It’s time to channel your creative energy and exercise those writing skills of yours. East West Players, the largest organization in the nation that produces Asian American artistic work, is doling out thousands of dollars to the next aspiring playwriter in its Face of the Future competition. This year’s theme is focused on the melting pot of America, from the perspective of Asian Americans, including multiracial identity and clashes between cultures.
The first place winner gets a whopping $5,000, and second and third place winners receive $2,500 and $1,000, respectively. The winners might also get the chance to see their play come to life on the stage at East West Players! Submissions are accepted until August 31, with winners being notified in February 2012.
Make sure you’re near a computer or your Blackberry on Friday, August 12. The Center for the Pacific Asian Family (CPAF) needs your help in winning a new Toyota Sienna minivan! L.A.-based CPAF helps survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and is competing with other nonprofits in Toyota’s “100 Cars for Good” contest on Facebook. Over the course of 100 days, the Japanese motor company is giving away 100 new cars.
The new car will help CPAF transport those trying to escape from their violent homes to CPAF’s shelters, take survivors to necessary medical and legal appointments, and also help families start a fresh life in a new home and away from their abusers. Continue Reading »
Being a full-time student and working a 40-hour week — not to mention being a wife — can be a stressful situation for anyone. For Amber Blythe, the hectic lifestyle she lives is the last thing she thinks about when she’s working on her jewelry line, Imprinted Possessions.
Triple-stacked sterling silver necklace with heart charm and personalization. Valued at $41.
Amber Blythe’s line, Imprinted Possessions, includes necklaces, keychains and earrings.“It’s the highlight of my evening,” says the 26-year-old Dallas-based designer. “With such a busy schedule, it’s nice to have a hobby that brings me joy each and every day.”
Every piece in Blythe’s line is handmade, including the chain and hand-stamped personalization. The only pre-made items are the charms and metal discs, all available in sterling silver, copper or brass. You can even mix the metals in your piece if you want a funkier look, or add a unique stone. Custom orders are possible if you have something particular in mind.
Ah, we’re so close to August! If you’re worried that your summer has wasted away, and are looking for some cool events to go to, I’ve got you covered. For those of you who like to see up-and-coming artists or are looking for a few laughs, this week’s lineup of events is just perfect for you. I’ve got some sultry music, traditional drumming, comedy acts and some improv acts.
A Celebration of Asian American Soul
When: Friday, July 29, 9:00 pm
Where: Far Bar Little Tokyo, 347 E 1st St., Los Angeles, CA
How: $10 with RSVP, $15 at the door
Listen to sultry music by Judith Hill (Michael Jackson’s This Is It) and singer/songwriter Dawen, and schmooze with music producer Trebles and Blues. The event is a fundraiser for Asia Asia Pacific Arts, a cool nonprofit online Asian American arts and entertainment magazine. DJ O-Dub and DJ Phatrick will be on hand to set the mood as you guzzle down some drinks (Hey, it’s a Friday night, you can let loose a little.)
Last week was Harry Potter mania, so hopefully everyone has gotten that out of their system! This week I’ve got some movies (that won’t involve any wizardry), music and theater.
B’z Concert
When: Sunday, July 24, 6:00 pm
Where: Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, 777 Chick Hearn Ct., Los Angeles CA 90015
How: Purchase tickets here.
Grammy award-winning guitarist Tak Matsumoto and vocalist Koshi Inaba have managed to rise to fame since its start in 1988 – all with only a guitar and lyrics written by Inaba. They have 48 singles and 17 albums under their belt and have sold 80 million units just in Japan!
More than once, I’ve made the mistake of caking on the foundation and powder. It gets a bit messy now that the summer heat is pretty much melting my makeup off of my face. That’s why I was tempted to snag this week’s free giveaway item for myself — a set of four eco-friendly Dermablend Professional brushes that give you a barely-there makeup look. The trendy baggy comes with a concealer, foundation, powder, and face and body brush.
The four Dermablend professional brushes have a total value of $124.
Ciara M. Serumgard, above, is known for her bold statement necklaces, incorporating gemstones from all over the world.
It’s sometimes hard to find that go-to accessory for an outfit when you’re in a fashion bind. Do you go with bangles or a bracelet? Studs or chandelier earrings? Well, we have the perfect fall accessory for you that’ll easily turn any drab outfit into a one-of-a-kind look.
What’s there to do during the dreaded Carmageddon weekend? I know some people are opting to stay home so they’re not stuck on the roads all day, but this is the worst week to do it! There’s a lot (and I mean A LOT) of food, drinking and live music in this week’s lineup of events. So fight the traffic for a bit this weekend — it’ll be well worth the drive.
Asian Vegetarian Food & Culture Tour™
When: Friday, July 15, 2:45 pm
Where: NYC Chinatown Tourism Kiosk, 220 Canal Street, Manhattan, NY, 10013
How: Purchase tickets online for $49 (plus a $2.21 convenience fee).
Travel through China in just one day and experience what it offers when it comes to delicacies and home cooked meals. Indulge in barbecue (roasted duck and pork), wonton soup, dim sum(roasted pork bun, or fried sesame ball), Cantonese beef jerky, teas, scallion pancakes and dumplings filled with meats, seafood, and veggies. It’s great to go as a group or on a first date!
Host of Kimchi Chronicles, Marja Vongerichten
Before I endured a half-a-day flight to Seoul, South Korea earlier this summer, bulgogi (marinated thinly-sliced beef) and kimchi were one of the few Korean foods I was familiar with. But at the end of my five-week stay there, my palate had been pleasured with raw baby octopus drenched in sesame oil and raw slices of sea cucumber . . . served with a side of kimchi, or course.
Since I’ve been back in the States, I’ve been craving a home-cooked Korean meal. Luckily, Marja Vongerichten – wife of famed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten – is sharing with the world her cooking techniques and love of Korean food through a new TV series. And she’s going straight to Korea to do it.
I’ve been on the hunt for simple necklaces for the summer. You know, ones that are subtle that don’t take away from, but complement, my outfit. And something that doesn’t make me feel like I’m carrying a 10-pound weight around my neck. But, most importantly, something that is made of real gold or silver. I’m one of the lucky ones who are allergic to fake metals — that means the second I put on a soon-to-be-tarnished necklace, the incessant itching begins. I don’t look too hot when I’m walking around sporting a red neck.
So, needless to say, I was pretty happy to find out about Isabelle Grace Jewelry – especially the puffy gold heart necklace with an embedded ruby stone.
And guess what? You can enter to win this timeless piece in this week’s Friday giveaway! (The heart pendant is usually sold separately from the chain, but we’re giving away both — it’s like two wins in one!)
