WTF?!

An article from the Seattle Times Web site but looks like it's from the Chicago Tribune ...

"Adoptees find last chance on ranch"

No one appears to keep data on adoption disruption. While a statistically rare occurrence among the approximately 20,000 foreign-born children adopted by Americans each year, such relinquishment is happening with increasing frequency, experts said.

One Ohio adoption agency reports receiving up to five calls a day from parents about disruptions, up from one or two a month a few years ago.

"No one knew the magnitude of the problem," said Sterkel, 60. "The horror stories just keep on coming." While dissolutions of domestic adoptions are not unheard of, it is among the international population where experts are seeing a most troubling spike.

Why is this happening?

Moreover, many parents were unprepared for the challenges, either because they were so eager to be Mom and Dad or because agencies glossed over their charges' complex medical histories — or omitted them.

While some people may have undertaken parenthood with unrealistic expectations, more typically they are deeply committed but ill-equipped to cope with profoundly damaged children. Either due to fetal alcohol syndrome, mental illness, attachment disorders — or a combination of all three — the youngsters can't function in a family, though they show no outward signs of disability.

Exactly.

U.K. adopted twins separated at birth marry

"Separated-at-birth twins get married"

"LONDON (AFP) - Twins who were separated at birth and adopted by different sets of parents later married each other without realising they were brother and sister, a peer has told the House of Lords."

Updated 1/15/08:

"Separated twins marry, forced to break up in UK"

Top 10

So I ended up watching David Letterman last night. I'm not sure why, as I never watch the late shows, except for maybe the "Daily Show."

Anyway, one of Letterman's guests was, I believe, a producer of the show. She talked about how she started as a receptionist for the show's writers way back when and met her husband while working there.

I was playing on my laptop at the time, but started paying attention when she mentioned her husband and that they have a baby girl.

Dave showed a picture of her dressed in a little Santa hat and outfit. I think the audience was a bit shocked and suprised. Why? Because the baby looked very Asian. You see, I heard the woman (who is white) mention her husband's name (his last name is Kim), so I was expecting to see a half-Korean baby. Guess the audience didn't. There wasn't your typical reaction to cute baby photos -- not much oohing and aahing (BTW, the baby was adorable!).

So thought I'd come up with my own Top 10 list ...

Top 10 thoughts running through the minds of David Letterman's audience last night:

10. Aah, Asian babies are so cute.


9. Wait, that baby's Asian!


8. I'm confused.


7. Where's the cute white baby?


6. Isn't the mother white? She doesn't look Asian.


5. Was she adopted?


4. She must be adopted.


3. Huh?


2. Wait, is that Angelina?

and the No. 1 thought ...


1. How did that average white woman end up having such an adorable-looking Asian baby?!

'Nanking' film

"Nanking" is a new documentary that tells the story of the rape of Nanking by Japanese soldiers in the early days of World War II.

Check out the film's Web site.

Having read Iris Chang's The Rape of Nanking and John Rabe's memoir, The Good Man of Nanking, I want to know when the film is going to be in a theater near me? When? When?!

Updated 1/4/08:

I forgot I had read this article on China marking the 70th anniversary of the fall of Nanking to the Japanese on December 13, 1937, and the rape of Nanking.

"China remembers Nanjing"

Updated 1/10/08:

I've found out that "Nanking" will be showing at the Lumiere Theatre (1572 California Street at Polk) for one week only, starting Friday, January 11.

Also, I recently discovered this documentary based on Iris Chang's point of view: "Iris Chang: The Rape of Nanking"

The co-directors Anne Pick and Bill Spahic "obtained the support and exclusive co-operation of Iris's parents, Ying-Ying and Shau-Jin Chang," according to the film's Web site.

I'm glad to see that this documentary focuses on Chang's experiences in researching and writing about the rape of Nanking.

The Web site also states that the documentary's broadcast premiere was on History Television, which I believe is a Canadian network, in December. The documentary is being shown in other cities in Canada, but I'm trying to find out if it will be shown in the U.S., if not on television then perhaps it will be shown at a SF film festival.

Updated 1/11/08:

Here's the SF Gate review of "Nanking": "Review: Nanking survivors' stories of atrocities lend power to film"