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February 14th 2007: Issue 65
As New York City finally gets its first significant snowstorm of the season, it doesn't seem like the cold is letting up any time soon. But don't let that prevent you from going out and checking out all that's going on in the next couple of weeks. While this weekend's extended three-day break may sound like the perfect weekend to finally try out your new snowboard outfit at your local unbearably crowded ski resort, there are also a lot of Year of the Pig Lunar New Year related celebrations happening, mostly by Chinese organizations, including the official Firecracker Ceremony in Chinatown. Watch for the "waterfall" effect, last performed over the Brooklyn Bridge in 1983.
This week is also your last chance to see Tazza: The High Rollers, last year's #2 movie in Korea, on the big screen, which wraps up at the Imaginasian. If you can't make that, check out the surreal Japanese film Taste of Tea coming next week to the Imaginasian. Haven't heard anything about it? Check out our review of Taste of Tea here by Bryan Choi.
Also, my friend who is a producer at CNN is still looking for subjects for her story on the unspoken racial quota of Asian Americans at top tier universities, as they are planning to run the story soon. See her posting below.
Blackberry 8800? iPhone? Forget that. Koreans will be all up on the Prada Phone.
-ubn
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MOVIE PREMIERE
Tazza: The High Rollers (2006)
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Now thru Thursday, February 15th, Various times
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The Imaginasian
239 East 59th Street
between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
New York City
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www.tazza2006.co.kr
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Tazza: The High Rollers (2006)
South Korea, Korean with English subtitles, color, 140mins
Directed by Directed by Choi Dong-hun
Starring Jo Seung-woo, Baek Yun-shik, Kim Hye-su, Yu Hae-jin, and Kim Yun-seok
"A guy with a talent for cards makes his way into the dangerous world of underground gambling in this crime thriller from South Korea. Go-ni (Jo Seung-woo) is a small-town guy with a big appetite for gambling. Convinced he's on a hot streak one evening during a card game, Go-ni bets his life savings on a hand of hwatu, only to lose to a crooked cardsharp. Determined to get revenge, Go-ni sets out to find the guy who cheated him and win back his money. Go-ni's travels lead him to Pyeong Gyeong-jang (Baek Yun-shik), an unusually gifted card player who has gotten out of the game. Pyeong sees a talented prot??in Go-ni and takes him under his wing, introducing him to Madam Jeong (Kim Hye-su), an equally gifted female gambler. Jeong is attracted to the young and handsome Go-ni and takes him on as both a student and a lover, but the young man soon learns how dangerous a gambler's trade can be when he wins a hefty bankroll from Kwak Cheol-yeong (Kim Eung-su), an underworld kingpin who doesn't take losing lightly. Go-ni also foolishly breaks off his affair with Jeong when he falls for Hwa-ran (Lee Su-gyeong), a beautiful woman who runs a nightspot, and makes an enemy of A-gui (Kim Yun-seok), a thug with a hair-trigger temper who holds a grudge against Pyeong. As the various characters come together for a major hwatu tournament, Go-ni struggles to keep his mind on the game as he's forced to keep his eye peeled for enemies prepared to claim his life." --Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
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RECEPTION
2007 KACF Grant Awards Ceremony/ Lunar New Year Celebration
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Korean American Community Foundation (KACF)
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Thursday, February 15th, 6:30 - 8:30pm
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Citigroup
153 East 53rd Street, 14th Floor
New York City
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www.kacfny.org | RSVP: events@kacfny.org
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The Korean American Community Foundation cordially invites you to the 2007 KACF Grant Awards Ceremony and Lunar New Year Celebration, sponsored by Citigroup with cocktails and reception. KACF is proud to announce 2007 Grantee organizations. We hope you can attend to meet those social service organizations that work hard to help the Korean-American community and beyond.
Korean American Association of Rehabilitation of the Disabled
Korean American Senior Center of Flushing
Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc.
New York Asian Women Center
YWCA of Queens
American Cancer Society
Coalition of Asian American Children and Families
Korean American Community Center New York
Korean American Senior Citizens?Association of New Jersey
Rainbow Center
Sanctuary for Families
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EXHIBITION
Exquisite Crisis And Encounters: A/P/A Institute Exhibit Curated By Yong Soon Min
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NYU Asian / Pacific / American Studies
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Gallery Opening And Curator Talk With Yong Soon Min
Thursday, February 15th, 6:00 - 8:00pm
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A/P/A Insitute And Department Of Social & Cultural Analysis
41-51 East 11th Street 7th Floor
7th Floor Gallery
New York City
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www.apa.nyu.edu
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Taken from the Dadaist/Surrealist game of Cadavre Exquis in which a composition of words or images are collaboratively created, this exhibition will showcase a wide and multidisciplinary array of contributions procured by artist, scholar and curator Yong Soon Min. These collaborative works pursue the necessary dialogue about the richness and tensions that characterize cosmopolitan contact zones.
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RECEPTION
The Traditional Korean Wedding Ceremony
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Friday, February 16th, 7:00pm
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Lee Young Hee Korean Museum
2 West 32nd Street, 3rd Floor
between Broadway and 5th Ave
New York City
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Free, but reservation required. Due to limited space, event is limited to 50 guests.
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www.lyhkm.org | RSVP: 212) 560 - 0722
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The Lee Young Hee Korean Museum, museum of the celebrated Korean fashion designer which showcases an array of traditional Korean costumes, will feature an elegant and colorful re-creation of a traditional Korean wedding followed by a reception with Korean food and rice cakes, could be an event that would be eye-opening and enjoyable particularly to Korean Americans or non-Koreans who may be unfamiliar with Korean wedding traditions.
The Traditional Korean Wedding Ceremony
The Delivery of the Goose (Jeon-An-Rye)
The Exchange of Bows (Gyo-Bae-Rye)
The Exchange of Wine (Hap-Geun-Rye)
Meeting the New Family (Pye-Baek)
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COMPETITION
KAJC Leadership training and Team Building Competitions
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Korean American Junior Chamber of Commerce (KAJC)
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Friday February 16th, 7:00 - 10:00pm
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Open Center
150-24 Northern Blvd
Flushing, New York
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www.kajc.org
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On February 16th, members of the New York Korean American Jaycees will gather at the Open Center in Flushing, NY to train current and prospective members through leadership and team building exercises. The Jaycees was founded on the principle of training members to become leaders in their community. The exercises and activities on Feb. 16 will provide members with an opportunity to learn and cultivate their leadership skills through debates, managing projects, and critical thinking. Food and drinks will be provided for the first 30 minutes.
Through their affiliation with JCI International, U.S. Junior Chamber and New York State Junior Chamber, the KAJC are a part of a worldwide network of over 500,000 young leaders and entrepreneurs in more than 50 countries around the world. Their members, the "Jaycees" can be found as leaders in all walks of life. Contact us to learn more about why Junior Chamber International is called the greatest organization for young people under the age of 40! Also find out more about the USJC and opportunities for new and prospective members.
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EXHIBITION
SooJin Jeong Exhibition
Soojin Jeong's work is modern in its execution, but timeless in its themes. Exploring the nature of human beings and their relationship to reality is what Jeong's work expresses to her viewers most strongly. Jeong's work carries a message that is both universal and deeply personal; her compositions are simple, yet mysterious. The recurring figures in her work are goats; she places them in different places throughout her canvases. These goats can be interpreted as simple, whimsical flourishes or as lonely representations of the human condition. Either way, Jeong creates a reality for her viewers, which operates on multiple levels. Her work gives a sense of spontaneity and freedom, but also of careful detail and orchestrated construction. She brilliantly gives the effect of effortlessness, while her works are in fact sophisticated renderings of a deeply reflective artist. Soojin Jeong lives and works in New York.
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Sound intriguing? Check out our review of Taste of Tea here.
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MOVIE PREMIERE
The Taste of Tea (Cha No Aji) (2004)
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Friday, February 23rd, various times
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Imaginasian Theater
239 East 59th Street
between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
New York City
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www.theimaginasian.com
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The Taste of Tea (Cha No Aji) (2004)
Japan, Japanese with English subtitles, color, 143 min
Written and Directed by Katsuhito Ishii
Starring Tadanobu Asana, Satomi Tezuka, Tomokazu Miura, Tatsuya Gasyuin, Takahiro Sato, Maya Banno, Anna Tsuchiya
Katsuhito Ishii, the director of the cult classic Shark Skin Man and Peach Hip Girl and creator of Kill Bill 1 & 2's title sequences, takes on a new direction and creates a marvelously quirky, touching tale of a young girl (Maya Banno) and her outwardly normal family. In reality, Mom is a former Manga artist desperate to return to the job, Dad is a hypo-therapist who's not beyond practicing on the family, her Brother has reached the hormonal boiling point, and Grandpa (Tatsuya Gashuin, the hitman from Shark Skin Man) has taken a vacation from reality. The film is loaded with fantasy elements, the manifestations of our character's inner thoughts, including the little girl's giant alter ego that pesters her at the worst possible times. Look for a guest appearance by master animator Hideaki Anno. Emi Wakui, the nagging wife of Tange Sazen, narrates the film.
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GALA
The China Institute Annual Gala: Year of the Pig Celebration
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The China Institute
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Friday, February 23rd, 7:30pm - 12:30am
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Puck Building
295 Lafayette Street
New York City
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Members $55, Non-members $75, $100 including membership
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www.chinainstitute.org
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China Institute's Young Associates invite you to the Annual Chinese New Year Soiree themed as the 1930's Shanghai Casino Nightclub. From 7:30pm - 8:30pm in the Lafayette Reception Room will be the Chinese Marketplace and Wine Reception, and from 8:30pm - 12:30am Skylight Ballroom will host a casino, dancing, hors d'oeuvres, open bar with cultural performances and activities. Red and gold themed or traditional festive attire, black tie optional
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CALL FOR CNN STORY SUBJECTS
CNN Looking for Asian American Students Applying to Ivy League Universities
A producer with CNN in New York City is currently working on a story on the admissions process for ivy and upper tier schools and is looking to profile an Asian American student who is actively trying to get into an Ivy league university. Some believe it is harder for Asian Americans than Caucasians and other minorities to get into these universities. Statistics show that for Caucasians and other minorities, every 1 in 10 students are admitted into these universities, while for Asians Americans, 1 in 20 are admitted. Is there an unspoken quota?
They are looking for students who are trying to differentiate themselves on their applications, whether it's extracirricular activities such as sports, hobbies, volunteer work or anything else more extreme, in order to make themselves stand out to the admissions offices. Please contact Susan Chun at Susan.Chun@cnn.com if you have a good story and would like to tell her about it or know of anybody who might make a good subject.
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JOB OPPORTUNITY
Director of Program Development
Korean American Community Foundation (KACF) is conducting a search for a full-time Director of Program Development, to be in charge of its inter-community programs. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Oversee, coordinate and execute all of the Program Development work, supervise the existing programs (see below), and devise and implement additional programming in the area of inter-community Program Development;
Report to the Executive Director and work closely with the Board of Directors (via the Board Chair Program Development) in communicating and collaborating on all Program Development matters;
Develop strategies and workplans that reflect the current situations and affairs of the Asian American, Latino American and African American and other communities in the New York Metropolitan area, to establish sound and solid program development work;
Maintain the relationship with the Ford Foundation, to keep aligned with KACF program objectives and strategy with those of the funder¡¯s;
Work with the Program Development Manager of the Steering Committee, to organize and manage the Steering Committee teams in assisting the work; and
Develop and maintain the Program Development budgets and finances.
Qualifications
We are seeking applicants with a strong desire to promote inter-community dialogue between the Korean American community and others. The applicant must have excellent communication, business-development and analytical skills and creative problem-solving ability, be able to handle several simultaneous tasks, and be extremely organized. Non-profit management, community development or other community-based work experience strongly preferred; knowledge of public policy, local and national, is a strong plus. Some proficiency in Korean language is preferred. A successful candidate will be passionate about KACF¡¯s mission; committed to the betterment of the Korean American community (especially through the Program Development work), entrepreneurial, have ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, and be flexible with changing environment. Educational background required. BA/BS required. Advanced degree a plus. Salary $40K plus benefits.
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CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Big Brothers Big Sisters Need of Asian American Mentors
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit organization that seeks to match young people with caring adult volunteers for friendship and positive role modeling. BBBS offers three types of mentoring programs: Community-Based, Site-Based, and Special Populations, each with their own subcategories. In 2001, our program for immigrant families, including Asian immigrant families, was initiated to address the unique needs these youths may be facing from the pressures of adjusting to a new culture, language, and custom. We are in constant need of committed volunteers who have first-hand experience of growing up in American as a first generation immigrant and are looking to make an important difference in a child's future. Please visit www.bigsnyc.org for more information.
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INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The White House Internship Program
The White House Internship Program offers an excellent opportunity to serve our President and explore public service. We are seeking exceptional candidates to apply for this highly competitive program. In addition to typical office duties, interns attend weekly lectures, tours, and complete an intern service project. Interns may serve a term in the Fall, Spring or Summer. Every candidate must be a United States citizen, enrolled in a college or university, and at least 18 years of age. Applications should be submitted to Karen Race, Deputy Director and Intern Coordinator, White House Personnel.
Strong applications exhibit:
Sound academic credentials
A history of community involvement and leadership
Solid verbal/written communication skills
A demonstrated interest in public service
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JOB OPPORTUNITY
Asian Pacific Islander Arts Coordinator
The Ford Theatre Foundation is seeking an Asian Pacific Islander Arts Coordinator to connect Los Angeles County's growing Latino and Asian Pacific Islander populations with the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre. The coordinator assists in building increased awareness and a positive image of the Ford and its programs within the community and for attracting new participants to its programs and performances. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and a list of 3 references (with telephone numbers) to rcarlile@lacountyarts.org.
Primary responsibilities include:
Proactively building relationships between the Ford Theatres and ethnic media, artists, producers, community leaders, and audiences from the Asian Pacific Islander community in Los Angeles County.
Working with the Community Bridges Advisory Council on creating, implementing, and evaluating marketing and audience development strategies.
Serving as the Ford's primary operational contact with Community Outreach Partnership Program (COPP) organizations as well as with individuals, organizations and vendors assisting with implementation of the outreach program.
Handling the logistical details of providing artist workshops at COPP sites and arranges for visits of COPP constituents to Ford performances, including ticket donations/buys and arranging transportation to and from the venue.
Giving presentations to community organizations about the Ford.
Identifying and encouraging artists and producers to apply to the Ford Amphitheatre's summer season.
Planning special events.
Implementing audience development strategic plan.
Assisting with [Inside] the Ford performance series.
Skills/Requirements:
The ideal candidate will have direct experience working with the diverse segments that comprise the Asian Pacific Islander communities in Los Angeles County; speak and write English and one other language fluently with outstanding verbal and written communication skills; have experience working with Asian Pacific Islander media, artists, and producers; have strong time management and excellent organizational skills, including the ability to successfully oversee a project from beginning to end; be self-motivated, work well under pressure and be flexible.
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INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Chica Luna Productions Spring Internships 2007
Chica Luna Productions has openings for six interns. All applicants must be able to start mid-January 2007 and stay through end of May 2007. Our internships are unpaid and provide immense hands-on administrative experience and a great introduction to the media industry. We provide a monthly transit check and college credit where applicable. All applicants must be able to commit to at least 15 hours per week. This is a great opportunity to learn in a supportive, creative and ever-growing progressive environment committed to social justice.
The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and have a great sense of humor, a wonderful phone manner, work well as a part of a fast-moving- multi-tasking team, possess excellent attention to detail, good follow-up and team player skills, lots of energy, interest in progressive politics, a sense of organization, an eagerness to learn, and a willingness to ask questions when needed. Proficiency in current versions of MS Word and Excel software on a PC and MAC is a must while experience in Final Cut Pro and Filemaker Pro maybe required for specific internships.
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CALL FOR STUDY SUBJECTS
Survey on how Asian American women balance work and family responsibilities
Miliann Kang, Assistant Professor of Women's Studies at University of Massachusetts, Amherst, is conducting a study on how Asian American women balance work and family responsibilities. She is starting off with a web-based survey of Asian American women. If you or someone you know would be available to participate in survey for this study, it would greatly contribute to understanding the challenges and concerns of this understudied group of women and their mothering and work experiences.
http://www.questionpro.com/akira/TakeSurvey?id=567154
The survey will be completely confidential. Unfortunately, I cannot offer any remuneration, other than the satisfaction of knowing that your participation will potentially help to raise awareness and facilitate workplace practices and policy initiatives to better serve Asian American working families. At the end of the survey, you can enter your name into a raffle for a $100 book gift certificate as well as provide your contact information if you are willing to participat in a follow-up interview.
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CALL FOR STUDY SUBJECTS
Post-Doctorate Research Study of Children of Asian Immigrants
Post-doctorate research study on the way family, gender and culture among sons/ daughters of Asian immigrants in the U.S. and its role in shaping their long term ethnicity and family is in search of interviewees. Participation is confidential and voluntary and you are free to answer any questions you'd like, to withdraw your consent and/ or to discontinue participation at any time without penalty. It is estimated that there will be at least 70-100 participants interviewed. Other than potential discomfort in answering these questions, risks will be minimal, given these interviews are strictly voluntary and confidential and interview questions are open-ended. You will be given a choice of either $15 or a $15 Barnes & Nobles gift certificate as a token of appreciation for your participation.
The minimum criteria for the study is that the person:
Must be Chinese, Taiwanese or Korean Americans between the ages of 25-35
Must have been born in the U.S. or immigrated to the U.S. before elementary school (usually before age five) and have parents who are foreign-born Chinese, Taiwanese, or Korean immigrants
Must have lived in the New York/ New Jersey metropolitan area for at least three years
People who are not actively involved in any racial/ ethnic organization is preferred as well as those who also come from the following hard-to-reach populations:
LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender) Asian Americans
Asian Americans who have been married at least once and/ or have children
Asian American children who raised themselves or were raised by someone other than parents growing up (e.g. b/c both parents were working)
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JOB OPPORTUNITY
Fluent Linguists Needed
Fluent linguists are needed for full and part time positions in New York. Linguists will provide translation services in support of government and law enforcement agencies. The language desired is Korean. The job pays $29.37/hr and candidates can work up to 40/hrs a week. Applicants must be fluent in reading and writing English and the target language, be able to type 40/wpm, and have experience using Microsoft Word. All candidates must also be US citizens or green card holders (if held for more than 3 years); and have a good credit history and a clear criminal background.
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JOB OPPORTUNITY
Bi-lingual (Korean/English) Nurse Practitioners Needed
Bi-lingual (Korean/English) Nurse Practitioners Needed for Bergen County, New Jersey Facility. Positions Available for Adult, Family or Geriatrics Nurse Practitioners. Established New Jersey Healthcare Company seeks part-time and full-time Nurse Practitioners for Patient Education and Medical Counseling. Full-time $95K+ a year. If you are Board Certified and have a Masters in Nursing, Please send your resume to: rschwartz@kensingtonhealth.com.
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