Savoring Life in Philadelphia

oh FRICK yes

lifesavorer — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 01:19:28 +0000

No Casino in the Heart of Our City Coalition

Issue: #9

September 1, 2009

PRESS ON!

Dear Coalition Members,

We have achieved one of the major goals of our campaign. We stopped Foxwoods from building a slots parlor in the heart of our city.

At a public hearing on Friday, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board extended Foxwoods’ slots license for another 21 months, with the condition that Foxwoods stick to its licensed site at the waterfront in South Philadelphia.

Foxwoods’ attempt to locate in center city has been rebuffed.

Foxwoods investor, Ron Rubin’s attempt to become Foxwoods’ landlord as well has been foiled.

Philadelphia’s political elite’s attempt to force a Center City casino on Philadelphian has been denied.

Now, as Foxwoods faces the choice of building at the waterfront or no place at all, it does so in an extremely weakened state. The casino industry is tanking nationwide. Here in the Philadelphia area, we see more and more casinos scrapping over a limited customer base. The tribe that is partnering with local investors to run Foxwoods needs to restructure $2 billion of debt and is at risk of defaulting on its loans. The credit market is tight, limiting almost all new construction. Foxwoods’ credibility is at an all-time low; even casino-boosters like the PA Gaming Control Board are questioning Foxwoods’ capacity and will to get a slot parlor up and running.

You joined us in a fight that everybody said could not be won. Since the start of this struggle, we have understood the powerful array of forces lined up against us. And despite all the naysayers who said that we should be quiet and accept the inevitable, we have added our strength to those who have kept casinos from breaking ground in Philadelphia to date.

Foxwoods’ forced retreat from Chinatown and Center City marks one more important step in the long battle to drive predatory gambling from Philadelphia.

THERE IS MORE WORK TO BE DONE

It is our Coalition’s stand that slots parlors do not belong near any neighborhood. It wasn’t right for Chinatown and Center City to be saddled with a casino. Neither is it right for the people of Pennsport, South Philadelphia, Fishtown or Northern Liberties to be saddled with one.

We understand that casinos profit by promoting addiction and impoverishing their customers, and the threat of this predatory business extends beyond neighborhood boundaries.

We also need to be vigilant and guard against future casino intrusion into Center City. If Foxwoods fails to meet the conditions of the Gaming Control Board, their license would be revoked and new casino developers sought – which might mean a return to the center city site.

We are encouraged by the recent events, and we are inspired to press on to eliminate the threat of predatory gambling in our city.

FUNDRAISER & PARTY THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES! TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 6:30 PM @ the No Slots Spot 718 Market Street sliding scale: $5 to $500 (no one will be turned away)
Come to the No Slots Spot on September 15: Celebrate Kicking Foxwoods Out of Center City Mobilize to Kick Casinos Out of Philadelphia We strengthen our movement when we invest in building our community. Join with others as we celebrate our fight & look forward to the struggle still to come.

We hope to see you on September 15!Thanks for all you do.

Sincerely,

Ellen Somekawa
Asian Americans United,
for the Coalition

furious style!

lifesavorer — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 05:43:22 +0000

Join us for Open Mic Night!

August 14
7 p.m.

The open mic will feature…

Artist-in-Residence Jeff Cylkowski as MC!
Live performance by local b-boys Dreamerz Crew!
Special presentations by Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia and Iranian Youth Media Workshop!
You*!!! Sign up that night!

*Open mic rules…
The theme is “Community.” Each person will be allotted 5 minutes. Non-Asian performers, please open with a work by an Asian American artist.

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Earlier that evening…
At 5 p.m., we will celebrate Second Friday with the exhibition opening reception of Furious Style!

Price of admission…
Free, but donations are always happily accepted!

Our new home…
1219 Vine Street, Philly Chinatown

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About this latest exhibition…
The joyously self-described “unrefined and undefined” culmination of an energetic six-week workshop, Furious Style! merges elements of abstract art with graffiti-style lettering that speaks to the values of today’s young visionaries and tomorrow’s leaders. The exhibition also includes Jeff Cylkowski’s colorful and colossal site-specific mural installation welcoming visitors into the foyer of the Asian Arts Initiative’s new home.

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Frolic on Facebook…

“Friend” us: http://www.facebook.com/AsianArtsInitiative
Opening reception: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=248162320191
Open mic: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108550438181

strummin’ under the stars at the little red string

lifesavorer — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:39:05 +0000

“the little red string” by Jonathan & Kimberly Stemler

(photography by Jeff Reeder)

Stop by and revel in an evening of music, food, and community with the Asian Arts Initiative to celebrate the final evening of “the little red string” installation by artists Jonathan and Kimberly Stemler:

WHEN

Monday, July 6, 7-9 p.m.

WHERE

Carlton Street between 11th & 12th Streets, Chinatown (Carlton is north of Vine, south of Callowhill, one block away from the Initiative)

WHAT

Visually suggesting stars and constellations, “the little red string” lanterns beneath a dark viaduct light the way for the community’s expansion in Chinatown North. Each of the lanterns are inscribed with personal stories from community members describing their connection with the night sky in their respective homelands and traditions.

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Before the artists remove the lanterns the following day, this is the last chance to enjoy the beauty that they have brought to the neighborhood!

Entertainment will include live music by local guitar players Wayne Hsu, Annie Seng, Owen Zhong, and others. Musically inclined community members are encouraged to bring your own instruments and join the jam session!

Light refreshments will be provided, and community members are encouraged to each bring a dish to share as a potluck picnic.

Admission is free. Donations are always accepted!

Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=132949573760&ref=mf

Summer 2009 Youth Lounge

lifesavorer — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:36:22 +0000

Thoughts? Suggestions? Commenting doesn’t require registration with WordPress. =O)

Urban Convergence @ Asian Arts Initiative

lifesavorer — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:51:37 +0000

URBAN CONVERGENCE

a high-energy exhibition

Exhibit: June 12 – August 2, 2009 (see below for gallery hours)

Opening Reception:

Friday, June 12, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

feat. music by DJ Phantastic
plus live b-boy performances by Dreamerz & Stylers Crews

The marriage between art and culture has never been more prominent than it is today. Examples abound: Damien Hirst’s paintings as the backdrop of Jay-Z’s music videos; Takashi Murakami’s designs on Louis Vuitton’s accessories and Kanye West’s album cover; graffiti art on Converse sneakers, Sprint advertisements, and energy drinks; Shepard Fairey’s iconic “HOPE” portrait of President Obama.

These collaborations reflect an unprecedented merging and morphing of artistic genres and culture—high art with street art, underground with pop, fine art with street culture—that is breaking down social barriers and dated paradigms and clearing space for new ideas and aesthetics.

Hailing from metropolitan hubs throughout the country—Philadelphia, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington D.C.—these artists will share exciting work in a variety of mediums and styles that demonstrate a nationwide convergence toward a fresh contemporary sensibility with an urban edge: Pose II, Joshua Mays, Dave Cramske, Isaac Lin, Rodney Camarce, Jesse Olanday, Sun You, Figments by Ciriaco, Anjni Raol, Shin Ae Tassia, Chanika Svetvilas, Bret Syfert, Junghwa O’Connell, Miss Tina Wong, Teel MUL, and Dan “R5” Barojas.

Urban Convergence is curated by Jeff Cylkowski, a Korean American adoptee and Brooklyn-based multidisciplinary painter, muralist, and hip-hop artist. Before receiving a formal art education from the Pratt Institute, he spent years immersed in urban subcultures. The spirit of that experience continues to inform his work today. In summer 2009, he will be Artist-in-Residence at the Asian Arts Initiative.

The residency will include a six-week series of painting and mural-making workshops with local youth in partnership with the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, beginning July 6 and culminating with an exhibition of new work on August 14, 2009.

Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday – Friday
(215)557-0455 or www.asianartsinitiative.org

Edge of the World 2009 @ Asian Arts Initiative

lifesavorer — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:39:39 +0000

√ Become aware of racism in the media
√ Protest against racism in the media
__ Support anti-racist media

On May 29/30 (your choice), check off this last crucial item!

SAVE THE DATE!

Asian Arts Initiative presents

EDGE OF THE WORLD
A roller coaster of Asian American experience!

Friday & Saturday, May 29 – 30, 2009
7:30 p.m.

From the diverse and intersecting worlds of spoken word, comedy, writing and performance, a cast from East and West coasts collaborate to create a night of “speed plays” inspired by a range of intensely personal stories and global social conditions. All the plays are short – from a few seconds to as many as 5 minutes. So don’t sit back for long, but do enjoy the ride!

Featuring Regie Cabico, John Castro, Makoto Hirano, Sueyeun Juliette Lee, Traci Kato-Kiriyama, Dan Kim, Michelle Myers, Gary San Angel, Anula Shetty, Ryan Suda, F. Omar Telan, Greg Watanabe, Kristina Wong, and other possible surprises.

Warning: the show may include strong language and sensitive content not intended for anyone who is faint of heart! Viewer discretion is advised!

Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/52877

$15 general admission, $12 students
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/52877

Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine Street, Philadelphia

More info: Asian Arts Initiative: (215)557-0455 or www.asianartsinitiative.org

*FACEBOOK FRIEND US – “AsianArts Initiative,” not “Asian Arts Initiative.”

Be the first to receive invitations and news about discounts, programs, and other exciting ventures!

blessed child

lifesavorer — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 04:03:40 +0000

Lifesavorer, you are so blessed that it is not even funny.

Yes, I’m addressing you, the nut with the crappy haircut.

You with the family who cares and cooks and worries and waits, packed like sardines, in overpriced parking lots for an hour in the dead of night.

Yes, you with the friends who always remember and craft the most beautiful messages and greet you with the tightest hugs and the most thoughtful gifts.

You with the heart of an amazing, patient, hilarious man who, with the drop of his chuckle, injects sunshine into your veins and inspires reams of dancing-with-words and believes your best is more brilliant than you yourself believe.

You with the books and the healing words and the clear blue sky and the burning yellow sun and the cool, soothing shade and the swift-footed, able body.

You with the crisp evening air and the clean bed and the safe home and the stocked fridge and the dream job and the lifetime supply of ink and love.

You, with the privilege of pauses and punctuation, peace and relaxation, writing and meditation.

Of all people, why do you – thoughtless, selfish, hot-tempered, awkward, flaky crybaby – of all people – have all of this?

Count your blessings and share them here if you’re so inclined.

how ya been?

lifesavorer — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:00:12 +0000

Been busy getting acclimated at work.

Been fighting a nasty cough and failing miserably.

Been wondering if I’ll someday die from respiratory malfunction.

Been eating unwashed hand fruits and greasy Thai take-out food – FYI, big no no when one is ill.

Been drinking more water than usual – you know what that means…

Been looking forward to this weekend’s Grand Opening Celebration at the Asian Arts Initiative.

Been pleasantly surprised by Be-Ut’s postcards from Europe.

Been appreciative of Daylight Savings Time because the evening sun makes me feel safe and happy during my commute home.

Been grateful for my family’s surprisingly supportive stance toward my job.

Been joyful and at peace with myself.

What are your home remedies for a bad cough? Fo’ real. I’m rendered speechless by this beast of a cough. And in line with this entry’s theme, how have YOU been?

job #1

lifesavorer — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:01:07 +0000

Great news before I bounce for the day (Piz, are you disgusted?): I’ve been hired!!! Hip hip frickin’ hooray?!

Details to come!

What is your ideal career? What steps are you taking to reach it? If you are already at your ideal job, what would make it even better?

By the way, this just in from Angry Asian Man:

This is an editorial in The Philadelphia Inquirer about recent troubles for the Asian Arts Initiative, which has been around for fifteen years, but apparently isn’t doing so well these days: Time is short for Asian Arts.

The arts organization, which was displaced from its operating location two years ago by a Convention Center expansion, has not yet secured all of the funding for its new location at 1219 Vine St. The deadline is September, and things aren’t looking good. But they’re hosting a benefit event next month:

Asian Arts Initiative 2009 Benefit Banquet and Auction
Friday, April 24, 2009
6 – 9 p.m.

Ocean City Restaurant
234 N. 9th Street, Chinatown, Philadelphia
$65 per seat

Save the date for a night of food and fun to support the Asian Arts Initiative! Your seat at our Banquet includes a mouthwatering 10-course meal, a diversity of performers, and our always popular silent auction!

Things are tough all around, and nonprofit arts organizations suffer especially when giving is down. To learn more about the event, the work of the Asian Arts Initiative, and what you can do to help, go to the website here.

reclaiming my good health

lifesavorer — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:46:00 +0000

Last night I went to bed at 9 frickin’ p.m. and it took me SIX hours to fall asleep. SIX. As in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, SIX. I didn’t fall asleep until 3, so I slept for only 6 hours. Why, of all the days in a year, would my body choose to disobey me the night before a job interview?

While I was super agitated and bored last night, I realized that I have major anxiety issues. You know what would help aside from therapy? Exercise.

I don’t miss State College, but I do miss all the spur-of-the-moment brisk walks to Walnut Springs Park, the free yoga sessions at Doug’s Studio every Friday, and Salsa Night at Tony’s Big Easy every Wednesday.

Not to say I have not tried to exercise at home in Philly. During my first few weeks back at home, I followed my mom’s example and walked the length of our first floor for at least 60 minutes every day. That was okay.

Then the pressure to find a job began to overwhelm me and swallow me whole. I began to feel guilty about exercising. So I stopped.

Then I got sick. And sick again. Gastroenteritis – a.k.a. stomach flu – sent me to the emergency room, hooked up to an I.V. And now I’m recovering from a nasty cold.

What a weak, pathetic immune system.

So, aside from writing a thank-you message, I am taking today and tomorrow off from job hunting to reclaim my good health, to exercise, to savor my meals with family and visiting friends, and to clean up my bedroom.

And I will not feel guilty.

What are your de-stressing techniques? Do you have an exercise regimen? If so, what is it? If not, why not?