Meniscus Magazine - Film, fashion, Asian Americana and more

In this issue (#24):

SPORTS
2008 Olympic Games
The first Olympics to be held in China were as crazy and chaotic as its rapidly-changing host city, Beijing. coverage by Yuan-Kwan Chan

Beijing cheer permeates Olympic atmosphere: From a hospitality standpoint, the Olympics were a huge winner, all the more remarkable considering that the rushed tourism push had been previously unchartered territory in China.

Cartan Tours turns Olympic dream into nightmare for travelers: The Olympic tour agent boasts “excellence in travel.” But numerous mistakes and omissions by the company left travelers gypped, stranded and at serious risk in Beijing.

Hotel Review - Leisure City International Hotel: As it stands now, this Beijing hotel appears to be a property for domestic and Asian citizens who want to take advantage of the nearby hot springs. But for others, it’s pretty safe to say that accommodations in the heart of town would be a much better choice.

FILM
2008 New York Asian Film Festival & Japan Cuts Festival
An interview with Naomi Kawase, director of "The Mourning Forest": Christopher Bourne spoke to Naomi Kawase, whose film, “The Mourning Forest,” received its New York premiere as the opening night film of the Japan Cuts Festival of New Japanese Film.

FASHION
New York Fashion Week - Fall 2008 Collections
Cramped tents. Cramped off-site venues. Celebrities. Socialites. Wannabe celebrities and socialites. Skinny models. Oh, and clothes. coverage by Christopher Bourne, Kwai Chan and Yuan-Kwan Chan

Reviews:

Nautica: The theme for Nautica’s men's collection was “Ice Sailing,” and with this in mind, the company delivered a stylish and functional set of casual wear and sportswear.

Perry Ellis: “Would these clothes look good on my boyfriend or significant other?” In the case of the Perry Ellis men's collection, the answer is a, “Mmm…maybe not.”

Ports 1961: The women's collection failed to match the label’s overarching goal of “unexpected youthfulness and contemporary flare.”

Tracy Reese: While not her strongest collection, Tracy Reese showcased a lot of color and style in her Fall 2008 women’s showing.

Photo galleries:

Chris Han | Reem Acra | Twinkle by Wenlan | Vivienne Tam | Zac Posen

FILM
2008 Asian American International Film Festival
The longtime New York festival featured offerings from Asian independent cinema. coverage by Yuan-Kwan Chan and Eric Hung

"The Killing of a Chinese Cookie": A documentary charting the evolution of the fortune cookie sounds as enticing as the desire to crack open the bland biscuit and read the words printed on the tiny slip of paper in it.

"The Princess of Nebraska": At a time when directors of serious films often feel the need to create epics, Wayne Wang's latest film is a breath of fresh air.

72 hours. One short film. All Systems Go.: Abiding by a required theme and a set of strict rules, a team must conceive, shoot, script and complete a five-minute short film in 72 hours. Cue the 2008 edition of the Asian American Film Lab’s “72 Hour Shootout.”

BOOKS
Review: Sweet Mandarin: Helen Tse, the co-owner of a Pan-Asian restaurant in Manchester, England, that bears the same name as her book, has penned a memoir that spans almost a century, recounting tales from three generations of headstrong women across two continents. by Pei Chien

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Oy, Oy, Oy

In the National Indoor Stadium at the Beijing Olympics, locals queued to take pictures with an Australian fan. As his companion videotaped the spectacle, I asked her how many people had taken pictures with him. She exclaimed, "Hundreds!"
photo by Yuan-Kwan Chan