Forbes Magazine has released its "30 under 30" for 2011. 

Distruptors and Innovators in the field of Energy include Danielle Fong, Zizhou Zhou, Eden Full, Javier Fernandez-Han son of Peter Han, the president of NGO, Inventors without Borders, Inc., and Alexis Ringwald. Congratulations! 

January 17, 2012

by  Suzanne Joe Kai

A new super PAC is demanding an apology from GOP Senate candidate Pete Hoekstra for the broadcast of his controversial ad in Michigan on Super Bowl Sunday depicting negative stereotypes of Asian Americans. The ad shows an Asian female speaking in broken English, cycling through what appears to be rice paddies, "Your economy get very weak. Ours get very good."

Actress Lisa Chan apologized for her involvement. The recent UCLA graduate wrote on her Facebook page,"I am deeply sorry for any pain that the character I portrayed brought to my communities."

“In an age where virtually all Americans have moved forward on race relations, it seems Congressman Hoekstra has taken a giant step back. We are here to say we are not going to put up with it. We are here to tell him we are outraged and demand an official apology," said Jesse Tangkhpanya, the national political director for the American Values super PAC.

In addition to the Super Bowl ad which was aired in Michigan, the GOP Senate hopeful posted a website accusing GOP rival candidate Senator Debbie Stabenow, (D-MIch.) of supporting deficit spending. The Hoekstra campaign website

Tennis pro Michael Chang knows the glare of the spotlight of being one of the world's greatest tennis athletes, and an Asian American. He was only fifteen years old when he turned pro. 

He spoke with ESPN's Kenton Wong about the added pressures he experienced when he began his pro career in 1988. He also disclosed to Wong that he spoke with Jeremy Lin before Lin's rookie season with the Golden State Warriors, pre-Linsanity.

Click here for the full story by ESPN's Kenton Wong.

Related: 

In 1987, Michael Chang was the youngest player to win a main draw match at the U.S. Open and the youngest to reach a Tour semifinal. Becoming the youngest French Open / Grand Slam Champion ever in 1989, he then became the youngest to rank in the Top 5. Chang ended an American drought at the French Open, when he became the first American male to win the tournament since 1955. In 1991 he reached the quarterfinals or better in 13 tournaments. On the court, Michael's real strength is his return game. Chang was considered one of the fastest players on the circuit, possessing an all-court game.

Source: Michael Chang's official website www.mchang.com 

February 22, 2013

Happy Birthday James Hong!

Our favorite actor James Hong celebrated his birthday February 22!

All of us at AsianConnections.com wish you a very Happy Birthday!

Here are our favorite interviews we have done with Mr. Hong over the years. 

Click on the blue headline title to the full story.

Part 1 of 3: AsianConnections' interview with James Hong:

On APAs in Hollywood - Urges Cooperation and Support of organizations like CAPEUSA.org.

Part 2 of 3: AsianConnections' interview with James Hong:

James Hong shares his famous lines from his role as Mr. Ping in Kung Fu Panda

Part 3 of 3: AsianConnections' interview with James Hong and daughter April Hong:

James Hong sighting! Mr. Hong attended a CAPE event with Film Independent in Los Angeles February 1, 2012. I had a chance to visit with him and personally wish him Happy Birthday, in advance of his real birthday today!  

He was born February 22, 1929 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He studied civil engineering at the University of Southern California. As a road engineer for Los Angeles County for 7-1/2 years, he would act during his vacations and sick days, eventually quitting to go full time as an actor.