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...)

McCain’s Surprise: VP ‘Bobby’ Jindal ?

Posted on March 31, 2008 by John

With Senator John McCain the “presumptive” presidential nominee for the Republican Party, there is a lot of speculation as to who McCain will pick as his vice presidential running mate. Amongst the field of possible running mates, a surprising possible … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events, Politics | 2 Comments

Dith Pran, ‘Killing Fields’ Photographer, Dies at 65

Posted on March 30, 2008 by John

Photo: The New York Times: “In 1979, Mr. Dith escaped over the Thai border. He returned to Cambodia in the summer of 1989, at the invitation of Prime Minister Hun Sen. At left, Mr. Dith visited a museum at Tuol … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events, Movies, Observations | Leave a comment

Lena Chen, NOT a Student of Virginity

Posted on March 29, 2008 by John

In this Sunday’s New York Times Magazine, there is an article “Students of Virginity,” which discusses that “In the Ivy League, abstinence is a) philosophical, b) research-based, c) an outgrowth of feminism, d) sexy and fun, e) all of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events, Lifestyles, Observations | 54 Comments

San Jose: Brazen purse snatchers preying on Vietnamese women

Posted on March 29, 2008 by John

The latest crime spree in San Jose, California appears to be “Brazen purse snatchers preying on Vietnamese women.” In general, I think San Jose has dubbed itself in the past as the safest big city in America (San Jose is … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events, Discrimination, Observations | 4 Comments

Books for Cooks: New TV show, book build on Yan’s passion

Posted on March 28, 2008 by John

“Books for Cooks: New TV show, book build on Yan’s passion” profiles Asian-American cook Martin Yan, a local San Francisco Bay Area resident. “Now in his 30th year on television, Yan is still cooking – and spreading the message of … Continue reading →

Posted in Food & Drink | 34 Comments

Open Casting Call in Chicago: Formosa Betrayed

Posted on March 26, 2008 by John

Last year, I had the opportunity to meet the writer/producer of the film Formosa Betrayed, Will Tiao as he was trying to raise money for the film. Formosa Betrayed is based on actual events that happened in the early-80s, about … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainment, Movies | 3 Comments

San Jose City Council approves ‘Little Saigon’ banners

Posted on March 25, 2008 by John

In today’s San Jose Mercury News, the newspaper reports in “San Jose City Council approves ‘Little Saigon’ banners:” “After months of protests, rallies, even a hunger strike, the San Jose City Council on Tuesday voted to allow “Welcome to Little … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events, Politics | 7 Comments

Olympic Event: Protests Kick Off The Torch Relay – San Francisco Awaits

Posted on March 25, 2008 by John

In Greece yesterday, the Olympic torch was lit and the ceremony was briefly interrupted by members of the Athens chapter of Reporters Without Borders. It was broadcast live by Greek television, but China state television cut away to a prerecorded … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events, Observations, Politics | Leave a comment

NPR: Long Duk Dong: Last of the Hollywood Stereotypes?

Posted on March 24, 2008 by John

I was just driving home from work when I heard this National Public Radio (NPR) piece on (listen/read at): “Long Duk Dong: Last of the Hollywood Stereotypes?” and knew I had to blog about this right away. In “Sixteen Candles,” … Continue reading →

Posted in Discrimination, Entertainment, Movies, Observations | 9 Comments

Mixed Messenger: Obama, bi-racial / Hapa America

Posted on March 23, 2008 by John

Reporter Peggy Orenstein discuss the role of race, racial identity and Obama (with Obama’s speech on race bringing up much discussion in America), as well as America’s growing, bi-racial nature. I thought Orenstein’s thoughts, as a parent of a bi-racial … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events, Observations | 12 Comments

Taiwan’s Ma wins in presidential polls; UN referendums fail

Posted on March 22, 2008 by John

Today, Taiwan held it’s fourth truly democratic election for president, where it elected its first president who had campaigned for closer economic relations with Beijing, paving the way for a considerable lessening of tensions between the Taiwan Straits, as reported … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events, Observations, Politics | 4 Comments

On Visit, Pelosi Offers Support to Dalai Lama

Posted on March 21, 2008 by John

Apparently San Francisco’s own Nancy Pelosi, along with others, in a Congressional delegation are currently in India, and had an opportunity to meet the Dalai Lama, as reported in The New York Times: “On Visit, Pelosi Offers Support to Dalai … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events, Observations, Politics | Leave a comment