Thanks for the warm welcome!

Moe, Larry, and Curly

I found this picture while browsing the internets on a typical lonely night.  I don't know the context of the picture, how old it is, and why these three ladies are trying to pass off as triplets, but what I know is that I am really offended!  Yes, I am totally offended that they ruined the reputation of the fanny pack, which I am actively trying to bring back into fashion!

All kidding aside (I really do like the convenience of waist pouches though), the whole "SPEAK ENGLISH" (capitalized and bolded so you can imagine some red-faced monster screaming it in your face) demand really irritates me.  In the following list, I will reveal why it bothers me so.

1. For centuries, people have been immigrating to America for the same reason -- to pursue a better life.  You don't think these non-English speakers would prefer to sit comfortably in a classroom learning the language?  When the hands stop working, the mouth stops eating.  When one has family to take care of and bills to pay, the priority would be to find work. 
2. Many English-only speakers become uncomfortable around those who speak another language.  Oh my gosh, they are totally plotting against you!  These people need to stop being so insecure and stop thinking that everything revolves around them.  Egocentric/ethnocentric, much?  And here's a better idea...  How about you go and learn another language, so when people start speaking it, you can join in the conversation!  Win-win!
3. People automatically assume that people of color struggle with English.  I was once at a local event celebrating Asian and Asian American culture and a white woman asked me if I was alright with her having a cigarette.  Hesitantly, I said, "Sure, I guess" (because I was enjoying a delicious hot link and didn't want her cancer stick fumes to ruin it, but I didn't want to be discriminatory).  She loudly replied, "What?  You don't speak English?"  You know...  People think that when they are speaking to a non-English speaker, talking loudly would do the trick.  Enunciating every word carefully, I said, "No, I-SAID-SURE-I-GUESS."  I hope that helped her understand me.  What is this lady doing at a culture fair?  And why is it that instead of asking politely for me to repeat myself, assume that I had said I didn't speak English?
4. Let's see how you English-only speakers (who insist on that SPEAK ENGLISH thing) deal when we drop you off at some random place far away from the comforts of your narrow-minded world and see how well you will survive.  Oh, how I'd love to watch a reality show based on this.  However, I wouldn't be shocked to see these people wondering why no one speaks English there and demeaning the culture and the language.  Nevermind.

 I will stop the list at number four (because I'm lazy and I need to continue my mindless cyber browsing), but it's ongoing.  Check back for more. 

Careers in China media

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a reporter?

I have. I remember the Channel 31 news anchor lady Karen King. Crap, I hope that's her name. This was light years ago, mind you! Anyway, at a young age, my dad would make comments of me becoming a news reporter just like Karen. And for maybe a split second in my youth, I really did want to be just like her. But things change as we venture into life and a reporter was wayyyyyyyyyy in the back of my mind. At the same time, I never really looked into the occupation in my adult years.

Ever since my sister and I purchased my dad a mini netbook for Christmas one year, he's been an avid, and I mean AVID, internet user. To be specific, he is a frequent visitor at cctv.com. Cctv is China's news hub, better known as cntv in China. So during dinner one evening, he brought up becoming a news reporter in China. "All you need is the ability to speak English." "That's it? Are you sure?" "I go to this site all the time. Of course, I know."  Hmm, sounds awesome! I mean, I'm pretty video shy but I was hoping maybe I can do some research or conduct interviews for news reports and what not. I perused the jobs section and found out that, YES, you need to speak English, BUT you also need to be able to talk up in front of the camera and you'll need to submit sample work, which means it's highly desired you have some type of experience in the media field. Thanks but no thanks, Dad.

Anyhoo. If you're interested in going abroad to further your career or to make this your career you might want to check this out. They currently have a few openings for a travel program host and news assistants and what not. Some positions also state you need a Bachelor's degree.

Oriental Veggies

Oh, I see.  So the combination of broccoli, carrots, mushroom, and red bell pepper is 'oriental.'

What is this -- the 40's?  SMH.  

Spotted at Winco by yours truly

Asian Victors at the 2011 Venice Film Festival

This news is a little old, but it's better to be late than never on sending words of congratulations! 

Deanie Ip

Deanie Ip stars alongside Andy Lau in Ann Hui's "A Simple Life" (watch trailer here).  It's always wonderful to receive international recognition for great work (I haven't seen the movie yet, but the woman won the best actress award somehow!). 

I want to give Andy Lau a bonus holla! because that man is turning 50 years old in 7 days.  Holy...cow...  Love him or hate him, you can't deny Mr. Lau of his many accomplishments and his contributions to Hong Kong cinema (not including his remake of "What Women Want").

Cai Shangjun

The Best Director award was given to Cai Shangjun for his film, "People Mountain People Sea" (trailer).  The trailer looks like some cray cray stuff go on.

Congrats, winners!

Body of Michelle Le Found

A body was found over the weekend and it has been confirmed to be that of missing student, Michelle Le.  Le was last seen in May and, just 10 days before, Le's former friend, Giselle Esteban, was arrested as the murder suspect. 

I hope Michelle's family and friends can find peace.

An Open Letter to Sammi Cheng

Dear Sammi,

Once upon a time, you were the queen of my heart.  Heck, you were the Queen of CantoPop and the Hong Kong box office.  You were beautiful, your songs sounded so good (even to a person with a limited understanding of Cantonese), and you took risks that I appreciated.  Then you had a breakdown, went into hiding, became a born-again Christian, and developed a new image.  Due to the latter two changes, I can no longer say I am your fan.

Sammi Cheng, circa '90s

When you first started in the industry, you had a little babyfat in your face.  You were FAR from being fat or chubby; it was healthy.  Then you lost a little weight, but you still looked gorgeous.  This was when my fandom began.  Your songs were so pleasing to the ears -- songs I still enjoy listening to over a decade later.  I memorized the lyrics through jyutping translations I found on the web.  When I got access to my own credit card, I ordered your movies without hesitation and enjoyed them all.  Sammi would never fail me. 

I even purchased "Everlasting Regret," the film which would bring you down and lead you to take a break from the entertainment industry.  Well, I'm sure we can't put all the blame on the film.  Maybe you were tired from it all.  Whatever it was, I was waiting for your comeback -- to be stronger and better than ever.

Years later, I proved to be an undependable fan.  Even though I knew you had a role in a new movie, I had no immediate interest in watching it.  My heart had moved on to Miriam Yeung, the singer/actress who always endearingly broke character by laughing.  I was especially unconcerned over your new music, which took a religious turn and I am beyond the other extreme of religious.  

A recent picture from her Weibo account

But fine, whatever you like.  If being a Christian (I type 'Christian' so infrequently that I always end up typing 'Christina') makes you happy, then so be it.  If it can make a difference in someone's life, then great!  But for the sake of yourself, EAT SOMETHING, WOMAN!   You are almost literally skin and bones (which we all are, but you get my drift). 

And they say that the camera add 10 pounds.  Judging from the picture (and subtracting the 10 pounds), you must be well below the 100s!

Another recent picture. =O

You are always uploading pictures showing your running stats and it's great that you can do 4+ miles in about an hour more or less.  Taking care of your health is very admirable (heck, I need to follow suit), but you do not need to be that slim!  I mean...you almost look like you're from a third world country!  I can't imagine how skinny you would actually look without the clothes, which adds a bit of weight (not that I want to imagine you nekkid).


Anyway, I really do not know the point of this 'letter' and I know you're not going to read it, but it's just something that has been on my mind.  Maybe it's because I miss the old Sammi.  Maybe it's because I'm in a nostalgic mood tonight, which happens a lot.  But whatever it is...............please put on some pounds.

And Sammi...  I just want you to know that...  However much you change, there will always be your classic work to keep the memories alive.

YouTV: Entertainment For the People, By the People

Several years ago, I quit television.


To give a bit of a background, I was an avid TV fan.  I went through the Dawson's Creek phase, watched reruns of classic American TV shows, and lived for ABC's TGIF block.  Before I was exposed to the world of Asian American Studies, I didn't have any care or demand for minority representation in the media.  I only knew that this show entertained me and it just so happened that no character looked like me.

Once I learned how to look at TV shows critically, I became revolted at the lack of minority characters and, when they were shown, the way they were presented.  Instead, I indulged in Asian entertainment in order to see faces like my own (except I am not nearly as clear-skinned and slim).  I relished in the food they ate, the language they spoke, and the traditional customs they practiced.  It was the other extreme of "white TV."

Man Up -- Oh yeah, that's a realistic cast.

Commercials for new TV shows rarely boast of a diverse cast.  The fictional world of the program is typically led by white characters, followed by the one or two secondary, minority characters.  The problem isn't due to a lack of talented actors of color.  Television show ideas are pitched to companies all the time and the green light is given to what company executives think will bring in the most money.

Ultimately, media corporations do not believe that the average audience member could relate to, for example, an Asian American led show.  Without a large audience, sponsorship would quickly decrease, which would end in financial loss.  Thus, actors and actresses of color are forced to fill in the roles of sidekick, extra, victim, comic relief, and/or stereotypical characters. 

In 2005, the world was introduced to a tool that would shake things up and change the game.  YouTube allowed users to upload and share their own content and, suddenly, anybody with a camera could be a star (whether it was intentional or not).  Creative juices flowed out of control and people were filming themselves singing, dancing, doing everyday activities, talking, acting, etc.  The videos ranged from odd and uncomfortable (but funny...sometimes) to downright raw, unmistakable talent.  Without me mentioning any names, I'm sure you can think of several of your favorite YouTube pseudo-celebs. 

Now, let's get to the point of what I wanted to share.  Today, I stumbled on "The Mis-Adventures of  Awkward Black Girl," a web series centering around J, an...awkward black girl and the awkward things that happen in her awkward life (nothing we can't relate to).  The ABG project is headed by Issa Rae (J) and Tracy Oliver (Nina, producer), along with a very talented cast and crew.  (Okay, sometimes the acting leaves a little to be desired, but it doesn't distract too much and have already shown improvement over the past 7 episodes.)  The team behind ABG believe in this show and there is definitely an audience (they raised over $44 thousand dollars through donations to extend the first season by 5 more episodes...whoa!).

(Foul language warning)

 

Mahatma Gandhi said, "We need to be the change we wish to see in the world."  Sometimes, signing petitions, filing complaints, and boycotting a product is not enough to make big companies acknowledge us.  Sometimes, we have to go out there and make our own product.