We Did it First

Someone sent me a note yesterday alerting me that the NY Times did a piece over the weekend on the popularity of whitening products amongst Asians. While this trend in and of itself can be its own discussion. Today, I am not going to focus on the controversial nature of this movement toward our need to go white.

Instead, I just have to say, "duh!"

Time and time again recently, major media outlets are doing the stories we did first, usually about a year ago. Examples, our series on Asian Women and Depression/Suicide ran in 2005! Mainstream media is just recently tackling this. Whitening products, Pinkberry in Los Angeles, women shaving their face . . .the list goes on.

I'm not trying to brag. Just venting. As a small outlet that is truly tuned into you, the reader, we don't often get the props we deserve. But as a consolation prize, it is nice to see the mainstream media actually covering these stories, actually recognizing the importance of this demographic. Things are changing and it's a good thing.

On another note, I am SO excited to tell the world about this year's Top 5, but we have this darn rule that we must wait until the print issue hits. Gah!
I've decided to slightly bend the rule this year, by putting up the name of one of the finalists on Monday. But that's it. Just one! Don't ask for more. Stop the pressure. :)

Another Happy Hapa Day in Reality TV

Olympian Apolo Anton Ohno with his partner Julianne Hough won "Dancing with the Stars" tonight. Oh they were ever so cute like two bunnies hopping all over the stage. It's amazing how Asian Americans have thrived on reality TV. I've never watched so much of the boob tube: Sanjaya (rumor is he's getting his own show: Sanjaya Show ? ), Yul, Becky and James Sun.

I'm glad all the shows have ended though (I don't watch American Idol anymore since Sanjaya was booted). Now I can get back to work.

PS If I've left out some reality stars, please comment below.

Tessa Wins!

The Bachelor, Andy Baldwin, picked Tessa Horst tonight. Yay! It’s nice to see a reserved Hapa girl beat out the more outgoing competition. I think they look really good together.

As corny as it may sound, the show gave me hope. There are goofy-cool people out there.

The Bachelor Andy Baldwin Proposes To Tessa Horst

Cover Choices and Free Stuff!

With every issue of East West, the hardest decision is choosing a darn cover! And lately, it has come down to a decision of Celebrity versus Model? Does it matter? It seems too of late as many mainstream magazines have replaced the model covers of the past with those featuring actors, musicians and the likes.

We've done both over the years, from Ming-Na to Carrie Ann Inaba and Lucy Liu covers to model covers like the last two....but, I still haven't been able to get a good feel for which is more effective if either. Help us!

Take our poll on the home page. Pretty please?

Oh, and wanna win some loot? Who doesn't, right? Well now you can. In the current print issue, I announced a giveaway contest just for those that actually read my editorial in each issue. If you can get through that every two months, you definitely deserve a prize! :)

The entry deadline for print readers has closed, but we thought it would be nice to also give you dedicated blog fans an opportunity. After all, my posts here are not that entertaining either so you should be commended for your loyalty. So, until Wednesday, May 9th, you can enter too.

Get more information on the prizes and how to enter here. And please ignore the goofy picture of me! :)

Happy Day

So last night was the National Magazine Awards. Where all the biggies come out like Vanity, Esquire, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, etc. It was glitz and glamour and today everyone is talking about the major upsets, the shut outs and the win by Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Really?

My guess is that the Bulletin is at least original...I'm not saying the others aren't ...or maybe that is what I am saying. Sorry, I'm in a snarky mood today (I don't want to work!). Maybe next year, we will at least get a nomination. The little magazine that could.

Either way, I am working on improving my mood for today as we speak. So to make me more upbeat, I've made a list of all the good.

1. It's time to celebrate! It's Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Stayed tuned for our calendar of events around the country.
2. It's not yet 100 degrees in my home state of Arizona. Thank goodness.
3. East West will soon be carried in Whole Foods stores on the West coast. Now with your organic, healthy meal items you can pick up your favorite magazine. Perfect. Look for it starting with the June/July issue.
4. I just found out who made the Top 5 in our annual Face Contest. Yes, the onlines votes have been counted. Nope, I am not telling who made it. Here's a hint, one of the five is from California. :)
5. And last on my list, I am going to be contributing to a new show on NPR. Listen for my commentaries. Find out more and see who else is in the mix here.

OK, I feel better. Needed some ego building. Ha!