Mothers — with all their earnest, loving intentions — can often be entertaining, and their advice can be an interesting mix of serious, silly, insightful and mind-boggling (sometimes all rolled up into one zinger you can’t wait to share with your friends). In honor of Mother’s Day, we’ve asked fellow Asian American writers and artists to share the funniest advice they’ve ever gotten from their mothers.
Mothers — with all their earnest, loving intentions — can often be entertaining, and their advice can be an interesting mix of serious, silly, insightful and mind-boggling (sometimes all rolled up into one zinger you can’t wait to share with your friends). In honor of Mother’s Day, we’ve asked fellow Asian American writers and artists to share the funniest advice they’ve ever gotten from their mothers.
Jen and mom. Those matching outfits are money.
Are you aspiring to be the next Jason Wu? Kearny Street Workshop can help you…
Fashion designers wanted for KSW Runway 2012! Kearny Street Workshop invites up-and-coming Asian American designers to apply NOW. Show ‘em what you’ve got at kswrunway@gmail.com.
Just fresh off their Spring 2012 tour, Aziatix releases a music video for their latest single, “Speed of Light”. Produced by Jae Chong and lyrics by Chong and Flowsik, the song was written as a message of hope in light of all recent global tragedies, as well as the personal losses many have faced.
It’s looking to be a good year so far for the boys: a successful Japan and US tour, hitting the top of the Japan iTunes R&B/Soul Chart – we’re really looking forward to their upcoming EP!
For more info, please check out their website: www.aziatix.com!
Emi Meyer is our latest singer-songwriter girl crush at Audrey. If you haven’t heard of her yet – well, prepare to fall in love with her unique blend of jazz-pop sound.
Have you had a morning, waking up so dizzy, drunk, hungover, couldn’t find your house keys – and wondering who your chauffeur was? Perhaps Dumbfoundead’s latest will resonate with you – and kick start your weekend partying!
We’re really feeling the DFD’s latest, “Cellphone” with Breezy Lovejoy and Wax. Great beat – and love that hook!
Catch Dumbfounded at his next performance this upcoming Saturday (April 14th) at the House of Blues in Los Angeles (on the Sunset Strip) on stage with Dynamic Duo, Simon D, and Kero One. More info here.
The recession hit just as I was about to graduate from college.
Image via theshootingrange.net
Already having chosen to dedicate my life to an unstable career (in writing and entertainment), I was unprepared for my road to employment to get even tougher.
Contributor and University of Hawaii at Manoa student Soohee Cho lets us in on all the insider secrets of life in Hawaii.
Hawaii is one of the must see destination spots for vacationers around the world, but to me it is my home. I am a Korean American and I have lived in Hawaii for the past six years. From my past experiences here in these wonderful islands I have made many memories that I feel only could have been possible here in Hawaii. Here are five reasons (in no specific order) why it is great to be Asian American in Hawaii.
1. We Rule
Asian Americans are practically the majority in Hawaii. The 50th state has the nation’s highest percentage of residents of Asian descent — 41.6 percent in 2000, when its Asian population numbered 503,868. As a result, more political leaders in Hawaii’s government are of Asian descent. James “Duke” Aiona served as Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii from 2002-2010, and he is of Hawaiian, Chinese and Portuguese descent. Hawaii’s congressional representation is entirely made of Asian Americans: Daniel Inouye (Japanese), Daniel Akaka (Chinese-Hawaiian), Charles Djou (Chinese), and Mazie Hirono (Japanese). There is also a larger percentage of on-air Asian Americans on local television than in the rest of the country. One of the most well-known faces in the industry is Stephanie Lum (Chinese) of KGMB and KHNL Hawaii News Now, who is arguably considered a local celebrity here in Hawaii.
Local celeb Stephanie Lum. Photo courtesy on Honolulu Magazine.
2. The Food
One of the best things about living in Hawaii as an Asian American is definitely the food. Food is a big way in which both the Asian culture and local Hawaiian culture meet, and create an entirely new menu just for the people of Hawaii. Restaurants incorporating the Asian American local lifestyle include Shokudo Japanese Restaurant & Bar, with items on their menu such as the Sushi Pizza; Zippy’s, famous for their Zip-Pac; and Big City Diner, which features dishes like Grandma’s Incredible Kim Chee Fried Rice.
Shokudo Japanese Restaurant & Bar's Sushi Pizza.
Zippy's Zip-Pac.
Big chain brands such as 7-Eleven and McDonald’s also cater to the local taste buds. Unlike most 7-Eleven stores on the mainland, those located in Hawaii offer spam musubi and other Asian-Hawaiian snacks daily. Also, McDonald’s offers a breakfast menu exclusive to the islands, including items like Portuguese, Eggs, and Rice, or Spam, Eggs and Rice.
McDonald's Spam, Eggs and Rice breakfast meal.
3. Landmark Family-Owned Businesses
When visiting Hawaii, it is important to have a checklist or a to do list of where you would like to visit. Most people choose to visit the typical landmarks of Hawaii, which includes scenic locations such as Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay and the Pali Lookout. Other popular landmarks of sorts revolve more around the retailers that have been around for generations, and gained popularity throughout the years. These include stores such as Matsumoto Shave Ice, owned and operated by a Japanese family and known for their absolutely delicious shave ice, as well as 88 Tees owned and operated by a Korean family and known for their, well, “tees.”
Matsumoto's famous shaved ice.
4. The Tourism Industry
The state of Hawaii is strategically located between East Asia and North America. Between its convenient location and its amazing weather year round, Hawaii is the perfect choice for foreign travelers for their vacation destination. Due to the importance of tourism and its impact on the business market of Hawaii, most businesses try to boost their company’s customer service by placing importance on the ability to speak Japanese, as well as other languages. There are also many restaurants that stay true to the Japanese palate around the Waikiki area, and stores like Don Quijote (a super store originating from Japan) offer otherwise Japan-exclusive items (makeup, food products, hair and body products) to both tourists and residents of Hawaii.
Thanks to the many Japanese tourists visiting Hawaii, residents get to shop hard-to-find items at Japanese super stores like Don Quijote right here in the U.S.
5. Diverse Asian Language Studies
The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers one of the most largest and diverse academic course availabilities for Asian language studies, including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Cambodian, Chamorro, Hindi, Indonesian, Thai, and Vietnamese. The University of Hawaii at Manoa also is home to the Center for Korean Studies buildings, completed in December 1979.
Center for Korean Studies at UH Manoa, inspired by the Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul.
A continuing series by former ER writer Shannon Goss on life as a modern Asian American hapa woman.
September 6th marked the two-year anniversary of my grandmother’s passing at the age of 85. When thinking about how much she meant to me, I can still be brought to tears. I realize the significance of my crying is lessened by the fact that it doesn’t take much to bring tears to my eyes (read: the trailer for The Blind Side), but still, you get the point. My grandma left an indelible mark on everyone in my family, as she was an extraordinary woman in every sense of the word.
In August, my sister gave birth to her first child. A girl. For their daughter’s middle name, my sister and her husband decided on my grandmother’s Japanese name. No one was more pleased to hear this than my grandpa. I had the privilege of calling him with the news. Hearing aid in, he was able to understand me perfectly. For a man who has spent the better part of two years grieving the loss of his wife, I have never heard so much joy in his voice. I could practically hear him smile.
And while my niece will never get to meet the woman she is named after, she will get to know her through the stories that we will, undoubtedly, pass on.
My niece will know that her great-grandmother was the woman who taught her mom and auntie how to ride a bike. She will know that she was the woman who, when laughing really hard, would slap the person next to her. This is something my mom, sister and I all do and, with any luck, so will my niece. She will also know that her great-grandma was a woman so fit that, even in her 80’s, she could pull off wearing short-shorts. And my niece will also know that her great-grandma was the woman who, in the phone call she had with my parents the week before she died unexpectedly, told them to “be kind and take it easy.”
So as we welcome this wee baby into our family, there’s something wonderful about knowing that through her a part of my grandma lives on. I say “part,” but to hear my grandpa say it, it’s much more than that. As I was getting off the phone with him the other day, he told me to tell my sister and brother-in-law to take care of their little girl. He then added, “They’re taking care of grandma, you know.” So, in other words, no pressure.
– Shannon Goss
The 11th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival is hitting Southern California next weekend (October 21-28) with an impressive lineup of Asian and Asian American films aiming to connect audiences to the human experience though the Pan Asian media arts. The weeklong festival is jam-packed with everything including captivating panels from Youtube pioneers and Asian American stars to mixers and cast after-parties. And, lest we forget, films, films and more films!
- Macho Like Me – and Audrey sponsored film
Since its inception in 2000, Audrey has been a long-time fan of the San Diego Asian Film Festival and we think you should enjoy it too. That’s why we are giving away 5 pairs of tickets to Audrey readers!
To win, comment below your favorite Asian American cinematic experience. This can include shorts, documentaries, musicals and music videos. You have until Monday, Oct. 18 11:59PM to win. GOOD LUCK!
The San Diego Asian Film Festival is an annual event of the San Diego Asian Film Foundation. Our mission is to connect audiences to the human experience through the Pan Asian media arts. We’ve been around since 2000, premiering films from around the world. Our emphasis is on Asian American cinema, but we also showcase international films, along with shorts, documentaries, and animation. Along with films, patrons will be able to meet and speak with filmmakers and actors, enjoy meaningful discussions, hear live music, and enjoy nightly parties. Most of all, we pride ourselves in being a well-organized, friendly festival made of people who are passionate about life, learning…and having FUN! For more info, check out the site here.
