Author Archives: John

About John

I'm a Taiwanese-American and was born & raised in Western Massachusetts, went to college in upstate New York, worked in Connecticut, went to grad school in North Carolina and then moved out to the Bay Area in 1999 and have been living here ever since - love the weather and almost everything about the area (except the high cost of housing...)

This Din Tai Fung-inspired cucumber salad is the version worth saving.

Posted on July 10, 2026 by John

I have to recommended this quick video. I’ve had Din Tai Fung’s cucumber salad before and it is very delicious, so it made me want to try this recipe out: “If you have a cucumber and a deli container, you’re … Continue reading →

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California Declares May 17 Bruce Lee Day In Honor of Lee’s Return to SF From Hong Kong in 1959

Posted on July 7, 2026 by John

  In early July, the State of California officially designated May 17th ‘Bruce Lee Day’ “May 17 has officially been named Bruce Lee Day, marking the day he returned to San Francisco from Hong Kong at age 18 — as … Continue reading →

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Asian American Commercial Watch: Expedia’s ‘One Place for Summer Getaways’

Posted on June 12, 2026 by John

I saw this Expedia television ad while watching the NBA Finals Game 4 (what a game!): “From vacation rentals to road trips, Expedia has every family getaway covered. The Evergreens’ family vacation started with Expedia. The one place you go … Continue reading →

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SF Supervisor Connie Chan Moves Forward to the General Election with the Help of Retiring Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi Endorsement

Posted on June 4, 2026 by John

Source: https://dp.electionresults.sos.ca.gov/returns/us-rep/district/11 SF Supervisor Connie Chan Primary Results I was going to blog about retiring Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi endorsing San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan when this happened back in mid-May for California Congressional District 11, but never got around … Continue reading →

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Tram Nguyen Running for Congress – 6th Congressional District of Massachusetts

Posted on May 28, 2026 by John

Recently, I had an opportunity to attend a meet-and-greet for 39-year-old Massachusetts State Representative Tram Nguyen, who is running for Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District. Having been born-and-raised in Western Massachusetts (where there were very few Asians in the 70s and … Continue reading →

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CAAMFest 2026 Film Review: The Auntie Sewing Squad Resistance Playbook

Posted on May 19, 2026 by John

Overview of The Auntie Sewing Squad Resistance Playbook I’ve known professor and filmmaker Valerie Soe ever since she started producing her documentary film, Love Boat: Taiwan, where I eventually became a minor producer, interview subject, and archival footage provider. So … Continue reading →

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CAAMFest 2026 Film Review: Breaking the Code (some spoilers)

Posted on May 18, 2026 by John

While looking through the CAAMFest 2026 online guide, the documentary Breaking the Code, caught my eye. After seeing the film, I regret not being able to see the film in-person, especially since the subject of the film, Kanwal Rekhi and … Continue reading →

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CAAMFest 2026 Film Review: Forge

Posted on May 14, 2026 by John

I was not able to view Forge in person at its CAAMFest 2026 screening, but so I watched the screener provided to me. I found the plot intriguing, plus Kelly Marie Tran stars in this independent film: “Siblings Raymond and … Continue reading →

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CAAMFest 2026: Opening Night featuring ‘The A List: 15 Stories from Asian and Pacific Diasporas’ & Gala

Posted on May 12, 2026 by John

One of my favorite events in the San Francisco Bay Area since moving here in 1999 is attending CAAMFest. CAAM stands for the Center for Asian American Media. CAAMFest 2026 celebrated its 44th year as the nation’s leading showcase for … Continue reading →

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Taiwan Documentary ‘Invisible Nation’ Airing in May AND Streaming NOW on PBS

Posted on May 5, 2026 by John

I’ve been a big fan of the documentary Invisible Nation ever since I first saw the film back in October 2023 at the Mill Valley Film Festival. I have even become friends with the director/producer Vanessa Hope.  I am excited now … Continue reading →

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Asian American Commercial Watch: Farmers Insurance ‘Fountainhead’

Posted on April 7, 2026 by John

I saw this Farmers Insurance commercial following college basketball during March Madness: “Cutting corners can leave you drowning in regret. If it’s important, it’s not worth compromising. That’s why with Farmers® you can get quality and savings.” It highlights an … Continue reading →

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8Asians at Alysa Liu Celebration Rally in Oakland

Posted on March 15, 2026 by John

The Oakland and the Bay Area has been celebrating Alysa Liu and her Olympic Gold. I’m based in the San Francisco Bay Area, so I was fortunate enough to attend the Alysa Liu pre-Celebration Rally press conference and Alysa Liu Celebration … Continue reading →

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