran out of time. Here's the email I got from Steve:
Hey there everyone,So you'll be able to catch Steve on the show next Thursday. Unless, of course, they get Barack Obama as a guest on the same night.
I wanted to apologize to those of you that did tune in and watch for me on The Tonight Show Tuesday night. As you know it was Sen. John McCain's first interview since the election and I think that holds some amount of precedence. Let's see, what does a man have to say after running for president of our country or Steve Byrne's 4 minute blitzkrieg of dick jokes. You do the math. I did get to meet Sen. McCain and his wife and theycould not be nicer. He is a true gentleman. He took time to take a pic with me and even apologize for going long. A class act.
So, I got a call from the folks at The Tonight Show and I'll be doing the show again, this Thursday Nov. 13th. So, tune in, set your Tivo's and I hope you enjoy the set. Thank you all for tuning in.
11.10.2008
more extras needed for the wedding palace
Short notice, but if you're in Los Angeles, some more background extras are needed for The Wedding Palace shooting tomorrow. Same drills as the information I posted yesterday. Different types of people are needed. Interested? Read on:
Please send photo(s) to me ASAP (or if you already came today and would like to come again to help out, let me know!)If you're interested in being an extra, contact Grace at grace@peachies.net. The Wedding Palace is an indie Korean American romantic comedy starring Brian Tee, Kang Hyejung, Bobby Lee, Steve Park and Margaret Cho.
8:00A Call Time
- Korean Family Members
- Korean Wheeler Dealer Wife (featured)
- Korean Professor Uncle Wife (featured)
9:00A Call Time
- Korean Diners
2:30P Call Time
- LAX Passengers
- LAX Travelers
- Security Guards
- Lookie Loos
grace park on cbc's the border
More news from our neighbors to the north, as told to me by my friends at Schema Magazine. The lovely and kickass Grace Park of Battlestar Galactica, last seen on A&E's The Cleaner, can now be seen starring in CBC's The Border as U.S. Homeland Security Officer Liz Carver, starting this evening, November 10. I'm not a big watcher of Canadian television, so I missed it. But I'd tune in for Grace. Anyway, check out Schema's recent interview with Grace: Grace Park joins The Border on CBC. (Thanks, Tamiko.)
UPDATE: Here's another story on hometown girl Grace Park from the Vancouver Sun: Vancouver's Grace Park racks up many firsts with her latest role.
sukhee kang elected irvine's first korean american mayor
Last week in Orange County, Sukhee Kang was elected the city of Irvine's first Korean American mayor—the city's first nonwhite mayor, actually: Kang becomes Irvine's first Korean-American mayor. In fact, Kang appears to be the first Korean American mayor in all of Orange County.
Kang's mayoral win reflects the growing political power of Irvine's Asian Americans—more than one third of the city's population—four years after he and Steven Choi became the first Korean Americans elected to the city council. More here: Irvine voters embrace diversity in mayoral election.
Kang's mayoral win reflects the growing political power of Irvine's Asian Americans—more than one third of the city's population—four years after he and Steven Choi became the first Korean Americans elected to the city council. More here: Irvine voters embrace diversity in mayoral election.
masked men rob chinatown bus company
Yesterday in New York, five masked young men robbed a Chinatown bus company's office at gunpoint, binding five people with duct tape and making off with thousands of dollars in cash: Robbers Take Thousands From a Bus Company in New York's Chinatown.
The robbery occurred at the offices of Golden Express Company. The robbers, who wore ski masks, took three days' worth of earnings—more than $27,000. The men were armed with box cutters and at least one of them had a gun.
According to the company's president, May Chow, the robbers seemed to range in age from 14 to about 19. She and four others were tied up with duct tape and plastic, but were able to break free and call the police when the robbers fled. More here: MASKED GANG HITS CHINATOWN.
The robbery occurred at the offices of Golden Express Company. The robbers, who wore ski masks, took three days' worth of earnings—more than $27,000. The men were armed with box cutters and at least one of them had a gun.
According to the company's president, May Chow, the robbers seemed to range in age from 14 to about 19. She and four others were tied up with duct tape and plastic, but were able to break free and call the police when the robbers fled. More here: MASKED GANG HITS CHINATOWN.
david choi's only you
Only You, the new album from popular YouTube singer/songwriter David Choi is now out and available for purchase. David has amassed quite a following by performing and posting his clever covers and original songs on YouTube, so I guess it was only a matter of time before the man finally cut an album. I've listening to a few of the sample tracks he's posted online, and it's good stuff.
I'm also one of the many people who regularly watch David's YouTube videos, and I eagerly await the day he reaches 77,000 subscribers so we can finally see him smile, as he has promised to do. Anyway, you can get Only You on iTunes, or buy the actual physical CD directly from David's MySpace page.
indian pitchers tryout for major league scouts
Here's a different twist in the world of baseball... Last week, Major League scouts took a look at pitchers Rinku Singh and Dinesh Patel of India—a country better known for producing world class cricketers than pitching aces... but maybe that could change: Indian prospects pitch for scouts.
The tryout was among their rewards for winning an Indian reality TV show called The Million Dollar Arm, which drew more than 30,000 contestants. The contest was organizes by a California sports management firm. The rules were simple: pick up a baseball and throw it as hard as you can.
With such a huge population, you figure India's got to have some untapped pitching talent. Singh and Patel pitched in the Delhi region and topped out in the high 80s mph. That earned them a trip to the U.S., where they've spent the last six months training with a pitching coach in Los Angeles.
Last week, they had their big day in front of about 30 major league scouts in Tempe, Arizona. Patel hit 90 on the radar gun during a 30-pitch stint. Singh was clocked at 84. Not bad for two guys who had never picked up a baseball before last spring. Who knows? Maybe we'll see these guys on a Major League mound in the near future.
The tryout was among their rewards for winning an Indian reality TV show called The Million Dollar Arm, which drew more than 30,000 contestants. The contest was organizes by a California sports management firm. The rules were simple: pick up a baseball and throw it as hard as you can.
With such a huge population, you figure India's got to have some untapped pitching talent. Singh and Patel pitched in the Delhi region and topped out in the high 80s mph. That earned them a trip to the U.S., where they've spent the last six months training with a pitching coach in Los Angeles.
Last week, they had their big day in front of about 30 major league scouts in Tempe, Arizona. Patel hit 90 on the radar gun during a 30-pitch stint. Singh was clocked at 84. Not bad for two guys who had never picked up a baseball before last spring. Who knows? Maybe we'll see these guys on a Major League mound in the near future.
3rd i south asian film festival
For all my friends in San Francisco, more stuff for you to do this week... Yes, it's another film festival. Don't miss the 3rd i San Francisco International South Asian Film Festival happening this week, November 13-16.
Presented by 3rd i, the festival showcases diverse images of South Asians through independent films, featuring everything from Indian art house classics to documentary films, from innovative and experimental visions to next-level Bollywood.
It all starts this Thursday with screenings of Saqib Mausoof's Kala Pul and Amyn Kaderali's Kissing Cousins at the Brava Theater. Go see the films, then go hang at the Opening Night Party. For more information, visit the festival website here.
new reality show looking for foreigners with strong accents
The casting notice was forwarded along to me, for a new reality show pilot looking specifically for immigrants and foreigners. And it sounds really weird. Here are the details:
CASTING IMMIGRANTS AND FOREIGNERS FOR REALITY SHOW PILOTI really have to wonder what kind of show they're putting together, and why exactly strong accents are a plus. Let me guess: Extreme Foreign Makeover. I have no idea, but something about this just does not seem right. I guess we'll see whenever this thing inevitably gets produced and put on television... (Thanks, Vicky.)
STRONG ACCENTS & CHARACTERS a PLUS!
Casting IMMIGRANTS and FOREIGNERS of ALL NATIONALITIES who are in PURSUIT of the AMERICAN DREAM for a new reality show PILOT. STRONG ACCENTS & CHARACTERS a PLUS!!!!
We are casting MEN & WOMEN who are great CHARACTERS with BIG PERSONALITIES to live in a house for up to three days as part of a social experiment.
Whether you are from CHINA, PAKISTAN, AUSTRALIA, FRANCE, MEXICO, CANADA, BOTSWANA, BULGARIA or ANY other foreign land, if you were not born and bred in America, then we want to hear from you.
All types will be considered. All applicants must be 21+
Participants will be paid $200 a day and the chance to win prizes along the way.
TO SUBMIT:
Be sure to mention you heard about this from Jeff Gund at INFOLIST.com for priority consideration, and email ALL the informatin requested below, with your NATIONALITY in the subject heading, to:
USA@RealTalentCasting.com
Please include your:
1. Name
2. Age
3. A short bio on how and why you came to the US, and what dream you would like to achieve here
4. A current photo
5. Be sure to mention you heard about this from Jeff Gund at INFOLIST.com for priority consideration!
pastor accused of child molestation
In San Jose, a pastor has been arrested for allegedly molesting a female relative starting at the age 10: San Jose pastor accused of child molestation. Minh Van Nguyen, senior pastor at the First Vietnamese Alliance Church, has been held without bail since his arrest on October 2.
The alleged victim, who's now 22, told investigators that the abuse happened over a four-year period at a location away from the church.
Police haven't released further details on the case. They say they don't have any evidence suggesting children with the church were abused, but are encouraging anyone who might have information to contact the department.
The alleged victim, who's now 22, told investigators that the abuse happened over a four-year period at a location away from the church.
Police haven't released further details on the case. They say they don't have any evidence suggesting children with the church were abused, but are encouraging anyone who might have information to contact the department.
yellowface and weird chinese god in my name is bruce
Now playing in very limited release, the indie horror/comedy My Name Is Bruce, which looks bad for a lot of reasons, including some really stupid racial caricatures and stereotypes. Bruce Campbell stars as himself, a popular cult actor who gets mistaken for his character Ash from the Evil Dead movies, and must defend a small town from a real monster—a nine-foot tall sword-wielding Chinese god of war. Yeah.
Who's brilliant idea was this? Not sure why the Chinese god of war thing was necessary, or what such a creature is doing terrorizing a small town in Oregon. Maybe they just needed an excuse to dress Ted Raimi up in yellowface as an old Asian man, shown above. I guess that'll always be funny to somebody. That's racist! The movie is currently doing a limited city-by-city theatrical run. View the trailer here.
a letter from the future president
This story kind of warms your heart... An eight-year-old girl, Karina Encarnacion of Kirkwood, Missouri, wrote a letter to Barack Obama recommending what kind of dog the president-elect should get for his daughters, and in turn received a reply with "three bits of advice that will make your life more fulfilling": Pinay girl writes to Obama, gets response.
As everyone watching last Tuesday night's victory speech knows, Obama promised his two daughters, 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha, that they could have a dog when they move into the White House.
Karina sent Obama a two-page handwritten letter suggesting a Coton de Tulear, a small Bichon-type dog, which her family owns. She noted that "they do not shed, they are very lovable, small and very soft." All very compelling reasons to consider when choosing a canine companion.
She also expressed support for Obama's candidacy, offering a few suggestions: "Would it be possible for you to make a law that requires everyone to recycle... And would it be possible to ban unnecessary wars?"
But the awesome part came when Karina received a surprise reply from Obama, with some very sound advice for her as well: "Look out for other people, even when it does not directly benefit you; strive to make a difference everywhere you go; and get back up every time you are knocked down."
Obama's letter, which included an autographed picture that Karina requested, ask her to be a good citizen—not just of America, but of the world: "I hope you will always be an active participant in the world around you, and that you will seize every opportunity to make the world better." This, my friends, is the kind of president we need.
As everyone watching last Tuesday night's victory speech knows, Obama promised his two daughters, 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha, that they could have a dog when they move into the White House.
Karina sent Obama a two-page handwritten letter suggesting a Coton de Tulear, a small Bichon-type dog, which her family owns. She noted that "they do not shed, they are very lovable, small and very soft." All very compelling reasons to consider when choosing a canine companion.
She also expressed support for Obama's candidacy, offering a few suggestions: "Would it be possible for you to make a law that requires everyone to recycle... And would it be possible to ban unnecessary wars?"
But the awesome part came when Karina received a surprise reply from Obama, with some very sound advice for her as well: "Look out for other people, even when it does not directly benefit you; strive to make a difference everywhere you go; and get back up every time you are knocked down."
Obama's letter, which included an autographed picture that Karina requested, ask her to be a good citizen—not just of America, but of the world: "I hope you will always be an active participant in the world around you, and that you will seize every opportunity to make the world better." This, my friends, is the kind of president we need.
uniqlo's uniqlock
I recently discovered the UNIQLOCK, and have found myself staring at this thing for several minutes, completely mesmerized. I don't know what it is. Something about gloved, synchronized dancing girls that just keeps me staring at the clock. I suggest turning on the sound for the full effect.
maya lin's "wave field"
The New York Times has a really interesting article on the work and career of artist/architect Maya Lin, who is best known for designing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which catapulted her to stardom and notoriety in 1981: Once Inspired by a War, Now by the Land.
Her latest work, "Wave Field," an 11-acre installation at Storm King Art Center, opens to the public next spring. Be sure to watch the video piece at the side to get the full visual view of the "Wave Field" project. I like the part where she shows art made out of her garbage.
Her latest work, "Wave Field," an 11-acre installation at Storm King Art Center, opens to the public next spring. Be sure to watch the video piece at the side to get the full visual view of the "Wave Field" project. I like the part where she shows art made out of her garbage.
reel asian ticket giveaway winners
Thank you to everyone who entered last week's Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival ticket giveaway. We got an excellent response. It seems that a lot of you are excited about this year's festival... but only a lucky few can win. The winners, chosen at random, are:
Festival Passes
Karen K.
Elizabeth W.
Screening Passes
Joe W.
Jonathan L.
4-Paks
Ryan G.
Kevin A.
A pair of tickets to "Full Boat"
Lee C.
Paul N.
A pair of tickets to West 32nd
Terrence V.
Matt J.
If you didn't hear from me, you didn't win. Sorry. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the festival. Things kick off this Wednesday, November 12 with the Opening Night presentation of Kenneth Bi's The Drummer. It's going to be a fun party, so make plans to be there. For more information about the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, visit the website here.
Festival Passes
Karen K.
Elizabeth W.
Screening Passes
Joe W.
Jonathan L.
4-Paks
Ryan G.
Kevin A.
A pair of tickets to "Full Boat"
Lee C.
Paul N.
A pair of tickets to West 32nd
Terrence V.
Matt J.
If you didn't hear from me, you didn't win. Sorry. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the festival. Things kick off this Wednesday, November 12 with the Opening Night presentation of Kenneth Bi's The Drummer. It's going to be a fun party, so make plans to be there. For more information about the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, visit the website here.
11.09.2008
extras needed for the wedding palace
For those of you in Los Angeles, I just received a urgent call for help from my pal Grace, who is currently working on the production of The Wedding Palace, a romantic comedy directed by Christine Yoo and starring Brian Tee and Kang Hyejung. They desperately need to cast a few extras for their shoot tomorrow, Monday, November 10 (and will probably need extras for future shoot days). Here are some details:
For tomorow, we are looking for:- 2 Hip Asian Hairstylists - Female or Male. Gotta look trendy. Clothing: bright colors - teal, orange, yellow, or red.Help out a low-budget Korean American indie film with your low-budget presence. It'll be a cool opportunity to see a production like this come together. If you're interested in being an extra, contact Grace at grace@peachies.net.
- 3 Korean Patrons between the ages of 20-30. Look doesn't matter.
- 4 Patrons - must look like Koreans in Korea (scene takes place in Seoul).
- 2 Korean Female Gossips
Call time is 9:30A and you will be needed for the whole day. Please bring clothing changes and come camera ready! Because this is an indie shoot, be prepared to wait around for 8 hours or so. This is super low budget.
Please send photos (they do not need to be professional headshots) and let me know ASAP so I can give you more details.
For now, I'll just tell you that it's supposed to be kinda like a big fat Greek wedding type of romantic comedy starring Brian Tee, Kang Haejung (Oldboy), Bobby Lee, Steve Park, and Margaret Cho.
11.08.2008
racist yellow fever t-shirts
Another bad t-shirt alert, and this one's pretty awful... This time, it's New York-based Yellow Fever. I know, the ridiculous name alone is cringe-inducing. But it gets waaaay worse. It's like somebody decided, hey, I'll create a designer t-shirt line that will offend as many Asians as possible! But when I wear it, I will just be too cool to care.
Never mind the random exotic splash of Asian writing here and there, the tired use of our favorite lazy-ass chop suey font, or just the general use of stereotypical Asian imagery (dragons, samurai swords, etc). There are tons of shirt companies out there that do that. But take look at the racist, sexist graphics on shirts like this one, this one and this one. That's racist!
This line has actually been around for a while, and comes to us courtesy of "designer" Jamison Ernest. He also has a band with the same name. From what I can tell, he's apparently one of those New York hipster hacks who does a little bit of everything. Perhaps the worst part is, these shirts all cost about $100 or more. A hundred bucks for a freaking t-shirt? Now that's offensive. (Thanks, Cynthia.)
grace kim is playboy's miss november
So, besides the election of the first Black president of the United States of America, this big news of the week is apparently an Asian American woman posing nude in Playboy. I received about a hundred emails in the last week informing me that Grace Kim is Playboy's Miss November 2008. Glad to see everyone's priorities are in order.
Before posing nude for Playboy, Ms. Kim was reportedly a publicist for Activision, the company that makes the Guitar Hero video game series. She was "discovered" when she submitted a photo to attend a Halloween party at the Playboy Mansion, and someone decided it would be a good idea to photograph her without any clothes on.
As I am not in the habit of posting nekkid pictures on this site, I'm going to avoid posting any photos of her, although I imagine some of you are probably a little curious. I'm sure you can do a search for Grace Kim and find them posted somewhere out there. I did, but I was purely looking for articles. I swear.
Before posing nude for Playboy, Ms. Kim was reportedly a publicist for Activision, the company that makes the Guitar Hero video game series. She was "discovered" when she submitted a photo to attend a Halloween party at the Playboy Mansion, and someone decided it would be a good idea to photograph her without any clothes on.
As I am not in the habit of posting nekkid pictures on this site, I'm going to avoid posting any photos of her, although I imagine some of you are probably a little curious. I'm sure you can do a search for Grace Kim and find them posted somewhere out there. I did, but I was purely looking for articles. I swear.
the head avon lady
The New York Times ran an interview last week on Andrea Jung, chairwoman and chief executive of cosmetic company Avon Products: Selling Beauty on a Global Scale. It's not quite the old door-to-door Avon Lady sales model anymore, at least not here in America. Today, more than two-thirds of Avon's sales are outside the United States.
The direct-selling model—where independent sales representatives do not work directly for Avon—apparently makes it easier to break into new markets. About 5.5 million sales representatives now sell Avon products in everywhere from Shanghai to Rio do Janeiro. It's gone worldwide, baby.
The company, which recently reported its third-quarter earning, said the only region where sales fell was North America. By contrast, revenue rose 25 percent in both Latin America and China and 8 percent in Western Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Ms. Jung and Co. seem to know what they're doing.
The direct-selling model—where independent sales representatives do not work directly for Avon—apparently makes it easier to break into new markets. About 5.5 million sales representatives now sell Avon products in everywhere from Shanghai to Rio do Janeiro. It's gone worldwide, baby.
The company, which recently reported its third-quarter earning, said the only region where sales fell was North America. By contrast, revenue rose 25 percent in both Latin America and China and 8 percent in Western Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Ms. Jung and Co. seem to know what they're doing.
11.07.2008
los dos chinos panaderia
A sharp-eyed reader named Christopher sends us greetings from Argentina, where he came across this fine establishment with a very peculiar sign. My question is, are there actually two Chinese dudes who own the bakery?
inouye taking over as chair of senate appropriations committee
It looks like Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii is going to be head of the Senate Appropriations Committee, taking over Senator Robert Byrd, who announced today that he would voluntarily give up chairmanship with the new Congress: Byrd will voluntarily give up chairmanship.
Here's Congressman Mike Honda's official statement congratulating Senator Inouye on becoming chair of the Senate Appropriations Committe:
Here's Congressman Mike Honda's official statement congratulating Senator Inouye on becoming chair of the Senate Appropriations Committe:
"I congratulate Senator Inouye for his future post as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Inouye is my friend and has been an outstanding leader for the state of Hawaii and the American public in the United States Senate. His experience and wisdom will guide him in his new post, as it has throughout his time in elected office and his brave service in the U.S. Army 442nd Regimental Combat Team. I look forward to working with him on appropriations matters important to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and to all Americans."The panel, considered to be the Senate's most powerful committee, oversees hundreds of billions of dollars annually in federal spending. Byrd will officially hand off the gavel to Inouye on January 6, 2009. More here: Inouye To Take Over Senate's Most Powerful Committee.
steven spielberg and will smith remaking oldboy?
This crazy bit of news has been floating around all the movie sites today, and it's a doozy... According to Variety, Steven Spielberg and Will Smith are in early discussions to collaborate on a remake of the South Korean revenge thriller Oldboy: Spielberg, Smith in talks for 'Oldboy'.
I'm just shaking my head at this news. No. Oh man, please. No.
We knew a remake was inevitable. It might've taken a while, but a remake of Oldboy was coming sooner or later. It was just a reality of industry. Take a high-concept, critically-acclaimed, hit Asian film, and turn into a big-budget Hollywood studio movie (wiping out all the Asian-ness in the process).
This particular remake has been in the works for several years, with all sorts of names attached—most notably Better Luck Tomorrow director Justin Lin—but hasn't been able to get off the ground, for various reasons. Which was fine, since I've never really been eager to see an American remake of Oldboy.
But Steven Spielberg and Will Smith? Are you kidding me? Don't get me wrong, Spielberg is responsible for some of the greatest movies of all time. And while he's not my favorite actor, you can't really hate a guy like Will Smith. But this movie just feels like the wrong fit. If you've seen Oldboy, you just know what I mean.
In Oldboy, a man gets kidnapped and held in a shabby cell for 15 years without explanation. Suddenly, he's released and given money, a cell phone and clothes and is set on a path to discover who destroyed his life so he can take revenge. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend checking it out, though be warned: it's seriously disturbing.
The original, directed by Park Chan-wook, is dark, gritty and twisted—qualities I do not immediately associate with Spielberg or Smith's work. And the Fresh Prince is no Choi Min-sik. Not even close. I can't even imagine what this is going to look like. Is this really going to happen? Expect disaster.
ken jeong in role models
Funnyman Ken Jeong, who we've been seeing a lot of amongst the Judd Apatow-related crowd, has a part in the comedy Role Models, opening in theaters today. The good doctor plays "King Argotron." That's him rocking the crown in the photo above with Paul Rudd and McLovin'. He appears to be the ruler of some very serious live-action role playing. I don't know if the movie's any good, but Dr. Ken's a funny guy, so keep an eye out for him.
the snake dance of asian american activism: community, vision and power
A recently published book, The Snake Dance of Asian American Activism: Community, Vision, and Power by Michael Liu, Kim Geron and Tracy Lai, chronicles the lessons learned from the formative years of the Asian American movements in the late 20th century. I haven't read it, but it sounds like a important, much-needed book in the narrative of American history.
For those you in Los Angeles, the authors will be discussing their work at a book release talk/party this weekend, Sunday, November 9. Here are the details:
by Michael Liu, Kim Geron and Tracy Lai, chronicles the lessons learned from the formative years of the Asian American movements in the late 20th century. I haven't read it, but it sounds like a important, much-needed book in the narrative of American history. For those you in Los Angeles, the authors will be discussing their work at a book release talk/party this weekend, Sunday, November 9. Here are the details:
Book Release Talk and PartyI'm really looking forward to picking this book up. To all the young Asian American activists out there, know that none of what you're doing now would be possible without the work accomplished without the Asian American movement of the 1960s. I'm not saying this as someone who was there, but as someone who owes a great deal to the activists of that era.
THE SNAKE DANCE OF ASIAN AMERICAN ACTIVISM: Community, Vision and Power
By Michael Liu, Kim Geron and Tracy Lai
Lexington Books, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008 2:00 pm
Avenue 50 Studio
131 N. Avenue 50, Highland Park (Los Angeles)
(Free parking is accessed by the left side of the Gallery)
Speakers: Michael Liu and Kim Geron
Finally, a book about the Asian American community movements of the late twentieth century, written by activist-organizers in those struggles!
A new history of Asian American activism reinterprets the lessons and legacies of the Asian American movement. The book describes the movement's dramatic impact on the direction of Asian American political and social activity beginning in the 1960s, particularly in terms of neighborhood redevelopment, civil rights, international solidarity, and the Jesse Jackson presidential campaigns. The history recounts the development of a vision for structural change and its character as a social movement that has effects and lessons for today.
"Chronicling something as broad and complex as the Asian American movement is a daunting task. In this important book, Michael Liu, Kim Geron, and Tracy Lai take on this challenge and deliver a thorough, insightful, and engaging account. They navigate the twists and turns, successes and failures of the movement while never losing sight of its 'soul,' which inspired and inspires activists past and present." - Paul Y. Watanabe, University of Massachusetts–Boston
"The Snake Dance of Asian American Activism illuminates the historical significance of the social movement for equality and political inclusion of Asian Americans during the late twentieth century. Drawing from extensive primary sources and interviews, the authors show how Asian American identity politics were integrally connected to radical demands for structural change in society. As recounted by participants and eye witnesses, the American movement brought about progressive change in ethnic neighborhoods and on college campuses, creating new forms of contentious politics and participatory democracy, while infusing progressive themes into an awakening Asian American culture and arts movement. More than previously published accounts of this movement, this work shows the movement's deep connections to ordinary working people and their day-to-day concerns. This book will do much to advance needed intergenerational dialogue about how the goals of social justice popularized by the Asian American movement can be effectively pursued in our time." - Carolyn Wong, Carleton College
Michael Liu is a senior research associate and community programs coordinator at the Institute for Asian American Studies at the University of Massachusetts-Boston. He is a co-founder and current supporter of the Asian American movement ezine at aamovement.net.
Kim Geron is associate professor at California State University-East Bay. He is Vice-President of the statewide California Faculty Association. Kim formerly was a rank-and-file activist in the Hotel and Restaurant Workers Local 11 in Los Angeles.
Tracy Lai is a tenured historian at the Seattle Central Community College.
Driving Directions: From Los Angeles: take the 110 North; exit on Ave. 52 going left; turn left on Figueroa; right on Ave. 50; and parking is accessible on the left side of the gallery.
For more information: call Mark at (323) 356-6352 or email: mmasaoka@aol.com
12th annual vancouver asian film festival
Didn't mean to forget about our friends in Vancouver! The Vancouver Asian Film Festival is happening right now, November 6-9. Things kicked off last night with the Opening Night screening of Jessica Yu's Ping Pong Playa, with the director and writer/star Jimmy Tsai in attendance. If you missed it, there will be an encore screening this Saturday night.
The festival continues on through the weekend with all sorts of great shorts and features, including Ron Morales' award-winning Santa Mesa, the Canadian premiere of Tuan Tran's Finding Madison, and Amyn Kaderali's romantic comedy Kissing Cousins, among others. Come out to the movies and check out something new and good and awesome.
Things wrap up on Sunday night with the Closing Night screening of Michael Kang's West 32nd. Star Grace Park, representin' for her country, will be attendance. Let me repeat that: Grace Park's gonna be there. For information, including schedule and ticket info, visit the festival website here.
health officials find dead deer in chinese restaurant
Ugh. Oh man. This is disgusting. In Hamburg, New York, health officials shut down a Chinese restaurant after an inspector found employees butchering a dead deer inside the business. I'm not kidding. Disgusting: Restaurant closed after dead deer found in kitchen.
Erie County Health Department officials apparently got a tip about a dead deer in the China King restaurant. Soon after, an inspector arrived and saw the deer being butchered, right there in the kitchen. This is not only gross, but illegal. State health laws prohibit butchering an animal inside a restaurant.
As the reader who sent this item points out, this does not help the cause. It's bad enough that Asian restaurants get a bad rap as dirty eateries that serve dogs and cats and who knows what. This restaurant really was doing something dirty in the kitchen. Nothing wrong with deer meat itself... but this is shady.
Thankfully, there was no indication the deer meat was served to any customers. But imagine being one of the people eating in the restaurant that day, then finding out they were cutting up a dead deer in the back. First, I'd lose my appetite. Then I'd wonder how long I'd been coming to China King to eat, and how long they were butchering deers before they actually got caught.
Erie County Health Department officials apparently got a tip about a dead deer in the China King restaurant. Soon after, an inspector arrived and saw the deer being butchered, right there in the kitchen. This is not only gross, but illegal. State health laws prohibit butchering an animal inside a restaurant.
As the reader who sent this item points out, this does not help the cause. It's bad enough that Asian restaurants get a bad rap as dirty eateries that serve dogs and cats and who knows what. This restaurant really was doing something dirty in the kitchen. Nothing wrong with deer meat itself... but this is shady.
Thankfully, there was no indication the deer meat was served to any customers. But imagine being one of the people eating in the restaurant that day, then finding out they were cutting up a dead deer in the back. First, I'd lose my appetite. Then I'd wonder how long I'd been coming to China King to eat, and how long they were butchering deers before they actually got caught.
komuzika tonight
For those of you in Los Angeles, come on out this evening for a night of music, drinks and friends... You're invited to the latest edition of Komuzika, featuring the music of Big Phony, Karin Anna Cheung, Scott Tang and Tatum Jones. Tonight, November 7, at the Blue Dahlia in Los Angeles. All ages, and it's free. Good times, good tunes. For more information, go to the Facebook event page here.
19-year-old elected to city council
In Placentia, Calfornia, it looks like 19-year-old Jeremy Yamaguchi, who ran for city council, will become one of the youngest elected officials in the history of Orange County: 19-year-old wins City Council seat. Election returns showed that showed Yamaguchi was the top vote getter with 7,673.
Yamaguchi, the son of a Placentia police officer, is a political science major at Cal State Fullerton. Now, he'll be part-time student and part-time politician. But don't be fooled by his age —the kid might be young, but he's highly qualified. And it looks like he's got a bright future ahead of him.
Yamaguchi, the son of a Placentia police officer, is a political science major at Cal State Fullerton. Now, he'll be part-time student and part-time politician. But don't be fooled by his age —the kid might be young, but he's highly qualified. And it looks like he's got a bright future ahead of him.
11.06.2008
win tickets to the toronto reel asian international film festival
Just re-posting this as a reminder... This is for all my people in the Toronto. Yes, Canada, we've got love for you too. The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival is happening next week, November 12-16, with an awesome schedule of the best of pan-Asian cinema. Things kick off next Wednesday with the Opening Night presentation of Kenneth Bi's The Drummer. It's going to be a pretty cool party.
In anticipation of the festival, I've partnered up with Reel Asian to do a huge ticket giveaway for you, my good readers. Cinema-lovers, take note. I'm giving away:
(2) Festival PassesThat's a lot of tickets! To enter for your chance to win, all you have to do is email me with the your name, and tell me which film at festival you're most looking forward to seeing. Be sure to include "REEL ASIAN GIVEAWAY" in the subject line of your email, and get your entries in by the end of today, Thursday, November 6. I'll throw all the names in a hat and pick the winners at random. There will be ten winners, and you don't get to choose which prize you get. And please, enter the contest only if you truly plan on attending the Reel Asian Toronto International Film Festival. Good luck.
Which gives you access to all festival screenings (including the galas), Industry Series sessions, public parties and special events, as well as great "front of the line" perks
(2) Screening Passes
Which gives you access to all regular and youth screenings, gala parties, and select special events.
(2) 4-Paks
Redeem it for up to four tickets to any regular or youth screening. Use them all together, or one at a time.
(2) pairs of tickets to the Full Boat shorts program
(2) pairs of tickets to the Centerpiece Presentation of West 32nd
hate crimes against certain groups on the rise
The FBI's annual report on hate crimes, released last week, shows a slight decrease in the overall number of reported hate crimes in the United States. However, violence against certain groups has increased since the previous year: Hate Crimes against Asian Americans, Hispanics, and GLBT People on the Rise.
According to the report, crimes against Hispanics have increased for the fourth year in a row, and those against gays and lesbians have increased by nearly 6 percent. In addition, hate crimes against Jews, Blacks and Asians/Pacific Islanders have also increased.
It's really no surprise, is it? I feel like I hear news about hate crimes on a weekly basis—and those are just the ones committed against Asians. But I just heard about this one: After Obama Win, Black Muslim Teen Beaten With Bat on Staten Island. WTF.
A hate crime is defined by the FBI as a criminal act that is motivated by race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity/national origin, or disability. The crime may be committed against a person, property, or society.
With the historic election of the first black president, it would be nice to think that America has achieved a certain level of tolerance and understanding. But that's a joke. It's obvious we still have a long way to go. More on the FBI's statistics here: Hate Crimes Register Slight Decline Overall.
According to the report, crimes against Hispanics have increased for the fourth year in a row, and those against gays and lesbians have increased by nearly 6 percent. In addition, hate crimes against Jews, Blacks and Asians/Pacific Islanders have also increased.
It's really no surprise, is it? I feel like I hear news about hate crimes on a weekly basis—and those are just the ones committed against Asians. But I just heard about this one: After Obama Win, Black Muslim Teen Beaten With Bat on Staten Island. WTF.
A hate crime is defined by the FBI as a criminal act that is motivated by race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity/national origin, or disability. The crime may be committed against a person, property, or society.
With the historic election of the first black president, it would be nice to think that America has achieved a certain level of tolerance and understanding. But that's a joke. It's obvious we still have a long way to go. More on the FBI's statistics here: Hate Crimes Register Slight Decline Overall.
new details in d.c. lawyer homicide
Last week, police in Washington D.C. released an affidavit revealing new details in the 2006 murder of attorney Robert Eric Wone, one of the District's most mysterious homicide cases: Cover-Up Alleged in D.C. Killing Of Lawyer. But the question still remains, who killed Wone? And why?
Wone was fatally stabbed in August 2006 while staying overnight at the home of an old college friend. The affidavit alleges that the three housemates who lived at the townhouse covered up evidence, attempting to mask what actually happened. One of the men, Dylan War, has been charged with obstructing justice.
The 14-page document lays out in graphic detail why investigators have concluded that Wone was not killed by an intruder. He was apparently drugged into a paralytic-like state and sexually assaulted before he was stabbed. It's just crazy case, and hopefully authorities will finally able to solve it, for the sake Wone's family.
Wone was fatally stabbed in August 2006 while staying overnight at the home of an old college friend. The affidavit alleges that the three housemates who lived at the townhouse covered up evidence, attempting to mask what actually happened. One of the men, Dylan War, has been charged with obstructing justice.
The 14-page document lays out in graphic detail why investigators have concluded that Wone was not killed by an intruder. He was apparently drugged into a paralytic-like state and sexually assaulted before he was stabbed. It's just crazy case, and hopefully authorities will finally able to solve it, for the sake Wone's family.
asian americans in the obama administration?
First, the victory party. And now, transition. As Barack Obama looks ahead to assuming the office of the President on January 20, he has put together a transition operation in preparation for the new administration: Obama Campaign Names Transition Team.
Chris Lu, Obama's Senate legislative director, will serve as executive director. Pete Rouse, Obama's chief of staff in the Senate, will be co-chairman. And Sonal Shah of Google.org is also among the names in the transition team. Very, very cool to see Asian Americans as part of the process.
What will Obama's administration actually look like? Can we expect the president-elect to appoint representatives from the Asian American community to his new administration? It's definitely possible: Asian-Americans eye posts in Obama administration.
With studies indicating that Asian Americans were a "deciding factor" in the presidential race in key states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Nevada, some are expecting Obama to appoint members of the community in key posts in his administration to reflect our rapidly growing demographic.
I'm definitely interested in seeing how it all comes together. We could see a couple of key individuals named as cabinet members, like Congressman Mike Honda or former Washington governor Gary Locke. Sepia Mutiny suggests some serious South Asian representation. Hey, it could really happen. I guess we'll have to see.
Chris Lu, Obama's Senate legislative director, will serve as executive director. Pete Rouse, Obama's chief of staff in the Senate, will be co-chairman. And Sonal Shah of Google.org is also among the names in the transition team. Very, very cool to see Asian Americans as part of the process.
What will Obama's administration actually look like? Can we expect the president-elect to appoint representatives from the Asian American community to his new administration? It's definitely possible: Asian-Americans eye posts in Obama administration.
With studies indicating that Asian Americans were a "deciding factor" in the presidential race in key states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Nevada, some are expecting Obama to appoint members of the community in key posts in his administration to reflect our rapidly growing demographic.
I'm definitely interested in seeing how it all comes together. We could see a couple of key individuals named as cabinet members, like Congressman Mike Honda or former Washington governor Gary Locke. Sepia Mutiny suggests some serious South Asian representation. Hey, it could really happen. I guess we'll have to see.
11.05.2008
obama for obama
This is too funny not to post... We dedicated Barack Obama supporters in the United States weren't the only ones elated by Tuesday's victory. All the way out in the town of Obama, Japan, local residents celebrated Obama's election, proud to share its name with the new President of the United States of America. Check it: Obama, Japan Celebrates Barack Obama's Election as President.
the man behind the multitouch screen
If you're like me, then you were glued to the election coverage on any of the major news networks broadcasting on Tuesday night, and you saw the big star of this historic election season. No, not Barack Obama. I'm talking about the multitouch electronic wall map. Bringing you the state-by-state breakdown with pretty colors and moving graphics. Oooooh.
The guy responsible for all this graphical goodness? Tech entrepreneur Jeff Han and his company Perceptive Pixel, whose multitouch system has no doubt made this election season a lot more fun for those TV news guys, with all the zooming and coloring and stuff: Election a win for multitouch inventor.
The gadget has been a big hit since it launched at the TED conference a few years ago, and has since been adopted by a number of news networks, including CNN, Fox and ABC News. Unlike traditional touch screens, the technology allows you to use more than one finger—or the fingers of multiple users—at a time.
All this time, I just thought it was an oversized iPhone. You know you've hit the big time when you're getting spoofed by Fred Armisen on Saturday Night Live. Han apparently equipped, trained and collaborated with SNL for the skit.
The guy responsible for all this graphical goodness? Tech entrepreneur Jeff Han and his company Perceptive Pixel, whose multitouch system has no doubt made this election season a lot more fun for those TV news guys, with all the zooming and coloring and stuff: Election a win for multitouch inventor.
The gadget has been a big hit since it launched at the TED conference a few years ago, and has since been adopted by a number of news networks, including CNN, Fox and ABC News. Unlike traditional touch screens, the technology allows you to use more than one finger—or the fingers of multiple users—at a time.
All this time, I just thought it was an oversized iPhone. You know you've hit the big time when you're getting spoofed by Fred Armisen on Saturday Night Live. Han apparently equipped, trained and collaborated with SNL for the skit.
problems for asian american voters on election day
Asian Americans, especially new citizens and first-tie voters, turned in record numbers to vote yesterday. But many actually encountered barriers at polling places, ranging from inadequate language assistance, improper requests for identification, and missing names on voter rolls. I received a really interesting and informative press release from the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund outlining some of the problems...
ASIAN AMERICAN VOTER TURNOUT HIGH ON ELECTION DAY, BUT MANY FACE PROBLEMS AT POLLSI know, it's a pretty long list to sift through, but it offers an important glimpse of some of the barriers and complications that Asian American had to deal with on Election Day. And it's likely that this list of reported problems really only scratches the surface. Many thanks and props to organizations like AALDEF for their efforts in recording and reporting these complaints. Stay tuned for more poll data...
New York... Asian Americans, especially new citizens and first-time voters, turned out to vote in record numbers today, but many encountered barriers at polling places, ranging from inadequate language assistance, improper requests for identification, and missing names on voter rolls.
The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) dispatched over 1,400 attorneys, law students and community volunteers to over 130 polling places in 11 states with large Asian American populations, who recorded voter complaints and conducted a nonpartisan multilingual exit poll.
AALDEF executive director Margaret Fung said, "Asian Americans faced the same long lines, delays and poll worker confusion over ID requirements as other voters, but their problems were compounded by the lack of language assistance and occasional hostility toward new citizen voters."
AALDEF received hundreds of complaints from Asian American voters on our telephone hotline, 800-966-5946, and from our volunteer poll monitors in 11 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois, Louisiana, Texas, Nevada, and Washington, D.C. A preliminary list of voting incidents appears below:
NAMES OF REGISTERED ASIAN AMERICANS NOT ON VOTER ROLLS
In NYC, over 200,000 New Yorkers registered in the last two weeks before the Oct. 10 deadline; there were two voter lists at several election districts, but it's unclear whether poll workers checked both voter books,
-At P.S. 250 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, several voters claimed they had voted in previous elections but their names were not on the voter rolls.
-At P.S. 94 in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, one voter was told to go home to get an ID in order to vote-no interpreters were available to explain why this was needed.
-At P.S. 281, Jefferson High School in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, poll workers refused to look in voter lists to see whether Mr. "Man On CHAN" was able to vote. He was registered to vote, but his last name (Chan) had been reversed with his first name, and he was listed under "On." This problem first occurred in 2005, and apparently, it still has not been fixed. Mr. Chan was not able to vote today.
-At Bailey School in Lowell, MA, several Asian Americans who registered at the Registry of Motor Vehicles discovered that their names were not on the voter lists
RACIST REMARKS AND IMPROPER POLL WORKER CONDUCT
-At P.S. 185 in Brooklyn, an Arab American voter who was waiting to vote was told by a poll worker: "We don't trust you; you're not voting."
-At P.S. 94 in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, two Arab American voters were asking some questions, and after they walked out, AALDEF volunteers heard a poll worker say, "They look like terrorists to me."
-At Annandale Firehouse in Virginia, voters complained about improper electioneering by one poll worker, who told Korean Americans which candidates to vote for.
-In Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, a Chinese American grandmother needed assistance to vote and asked her granddaughter to help her cast her ballot. A poll worker prevented her from bringing her family member into the voting booth, in violation of the federal Voting Rights Act.
INADEQUATE NUMBERS OF ASIAN-LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS
In Boston (where a Justice Department consent decree requires Chinese- and Vietnamese-language assistance):
At Thomas Edison School in Boston, Chinese-language materials were not readily available, and ballot questions were not translated into Chinese.
At Academy Hill Library, Chinese interpreters were not identified clearly and signs were not available to advise voters about these interpreters.
At Richard J. Murphy School, provisional ballots were not available in Vietnamese.
In New York City, Chinese- and Korean-language voting assistance is required under the federal Voting Rights Act in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens Counties.
At several sites in Manhattan's Chinatown, there were interpreter shortages:
P.S. 2, 122 Henry Street, had 1 Chinese interpreter; 4 were required
Rutgers House at 200 Monroe Street had 2 Chinese interpreters; 4 were required
Land's End at 275 Cherry Street had 1 Chinese interpreter; 3 were required
PS 94 in Sunset Park, Brooklyn had no interpreters
P.S. 250 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn had 3 interpreters, 5 were required
ASIAN-LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE NEEDED, BUT NOT AVAILABLE
Asian Americans who encountered problems at the polls did not have access to interpreters or Asian-language voting materials. Complaints came from Vietnamese voters at DiSilvestro Recreation Center, Hmong voters at 69th Street Church in Philadelphia, and Bengali voters in Michigan.
IMPROPER REQUESTS FOR IDENTIFICATION
In some states where ID is not required except for certain first-time voters, poll workers still asked voters to provide IDs. The largest number of complaints came from these sites:
IS 131 in Manhattan's Chinatown
PS 62 in Ozone Park, Queens
PS 12 in Woodside, Queens
Botanical Gardens in Flushing, Queens
Telecommunications High School in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
Benjamin Cardozo HS, Bayside, Queens
BROKEN VOTING MACHINES (the mechanical lever Shoup machines in NYC are the oldest voting machines in the nation, not yet replaced under HAVA)
Latimer Gardens in Queens
P.S. 230 in Kensington, Brooklyn:
P.S. 250 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Botanical Gardens, Flushing, Queens
DELAYS AND LONG LINES/NOT ENOUGH POLL WORKERS
In New Orleans, some Vietnamese American voters had to wait 2 hours to vote at Sarah T. Reed HS in Orleans Parish.
In New Orleans at Mary Queens of Viet Nam Church, voters had to wait almost three hours to vote; poll workers divided voters into three lines.
In Philadelphia's Chinatown, lines at the Chinese Christian Church extended for two blocks in the early morning. By late afternoon, voters said they heard poll workers talking about how they would soon run out of provisional ballots.
An additional list of voter complaints will be released later this week, together with the results of 15,000 exit poll questionnaires, which will provide a snapshot of Asian American voting patterns, including preferences in the Presidential and congressional races, top reasons for voters' choices, party affiliations, whether they were first-time voters, use of Asian-language voting assistance, and other specific problems encountered at the polls. In the 2004 Presidential election, AALDEF polled 10,789 Asian American voters in 8 states, the largest survey of its kind in the nation.
florida's racist "alien land law" still on the books
Come on, Florida. What the hell? Yesterday, voters in Florida decided on Amendment 1, a measure on the ballot that would repeal an old clause in the state constitution barring Asian immigrants from owning land. I first mentioned this one back in August: vote out florida's racist "alien land law."
Seems like a no-brainer, right? It's an old, racist law from a bygone era. The repeal would primarily be symbolic, as equal protection laws would prevent lawmakers from actually applying the ban. It makes sense to vote for the measure, repeal the clause, and everybody moves on.
Not so fast. Looks like Florida wasn't quite ready to let go of its racist past: Amendment 1, targeting anti-Asian land law, fails. With 78 percent of precincts reporting late Tuesday night, the measure didn't have enough support to pass, with 52 percent voting to preserve the clause.
Fifty-two percent of Florida's electorate wants to ban Asian immigrants from owning land. Or rather, they still want the state's constitution to include the ban. First of all, why is this is ridiculous, racist law still on the books in the first place? And why did they vote to keep it?
This article has some explanation and historical context behind the law—the "Alien Land Law" —which does indeed have its roots in xenophobia and discrimination: Amendment 1 often misinterpreted, proponents say.
Some who opposed the measure apparently believed the old law could be used to prevent foreign terrorist groups from buying real estate. Seriously? This is our ingenious strategy to fortify national security? An archaic Florida land law? You must be kidding me. But I guess we're safe now. That's racist!
UPDATE: The New York Times has another story on this stupid law: In Florida, an Initiative Intended to End Bias Is Killed. Amendment 1 was apparently defeated because voters incorrectly assumed it would prevent illegal immigrants from owning property. You freaking idiots.
Seems like a no-brainer, right? It's an old, racist law from a bygone era. The repeal would primarily be symbolic, as equal protection laws would prevent lawmakers from actually applying the ban. It makes sense to vote for the measure, repeal the clause, and everybody moves on.
Not so fast. Looks like Florida wasn't quite ready to let go of its racist past: Amendment 1, targeting anti-Asian land law, fails. With 78 percent of precincts reporting late Tuesday night, the measure didn't have enough support to pass, with 52 percent voting to preserve the clause.
Fifty-two percent of Florida's electorate wants to ban Asian immigrants from owning land. Or rather, they still want the state's constitution to include the ban. First of all, why is this is ridiculous, racist law still on the books in the first place? And why did they vote to keep it?
This article has some explanation and historical context behind the law—the "Alien Land Law" —which does indeed have its roots in xenophobia and discrimination: Amendment 1 often misinterpreted, proponents say.
Some who opposed the measure apparently believed the old law could be used to prevent foreign terrorist groups from buying real estate. Seriously? This is our ingenious strategy to fortify national security? An archaic Florida land law? You must be kidding me. But I guess we're safe now. That's racist!
UPDATE: The New York Times has another story on this stupid law: In Florida, an Initiative Intended to End Bias Is Killed. Amendment 1 was apparently defeated because voters incorrectly assumed it would prevent illegal immigrants from owning property. You freaking idiots.
a night to remember
My fellow Americans, we did it. We wake up in an America that is fundamentally changed. We voted, and watched history unfold: Obama sweeps to victory as first black president.
President Barack Obama. Damn right. I don't know about you, but I believe this brings us one step closer to one day also seeing—as crazy and distant as it may seem—the first Asian American president. It will happen.
I told myself that either way, I'd get drunk on election night, whatever the outcome. Celebrating... or drowning my sorrow. Needless to say, it was a long night (in a good way). I'm still recovering. But yes, I am truly hopeful.
UPDATE: By the way, since a lot of folks have been wondering... According to New York Times exit polls, 62% of the Asian American vote went to Barack Obama. And man, I am relieved that I don't have to move to Hong Kong.
President Barack Obama. Damn right. I don't know about you, but I believe this brings us one step closer to one day also seeing—as crazy and distant as it may seem—the first Asian American president. It will happen.
I told myself that either way, I'd get drunk on election night, whatever the outcome. Celebrating... or drowning my sorrow. Needless to say, it was a long night (in a good way). I'm still recovering. But yes, I am truly hopeful.
UPDATE: By the way, since a lot of folks have been wondering... According to New York Times exit polls, 62% of the Asian American vote went to Barack Obama. And man, I am relieved that I don't have to move to Hong Kong.
11.04.2008
today's the day
All right, my fellow Americans. You know what to do. Vote, and tell your family, friends and neighbors to do the same. Some tips, passed along to me from APIAVote:
1.Double check your polling place before you vote: http://maps.google.com/vote.
2.You are allowed to call or bring a friend with you into the polling booth.
3.You may vote by provisional ballot if your name is not found on the voter records.
4.You may ask for assistance from a poll worker if you have any questions or problems.
5.If you have any problems voting, call 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
This is the election of our lifetime. I've never felt so invested in the outcome of an election, and concerned with what's at stake for our nation's future. We, as Asian Americans, have the chance to stand up and be counted. Don't throw this opportunity away. Vote!
11.03.2008
why asian american small business owners should vote for obama
AsiansVote has a really interesting, informative piece on why Asian American small business owners should vote for Barack Obama, contrary to the outright bogus claims of the McCain campaign. A little knowledge goes a long way, and given the state of the economy, everybody could use some good news. Here's the intro to the piece, which gives the short reasoning:
According to last month's National Asian American Survey [pdf], 41 percent of Asian Americans support Barack Obama while only 24 percent support John McCain. But 34 percent remain undecided. If you happen to have undecided friends or relatives, particularly those who own small businesses, feel free to pass on this last minute debunking of Republican misinformation about Obama's tax plans.I encourage you to read the rest of the piece, which basically breaks down the misinformation and gives you the truth behind Obama's plan for small business owners. I know this affects the many Asians Americans who own or have family members who own a small business. Read on: Why Asian American small business owners should vote for Barack Obama.
The short version? As far as I can tell, the vast majority of small businesses that employ ten or fewer employees not only won't see their taxes increase, but may actually reap tax benefits under an Obama Administration.
The longer version? Read on. (And non-Asians, come on in, the water's fine! Most of this information applies to every small business owner.)
gunman kills teen on maryland bus
What a nightmare... In Maryland, a gunmen killed a 14-year-old boy and seriously wounded two other teenagers on a crowded Montgomery County bus on Saturday night: Silver Spring Teenager Fatally Shot On Md. Bus. The victim, Tai Lam, apparently got into some sort of argument with the shooter before it happened.
The shooter was in a group of three to five people who had words with Lam and his friends. According to police, the first group got off the bus at the next stop, but the gunman then turned and fired several shots at the teenagers inside.
Lam, a freshman honor student and wrestler at Montgomery Blair High School, was pronounced dead a short time later at a hospital. The other victims, ages 14 and 15, were in serious condition yesterday.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic man in his early 20s, 5-foot-4 to 5 foot 7 inches tall, with no facial hair and wearing a black hooded jacket and blue jeans. He has a tattoo with lettering on the side of his neck. Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Montgomery homicide detectives at 240-773-5070.
The shooter was in a group of three to five people who had words with Lam and his friends. According to police, the first group got off the bus at the next stop, but the gunman then turned and fired several shots at the teenagers inside.
Lam, a freshman honor student and wrestler at Montgomery Blair High School, was pronounced dead a short time later at a hospital. The other victims, ages 14 and 15, were in serious condition yesterday.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic man in his early 20s, 5-foot-4 to 5 foot 7 inches tall, with no facial hair and wearing a black hooded jacket and blue jeans. He has a tattoo with lettering on the side of his neck. Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Montgomery homicide detectives at 240-773-5070.
boa's american debut
Not being much of a fan of Korean pop music, I'm a little late with this bit of news... Lots of people telling me about BoA. South Korean pop star BoA, aka Boa Kwon, and not to be confused with Bank of America, has generated some buzz lately with "Eat You Up," the first track from her upcoming English debut album Look Who's Talking. Watch the music video here.
Like I said, I don't know much about Korean music, so I can't admit to being much of a fan (my knowledge BoA is primarily limited to this Wikipedia entry). But I think I like it. Does she have what it takes to break out and cross over into U.S. mainstream success? Or will she be one of the many Asian superstars who have made the attempt, only to fizzle out in the daunting American market?
At first glance, just based on this video, she's a hell of a performer. The video kind of kicks ass (featuring dancing so potent, it destroys the room) and the song, for what it is, is catchy as hell. Stupid title, but hey, waaaay worse artists with worse songs with worse titles have managed to hit it big, so why can't BoA do it too? The single's out on iTunes, and the album is expected to be released sometime next year.
lights, camera, action... vote!
Calling all Asian American voters! It's time to bust out your cameras and tell your stories. APIA Vote and the Center for Asian American Media is asking all you videographers, producers, filmmakers and YouTubers out there to help show what civic engagement looks like in your community. Read on for details:
Win a chance for a $100 gift card and to be apart of an upcoming documentary!It sounds like they're putting together a really cool project, and given how important and unprecedented this election is, what they're really doing is documenting history... and our part, as community, in creating change. And hey, your footage could be selected to be part of a larger video piece about AAPIs and political participation. For more information, and contest rules, go here.
Calling Videographers, Producers, Filmmakers, and Youtubers! November 4 is right around the corner. This nation is energized for the November 4th election and millions of new voters are eager to cast their first ballot. That's why APIAVote is inviting you to capture footage on all the voting activities.
Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote & Center for Asian American Media wants you to help us - and AAPIs all over the nation - know what civic engagement looks like in your AAPI community. We want you to tell the stories of AAPIs new to the voting process and their experiences. We want to tell future AAPI voters why voting is important and how high the stakes are.
This is the election of a lifetime. Help APIAVote & CAAM document this historic election.
Entries will be displayed on APIAVote and CAAM's youtube channels as well as their website. Additionally, selected footage will contribute to a larger video piece about AAPIs and political participation.
Upload your edited or unedited clips (3-5 minutes) via sendspace.com, wikisend.com, etc. Send link to submissions and questions to Alvina Yeh: alvina@apiavote.org//202-725-5651.
Full contest rules here: http://www.apiavote.org/contest-rules
a fortune in smartphones
The New York Times recently ran an interesting profile on Cher Wang, daughter of one of the richest men in the world, who struck out on her own and made her own fortune by founding a multibillion-dollar company: With Smartphones, Cher Wang Made Her Own Fortune.
The company, HTC Corporation, makes one out of every six smartphones sold in the United States, most of which are marketed under brands like Palm and Verizon. And last month, the T-Mobile G1, designed by HTC and powered by Google's Android operating system, went on sale with quite a bit of fanfare.
But wait. Cher Wang is chairwoman of not just one, but two companies: HTC and VIA Technologies, a developer of silicon chip technology, where her husband has been chief executive since 1992. Forbes estimates the couple's wealth at $3.5 billion. So yeah, you could say she's been kind of successful.
The company, HTC Corporation, makes one out of every six smartphones sold in the United States, most of which are marketed under brands like Palm and Verizon. And last month, the T-Mobile G1, designed by HTC and powered by Google's Android operating system, went on sale with quite a bit of fanfare.
But wait. Cher Wang is chairwoman of not just one, but two companies: HTC and VIA Technologies, a developer of silicon chip technology, where her husband has been chief executive since 1992. Forbes estimates the couple's wealth at $3.5 billion. So yeah, you could say she's been kind of successful.
matcha: afghanistan!, november 6
San Francisco friends, this week marks the Asian Art Museum's final MATCHA event of the year, Afghanistan! Yes, with an exclamation point. The museum's monthly art/music/mixer series concludes the season in a grand finale with food, music and dance of Afghanistan n celebration of the highly anticipated, critically acclaimed special exhibition, Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul. Read on for details:
Afghanistan!It's all happening this Thursday, November 6, 5:00-9:00pm at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Get off work and head on over to the museum for drinks and good times with friends and art lovers. For more information about the event, go to the Asian Art Museum website here. This website is a proud community partner of MATCHA.
Thursday, Nov. 6, 5:00-9:00 pm
Asian Art Museum
ONLY $5
The MATCHA season culiminates in a grand finale with food, music, and dance of Afghanistan, in celebration of the highly anticipated, critically acclaimed special exhibition, Afghanistan: Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul. Click here to see what the press is saying about this "at once revelatory and heart-rending" show (New York Times).
The Bay Area's own Ballet Afsaneh, a dynamic ensemble whose repertory focuses on Silk Road regions in Central Asia, will perform colorful, kinetic traditional dance. See Afghanistan, go on a guided tour, make jewelry inspired by the ancient Bactrian gold on view, nibble on tasty bites, mingle with friends over cocktails from the cash bar, and much more.
This is 2008's last MATCHA. Let's end it with a bang!
asian american art: a history, 1850-1970
For those of you into art history, this might interest you... I recently heard about a new book, Asian American Art: A History, 1850-1970, edited by Gordon Chang, Mark Johnson and Paul Karlstrom, and published by Stanford Press. I'm told that the book has been in development for more than a decade and is, remarkably, the first comprehensive survey of artists of Asian ancestry who lived and worked in the United States in the 20th century.
Asian American Art features ten essays by preeminent scholars, includes a detailed biographical directory of 159 artists who worked in California from the Gold Rush until 1965, and an art/history chronology that places the careers of these artists against the backdrop of larger political and cultural events.
The book also features more than 400 reproductions of artwork, portraits of artists, and historical ephemera that display the impressive legacy of Asian American art and help bring the artists and their times to life. I haven't seen the actual book, but it sounds like an amazing way to learn about the work of Asian American artists who might've otherwise been forgotten.
If you're in San Francisco, the de Young Museum is currently presenting a complementary exhibit, displaying the works of many of the Asian artists profiled in the book: Asian/American/Modern Art: Shifting Currents, 1900-1970. It runs through January 18, 2009. The same exhibit will open at the Paul Noguchi Museum in New York City on February 25, 2009.
, edited by Gordon Chang, Mark Johnson and Paul Karlstrom, and published by Stanford Press. I'm told that the book has been in development for more than a decade and is, remarkably, the first comprehensive survey of artists of Asian ancestry who lived and worked in the United States in the 20th century.Asian American Art features ten essays by preeminent scholars, includes a detailed biographical directory of 159 artists who worked in California from the Gold Rush until 1965, and an art/history chronology that places the careers of these artists against the backdrop of larger political and cultural events.
The book also features more than 400 reproductions of artwork, portraits of artists, and historical ephemera that display the impressive legacy of Asian American art and help bring the artists and their times to life. I haven't seen the actual book, but it sounds like an amazing way to learn about the work of Asian American artists who might've otherwise been forgotten.
If you're in San Francisco, the de Young Museum is currently presenting a complementary exhibit, displaying the works of many of the Asian artists profiled in the book: Asian/American/Modern Art: Shifting Currents, 1900-1970. It runs through January 18, 2009. The same exhibit will open at the Paul Noguchi Museum in New York City on February 25, 2009.
11.02.2008
videos to vote to
A whole bunch of videos landed in my mailbox this weekend related to Tuesday's historic election. There's more at stake than I can really fathom, and honestly, it actually scares the crap out of me. Anyway, here are some videos to check out:
A short message from Konrad Ng, brother-in-law to Barack Obama, with a reminder to get out and vote for change on November 4. He's married to Obama's younger sister Maya Soetoro-Ng, and he's been a fairly visible Asian (Canadian) face during the campaign. Go Konrad.
Eric Byler sends me this inspirational music video, "Changes," a celebration of Asian American volunteer efforts in the Obama campaign. This is the final push! You can make a difference by getting the word out, making some phone calls and getting your friends and family to vote.
For those of you in California, this anti-Proposition 8 ad, narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, calls on voters to reject discrimination: Discrimination. The ad recalls some of American history's most egregious discriminatory policies, including anti-miscegenation laws and the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. The only thing that could've made this ad cooler is if Sam Jackson had ended it with "Vote NO on muthaf---in' Prop 8. It's unfair and muthaf---in' wrong."
This video comes from Young Leading Women (YLW), a group of teenage girls that gets together once a week to get "empowered." They were one of six recipients of OCAPICA's Innovative APIA Youth Grant, and decided to create this PSA: WHY DO YOU VOTE?. While maybe not as polished as some of the messages out there, it's very cool to see young women—many of whom aren't old enough to vote themselves—trying to mobilize their community to vote.
And finally, this slick video is about my generation, the largest generation in American history, the Millenials, calling for social and political change in America and around the world: Generation WE : The Movement Begins... The fact of the matter is, we've inherited a crazy-ass crapload of the world's problems, and we're aching for sweeping change. It's an inspirational video, with numerous Asians representing among the many.
A short message from Konrad Ng, brother-in-law to Barack Obama, with a reminder to get out and vote for change on November 4. He's married to Obama's younger sister Maya Soetoro-Ng, and he's been a fairly visible Asian (Canadian) face during the campaign. Go Konrad.
Eric Byler sends me this inspirational music video, "Changes," a celebration of Asian American volunteer efforts in the Obama campaign. This is the final push! You can make a difference by getting the word out, making some phone calls and getting your friends and family to vote.
For those of you in California, this anti-Proposition 8 ad, narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, calls on voters to reject discrimination: Discrimination. The ad recalls some of American history's most egregious discriminatory policies, including anti-miscegenation laws and the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. The only thing that could've made this ad cooler is if Sam Jackson had ended it with "Vote NO on muthaf---in' Prop 8. It's unfair and muthaf---in' wrong."
This video comes from Young Leading Women (YLW), a group of teenage girls that gets together once a week to get "empowered." They were one of six recipients of OCAPICA's Innovative APIA Youth Grant, and decided to create this PSA: WHY DO YOU VOTE?. While maybe not as polished as some of the messages out there, it's very cool to see young women—many of whom aren't old enough to vote themselves—trying to mobilize their community to vote.
And finally, this slick video is about my generation, the largest generation in American history, the Millenials, calling for social and political change in America and around the world: Generation WE : The Movement Begins... The fact of the matter is, we've inherited a crazy-ass crapload of the world's problems, and we're aching for sweeping change. It's an inspirational video, with numerous Asians representing among the many.
republican attack ads darken ashwin madia's photos
Saw this over on Sepia Mutiny... I've already written a few times about Ashwin Madia, the Democratic candidate in Minnesota's 3rd District Congressional race. You might remember members of Minnesota's GOP describing Madia "from a demographic standpoint" as "not like us."
To further illustrate this point, recent Republican attack ads inviting viewers to "meet the real Ashwin Madia" have used altered photos of the candidate to make him appear noticeably darker: Attack ad's darkened images prompt questions.
And of course, darker equals scarier, more threatening... and less American. The darkened ads are obviously meant to evoke a visceral, negative response, preying on voters' fears and further driving home this racist idea that a darker Madia is somehow "not like us."
Here's Congressman Mike Honda's statement calling on the National Republican Congressional Committee to stop airing the incendiary ad:
To further illustrate this point, recent Republican attack ads inviting viewers to "meet the real Ashwin Madia" have used altered photos of the candidate to make him appear noticeably darker: Attack ad's darkened images prompt questions.
And of course, darker equals scarier, more threatening... and less American. The darkened ads are obviously meant to evoke a visceral, negative response, preying on voters' fears and further driving home this racist idea that a darker Madia is somehow "not like us."
Here's Congressman Mike Honda's statement calling on the National Republican Congressional Committee to stop airing the incendiary ad:
Honda Condemns Incendiary NRCC Attack Ad against Ashwin MadiaAgain, here's the original report by local news station KARE 11: Attack ad's darkened images prompt questions. And here's the story from the Wall Street Journal: TV Ad Stirs Controversy in Minnesota House Race. View the original photos side-by-side with the doctored darkened photos: NRCC Crosses the Line in New Ad Against Madia. And here's video of the actual ad: Ashwin Madia: Running to Raise Taxes. That's racist!
CAPAC congressional members call on NRCC to pull ad
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Mike Honda, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), called on the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) to stop airing an incendiary television advertisement, which deliberately darkens the skin tone of Ashwin Madia, an Indian American running in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District. The NRCC has been airing the advertisement on behalf of Republican candidate Erik Paulsen. Mr. Paulsen has refused to condemn the ad.
"We are calling on the National Republican Congressional Committee to stop using inflammatory scare tactics and to pull this attack ad against Ashwin Madia," said Honda. "Voters deserve to hear compelling arguments on behalf of congressional candidates, but this ad employs negative stereotyping that has no place in the public arena. It is clear that the American public has moved beyond this type of fear mongering. Erik Paulsen should join us in asking the NRCC to apologize, pull this advertisement immediately, and move on to talking about the real issues facing voters in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District."
KARE-11, an NBC affiliate in the Twin Cities, first reported the story on Wednesday. In its coverage, KARE-11 interviewed two independent media experts, Professor Clay Steinman and Dean Alger, who provided analysis of the advertisement. According to Professor Steinman, Republicans darkened Madia's photograph in order to provoke "a kind of visceral, negative response." Alger, who systematically analyzed hundreds of campaign ads for a major election study he co-directed at Harvard University, concurred with Professor Steinman's analysis.
"This sort of unethical campaigning has no place in American politics, regardless of the race of the candidate, but I am especially troubled by these tactics because there are disproportionately few Asian American candidates in the first place," said Congressman David Wu. "As a veteran and an advocate for accessible higher education, Ashwin Madia is exactly the sort of leader that we need in the United States Congress."
"We need to judge people by the merits of their work and character," said Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono. "As we have seen in this historic election, these types of deceptive tactics, also aimed at Senator Barack Obama, have no place in this election. It is an insult to voters who want this election to focus on campaign issues. Ashwin Madia reflects the diversity, leadership and service we need in Congress."
11.01.2008
the second best halloween costume
MetroDad's kid might have had the Best. Halloween. Costume. Ever, but these guys have the costume that takes a pretty close second this year. Last night in West Hollywood, Stanton Wong and Glenn Yee celebrated Halloween as Russia. The country. Keeping a watchful eye on their next door neighbor, Sarah Palin.
two hate crime assaults against sikhs in new jersey
In Wayne, New Jersey, police are investigating a vicious hate crime assault earlier this week on 67-year old Sikh man, which might be related to the attack on a 10-year-old Sikh boy just weeks earlier: Hate Crimes Committed Against 2 NJ Sikhs. Authorities believe the suspect was involved in both attacks, and motive behind both attacks was hate.
Ajit Singh Chima doing his usual morning exercise around the neighborhood when a man in his twenties approached him and struck him in the face. As he fell to the ground, the assailant continued to violently punch and kick him in head and face before casually walk away from the scene. Nothing was stolen from Mr. Chima.
A few weeks ago, 10-year-old Gagandeep Singh was walking home from school when he was attacked. The suspect came up from behind, threw Singh on the ground, held him with his feet and cut his hair with a knife or scissor. In the Sikh faith, men do not cut their hair.
This is ridiculous. The attacker is described as a 5-foot-7 male with a medium complexion and in his 20s. So far, no arrests have been made. More here: Sikh Worshippers Speak Out After Recent Attacks. And here's the press release from the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund: Hate Finds Another Victim in New Jersey.
Ajit Singh Chima doing his usual morning exercise around the neighborhood when a man in his twenties approached him and struck him in the face. As he fell to the ground, the assailant continued to violently punch and kick him in head and face before casually walk away from the scene. Nothing was stolen from Mr. Chima.
A few weeks ago, 10-year-old Gagandeep Singh was walking home from school when he was attacked. The suspect came up from behind, threw Singh on the ground, held him with his feet and cut his hair with a knife or scissor. In the Sikh faith, men do not cut their hair.
This is ridiculous. The attacker is described as a 5-foot-7 male with a medium complexion and in his 20s. So far, no arrests have been made. More here: Sikh Worshippers Speak Out After Recent Attacks. And here's the press release from the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund: Hate Finds Another Victim in New Jersey.
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