I Hate Cheese

The Bourne Friendship

Chinese Food or "Chinese" Chinese Food?

Conan O'Brien in Chinatown

Austin Asian American Film Festival

The 6th annual Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF) is slated to run November 12th through November 15th at the Alamo, South Lamar. The 2009 movie line-up includes 40 outstanding feature films and shorts selections from over 300 submissions from around the world. In addition, we have a wide variety of special events and film-festival related parties to pick from.

The 2009 Film Festival kicks off Thursday, November 12th with a 7:00pm screening of local filmmaker Ed Radtke’s award-winning drama, Speed of Life, followed by a one of a kind opening night party at KTV Silhouette Lounge featuring DJ Chris Klassen spinning Cambodian girl rock and other feet tapping tracks from around the globe.

VIP Badges for the festival are now on sale for $50 (the price goes up to $60 starting November 1st). Use “AAAFF” Coupon code for a 10% discount coupon on badges (until coupons last). Badge holders will enjoy:
 VIP access to all festival screenings, events and unlimited drinks @ selected events
 No waiting in line for any screenings or events, guaranteed entry to sold out shows
 Exclusive opportunities to meet with the filmmakers, actors and special guests
 Admission to a private brunch - the coveted AWM Visionary Awards will be announced at this event
 A goodie bag containing an impressive array of treats and surprises including discount coupons to popular Austin restaurants

Films line-up, most premiering for the 1st time in Austin, include –
o White on Rice (Dave Boyle, 2009), a sleeper hit romantic comedy with lead actress Lynn Chen (Saving Face) in attendance
o Ramchand Pakistani (Mehreen Jabbar, 2008), a moving story of a young Pakistani boy imprisoned for accidentally crossing the India-Pakistan border
o Fruit Fly (H.P. Mendoza, 2009), the exuberant and wildly creative musical, which will also be accompanied by a “surprise” viewing
o Old Partner (Lee Chung-Ryoul, 2008), South Korea’s highest grossing independent film of all-time, the heartbreaking and charming tale of an elderly man and his beloved ox
o Persepolis – A bonus screening - AAAFF is bringing this Oscar nominated and Cannes Festival winner for a one-time outdoor screening on Town Lake! This captivating animated film about an Iranian girl’s journey from young punk rebel to outspoken political dissident will be accompanied by the delicious cuisines of three Austin favorites (Sushi-A-Go-Go, Satay Thai, and Get Sum Dim Sum), and will be preceded by the phenomenal Iranian band Tehranosaurus.

Other Events & Parties –
o Bollywood-themed party at Malverde
o Concert at the Music Gym headlined by underground hip-hop superstar JenRo (showcased on VH1’s The Coolest Years and featured in the documentary Rebel Girls)
o Free student screenings and discussion panels on the UT campus

About the Festival: Founded in 2004, the Austin Asian American Film Festival celebrates the best in Asian and Asian American independent cinema. The festival aims to highlight the complexity and vitality of Asian/Asian-American communities through cutting-edge narrative, documentary and experimental films in a world far from home. Visit our website for more information.

Richard Park - Mojo Rider

Alex Ovechkin checking Evgeni Malkin into the boards


I like ice hockey, which is weird given that I grew up in DC area. I always think of hockey as a northeastern and midwestern sport. But ever since DC acquired an expansion team back in 1974, the Washington Capitals, I've been an observer and fan of my local NHL franchise. Sure, hockey is probably a third or fourth tier sport in most major metro areas. Let's face it, football still dominates most people's interest as far as pro sports goes.

But I like it, having gone to a few Caps games as a kid with my uncle. The team has been a real heartbreaker to follow, having always been a group of overachievers, and they've managed to lose in a lot of tough game 7's of the playoffs. But in the last few years, the team is much different and they have arguably the best player in the NHL today in Alex Ovechkin. It's just fun to watch this team play (of course, it helps if the team is considered one of the elite teams in the league).

But the other night, I watched the Caps play the NY Islanders on TV and I saw this player on the Islanders that always caught my attention. I had first been aware of him several years ago when I went to a Caps game and saw him score the game winning over time goal against the Caps. His name is Richard Park, the second Korean born hockey player ever in the NHL. I don't know much about Park, but he's fast on the ice and he's got a penchant for scoring breakaway goals or shorthanded goals (when a team is down a man due to a penalty). No easy chore! Checking on some other hockey sites, a good number of observers say that he might be one of the most under rated players in the league. But I think it's awesome to see an Asian player in the NHL. Here's a fun promo video Park did for the Islanders:

Park isn't the only one---others have been pioneers. Paul Kariya may be the best known Asian American hockey player and he is still active. But what is interesting is that the NY Islanders is also owned by an Asian American: Charlie Wang. Did you know that? I wasn't aware of that until a few years ago. He's kind of a wacky businessman and owner and he's had some controversy surrounding him. But I wish him success. I can't think of any other Asian American that is a major league franchise owner, let alone minority interest owner.


Paul Kariya


I like seeing Park doing well. It's really cool to see Asians competing on the ice in a sport dominated by mostly white North Americans and Europeans.

Randall Park at The San Diego Asian Film Festival 2009

Weight Training for Longer Life - Mojo Rider

Unlike James, I never got into bodybuilding, but I did get into weight training. Part of my motivation was being an ectomorph growing up and my metabolism was super fast. I couldn't gain weight no matter how much I ate. I did enjoy and indulge in anything I wanted to eat, though. Weight training was a way to work on what I felt were my weakest and underdeveloped muscle groups. In addition, I also lifted with specific goals in mind, to strengthen certain muscle groups for sports related activities. It was really more functional lifting when I was younger. To some extent, I still do functional lifting, but today, it's mostly for trying to stay toned and to keep a level of strength. Maybe James is more consistent with his lifting, as I've lifted off and on for some time now.

As I've gotten older, alas, my metabolism has slowed down and easy weight gain has become an unwanted part of aging. With life's demands, it's easy to let a regular exercise program go out the window. So I'm a little heavier than I want to be and the concessions I have to make with getting older is to really watch what I eat in addition to having to increase the intensity of my workouts with what time I do have. But one constant for burning up lots of calories has always been weight lifting. That is the one tried and true method I've discovered. But everyone is different and you must find what works best for you.

I've got two older siblings, neither who've done much weight lifting. I keep telling them the benefits of lifting as they get older. And yet, with their busy lives, they don't ever get around to incorporating weight lifting into their activities. I tell them that it maintains good bone health, strengthens yours tendons, helps give your metabolism a boost. But lifting isn't just for vanity; it's for helping you live longer.

Here's a great health report in the Washington Post that talks more about the benefits of lifting that even I wasn't aware of:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/19/AR2009101902901.html

Some the highlights they discuss are as follows:

• Declining muscle mass can lead to heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and other chronic illnesses
• Muscle mass starts declining around the age of 40
• No matter how old you are, muscles always respond to weight training
• Strength training provides cardiovascular benefits
• It may help reduce high blood pressure
• May help in preventing cancer and increases mobility as we age

So try and make a lifestyle change and incorporate some weight lifting in your life. It just might help you lead a healthier and longer life.

Michael Chang

Asian MBA's Look for Work Overseas

Ghost Soldier

Ghost Soldier from Tsao Bros. on Vimeo.

How to Escape a Fart

Some people having monster farts that stalk you. I once walked into a public bathroom and immediately walked out, because I couldn't stand the stench someone left in there. That disgusting fart lurking in that bathroom actually followed me out into the hallway and on to an elevator. I had to hold my breath the entire ride down.

Aaron Yoo

SOURCE: NBC Philadelphia

The second annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival kicks off Friday, October 9th through Sunday, October 11th.

A familiar face in this year’s festival is New Jersey native Aaron Yoo. Best known for his roles in the movies “Disturbia and “21”, the Penn alum hopes his love for acting will inspire other young people.

“You open up avenues for kids who might not normally pursue acting, dance, theatre, that sort of thing,” said Yoo.

The festival will screen 11 feature films, including 5 documentaries by and about Asian Americans across the country.

A majority of the films will be screened at two locations –The Ibrahim Theatre at the International House at 37th and Chestnut Street and the Asian Arts Initiative at 12th and Race Street.

Kev Jumba

Turbo with Justin Chon

TURBO from Jarrett Lee Conaway on Vimeo.

Social Networking Driving Lunch Trucks

Goh Nakamura

Natalie Portman

I don't care much about movie stars
but Natalie Portman I love you from afar

I'll find a way to win your heart
with months and months of scheming just like Soren Kierkegaard

In a parallel world I'll save your life
Stop a hail of bullets, gladly take a knife

And in the hospital room far from media hype
You nurse me back to health and become my wife

And you can retain your maiden name
And I'll be "Goh Portman" till my dying day

And I'll be "Mr. Portman" - it'll be written on my epitaph
I'll be "Mr. Portman" just like your dad

In a Parallel world, where you're not a star
You're holdin' up a bank and I'll drive the getaway car

In a Parallel world where the world's out to stop us
I'm your faithful dog and your willing accomplice

It's highly pathetic, but maybe in time
This song'll find you and our hearts will rhyme

And maybe this song will get to you
but most likely not...