Azn SoUrcE

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Arrested!

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 01:11:00 -0800

Japanese American actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa has been arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic violence after assaulting his girlfriend.

The Honolulu Advertiser reports police were called to the couple's Waikiki home around 10:00 PM on November14th. His girlfriend told cops Tagawa hit her and they noticed she had bruises on her legs. Tagawa was booked and release on $1,000 bail.

Tagawa is known for such movies as "Rising Sun," "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Pearl Harbor." He was recently on "Heroes" as well.

Author Jeff Chang's take on "Hip-Hop"

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 01:33:00 -0700

Hip-hop can't stop, won't stop
Alexandria Mariscal
Chicago Flame
Issue date: 10/15/07 Section: News

"When I first heard about Jeff Chang, I thought he was going to be this big hip-hop guy, dressed in the dopest clothes," said Sandy Mac of Asian American Recourse Culture Connections and Vietnamese Student Associations. "Then I met him, and he looked all clean and professional like some kind of professor."

Hip-hop journalist and author Jeff Chang came to speak last Wednesday on behalf of his books "Can't Stop Won't Stop" and "Total Chaos: The Art and Aesthetics of Hip-Hop."

Chang explained his past and why he has taken such an interest in hip-hop and what it meant to him.

"Hip-hop and me were walking side by side," said Chang. "To me, it's not just the four elements like B-Boying, breaking, or whatever. It's down to what shoes we wear, to whether or not we vote."

Chang also delved into some of the basic themes of his novels, namely with hip-hop as being a generation, "a culture that took over the world." Clips from the films "From Mambo" to "Hip-Hop" and "Flying Cut Sleeves" were shown to introduce to the audience some of the themes from Chang's novels.

"Having [Chang] come gives you a background and a history of how hip-hop isn't dead and shows that we need to go out and support it and bring back old hip-hop," said Mac.

Another theme discussed during the session was hip-hop as more of a political movement, with such topics as P. Diddy's 2004 "Vote or Die" campaign that helped four million new voters, mainly people of color, to come out and vote.

"Hip-hop draws a much bigger political sense today," said Mac. "The kids who love it need to go out and support it and not let it die."

The event ended with Chang talking with the audience about various hip-hop-related issues. Topics such as corporate rap and hip-hop, women's role in hip-hop, to rapper Nas's comment that "hip-hop is dead" were all discussed.

AARCConnections put the event together with help of the English 161 classes that are studying "Can't Stop Won't Stop."

"At the end of the day it's going to be about our generation stepping up to the mantle of leadership," said Chang.

iPhone in Canada? Rogers?

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 01:06:00 -0700

Is it true? Is the iPhone ready to hit the Canadian market just in time for Christmas?

"Lost" Actor, Daniel Dae Kim gets Arrested...

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Daniel Dae Kim, star of "Lost" got himself arrested on DUI charges early Thursday.

Since then he has been released on bail and is awaiting court set for November 23rd.

Kim said he was deeply ashamed and embarrassed and will fully cooperate with police, in a statement issued Friday by his publicist, Cindy Guagenti.

"It saddens me to know that I jeopardized the welfare of the kind people of Hawaii, a community that I love and call my home," the statement said.

"To my friends, family, colleagues and fans, thank you for your kind words of support," Kim said. "To those I have disappointed I can only ask that you accept my heartfelt apologies. I am truly, truly sorry."

Vudoo Soul East Cost Tour

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:29:00 -0700

Hot Halloween Parties!!

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 03:29:00 -0700

It's getting close to that time of the year, Halloween!!!!
There are some cool Halloween megafests all over the continent, where creative and fun-loving Asians go to get seriously freaky.
These once-a-year parties draw massive crowds with their adult themes. While some are very selective when it comes to their guest lists, others welcome anyone ready to have a good time. So skip handing out candy to the kids and go where the freaks come out at night.

October 26th, Manhattan NY, Access Nightlife Presents Pimp N Hoe's Contest

October 26th, Manhattan NY, Stage Nightlife Presents Red Carpet Halloween

October 27th, Long Beach CA, Blended Presents Freaks Fest

October 27th, Chicago IL, CSGueslist Presents The Room of Horrors Dance Party

October 27th, West Hollywood CA, GO Productions Presents SCREAM 4: A Halloween EXTRAVAGANZA!

October 31st, Los Angeles CA, Visionshock Presents Halloween Massive 2007

MizzDAIZYD - Tainted

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 02:43:00 -0700

Check out this independent artist that I stumbled upon while surfin...She goes by MizzDaizyD from Sydney, Australia. For more information about her go to her Myspace page.

Vancouver Asian Film Festival 2007

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 02:07:00 -0700

Comming soon, the 11th Annual Vancouver Asian Film Festival going on November 1st to the 4th.
For more info go to the website here.

John Cho Talks About Asian-American Actors in America

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 12:58:00 -0700

By Lee Hyo-won
Korean Times

Korean-American actor John Cho, 35, has become a household name in the United States, especially for playing parts that don't have to be played by an Asian. Yet, there remains a challenging upward climb for Asian Americans in Hollywood, according to the star.

``First it's difficult being an artist, and it's difficult being an actor, period, and it's difficult being an Asian American actor. When I started acting… the community was largely Chinese American or Japanese American, so even then I felt like a minority in the minority,'' he told reporters during a private interview at a Busan hotel, Tuesday.

Cho was invited by organizers of the Asian Film Market, running in conjunction with the recently held 12th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival, as one of the guests of the Star Summit Asia.

``It's crazy now there are so many Korean-American actors,'' he said, explaining how amazing it is that the children of first generation Korean immigrants are entering the arts so fast. Asked if he is close with any of his fellow Korean-American actors, he said ``I avoid them. No, I'm kidding,'' drawing much laughter from the room. He said he is acquainted with actors Daniel Dae Kim, Sandra Oh and his ``hero,'' comedian Margaret Cho.

Born in Seoul in 1972, Cho immigrated to the Los Angeles at the age of six. He stepped into the world of acting by chance in college, when he happened to be the same clothing size as an actor who wasn't able to play his part in a small production. Cho was majoring in English literature at U.C. Berkeley at the time.

Growing up in Los Angeles' Koreatown, Cho said he felt like a ``misfit'' and loved the theater because it was like a mecca for all people who didn't fit it. ``That's what I liked about (acting) then and that's what I like about it now,'' he said.

``I didn't think it was possible for Asians to be actors,'' he said. But things changed with his first professional role in a play called ``The Woman Warrior,'' written by Chinese-American Maxine Hong Kingston. ``When I met all these (Asian) professionals, it really opened a door for me.''

Yet, to this day there still exist deeply imbedded Asian stereotypes. ``I feel that there's a shift in the industry, that they're not seeing me as just my race; but they're seeing my personality and seeing me more as a person and an Asian in general,'' he said.

Cho was voted one of the 2006 ``Sexiest Men Alive'' by People magazine. ``I think that was a mistake… a typo… It's very nice, but it's difficult to take that sort of thing seriously. You know what, print `I am sexy,''' he told reporters, and the room burst into laughter.

In addition to popularizing the term ``MILF'' through his short but memorable appearances in the ``American Pie'' trilogy, Cho made a breakthrough in ``Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle'' by portraying a believable _ and funny _ Asian guy in a mainstream film. Harold is a dorky Korean-American investment broker coming to terms with personal struggles, being taken advantage of at work and having to deal with his parents' expectations to marry a Korean.

Some thought the film feeds upon Asian stereotypes, and to this, Cho said he saw it as being exactly the opposite. ``It was only a small segment of Asians who saw a nerd when it was actually an `everyman,' which is how they (the makers of the movie) wrote it and I approached it… I saw it as what Tom Hanks does (in his films).

``The least stereotypical part about the movie is having an Asian as a protagonist and not as a side character… Almost by virtue of being the main character, it negates being a stereotype,'' he said.

Despite Cho's comic roles onscreen, he was surprisingly serious _ though laid back and down to earth _ in person, and chose his words very carefully. ``People expect me to be funnier… be Mr. Chuckles. People treat me… like an old drinking pal,'' he said. ``It's actually a nice feeling because when you make people laugh, it makes them feel close to you,'' he told The Korea Times in a subsequent interview later on.

``I don't want to pat (Hollywood) on the back too much, because, although there's been progress, we have to measure it against where we should be and I still feel as though we're far behind where we need to be, even though there's cause to be optimistic,'' he said.

Cho pointed out the problem of actors agreeing to play an insulting or racist role in Hollywood, thereby endorsing those values. He said actors can advance change very simply and powerfully by ``saying no.''

``What if they audition 100 people and 100 actors said no. Then two things would happen: One is that they would know that what they wrote was offensive. They would know that. And secondly, they couldn't do it. So we take their tools away because we are their tools. So when we do stereotypical roles we are helping them, and so I think to turn that around, we should say no, and that's the most powerful tool that we have,'' he said.

Since his rise in popularity _ being one of the most searched names in Youtube, and appearing on popular TV shows like ``The Singles Table'' and ``Kitchen Confidential'' _ Cho has become a face for the Asian American community. Asked if he ever feels burdened about it, he said that he is sometimes ``jealous'' of white actors because ``they don't have to think about representing their race.

``We (Asian American actors) shouldn't have to do this. So it feels unfair. And yet, it is an opportunity. It just so happens that I'm in a position to, by some bizarre act of God, I'm in a position to change things… So I might as well do what I can,'' he said.

Cho also made his visit to Asia's largest film festival for his latest film ``West 32nd,'' in which he plays opposite Korea's favorite leading man Park Joong-hoon.

``This production was special because it was made by Koreans or Korean-Americans, so there was a real sense of family… To have an entire cast in a movie be Asian is unheard of, and to have an all-Korean cast is even more rare,'' he told The Korea Times.

His film ``Better Luck Tomorrow'' had tackled the ``model minority'' issue of Asian Americans being stereotyped as hard-working, social ladder climbers, who, unlike their black or Hispanic counterparts, don't need benefits such as Affirmative Action. The movie had even initiated a small campaign among Asian American college students in the New England area called ``Watch BLT (Better Luck Tomorrow).''

Cho played a troubled teenager in the movie, and about his own teenage experience growing up in Los Angeles' Koreatown, he said he was ``a little rebellious… but I don't know if it was more than normal,'' he said.

``You're trying to grow up and you don't want to be like your parents, and that gets mixed up with being Korean…They brought their values from Korea, and I accepted them because I didn't know anything more,'' he said about being Korean-American.

``But as I grow older, I feel more Korean every year, it's very strange,'' he said.

Although the media portrays the actor as a successful Korean American who set foot in Hollywood, Cho himself said: ``Maybe it's my neurosis, but I still don't feel settled,'' he said, adding that he would love to play roles he played as a child with his younger brother, like a cowboy or Superman.

The BEATS, RHYMES and RICE Tour

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:33:00 -0700

Featuring poets Bao Phi and Giles Li, along with hip-hop emcee Kiwi.
The beats, Rhymes and Rice Tour might be hitting a venue near you!

For More Information, check out Giles Li's Blog.

A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila debuts at #1

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:49:00 -0700

Tila Tequila's new MTV show "A Shot at Love" debuted at #1 last week for its time period across all of cable in the network's target demo of persons 18-34. The show also became MTV's No. 2 highest-rated series premiere this year.

You've Got a Friend - Trailer - Wong Fu Productions

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 04:16:00 -0700

"You've Got a Friend" trailer - Wong Fu's first collaboration with FM, Far*East Movement. Based on their hit single "You've Got a Friend". To be released Oct 18th.

For More on Wong Fu Productions check out there website: www.wongfuproductions.com

Ohh: Confusions of the Asian-American male

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:40:00 -0700

'Lost' Star Daniel Dae Kim Attends Busan Film Festival

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 14:09:00 -0700

Being an Asian American in Hollywood, Feeling Home in Busan

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Korean Times

BUSAN: For actor Daniel Dae Kim, who shot to international stardom through the hit ABC TV series ``Lost,'' the walk on red carpet at the 12th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival meant returning to his native town.

``I'll be honest. I was a little scared (walking down the red carpet). I'm used to it in the U.S. and Europe. But because I'm from here, it mattered a little bit more. I haven't felt that way in about four years… It was also the longest red carpet I've walked on,'' he said with a slight chuckle.

``I have very fond memories of this area, my imo (aunt) still lives about half a mile away, my samchun's (uncle's) family lived up on the hill, and I was born in Seodaeshin-dong. I was telling my parents I was coming to Busan, and `Make your country proud,' they said,'' the 39-year-old said with a big hearty laugh.

Unlike his stern character Jin from ABC's hit TV series ``Lost,'' Kim was very down-to-earth and easy-going in person, flashing a bright smile every now and then. Voted one of the ``Sexiest Men Alive'' in 2005 by People Magazine, the actor's sharply chiseled features high cheekbones were just as charming in real person.

Kim had immigrated to the United States with his family as a baby, and grew up in New York and in Pennsylvania ever since. He said he is happy to back to the Haeundae area; he had spent about three months there in the early 1990s.

``Honestly, I feel like I'm home,'' ``It sounds so cheesy when I say it but I really feel a connection. You know, I'm so grateful, so 'bangaweo' (delightful and welcomed),'' he said, explaining that although he was raised in the U.S., he had to take off his shoes when he entered the house. ``My belief system comes from my parents, which is Korean,'' he said.

``The one thing I don't like about coming to Busan though, is that I've been trying to get ride of my saturi (local accent), and now I'm speaking with all my relatives and it's all coming back,'' he said, chuckling.

Ever since the ABC hit show started first airing, it was the talk of the town for not only starring two Korean actors in the main cast, but for also featuring dialogues in Korean. It naturally garnered much attention from Korean viewers, and sharp criticisms ensued when Kim spoke with a rather strange accent.

``I was criticized for my accent, and part of that is because of my Busan accent mixed with my American accent, so people thought I just did not know how to speak Korean at all…

``But you know, I like the saturi (accent),'' he said, agreeing that it's part of who you are. He added that his wife, with whom he's been married for 14 years, is from Seoul, so her relatives find his Busan-American accent hilarious.

After graduating from Haverford College, Kim made his acting debut in theatrical productions. He then went on to earn his M.F.A. from New York University and has starred in popular dramas such as ``ER'' and ``24,'' and has made guest appearances in ``Ally McBeal,'' ``The Practice,'' and ``Law & Order'' to name a few. Then came ``Lost,'' which would change his life forever.

``I know it's a cliche but I really do feel lucky. You know in the States, for Asian-American actors there aren't that many opportunities. To be on a show alone is lucky, but to be on a hit show that win awards and it's recognized all over the world, that's maybe once in a lifetime,'' he said.

Despite the initial negative feedback, the actor has become almost a household name here as the popularity of American dramas, called ``Mideu'' here, have skyrocketed in recent years.

``(Kim Yun-jin and I) are in a very fortunate position. I come to a place like this (PIFF), and I'm recognized by Korean fans, I consider myself very lucky,'' he said.

Kim's advice to aspiring actors is simple but to the point: ``Work hard. Because if you only get that opportunity once in your career, you have to be able to seize it, you have to be able to get that job because you may not get another chance. Because if you're not prepared, if you don't have the acting training, if you're not concentrating on yourself, that one chance might miss you and that will be the end,'' he said.

Having grown up in Easton, Pennsylvania, where there were virtually no Asians other than his family, Kim explained that he ``definitely had a sense of being an outsider growing up.'' But he would break stereotypes of Asian being quiet model students in high school: ``I did everything I could to fit in,'' said the actor, who was not only a football player but also class president.

Kim has won the Screen Actors Guild Award in 2006, and he was individually honored with an AZN Asian Excellence Award, a Mutlicultural Prism Award and Vanguard Award from the Korean-American Coalition, all for Outstanding Performance by an Actor.

Having been asked to represent the Asian-American community in many ways, Kim said that it was a great honor and privilege, saying ``Asian-American image is very important. When you're lucky enough to be in a position like that, you should do whatever you can to better it.''

Kim and family live mostly in Hawaii, the location for ``Lost.''

``Living in Hawaii is great. I love the fact that there are so many Asian people. I don't feel like a minority there. I think that it's the only place in the world where you can be Asian, be the majority and speak English,'' he said.

As for possibilities in the Korean entertainment business, Kim was very positive, though very careful, as he always is in choosing a good project where he can portray ``genuine, three-dimensional characters, rather than mere caricatures.'' But he also expressed concern about Koreans having negative impressions of ``gyopo'' or Korean-Americans dabbling in the Korean entertainment business and leaving poor images.

Spotlight: Horiyoshi III's 36 Ghosts

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 16:22:00 -0700

Japanese tattoo master, Horiyoshi III, has recently published his latest art book entitled 36 Ghosts, a collection of his drawings based on Japanese mythology and folklore.
Horiyoshi III is revered by tattoo enthusiasts as possibly the world's greatest horishi, or full-body tattoo artist.

You can purchase this limited print here online or check your local book store.

Jin Releases New Track with DJ Premier

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 13:02:00 -0700

Jin the MC released a single track last week titled "World Premier," produced by DJ Premier.

According to Source Magazine, DJ Premier was named one of the top 5 greatest producers in hip-hop history.

To listen, check out Jin's Myspace Page.

Russell Peters @ 2007 Asian Excellence Awards

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:50:00 -0700

Lena Yada makes final four on WWE Diva Search 2007

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 01:16:00 -0700

Help make World Wrestling Entertainment Diva Search hopeful Lena Yada take top spot for a weekly spot on cable TV.
Lena has starred in commercials for Sprite and Bud Light, and is the former Miss Hawaiian Tropic Japan. She also had a role in the recent Adam Sandler-Kevin James movie, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry.
Lena is among 3 other remaining contestants.
To vote for Lena, go to the WWE website.

The winner will be announced at Cyber Sunday on October 28.

First Ever Asian American Wins 32nd Annual San Francisco International Comedy Competition!

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:45:00 -0700

Congratulations to Paul Ogata, a stand-up comedian from Hawaii, for winning the 32nd Annual San Francisco International Comedy Competition.
Ogata joins the prestigious ranks of previous winners including Dana Carvey of Saturday Night Live, Marhsa Warfield of "Night Court" and Sinbad.

PSA : Thank You For Not Voting

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 16:45:00 -0700

Here is a Public Service Announcement from Declare Yourself 2007 - Geared toward Asian Pacific Islander Americans. Starring Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon from Reno 911.

Dragon Ball Film Rumored.

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 13:24:00 -0700

JAMES WONG HAS DRAGON BALLS
10.02.07
By Devin Faraci
Contributing sources: Tailgunner Joe
An old and trusted scooper named Tailgunner Joe has just dropped some info into my lap, and after taking a spin around Google, I'm convinced it's news: James Wong, formerly of The X-Files and the man behind Final Destination and The One, is writing and directing the live action version of Dragon Ball, which is going to go into production in Canada this November.

25th Anniversary for Asian American Art Alliance.

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:29:00 -0700

Asian American Arts Alliance, a non-profit organization will celebrate its 25th Anniversary on Tuesday, October 16 with a gala entitled "Galaxxy" in NYC. In commemorating this silver anniversary, the Alliance will honor three industry leaders in the Asian American community, Kal Penn, Eric Wong, and Willa Kim.

Kal Penn is an actor in hollywood best known for his role as Kumar in Harold and Kumar's White Castle. He also has roles in Superman Returns, National Lampoon's Van Wilder, Epic Movie, and Man About Town.

Eric Wong works alongside P.Diddy as the Chief Marketing Officer of Bad Boy Entertainment and Senior Vice President of Marketing for Atlantic Records, who has promoted top artists such as Bon Jovi, and Mariah Carey.

Willa Kim is a world renown costume designer for ballet, theatre, opera and television who has won numerous honors including Emmy, Tony, and Obie awards.

Tickets and more information to the Gala can be found online at www.aaartsalliance.org

Far*East Movement hits top 8 on charts.

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 11:48:00 -0700

Hip Hop underground artists, Far*East Movement made the 4th spot on the top 8 at 8 countdown this week on LA's Power 106 FM with their track "You've Got a Friend" featuring Lil Rob and Baby Bash.
You can hear this track on their Myspace page and make sure you vote for them to reach the top spot on the Power 106 Website.

Music Spotlight: Far*East Movement

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 16:38:00 -0700

San Diego Asian Film Festival

noreply@blogger.com (AzN SoUrcE) — Mon, 8 Oct 2007 23:19:00 -0700

Check out the 8th annual San Diego Asian Film Festival going down October 11th-18th.
This week long event will host over 140 films, workshops, receptions and parties.
MC Hammer is also rumored to make an appearance on opening night.
If you can't make it down, there will be live video feeds available online of opening night red carpet entrances, the star-studded gala awards dinner, and filmmaker interviews. Definitely an event you want to check out.
For More info and tickets go the website: 8th annual San Diego Asian Film Festival