Stirring up goodies

The past couple of days have been email collaborations and meeting set up times. The cameraman Wayne and myself are ready for future roundtables, interviews, and on the spot question sessions. Thus in the mix is:

--an interview with an Associate professor of Anthropology and Asian American Studies from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Through the help of Mr. C.N. Le (Asian Nation: The Landscape of Asian America), I was able to contact Mr. Martin Manalansan. I'm very excited to sit down and talk about things that relate to the question of Asian Americans in American culture. This includes things like identity and assimilation. These are areas that will help "solve my mystery."

--still attempting to get the "funny." Chicago is immersed with theaters and comedic havens, so since I'm writing up a comedy sketch revue focusing on Asian Americans, might as well ask the experts about it. Comedy is part of mainstream American culture -- look at shows like SNL, the Chappelle Show, and even South Park. Therefore, I'm now in the search of "funny experts" -- people who have been in the comedy business for awhile (either teaching, doing stand-up, directing, etc.). This will give insight in the direction of 'regular joes' not "understanding." Hence, my association with TakeOut Comedy.

--TakeOut Comedy is in conversation with college campuses in and around the Chicagoland area. Please don't hesitate to inquire if you're interested in seeing these guys perform. Be sure to check out the website and by hook or by crook - they'll be performing in Windy City soon 'nuff!

--roundtable discussions with Asian American organizations at colleges/universities in the Chicago area. I want to see what the future of American society/working world has to say about where Asian Americans are presently. This could give a look at how we are as beings presently and what we may look forward to in the future.

--surveys being filled out by college clubs/organizations. Something about the surveys (N. Naghme inquiry) -- although this is a topic about Asian Americans, my viewpoints aren't ONLY Asian Americans. My surveys help give me feedback from all different ethnicities/races so that I can see how everyone "looks" at Asian Americans. This is why I urge people to forward it on to everyone you know. It's to raise Asian American awareness and realize that "Man...there aren't really that many Asians in regular movies. or music. or t.v. show." Hopefully people will realize that Asian Americans are talented in things that they're into.

"That Asian Thing" recognizes the following schools: Univ. of Wyoming, Beloit College, Marquette Univ., Milwaukee School of Engineering, Univ. of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Univ. of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and Univ. of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Be heard peoples!! Thanks!