In the long, drawn out custody battle over now 8-year-old Anna Mae He, a Tennessee Supreme Court ruling will allow the Chinese parents, Shaoqiang and Qin Luo He, to regain custody of their daughter, who was placed in foster care at the age of 3 weeks old.
"Chinese Parents Win OK to Reclaim Girl"
An article that gives some more background info on the case ...
"In the Name of Love"
More on the Supreme Court's decision ...
"Court orders Anna Mae He returned to parents"
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Complete surrender
An interesting adoption story about British writer Ian McEwan and his brother ...
"Tale of love leads writer McEwan to lost brother"
"The prize-winning writer publicly acknowledged on Wednesday that he has built a warm relationship with a long-lost brother, who was given away by his mother at a railway station when he was a few weeks old."
"A blunt advertisement in a local paper in 1942 marked the start of a life of separation for the brothers."
"'Wanted, home for baby boy aged one month: complete surrender,' it said."
"Tale of love leads writer McEwan to lost brother"
"The prize-winning writer publicly acknowledged on Wednesday that he has built a warm relationship with a long-lost brother, who was given away by his mother at a railway station when he was a few weeks old."
"A blunt advertisement in a local paper in 1942 marked the start of a life of separation for the brothers."
"'Wanted, home for baby boy aged one month: complete surrender,' it said."
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Japanese-American animator dies at 81
Another legendary animator has died ...
"Scooby-Doo Creator Dies at 81"
"Iwao Takamoto, the animator who created the beloved Scooby-Doo and directed the cartoon classic 'Charlotte's Web,' has died. He was 81."
He helped animate features and TV shows for Disney and Hanna-Barbera, including "Cinderella,""Peter Pan,""Lady and the Tramp,""101 Dalmatians,""The Jetsons" and "The Flintstones." He also created Astro from "The Jetsons."
"Born in Los Angeles to parents who had emigrated from Japan, Takamoto graduated high school when World War II began. He and his family were sent to the Manzanar internment camp in the California desert, where he learned the art of illustration from fellow internees."
"Scooby-Doo Creator Dies at 81"
"Iwao Takamoto, the animator who created the beloved Scooby-Doo and directed the cartoon classic 'Charlotte's Web,' has died. He was 81."
He helped animate features and TV shows for Disney and Hanna-Barbera, including "Cinderella,""Peter Pan,""Lady and the Tramp,""101 Dalmatians,""The Jetsons" and "The Flintstones." He also created Astro from "The Jetsons."
"Born in Los Angeles to parents who had emigrated from Japan, Takamoto graduated high school when World War II began. He and his family were sent to the Manzanar internment camp in the California desert, where he learned the art of illustration from fellow internees."
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Transitions
An article on North Korean defectors on SF Gate ...
"How defectors cope in South Korea: The sense of loss remains, and while life may be more free, the transition isn't easy"
I was surprised to read this ...
"Last month, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist introduced a bill that would authorize $10 billion in relief to refugees who have escaped from North Korea, reconstruction aid in the event of reunification, and aid if a new national government emerges with respect for human rights."
"How defectors cope in South Korea: The sense of loss remains, and while life may be more free, the transition isn't easy"
I was surprised to read this ...
"Last month, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist introduced a bill that would authorize $10 billion in relief to refugees who have escaped from North Korea, reconstruction aid in the event of reunification, and aid if a new national government emerges with respect for human rights."
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
China adds new adoption restrictions
I saw this segment on my local news station in San Francisco (the video is available on the station's Web page) ...
"China Reportedly Tightening Foreign Adoption Rules"
"China is imposing new restrictions on foreign adoptions, barring applicants who are unmarried, obese, over 50 or who take antidepressants, according to U.S. adoption agencies."
Starting May 1, 2007, prospective adoptive parents must be married for at least two years, and a divorced parent who has since remarried must be married for five years. The parents must have a body mass index (BMI) of less than 40, and be between 30 and 50 years old, although the age limit increases to age 55 for children with special needs.
The new rules also restrict parents who take medication for depression and anxiety, as well as those with a "severe facial deformity."
Vietnam, though, is going to reopen international adoption to the U.S. after a two-year restriction, according to the TV segment.
Based on what I've heard about potential adoptive parents and how they work around Korea's weight restrictions, I'm sure adoptive parents will find a way around China's new restrictions.
New York Times article: "China Tightens Adoption Rules, U.S. Agencies Say"
Hmm, according to this article ...
"And a prospective adoptive family's net worth must now exceed $80,000."
"China will also disqualify families that already have more than four children in the home."
"China Reportedly Tightening Foreign Adoption Rules"
"China is imposing new restrictions on foreign adoptions, barring applicants who are unmarried, obese, over 50 or who take antidepressants, according to U.S. adoption agencies."
Starting May 1, 2007, prospective adoptive parents must be married for at least two years, and a divorced parent who has since remarried must be married for five years. The parents must have a body mass index (BMI) of less than 40, and be between 30 and 50 years old, although the age limit increases to age 55 for children with special needs.
The new rules also restrict parents who take medication for depression and anxiety, as well as those with a "severe facial deformity."
Vietnam, though, is going to reopen international adoption to the U.S. after a two-year restriction, according to the TV segment.
Based on what I've heard about potential adoptive parents and how they work around Korea's weight restrictions, I'm sure adoptive parents will find a way around China's new restrictions.
New York Times article: "China Tightens Adoption Rules, U.S. Agencies Say"
Hmm, according to this article ...
"And a prospective adoptive family's net worth must now exceed $80,000."
"China will also disqualify families that already have more than four children in the home."
Horrible way to die
A small plane carrying three Japanese nationals, a flight instructor and two students, crashed into a sewage pond at a wastewater treatment plant. The crash site is hampering rescue efforts.
"Bodies Found In Plane Crash At Gilroy Sewage Pond"
I hope they died on impact, rather than drowning in the raw sewage.
"Bodies Found In Plane Crash At Gilroy Sewage Pond"
I hope they died on impact, rather than drowning in the raw sewage.
Monday, December 18, 2006
New Asian TV show premiering on PBS
A new TV show called "My Life Disoriented" from director Eric Byler ("Charlotte Sometimes," "Americanese") is debuting on PBS after Christmas ...
"Life gets turned upside down for Bay Area teens Kimberlee and Aimee when their father loses his job and relocates the family to Bakersfield. Suddenly, Kimberlee and Aimee are two of only a handful of Asian American kids at their school."
Check to see if the show will air on the PBS channel in your area here. Looks like it is showing in San Francisco, Honolulu, and Minneapolis.
According to the Center for Asian American Media, the show's future could depend on audience response to the pilot episode, airing as part of PBS' "Independent Lens" series. The show features Karin Anna Cheung ("Better Luck Tomorrow"), Tamlyn Tomita ("The Joy Luck Club"), Dennis Dun ("Big Trouble in Little China"), Autumn Reeser ("The O.C."), and Di Quon ("Maid in Manhattan").
"Life gets turned upside down for Bay Area teens Kimberlee and Aimee when their father loses his job and relocates the family to Bakersfield. Suddenly, Kimberlee and Aimee are two of only a handful of Asian American kids at their school."
Check to see if the show will air on the PBS channel in your area here. Looks like it is showing in San Francisco, Honolulu, and Minneapolis.
According to the Center for Asian American Media, the show's future could depend on audience response to the pilot episode, airing as part of PBS' "Independent Lens" series. The show features Karin Anna Cheung ("Better Luck Tomorrow"), Tamlyn Tomita ("The Joy Luck Club"), Dennis Dun ("Big Trouble in Little China"), Autumn Reeser ("The O.C."), and Di Quon ("Maid in Manhattan").
Korean-American wins 'Survivor'
Yul Kwon of San Mateo won this season's "Survivor" show ...
"'Survivor' winner hopes he shattered some Asian stereotypes"
"'Survivor' winner hopes he shattered some Asian stereotypes"
Thanks for the memories
Joe Barbera, of the Hanna-Barbera animation team, died Monday. He was 95.
"Joe Barbera, half of Yogi Bear creator team, dies at LA home"
"Animation Legend Joe Barbera Dead At 95"
I grew up watching the reruns and syndicated shows of the Hanna-Barbera duo -- "Tom and Jerry," "The Flintstones," "The Jetsons," "Yogi Bear" ("Hey, Boo Boo!"), and "Scooby-Doo." OK, and "The Smurfs."
Watching Saturday morning cartoons was a weekend ritual. And I always looked forward to getting home and watching the shows after school, too.
They just don't make cartoons like those anymore.
"Joe Barbera, half of Yogi Bear creator team, dies at LA home"
"Animation Legend Joe Barbera Dead At 95"
I grew up watching the reruns and syndicated shows of the Hanna-Barbera duo -- "Tom and Jerry," "The Flintstones," "The Jetsons," "Yogi Bear" ("Hey, Boo Boo!"), and "Scooby-Doo." OK, and "The Smurfs."
Watching Saturday morning cartoons was a weekend ritual. And I always looked forward to getting home and watching the shows after school, too.
They just don't make cartoons like those anymore.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
O'Donnell apologizes, sort of
"O'Donnell apologizes for Chinese parody: But comedian warns she is likely to spoof languages again"
"Comedian Rosie O'Donnell, a co-host on the television talk show 'The View,' apologized this morning for mocking spoken Chinese - following mounting protest from Asian Americans in the Bay Area and across the country."
"On Thursday, O'Donnell expressed surprise when she learned that some Asian Americans considered speaking in that kind of sing-song accent an insult as grave as calling a black person by the N-word."
Previously, according to an SF Gate article, she had written on her blog ... that she "wasn't mocking / that's my best impression" and that her "bad accent was not meant to insult or degrade / linguistic incompetence -- guilty / mocking -- never." She tells one detractor to go "f- urself."
Accent? That was an accent?! I don't think so.
After viewing the video of the segment online, I wrote a complaint to ABC -- one of the many Asian Americans from the Bay Area that did it seems.
"Comedian Rosie O'Donnell, a co-host on the television talk show 'The View,' apologized this morning for mocking spoken Chinese - following mounting protest from Asian Americans in the Bay Area and across the country."
"On Thursday, O'Donnell expressed surprise when she learned that some Asian Americans considered speaking in that kind of sing-song accent an insult as grave as calling a black person by the N-word."
Previously, according to an SF Gate article, she had written on her blog ... that she "wasn't mocking / that's my best impression" and that her "bad accent was not meant to insult or degrade / linguistic incompetence -- guilty / mocking -- never." She tells one detractor to go "f- urself."
Accent? That was an accent?! I don't think so.
After viewing the video of the segment online, I wrote a complaint to ABC -- one of the many Asian Americans from the Bay Area that did it seems.
Dolphins in China in the news
"World's Tallest Man Saves China Dolphins"
(See photo here.)
Good news, I guess, following the sad news that the white dolphins in China may be extinct ...
"Rare White Dolphin Declared As Extinct"
(See photo here.)
Good news, I guess, following the sad news that the white dolphins in China may be extinct ...
"Rare White Dolphin Declared As Extinct"
Let's play ball!
The latest Asian player to come to the U.S. to play ball ...
"Matsuzaka, Boston Reach Preliminary Pact"
The deal, worth more than $100 million in total, has Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka playing for the Boston Red Sox.
"Matsuzaka, Boston Reach Preliminary Pact"
The deal, worth more than $100 million in total, has Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka playing for the Boston Red Sox.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Do you recognize this man?
Wanted: NorCal serial rapist
If you have any information about the serial rapist who's linked to attacks on 10 women in the Northern California area, please contact the Sacramento Police Department at (916) 264-5471.
A Web site has been created to help apprehend this man, described as a heavy-set Caucasian male with dark hair in his mid-30s to early 40s, who drives a white 2001-2003 Toyota 4Runner and is about 5' 8" to 5' 10" tall, 200-250 pounds.
More information, including a downloadable flyer, is available at the NorCal rapist info page.
He has been sexually assaulting Asian women in Northern California for the past 15 years.
If you have any information about the serial rapist who's linked to attacks on 10 women in the Northern California area, please contact the Sacramento Police Department at (916) 264-5471.
A Web site has been created to help apprehend this man, described as a heavy-set Caucasian male with dark hair in his mid-30s to early 40s, who drives a white 2001-2003 Toyota 4Runner and is about 5' 8" to 5' 10" tall, 200-250 pounds.
More information, including a downloadable flyer, is available at the NorCal rapist info page.
He has been sexually assaulting Asian women in Northern California for the past 15 years.
Merry Christmas to me!
Yay! Received my first Christmas gift today ...
A tower of chocolate goodies, including truffles and mint chocolate -- yum!
A gift I bought myself the other day, a little poinsettia plant, is pictured behind the boxes, adding a bit o' festive color to my drab office for the holidays.
A tower of chocolate goodies, including truffles and mint chocolate -- yum!
A gift I bought myself the other day, a little poinsettia plant, is pictured behind the boxes, adding a bit o' festive color to my drab office for the holidays.
Happy Lunar New Year, SF students!
The San Francisco School Board is expected to approve a resolution that would make the Lunar New Year a school holiday even if it falls during the weekend.
Currently, students in the district get a day off if the new year falls on a weekday, but the new measure would give students a day off on Monday or Friday if the new year falls on the weekend ...
"Lunar New Year set to become school holiday"
Something like this would never get approved in the Midwest.
Currently, students in the district get a day off if the new year falls on a weekday, but the new measure would give students a day off on Monday or Friday if the new year falls on the weekend ...
"Lunar New Year set to become school holiday"
Something like this would never get approved in the Midwest.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
65 years ago today ... in San Francisco
SFGate.com is running an article today about what was happening in San Francisco after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 ...
"Pearl Harbor was a close thing for the city in 1941"
Interesting excerpts ...
"In San Francisco, on that afternoon so long ago, the Army's Western Defense Command received a terrifying report: A Japanese fleet was 30 miles off the Golden Gate."
"Motorists suspected of being Japanese were stopped and searched on the Bay Bridge."
And ...
"Pearl Harbor was a close thing for the city in 1941"
Interesting excerpts ...
"In San Francisco, on that afternoon so long ago, the Army's Western Defense Command received a terrifying report: A Japanese fleet was 30 miles off the Golden Gate."
"Motorists suspected of being Japanese were stopped and searched on the Bay Bridge."
And ...
Later, the military took more severe measures -- some of them illegal -- to tighten up the defenses of the West Coast. In December, many Japanese Americans, some of them suspected of being spies, were arrested by the FBI. In the spring of the year, all persons of Japanese descent were rounded up and sent to internment camps.
After Italy entered the war on the side of Germany and Japan, Italians who were not citizens were ordered to stay away from the waterfront, removed from their homes and subject to a curfew. Among these "enemy aliens" were Giuseppe and Rosalie DiMaggio, parents of baseball star Joe DiMaggio.
It was a fearful time. But some of the fear was justified. On Christmas Eve, 1941, the Japanese submarine I-15 surfaced near the Farallon Islands, close enough to see the lights of San Francisco, according to Advance Force -- Pearl Harbor, a book by Burl Burlingame of Honolulu. The submarine had orders to fire on the city, but just as the ammunition for the deck gun was brought up from below, the orders were changed and the sub was recalled to other waters.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Korean-American family missing - update
Originally posted 12/1/06:
I hope the Kim family is found safe and sound ...
"Family missing after trip to Oregon"
Updated (12/5/06): On Monday, rescuers found the mother and the two little girls nine days after their car got stuck in snow in southwestern Oregon, but the father is still missing after leaving the family to find help ...
"Rescue teams step up efforts to find missing SF dad"
Updated (12/6/06): Sadly, the body of James Kim has been found, according to reports on sfgate.com and msnbc.com.
I hope the Kim family is found safe and sound ...
"Family missing after trip to Oregon"
Updated (12/5/06): On Monday, rescuers found the mother and the two little girls nine days after their car got stuck in snow in southwestern Oregon, but the father is still missing after leaving the family to find help ...
"Rescue teams step up efforts to find missing SF dad"
Updated (12/6/06): Sadly, the body of James Kim has been found, according to reports on sfgate.com and msnbc.com.
Preservation of internment sites approved
"Internment-site preservation OKd: Sites of WWII prisons for some citizens to serve as reminder of U.S. rights abuses"
"The House, led by a Bakersfield Republican who urged Americans to protect citizens' rights during difficult times, gave final congressional approval Tuesday to a bill designed to preserve camps and assembly points across California and the West where about 120,000 Japanese Americans were interned by their own government during World War II."
"The House, led by a Bakersfield Republican who urged Americans to protect citizens' rights during difficult times, gave final congressional approval Tuesday to a bill designed to preserve camps and assembly points across California and the West where about 120,000 Japanese Americans were interned by their own government during World War II."
Friday, December 01, 2006
Gorgeous!
Looking forward to the release of the "Curse of the Golden Flower." Saw a preview of the movie the other week.
(Although, I don't recall having seen so many bosom-bearing costumes and cleavage shots in an Asian period movie before.)
(Although, I don't recall having seen so many bosom-bearing costumes and cleavage shots in an Asian period movie before.)
Monday, November 27, 2006
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