The 10 Best Hot Pots In The San Gabriel Valley: LAist

My dad gave us some money to go have hot pot for our Christmas present. Too bad we're not in LA! This would be a great New Year's Eve, wouldn't it?

The 10 Best Hot Pots In The San Gabriel Valley: LAist

The Year We Broke the Internet - Esquire

my brother sent me this article. lots to think about here.

The Year We Broke the Internet - Esquire

plus more for online media from the AP on comments:

AP News: Bye bye, bile? Websites try to nix nasty comments

Online Harassment and Silencing | Feminist Law Professors

great info on cyber harassment and discrimination, check out all the links.

"Over a period of weeks, law professor Nancy Leong posted several short, informal essays about cyber harassment and discrimination. The first post, entitled “Identity and Ideas,” is available here. The second post, “Anonymity and Abuse,” is available here, with a short addendum here. The third post, “Privilege and Passivity,” is available here. The fourth post, “Consequences and Conclusions,” is available here."

Online Harassment and Silencing | Feminist Law Professors

with much more fascinating discussion in the law school blogs. wow.

28 must have dishes from 28 Indian states

Yes. New Year's Resolution #28.

28 must have dishes from 28 Indian states

MI Equity Network | Building collaborative relationships across our state

Save the date!

2nd Annual Michigan Equity Network Conference
Thurs. March 20 - Sat. March 22, 2014
Location: Kalamazoo. Exact location TBD.

MI Equity Network | Building collaborative relationships across our state

Chinese Food On Christmas (HD) - YouTube

We're heading out for Chinese food and a movie (or two) this Christmas. How about you?



Chinese Food On Christmas (HD) - YouTube

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story | Video on TED.com

Principal Morhous recommends: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story (18.49 minutes), July 2009 at TED Talks.

A summary:
Our lives, our cultures, are composed of many overlapping stories. Novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice -- and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding.


Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story | Video on TED.com

Conversational Chinese Language and Culture at WCC Winter 2014

Chinese Level 1 Conversational Chinese Language and Culture.
Class Description
Have fun and learn to speak a new language. Using various teaching methods, instructors will cover topics including proper pronunciation, greetings and useful expressions for daily life, identifying people and things. Learn and become familiar with culture and country knowledge including climate, history, beliefs, customs, and food.

Class ID: 3996
Wednesday 6:30 pm - 8:25 pm; 10 sessions starting January 8, 2014, ending March 19, 2014 (No class on Feb 27)
Tuition: $189.00 Mandatory Fees: $10.00
Instructor: Wang
Location: Main Campus , Rm. TBD Map
Registration Closes On: January 8, 2014 11:59 PM

Chinese Level 2 Conversational Chinese Language and Culture.
Class Description
Students will continue to build on skills learned in Chinese I while expanding their vocabulary and grammar, and knowledge of common phrases. Continued cultural appreciation is also included.

Class ID: 3400
Wednesday 6:00 pm - 7:55 pm; 10 sessions starting March 12, 2014, ending May 14, 2014
Tuition: $189.00
Instructor: Wang
Location: Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg , Rm. LA 163 Map
Registration Closes On: March 12, 2014 11:59 PM

Creative Writing Classes at WCC Winter 2014

Teaching these Creative Writing Classes at WCC Winter 2014. Register today!

English Special Workshop- Dare to Dream
Class Description
Facing a big change or opportunity in your life? Terrified or thrilled out of your wits? Not sure if you trust that you know what you know? Learn simple but powerful methods to get the ideas out of your head and onto the page in order to write your way through this challenge. Part journaling, part business plan, lots of short writing exercises, this course aspires to create the space in your head and the courage in your heart to take those first dizzying steps as you dare to dream. Bring a notebook and pen.

Class ID: 3405
Tuesday, Thursday 6:00 pm - 8:55 pm; 2 sessions starting February 18, 2014, ending February 20, 2014
Tuition: $49.00
Instructor: Wang
Location: Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg , Rm. LA 160 Map
Registration Closes On: February 18, 2014 11:59 PM

Writing With Style
Class Description
Discover your inner voice through writing. Students will gain hands on experience on how to begin the writing processes and discover and explore their creativity.

Class ID: 3404
Monday, Wednesday 6:00 pm - 8:55 pm; 2 sessions starting February 24, 2014, ending February 26, 2014
Tuition: $49.00
Instructor: Wang
Location: Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg , Rm. LA 272 Map
Registration Closes On: February 24, 2014 11:59 PM

Save the Date! Korematsu Day in Michigan January 30, 2014

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) and Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPACC) to recognize Fred Korematsu Day on Thursday, January 30, 2014, 12:30 p.m., Huron High School, 2727 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.

Japanese American Fred Korematsu is an American civil liberties icon who courageously defied the U.S. Government’s order to report to an assembly center after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Korematsu was convicted for his refusal, but he appealed his case to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled against him in a 6 to 3 decision in 1944. Korematsu’s conviction was formally vacated in 1983 based upon information that the War Department misled the Supreme Court with false allegations of espionage and sabotage. Korematsu’s story is one of triumph and correction over the civil wrongs against the Japanese American community. Korematsu received the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton in 1998.

wendy macnaughton | "To google or not to google?" by Caroline Paul and...

Ah, so now we know...

wendy macnaughton | "To google or not to google?" by Caroline Paul and...

Register for A/PIA Civil Rights: Journalism, Activism, and the Law at the University of Michigan

I'm so excited to be teaching this course on A/PIA Civil Rights: Journalism, Activism, and the Law at the University of Michigan Winter 2014 with Ron Aramaki and Roland Hwang. Send us your University of Michigan students! Register now!

UPDATE: Course description here:  http://www.ii.umich.edu/UMICH/cjs/Home/Academics/Documents/Courses/Winter2014Courses.pdf

King Voices

Beautiful words from Camille about one of my events:

This is the biggest community-building night of the year for King, and is the only one dedicated to celebrating King’s amazing diversity. The school, the building itself, IS the seat of the community. For many diverse and newer King families, International Night is often the first time the kids or parents truly feel a part of the larger school community that many of us enjoy the rest of the year.

Moving the venue will lessen the high level of participation, and it will diminish the feelings of ownership, inclusion and identity that are felt by parents and kids. Holding this event in the school building itself, crowding and all, is a powerful symbol for the inclusionary, welcoming spirit that defines King School.

Six Tips for Writing Six-Word Memoirs

Six Tips for Writing Six-Word Memoirs from Smithmag.net.

"My Neighborhood: King" in Ann Arbor City Guide

Bittersweet: "My Neighborhood: King" in Ann Arbor City Guide (published by Ann Arbor Observer in September 2013)

Association of Chinese Americans High School Scholarship Awards Banquet

Speaking today at the Association of Chinese Americans (OCA Detroit) High School Scholarship Awards Banquet.

Photo and article from last year:
www.acadetroit.org/images/pdf_files/2013/2012_12_09_aca_hs_achvmnt_banquet_recap.pdf

The clues to a great story

(or how to get invited to my house to dinner...) great infographic on how to tell a story from Pixar writer and director Andrew Stanton.

via http://coreyross.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/andrewstanton-story.jpg

andrewstanton-story.jpg (1193×1571)

Senator Hoon-Yung Hopgood and Stephanie Chang joint fundraiser December 7, 2013

Senator Hoon-Yung Hopgood and Stephanie Chang are having a joint fundraiser on Saturday, December 7, 4 - 6 p.m. in Northville. Senator Hopgood is running for re-election to the State Senate District 6, and Stephanie Chang is running for State Representative in District 6. This is an important opportunity to increase the voice of Asian Americans on the important policy issues facing us in Michigan.

Speaking at Association of Chinese Americans (ACA) High School Scholarship Awards Dinner

Speaking this Sunday at the Association of Chinese Americans (ACA) High School Scholarship Awards Dinner.

WCC Chinese 1 Final Exam Today

Final Exam today for my Chinese 1 class at TK Wu Restaurant at http://www.tkwu.com/ where everyone must order one dish in Chinese, and I try to convert students from this:

http://dc.eater.com/archives/2011/10/31/10-chinese-dishes-that-real-chinese-people-dont-eat.php

to this:

http://dc.eater.com/archives/2011/11/04/10-chinese-dishes-real-chinese-people-do-eat-and-where-to-find-them.php#more

Yeah, Baby.

Teaching at Washtenaw Community College Winter 2014

I will be teaching these courses at Washtenaw Community College Winter 2014. Sign up today!

English Special Workshop- Dare to Dream  ENG 4055  Start 02/18/14  Mandatory Fees: $0.00  Rm. LA 160 2 sessions  Tue Thu  Tuition: $49.00  Location: Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg   Instructor: Wang Facing a big change or opportunity in your life? Terrified or thrilled out of your wits? Not sure if you trust that you know what you know? Learn simple but powerful methods to get the ideas out of your head and onto the page in order to write your way through this challenge. Part journaling, part business plan, lots of short writing exercises, this course aspires to create the space in your head and the courage in your heart to take those first dizzying steps as you dare to dream. Bring a notebook and pen.
Writing With Style  ENG 4004  Start 02/24/14  Mandatory Fees: $0.00  Rm. LA 272 2 sessions  Mon Wed  Tuition: $49.00  Location: Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg   Instructor: Wang Discover your inner voice through writing. Students will gain hands on experience on how to begin the writing processes and discover and explore their creativity.

(Note: dates of Writing with Style may change)

Chinese 1  CHN 4000  Start 01/08/14  Mandatory Fees: $10.00  Rm. TBD 10 sessions  Wed  Tuition: $189.00  Location: Main Campus   Instructor: Wang
Chinese 2  CHN 4005  Start 03/12/14  Mandatory Fees: $0.00  Rm. LA 163 10 sessions  Wed  Tuition: $189.00  Location: Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg   Instructor: Wang

(Note: dates of Chinese 2 may change to March 26 to May 28)

American Citizens for Justice Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fundraiser December 5

Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fundraiser and Happy Hour Thursday, December 5, 2013, 5:30pm to 8:30pm, MEX, 6675 Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, 48301. Sponsored by American Citizens for Justice / Asian American Center for Justice, Michigan Asian Pacific American Bar Association and South Asian Bar Association of Michigan. 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1395439180699677/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular

RIP Frances Kathryn Pearson Korematsu 1921-2013

Our thoughts are with Karen Korematsu and family.
http://korematsuinstitute.org/2013/11/in-memory-of-frances-kathryn-pearson-korematsu-1921-2013/

Teaching Memoir and Writing with Style at WCC today!

Teaching today and next Saturday at Washtenaw Community College:  Jumpstart Your Memoir and Writing With Style. Come join us!

Jumpstart Your Memoir  ENG 4006  Start 11/30/13  Mandatory Fees: $0.00  Rm. LA 150 2 sessions  Sat  Tuition: $89.00  Location: Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg   Instructor: Wang    Please read: Students will need to bring a notebook and ...More
Writing With Style  ENG 4004  Start 11/30/13  Mandatory Fees: $0.00  Rm. LA 150 2 sessions  Sat  Tuition: $89.00  Location: Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg   Instructor: Wang

https://washtenaw.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassListing.ClassListingDisplay&int_category_id=3&int_sub_category_id=49&int_catalog_id=

Watch Kristina Wong in the most awesome TV interview ever

"Suck it, white ladies!" After this Kristina Wong video, my Thanksgiving is now complete. Leftover sticky rice 8 bao stuffing and Thanksgiving Gulab Jamin for breakfast. Now to the movies. Thanks to everyone in our Asian Pacific American media community for everything ♥ h/t Phil Yu Angry Asian Man (actually everyone)
Watch Kristina Wong in the most awesome TV interview ever

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Ha! Not bad for a vegetarian! Teriyaki turkey w sticky rice stuffing all but done and house passably cleaned too! Happy Thanksgiving's Eve!

More hula, day 2 of Makawalu at University of Michigan

More hula! Lectures today on Makawalu (Eight eyes/perspectives) at 10 am and 4 pm at University of Michigan Department of American Culture, 3512 Haven Hall.



https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=398567723578998&set=gm.477574962363449&type=1&theater

'Makawalu' to infuse Ann Arbor with Hawaiian culture, spirit - The Michigan Daily

from the Michigan Daily about tonight's concert:

The event is spearheaded by Amy Stillman and Susan Najita, who are both Asian/Pacific Islander Studies Program professors at the University.

“There is, to this day, a core of native Hawaiian knowledge and cultural practices and ways of being that have persisted,” Stillman said. “These two artists are two of the most consummate exemplars of a truly indigenous way of being in the 21st century.”

Kekuhi and Kaumakaiwa’s music style is a showcase of what native Hawaiian artists are about. Featuring dramatic melodies, passionate lyrics and ancient ‘oli chants, Stillman and Najita are confident that the concert will be worth seeing, even for those with little knowledge of Hawaiian culture.

“You are transported into a different reality (during their concerts),” Najita said. “People go to the movies for that.”

Directly translated, “makawalu” means “eight eyes” and encourages people to develop multiple perspectives. 

'Makawalu' to infuse Ann Arbor with Hawaiian culture, spirit - The Michigan Daily

Today: Makawalu: Hawaiian Hula Arts Concert and Lectures on Indigenous Ecology at UM Nov 25-26

Today! Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies at the University of Michigan is hosting a concert and lecture series with legendary hula artists Kekuhi Kealikanakaoleohaililani and Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole.

Concert: Monday, November 25, 7:00 pm, at University of Michigan Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, Ann Arbor. Doors open at 6:30. Free.

Lectures: Tuesday, November 26, 10 am and 4 pm, 3512 Haven Hall.

Not to be missed. Seriously.

Sneak peak: Check out this awesome video of Kaumakaiwa performing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD2oGKVRhU0 
▶ Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole - "Ola'A" - YouTube

Details: Makawalu: Concert and Lectures on Indigenous Ecology of Hawaiian Hula Arts

Fundraiser for Stephanie Chang and Senator Hoon-Yung Hopgood, Saturday, December 7, 2013.

Fundraiser for Stephanie Chang and Senator Hoon-Yung Hopgood, Saturday, December 7, 2013.

Michigan International Festival

Michigan International Festival tonight, November 23, 5-9pm, at Saline High School, sponsored by Rotary Ann Arbor West

Rotary, MI International Festival

Don't Buy Miss Saigon

From my good friends Bao Phi and Julianne Hu Pegues in Minneapolis:

WHAT IS MISS SAIGON? WHAT’S WRONG WITH IT?

The musical Miss Saigon is launching in Minneapolis and several other cities, and the London re-staging broke the record for West End box office ticket sales, making 4.4 million pounds in one day. Many defenders of Miss Saigon, a play written by two white men based on a photograph they saw, insist that the play is “truthful” and “historically accurate.” What is especially problematic is that Miss Saigon is the longest running and most enduring pop culture representation of Vietnamese people in the Western world – and to a certain extent and by extension of racism, it presents a narrow lens through which all Asians are viewed.
While we recognize that there are many truths, we also see that institutional racism, sexism, and colonization continually reinforce shallow stereotypes of people of color, and the ‘truths’ that are most often lauded and supported are exploitative works that reproduce and validate harmful power structures and chauvinism that ultimately harms the people they claim to portray. Miss Saigon is such a spectacle: a big budget ode to colonialism that romanticizes war and human trafficking.

Don't Buy Miss Saigon

Encourage them to run George Takei's new musical, Allegiance, instead!

If 3 Little Girls Did This To My House, I'd Do Everything I Could To Get Them Full Rides To Stanford

Awesome girl power! Little Brother wants to build one too... :)

If 3 Little Girls Did This To My House, I'd Do Everything I Could To Get Them Full Rides To Stanford

Eight Greatest Hits from W. Kamau Bell’s ‘Totally Biased’ - COLORLINES

Will miss W. Kamau Bell and Hari Kondabolu! Just watched all 8 videos with the kids...my kids are going to grow up so warped...i mean awesome! :) thanks so much Colorlines.

Will have to make sure to show the George Takei video for my University of Michigan class next term on "Asian Pacific American Civil Rights: Journalism, Activism, and the Law."

http://colorlines.com/archives/2013/11/8_greatest_hits_from_w_kamau_bells_totally_biased.html

Eight Greatest Hits from W. Kamau Bell’s ‘Totally Biased’ - COLORLINES

▶ Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole - "Ola'A" - YouTube

Next Monday Nov. 25 7pm at the University of Michigan: Makawalu!

Sneak peak: Check out this video of Kaumakaiwa performing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD2oGKVRhU0
▶ Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole - "Ola'A" - YouTube

Diversity v Multiculturalism

Quote of the day: "Diversity is a lot of different people in a room, multiculturalism is when they talk."

http://wukiangclan.blogspot.com/2013/11/from-diversity-to-multiculturalism.html

OMG Helen Zia is reading my book today! Photo

OMG Helen Zia is reading my book today!



And you can, too! Purchase my chapbook, "Imaginary Affairs--Postcards from an Imagined Life," in person or from Blacklava.net today:  Blacklava - frances kai-hwa wang imaginary affairs chapbook 

Helen Zia at American Citizens for Justice / Asian American Center for Justice 30th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner Photos

Helen Zia! Photos from American Citizens for Justice / Asian American Center for Justice 30th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner.

Photos by Frances Kai-Hwa Wang, not to be reproduced without permission.

American Citizens for Justice Fundraising Dinner Today!

Today! Come meet Asian Pacific American hero Helen Zia at American Citizens for Justice / Asian American Center for Justice fundraising dinner November 15, 2013, 6pm! (♥ swoon ) Corporate and nonprofit sponsorships available, as well as discounted student tickets.

Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel, 21111 Haggerty Road, Novi, Michigan 48375 http://www.rememberingvincentchin.com/2013/11/helen-zia-keynote-for-american-citizens.html

My Dinner with Helen Zia

Best Regards Advancing Justice Conference from American Citizens for Justice / Asian American Center for Justice and Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission Wish we could be there with y'all, but we're having dinner with Helen Zia!  swoon!

Tomorrow: Helen Zia will be the keynote speaker at American Citizens for Justice / Asian American Center for Justice fundraising dinner November 15, 2013, 6pm! (♥ swoon ) Corporate and nonprofit sponsorships available, as well as discounted student tickets. 

Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel, 21111 Haggerty Road, Novi, Michigan 48375http://www.rememberingvincentchin.com/2013/11/helen-zia-keynote-for-american-citizens.html

2013 Advancing Justice Conference » Civil Rights for the Next Generation: The Role of Arts, Entertainment, and Social Media

Go Go Angry Asian Man Phil Yu who is speaking on the opening plenary of the Advancing Justice Conference 2013 on Thursday Nov 14 in Los Angeles, Californnia. So sorry to be missing all the fun this year, but look forward to catching up with everyone soon... American Citizens for Justice / Asian American Center for Justice sends best regards!

2013 Advancing Justice Conference » Civil Rights for the Next Generation: The Role of Arts, Entertainment, and Social Media

Makawalu: Concert and Lectures on Indigenous Ecology of Hawaiian Hula Arts at UM Nov 25-26

Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies at the University of Michigan is hosting a one-night only concert and lecture series with legendary hula artists Kekuhi Kealikanakaoleohaililani and Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole Monday Nov 25 6:30 pm. See you there! 

Check out: Makawalu: Concert and Lectures on Indigenous Ecology of Hawaiian Hula Arts

Helen Zia Keynote speaker for American Citizens for Justice Fundraiser November 15

Come meet Asian Pacific American hero Helen Zia at American Citizens for Justice / Asian American Center for Justice fundraising dinner November 15, 2013, 6pm! (♥ swoon ) Corporate and nonprofit sponsorships available, as well as discounted student tickets.

Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel
21111 Haggerty Road, Novi, Michigan 48375
View Map · Get Directions

Badass Wheelchairs - Ann Arbor Observer

Check out this article I wrote for Ann Arbor Observer on today's event 3 pm at University of Michigan Crysler Arena. 6th Annual Army vs. Navy Wheelchair Basketball Game, sponsored by U-M Council for Disability Concerns. Fun!
Badass Wheelchairs - Ann Arbor Observer

MI Response To Hate: | Michigan Alliance Against Hate Crimes

This conference looks really cool:

MI Response To Hate: 2013A Conference Presented by The Michigan Alliance Against Hate Crimes
And The Michigan Department of Civil Rights
November 22, 2013MSU Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing, MI

MI Response To Hate: | Michigan Alliance Against Hate Crimes

The Asian Invasion MYTH Symposium of change | APA Studies Program | Michigan State University

Today at the APA Studies Program | Michigan State University: The Asian Invasion MYTH Symposium of change, MSU Kellogg Center, November 8, 2013, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. with Dr. Shilpa Dave as keynote.

Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce Urban Economic Conference

Speaking today at the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce Urban Economic Conference in Detroit!

Infographic AAPIs and the Affordable Care Act

love this infographic! getting ready to speak tomorrow on AAPIs and the Affordable Care Act at the Urban Economic Conference sponsored by the Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce 
http://www.michiganblackchamber.com/conference/?page_id=9

Stephanie Chang Birthday Fundraiser Tuesday November 12, 2013, 6:00-8:30 pm

Stephanie Chang Birthday Fundraiser Tuesday November 12, 2013, 6:00-8:30 pm

APACC Power Mixer B2B Showcase November 14 Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti

APACC Power Mixer B2B Showcase, November 14, 2013, Mariott Eagle Crest, Ypsilanti

Students! Come meet Helen Zia for American Citizens for Justice!

NOW! Student Tickets available for $40! Come meet Asian Pacific American hero Helen Zia at American Citizens for Justice / Asian American Center for Justice fundraising dinner November 15, 2013, 6pm! (♥ swoon ) Corporate and nonprofit sponsorships available.

Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel
21111 Haggerty Road, Novi, Michigan 48375
View Map · Get Directions

Teaching Ethical Wills at WCC today: A Love Letter to your Family

Teaching a weekend writing workshop today and tomorrow at Washtenaw Community College:  Ethical Wills: Writing a Love Letter to Your Family. Come join us!

Ethical Wills: Writing a Love Letter to Your Family  ENG 4003  Start 11/02/13  Mandatory Fees: $0.00  Rm. LA 138 2 sessions  Sat Sun  Tuition: $59.00  Location: Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg   Instructor: Wang
Coming up next: Jumpstart Your Memoir  ENG 4006  Start 11/30/13  Mandatory Fees: $0.00  Rm. LA 150 2 sessions  Sat  Tuition: $89.00  Location: Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg   Instructor: Wang    Please read: Students will need to bring a notebook and ...More
Writing With Style  ENG 4004  Start 11/30/13  Mandatory Fees: $0.00  Rm. LA 150 2 sessions  Sat  Tuition: $89.00  Location: Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg   Instructor: Wang

https://washtenaw.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassListing.ClassListingDisplay&int_category_id=3&int_sub_category_id=49&int_catalog_id=

“The 'Ha' (Breath) of Writing” weekend writing retreat in Chicago in February

I am very excited to have been invited by Hula Kumu June Ryushin Tanoue of Chicago's Halau i Ka Pono to do a reading and a writing and hula workshop with her, “The 'Ha' (Breath) of Writing,” February 21-23, 2014! in Chicago!

UPDATE: Extremely tentative schedule:
Friday night: Prose Poetry Reading and Hula Performance,
Saturday: Writing and Hula workshop,
Sunday: Talk about Writing, Buddhism, and Life.

More info about Hula Kumu June Tanoue: http://www.halauikapono.org/about.htm

How Not To Be Racist on Halloween - Speakeasy - WSJ by Jeff Yang

If you want to make sure your costume is not racist, check out Jeff Yang of the Wall Street Journal's Tao Jones' amazing Simple Costume Racism Evaluation and Assessment Meter, or SCREAM, flowchart to test whether or not your costume is racist (complete with alternative mask in case you don't pass the test). Awesomeness! (My joy in Halloween has been restored just in the knick of time!)
How Not To Be Racist on Halloween - Speakeasy - WSJ

The Ann Arbor stop of Tom Peek's "Daughters of Fire" North American Book Tour

A great few days with Hawaii friends during the Ann Arbor stop of Tom Peek's "Daughters of Fire" North American Book Tour. Thanks to Professor Susan Najita for putting this all together, Auntie June Ryushin Tanoue for blessing our events with moving Pele chants, Catherine Robbins for sharing her artwork with us, and Tom Peek for leading the adventure! It was great to be a part. Feel so grounded and real.

Thanks also to our hosts at the University of Michigan Department of American Culture Program in Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies, Nicola's Books, and the Ann Arbor District Library.

More information at http://koabooks.com/ and http://daughtersoffire.com/. Catch Tom in California next!

 

Special thanks to our good friends at TK Wu Fine Chinese Cuisine Restaurant http://tkwu.com, Eastern Flame Restaurant http://www.neweasternflame.com/, and Tuptim Thai Cuisine http://www.tuptim.com/ for always taking such good care of our family.

Meet Author Tom Peek (Daughters of Fire) | Nicola's Books

Tonight! Wednesday, October 30, 2013, 7:00 pm at Nicola's Books. Can't get enough of Tom Peek!

Meet Author Tom Peek (Daughters of Fire) | Nicola's Books

Reading today at AADL "Hawaii: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power" with Tom Peek 7pm

Today:  I will be reading with Tom Peek at Ann Arbor District Library on Tuesday October 29, 2013, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, "Hawaii: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power."

This program is themed around Hawaii and our romance with volcanos, but it is really about writing about place, culture(s), environmental and development issues. Here's the agenda:

• Introduction by Susan Najita of the University of Michigan Department of English and Department of American Culture Program in Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies 
• Hula kumu June Yoshiko Kaililani Ryushin Tanoue of Halau i Ka Pono hula school in Chicago will do a Pele (volcano) chant
• Artist Catherine Robbins will discuss her painting and photography
• I will be reading from my new chapbook, "Where the Lava Meets the Sea--Asian Pacific American Postcards from Hawaii."
• Tom Peek will be reading from his new novel, "Daughters of Fire."
• Q&A Panel Discussion
• Book Signing! And snacks!

Bios at: http://www.franceskaihwawang.com/2013/09/aadl-talk-tuesday-october-29-2013-700.html

Events | American Culture | University of Michigan

From Department of American Culture:

Hawaii: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power

Oct
29
2013

Add to Cal

• Host Department: American Culture
• Date: 10/29/2013
• Time: 07:00PM - 08:30PM
  
• Location: Multi-Purpose Room Ann Arbor Public Library, Downtown Branch
  
• Description:
  Look beyond the idyllic tourist image of Hawaii and explore the deeper beauty and sacred heritage of Hawaii and its volcanoes through its cultural traditions, history, literature, music, and art with authors Tom Peek and Frances Kai-Hwa Wang, and artist Catherine Robbins. The program will include author readings, cross-cultural discussion, nature photography, and volcano-inspired art. Light Hawaiian snacks will be served. The event features:
  • Hawaii-based writer Tom Peek, who will read from his new novel, "Daughters of Fire," a gripping story of interracial and intercultural romance, political intrigue, myth and murder, set atop the volcanoes of the Big Island of Hawaii and filled with complex characters that reveal the true heart of Hawaii.
  • Ann Arbor-based writer Frances Kai-Hwa Wang, who will read from her new chapbook, "Where the Lava Meets the Sea—Asian Pacific American Postcards from Hawai‘i," in which she explores the natural wonders, many cultures, and interesting characters of Big Island as she searches for home in Hawaii, and instead discovers an Asian Pacific American sense of belonging.
  • Hawaii-based artist Catherine Robbins, who will discuss her volcano-inspired paintings and artistic practice.

Events | American Culture | University of Michigan

Author Tom Peek on Campus | UM Events | University of Michigan

from umich.edu:

Author Tom Peek on Campus
Readings and DiscussionTom Peek, visiting author and Winner of Benjamin Franklin Silver Medal for Popular Fiction from the Independent Book Publishers Association, 2013 for 'Daughters of Fire' to speak at a series of readings and discussions on October 29-30.

TOM PEEK: READING & DISCUSSION Tuesday, October 29 10-11:30 am Hatcher Graduate Library, Gallery, Room 100

HAWAII: DEEP BEAUTY AND VOLCANIC POWER Featuring: Tom Peek, Artist Catherine Robbins, and Poet Frances Kai-Hwa Wang Tuesday, October 29 7-8:30 pm Ann Arbor Public Library, Downtown Branch Multi-Purpose Room
Look beyond the idyllic tourist image of Hawaii and explore the deeper beauty and sacred heritage of Hawaii and its volcanoes through its cultural traditions, history, literature, music, and art with authors Tom Peek and Frances Kai-Hwa Wang, and artist Catherine Robbins. The program will include author readings, cross-cultural discussion, nature photography, and volcano-inspired art. Light Hawaiian snacks will be served. The event features:
• Hawaii-based writer Tom Peek, who will read from his new novel, "Daughters of Fire," a gripping story of interracial and intercultural romance, political intrigue, myth and murder, set atop the volcanoes of the Big Island of Hawaii and filled with complex characters that reveal the true heart of Hawaii.
• Ann Arbor-based writer Frances Kai-Hwa Wang, who will read from her new chapbook, "Where the Lava Meets the Sea—Asian Pacific American Postcards from Hawai‘i," in which she explores the natural wonders, many cultures, and interesting characters of Big Island as she searches for home in Hawaii, and instead discovers an Asian Pacific American sense of belonging.
• Hawaii-based artist Catherine Robbins, who will discuss her volcano-inspired paintings and artistic practice.

TOM PEEK: READING & DISCUSSION Wednesday, October 30 7-8 pm Nicola's Books

Multiple locations and times.

SPONSOR:  http://lsa.umich.edu/ac  Department of American Culture

Author Tom Peek on Campus | UM Events | University of Michigan