THE APPA Newsletter

Jan 16, 2008

See This Weekend

Martin Luther King Day,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Day

http://www.thekingcenter.org/holiday/index.asp

MISSION STATEMENT:

Promote full utilization of the capabilities of the Enterprise's employees and champion the betterment of the company and community. Promote interest in Asian Pacific issues and culture and act as a bridge to all groups within our community. (substitute in your Enterprise and company, etc…)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

ed. by Douglas Ikemi

(dkikemi@pacbell.net)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back issues of the newsletter for all of 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 are available at http://www.ikemi.info/APPA/newsletters.html if you want to look up some past event. The website www.apa-pro.org no longer exists. This newsletter was originally published under the auspices of the Hughes Asian Pacific Professional Association (no longer extant). It currently has no affiliation and is available to anyone who is interested in downloading it.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Please send in information on cultural events and news items to dkikemi@pacbell.net or dkikemi@mac.com . Thanks to those who have.

Long range calendar items:

Chinatown Farmers Market EVERY THURSDAY FROM 2-6PM, the Chinatown Farmers' Market takes place at Hill & Alpine bringing fresh fruits and produce by California Farmers to the Chinatown Community. FRIED BANANA, FRIED YAM, HAWAIIAN CHICKEN. We invite you to come and experience the Chinatown Farmers' Market. Free parking with purchase.

The Downtown Arts District/Little Tokyo Farmers' Market

Weller Court 2nd & San Pedro in

Little Tokyo Summer Hours 10-3pm

Features fresh produce, Hawaiian Chicken, more food gifts...and live jazz band.

Tuesdays from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

The weekly market is held every Tuesday from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m year round, rain or shine.

Sponsored by LARABA the market will include farm-fresh produce, Asian produce, organic produce, eggs, seafood, cheese, olives, olive oils, flowers, plants, bread and prepared foods and more.

Hawaiian Chicken, Roasted corn on the cobb

Local businesses interested in having a prepared food booth at the market or individuals interested in volunteering at this non-profit event, please contact Susan Hutchinson at 323-660-8660 for more information

Los Angeles Public Library Celebrates our DiverseCity

http://www.lapl.org/kidspath/events/diversecity/index.html

Chinese American Museum, El Pueblo de Los Angeles, www.camla.org

Jake Lee exhibit opens.

THE CHINESE AMERICAN MUSEUM AND AUTO CLUB GIVE LEGENDARY CALIFORNIA PAINTER DAY IN SUNSHINE

California Artist Fused Chinese Heritage with California Scenes

(LOS ANGELES, Oct. 31, 2007) –— Jake Lee, a highly respected, yet quiet and enigmatic painter who influenced numerous other artists in California for decades, has not been the subject of a major retrospective, until now. “Sunshine & Shadow: In Search of Jake Lee” an exhibition hosted by the Chinese American Museum of Los Angeles, co-produced with the Automobile Club of Southern California, marks the first comprehensive and critical review of a prolific artist who embraced California landscapes and city scenes through watercolor.

Showcasing at the Chinese American Museum (CAM) from Dec. 1 to April 13, 2008, “Sunshine & Shadow” will highlight more than 60 watercolors, including eight from the Auto Club’s WESTWAYS cover art collection. The collection will also illustrate with photos and letters more details of the artist’s professional career and his family life, which he kept distinctly separate for many years. 
“Jake Lee is among the most well known and prolific watercolor artists of the 20th Century, yet we found very little published about his personal life as we researched this exhibition,” said Dr. Pauline Wong, Executive Director of the museum. “We had no problem locating his art and his influence – it lives in collections throughout the state and in the hearts of his many students. But it was more challenging to find the man. We believe this exhibition and catalogue will result in new appreciation for his artistic production and his influence.”

*SPRING 2008

Corky Lee exhibit opens.

http://camla.org/

Exhibition: Discovering the Grace of Life

January 11th ~April 30th, 2008

Story of Beautiful Korean Crafts

The Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles\5505 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles , Ca. 90036

January 11th ~April 30th, 2008

The Korean Cultural Center will host the Special exhibition, Discoverong the Grace of Life. This Exhibition will present fine Korean Traditional and Contemporary Craft Arts to fully recognize and appreciate the wonders of Korean Culture. This show is supported by the Korean Craft Promotion Foundation.

© MURAKAMI

Until February 11, 2008

MOCA, Los Angeles , CA
Arguably the most internationally acclaimed artist to emerge from Asia in the postwar era, Takashi Murakami effortlessly navigates between the worlds of fine art and popular culture and is best known for his cartoon-like, “superflat” style. This large-scale retrospective includes key selections that span the early 1990s to the present. More than 90 works in various media—painting, sculpture, installation, and film—will be installed in three sections, occupying over 20,000 square feet of exhibition space at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. The first portion will be an immersive, theatrically lit environment, recreating the annual “Wonder Festival” comic market convention. It will feature many of Murakami’s acclaimed large-scale otaku-inspired figure projects of the late 1990s, including a new version of Second Mission Project Ko2 (2000-07). The second section will comprise a grid-like shelving display of all of Murakami’s merchandise, including multiples, collectibles, and maquettes, among other items. The final section will trace Murakami’s artistic development since 1991, including early works that engage branding and the evolution of his signature character, DOB. Of particular importance will be the premiere of a new animated film, kaikai & kiki, and the debut of Buddha Oval, an enormous self-portrait sculpture in the guise of a Buddha. The exhibition is organized by MOCA Chief Curator Paul Schimmel with Research Assistant Mika Yoshitake and is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue.

www.moca.org

Japanese Painting: Calligraphy and Image

Until February 19 | Pavilion for Japanese Art

In traditional Chinese aesthetics, scholars considered poetry to be the highest form of communication, followed by calligraphy, which revealed the character of the writer, then by painting, a pictorial branch of calligraphy also meant to elucidate poetic imagery and reveal the painter's individual nature. This group of paintings and calligraphies features three main groups of Japanese artists for whom calligraphy became a central means of expression: Zen and other Buddhist monks, literati, who modeled themselves after the educated Chinese elite, and aristocrats of the imperial line, who bore the responsibility for maintaining authentic Japanese artistic principles.
Curator: Hollis Goodall, Japanese Art. This exhibition was organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
LACMA, Los Angeles , CA

Japanese Prints: Word/Poem/Picture

Until February 19 | Pavilion for Japanese Art

Japanese writing, composed of Chinese ideographs and kana syllabary, is pictographic in origin and as such combines seamlessly with pictorial imagery. In prints, paintings and decorative arts, the interweaving of poems or bits of famous poetry with associated pictures was continuous from at least the eleventh century forward. In Western art, words entered pictorial imagery in the early twentieth century with cubist collage, stimulating a new look at words, poems, and pictures in Japanese art. This exhibition shows some of the ways in which words and images have been blended in art since the eighteenth century, with a concentration on modern artists' and poets' interpretation of mixing single words, continuous prose, or poetry with images.

Curator: Hollis Goodall, Japanese Art. This exhibition was organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

LACMA, Los Angeles, CA

January 6 – February 24, 2008

10TH Annual SHIKISHI Exhibition

One of the most interesting and popular annual exhibitions in Los Angeles returns to mark its 10th year. The exhibition is open to anyone with a creative spark who looks to express their hopes for the New Year through the shikishi. This year's exhibit continues to showcase shikishi signed by dignitaries, and will feature art work based on this year’s theme Hatsu Mukashi (First–Long Ago) as well as references to the Year of the Rat, the animal which sits atop the 12-year Lunar Calendar cycle.

George J. Doizaki Gallery/ North Gallery Free Admission

George J. Doizaki Gallery Hours Tuesday – Friday 12noon to 5pm Saturday & Sunday 11am to 4pm Closed Mondays and holidays

Japanese American Cultural and Community Center

244 South San Pedro Street, Suite 505

(between 2nd and 3rd Streets)

Los Angeles (Little Tokyo), CA 90012

(213) 628-2725

www.jaccc.org

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Lifelong Learning

Little Tokyo Walking Tour

10:15AM-12:15PM

Relive history, learn about present-day Little Tokyo with National Museum docents. $8 Members; $13 non-members, includes Museum admission. Comfortable walking shoes and clothes recommended. Weather permitting.

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

fax: (213) 625-1770

www.janm.org

Sunday January 27, 2008 9am

4th Annual Kyokushin Karate U.S. Weight Category Karate Championship Competitors from ten countries come to represent the diversity and spirit of Kyokushin Karate. Competition opens with (Kata) to Knockdown Fighting (Kumite) leading up to the all weight category finals. For information contact Kyokushin Karate L.A Branch at www.kyokushinkaratela.com or call (877) 662-7947

Aratani/Japan America Theatre $40 VIP, $20 General Admission

Aratani/Japan America Theatre $20 General Admission $15 JACCC Members, Seniors and Students

Japanese American Cultural and Community Center

244 South San Pedro Street, Suite 505
(between 2nd and 3rd Streets)

Los Angeles (Little Tokyo), CA 90012

(213) 628-2725

www.jaccc.org

Feb 9 Golden Dragon Parade

Broadway and Hill Streets, 2-5PM

http://www.lagoldendragonparade.com/

http://www.lagoldendragonparade.com/event_pdfs/ParadeFlyer.pdf

Feb 10 30th Annual
Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker 5k/10k Run

Kiddie Run / Fun Walk

Los Angeles Chinatown

5:00AM - Course, sound system & vendor booth set up; volunteer check-in

6:00AM - Race day (late) registration and bib pick-up (ends when your event begins)

7:00AM - Pre-Race activities

7:15AM - Official Welcome

- 7:30AM - Opening Ceremonies

- 7:30AM - National Anthem 7:45AM - Lion Dancers perfom

- 7:50AM - Lighting of 100,000 firecrackers to chase away evil spirits and signal runners to be in place.

8:00AM - 5K Firecracker Run & 5k Walk start

8:30AM - 10K Run start

9:00AM - 5K Awards Presentation

9:30AM - 10K Run Awards Presentation

9:45AM - "Longo Toyota-Scion-Lexus" Kiddie Run start

http://www.firecracker10k.org/

February 16 2008 Award-winning taiko virtuoso Shuichi Hidano celebrates his 20th anniversary as a taiko artist with his first concert in Los Angeles. Hidano has captivated audiences in over 20 countries with his innovative approach to rhythm and dynamic beats.

Some of LA’s premier jazz, Latin, and rock studio musicians along with special guests on koto and shamisen join Hidano as well as a 30-member group from the Taiko Center of Los Angeles.

Saturday 8pm Aratani/Japan America Theatre

$25 General Admission $22 JACCC Members

For more information, call (626) 307-3839

www.taikocenter.com

Chinese Cultural Night

Presented by Chinese Cultural Dance Club

Thursday, February 21, 2008

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Fowler Museum

Los Angeles, CA 90095

The Chinese Cultural Dance Club presents dance from Mongolia, Tibet, and the Dai minority, as well as more contemporary works of modern Chinese choreographers. A dance workshop follows the performance. This event will be held outdoors. Light refreshments will be served.

Cost: Free

Tel: 310-206-0306
www.fowler.ucla.edu

See LA Library DiverseCity events at http://www.lapl.org/kidspath/events/diversecity/index.html

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This Weekend (and earlier/later)

Wednesday  January 16 2008 7pm

Hogaku First time in the US!

New Sounds from Japan Wariki and Goto & Obama

This group of innovative emerging artists from Japan transcends time and place to lead the audience on a journey back to the roots of Japanese music and push the restraints of their traditional training to present an energetic musical exploration.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre $20 General Admission $15 JACCC Members, Seniors and Students

Japanese American Cultural and Community Center

244 South San Pedro Street, Suite 505

(between 2nd and 3rd Streets)

Los Angeles (Little Tokyo), CA 90012

(213) 628-2725

www.jaccc.org

Korean Cinema Now (And Then)

Presented by the Archive in association with KOFIC

Friday, January 18, 2008

7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Billy Wilder Theater

Hammer Museum

10899 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90025

While many US moviegoers may have first encountered Korean cinema when last year's international hit, THE HOST, splashed across North American screens, longtime Archive patrons know that director Bong Joon-ho's riotous familial monster fest is only the latest high water mark of a surging Korean film industry. Since the 1980s, the Archive has championed—and often premiered—the work of such internationally acclaimed filmmakers as Im Kwon-taek, Park Kwang-su, Lee Chang-dong, and Hong Sang-soo, whose compelling seventh film Woman on the Beach will screen in this series. These directors, in turn, are building on a long tradition of work by Korean masters that began in the 1950s with the Golden Age of Korean cinema. Many of these older filmmakers, such as Shin Sang-ok and Lee Man-hee, have only recently come to the attention of Western critics and audiences. Their work, however, provides significant context for the current crop of Korean directors wrestling with questions of Korean national identity and societal change across an array of genres and cinematic forms. This series brings together a selection of rare Korean classics, many newly restored, and recent gems to present a tantalizing snapshot of Korean cinema past and present.

Films in this series, except for The City of Violence and Woman on the Beach, are provided courtesy of the Korean Film Council (KOFIC). All films are presented in Korean with English subtitles.

Special thanks to: Moon Sun-young, Choi Jai-young, Lee Haejin, Kang Il—KOFIC USA; Denise Hwang—KOFIC; Tammy Chung—Korean Cultural Center; Tom Vick—Freer and Sackler Galleries.

Screening Schedule

Friday, January 18 7:30 PM	A Flower in Hell 지옥화
Sunday, January 20 7 PM	The City of Violence 짝패 Barking Dogs Never Bite 플란다스의 개
Wednesday, January 23 7:30 PM	The Marines Who Never Returned 돌아오지 않는 해병 Wildflowers on the Battlefield 들국화는 피었는데
Saturday, January 26 7:30 PM	Woman on the Beach 해변의 여인 Driving With My Wife's Lover 아내의 애인을 만나다
Sunday, February 3 7 PM	If You Were Me 2 다섯개의 시선 Our School 우리 학교
Saturday, February 9 7:30 PM	The Forbidden Quest 음란서행

Cost: $10/ticket

Saturday January 19 2008 12:40pm

Hana no Kai

HisamiWakayagi with Guest Artists from Japan Wakayagi Kikosaemon and Wakayagi Sanjyuro

Special Guest Keiko Yonamine and her Okinawa group

This concert offers a rare opportunity to experience Japanese traditional dance and Okinawa dance as Mme.Wakayagi reprises “Shizuhatabi” from her triumphant performance at the National Theater of Japan this past October. Special guest artist Keiko Yonamine and her colorful troupe will showcase the beauty and grace of Okinawa Ryu-kyu dance.

Aratani/Japan America Theatre $35 General Admission

Aratani/Japan America Theatre $20 General Admission $15 JACCC Members, Seniors and Students

Japanese American Cultural and Community Center

244 South San Pedro Street, Suite 505
(between 2nd and 3rd Streets)

Los Angeles (Little Tokyo), CA 90012

(213) 628-2725

www.jaccc.org

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Unfinished Business by Steven Okazaki

REDRESS REMEMBERED

2PM

(Part 1 of 2)

Screening of Academy Award nominated documentary about coram nobis cases. Special tour of Common Ground with Prof. Mitch Maki to follow.

JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

369 East First Street

Los Angeles, California 90012

phone: (213) 625-0414

fax: (213) 625-1770

www.janm.org

Korean Tea Ceremony and Traditional Etiquette

Sat. January 19th, 2008 (10 am ~ 12:30 pm)

- The Korean Way of Tea (philosophy)

- Powdered Green Tea Ceremony

Where: 3rd Floor, Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles

5505 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90036

Contact- Jin Sung (Manager, Seminar & Lectures) at (323) 936-7141 ext. 123

Free Parking at the back of the building. Entrance is on Dunsmuir Ave.

Southern California Slack Key Festival

Sunday, January 20, 2008

3:00 PM

Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center

1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd

Redondo Beach, California 90278

We are kicking off the New Year 2008 with the Southern California Slack Key Festival - featuring some of the most respected names in traditional and modern Hawaiian guitar music, the musicians roster is nothing short of a who's who of slack key today, all on one stage for the first time ever in Southern California!

Doors open at 2:00pm - come enjoy delicious Hawaiian food, browse Hawaiian themed crafts featuring local vendors and enter an opportunity drawing for awesome prizes!

Join us the night before the show for a special pre-concert reception

An All-Star Hawaiian Guitar Music Concert Featuring:

Rev. Dennis Kamakahi

Ozzie Kotani

George Kahumoku, Jr

Cyril Pahinui

Owana Salazar

Jeff Peterson

Jim “Kimo”West

Makana

Steven Espaniola

HOMEPAGE

http://www.socalslackkeyfest.com/

October 12, 2007 - January 21, 2008

Rank and Style : Power Dressing in Imperial China

For generations China’s rulers wore emblems on their robes that identified their place in a complex system of rank and privilege. This exhibition explores how this imperial hierarchy was maintained through the bestowing and wearing of exquisitely woven and embroidered ‘rank badges,’ as they have become known in the West.

Identity and status, so carefully crafted and preserved among China’s elite, were expressed primarily through garments and their decoration, making them virtually a second skin – so intimately connected to one’s person that even in death wearing the appropriate badge assured a continuation of earthly status. The exhibition is rich in a wide variety of rank and festival badges worn by the emperor, members of the imperial household, and civil and military officials.

Rank and Style: Power Dressing in Imperial China presents for the first time in the United States selections from the Chris Hall Collection of Hong Kong. These rare and exquisite rank badges date from 1500 to the mid-19th century, with many from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Numerous badges feature woven or embroidered mythical creatures such as the dragon and phoenix, while others depict rabbits, cranes and tigers. Additional pieces in the exhibition are drawn from the collections of the Pacific Asia Museum and local collections.

Dale Gluckman, Guest Curator

This exhibition will be part of the fourth city-wide collaboration of Pasadena’s cultural institutions, “Art and Ideas.”

Related Events

Saturday, November 3, 2007, 1-4pm,

Free Family Festival

In celebration of the new exhibition Rank and Style: Power Dressing in Imperial China, this all-ages festival will focus on activities related to Imperial Chinese culture and the symbolism of dragons, birds, lions, tigers, flowers and lanterns in works of art.  Free.

46 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena California 91101 [Google Map]

Hours: Wed – Sun: 10:00am-6:00pm

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

China National Opera House Performance: Farewell My Concubine

This is a Western-style adaptation of a famous Chinese opera. In addition to performances in Pasadena , the opera will be performed in San Francisco , Washington , DC, New York , Houston , and Dallas .

01/19/2008 - 01/20/2008

Pasadena Civic Auditorium
Address: 300 East Green Street , Pasadena , CA 91101

Cost: $48-198

Phone: (626) 449-7360

Website: http://www.farewellmyconcubineusa.com

The Chinese classic opera, “Farewell My Concubine” has been completely reinterpreted to a Western-style opera with new music and new staging. This traditional opera has been completely updated to create a unique East meets West production. It premiered in Beijing (click here for Washington Post story about the performance) in October 2007 and is now on tour in the United States The producers describe the opera as emotional, romantic, heroic, sentimental, and tragic. The opera is based on events from the founding of imperial China 22 centuries ago. The story is well-known in China . The hero of the story, Xiang Yu , was the grandson of a general of State Chu. After his grandfather died on the battlefield when State Chu was conquered by State Qin, Xiang Yu , brave and skilful, led his 8,000 young soldiers to fight against State Qin. After five years of fighting, he defeated Qin troops and occupied Xianyang, the capital of State Qin. The Qin State thus fell.

Episode One - Xianyang on Fire

Xiang Yu enters Xianyang. To celebrate his victory and release his hatred for the Qin, he ordered the burning of all the Qin palaces. Proud and elegant, Xiang Yu called himself “Hegemon King of West Chu ” and awarded those who had made meritorious deeds in war. Then he planed to return to State Chu.

Only one man had a clear mind. He was Han Xin, a general and also a sworn brother of Xiang Yu , who helped Xiang Yu in his expedition against the Qin. He worried while looking at the fires and celebrations. He tried to persuade Xiang Yu to think of danger in time of victory and create an eternal peace for the people of the country. Han Xin suggested that Xianyang be the capital and Xiang Yu could be a wise king after having his control of all the warlords. Xiang Yu was arrogant and didn't listen to Han Xin. He drew his sword and prepared to kill Han Xin. Just then, Xiang Yu 's favorite concubine Yu Ji broke in, shouting “Stop.” This shocked Xiang Yu and stopped the fight. Her love calmed down two raging hearts.

But Xiang Yu was determined to return home with honor and glory, so he insisted on taking the Qin captives and slaves with him. He ordered the execution of an old man which angered Han Xin. Han Xin left Xiang Yu.

Episode Two Ambush

Three years later, Han Xin had become the commander-in-chief of the troops of the Han State . He fought with Xiang Yu and defeated the Chu troops. Han Xin ambushed Xiang Yu's ten thousand troops by encircling them beside the Wu River.

Yu Shu, sister of Yu Ji, had followed Han Xin. She was anxious to save her sister from the Chu camp. She secretly went to the Chu camp to meet Yu Ji, but she refused to leave Xiang Yu. The sisters shed tears and parted.

Xiang Yu led his remaining 28 warriors in a last charge which failed miserably. At the riverside, though, the wounded Xiang Yu and Yu Ji could hear the songs of Chu Seeking to save Xiang Yu and Yu Ji, Han Xin dispatched a fishing boat to pick them up. Xiang Yu refused and sent the fisherman away. Yu Ji and Xiang Yu then committed suicide.

This production marks one of the rare times an original Chinese opera will be performed in the United States by a Chinese cast and sung in Mandarin.

Sponsor(s): Chinese American Inter-Cultural Exchange Foundation, China National Opera House

"2008 USC Korean Film Festival : Honoring Director Kang Je Gyu"
Saturday, January 19, 2008

3:30 - 9:30pm

USC Norris Theater

3:30-5:30pm - First Screening : Shiri

5:30-6:30pm - Q&A
6:30-7:30pm – Reception

7:30-9:30pm - Second Screening : Tae Guk Gi
At a time when Hollywood pressed for unlimited access to the Korean film market and the local film industry feared its imminent collapse, Director Kang released Shiri (Swiri), South Korea 's first blockbuster film. The epic Tae Guk Gi : The Brotherhood of War attracted over 11 million viewers and was chosen as South Korea 's entry to the 2004 Academy Awards for best foreign film.

Join us as we view these two cinematic works and honor Director Kang. Presented by the USC Korean Studies Institute, School of Cinematic Arts, East Asian Studies Center , East Asian Languages & Cultures Department, Korean Heritage Library, Center for International Studies, Visual Studies Graduate Certificate Program, Asian Pacific American Student Services, Korean Cultural Center, and the Korean Film Council

Korean Film New Year Special

January 10th 3 PM

A Dirty Carnival (2006) directed by YOO Ha

January 17th 7 PM

Radio Star (2006) directed by LEE Jun-ik

January 24th 7 PM

Voice of a Murderer (2007) directed by PARK Jin Pyo

January 31st 7 PM

Miracle on 1st Street (2007) directed by YOON Je Gyon

Every Thursday Korean films are screened at Ari Hall on the 3rd Floor. All screenings are free and have English subtitles. For more information, please call Josh Choi 323-936-7141(x122)

Last weekend (or so) I went to:

The Shikishi exhibit at the JACCC. Different venue (now in the smaller galleries to the east side of the building) but more accessible than past exhibits. Worth seeing if you’re in the area.

A demonstration of close-up magic by Bill Yamane at the JACL Singles meeting.

The Giant Robot exhibit at the JANM

------------------------------------------------------

Links to selected articles from the LA Times. To actually access the articles, you may have to sign up for a free account.

U.S. experiences baby boomlet in 2006

Almost 4.3 million births are reported, the most in 45 years. Hispanics accounted for nearly 25% of the increase.

From the Associated Press

January 16, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-babies16jan16,1,1593866.story

Pakistani Americans embrace new home, but fear for the old one

Emigrants worry that political turmoil abroad will increase misperceptions about them in the U.S.

By Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

January 13, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lapakistan13jan13,1,5892644.story

BOOK REVIEW

'Shame in the Blood' by Tetsuo Miura

A man fears that he's cursed by his family's misfortunes.

By Tayt Harlin

January 13, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/features/printedition/books/la-bk-harlin13jan13,1,2740194.story

'SPEED RACER' | SNEAKS 2008

Taking hyper-real to new extremes

Here he comes, here comes 'Speed Racer.' The Wachowski brothers' film version figures to be even more high-flying than the cartoon.

By Chris Lee, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

January 13, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-ca-speedracer13jan13,1,3014828.story

San Diego Minutemen adopt a freeway

Caltrans grants a stretch of I-5 that includes a border patrol checkpoint to the foes of illegal immigration, a move some critics call "unfortunate."

By Richard Marosi, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

January 12, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-minutemen12jan12,1,993516.story

REVIEW

'Nanking'

In 'Nanking,' film footage, diaries, photos and interviews reveal horrors and heroic acts.

By Kevin Crust, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

January 11, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-nankingreview11jan11,1,1574391.story

Marine testifies he saw no enemy fire

Up to 19 Afghans died when a convoy, fleeing a bomb, shot at traffic. His position was poor; a 2nd witness heard shots.

By David Zucchino, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

January 9, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-inquiry9jan09,1,569544.story

COLUMN ONE

China's reality check on Long March

Research suggests the epic trek by Mao's Red Army was more of a great flight than a strategic retreat. But survivors don't buy that or other 'new thinking.'

By John M. Glionna, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

January 16, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-longmarch16jan16,1,7760019.story

There's room for China in space

The U.S. shouldn't turn a cold shoulder to Beijing's emerging efforts.

By Jeffrey Manber

January 16, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-oe-manber16jan16,1,3485228.story

MUSIC REVIEW

Yings show off chops with Beethoven

The sibling quartet known for eclectic musical projects demonstrates its affinity for tradition.

By Richard S. Ginell, Special to The Times

January 15, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/arts/la-et-ying15jan15,1,7774977.story

Shanghai crowds protest high-tech train

The city acknowledges public concerns after demonstrations over potential health risks.

From the Associated Press

January 15, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-maglev15jan15,1,6728630.story

Monk's words stir the spirit of Myanmar's resistance

Cloaked in allegory and drawing on history, his lectures give Buddhists hope after a bloody crackdown by generals.

By Paul Watson, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

January 14, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-monks14jan14,1,3917559.story

Ancient pastime has some Chinese bug-eyed

Cricket fanciers, many quite young, have taken up the hobby, buying insects that can cost thousands of dollars, holding singing and fighting contests and buying up accessories.

By Barbara Demick, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

January 13, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-crickets13jan13,1,7377135.story

CALENDAR

Travel-worthy events for early 2008 and beyond

From The Los Angeles Times,

January 9, 2008

http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-tr-calendar13jan13