NextShark.com, Author at The Proud Asian

Lisa revvs up Victoria’s Secret’s runway comeback

NextShark.com — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 19:19:22 +0000

Lisa lit up the runway at the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show with dynamic performances of her latest hits, “Rockstar” and “Moonlit Floor.” Dressed in eye-catching leather and lace outfits, the Blackpink member combined high-energy choreography with bold fashion, making her mark on the event’s all-female musical lineup.

How it went: Lisa opened the show with “Rockstar,” entering on a motorcycle while donning a bedazzled, leather shoulder crop top, chained bikini briefs and a black leather bra. Her second performance, “Moonlit Floor,” featured her in a lace bodysuit with metallic wings. “I’ve been a big fan [of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show], so it’s still like a dream come true,” the 27-year-old K-pop star told Olivia Culpo ahead of the show, adding that its models inspired her confidence as she grew up.
About the show: The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marked the brand’s return after a six-year hiatus, reviving its iconic runway with a focus on inclusivity. The event, which also featured stars like Cher and Tyla, celebrated powerful women and welcomed back veteran models like Tyra Banks and Adriana Lima.

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Meet South Korea’s senior ‘mermaids’ fighting to protect the ocean

NextShark.com — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 20:15:31 +0000

Korean American filmmaker Sue Kim was only 8 when she first encountered Jeju Island’s centuries-old legends — Korea’s first female breadwinners who dive to great depths without oxygen tanks.

These women divers, or “haenyeo,” are known for their remarkable strength, autonomy and deep connection to the sea. Defying the country’s traditionally patriarchal society, the haenyeo have been diving for centuries, harvesting seaweed, abalone, octopus, conch, sea urchin and more.

While their origins are unclear, one theory suggests that in the 17th century, heavy taxes on men’s labor shifted economic responsibility to women, forcing them to find work in the sea. Another posits that women’s higher body fat allowed them to stay in the water longer. Over time, the haenyeo formed democratic collectives, passing down their diving skills and creating a lineage of empowered women. Starting their training as young as 10, the haenyeo would learn to dive up to 65 feet (19.8 meters) deep, navigating dangerous waters while holding their breath for several minutes.

“They were bold, brash and boisterously comfortable with who they were as they put on their gear,” Kim recalls. “They had been described to me as ‘Korea’s mermaids,’ but seeing them with my own eyes, I thought, these are not exactly mermaids. This is a badass girl-gang. They had such a vibe. They were so strong, they occupied their space so fully, and they were so completely unapologetic about who they were. I was instantly enamored.”

Over the years, Kim witnessed how the haenyeo were both idealized and dismissed in a condescending way. But to Kim, the divers became her personal heroines and role models, inspiring her to embrace her own strength, passions and non-conformity without fearing judgment.

Kim went on to graduate from UC Berkeley, run an indie record label, work in advertising and create nonfiction films, such as the short “The Speed Cubers,” which garnered Critics…

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NextShark Invests in Anise Health to Advance Asian American Mental Health

NextShark.com — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 20:54:52 +0000

NextShark is proud to announce that it has taken an equity stake in Anise Health, a pioneering mental health platform providing culturally responsive and affordable care for the Asian American community. This strategic investment reflects our ongoing commitment to empower Asian founders and creators, and to uplift initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by underserved communities.

Launched in 2022 by Alice Zhang and Nisha Desai, Anise Health has emerged as the gold standard in mental health care for Asian American adults, offering tailored care plans that prioritize cultural nuance and drive meaningful outcomes. Their platform integrates teletherapy, behavioral coaching, and digital resources designed to address the mental health disparities that have long been overlooked by traditional healthcare systems.

“As part of our mission at NextShark, we are dedicated to supporting Asian-founded businesses that not only deliver exceptional services but also foster positive social change,” said Benny Luo, CEO of NextShark. “Anise Health is a clear leader in creating mental health solutions that resonate with our community and are covered by several insurance plans. We are excited to work alongside them to amplify their message and provide greater access to these vital resources.”

Through this partnership, NextShark will leverage its media platform and extensive distribution channels to help Anise Health reach more individuals in need. With over 80 million monthly social impressions and a highly engaged audience, NextShark will provide Anise with valuable exposure, helping the company to scale its impact and continue its mission of delivering culturally sensitive care.

“Anise Health and NextShark share a common goal of empowering the Asian American community to thrive,” said Alice Zhang, Co-Founder and CEO of Anise Health. “We are thrilled to join forces and continue building a future where mental health care is accessible, effective, and…

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K-pop stars unite at 2NE1’s reunion concert

NextShark.com — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 20:02:29 +0000

Legendary K-pop girl group 2NE1 has returned to the music scene, kicking off their “Welcome Back” Asia tour in Seoul. The event, which ran from Friday to Sunday, featured fellow YG Entertainment labelmate Babymonster and saw the attendance of Blackpink’s Jennie, Big Bang’s G-Dragon, NewJeans, Stray Kids and Aespa’s Winter, among others. Labelmate Treasure, Ive, Twice and Pharrell Williams also sent congratulatory video messages that were played during the show.

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Olivia Munn shares photo with newborn daughter for Breast Cancer Awareness month

NextShark.com — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 21:52:57 +0000

Olivia Munn, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, is showing support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October with a photo of herself and her newborn daughter, Méi June Mulaney.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, the 44-year-old mother of two recalled recovering from her fourth surgery this time last year, saying, “Now I’m hanging with my baby girl.” Munn and her comedian-actor husband John Mulaney welcomed Méi via surrogacy on Sept. 14. Diagnosed with bilateral Luminal B breast cancer, Munn thanked her OB-GYN, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, for setting her on the path to survival, which included taking the free Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Assessment Test to calculate her breast cancer risk. She said her high test score led her to take more tests, which later resulted in her cancer diagnosis. “To everyone who is battling or has battled cancer, in whatever form, I send you all my love,” Munn wrote.

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Filipino American History Month 2024 events near you

NextShark.com — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 21:28:36 +0000

Mabuhay! Filipino American History Month is here, and it’s time to celebrate the rich culture, history and contributions of the Filipino community across the U.S.

From food and cultural festivals to community gatherings and art exhibits, we’ve got a list of exciting events happening in different cities nationwide. Whether you’re in Los Angeles, New York or anywhere in between, get ready to unleash your Pinoy pride and experience the best of Filipino American heritage in style!

CALIFORNIA

October 4 – 5, 2024

Bindlestiff Studio

185 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Saturday, October 5 · 11am – 7pm PDT (Free to attend)

Alameda Waterfront Park

2151 Ferry Point Alameda, CA 94501

Saturday, October 5 · 10am – 5pm PDT (Free to attend)

Hillcrest Community Park

Olivera Road Concord, CA 94520

Saturday, October 5 · 12 – 5pm PDT (Free to attend)

Artesia Library

18801 Elaine Avenue Artesia, CA 90701

Saturday, October 5 · 11 PM (Free to attend)

Newhall Community Center, 22421 Market St

Santa Clarita, CA

Sunday, October 6 · 3 – 9pm PDT (Free to attend)

Benny Boy Brewing

1821 Daly Street Los Angeles, CA 90031

Sunday, October 6 · 12 – 5pm

Southeast Community Center

Bayview, San Francisco

Sunday, October 6 · 6 – 9pm PDT (Free to attend)

Fox Tale Fermentation Project

30 East Santa Clara Street #Suite 120 San Jose, CA 95113

Saturday, October 12 – Sunday, Oct 13 (Free to attend)

2380 Santa Fe Ave

Long Beach, CA

Event by Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) (Free to attend)

Saturday, Oct 26 – Sunday, Oct 27

153 Glendale Blvd

Los Angeles, CA

Saturday, October 5 · 10:00 AM to 02:00 PM (Free to attend)

Library | Parks and Recreation Center

901 Civic Campus Wy, South San Francisco, CA 94080

NEW YORK

October 5 Sat, 2 – 9 PM

LaGuardia Performing Arts, 31-10 Thomson Ave

Long Island City, NY

October 12 – Sun, Oct 13

54 Below, 254 W 54th St

New York, NY

Filipino American National…

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Global decline in academic freedom threatens innovation, study warns

NextShark.com — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 20:20:33 +0000

A groundbreaking study by a team of international researchers reveals that the decline in global academic freedom — observed for the first time since World War II — is poised to significantly reduce innovation output worldwide. This alarming trend, documented over a 115-year period, could hinder technological progress and economic growth.

What the study found: The study, published in PLOS One in June, shows a strong positive relationship between academic freedom and innovation, with countries enjoying higher levels of academic freedom producing more patents and receiving more citations. The research also predicts a global decline of 4% to 6% in innovative capability due to the recent downturn in academic freedom, with leading countries facing a reduction of 5% to 8%.
The big picture: The researchers analyzed data from 157 countries from 1900 to 2015 using the Academic Freedom Index (AFI) to measure academic freedom and patent applications and citations to gauge innovation output. The study underscores that the protection of academic freedom is not just an academic issue but a critical factor in global progress and innovation, affecting both democratic and non-democratic countries alike. As highlighted by the authors, countries that restrict academic freedom limit their ability to innovate, which could ultimately jeopardize their global competitiveness and economic growth.

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Blackpink’s Jennie teases solo comeback with viral campaign

NextShark.com — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 20:24:36 +0000

Blackpink’s Jennie has sparked hype for her solo comeback by teasing fans with an ingenious move that quickly went viral.

On Wednesday, the 28-year-old idol posted a teaser video on Instagram, which showed her posting a sign that read, “calling all pretty girls,” along with tear-off tabs displaying her website, jenn.ie. The reel has since amassed over 40.3 million views, while the catchy phrase immediately resonated, prompting a playful response from fellow Blackpink member Jisoo and inspiring fans across various fandoms to insert their favorite celebrities into the trend.

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Donald Trump’s COVID rhetoric linked to anti-Asian hate surge: study

NextShark.com — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 19:25:07 +0000

A recent study published in Social Science Quarterly reveals a significant correlation between former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric during the COVID-19 pandemic and a rise in anti-Asian hate speech on Twitter, now renamed X. The research highlights how Trump’s use of terms like “Chinese virus” and “Kung flu” fueled a surge in hateful tweets, particularly in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fueling anti-Asian hate: The study collected and analyzed over 1.6 million COVID-related tweets from February to April 2020, focusing on posts that expressed anti-Asian sentiment. The researchers found that Trump’s March 16, 2020, use of “Chinese virus” triggered a marked increase in hate speech across various regions in the U.S., although this pattern wasn’t uniformly linked to areas with higher Trump voter support. A 2021 poll supports such findings, with a majority of Asian American and Pacific Islanders blaming Trump for the discrimination their community faces during the COVID-19 crisis.
Context and impact: Historically, minority groups have been scapegoated during public health crises, but Trump’s rhetoric during COVID-19 appeared to amplify these trends. While other hypotheses like vulnerability and high infection rates were explored, the data strongly supported the “elite cueing hypothesis,” pointing to the influence of leadership in shaping public attitudes. The study emphasizes the consequences of political speech on social dynamics and the broader discourse around race and responsibility during crises.

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‘Shogun’ sets record with 14 wins at Creative Arts Emmys

NextShark.com — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 20:15:12 +0000

Historical drama “Shogun” set a new record by winning 14 awards — the most ever for a single season of a television series — at the Creative Arts Emmys on Saturday, surpassing the previous record of 13 held by the 2008 limited series “John Adams.”

The FX series centered on political intrigue in feudal Japan won in costume, makeup, editing, stunts and cinematography categories. In July, “Shogun” also set a record 25 Emmy nods and became the second non-English language series nominated for outstanding drama, following “Squid Game” in 2022. The Creative Arts ceremony, held over two nights at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, showcased a variety of talents and set the stage for the Primetime Emmy Awards, which will air on Sept. 15.

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