May = Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

We're halfway through May, but it's not too late to remember that it is officially Asian Pacific American Heritage month (APAHM).

Our friends at Asian American Curriculum Project (AACP), Japanese American Citizens League (San Mateo, JACL), and the Organization of Chinese Americans (San Mateo, OCA) have helped organized a commemoration at the Foster City Public Library (1000 E. Hillsdale Blvd, Foster City, 94404) on May 22nd (10 am - 6:30 pm).

Throughout the day many authors will present and artists will peform their work. The event is free so come and enjoy!

AACP helps distribute some of Immedium's books to schools and libraries, and we've participated in APAHM events in the past. AACP's mission is to:

to educate the public about the great diversity of the Asian American experience, through the books that we distribute; fostering cultural awareness and to educate Asian Americans about their own heritage, instilling a sense of pride. AACP believes that the knowledge which comes from the use of appropriate materials can accomplish these goals.

Unfortunately, we can't attend this year due to a prior commitment. But we wholeheartedly support May's theme and celebrations such as this!

Learn more at:

http://asianamericanbooks.com/apahac/apahac.htm

Eh, Canada! 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics mascots

Meomi, the creators of The Octonauts series, designed the mascots for the Winter Olympics Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, which start today.

The Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) chose Meomi's proposal from 177 entries. "They had to appeal to children from all over the world, they needed to represent the people, geography, and spirit of British Columbia and Canada, and they had to personify the values and essence of the 2010 Winter Games…. In short, they needed to be many things all at once," said John Furlong, VANOC CEO,

The three official ambassadors are Quatchi (a young Sasquatch). Sumi (a mythical Thunderbird), and Miga (a Sea-Bear). Plus don't forget their sidekick Mukmuk the Marmot.

'When we met Meomi Design's Vicki Wong, and saw the portfolios of her and her partner, Michael Murphy, I think we all felt they were born for this project," said VANOC Brand & Creative Services director Ali Gardiner. "Not only is her work warm, endearing and imaginative, but she's a very proud Vancouverite and Canadian, and was excited to share our culture and environment with the world through these Vancouver 2010 mascots. Vicki also understood immediately how the mascots could communicate Olympic and Paralympic ideals and values to children, and get them engaged in our Games."

Though Vancouver has no snow, it has the first 21st Century mascots - modern, fun, and adaptable.

Ask a Canadian friend to send you a commemorative hockey puck with a mascot stamp...or better yet collect all four adventures of their aquatic cousins The Octonauts. Their newest trek is The Octonauts and the Great Ghost Reef.

Ring in 2010 & The Year of the Tiger at Kepler's book store

A day should be long enough for you to recover from imbibing warm spirits, gawking at Dick Clark, and watching the ball drop. Then you'll be ready for a good yarn on Sunday morning. Celebrate the baby new year with a story time of The Year of the Tiger with author Oliver Chin.

Oliver will read the 5th adventure in the popular Tales from the Chinese Zodiac on Sunday, January 3rd at 11:30 am at:

Kepler's
1010 El Camino Real Blvd.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
650-324-4321
www.keplers.com

Naturally there will be free coloring pages (courtesy of new series artist Justin Roth) for a fun art activity following the story time.

This kicks off another season of visits to schools, libraries, museums, and associations. Kids of all ages will enjoy getting to know our new hero Teddy the Tiger and his human friend Su.