Thursday, October 31, 2013

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.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

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

Monday, October 28, 2013

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

Sunday, October 27, 2013

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

from umich.edu:

Author Tom Peek on Campus
Readings and DiscussionPicture of Author Tom PeekTom 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

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Hawai'i: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power | Ann Arbor District Library

From AADL.org:

Hawai'i: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power

Tuesday October 29, 2013: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm -- Downtown Library: 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.

Hawai'i: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power | Ann Arbor District Library

Friday, October 25, 2013

Ann Arbor Natural Awakenings – October 2013 : Calendar Of Events

Ann Arbor Natural Awakenings – October 2013 : Calendar Of Events

re October 29:
Hawaii: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power 7-8:30pm.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.Downtown Library, 343 S Fifth Ave.327-4555.AADL.org.

and from CatherineRobbins.com:

On October 29, Catherine will participate in a panel discussion, “Hawaiʻi: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power” http://www.aadl.org/node/232882 at the Ann Arbor District Library in Michigan. Catherine will show slides of her Hawaiʻi inspired paintings and discuss her artistic practice. Frances Kai-Hwa Wang will read from "Where the Lava Meets the Sea—Asian Pacific American Postcards from Hawai‘i", a collection of her essays, prose, poems and short stories, and Tom Peek will read from his award-winning novel, Daughters of Fire. Dr. Susan Najita, Professor of English at the University of Michigan, will moderate the discussion. Light Hawaiian snacks will be served. Tuesday, October 29, 7:00 p.m., Ann Arbor District Library Multipurpose Room, 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor, Michigan.
News | catherinerobbins.com

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Poetry, Prose, Painting, Photography, and Pele with Tom Peek at the AADL Tues. Oct. 29, 7:00 pm

Sorry about the alliteration, but we're finalizing the program today for Tuesday's reading with Tom Peek at Ann Arbor District Library on Tuesday October 29, 2013, 7:00 pm, "Hawaii: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power."

Hawai'i: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power | Ann Arbor District Library

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. These issues are not limited to Hawaii and our speakers can discuss these issues as they apply here in Michigan and the Midwest. Tom Peek will be reading from his new novel, "Daughters of Fire," and I will be reading from my new chapbook, "Where the Lava Meets the Sea--Asian Pacific American Postcards from Hawaii." We will be joined by hula kumu June Yoshiko Kaililani Ryushin Tanoue of Halau i Ka Pono hula school in Chicago who will do a Pele (volcano) chant, and by artist Catherine Robbins who will be discussing her painting and photography. Susan Najita of the University of Michigan Department of English and Department of American Culture Program in Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies will be moderating.

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

Both Tom's and Frances' books will be available for sale, thanks to our friends at Nicola's Books, and the program will be followed by a book signing.

And snacks!

Tom Peek will be doing three readings in Ann Arbor, each with different content! Make sure to catch his reading at Nicola's Books, Wednesday, October 30, 7:00 pm. http://www.nicolasbooks.com/event/meet-author-tom-peek-daughters-fire

Or if you are on campus, at Hatcher Graduate Library, Tuesday, October 29, 10-11:30 am.


Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Moving Detroit Forward: A Special Fundraiser for Stephanie Chang...in LA November 16!

Hey LA folks! and folks attending the Advancing Justice conference!

My good friend Stephanie Chang (who I have been watching since she graduated from college at the University of Michigan) is running for Michigan State Representative of District 6, DETROIT!, and she is having a special fundraiser after the Advancing Justice conference on Saturday, November 16, 6-9 pm, at the Far Bar in LA's Little Tokyo, right next door to the Japanese American National Museum (JANM).

You don't want to miss this opportunity to support one of our community's bright young activists and you certainly don't want to miss the opportunity to hear about all the great cool things happening in Detroit.



Michigan folks: Lots of opportunities to meet and support Stephanie Chang, stay tuned.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Jeff Chu reading tonight at Nicola's Books, October 22, "Does Jesus Really Love Me?"

The very cool and stylish Jeff Chu, author of "Does Jesus Really Love Me?: A Gay Christian's Pilgrimage in Search of God in America" and an editor at Fast Company, will be reading tonight at Nicola's Books, Tuesday, October 22, 7:00 pm.

$26.99
ISBN-13: 9780062049735
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Harper, 3/2013 


From Nicola's Books:
In this timely work--part memoir, part investigative analysis--a prize-winning writer explores the explosive and confusing intersection of faith, politics, and sexuality in Christian America. 
When Jeff Chu came out to his parents as a gay man, his devout Christian mother cried. And cried. Every time she looked at him. For months. As a journalist and a believer, Chu knew that he had to get to the heart of a question that had been haunting him for years: Does Jesus really love me? 
The quest to find an answer propels Chu on a remarkable cross-country journey to discover the God "forbidden to him" because of his sexuality. Surveying the breadth of the political and theological spectrum, from the most conservative viewpoints to the most liberal, he tries to distill what the diverse followers of Christ believe about homosexuality and to understand how these people who purportedly follow the same God and the same Scriptures have come to hold such a wide range of opinions. Why does Pastor A believe that God hates me, especially because of my gayness? Why does Person B believe that God loves me, gayness and all? 
From Brooklyn to Nashville to California, from Westboro Baptist Church and their god hates fags protest signs to the pioneering Episcopal bishop Mary Glasspool, who proclaims a message of liberation and divine love, Chu captures spiritual snapshots of Christian America at a remarkable moment, when tensions between both sides in the culture wars have rarely been higher. Both funny and heartbreaking, perplexing and wise, Does Jesus Really Love Me? is an intellectual, emotional, and spiritual pilgrimage that reveals a portrait of a faith and a nation at odds.

Meet Author Jeff Chu (Does Jesus Really Love Me?: A Gay Christian's Pilgrimage in Search of God in America) | Nicola's Books

Monday, October 21, 2013

Advancing Justice is...

UPDATE: Apparently, Advancing Justice had extended their deadline, and I'm in! Click here and like the photo to help me win a chance to go to the Advancing Justice Conference in Los Angeles. (I'm so embarrassed). https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=482990855132997&set=a.482990595133023.1073741828.106379822794104&type=1&theater


hey friends at Asian Americans Advancing Justice, I know i'm two weeks too late for the contest, but still wanted to be a part. I'm outside of 22828 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, Michigan, former location of the Golden Star Restaurant, Vincent Chin’s last workplace and where the community gathered to discuss what to do and where American Citizens for Justice / Asian American Center for Justice was born.

Advancing Justice is...walking forward together so our children do not have to retrace our steps. @acj_aacj

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Junot Diaz on how love and writing about love reveals us

I never wanted to love or write about love, thought it was sissy stuff, girly stuff, not serious and not strong, and Junot Díaz shows how it is done:
"Love reveals us. Profoundly and unnervingly, love reveals us. I think this is something that can often be a source of comfort and dismay. Most of us are not used to being naked. And I can’t speak to the world, but that first time you disrobe—the first time you disrobe before someone you care about—shrinks in comparison to the first time you begin to unveil your internal self. What I think of the stories that I was overwhelmed by growing up, that astonished me growing up, I think they always drew upon that notion of how we are revealed in love."
"Sometimes the right choice is also the hardest choice. Often, most of us choose for safety. I think it is easier to go to Mordor bearing the ring of the enemy than to advance into the unknown wilderness of another person’s heart."
http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2012/9/13/15-Q-junot-diaz/

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Detroit: Movement City October 25 University of Michigan

A Scholar/Activist Exchange on Urban Struggle & Community Building. And. Grace. Lee. Boggs.

Detroit: Movement City
Friday, October 25, 2013
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

More information at https://www.facebook.com/events/451911748260537/?notif_t=plan_user_invited

Friday, October 18, 2013

Chinese as a Foreign Language Promotion and Performance at AACCOM

I will be MC'ing this event at the Ann Arbor Chinese Center of Michigan (AACCOM):

Friday, October 25th
If you have any non-mandarin speaking friends who are currently learning Chinese language or have learned it in the past, please encourage them to participate in this meaningful and fun event. As long as the participant presents himself/herself with Chinese language, no matter it is singing, reading a paragraph in the textbook, reciting a poem, presenting a dialog between two participants, or even a self-introduction speech, any form of performance is welcome. Please spread the words for this event so we can see more faces every year! It is still not too late to contact shuhuatsai@gmail.com for registration.

如果您有任何學過中文並且母語非中文的朋友,請鼓勵他們報名這個有意義的活動。參加者可以自行決定表演內容,只要是用中文表達,唱歌,唸課文,倆人對話,背中文詩,或自我介紹都歡迎。希望借此活動推廣華文及其文化。請大家幫忙宣傳,讓此活動一年比一年熱鬧!



Thursday, October 17, 2013

Fundraising Dinner for Association of Chinese Americans (ACA), October 18, 2013

Fundraising Dinner for Association of Chinese Americans (ACA), the Detroit Chapter of Organization of Chinese Americans, October 18, 2013.



Sunday, October 13, 2013

Teaching 3 writing classes at WCC Fall 2013

I'll be teaching three writing classes at Washtenaw Community College this semester, Fall 2013. Register early and often! I'm teaching Conversational Chinese, too.

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  
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=

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Reading with Tom Peek October 29: Hawaii: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power

Check this out, they are calling me a poet!

I'll be reading with Tom Peek and Catherine Robbins at Ann Arbor District Library on Tuesday October 29, 2013, 7:00 pm, "Hawaii: Deep Beauty and Volcanic Power." We will also be discussing writing about place, culture(s), environmental and development issues. And snacks!

Update: We will be joined by hula kumu June Yoshiko Kaililani Ryushin Tanoue of Halau i Ka Pono hula school in Chicago. This is very exciting!

Tom Peek will be doing three readings in Ann Arbor, each with different content! Make sure to catch his reading at Nicola's Books, Wednesday, October 30, 7:00 pm.


Friday, October 11, 2013

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



Looking forward to seeing my friend and writing teacher, Tom Peek, who will be doing three readings in Ann Arbor this month. Here's the one I won't be able to attend, October 30, 2013, 7:00 p.m., Nicola's Books.

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

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Teaching Conversational Chinese class today at WCC

Conversational Chinese class starts today at 6:00 pm at Washtenaw Community College!

Chinese 1 CHN 4000 Start 10/09/13 Mandatory Fees: $20.00 Rm. LA 161
8 sessions Wed Tuition: $189.00 Location: Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg Instructor: Wang

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: 2205
Wednesday 6:00 pm - 8:25 pm; 8 sessions starting October 9, 2013, ending November 27, 2013
Tuition: $189.00   Mandatory Fees: $20.00
Instructor: Wang
Location: Liberal Arts & Sciences Bldg , Rm. LA 161       Map
Registration Closes On: October 9, 2013 11:59 PM

Register here: https://washtenaw.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassListing.ClassListingDisplay&int_category_id=9&int_sub_category_id=69&int_catalog_id=

https://washtenaw.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=2205&int_category_id=9&int_sub_category_id=69&int_catalog_id=0

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Reading at Nancy Wolfe's Opening at Josef Glimer Gallery

So pleased to be a part of Nancy Wolfe's Opening at Josef Glimer Gallery, with readings Friday Oct 4 at 6 pm and Saturday Oct 5 at 5 pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/167295936796648/



that moment halfway through your reading when the handsome young man you've already decided is not going to show walks in out of the rain and quietly finds a seat in the back row...



The colors are gorgeous in here.



Congratulations Nancy Wolfe on a successful opening! Thanks for letting me be a part!

Thursday, October 3, 2013

ken chen and ravi shankar reading UMMA


So excited to see Ken Chen of Asian American Writers' Workshop and Ravi Shankar of Drunken Boat read their poetry at University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) today/Thursday 10/3/13 at 5:10.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Selecting poems for Nancy Wolfe Opening at Josef Glimer Gallery

Selecting poems with painter Nancy Wolfe to read at her opening this weekend at Josef Glimer Gallery in Chicago! What do you think?

Grandfather's Pond
The Teahouse
Searching for your Name
Mangoes in the Monsoon
Soujourner Moon
Moon Song
Little Brother's Moon
Dreams of the Diaspora

Opening Reception for Nancy Wolfe's " Painting Poetry" at Josef Glimer Gallery, Chicago, Friday October 4 (4-7 pm) and Saturday October 5 (11 am-6 pm), 2013. The two opening receptions will feature the artist, live poetry readings accompanied by shakuhachi flute, and writer Frances Kai-Hwa Wang reading original prose poetry inspired by the work on October 4 at 6 pm and October 5 at 5pm.

Seating is limited. Please RSVP to info@josefglimergallery.com 312.787.4640

Josef Glimer Gallery, 207 W. Superior St. Suite 200, Chicago, Illinois 60654

More at https://www.facebook.com/events/167295936796648/?context=create