So recently there was huge controversy over Obama’s visit to a San Francisco Chinese restaurant earlier this week. I was interested when I read titles like “Obama in hot water over shark fin soup”. Obviously the first thing that came to mind was that he ate it.  I sat there bemused that he even knew what it was. I even wondered if he liked it,  but after I read the article lo and behold I discovered he merely visited a restaurant that had it on the menu.

Now I’ve eaten shark’s fin soup quite a few times. Its’ pretty deeply ingrained in Chinese culture- its reserved for special occasions to show respect and give a treat to the guests at times like weddings, new years and special birthdays. I guess you could compare it to a nice steak dinner at Ruth’s Chris.  I’m somewhat ashamed to say it’s quite tasty- but the sharks fin itself really adds only a textural aspect. That being said, I understand why people don’t like it. The way shark’s fin is farmed is the sharks are caught, their fins cut off and they are dumped back in the water alive. The gills on a shark don’t work unless they’re swimming, which means they suffocate to death unable to swim or breathe. I understand why its gone, I wouldn’t have fought for it to stay and I wouldn’t fight for it to come back.  In 2011 Shark’s fin was banned in California, but remaining stock is allowed to be sold until July of 2013. Many other states are eying similar laws, and I have no doubt that they will pass and my children will never taste that exorbitant gooey bowl of stringy goodness (haha just kidding).

Now before people get up in arms about animal rights- let me say I’ve worked with and volunteered thousands of hours taking care of animals. I love animals. Quite frankly I like them more than people. But there’s a reason you don’t meet a lot of vegetarian Asians- its just not really super high up there in priorities (traditionally speaking). I think concern about animal rights is a luxury a lot of countries can’t afford, and is something you usually see in affluent countries and more recent times. Before people think that’s barbaric-  I don’t think its so different from differences in the treatment of our elders. Many Asian families personally care for and home their aging grandparents until their death. To send them to a retirement home would be almost seen as a type of abandonment . I’m not saying there’s a right or wrong, but different cultures value things differently.

Going back to the story I just found it so silly that people got upset that he purchased take out at a Chinese restaurant that sold shark’s fin. Any Chinese restaurant that isn’t cheaper like Sam Woo will likely have Sharks fin, I’d guess many of them wouldn’t be considered authentic or be appropriate for luxurious occasions if they didn’t. I understand the world is becoming more conscientious- we care about the messages and compassion of our leaders…but he was just getting take out. No matter how pretentious someone is, I don’t think they’d eat 100 dollar soup out of a leaky Styrofoam container with a cheap spork in a crowded hotel room. I don’t think most non Asians walk in to Asian restaurants and excitedly ask for the jellyfish or coagulated pork blood.  It just seemed so blown out of proportion to me. Regardless the battle is won-it’ll no longer be available for the rest of the foreseeable future. So what’s the big deal? Why are there 50 news articles about Obama’s Chinese takeout when last I checked there were way more important things going on in the world? What about the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East?  Or the fact that tuition has increased so much that I can’t even count on my all my digits the friends I know that dropped out of college. . It’s just beyond me that people would be more concerned about who Kim Kardashian is crushing on and the soup the President didn’t buy than the affairs that actually truly affect their quality of life.

The president trying to steal away before people see his soup containers! Just kidding.

Until next time, keep in touch on my Youtube, Blogger and twitter

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Disclaimer: photos are not mine, sourced through Google search and various news articles

COURTESY OF AEROSHOT

Soon you might be able to inhale your coffee! Perhaps air shots from Starbucks are next.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is planning on investigating whether inhalable caffeine is safe for consumers. AeroShot is sold in these little containers that look like lipsticks.

They went on the market last month in Massachusetts and New York, and it’s also available in France. Users put one end to their mouths and breathe in, which releases a powder that dissolves.

Each grey-and-yellow plastic canister contains B vitamins, plus 100 milligrams of caffeine powder, about the equivalent of the caffeine in a large cup of coffee. If approved, they may be coming to an area new you soon.

It’s quite an interesting concept. Would inhalable coffee replace your morning coffee run?

If you are like me, your Facebook News Feed is blowing up with various Linsanity-related things. Memes, bad puns, links to Lin being talked about on the Daily Show and Colbert Report. Tired? Moye’s got a great piece about how to overcome J-Lin fatigue.

In case you don’t know, February 19 marks the 70th anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 7066 by FDR which led to the unconstitutional incarceration of some 120,000 Japanese Americans. In “honor” of the day, Koji’s been writing about people we should know about – Japanese American women civil rights heroes, non-Asian American civil rights heroes, and civil rights villains.

And then we review cool things that we can buy on the interwebz, like the movie “Oldboy,” and the Back to the Roots Mushroom Kit.

Oh, you can also learn how to survive the zombie apocalypse. Important stuff, man.

-Lily at 8asians

Anyone want to be my Valentine? Anyone? No? I promise there won’t be an tentacle rape. You, over there slowly turning your head away. Don’t ignore me!

Damn it!

Fine! I didn’t want to celebrate this stupid holiday anyway!

Now that I’m back to my regular old hating self, Welcome to Cakalusa’s Valentine Hate Shack™. Have an ex that you want to lay out on the carpet with a few swift roundhouse kicks? Or stab a few times in the eyes and eardrums for breaking your heart and stomping on it? Maybe you know somebody that used a friend of yours. Take a little bit of revenge by nominating them to the deep dark dungeons of “Cakalusa’s Valentines Hate Shack Hall of Shame.” Tell us who they are (no last names, unless you really dislike them), what they did, and how it made you feel in the comments section.

That’s the spirit!

Remember, The Hall of Shame isn’t just reserved for Valentine’s Day, shame lasts year ’round! So bring out the worst and lay it all out on the table for us. I’ll select the top three nominees to be stored away into the fiery pits of “Cakalusa’s Valentines Hate Shack Hall of Shame” for future verbal and textual lashing by the public.

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YUEN SZE JIA

Nationality: Malaysian
Age: 22
Height: 1.8m
Language Spoken: English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay
Interests/Hobbies: Playing the piano, drawing and basketball

Despite being raised under strict Chinese heritage, Yuen describes herself as having a good balance between the traditional and trendier lifestyles. Unapologetic and determined, Yuen believes she can make her dream of becoming a supermodel her reality. To achieve her goal, she maintains her great health, continuously sharpens her communication skills and keeps up her excellent appearance. She believes that SupermodelMe will help her achieve her goals as she faces strong competition and fierce challenges that will toughen her up get her ready for the aggressive world of modeling.

KATHLENE ORASA MCKINNEY

Nationality: British
Age: 17
Height: 171cm
Language Spoken: English
Interests/Hobbies: Traveling, dancing, shopping

An outdoorsy, energetic, and outgoing individual, Kathlene is never coy about voicing her opinion. Relatively new to the modeling scene, this British national is a passionate dancer who loves to shop. Her ultimate goal in life is to work all over the world as an international interior designer. Kathlene believes that her motivation and will power will help her succeed in the competition.

“I believe I’ve got what it takes- a good head on my shoulders and the determination to achieve my best in SupermodelMe,” she says.

JENNY SUSANNE FUGLSANG

Nationality: Swedish
Age: 19
Height: 1.77m
Language Spoken: English, Korean, Swedish, a little bit Spanish
Interests/Hobbies: Modeling, traveling, painting, gossiping with my friends, partying and dancing, working out and reading magazines

Skinny and sultry, Jenny left her beloved family and peaceful life in Sweden for Korea to pursue her dream to be a model. Though she has spent her whole life in Europe, she believes that Asia is the place where she can fulfill her dreams. With passion and determination, Jenny is not one to give up.

She says, “I practice hard to be the best even if it leaves me with bruises and sores. I’m what you are looking for! I’m a great model. I will strut the runway and pose forever in front of any camera. I have a lot to contribute to the show, so SupermodelMe!”