tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46917576297125806162024-03-13T10:39:23.592-07:00Monkey LoungeSometimes I get the curious feeling that my editorials about the world can bring amusement or change. In this endeavor, I always aim for the stars knowing I will at least land on the moon. So, here I am world, your Monkey Guide to the Universe. Lounge awhile, listen to the fine tunes then muse about life with me.
i.e. Kindly leave comments!
kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.comBlogger391125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-38626736734823200962020-03-07T06:53:00.003-08:002020-03-07T06:57:08.991-08:00#ThankYouYang<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJZyj_JMpU8/XmO1RcFpl-I/AAAAAAAAt3Y/Ploc7_rnp3sNgNARkwx0fF3WBikbZBy-gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/190909-andrew-yang-gang-cs-1016a_a57c878671a0429870aa2b29065bf352.fit-760w.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJZyj_JMpU8/XmO1RcFpl-I/AAAAAAAAt3Y/Ploc7_rnp3sNgNARkwx0fF3WBikbZBy-gCK4BGAYYCw/s640/190909-andrew-yang-gang-cs-1016a_a57c878671a0429870aa2b29065bf352.fit-760w.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On the day Andrew Yang announced he would suspend his run for the presidency, friends and family reached out to ma asking if I was "okay." I was never shy about my 110% support of Yang, but it was clear to my village, I was in the cause DEEP. So many of us YangGang have expressed our sadness and even moments of disbelief and lost, when thinking of end end of the Yang2020 campaign. Even Yang expressed similar movements of <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/05/andrew-yang-humanity-forward-nonprofit-121914?fbclid=IwAR3lr74RyGoyrGMPF7eotFhHDmQRdf5cZDFuiZzkYtuwFcB9GtLfQdJjmZc">grief</a>. But, as with stages of grief, I have reached, acceptance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">We mourn Yang's bid for the White House because Yang truly understood the plight of average Americans and cared about humans over all. He was razor sharp in identifying the root of societal problems and had realistic goals to help the people NOW. This outsider who outlasted senators and congressmen got us all to pause, then nod, then clap, then stand up, then send money to Yang2020, phone bank for him, canvas, write long ass essays about Yang and his policies, wear Yang merchandise head to toe like a crazy person, make YouTube channels about him, vote for the first time,...Truly, with all my heart, thank you Yang and all who supported him. </span></span><br />
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<span class="_5afx" style="background-color: white; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; direction: ltr; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/thankyouyang?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAljO-fKc90lEzGzVuxg0UBbMd7tbzuN6VHEd3M9uiK7faAqVDptSEVGkCW4KolktQnMqgv6OgxgQpaV5HvCecE7oFaWDZQhp0AzqwtREFmozs9v2DNTFMx2CxCjFO-KMYBjcNwmzvK70f58sK-Y0uRMOXTE8MFcP-iFDgQu4erT5NWl46nQ5QT6EsqgDU8ZssvatI8gpDC7UWx9Q&__tn__=%2ANK-R" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer;">ThankYouYang</span></a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">. </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/yang2024?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAljO-fKc90lEzGzVuxg0UBbMd7tbzuN6VHEd3M9uiK7faAqVDptSEVGkCW4KolktQnMqgv6OgxgQpaV5HvCecE7oFaWDZQhp0AzqwtREFmozs9v2DNTFMx2CxCjFO-KMYBjcNwmzvK70f58sK-Y0uRMOXTE8MFcP-iFDgQu4erT5NWl46nQ5QT6EsqgDU8ZssvatI8gpDC7UWx9Q&__tn__=%2ANK-R" style="background-color: white; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #365899; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">Yang2024</span></span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">Image: </span><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/andrew-yang-ready-prime-time-n1051336">https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/andrew-yang-ready-prime-time-n1051336</a></span>kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-58106071817118600562020-02-10T09:17:00.000-08:002020-02-10T16:27:51.363-08:00Yang is a Bad Bad Boy According to the New York Times<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x__MtZQADrI/XkGU_djsHeI/AAAAAAAAtuA/ftRMtgotDh8bC338R-pDMyigRbNFAloHACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-02-10%2Bat%2B9.37.21%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x__MtZQADrI/XkGU_djsHeI/AAAAAAAAtuA/ftRMtgotDh8bC338R-pDMyigRbNFAloHACK4BGAYYCw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-02-10%2Bat%2B9.37.21%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a><br />
Everyone here knows I am pretty hardcore #YangGang, but the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/07/us/politics/andrew-yang-president-campaign.html">New York Time's recent article </a>exposing Yang, certainly gives me pause. I have to rethink so much. NYT compiled a rather long list of Yang's issues, including: Andrew Yang was reported to have pressured "employees to participate at company karaoke outings." The gall! What if employees fear their amazing voices will mean Yang will push them to a professional singing career and they would have to leave their cool job. Or, gasp, what if Karaoke leads to jumping around and dancing! Too much fun, not right.<br />
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NYT goes on to say Yang seemingly embraces stereotypes that "perpetuate the model-minority myth about Asian-Americans." Yang's closing remark is often, "The opposite of Donald Trump is an Asian man that is good in math." In fact, Yang's slogan, which can be found on <a href="https://shop.yang2020.com/">his merchandize</a> and the lapel pin he perpetually wears, reads MATH, the acronym for Make American Think Harder. So, Yang is clearly 100% wrong; first off, he's not an Asian man, he's an Asian AMERICAN man. Or, here's another statement he makes, "I'm a Chinese man." Wrong again, he's a TAIWANESE American man.<br />
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On Asian Americans, Yang was reported in NYT to have said when placing top candidates into jobs as part of work for the non-profit, <a href="https://ventureforamerica.org/">Venture for America</a>, "diversity is not [about] overrepresented Asian Americans." OMG, he's not <i>all</i> about Asians??? I mean, not all about Asian <i>Americans</i>? He has repeated spewed off the remarkable <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89QryZoRNlg">statistics of disparity </a>of Black and Brown Americans in politics, employment, etc., and champions those messages on stages over his tragic "Asian American boy gets bullied at school" narrative people expect him to have. What a racist, right?<br />
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Yang was reported to have laughed awkwardly during discussions of tragic events. How dare Yang act like an Asian American who reacts to uncomfortable moments with the most alien expression our parents can come up with, a laugh. Oh, and I have seen him cry in clips no less than half a dozen times. Topics that moved him to tears included when a mother told of how her <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anWsvHA2vRQ">four year old daughter died </a>from a stray bullet while her twin brother witnessed it. Another time Yang teared up was when talking about how Evelyn, his wife, was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMbIQgCRtjw&t=196s">sexually assaulted </a>by her OBGyn. Yang is so unpredictable with his laughs and cries. Bastard!<br />
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The rest of his actions amounts to boyish fun, like nicknaming his pectorals “Lex” and “Rex". Immature? I'm a middle aged Asian American woman who has just picked up weight lifting, trust me, I've been tempted to name my pecs Trung Trac and Trung Nhi. Eff it, the truth is, those are their names. Google those names, worth your time. Indeed, I too may be immature. Nope, no maybe about it. It feels good to let Lex, Rex, Trung Nhi, and Trung Trac out of the gym bag.<br />
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NYT offers us the obvious, Yang just enjoys himself too much. Like the time Yang sprayed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVQdhFoLxkM">whipped cream</a> into the open mouth of a man kneeling on the ground in front of him – and it was caught on video! It is tradition for business openings in Manchester and Yang was respecting local culture. Was it reminiscent of gay porn? Yup! Do you have a problem with that? Reminds me of the time when Now This asked Democratic Presidential candidates what is their <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeE-CSthk1s">favorite curse word</a>. Buttigieg said, "That doesn't seem like a smart thing to say here." Yang, on other hand, answered F*CK in less than one second. Yang apparently was not a politician enough. What a naive dummy.<br />
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In short. Seems like NYT found the few staffers who just didn't like every aspect of Andrew Yang's personality. Maybe Yang should have pandered to all his employees then all his potential voters by being the many faces of the man they expect him to be instead of the man he is.<br />
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The take aways from the NYT's "hit job" on Yang apparently are:<br />
1. Yang, don't be an Asian American. Your sub-culture confuses us.<br />
2. Don't break stereotypes. That's also jarring.<br />
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Thanks NYT, a paper I can trust.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "proxima nova" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Alex Wong/Getty Images</span>kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-4619706945604817132020-01-17T21:12:00.001-08:002020-01-17T21:21:11.774-08:00Yang the Dark Horse<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PQnn-R6jUic/XiKT4ufsQFI/AAAAAAAAtsE/cvj3-np8kxsgZrTUCzGnjGdrJC3FWYQfgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/31msMIQFpZL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PQnn-R6jUic/XiKT4ufsQFI/AAAAAAAAtsE/cvj3-np8kxsgZrTUCzGnjGdrJC3FWYQfgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/31msMIQFpZL.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;">Yang is the 'dark horse' that will shock us all. With a unique point of view, amazing grassroots support, radical and concise policies, and real vision for the future, Yang is also the logical next president. But, the DNC is once again oppressing the voice of the people. Even with the well-earned mass appeal of Bernie, he continues to be the bad boy and pariah, thanks to the DNC. So, Yang is up against that as well. With new standards for the January debate, while there's no new polls to measure these standards, chance is Yang will be left out. When will the DNC learn? So corrupt!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">First published January 4, 2020</span>kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-8663334095392694872020-01-17T20:28:00.000-08:002020-01-17T20:28:08.838-08:00War with Iran?<div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYYqvMO4nyc/XiKJMxhCbOI/AAAAAAAAtrw/Zth01aU7QZkZ87Jh0YUj9-sPPtYqjXksgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/82472050_10162888808680258_2905131933602152448_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYYqvMO4nyc/XiKJMxhCbOI/AAAAAAAAtrw/Zth01aU7QZkZ87Jh0YUj9-sPPtYqjXksgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/82472050_10162888808680258_2905131933602152448_n.jpg" width="640" /></a>Though the US leadership is provoking a war with Iran, there are some clear differences between Iran Attack of 2020 vs Iraq Attack in 2001. For one, Americans are waking and have woken up. We get that wars are started to deflect public attention from the real issues. For W. Bush, he was in the midst of constant criticism of a wrongful presidency. For Trump it's the impeachment and re-election.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We remember the faulty justifications of Iraq, namely the so-called 'weapons of ma<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ss destruction.' Now with 'imminent threat,' it's quickly showing to be flimsy at best and completely fabricated at truth.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The US is at a cross roads. Either we go to war and there will be international outrage (or WWIII), revolution at home and eventual ending of the military industrial complex after devastating lost of life and land abroad (drones) and at home (bombings).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If we or Iran miraculously de-escalate, there hopefully will be a full inspection of the military industrial complex and the ungodly alliance with the equally corrupt current leadership of Israel and Saudi Arabia. Thoughts?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Originally published Jan. 5, 2020</span>kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-10793649685200166952020-01-17T12:44:00.001-08:002020-01-17T12:45:31.288-08:00The Youth for Yang<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yOG5rnPKJ4c/XiIcu85G7-I/AAAAAAAAtrk/uHrxvIcFfa47-b91FZurpQZDnNqn9BVoACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/79936766_10162806824225258_1859140971338399744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yOG5rnPKJ4c/XiIcu85G7-I/AAAAAAAAtrk/uHrxvIcFfa47-b91FZurpQZDnNqn9BVoACK4BGAYYCw/s640/79936766_10162806824225258_1859140971338399744_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">There are many things I love about the </span><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=562149327457702&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK-R-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARBcFmL6ROiZHtDrbHemcJGUndLs1-dVgdGodkFdxCkeSCBd0mXq1W7P0zJzwz73M1Vie6rvmPOrbZc8%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/andrewyang2020/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARBcFmL6ROiZHtDrbHemcJGUndLs1-dVgdGodkFdxCkeSCBd0mXq1W7P0zJzwz73M1Vie6rvmPOrbZc8&fref=mentions&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAHO31yOTCIbKH1yxFsQyIdcV5GyZwg6fDo7JlSY-fk_g2MYmdBPbB9Ly-TBtjwgCdL8zmdhYETVAXMrX-ZBzpjhjn0vMPaUcillHaTOzxwoRbO2DrYwhAilCPO9y_cUzcDT1jKcTpshZR97p-fw9dp7k0mFr6HTvypjudjTUqkUCaVSXOer5gdag7b8_qoBExvC9hdHNdO3U7s1A" style="background-color: white; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;">Andrew Yang for President 2020</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> campaign. But, one of my favorite has to be how young people have taken to alternative media to report on Yang. @Kai Watson a freshman who's Youtube channel has turned on thousands into Yang (including myself) and now is a regular fixture on the campaign trail, is an instant sensation! Hailing from Seattle, Kai will be taking off a semester from college to canvas for Yang in Iowa and Nevada. Here he is documenting the raging Childish Gambino/Yang collab merch pop-up today. It took place just hours before the Democratic debates. You can see my enthusiasm when I actually contributed during his live feed just to get a shoutout from him – which he definitely delivered. Go </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/yanggang?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAHO31yOTCIbKH1yxFsQyIdcV5GyZwg6fDo7JlSY-fk_g2MYmdBPbB9Ly-TBtjwgCdL8zmdhYETVAXMrX-ZBzpjhjn0vMPaUcillHaTOzxwoRbO2DrYwhAilCPO9y_cUzcDT1jKcTpshZR97p-fw9dp7k0mFr6HTvypjudjTUqkUCaVSXOer5gdag7b8_qoBExvC9hdHNdO3U7s1A&__tn__=%2ANK-R" style="background-color: white; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #365899; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">YangGang</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">. </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/kai2040?source=feed_text&epa=HASHTAG&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAHO31yOTCIbKH1yxFsQyIdcV5GyZwg6fDo7JlSY-fk_g2MYmdBPbB9Ly-TBtjwgCdL8zmdhYETVAXMrX-ZBzpjhjn0vMPaUcillHaTOzxwoRbO2DrYwhAilCPO9y_cUzcDT1jKcTpshZR97p-fw9dp7k0mFr6HTvypjudjTUqkUCaVSXOer5gdag7b8_qoBExvC9hdHNdO3U7s1A&__tn__=%2ANK-R" style="background-color: white; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #365899; font-family: inherit; unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">Kai2040</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</span>kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-32301665634031318852019-12-03T13:31:00.001-08:002019-12-03T13:48:30.150-08:00Watchmen HBO Series Review<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="25ngc" data-offset-key="2kr7d-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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Just got turned onto the HBO Watchmen series by my nerd bud, <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=665595150&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK-R-R-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARB6KO5mYYBBQ1VOIzvPqFJq5SXD4S-Jjsxoh2Lsq5gkxTVPcdXqXjB8UOnaMr23Xwl266K9Y2lqCmiI%22%2C%22fref%22%3A%22mentions%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/metropolitician?__tn__=%2CdK-R-R-R&eid=ARB6KO5mYYBBQ1VOIzvPqFJq5SXD4S-Jjsxoh2Lsq5gkxTVPcdXqXjB8UOnaMr23Xwl266K9Y2lqCmiI&fref=mentions" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Michael Hurt">Michael Hurt</a>. There's only two more episodes before the season ending so worth the quick binge.</div>
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Here's some interesting reasons to catch it:<br />1. Race and social divides is the theme.<br />2. Viet Nam is central in the story telling.<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br />3. Main characters are Vietnamese speaking pretty good Vietnamese.<br />4. PoC (and disenfranchised whites) are the (hidden) heroes. White folks are suspect.<br />5. Technology is good and evil.<br />6. Solid SciFi gendre.</span></div>
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Of course I do have some issues with the series which I can share later, but overall is exceeding my expectations. Enjoy.</div>
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kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-8094263788595175672019-12-03T13:26:00.002-08:002020-08-11T19:36:31.022-07:00Kamala Harris Ends Her Bid to be President<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iSEL1Ka9V9Y/XebS81deClI/AAAAAAAAtn0/oJZeD7BiTY4sJz_nB3-jJHpMIdMhJAUnwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/KDH_Website_Homepage_Topper-v2_2-2400x1374.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iSEL1Ka9V9Y/XebS81deClI/AAAAAAAAtn0/oJZeD7BiTY4sJz_nB3-jJHpMIdMhJAUnwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/KDH_Website_Homepage_Topper-v2_2-2400x1374.jpg" width="320" /></a>Kamala Harris drops out earlier than expected, but, she had no choice. Her campaign was falling apart and hemorrhaging funds. Her inability to have a clear platform and convince the people of her new persona did not stick. As mentioned, I would be over the moon if a Blasian homegirl from Oakland became our first female president. But her record is just deplorable.</div>
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She also is such a democrat party bootlicker, choosing to lay low to vie a political position in the new adminis<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">tration instead of coming after candidate's records when she had the platform to do so. She's delusional if she thinks being neutral will make her a more desirable VP candidate. There are so many more genuine individuals with strong policy platforms and loyal followers, that can strengthen a Democratic ticket.</span></div>
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Such an opportunity lost, really. What I love most about Harris is her ability to bring people to their knees with her quick and fierce jabs. She's whip smart and more than capable of fighting for what is right and not taking prisoners. She just let her ambition get the better of her on her climb to the top and it was time to pay up.</div>
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I reckon if Harris ever decides to take a long hard look at who she has become and make an ernest attempt to be a righteous leader with clear policies that are her own, she still has a political career worth supporting. Until then, I really hope she doesn't do any more damage for the sake of her blind ambition. </div>
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kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-89967008112005210032019-10-09T19:44:00.001-07:002019-10-10T07:16:24.854-07:00Undone Series Review - An Insider's Perspective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Amazon's first original animated series, Undone, happens to be a rather unconventional film thematically and stylistically. Created by </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raphael_Bob-Waksberg" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Raphael Bob-Waksberg">Raphael Bob-Waksberg</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> and Kate Purdy, Undone Premiered in September 13, 2019. Full spoilers ahead so I suggest you finish the eight 22-24 minutes</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> chewable chapters before reading anymore.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The premise is a young woman, who, while in a coma after her near death experience, is able to reach the spirit realm. Her experiences from being in a time loop and trying desperately to end it so she can rejoin the "living world," to seeing beings from other dimensions, really resonated with me. Why, you may ask? Well, I too experienced very similar scenes after a near death and while in a coma. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I don't talk about it, because as the film suggests, to do so would make you appear "crazy." But, maybe that's a topic for another blog.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">It's just curious to me why of all films for Amazon to produce, they chose this one for their first original series. Aside from the strange (to the public) but oddly familiar theme (to me), the series is diverse in many ways. The film technique is a combination of live action, animation, 3-D, water color art – basically using r</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">otoscoping. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The main character is Mestizo, her world is multi-ethnic with links to diverse social economic classes. Discussions of history and race and race history hark back to the conversations I have with friends or in my classrooms all the time. That the father is a professor steeped in the world of research, and research on the spirit realm in particular, is of special interest, because it is what I do! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I'm still letting the contents of the series get processed through my inadequate Earth brain. But, I know this much, as a person that also had a near death experience, this series seems well-researched and accurate. Let me know how it resonates </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">(or not)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">with you.</span>kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-62242144980214238702019-10-03T16:47:00.004-07:002019-10-03T19:31:39.203-07:00Yang on Gun Control<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let me preface by saying I'm on the Yang Gang rocket as I think Yang's a solid, genuine, smart individual who has some great ideas to turn the United States around for its people. But, on the issue of gun control, Yang can be MUCH tougher, and here's why. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There's the obvious crisis of historic number of mass shootings and casualties, most notably in schools and places of worship. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Additionally g</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">uns are not just used for hunting, collecting, or even mass shootings. Many gun related deaths happen (accidentally) in the home where most victims are women and children. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lobbyist, as Yang addresses in the video, are not solely to blame but they are enablers for sure. </span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Aside from fining the gun corporations, according to his site and public speeches, Yang also "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">supports universal background checks, an assault weapons ban, gun licensing, closing loopholes in existing laws, repealing special legal protections for gun companies, federally funded research on gun violence, and creating financial incentives for firearm owners to obtain smart guns" (Vox).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">These are all steps towards stricter gun control. However, my issue is, why does Yang choose to go radical based on verifiable numbers and facts for every other topic, yet fall short with gun control? Yang should make it exceedingly difficult to own and keep a gun, so much so that you'd have to actually have to think and pass tests and be mentally healthy to have a gun. You'd have to report your ownership regularly to make sure it's not passed on to someone else. And limit gun ownership PERIOD. That, and outright banning public use of guns, is how the other countries keep their numbers of gun related deaths down to nothing. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, yes, I do expect Yang to be consistent with his "Human First" platform by being even stricter on gun control.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Quote from Vox</span></span><br />
<a href="https://www.vox.com/2019/8/7/20756698/democratic-presidential-candidates-gun-violence-mass-shootings">https://www.vox.com/2019/8/7/20756698/democratic-presidential-candidates-gun-violence-mass-shootings</a>kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-75361530194451047462019-10-02T07:05:00.000-07:002019-10-03T21:23:22.221-07:00Getting Real in the US Presidential Primaries <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dn3gaM92ZzE/XZSvfj_MpFI/AAAAAAAAs1I/uFeuR20AZS4sL92UUu8fpXZ7-q9rtmjGwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/190828-debate-candidates-collage-cs-313p_bce9d406acc809832e21b22781b88d01.fit-1240w.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dn3gaM92ZzE/XZSvfj_MpFI/AAAAAAAAs1I/uFeuR20AZS4sL92UUu8fpXZ7-q9rtmjGwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/190828-debate-candidates-collage-cs-313p_bce9d406acc809832e21b22781b88d01.fit-1240w.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I think the US presidential primaries is going to bring out a lot of strong political opinions. This is also showing itself in my Facebook feeds and elsewhere on social media. And though I respect and understand my highly informed, activist, and well-meaning friends/readers (I am their demographic), I do not agree with all of them on how an election may/should turn out based on voting for the right/wrong candidate. I differ greatly from their overall understanding of what the Americans are capable of and what the candidates represent.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">So, allow me to bury some core myths. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;">•<b>Voting for whomever the mass media (owned by corporations) deem is the forerunner, even if this person goes against your values and y</b></span><b>ou do not agree with his/her policies, is the right thing to do.</b> Some go as far as to say any vote other than for this person is considered a "protest vote." The core belief of this strategy is that voting for the forerunner (middle of the road, likable candidate) alone will defeat Trump. I guess the DNC robbing the people of their choice, Sanders, and putting Hilary ahead of the queue, was not a lesson enough. Please trust the people, they had it right and will have it right.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">•<b>Candidates have to "play nice" within the party to show a (disingenuous) united front. </b>Supposedly vocalizing difference and dissent is not the winning strategy.<b> </b>This is not a cheerleading team or a college sorority, so, it's imperative to make one's point on how one's policies and actions are in fact different from those in the field. We are not talking about "splitting hairs" kind of difference, we are talking about major </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">philosophical</span><span style="background-color: white;"> and policy </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">differences. This includes issues on healthcare (single payer vs working with insurance and multi payer), the environment (deep vs fuzzy regulations), c<span style="background-color: white;">ampaign finance (taking or not taking from corporate sponsors/donors), record of public service (imbalanced vs decades of consistency)... What is wrong with bringing up the facts, unless the facts scare you and you are married to a myth.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">•<b>One should support a candidate based on class, gender, racial lines... </b>This one is especially sticky for me as I genuinely believe there would be many more women and people of color presidents (not just the 1/45) if the US leadership and their masters, the corporate giants, would not use racism, classism, and sexism to divide the country. But, let us be real, just because someone is your gender, class, and/or race, that doesn't mean they will look out for that demographic or even have a good record of helping those groups. As a mixed race woman from Oakland, I would have loved to support Harris, but her appalling record as a prosecutor and continued waffling would not allow my </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">soul to do so. Similarly, not every white male is bad. Vote based on the policies and ethics, please.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">•<b>Americans are dumb. </b>Granted those in power have done everything they could to institutionalize and pound in a narrow and false narrative of the history of the US and its actors, people are still waking up. Many are in fact already #woke. Some even still believe in the democratic process and willing to listen to the policies that resonates with them. They have and will vote for the right candidate for them and the US. I trust if the polls are protected and each vote is counted, we will have the best person for the country. Trust the people. Hopefully whoever gets in office, they will do something about the electoral college and voter suppression. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white;">This is only a short list of myths. But, they are important ones and I hope they give enough fruit for thought. Civil debate is good and I welcome it. </span></span></div>
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Image used from <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/clarifying-democratic-debate-stage-narrows-candidates-quit-race-n1047566">NBCNews.</a><br />
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kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-45539696355136775192019-09-10T23:59:00.001-07:002019-09-10T23:59:36.359-07:00Hibernation and Trump<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VrjwISrANZY/XXh-zRf5d9I/AAAAAAAAsyo/CbzJjMSq1746HvFxzJ6rNRX2-_c-GxrkACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VrjwISrANZY/XXh-zRf5d9I/AAAAAAAAsyo/CbzJjMSq1746HvFxzJ6rNRX2-_c-GxrkACK4BGAYYCw/s400/download.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has occurred to me that I have not blogged in two years. It is not to say I lack social commentary, but rather, life got in the way. This blog is a re-inauguration of sorts. I want to toss my hat in to comment on the Trumster. You know, just a general diatribe about this fool.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Trump ran for the presidency in 2016, I perceived it as publicity stunt. The man didn't have a platform and did not plan to win. Losing meant he can always blame it on something or someone else, but he will remain in the spotlight as the guy that almost became president because he was such a rebel. Mission accomplished, done deal, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, but a strange twist happened, one of Trump's future overlords, Putin, manipulated the elections and Trump won over Hilary Clinton. No one was more shocked than Trump. What does a man who was only playing running for office going to do when he's actually going to be in office? Well, play president of course. So, after the initial shock of winning resided, Trump found safety in his new scary position by keeping his family close, including bringing them into the white house as staff. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shortly after coming into office, people realized Trump was not going to be like your typical politician. Normal politicians have some sort of plan to govern. They know the team that will best help them achieve their platform. They also play some sort of social political game to get what they want. Trump, the accidental president, didn't have a clue about anything. He operates as a narcissist. He responds to those that ingratiates themselves, and he fires those that don't. Same rule applies to dignitaries he comes across. The only time he may go against this is when his overlords, Putin, Russian oligarchs,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and globalists, tell him differently. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fast forward a couple of years and by now, most everyone are just dumbfounded by Trump. He appears to be getting away with everything, including acting like a child playing the president. The conservative politicians can't stand him. The Left despise him. I, personally, am glad he's the president. Since his win, the curtain had been unceremoniously opened to reveal the Oz of the US. The ignorance, bigotry, and sheer fear is revealed in its raw form. We also get to see the fruits of the dumbing down of America project. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a result, people in the Left and Center are livid and taking to the streets. They are running for office in record numbers. The left has move to the radical left, and there's no turning back. I applaud these dramatic changes and people rising to the cause in order to defend what is most important to them. It may be immigrant rights, gender equality, racial equality....or any of the isms we need to fight against. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, there's my two cents on Trump. But, what do I predict in the future. I predict no less then revolution. Trump will go to jail. The powers that propped him up will drop him like a hot potato once his title and usefulness disappears. They will find another figurehead in his place. But, then it will already be too late...The revolution will not be televised. </span>kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-11928040409012655152017-05-12T09:57:00.004-07:002020-03-04T23:42:17.376-08:00My Daughter's Birth Story <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Six years ago on mother's day, I birthed my precious baby girl. That was the best Mother's Day gift ever. To commemorate that day and to give thanks to all the women that labored for their little ones, I am sharing my Labor Story for the first time. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">We would like to formally announce the birth of our
healthy baby girl: </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Emmanuelle Kieu-Trang Turner Valverde</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-votEx2zaK4Y/WRXpa3d-xzI/AAAAAAAArEE/vhT72tSdkZ0ij0DX4dPZjdv-46lMAS4UACLcB/s1600/emmi.first.glances.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-votEx2zaK4Y/WRXpa3d-xzI/AAAAAAAArEE/vhT72tSdkZ0ij0DX4dPZjdv-46lMAS4UACLcB/s320/emmi.first.glances.jpg" width="234" /> </a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">What follows is our birth story. At the 38 weeks
mark, Hsiu-Li, our midwife checked me and reported that I most likely would go
to post-term. I was already having a lot of anxiety about when I’d deliver
since my midwife, though legendary, has basically a 9-5pm working schedule
uncharacteristic of most midwives. Plus she would be out of town during my
anticipated due date. So, saying I’d have to wait longer was a downer</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Surprisingly, the same night after our check-up, I
began to have strange new pains, beyond my Braxton Hicks cramps (some call
practice “contractions” you get during pregnancy). By the following night I was
clearly beginning my labor. Per our midwife's advice, we went to Alta Bates,
our chosen hospital, for a general evaluation. We learned Emmi was doing great
and I had officially started laboring, 1 centimeter dilated and 90% effacement
(mumbo jumbo for, my body was getting me prepared for the impending delivery).
After two days of contractions, 1 centimeter out of 10 was hardly the result I
anticipated; but, at least the triage nurse said I’d probably have a baby
within 24 hours.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">The 24-hour prediction came and went as I entered
into my third day of pre labor (apparently not even "active labor"
yet). The whole time I experienced excruciating “back” pains with contractions
of 3-15 minutes apart. They tell you it’s “back” pains but mine felt like the
worst bowel movement (BM) you’ve ever had times 1k. When it reached 3 minutes
apart, we returned to Alta Bates thinking this was it; we were going to have
Emmi. Instead, we were sent home <i>again</i>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Nurses were unsympathetic towards my moans and groans
and wanted me to take "something to take the edge off" when they
discovered I was only still near 1 centimeter dilated. Turned out this
“something” that was supposed to not affect me nor Emmi was in fact, morphine.
Side effects does cause issues with the baby and mother that later have to be
corrected with more drugs and “intervention.” Sounds typical mode of operation
(MO) for the effed up medical system. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Nurses were down right shocked when seeing that I
seemed so desperate for pain relief, that I flat out refused meds. I was
determined. We just didn’t want to do down the meds road that leads to
c-section. Though many people we know have had epidurals and they delivered
healthy babies. That said, I did occur to me that if I could not get through
the pain, eff it, give me meds. I'm no hero. My idea of a natural birth is
vaginal, that's all.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Pain really messes with your head, though. After
hysterically screaming in the hospital bathroom, Que and I made it home. My
thoughts were, I'm going to have the baby at home because there's no way I can
make it back to the hospital with current levels of pain. I also thought, if
it's cool with Emmi, she can chill in my tummy as long as she wants. Years is
fine, just as long as the pain goes away.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Just when I thought I was not made for this natural
birthing thing, Que reminded me of a method we learned from Bradley class
called "counter pressure." This is where he puts pressure my pelvis
to relieve back pains. Lo and behold, it worked. So we did that the rest of the
night on 3 minutes sleep in between contractions. Sometimes I slept even longer
because Que was diligent about the massages. I kept dreaming, “wow, this
epidural really works. What a lifesaver my epidural is” (aka my husband, Que).</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">The next day there would be no reprieve from my pain,
no matter what Que tried. My contractions increased to 1 minute apart and the
excruciating pain continued. I’m talking the kind where I cried with every
contraction and really thought I could faint from it. I then felt my vagina and
honestly thought my baby was already crowning. That’s when I knew we were ready
for the hospital again.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">I really wanted to leave for Alta Bates the day
before but the fear of being returned forced me to delay that as much as
possible. So, by the time we decided to make another trip, I was literally
crawling out the house, no longer able to walk. I could not even sit forward in
the car. Instead I was on my knees faced to the backseat trying to keep
consciousness.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">We got to the hospital around 11am and thank goodness
I was already at 5 centimeters dilated. I overhead the triage nurse calling
Hsiu-Li confirming that I have progressed and ready for admission. Being taken
seriously was so much better than the previous visit. When Hsiu-Li arrived, she
checked me once more and we were carted off to our room.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">We immediately got into the hot shower that offered
minimal relief but relief nonetheless. I was thinking if the pain increased
anymore, as it is supposed to before delivery, I just didn’t know if I could
keep to my natural birth plan. Hsiu-Li explained the sensation I would go
through for the next 4-5 hours as I was supposed to dilate one centimeter per
hour. I explained to her that I was experiencing that type of pain for the past
two days! Looking slightly alarmed, she asked to check me again and I had
dilated to 9 centimeters in 20 minutes! My water finally broke in the
assessment and she then announced I was ready to see my baby.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Being the crazy person that has to document
everything, we had planned to have my brother, Mel, video the birth and another
close friend, Winnie, to take pictures. We also had intended for our toddler
son, Tous, to witness the birth. He had seen dozens of birthing videos on
youtube at this point. But, there was not even enough time to get our personal
point-and-shoot from the car before I was on my back ready for delivery.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">The next part is a blur to me so Que filled most of
it. I vaguely remember Hsiu-Li saying she would help me move my last centimeter
of dilation along. She showed Que a pressure point near my shoulder and asked
him to apply that constant pressure throughout the delivery. Then she used
pressure points across my face and another near my ankle. I was then turned to
my side for about 10 minutes. Then she asked me to roll over on my back and
checked to see if I had reached 10 centimeters dilatation, which I did.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Hsiu-Li was in the catching position, Que was to my
left and the Alba Bates nurse, Laurie, to my right. I can honestly say from
this point forward, I felt no pain. I received regular instructions from
Hsiu-Li including when to push and not to push, how to push, how to breathe,
and even to not scream. Both Que and Laurie helped suspend my legs and reminded
me of the birthing methods like keeping my chin down when pushing.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">The interesting thing was what went on during the 1-2
minutes break in between contractions. At that time the attendants talked about
everything under the sun. I remembered conversations about adoptions in Tibet,
traveling to Alaska, etcetera. It crossed my mind to say, “I’m not a water
cooler folks, please focus on me now.” Instead I just said, “READY,” every time
a contraction came on.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Even with a few distractions, I felt very calm. I
looked around from one person to the next a lot and thought, “gosh, these people
are wonderful, I love them.” I tenderly touched both Que AND my nurse. I
thought I was very focused and so did the nurse. Que later said I seemed lucid
enough but looked high the whole time. I also showed no signs of pain
whatsoever. In fact, when the so-called “ring of fire” appeared during the
crowning of the baby, I thought to myself, “Is this all you got? I spit on the
ring of fire.” Natural hormones are a powerful drug!</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Born au naturel shortly after 1pm, Emmi cried before
being fully pulled out by her daddy. Que also got to cut the umbilical cord,
which he said felt like butter. I pulled Emmi to my chest where she stayed on
wide-eyed and fixated on mommy. She even managed to put her fingers on my lips and
in my mouth. So amazing this little one is mine, I thought. At that moment our thoughtful
nurse snapped pictures of the moment on her iphone. Just seconds after Emmi was
born, you can still see beads of labor sweat on my nose. These few images are all
we have of the precious time. Emmi was then cleaned and tested while lying next
to me. So rewarding. Oh, and then Hsiu-Li delivered the rest of my oversized
placenta and asked me to touch it…ew. I touched it, of course.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">The next morning when Hsiu-Li came to my postpartum
room for a follow-up, I was able to ask her about my labor and delivery. She
said I had an asynclitic pregnancy where the baby’s head was not optimally
positioned causing her to lay crooked. This resulted in a prodromal labor or
prolonged and painful labor with no to slow progression of the cervical
opening. And here I thought all labors were this difficult.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">As for my state during delivery, Hsiu-Li explained
that the pressure points helped and that she was able to connect our
“energies.” There was never a doubt of her skills. I mean, I did pick her
because she is known to make birthing magic. She comes from a long line of
midwives and delivered over 7k births with only a 4% c-section rate. And she
teaches midwifery at Stanford. As for my rather difficult labor, when I was
recovering, a head nurse told us that Hsiu-Li is the only person who could
successfully deliver a prodromal positioned baby without intervention (aka
naturally).</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Additionally, Hsiu-Li confessed that she had to be a
“Tiger midwife” with me because I was so hell bent on delivering naturally. She
suspected I would have an asynclitic delivery so she prepared me mentally for
the pain. Psych out methods included claiming she didn’t think I had an
adequate threshold for pain. Hearing this upset me, shattered my confidence,
but also motivated me to prove her wrong. So Asian!</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Hsiu-Li also gave props to Que who she said was the
perfect coach and that I didn’t even need a doula with him around. Apparently
they were in a secret partnership to make sure I had a successful natural
birth. Whatever the reasons for a painless delivery, I am glad to have the team
I did and that Emmi came out healthy.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">We are settling in and still putting the house in
order for Emmi since she came on the early side. She’s one of us now. Tous was
only confused about Emmi the first day, now he gives sympathy frustration cries
when she does. He knows her name is Emmi and goes in for regular tender kisses
on her head. He’s also designated himself her hat police by picking up her
fallen hats and attempting to put it back on for her.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">We are excited to show Emmi to the world but also
want time for her to build her immunity system as well. Family and friends have
been kind enough to leave food so we gratefully accept that and short visits.
Just give us plenty of notice ahead of time and don’t be disappointed if Emmi
is asleep, and that we look like zombies and cannot entertain too well.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Much love,</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Que,
Kieu Linh and Tous</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-58910502964420378722016-05-19T08:12:00.003-07:002018-04-03T13:57:51.545-07:00Remembering Don Nakanishi<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><style>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DWMs5XJBts/Vz3Xt9eNH6I/AAAAAAAAqXc/S5XhvY6RCt0kY-cMOgACIM4P09g4tL0bQCLcB/s1600/Don%252BNakanishi_thmb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DWMs5XJBts/Vz3Xt9eNH6I/AAAAAAAAqXc/S5XhvY6RCt0kY-cMOgACIM4P09g4tL0bQCLcB/s1600/Don%252BNakanishi_thmb.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don <span class="il">Nakanishi</span>
deeply influenced my work. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For instance, h</span>is earliest research cleverly
brought together political science with Ethnic Studies and the local with the
global, to give us precursors to transnationalism. However, I would not know
Don personally until I was going through a very public and grueling tenure
battle. Introduced through one of his many mentees that teach at universities
now, Don helped me immediately. He generously shared all he knew about the
continued struggles of Asian Americans in higher education. I ultimately won
tenure through appeal<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span>a rare occurrence<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. I</span> attribute t<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hat mi<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">racle t</span></span>o Don’s assistance. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-STxTr5lhxhg/Vz3X2EFRNII/AAAAAAAAqXg/QVZHdwWDW5QjeftrSCGW_2DStt5dRedUQCLcB/s1600/Maneki-neko%2Bkitty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-STxTr5lhxhg/Vz3X2EFRNII/AAAAAAAAqXg/QVZHdwWDW5QjeftrSCGW_2DStt5dRedUQCLcB/s200/Maneki-neko%2Bkitty.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After tenure was won, I wanted to offer
a token of my gratitude. I had no idea what to give <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"</span>The Do<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">" – </span></span>taking into
account his possible interests without offending. I overthought. In the end
I opted for a <span class="tgc"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">maneki-neko
charm that had the Japanese <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">script</span></span></span>, "Happiness, come
over here!," Open fate (in a good way), Invite fortune (and/or
happiness)." When he received it he asked how I knew. Turned out Don had a
<span class="tgc"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">maneki-neko collection,
procured <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">during his many <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">trips</span> </span>around th<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e</span> world, that rivals any museum’s. He even mentioned
that he had his son video the room there he kept this collection. Indeed, I
found that video on the web later. This showed me another dimension of Don that
brings a smile to my face every time I recall it. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I will remember Don in different ways,
but it is his fierce determination and sense of right from wrong that I still admire most. His chronicling of his own legendary fight for tenure anthologized
in <i>Amerasia Journal</i> published in 1990 was <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the</span> blueprint for my tenure fight. It also inspired my current completed anthology manuscript, <i>Fight the
Tower,</i> about how the attacks against Asian American women in higher
education signals serious troubles in universities as a whole. Don was to have
written the Prologue for this anthology, which represented his deep involvement
for justice up to his last days. I cannot thank Don enough for all he has done
for me and the hundreds he has helped in similar fashion. I know he fights on
for great causes where he is now and guides us in spirit in this world.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-13856191889584889662016-01-21T09:06:00.003-08:002016-01-21T09:06:40.363-08:00The First and Only Slave Museum in the US<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NToQ3iwz7LQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NToQ3iwz7LQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
On Whitney Plantation, in the town of Wallace, 35 miles west of New
Orleans, there houses the first and only Slave Museum in the US.
Understanding the roots and legacies of slavery may help Amerika to
understand the on-going race issue and the rampant ignorance around it.
John J. Cummings, founder of the Slave Museum, remarks on his journey to
learning about the history of slavery, “I had no idea they [slaves]
were a commodity and how they were treated like a commodity. I had<span class="text_exposed_show">
no idea of how how [sic] deprived they were – not by force of
circumstance, but by deliberate planning.“ Ibrahima Seck, the museum’s
Director of Research, expands on the learning of slavery, “You don’t
just teach slavery. These people have backgrounds. They came from
Africa. But, also you have to know, these people came naked or half
naked, but, they did not need a suitcase to put their culture inside…”. I
will definitely make a trip south for this. It is also just outside of
New Orleans!</span>kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-7040133663307101542015-12-14T16:57:00.001-08:002016-10-30T18:55:12.161-07:00Asian Ingenuity Story of the Day<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFNX4l-yP_M/Vm9lamKxNcI/AAAAAAAAqH4/bSrN04hmLAM/s1600/MK006_Li_RGB_144dpi_006_grande.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFNX4l-yP_M/Vm9lamKxNcI/AAAAAAAAqH4/bSrN04hmLAM/s320/MK006_Li_RGB_144dpi_006_grande.jpg" width="320" /></a>I went to purchase an action figure online for my Emmi and Tous. I searched the web for a coupon. Found one for 10% off (Asian score #1). Used it but may have forgotten to press "apply." Anyway, emailed the company's customer service and asked them to apply the 10% discount anyway. They complied (Asian score #2). Then went on the site to check on my purchase and noticed the action figure had just gone on sale. So, emailed customer service again and asked them to give me the new sale price. They agreed to it (Asian score #3)! Bragged to hubby and he shook his head in disbelief. Proud of his Asian wife (Asian score #4). Helps that GoldieBlox also has excellent customer service. Moral of the Asian story? Never hurts to ask – again and again. Oh, did I mention for all my efforts I saved $5.92, a fortune I say. :Dkieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-54584243954364916472015-09-24T20:46:00.003-07:002015-09-25T00:16:13.189-07:00Another John Snow Theory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPw6aXZrQIo/VgTDh-60hyI/AAAAAAAAqBs/iMbEsDAXNTY/s1600/jon-snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPw6aXZrQIo/VgTDh-60hyI/AAAAAAAAqBs/iMbEsDAXNTY/s320/jon-snow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I miss blogging about my latest obsessions. Maybe I have neglected to post since my thoughts grow increasingly radical, leading me to wonder if my old audience would appreciate or even care the leaps I make. When my interests are not of the edgy nature, I consider that it may be too basic and inconsequential compared to the madness I experienced during my death. My death remains the marker for all things.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">True or not, these internal dialogues take away from what I love about blogging, the art of writing. I must thank Monkey Lounge for allowing me the venue all these years to express myself through words. I never really fancied myself a good writer but blogging gave me the necessary confidence and expressive outlet. So, to honor the craft of blogging and by extension, writing, I would like to discuss the much debated issue of the death and possible resurrection of John Snow. This should be fun since life after death is an experience I am quite intimate with. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let us begin. I agree with most in the blogosphere that Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen are John Snow's true parents. He is the Song of Ice and Fire, the Ajorah Ahai, and rightful King to the Iron Throne. Therefore, though stabbed to death by the Night's Watchmen at the end of Season 5, John will rise again in Season 6. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwqTHhMoVaY/VgTEp9_aYTI/AAAAAAAAqB0/CYqVYay_gcs/s1600/Never-knew-Bannen-could-smell-so-good1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwqTHhMoVaY/VgTEp9_aYTI/AAAAAAAAqB0/CYqVYay_gcs/s320/Never-knew-Bannen-could-smell-so-good1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The true identity of John Snow will first be revealed during the funeral burning of his body. Like with Daenerys, John's body will be unscathed by fire, showing to all present that he possesses Targaryen dragon blood. John would have already warged into his direwolf, Ghost, at this point, also reaffirming his Stark lineage. Seeing this, </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="st">Melisandre uses her red magic to resurrect John. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="st">This will solidify for all John's true identity and fate. People will flock to follow John. Especially since his resurrection signals a new and more powerful coming of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ajorah Ahai.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Special thanks to the students from my Asian Diaspora Class for reminding me how much I actually like writing, no matter how challenging.</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-36871628806878468232014-06-10T19:58:00.001-07:002014-06-11T23:04:27.541-07:00Being Raw on Social Media<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ckmg1IeXM7I/U5fDPK1-QuI/AAAAAAAApDo/HDwmDlgbAIo/s1600/Anatomy-Persian-Medical-Female-Anatomy-with-child-NLM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ckmg1IeXM7I/U5fDPK1-QuI/AAAAAAAApDo/HDwmDlgbAIo/s1600/Anatomy-Persian-Medical-Female-Anatomy-with-child-NLM.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
Let's face it, we use social media to present our fantasy persona. We are always happy, looking fabulous, doing something adventurous, and surrounded by intriguing people. We put out only our best selves and provide statements and images to support this characterization. Positive postings invite "likes" and affirming comments. It feeds the ego and gets us through the day.<br />
<br />
So, what the hell is happening when some rebels in social media choose to do otherwise. They post about deaths, break-ups, job loses, depression, failing relationships, illnesses, troubled children...I can go on. These posts make us uncomfortable, annoyed, and even pissed. How dare they cloud utopia! How dare they indeed.<br />
<br />
Well, I say, kudos to those bastards. Thank you for being real and reminding us we are assholes for being otherwise. Life is not perfect, people are flawed as hell. Shit happens all the time and, frankly, that's okay. I do not mind coarse postings that chill me a bit and leave me cringing at times. I welcome them and envy those that really put themselves out there.<br />
<br />
Of course by exposing themselves on social media also makes them vulnerable – vulnerable to family, friends, colleagues,...But, then again, maybe that is the part of the rebellious nature of these posts that I most admire – they are risky. It is a bold affront to the risk-adverse and chicken shit in us all. I stand and applaud those that give it to us raw. Thank you. kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-47508154933152254662014-03-30T12:02:00.001-07:002017-05-14T01:33:31.677-07:00#CancelColbert and the Ultimate Fear Factor -- Suey Park! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LBZmuW5XV94/UzhqAp4hSXI/AAAAAAAAo2g/TXC2XiPhjUo/s1600/safe_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LBZmuW5XV94/UzhqAp4hSXI/AAAAAAAAo2g/TXC2XiPhjUo/s1600/safe_image.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="mbs _5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The issue of the now trending <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/cancelcolbert?source=feed_text&story_id=10153949609275258"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">CancelColbert</span></a>
is a tough one. On the one hand I think Colbert is brilliant. I mean, I
actually know people that do not get he's playing a right-wing zealot,
blatant racist, unapologetic bigoted buffoon. So, he's also an effective
modern day satirist -- able to appeal to his core audience while also
keeping his real foes puzzled! However, the issue is, if you have not
watched his show, not seen the monologue referencing Asian American
stereotypes to talk about the Redskin mascot controversy, the "I want to
show the <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/asian?source=feed_text&story_id=10153949609275258"><span class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">Asian</span></a>
community I care by introducing the Ching Chong Ding Dong Foundation
for Sensitivity to Orientals or Whatever" tweet in isolation, is a
trigger.</span></span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Some Asian Americans, like writer, activist, <b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><a href="http://live.huffingtonpost.com/r/archive/segment/colbert-report-asian-joke-on-twitter-leads-to-cancelcolbert/533593b1fe344454ba000027">Suey Park</a></span></b>,
have no tolerance (or some have said, <a href="http://loungemonkey.blogspot.com/2011/03/beating-racism-with-funny-bone-ucla.html"><b>no funny bone</b></a>) for tired
stereotypes about Asian Americans –- even for satirical effect. She and
others feel that it's not okay to perpetuate these negative images,
especially since so many do not know Colbert is in character. It's
unclear if there's any benefit with the skit for the groups that Colbert
uses as a punchline. Some trending the #CancelColbert are saying that
he is not exempt from a-historicizing the issues that matter to Asian
American just to get laughs and ratings. They would argue there's simply
not enough multidimensional images of Asian (Americans) in media to
warrant a free for all use of Asian Americans as gags. Essentially, Colbert's brand of satire has lost its effectiveness and has become offensive to the groups he supports.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The "Ching Chong" joke and controversial tweet post that accompanied it does not bother me. I admittedly thought it was hilarious. However, I do not find Colbert's "Ching Chong Ding Dong mascot" funny (see Colbert's best rendition of Mickey Rooney's Yunioshi from "Breakfast at Tiffany's" in the video clip), and I think I'm open to just about any unPC joke out there. Possibly this one hits just a little too close to home and I feel offended, not amused. Colbert didn't grow up Asian American but could have at least guessed it was not pleasant being bullied for just looking "Asian." This is where the "white, male entitlement" argument enters. But, I digress.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> On the issue of the backlash </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">to criticisms of the
"racist" tweet," I can totally understand how non-Asians would respond
with condescending, "uh, you're too stupid to get satire, Asians." But,
what I'm disappointed about is how Asian Americans have also jumped on
the bandwagon. They've taken to blogs, Twitter, FaceBook, and mainstream media about this
topic with some harsh words for Suey Park and others trending
#CancelColbert. The tones have been almost apologetic, in the vein of,
"Sorry we have an outspoken Asian American woman that doesn't kowtow to
the stereotypes of a submissive person without voice, opinion and anger.
She and other Asian Americans against Colbert also obviously can't get a
joke." Some of the pieces have been venomous, borderline misogynistic. But, the worst ones have labeled Suey Park a<b> <a href="https://twitter.com/neaato">hashtag hustler</a></b> and <b><a href="http://online.wsj.com/articles/BL-SEB-80544?ref=%2Fblogs%2Fspeakeasy">killer of legitimate twitter activism</a> </b>or </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">dismissed her altogether as a frivolous debutant. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maybe Suey Park's most heinous crime is <b><a href="http://www.scpr.org/blogs/multiamerican/2014/03/29/16229/cancel-colbert-twitter-suey-park-hashtag/">she gets the twittersphere</a></b>. She knows no one pays attention to rational conversation so she screams her outrage. Then when she gets an audience, meaningful conversation can come from these people. Me blogging about this topic is testament to her effectively working media. I don't think it's wise to dismiss her, she's smart. She and her supporters can get a joke, but, maybe are too
fed up with being the butt of one and want to be able to speak their
minds about it. Just as Colbert is allowed to continue with his
satirical show and should do so. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Things have gotten a bit out of control in the virtual stratosphere and reactions to #CancelColbert is starting to remind me of the fear of the "Yellow Peril." How are there so many of them hating on a white man, a funny one at that? Scary, huh? (sarcasm) But joking aside, it is good to have this dialogue.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For background of the controversy, see <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.mediaite.com/online/colbert-tweet-triggers-firestorm-cancelcolbert-twitter-trend/#ooid=FtbmRmbDoOunf5pqHcQwwttzaNSSwjCk">HERE</a></span></b>. </span></span>kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-35549203094240902982014-02-27T09:24:00.000-08:002019-10-09T23:12:40.596-07:00Support SCA 5 - Diversify our Universities!Don't let opponents of SCA-5 fool you with their appropriation of Civil
Rights language and usage of change.org and other once progressive
spaces for grassroots groups to engage the general public. Prop 209 hurt
our students, our educational system and our state. As someone who's
been in the California educational system almost all my life from K-PhD,
I have observed the difference of pre and post Affirmative Action. Help
bring back the mandates set in place by California higher education to
make education accessible to the many diverse groups that represent
California, and not the few seek to consolidate power. Meritocracy and a
color blind society are myths. Support SCA-5.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-03lTpKQQZiQ/Uw90mx1RHPI/AAAAAAAAo0M/s0OmvB-Ce9I/s1600/pro+affirmative+action.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-03lTpKQQZiQ/Uw90mx1RHPI/AAAAAAAAo0M/s0OmvB-Ce9I/s1600/pro+affirmative+action.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-12954148681110762232014-02-05T08:27:00.000-08:002014-02-05T08:29:10.417-08:00A Call to Action for Women of Color in Academia: Review of "Presumed Incompetent"<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>A Review of <i>Presumed Incompetent: </i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>The Intersections of Race and Class for Women in Academia</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>By Kieu-Linh Caroline Valverde</b></span></span><br />
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</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://thefeministwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/presumed-incompetent.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Presumed Incompetent" class=" wp-image-19609 alignright" src="http://thefeministwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/presumed-incompetent-202x300.jpg" height="400" width="270" /></a>Women of color in academia are at a crucial crossroad. Within the
inherently biased and unwelcoming academic culture, compounded by
massive budgetary cuts and trends towards corporatization in
universities nationwide, underrepresented groups increasingly find
themselves targets of bullying, harassment, and dismissal. Sadly, the
vast majority continue to endure the violent onslaught feeling helpless
and isolated – unable and sometimes unwilling to seek assistance or
simply unaware of how to begin to advocate for themselves. <span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://thefeministwire.com/2014/02/a-call-to-action-for-women-of-color-in-academia/">For more</a>. </span></span></span>kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-84345117251074003672013-11-28T07:47:00.000-08:002017-05-14T01:34:44.880-07:00New Meaning of Thanksgiving for the Alive Again<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D12fgzOehf4/UpdlL4M2ObI/AAAAAAAAnkI/vB-SLPHvCMY/s1600/mural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D12fgzOehf4/UpdlL4M2ObI/AAAAAAAAnkI/vB-SLPHvCMY/s400/mural.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Like my cohort of the over-educated, social activist sect in the East Bay </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> (snicker)</span></span>,
I shun Thanksgiving -- or at least the trite ahistorical Pilgrims and
Natives having a feast variation. However, that said, I do appreciate
the days off and tradition of gathering with family and friends to out
cook each other. This year we plan on having little feasts with folks
instead of one big one. I am especially looking forward to the very
non-immigrant act of making apple pie from scratch with my 4 and 2 year
olds. They like "helping" mommy in the kitchen. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The best tradition of all is giving thanks. But, even that, like <span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://loungemonkey.blogspot.com/2009/02/happy-freakin-valentines-day.html">Valentine's Day</a></span>, has turned into a consumerist nightmare that basically says, treat your partner well <i>one</i> day out of the year. Thanksgiving too has become an annual occurrence that means giving
thanks for the good things we have in our lives instead of bitching
about what we lack and want to have, then hypocritically rushing off to
the pre-Black Friday sales. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was probably guilty of neglecting to appreciate the good aspects of my life too; I am not exactly proud to admit. But, that all changed almost one year ago.
As those close to me or follow my Monkey Lounge may already know, I (nearly) died last year. Details can be read <span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://loungemonkey.blogspot.com/2013/07/returning-from-dead-literally.html">here</a></span>.
</span> When I was temporarily in the other world, I remembered desperately
trying to get back to ours. I realized how much I valued life, and in
particular, being with my family. I realize too that they needed me and
their futures heavily depended on my survival. So, I seriously fought
through what I thought was hell to return to my family. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Everyday since I emerged from my coma, I thank my ancestors and the Universe for bringing me back to this world, and I also
pray for my friends and their families. When I get too engrossed with
work or off ADHD-ing with things like Facebooking, I remind myself why I
was brought back, and immediately find my kids to play with them. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aside
from my near death experience, I am not unique. We are all alive. Most
of us have numerous things to be happy about and proud of. We may have
taken it for granted, neglected to give time to the people and things
that matter. We forgot to give th</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">anks for the simple things that are in fact quite monumental, including our lives! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Having nearly lost mine, I am now inspired every day thinking about how fortunate I am to have such kind people in my life. These are the same people that prayed for my return. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am grateful for all those that willed me back from the abyss and still look over me and my family. </span></span></span></span>They are the good in humanity. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I again thank the Universe for allowing me to stay on this plane to be with the people I love and have the strength to continue with work to assist others. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The moral of the story is, remember the beauty of the every day, <i>every day</i>. You do not have to die or have something dramatic happen to recognize this. Well, for some really dense folks, like myself, maybe you do. But, hopefully if there is any day to contemplate about giving thanks for the simple things and recognizing the good people that make up your kinship, this may be the day. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Thanksgiving. </span></span>kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-88261075547115717152013-10-29T09:25:00.002-07:002013-11-01T22:15:24.932-07:00Transnationalizing Viet Nam Book Talk at Stanford University<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-byYT6JOgdyQ/Um_hTGGcsZI/AAAAAAAAmrk/hsx40pH_9MQ/s1600/stanford.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-byYT6JOgdyQ/Um_hTGGcsZI/AAAAAAAAmrk/hsx40pH_9MQ/s640/stanford.png" width="438" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://loungemonkey.blogspot.com/2013/10/transnationalizing-viet-nam-book-talk.html" http://loungemonkey.blogspot.com/2013/10/transnationalizing-viet-nam-book-talk.html="_blank">
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</a>kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-4745242241136477472013-09-25T22:04:00.001-07:002013-09-25T22:04:16.772-07:00Transnationalizing Viet Nam Book Talk at Eastwind Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TVhX1fmRP_c/UkPAMYgoGqI/AAAAAAAAlb8/yMeBjQZh3-E/s1600/photo+eastwind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TVhX1fmRP_c/UkPAMYgoGqI/AAAAAAAAlb8/yMeBjQZh3-E/s640/photo+eastwind.jpg" width="507" /></a></div>
<br />kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-62253631747423090422013-09-02T08:56:00.001-07:002013-09-02T10:24:07.557-07:00Honoring United States Laborers on Labor Day 2013<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="userContent">On Labor Day, let's remember the unfree labor that helped build the US during and post slavery.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tV3iMxYSHJA/UiS1BnkoLUI/AAAAAAAAlXs/CMMD3yzt02o/s1600/black+labor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tV3iMxYSHJA/UiS1BnkoLUI/AAAAAAAAlXs/CMMD3yzt02o/s320/black+labor.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">On Labor Day, let's honor the exploited labor
from the peonage and bracero programs and continued mistreatment of
Mexican labor in our fields and factories today.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4Nf2w-f_vo/UiS0MXl6IiI/AAAAAAAAlXc/Waz0N_fR7tU/s1600/rich-on-back-of-peons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4Nf2w-f_vo/UiS0MXl6IiI/AAAAAAAAlXc/Waz0N_fR7tU/s320/rich-on-back-of-peons.jpg" width="280" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="userContent">On Labor Day, let's not forget the
contributions of Chinese laborers that despite being singled out as an
ethnic group for anti-immigration and numerous anti-labor policies,
still managed to bring the US the transcontinental railroad.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWTzsmdTLVI/UiS0RvsoSuI/AAAAAAAAlXk/6sbXSJrA0fs/s1600/chinese-railroad-workers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWTzsmdTLVI/UiS0RvsoSuI/AAAAAAAAlXk/6sbXSJrA0fs/s320/chinese-railroad-workers.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">On Labor Day, let's honor those that labor at home raising our future.</span></span></span></span></span></h5>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3CLEIYleko/UiTJEBzsJLI/AAAAAAAAlYU/3oFYmqe7MZw/s1600/stay-at-home-dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3CLEIYleko/UiTJEBzsJLI/AAAAAAAAlYU/3oFYmqe7MZw/s320/stay-at-home-dad.jpg" width="271" /></a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">On
Labor Day, let's honor women's labor in its many forms and how women
continue to fight for fair wages and other important issues like
maternity leave and child care.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lNmSM6RwmLE/UiTI3Ne84KI/AAAAAAAAlYM/3LI9MIZVrmo/s1600/cindy+rosie+labor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lNmSM6RwmLE/UiTI3Ne84KI/AAAAAAAAlYM/3LI9MIZVrmo/s320/cindy+rosie+labor.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"> </span></span></span></span></span></h5>
kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691757629712580616.post-10567794437705889872013-08-23T02:37:00.001-07:002013-08-23T02:37:39.539-07:00Beyond the "Spectacle" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGzfI2I7iaU/UhctU38ZPWI/AAAAAAAAlWA/22Ws_bSmG8k/s1600/Peconic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGzfI2I7iaU/UhctU38ZPWI/AAAAAAAAlWA/22Ws_bSmG8k/s400/Peconic2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">As
media attempts to divert us with "spectacle," in the aftermath of the
Manning verdict, to repulse or appeal to our biases/sensibilities, let's
not forget we live in a police state where individuals risk
incarceration, torture, and life for revealing criminal acts committed
by the government.</span></span></span></div>
kieulinhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10132710557045468416noreply@blogger.com0