Catching up!

Time flies when you’re buried under a mountain of work.

Technically, it’s work that’s kept me away from Hmongism for these past few months. But in this harsh economy, I am blessed to even be able to say that! Friends and family all report job cuts and lose of benefits, it’s still hitting close to home. Companies that have been open for decades are looking to downsize and some are even outright closing due to these economic times. Many economists state that we’ll rebound soon, but what happens now when bills are due and money is scarce? We just hope that we have enough to hold out, others aren’t so lucky. Foreclosure is such a common phrase these days that you’ll feel left out if you haven’t considered it or discussed it yourself.

Despite these discouraging economic headlines, now is the time to take the opportunity to improve your situation. College enrollment, coincedently, has increased steadily over the past few years. More and more are people looking to gain valuable skills that will give them that edge over the other 100+ applicants. Now is the time to improve and elevate yourself above all others because competition is more fierce in a job market where postions are scarce and requirements are more specialized.

I consider myself a fairly lucky guy, so it’s with this that I take a minute to thank all of you readers. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to express my own thoughts and opinions in this format. Without you, Hmongism would not exist. The Hmongism movement would not exist. Keep doing what you’re doing and we’ll walk this journey together.

-Hmooj Vang
Editor

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from Hmongism!

We are delighted to announce that our second month of publication has begun, and we’re eager to keep our readers updated on news and happenings from around the globe.  This time of the year is busy for everyone, shopping for gifts and celebrating the holidays, it can get pretty hectic.  But let’s not forget an important part of the holidays:  the gift of giving.  There are still those unfortunate few who are in need during this time of the year.

So if you’re wondering how you can contribute to the cause, we have a few charity events coming up that will greatly benefit those in need.  First off, Dance & Dreams Productions is hosting their annual Gift of Giving event that donates money and toys to local toy drives and charities. Secondly, Kind Beats will also host their 5th annual Toy Factory holiday charity event that will help local children this holiday season.

As for the site itself, we are still working on securing a few more interviews to add to the Featured Articles as well as minor layout changes as we expand.  If you’re interested in writing for Hmongism or want to contribute a lead for a new story, please contact us and let us know.  We are always looking for new ideas and articles to write about.  Or if you just want to drop us a line and let us know how we’re doing, we would greatly appreciate the feedback.

So from the entire staff @ Hmongism, please have a safe and happy holidays!

- Hmooj Vang
Editor @ Hmongism.com

A New President, For the New Generation

November 4, 2008 marks a historic time in American history.  Not only did I witness one of the biggest miracles any one person can witness in their lifetimes, but I also saved a ton of money on my car insurance!  (okay, that last part I just made up)  But this monumental miracle of massive proportions includes a new President and a new change in American politics.  Not only is Barack Obama the first African American President, but the means in which he dominated the elections proved that there is a change coming to America.

Exit polls indicate that the majority of President Obama’s (that has a cool ring to it, huh?) votes, came largely from the 18-25 yr old voting population and the minorities, including some of the largest African American voter turnouts in history.  What this means is that the new generation, the 18-25 yr old voters, are making a large impact on politics and subsequently, history itself.

How it relates back to us here is that there is a growing trend with the young generation:  Change.  Now, we can see that instead of sitting quietly on the sidelines following direction from their elders, young people are now being heard and making a stand.  They are standing up for their beliefs, opinions, and views.  Together, they can and will be heard. 

Hmongism is founded on this same principle that change starts from the youngest of hearts.  The future leaders, role models, and teachers.  We all are able to make a large impact on our lives and the lives of each other if we just stand up and make ourselves be heard.  Believe me, speak loud enough and the entire world will hear you.  President Obama is proof of this.  His message of change and hope rings true to everyone, young or old, Democractic of Republican, Hmong or German. 

Maybe I will call up Geico and see if I can get a better price on my car insurance?  There’s always hope, right?

Signing off,

Hmooj Vang
Editor @ Hmongism.com

Better nate than lever

I’m reminded of a joke that is making the rounds around the ‘Net.  Not spoiling the joke, you can read it for yourself HERE.

And like that torturous joke, today feels like a long and cool, crisp autumn day.  So why do I feel so overwhelmed and underpaid? (not withstanding that I don’t even get paid for this gig)  Is it the fact that summer went by way too quickly?  Or is it because I wake up when it’s dark out, go to work for 8.5 hrs, then come home when it’s dark again?  I now know how Count Dracula feels like.  My summer tan (which I paid $50 for a month’s worth) is beginning to fade.  Actually, I noticed it fading about a month ago when the tan line on my feet (from wearing sandals all summer) were gone.

And speaking of the nocturnal Count of Transylvania, it’s getting near that time again for Halloween.  The time of the year when children dress up in costumes and parade around the neighborhood, trick-or-treating for candy and other not-so-good treats that will guarantee the success of the dental care industry for decades to come.  Our office is supposedly partaking in the festivities and having an office costume party as well.  Last year, half of the office dressed up and the other half took pictures of us.  Maybe I should come in as a mirror this year?  That would be awesome!

Nevertheless, today marks the day that I actually start working on this site again.  It’s been a few months since I had the motivation to create a site that captures the excitement and creative energy of the talented and modern new Hmong generation.  Hmongism sums up all of this and more.  Unfortunately, inspiration and motivation rarely arrives at the same time.

Maybe I should take up my own advice and seek inspiration from the site once more.  I guess it’s better nate than lever!  (you should really read that joke that I linked above, it’ll all make sense and I won’t look like an idiot right now)

- Hmooj Vang
Editor @ Hmongism