Hyphen magazine - Asian American arts, culture, and politics

   Color Acrylic Tie Clips from Post-Modern Plastics

Let’s face it. Some people are hard to shop for. And sometimes your brain is so fried that you need someone to place specific gift ideas for friends and family into your clenched, sweaty palm. Luckily, Hyphen columnist Cynthia Brothers has done the hard work for you with this list of holiday presents for the various peeps in your life.

For the Philanthropic T-Shirt Lover:

The Spot T-Shirt

The Spot/Chinatown Youth Center Initiative (CYCI) -- an Oakland nonprofit that empowers Asian American youth to strengthen their communities -- is selling American Apparel t-shirts to support its programs. Contact The Spot for more info at michael(at)thespotoakland(dot)org.

For the Dapper:

Post-Modern Plastics Color Acrylic Tie Clips

Hyphen blogger Mic Nguyen designs these colorful, mod clips for the tie-wearer who's sick of the boring/hideous offerings currently on the market. Order here.

For the Artiste:

Eighth Generation Psycho Killer Whale linocut print by Louie Gong

Chinese and Nooksack artist/activist Louie Gong’s Psycho Killer Whale linocut print (16”x20”) is available in red or black on handmade Japanese (Kitikata) paper. This is a limited edition print (only 18 available!) and according to the artist, “is intended make a statement about the complexity of identity.” [Full disclosure: Louie is Cynthia's boo]. Order here.

For the Music Fan with a Conscience:

Home:Word Deluxe Edition by Magnetic North & Taiyo Na

Home:Word [Deluxe Edition] is a culmination of three years of creative partnership between artists Magnetic North and Taiyo Na, and a re-release of the 2010 US album Home:Word. Remastered, resequenced, repackaged with an exclusive lyric booklet and six new, additional tracks, the album was inspired by their recent single and album deal with Japanese hip-hop label Goon Trax (Media Factory). One of the new songs on Home:Word [Deluxe Edition] is “Fukushima.” Released as a lyric video on September 11, 2011, “Fukushima” is a song dedicated to the victims of the tragedy in Japan.

Magnetic North and Taiyo Na have also collaborated with other like-minded musicians to organize concerts aiding urgent causes, bringing their passions for music and social responsibility together. Their "Holla Benefit Concert Series" collectively raised over $35,000 in charity. More info and ordering here.

For the Bad-Ass DVD Collector:

AOKI DVD

Bea Dong of independent bookstore Eastwind Books of Berkely describes AOKI as, “A must-have documentary on the baddest Asian American brother in our time, Richard Aoki.”

If you order through the Eastwind Books website, you can also use coupon code OFFER20 for a 20% discount (offer is applied at checkout, valid for one-time use per customer, and is good until Dec. 31, 2011). Order AOKI here.

Eastwind Books is also having a holiday in-store gift sale of 20% or more discount on selected cookbooks, craftbooks, children's books, and more.

For the Political Pleasure Seeker:

The Yellow Peril Dildo (www.yellowdildo.com)

Filling the void of Asian American empowerment in the sex toy industry, ChimCo's [Full disclosure: Cynthia is a co-founder], Yellow Peril Dildo turns many a racial and sexual trope on its ear and, well, also performs its intended function. Offered in two models: suction cup buttom and insertable vibrating bullet. More info and ordering here.

For the Bookworm:

Playwright (and Mr. Hyphen 2011 judge) Wajahat Ali takes a look at an eclectic, multigenerational Muslim Pakistani American family confronting their differences and unity at a birthday celebration in Domestic Crusaders.

OG civil rights leader Grace Lee Boggs’ nonfiction book The Next American Revolution discusses how communities are overcoming current political, economic, cultural, and environmental crises.

Comedy writer, producer and actress Mindy Kaling (The Office) dishes on life, friendship, and love in Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns)?