Telltale Signs: My Racial Profile
July 31, 2009
I may have been more prone to emphasize the race aspect of the July 16 arrest of Harvard Prof. Henry Louis Gates by Cambridge Sgt. James Crowley because of my own personal experience. When I was arrested on February 17, 2003 by two white San Francisco police officers who responded to a 911 call from a white Walgreens manager who thought I might possibly be using a counterfeit $100 bill to purchase items, I believe I was racially profiled. If I had been white, would I have been arrested that night?
I expressed this viewpoint after the police had handcuffed me and hauled me off to the police precinct where I remained cuffed to a rail in the holding cell before the officers verified from the US Secret Service that my bill was genuine and released me. In an article that appeared in AsianWeek, I wrote that if this had happened to San Francisco Supervisor (now Mayor) Gavin Newsom, the Walgreens manager would never have called the police and the officers would never have arrested and handcuffed Newsom or taken him to a police station to verify the authenticity of his $100 bill.
Two weeks after my article appeared, I received a phone call from Gavin Newsom who was quite upset. “Rodel, why did you use my name? Do you have an axe to grind against me?” he asked. “No, Gavin”, I replied, “I only used your name to emphasize a point. If I had used some other white elected official who wasn’t as well known as an example, it wouldn’t have been as effective.”
Newsom then told me it was “ironic” that I picked him because “what happened to you happened to me”. Shocked, I asked him what happened. Newsom then related an incident that occurred when he was still in the private sector when he brought the daily earnings of his restaurant (Balboa Café) to the bank to deposit. He said the teller began counting the money and applied a counterfeit detector pen to a $100 bill which she found suspicious. The result confirmed that it was fake - unlike in my case where the pen applied by both the Walgreens cashier and manager showed that my $100 bill was genuine.
“So what happened next?” I asked Newsom. “Well, she returned the $100 bill to me and told me to be careful next time,” he answered.
“Gavin, what happened to you didn’t happen to me. If it had been me, she would have called the cops!” I told him. That was precisely the point I was making in my article and Newsom had just confirmed it.
In my 2003 Walgreens incident, Sgt. Jeff Barry, the police officer who was the first to respond to the 911 call, immediately recognized me because our sons were classmates in a parochial school and because of an argument we had about a City College policy (I was then an elected City College Trustee) of not allowing campus police to carry their firearms on campus which, he said, posed a risk to his brother-in-law who was a campus police officer. Barry was very agitated about the issue and demanded that we change the policy.
Because I didn’t agree with his opinion, Sgt. Barry seized the Walgreens opportunity to provide me with a “teachable moment”.
Although he was the first to arrive at the scene, Sgt. Barry remained at the Walgreens entrance, careful to ensure that I didn’t see him. When Officer Michelle Liddicoet arrived and asked him what was happening, Sgt. Barry told her, pointing to me, “It’s that lawyer. He hates cops.” Liddicoet then replied, “Don’t worry, Sarge. I’ll take care of him.” So she proceeded to arrest me, place me in handcuffs and transport me in the back of a police squad car to the Taraval police station.
I did not learn of Barry’s presence at the scene or of his role in my arrest until I read his name in the police report. Barry wanted to teach me a lesson and so I decided to also teach him a lesson. I sued him and Liddicoet for wrongful arrest and for violating my civil rights.
In his July 27, 2009 New York Times op-ed piece, Randy Cohen encouraged Prof. Gates to sue Sgt. Crowley because “filing suit can be a way to pursue social justice.” As Donna Lieberman of the New York Civil Liberties Union explained, lawsuits can be “an important tool for reform when coupled with advocacy and public education efforts and when the circumstances are conducive to change.”
With that perspective, I had also sued Walgreens and it resulted in Walgreens apologizing to me, firing the manager who called 911, and hiring a long-time Filipino American employee to replace him. My lawsuit against the San Francisco Police Department resulted in a major clarification of police departmental policy - officers could no longer arrest suspects who possess suspected counterfeit currency unless there was some probable cause to believe that the suspect was aware that the currency was counterfeit.
My case against Barry and Liddicoet has gone up the Ninth Circuit to the US Supreme Court and back down to the Ninth Circuit and up again to the US Supreme Court. It has resulted in two published Ninth Circuit Court opinions on the issue of whether police officers have qualified immunity to be “immune” from civil lawsuits for their abuse of police powers (”Rodis v. City and County of San Francisco”).
The Supreme Court decision on my case will affect the lawsuit of the 72-year old grandmother in Texas who was tasered by a highway patrol officer for refusing to sign a speeding ticket and thousands of other cases filed by individuals who have sued police officers for the abuse of their police powers.
After more than six years of litigation and expending tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees to press a lawsuit against two officers represented by a City Attorney’s office that has spent and can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayers’ money to defend the suit, I often wonder who was really taught a lesson.
(Send comments to Rodel50@aol.com or mail them to the Law Offices of Rodel Rodis at 2429 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, California 94127 or call (800) 518-0761 or (415) 334-7800. For past columns, log on to Rodel50.blogspot.com).
On The Scene: A Busy Summer
July 31, 2009
By Gerrye Wong
When Dorothy Takahashi was growing up in Los Angeles, she always wanted to dance on stage. Her dreams came true when she teamed with Paul Wing, adopted the stage name of Dorothy Toy, and performed on Broadway and London under the new name of “The Chinese Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire.” Her story came to life when Cal State University of the East Bay (CSUEB) in Hayward presented “Almond Eyes,” book and lyrics by Jay Chee and music by JoAnn Yuen. Opening night was very nostalgic as the headliner herself, 92-year-old Dorothy Toy Fong made a special appearance to witness this first showing and greet over 400 of her fans, friends and family. The story told of the hardships and discrimination the dancing couple faced as well as their separation (when Paul was drafted during World War II and Dorothy had to hide out in the mid-west to escape being interned unfairly with other Japanese Americans). The poignant story was performed beautifully by a cast of students and friends from the Cal State Theatre Department with outstanding performances by Nicole Sarich and Alex Hsu playing the leads. Lyricist Jay Chee and Joanne Yuen were greeted with wild applause by the opening night crowd for their musical about the Chop Suey Circuit, as was the name often given to the night club performers during the 1930s-1950s. Let’s hope the show can be performed again before the story is lost forever, as Chee told the audience, in another venue and city. The gracious Dorothy was given a standing ovation by many fans, including the Alon Yu family, Dana and Lani Owyoung, Martha Mew, and the Grant Ave. Follies dancers who also performed following the show, Frank Jang, George and Jenny Ong, Gloria and Peter Hom. Almond Eyes was an entertaining education about San Francisco Chinatown’s history and the back stage world of those who faced prejudice and rejection while following their dreams of being Asian American entertainers. Kudos to CSUEB for putting on this production.
Speaking of theater, TheatreWorks of Palo Also launched its New Works Festival with a new world premiere performance of “Tinyard Hill,” a delightful new musical. Set in 1960s Georgia, it’s a great story of father -son conflict, a new romance, and the Vietnam war. By Tommy Newman and Mark Allen, the soarkling musical brings in Broadway veteran James Moye and actress Allison Briner who bring the music alive. It plays until August 16; www theatreworks.org. Second in the series will be David Henry Hwang’s “Yellow Face” starring Francis Jue reprising his Obie-Award winning role as the playwright’s father. It plays August 26-September 20 at the Mt. View Center for the Performing Arts.
Honorable Norman Mineta paid a visit to San Mateo to meet supporters of America’s Opportunity Fund, an organization he and former Washington Governor Gary Locke started a few years ago to encourage and support progressive candidates at the federal and statewide level. As Norm told the group, “I’ve always advocated that if we are to have a say in our local and national politics and government, we must rise and come to the table.” The mission of AOF is to encourage communities of color to fully participate in the electoral process and support candidates who are sympathetic and sensitive to the issues of people of color and ethnic minorities. Among other supporters seen at this America’s Opportunity Fund event were Alice Bulos, Rod Hsiao, Randy Okamura, Vida Benevides, Barry Chang, and Jefferson Union High School District trustee David Mineta, Norman’s son.
Birthdays are always great celebrations, and Chinese grand dames know how to celebrate with panache and grace. Popular Beatrice Wong, who has long been active in such non profit organizations as On Lok, Chinese Hospital Auxiliary, Miss Chinatown Pageant and OptiMs, invited her friends from all these organizations to her 80th celebration at Tommy Toy’s Haute Cuisine Chinoise Restaurant in San Francisco. Among her many friends celebrating her long life were Anna Quock, Irene Gee, Annette Leung, Rita and Irene Tong, Doris Grover and Cynthia Yee.
Elizabeth K.G. Wong gifted the guests at her 90th birthday to a pack of greeting cards with her own artwork design on the covers and a bottle of marionberry jam from her hometown of Portland, Oregon where the former East Bay native now resides. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were there to herald her wonderful life as their matriarch.
Congratulations to the Broadway by the Bay theater series which brought in “King And I” to San Mateo Performing Arts Center in a magnificent production, headed by Jared Lee as a very convincing King. I was happy to see Asians playing the roles of Asians in this production, sometimes not always seen in other casts. Congrats to performers Jacqueline DeMuro, Edmond Kwong, Meryll Locquiao, Joshua Lau, and adorable royal children, Isabelle Chen, Elizabeth Gee and Emily Chou. Denise Lum was a convincing Little Eva in the ballet of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Seen in opening night audience were the Gerry Hings, George Chans, Edward Wongs, Rachel Chinn and Howard Setos.
California State University Board Trustee, Kenneth Fong was honored at the Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute 2009 Leadership Celebration Benefit Luncheon recently at the Cypress Hotel of Cupertino. APALI’s summer program gives students a perspective on community and government involvement as well encouraging involvement and leadership under the leadership of DeAnza College Professor Michael Chang.
Chi Am Circle women’s club of Santa Clara County brought over 100 members and families to tour the Angel Island Immigration Station on a bright sunny day to learn more about the thousands of immigrants who were detained unfairly during the years of 1910-1940. Visiting the barracks, which show exhibits of how and where the immigrants of many nationalities were held, was eye-opening to many of the young people visiting, and brought out many long forgotten memories of those who had heard about the experiences of their parents or grandparents. Enjoying the outing were the Jeff Lee family, Josie Kwong, Howard and Pat Lum with grandchildren Kyle and Nathan, Harold and Gwen Wong, Don and Rose Tang, Bunny Look, Quon and Jennie Louie. The National Park Service does a wonderful job of educating visitors on four tours daily, with shuttle service from the pier for those who have difficulty walking the 1 1/3 mile trek to the AIIS site. I recommend all Asian Americans to bring their families, young and old, to revisit a part of Asian American history, which up to now, has long been untold due to the reticence of their forefathers to share this painful history. For information: visit www.aiisf.org.
A tiny but mighty theater in San Francisco’s South of Market district is presenting Sondheim’s “Putting It Together” with a talented cast in this show that covers over 40 years. You might call it a revue that’s a little Ingmar Bergman, Edward Albee, and wa whole lot of Stephen Sondheim’s interesting lyrics. The Custom Made Theatre brings fine entertainment on a smaller scale to San Francisco, as directed by Brian Kaz and Leah Abrams. For info on the show which runs until August 8, www.CustomMade.org or (800) 838-3006.
Here’s something for your children’s birthday gift list - Meet President Obama, America’s 44th President is a wonderful children’s book by Angi Ma Wong. Wong made it an interactive book, giving a fact about Obama, and asking the reader a question about themselves. For instance, one page says “President Obama lived in Indonesia. What countries have you lived in? Obama’s mother is from Wichita, Kansas. Which city and state is your mother from?” Wong makes the reader think, react and answer questions about himself he may have never thought about, all in relation to the President. Good work, Angi. For more information visit Pacificheritagebooks.com or call (310) 541-8818
Park Chan Wook Has An Irresistible ‘Thirst’
July 31, 2009
Park Chan Wook on the set of Thirst. Photo courtesy of Focus Features
By Dino-Ray Ramos
If you’re expecting to see some angsty teen vampire love a la Edward Cullen or some racy vampiric hotness a la Bill Compton and Sookie in Park Chan Wook’s new film Thirst, the you might get more than you bargained for. In fact, you might get all that lovelorn raciness, but with a lot more bloody grit (literally) and a lot more emotional depth.
Park Chan Wook on the set of Thirst (by the way, was the winner of the Jury Prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival).
Known for lauded films like Old Boy and Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Park has a knack for deconstructing the human existence in – how should I put this – really messed up situations. He pushes the envelope beyond the extreme to prove an ethical point.
In Thirst, it isn’t any different. We meet a priest named Sang-hyeon (Son Kang-ho) who has turned into a vampire. The primary ethical dilemma is crystal clear: Priest. Vampire. You do the math.
Even so, Park didn’t want this to be a movie solely about a vampire. If you sink your teeth (pun intended) into this plot even more, it goes beyond the Vampire 101 entertainment we are used to.
“It’s always been a film about a Catholic priest and how he turns into a vampire,” says Park. “If you take vampirism separate from that fact, think about the ideas and values that he holds and what it would mean for him to become a vampire. If you are not seeing those two ideas together, then you are not seeing the film for what it is.”
With the help of a very helpful translator (my Korean doesn’t go beyond annyeong haseyo), I had the opportunity to chat more with Park Chan Wook about Thirst, his thought on Asian-to-American remakes and, of course, his teenage daughter’s obsession with Twilight.
Q: Some of your films get really graphic. There are always provocative scenes and lots of violence. With Thirst we see a lot of this and, of course, tons of blood. How do you balance that with the thematic depth of your films?
A: My films ask a question to the audience – usually ethical in nature. In order for the audience to become aware of the dilemma contained in this question and for it to be unavoidable to the audience, I need to provide a stimulant – and this manifests in violence or sex. The strong stimulant makes (the audience) better feel the struggle and pain that is embedded in this ethical question. I haven’t managed to find a better way to express my themes.
Q: So you captivate them with this stimulant so that you have their attention the whole time?
A: There is that aspect, but the stimulant is there in order for the audience to understand the nature of the question better. For instance, we have this person – we’ll call him “A” – and we tell this person, “If you don’t pinch this person sitting next to you, I’m not going to give you your next meal.” Compare that now with this (ethical) question given to “A”: If you don’t stab this person sitting next to you, I’ll kill you.” These two dilemmas are the same in nature, but you can’t even compare the intensity that “A” feels with each of them. Using these graphic devices in my films purifies the question.
Q: Have you always had an interest in vampire mythology even though in Thirst it seems more of a secondary plot detail? And with other forms of vampire entertainment like Twilight and True Blood,did you already know about this pop cultural trend before you made the movie?
A: Even now, I don’t feel that trend because I haven’t seen any of these vampire films. Of course I know of “Twilight” because my teenage daughter loves it. She talks about it all the time so I know of that, but with this vampire film, I thought of doing it 10 years ago. If it feels like the movie is being released in a timely matter, it is totally a coincidence.
Q: Do you think you would ever consider crossing over into mainstream American cinema?
A: Of course, I could. I just need to find a script that’s good so that I can crossover. Also, when tapping into this mainstream audience, I wouldn’t want to be artistically compromised.
Q: Many Asian films like The Ring and The Eye are being remade for American audiences, what is your take on this trend? I’ve also hear buzz about Oldboy being remade – what are your thoughts on that?
A: It really depends on how they remake the story. I hope they make it so that the remake is a separate creature from the original. In order for filmmakers to do this, they can’t cherish the original film. Only by doing that would they be able to create something completely new.
Q: What would you want people to get out of Thirst?
A: I want people to think of the main character and how he became a vampire involuntarily. Throughout the film, he has to take responsibilities for his wrongdoings. Is it justified?
Dino-Ray Ramos is a fashion, entertainment and pop culture writer based in San Francisco. Read more from Ramos here: http://blog.dinoray.com/
Related Articles
Read Philip Chung’s review of Thirst
http://www.asianweek.com/2009/07/30/a-thirst-that-satisfies/
Chinese American Philanthropist: Ng Poon Chew
July 31, 2009
Name in English: Ng Poon Chew
Name in Chinese: 伍磐超
Name in Pinyin: Wŭ Pánchāo
Gender: Male
Birth Year: 1866-1931
Birth Place: Guangdong Province, China
Philanthropy: Yes
Journalist, Civil Rights Activist Read more
Four Asians Crowned in U.N. International Pageant
July 31, 2009
(From left to right) Juju Chan, Regina Liang, Janet Cruz, and Lucille Low
Asians took four of the crowns in the recent United Nation International pageants held July 25 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
In its thirteen year, the pageant pulled out all the stops to create a night of glamour and lively performances. Representing traditions from China to South Africa, women from different age groups and ethnicity competed in the ethnic costume, fitness, fashion, evening gown, platform and interview categories. Crowns and awards were presented the night of the pageant and the morning after the pageant at Ritz Carlton Hotel.
Results:
o Teen United Nation Int. – Regina Liang (China)
o Miss United Nation Int – Janet Cruz (The Phillipines)
o Ms United Nation Int. – Lucille Low (China)
o Mrs United Nation International – Dr. Toni Jay-du Preez (South Africa)
o Ms Elite United Nation International – Linda Andrews (US)
o Miss United Nation International Ambassador (People’s Choice) – JuJu Chan (China)
o United Nation International Ambassador (Director’s Choice) – Lesley Ann Poppe (Belgium)
o United Nation Int. Ambassador (Director’s Choice) – Christy Passoth (US)
o Supermodel Award – Janet Cruz (The Phillipines)
o Miss Congeniality – JuJu Chan (China)
o Best Costume – Reneike Knowles (The Bahamas)
Upon receiving the crowns and awards, the winning queen and ambassadors will be servicing their platform and carrying out their community service duties throughout their reigning year, to make a difference to the world and other people’s live.
Daily Dose & Announcements: 07/31/09
July 30, 2009
>> Mr. Wayne Norio Tanaka to be Awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette
>> 2nd Annual Filipino American Jazz Festival Set for Aug. 8 & 9
>> AREAA/NAHREP Conference
>> China’s Anti-Blogging Strategy: Tell the Truth, and Fast
>> Filipino American Denies Being a Guerrilla Read more
Filipino Jazz Festival at the Pistahan Aug. 8 & 9
July 30, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO – Blaring trumpets fuse with saxophones and drumbeats and to create Pinoy Jazz. Come enjoy the music at the 2nd annual San Francisco Filipino American Jazz Festival. There will be an evening concert at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Forum held on Saturday August 8, featuring the award-winning and show-stopping vocalists of Mon David and Anna Maria Flechero; Grammy-nominated bandleader, composer, and flutist John Calloway; and pianist, Tateng Katindig, known as “the Oscar Peterson of the Philippines.” Showtime is at 5pm. Tickets are available at the YBCA Box Office at 415-978-2787 or at www.ybca.org
There will also be two free outdoor performances held in conjunction with the Pistahan Parade and Festival. Artists performing on Saturday Aug. 8 include Parangal Dance Company, pianist/composer Socorro “Kit” de Castro and vocalist/songwriter Raquel. On Sunday Aug. 9, vocalist Ann Marie Santos with the Art Khu Trio and Abe Lagrimas, Jr. drummer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist will hit the stage. Comedian and community activist Al Manalo will be the Master of Ceremonies for the event which takes place from 1pm to 2pm both days.
In the Philippines, as well as in the United States, Pinoy Jazz has been described as a"process of self-discovery" of the various influences that Pinoy musicians are subjected to - not only from outside but also from inside their own country and culture.
The roots of Pinoy Jazz in the Bay Area can be traced to early Filipino immigrants who settled in and around the Fillmore District and in Manilatown on Kearny Street next to Chinatown. Pioneers like Flip Nuñez and Rudy Tenio created a legacy which many artists have since followed. Today, Pinoy jazz is gaining wider recognition as artists like Charmaine Clamor earned a spot on the national charts and saxophonist Jon Irabagon won the 2008 Thelonius Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition.
The SF Filipino American Jazz Festival is a collaboration among the Filipino American National Historical Society, the 16th Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival, the San Francisco Filipino Cultural Center, and Philippine American Writers and Artists, Inc.
Filipino American Jazz Festival Artists
Mon David
Recognized as one of the most respected singer, songwriter and musician in the Philippines, Mon David was the drummer and vocal coach of the country’s most enduring pop icons – the Apo Hiking Society for seven years until he decided to pursue a solo career. Recently relocated in Los Angeles, Mon is now part of the LA Jazz scene with regular performances in the area. Currently with FreeHam Records, he is scheduled to release a CD in the Fall of 2009.
Anna Maria Flechero
A child of an African-American mother and a Filipino father, Anna Maria Flechero, was born in San Francisco and resides in the area to this day. Learning to play the piano by ear at any early age, she began composing songs and writing lyrics influenced in part by the Motown sounds of Marvin Gaye, as well as the Latin rhythms of the Mission District where she lived.
John Calloway
Jazz flutist, arranger and percussionist John Calloway has built a solid foundation as a musician, arranger-composer and educator. His credits as a performer/arranger include work with Israel “Cachao” Lopez, Omar Sosa, Pete Escovedo, Max Roach, Chocolate Armenteros, Carlos “Patato” Valdez, Jesus Diaz, Quique Cruz, Wayne Wallace, Rebeca Mauleon and John Santos.
www.myspace.com/johncallowaymusic
Socorro De Castro
A world class multi-keyboardist and graduate of Berklee College of Music, she captured the First Prize in both the International Yamaha Electone Grand Prix Concourse in Japan and the National Yamaha Electone Organ Festival in Houston, Texas in the 1980’s. She went on to do concert tours in the Philippines for the Department of Tourism and as a Yamaha artist. Upon returning to Manila, she was immediately hired as house producer for Vicor Recording Co. and subsequently gained recognition a composer, arranger, and producer.
Tateng Katindig
Eduardo Katindig Jr. known to his family, friends and the music circle as "Tateng" is making waves as a Jazz pianist in the Los Angeles area. He was born in the Philippines and did his schooling at the University of the Philippines majoring in composition and keyboard concentration. Music is the core foundation of this family. Tateng is the son of Eddie K who is one of the Philippines record holder in the instrumental category (saxophone).
Abe Lagrimas
A drumming sensation from an early age, Abe Lagrimas has appeared on stage, radio and television with a who’s who in the Hawaii entertainment scene. Proficient in all styles of contemporary drumming, he’s dazzled audiences with his great feel, musical interpretation, and tasteful solos.
www.myspace.com/abelagrimasjr.
Parangal Dance Company
Founded in May 2008, Parangal Dance Company is a Filipino Folk Dance Group based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their mission is to give tribute to their Philippine heritage by preserving and promoting ethnic costumes, music, and dance. They aim to entertain, inspire, encourage, and educate the public, so they can gain a better understanding and appreciation of the Philippine life, culture, and tradition.
Ann Marie Santos
Having won the prestigious (Star Search of Asia) award Ann Marie Santos became a regular guest at various TV shows like the hugely popular "Noontime Matinee" and the very popular Sunday night musical and comedy show called "Vaudeville." She was selected a representative for the ASIAN Countries Tour and the recognition brought her recording contract with Blackgold Records and Villar Records singing her own compositions, "I Was Only Dreaming" and "I Guess", “Sulyap” and “Nasaan Irog.”
Al Manalo
Allan S. Manalo is a Filipino American writer, director, producer, and stand-up comic, who began his stage career in Hawaii where he studied theater. In 1986, he moved back to California to pursue stand-up comedy in San Francisco and has since performed in over 400 colleges and comedy clubs throughout 47 states. Manalo will be emceeing the Pistahan stage at 1pm both days of the Jazz Festival.
CEI Expands PACE Services to Meet Growing Need in East Bay
July 30, 2009
Oakland - The East Bay’s frail seniors and their caregivers soon will have a new option for high-quality geriatric care. On Wednesday, August 12, the Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI) will celebrate the opening of its newest Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) site in Oakland’s Eastmont Town Center mall. The new PACE Center will increase the organization’s ability to serve frail seniors from East Oakland to Hayward.
Named in memory of a founding board member, Josie Barrow, CEI’s new PACE center is located on the lower level of Eastmont Town Center. The Barrow Center will serve up to 150 seniors from East Oakland to Hayward. Since 1992, CEI has provided comprehensive health care and social services that enable seniors ages 55+ with multiple medical problems to remain in their homes rather than enter nursing homes. Participants who are fully eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal pay no out-of-pocket fees. Read more
In the Spotlight: Chinese-American Tim Ouyang, Frontman of ‘Tim Be Told’
July 30, 2009
Charlottesville, VA. - Tim Be Told has exploded out of the Charlottesville music scene with its own unique soulful pop-rock sound. The band, largely comprised of young Asian Americans, is successfully establishing itself in the mainstream music arena, with performances at major music festivals, countrywide tours, and commercial radio support. Their latest EP release “From The Inside” is out now. Read more
A “Thirst” That Satisfies
July 30, 2009
I’ve said it before in the pages of Asian Week and I’ll say it again-Korean director Park Chan-Wook may be the most interesting filmmaker working in the world today. If Thirst, his latest effort, doesn’t quite rank with his best films like Old Boy and Sympathy For Lady Vengeance, it’s still more deliriously inventive than the vast majority of junk out there that gets mistaken for cinematic brilliance. Read more
Chinese American Philanthropist: Andrew J.C. Cherng
July 30, 2009
Name in English: Andrew J.C. Cherng
Name in Chinese: 程正昌
Name in Pinyin: Chéng Zhèngchāng
Gender: Male
Birth Year: 1948
Birth Place: Yangzhou, China
Current location: Southern California
Philanthropy: Yes Read more
Daily Dose & Announcements: 07/30/09
July 30, 2009
>> New Mag Will Cater To South Asians In DC
>> Asian and Hispanic Minorities Growing, But More Slowly
>> NAPCA Mourns the Passing of Revered Community Leader, Bok Pon
>> NAAAP-SF Annual Picnic
>> MacCanDo Tenderloin Youth Track Club goes to the AAU National Junior Olympics Track and Field
>>Bamboo H2O Grand Opening Celebration
Read more
