Colorado honors Vietnam vets - and politicians bicker

Last Friday, I covered the state house and senate honoring Vietnam War vets on the 35th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon.

As far as I could tell, I was the only media who covered it, but that's why AsiaXpress exists – to tell stories about the Asian-American communities that the mainstream media ignores.

For 90 minutes, state senators and representatives shared personal thoughts on the significance of the day. It was certainly interesting listening to those who grew up during the '60s and '70s and hearing their stories of how the veterans were poorly treated when they came back. Some broke down into tears when they said today was long overdue.

But a couple of state senators – from both parties – decided to inject their own personal politics into their off-the-cuff speeches.

I was saddened by that. That day wasn't supposed to be about your political points of view; it was about honoring these veterans who came home to jeers and verbal assault. This day was supposed to be about them, not you.

Thankfully, one senator came in and gave a voice of reason.

And one – let's call him "Hed Tarvey" – just rambled on about something that wasn't relevant. I wasn't sure where he was going when he began boasting about his life and neither did many of the other folks who stood in the back with me. I'm sure he had a point meant well.

Dolph Lundgren, is there anything he can't do?

This video speaks for itself.

2010 Broncos' draft analysis

A look at the Broncos' 2010 draft picks:

1st round, 22nd pick
WR Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech, 6'3", 229
Thomas is big target, certainly chosen by McDaniels to replace B-Marsh. He doesn't have breakneck speed, but he has a lot of raw talent and tons of upside. I think Denver could've traded down for the third time to take him.

1st round, 24th pick
QB Tim Tebow, Florida, 6'3", 245
It's been clear for a while now that Tebow was at the top of McDaniels' list. He has a big arm and is incredibly mobile for the position. He had one of the most stellar collegiate careers ever. His arm mechanics have been criticized and many critics have said he's more equipped to play another position such as halfback or tight end. I think the Broncos could've waited till the second round to grab him.

2nd round, 45th pick
G Zane Beadles, Utah, 6'4", 305
He's a big guy who fits in with McDaniels' vision of a big O-line. From what I've read, the knock on him is his strength, but he has good athleticism. Don't know a whole lot about him, but the mock drafts I've seen put him as a third- to fourth-round pick.

3rd round, 80th pick
C J.D. Walton, Baylor, 6'3", 305
104.3 The Fan's Alfred Williams seems to love this pick. Walton's a strong, athletic guy who will probably start early. He's one of the higher center prospects in this year's draft. Projected by most to be a third-round pick.

3rd round, 87th pick
WR Eric Decker, Minnesota, 6'2", 215
Decker was originally projected to be a second-round pick before a foot injury dropped his stock. He's a possession receiver with decent size. Great hands, good blocker. If he fully recovers from his injury, it's a very good pick-up for the Broncos.

5th round, 137th pick
CB Perrish Cox, Oklahoma St., 6'0", 198
Good-sized cornerback. Apparently his stock dropped because of character concerns, according to Yahoo! Sports. The Broncos may use him as a kick returner. Not a bad pick at this point in the draft.

6th round, 183rd pick
G Eric Olsen, Notre Dame, 6'4", 305
A solid O-lineman who will be a backup center and guard for the Broncos. Adds depth.

'Kick-Ass' kicks ass

Saw a screening of "Kick-Ass" tonight. Totally awesome. There are a few small changes from the comic in order to make it more mainstream, but they work. Fun, gory flick.

My prediction: "Kick-Ass" comics are going to skyrocket in the next two weeks.

Building an all-Asian baseball team for 2010

With baseball back in full gear, I figured I'd try and create another all-Asian opening day roster.

This year's team was a bit more difficult to formulate in a few positions. With four starting pitchers of Asian descent on the DL, it left slim pickings for the No. 4 and 5 spots in the rotation – hence, that's why way journeymen Chan Ho Park and Bruce Chen got the call.

Also, with Kenji Johjima going back to Japan, finding a new backup catcher was challenging. Especially when the only catchers I could find were all in A+ ball.

Check out the team and let me know what you think.

Starz Denver Film Fest -- 'Who's Afraid of the Wolf?'

"Who's Afraid of the Wolf?" (watch it)
Using the tale of "Little Red Riding Hood" as its frame, this Czech film follows the story of a divorce through the eyes of a young girl. Director Maria Prochazkova sprinkles elements of animation throughout the movie, adding an amusing stylish touch. Dorota Dedková, who plays the main character Terezka, carries the film as her innocent outlook provides a sweet, lighter tone to an otherwise unpleasant subject.

Starz Denver Film Fest -- 'Con Artist'

Over the course of the next week, I will be blogging about the movies I catch at the 32nd Starz Denver Film Festival. They may not necessarily be in the order in which I watch.

"Con Artist" (watch it)
One part whimsical, one part sad portrait about the life of eccentric artist Mark Kostabi. The film is a characterization of a man seeking love, acceptance in his own life, yet is unable to find it due to his inept ability to relate to reality. Like those obsessed with getting their faces on YouTube and Facebook, according to Director Michael Sladek, Kostabi is addicted to fame. However his methods of garnering attention and his process of "creating art" -- he openly employs a staff to mass produce his work -- have made him an outcast in the art community. Love him or hate him, "Con Artist" provides an engrossing look at Kostabi.