11.30.2014

Read These Blogs



Why Ferguson Should Matter to Asian-Americans: "In the story of a white cop's killing of a black teen, Asian-Americans may at first seem irrelevant." But this TIME essay offers a historical opinion of why anti-blackness in structural racism hurts Asian Americans, too.

White cop, black boy hug at Portland rally for Ferguson: story behind striking photo: This striking photo by Portland-based photographer Johnny Nguyen is one of the most memorable to emerge from protests around the country supporting the rights of black people not to be shot dead by police.

Fake Diversity and Racial Capitalism: "A lot of the diversity is the result not of the institution's inclusive practices when it comes to recruiting, hiring, admitting or whatever other word is appropriate. Rather, it's the result of Photoshop." Fake Photoshop diversity is hilarious.

Harvard lawsuit is not what it seems: Recently, a lawsuit was filed against Harvard University, alleging that its admissions practices discriminate against applicants on the basis of race. But here's one Harvard alum's take on why this lawsuit is not the fairness crusade it may seem to be.

11.28.2014

Angry Reader of the Week: Samantha Futerman

"A girl, twin, sister, daughter, friend, girlfriend, adoptee, actor, director, and producer."



What's up, everybody? You know what is up. It's time to meet the Angry Reader of the Week, spotlighting you, the very special readers of this website. Over the years, I've been able to connect with a lot of cool folks, and this is a way of showing some appreciation and attention to the people who help make this blog what it is. This week's Angry Reader is Samantha Futerman.

11.27.2014

Happy Birthday, Bruce.

And happy Thanksgiving.



November 27, 1940. Happy birthday, Bruce.

11.26.2014

Mom who faked son's cancer sentenced to probation, jail time

Sandy Nguyen convinced her 6-year-old son that he was suffering from leukemia.



Remember the Colorado mother who faked her son's cancer to collect thousands of dollars in donations? On Tuesday, she was sentenced to five years probation and 90 days in jail with work release.

Probation, jail time for mom who faked son's cancer

Sandy Nguyen convinced her 6-year-old son that he was suffering from leukemia, faking his cancer for over a year and scamming his school into raising more than $25,000 in community donations for his treatment. In September, she pleaded guilty to one count of charitable fraud and one count of child abuse.

Perhaps worst of all, the kid wasn't just playing along -- his mom had convinced him that he had leukemia, and he truly believed he was dying. Nguyen shaved his head every day, and the boy apparently thought he was getting chemotherapy while he slept at night.

MISSING: 82-year-old Sa K. Lee, last seen Saturday night

Mr. Lee, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, disappeared from his Laguna Woods home.


In Southern California, police and loved ones are asking for the public's help in locating an 82-year-old Korean American man with Alzheimer's disease who was reported missing Saturday night.

Laguna Woods Family Pleads for Help Finding Missing Man With Alzheimer's

Sa K. Lee was last seen at the home he shares with his wife and son in the gated retirement community of Leisure World in Laguna Woods at about 10:00pm on Saturday. While his wife was taking a shower, Mr. Lee deactivated the door alarm and walked out the house, and hasn't been seen since.

According to police, Mr. Lee has medical and memory problems and has wandered away in the past.

11.25.2014

#BlackLivesMatter: No Indictment, No Justice

Cross-posted from 18 Million Rising



Like me, you may have spent the better part of last night and this morning reading about all that's happened – and all that's still happening – after a grand jury failed to indict Darren Wilson of any wrongdoing. Not even involuntary manslaughter.

Despite incredible public outcry and over 100 consecutive days of peaceful protests in Ferguson, Missouri, no charges were brought up against an officer of the law for shooting and killing an unarmed person. Demonstrations expressing frustration, anger, disappointment, and sadness over this decision popped up all over the country last night. Our justice system, yet again, has failed Black America. It has failed America, period.

Fight Back for Ferguson. How You Can Take Action.

Re-posted from Ferguson Action.



This moment is a historic one - Ferguson is everywhere– and we are building a movement for justice for Mike Brown and an end to police violence nationwide. Just like people have done throughout American history, we are making our voices heard, taking to the streets and using our first amendment rights to engage in strong actions of civil disobedience.

The people of Ferguson have boldly faced tanks, tear gas and militarized police forces in their quest for justice. We call on you to stand with us and envision a future where the promises guaranteed under our Constitution are guaranteed to all, without exception.

We have set up the Ferguson Action Information Hotline for people to ask any questions they have regarding actions. The voice recording will reflect the most up to date information: 314-329-7667.

Find out more at Ferguson Action.

CAPAC Statement on Riots in Ferguson

"My heart is with the people of Ferguson, and the family of Michael Brown."

WASHINGTON, DC - Yesterday, a grand jury in St. Louis County, Missouri decided not to indict the officer who shot and killed Michael Brown, leading to riots and violence in Missouri and around the country. Michael Brown was unarmed at the time of the shooting.

CAPAC Chair Judy Chu (CA-27) and CAPAC Chair Emeritus Mike Honda (CA-17) released the following statements:

NAPAWF stands with Michael Brown's family and the community of Ferguson

"We cannot allow and will not permit this system built on fear to be a deterrent to us in this fight for justice."

WASHINGTON - In response to the grand jury decision in the Michael Brown shooting, Miriam Yeung, executive director of the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF), released the following statement:

“We are profoundly saddened and outraged by the St. Louis County grand jury's decision. The failure to indict Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, is a national travesty. As an organization that builds a movement daily to advance social justice, this is an extremely painful moment to bear, as justice was not served.

SAALT Saddened by Grand Jury Decision: Emphasizes Need for DOJ to Reform Racial Profiling Guidance

"We will join with our allies to continue outlining the dangers of discriminatory policing."

South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) stands in solidarity with the family and friends of the late Michael Brown, and with communities across the United States who are deeply saddened by last night's grand jury decision.

As a national civil rights organization working with communities targeted by hate violence, racial and religious profiling, and surveillance, we understand the damaging ramifications of mistrust between the police and the communities they are sworn to protect.

NAKASEC Outraged. Black Lives Matter.

"Without justice, there can be no peace."

Los Angeles, CA - The National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) and its affiliates the Korean Resource Center (KRC in Los Angeles and Orange County) and the Korean American Resource & Cultural Center (KRCC in Chicago) are outraged that a grand jury decided to not indict Darren Wilson. Our hearts are heavy. Like anyone who takes a life, Wilson should face open and fair accountability for fatally shooting Mike Brown. Without justice, there can be no peace.

The disturbing and violent truth about the United States: racism still very much girds and informs a prejudiced system of perceptions, attitudes, and institutions. African Americans -- regardless of age, gender, and orientation -- are disproportionately targeted by the police and people acting out of unjustifiable fear. In the case of Mike Brown, Trayvon Martin, John Crawford, Renisha McBride, Akai Gurley, Tamir Rice, and others, their families must grieve an unbearable loss because of that racial profiling.

AA & NHPI Organizations: Justice Denied in Ferguson

"What has happened in Ferguson is not an isolated incident."

Gregory Cendana, Chair of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), released the following statement on the grand jury decision in Ferguson, Missouri:

“Members of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) are saddened and outraged by the failure of the grand jury in Missouri to indict Officer Darren Wilson for the fatal shooting of Michael Brown. We stand with the family of Michael Brown and the peaceful protesters in Ferguson.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Condemns Grand Jury's Failure to Bring Charges Against Darren Wilson in Michael Brown Shooting Death

"We need answers and justice for Michael Brown's death."

In response to today's announcement that the grand jury in Ferguson, MO, has decided not to indict officer Darren Wilson, Asian Americans Advancing Justice issues the following statement:

As civil rights organizations, we fight daily for racial justice for all communities of color. And as Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders whose community members have also experienced police brutality and discrimination Asian Americans Advancing Justice condemns the grand jury's failure to bring charges against officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown.

11.24.2014

Vulgar Vietnamese phrase gets past the DMV

Not-so-nice custom license plate spotted in San Jose



Every month, the Department of Motor Vehicles gets thousands of applications for custom license plates. There are invariably always applications from drivers who must explain the meaning of a phrase to the DMV, who do their best to weed out references to sex, drugs and/or gang-related terms. This is somebody's job.

It appears that one driver managed to slip one past the DMV's rigid approval process. In San Jose, a car has been spotted reportedly sporting "one of the foulest, most vulgar phrases in the Vietnamese language."

Vulgar San Jose License Plate Overlooked By DMV’s Rigid Research Process

A car with the offending license plate, spelling out the Vietnamese translation of "F*ck Your Mother," has been seen driving around San Jose, which is home to 130,000 Vietnamese people. The plate has caught enough attention to generate several complaints with the DMV.

Dim sum restaurant workers win $4 million labor settlement

San Francisco's Yank Sing accused of blatant wage and labor violations.



One of San Francisco's most popular and acclaimed restaurants has reached a massive $4 million labor settlement with its workers, who accused owners of wage theft and other serious labor violations.

Yank Sing workers get $4 million settlement from ownership

Last week, 280 current and former employees of Yank Sing, which operates two popular dim sum restaurant locations, received a $4 million dollar backpay and benefits settlement over a host of blatant labor violations, including issues surrounding overtime pay, tips and wage theft and shift breaks.

The action was organized with the help of the Chinese Progressive Association and the Asian Law Caucus, who filed complaints with government agencies and confronted Yang Sing's management with their demands:

11.23.2014

Read These Blogs



This Proposal From Space Will Warm Your Nerdy Little Heart: One Seattle man took his love for his girlfriend to new heights -- literally -- by executing a marriage proposal from 90,000 feet in the air.

Is Beauty In The Eye(Lid) Of The Beholder?: NPR's Code Switch looks into why some Asians get the infamous "double-eyelid surgery," digging into the century-old history of the procedure.

The Many Stories Behind Double-Eyelid Surgery: The second half of NPR's Code Switch coverage of history and motivations behind the "double-eyelid surgery," in which Kat Chow steps past the debate over whether people should do it to get at the "why."

Rabia Chaudry Sets The Record Straight For Serial Fans Last year, Rabia Chaudry contacted reporter Sarah Koenig with the story of her incarcerated friend, Adnan Syed. The resulting story ended up as the first subject of the podcast Serial. Chaudry responds to the recent critiques of the show's "white reporter privilege."

Serial is showing white people how to talk about people of color: Jeff Yang offers his own take on Serial, focusing on the podcast's ethnic naivete and cultural clumsiness -- but those qualities are the default for much of public radio, and hardly unique to reporter Sarah Koenig and Serial.



An Open Letter to The New York Times' Critic Manohla Dargis about Big Hero 6: Bao Phi responds to the New York Times' review of Big Hero 6, in which Manohla Dargis ponders why the main character wasn't a girl.

Rage Against GamerGate's Hate Machine: What I Got For Speaking Up: "I spent three months trying to fight #GamerGate with words and realizing words don't make a single dent against this kind of fanatical zeal."

From Stuff White People Like to #NotYourShield: How irony is killing activism: We're so used to skewering dopey progressives who try too hard that we forget what it takes to create real change.

As Chinese Adoptees Return Home, a New Genre Tells Their Tales: As adoptees resulting from China's one-child policy grow up and begin their quest for answers, a rich genre of adoptee narratives has emerged.

"Tell all the truth but tell it slant": A Profile of Mia Yamamoto: The story of Mia Yamamoto, Vietnam Vet, UCLA law school graduate, and transgender badass.



16 Stunning Photos That Shatter Society's Stereotypes About Asian Men: Pictures of Asian dudes.

When Madame Wu's was the place for supper and celebs: Meet Sylvia Wu, the woman behind Madame Wu's Garden in Santa Monica, where, back in the day, Hollywood A-listers came for a bite to eat. This year, she celebrated her 100th birthday.

How Hema Ramaswamy Found Healing Through Traditional Indian Dance: How Hema Ramaswamy, who has Down's syndrome, came into traditional Indian dance.

Actress Sandra Oh: 'I still do not see myself represented' in kids' entertainment: An interview with Grey's Anatomy actress Sandra Oh, who is lending her voice to a crowd-funded indie project called Window Horses.

Christina Kim Handles Downs and Ups by Dealing Openly With Depression: LGPA golfer Christina Kim has been open about her struggles with depression and suicide, making her recent comeback victory at the Lorena Ochoa Invitational -- her first North American victory in nine years -- all the more inspirational.

11.21.2014

C3 presents a sneak peek at 'Fresh Off the Boat'

Visual Communications presents the Conference for Creative Content, Saturday, December 6



If you're in Los Angeles, don't miss this awesome early opportunity to see the TV show everybody's talking about... Visual Communications presents 2014 edition of the Conference for Creative Content (C3).

This year, the focus is on the first Asian American network television show in twenty years, ABC's Fresh Off the Boat. They'll be screening the pilot episode, and hosting a panel discussion with the cast and crew, moderated by Amy Hill. It's happening Saturday, December 6 at the David Henry Hwang Theatre in Little Tokyo.

Here are some more details about C3:

Angry Reader of the Week: Elaine Low

"I'm a writer, a cheese enthusiast, and a new-mom-to-be."



Hello, folks! It's that time again. It is time to meet the Angry Reader of the Week, spotlighting you, the very special readers of this website. Over the years, I've been able to connect with a lot of cool folks, and this is a way of showing some appreciation and attention to the people who help make this blog what it is. This week's Angry Reader is Elaine Low.

'Sullivan and Son' cancelled by TBS

Steve Byrne's cable comedy cancelled after three seasons.



Dammit. I am truly disappointed to hear that the TBS comedy Sullivan and Son, starring Steve Byrne, has been canceled after three seasons. The network, overhauling its slate, has given the axe to the TV show that has been holding it down and never quite got the credit it deserved as the other Asian American family sitcom.

‘Sullivan & Son’ Cancelled By TBS After Three Seasons

The series, created by comedian Steve Byrne and showrunner Rob Long, was set in a neighborhood Pittsburgh bar full of colorful characters. Steve starred as a corporate attorney who gives it all up to return home and take over the family business. The multiracial cast included Jodi Long, Vivian Bang and Dan Lauria as Steve's mixed race Korean American family. And I actually really liked it.

Asian Vaginas End Racism!

From the makers of "My Best Friends Is Black!" and "I Treat My Housekeeper Like Family."



Ever heard a guy say, "I'm not racist -- I've dated Asian/Latina/Black women before"? That is some bullshit. Here's a new video, Asian Vaginas End Racism! starring our friend Kristina Wong, who attempts to explode that nonsense to smithereens, complete with costumes, sexy lingerie and a giant set of fabric genitals. I can't even explain it. Just watch. (Not safe for work, um, sort of.)

Donate to the family of the fatal subway shove victim

61-year-old Wai Kuen Kwok was killed when he was pushed off a subway platform in front of an oncoming train.



Last Sunday, 61-year-old Wai Kuen Kwok was killed when he was pushed off a subway platform in front of an oncoming train. He was on his way to Chinatown for dim sum with his wife, who watched in horror as the train was unable to stop in time. Police have arrested a suspected in connection with the fatal shove.

But this is not about the assailant. If you'd like to help, community members have put together a fundraising page to collect donations in support of the Kwok family in their time of suffering. The goal is to raise as much money as possible to help offset the costs of Mr. Kwok's funeral. The funds will go directly to the Kwok family.

11.20.2014

Edward Blum: We won’t be used for your racist agenda!

Cross-posted from 18 Million Rising.



Edward Blum is really, really invested in Asian Americans getting into college. Sounds like a good thing, right? Think again.

Ki Hong Lee named one of the "Sexiest Men Alive"

'The Maze Runner' actor makes People magazine's annual "Sexiest" list.



Holy moly. Look who made People magazine's list of "Sexiest Men Alive." While Chris Hemsworth gets the distinction of 2014's superlatively Sexiest cover man, actor Ki Hong Lee finds himself on the annual list of "insanely hot guys" -- the magazine's words, not mine. The Maze Runner star (and former Angry Reader of the Week) seems to have gotten America's attention. With his dimples.

Video catches Kentucky fire chief's racist remarks

"Do you understand English darling?"



In Kentucky, a fire chief is (ahem) under fire for making racist remarks, including using the N-word to refer to a black family and asking an Asian American news reporter, "Do you understand English?"

Kentucky Fire Chief Uses N-Word, Insults Asian-American Reporter

A Bullitt County Sheriff deputy's body camera recorded Fire Chief Julius Hatfield making the racist remark back in September at the scene of a traffic accident. A white driver, Loren Dicken was offered assistance, while Chege Mwangi and his family, who are black, were not given any help by the chief or his department.

"We ain't taking no n-----s here," Hatfield says with a laugh.

11.19.2014

Meet 'The Qu'osbys' - America's Favorite Muslim Sitcom Family!

Aasif Mandvi's comedy webseries aims to change the conversation about Muslims in America.



America, get ready for The Qu'osby Show. Actor/writer/filmmaker Aasif Mandvi, who you know and love in his role as Senior Brown Correspondent for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, is putting together a webseries to combat anti-Muslim hate and have some fun while they're at it, classic sitcom style. And he needs your help.

Aasif explains:

Who will answer for Allison Liao's death?

Driver was issued two tickets in the accident that killed a 3-year-old. The judge dismissed them in 47 seconds.



How does this happen? Who will answer for Allison Liao's death? You might have heard the outrageous news that the New York driver who killed a young girl in an accident last year got his traffic tickets dismissed. You'll be further outraged to learn that the judge took all of 47 seconds to toss out the case.

After 47-Second Hearing, Driver Who Ran Over 3-Year-Old Is Found 'Not Guilty'

On October 6, 2013, 3-year-old Allison Liao was crossing Main Street in Flushing with her grandmother when she was struck and killed by a SUV making a left turn. The Queens District Attorney declined to prosecute the driver, Ahmed Abu-Zayedeh, because he wasn't impaired or intoxicated. But he was issued two traffic tickets: failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to use due care.

The tickets, however, were dismissed in traffic court last July. As WNYC reports, the entire hearing took less than a minute. Here's the official recording of the proceedings:

11.18.2014

Man arrested in connection with fatal subway shove

Kevin Darden is also a suspect in a previous subway station assault.



In New York, police have apprehended a suspect sought in connection with the deadly subway shove that killed 61-year-old Wai Kuen Kwok, who was pushed to his death in front of an oncoming Bronx train.

New York Police Question Man in Two Subway Attacks, One Fatal

After an intensive manhunt, 34-year-old Kevin Darden was in police custody Tuesday night in connection with the deadly attack on Kwok, with charges pending. He is believed to be the suspect who appears in surveillance video leaving the 167th Street station after the killing.

Darden is also a suspect in a separate attack on November 6, in which a 51-year-old Asian man was pushed to the platform of the W. Fourth St. subway station in Manhattan. The man, who was treated for minor injuries, told police that he had been attacked by the same man who appeared in the surveillance video from Sunday.

Garden Grove elects its first Vietnamese American mayor

Bao Nguyen defeated incumbent Bruce Broadwater by just 15 votes.



The results are in! This week, the Orange County Registrar of Voters certified its vote counting from the November 4 election and made it official: Bao Nguyen is the new mayor of Garden Grove, California.

New, Refreshing Day In Garden Grove: Bao Nguyen Captures Mayor's Office

Nguyen's historic victory makes him Garden Grove's first Vietnamese American mayor, the first Vietnamese American elected mayor of a U.S. city with a popular larger than 100,000.

The 34-year-old organizer, activist and school board trustee defeated incumbent Bruce Broadwater by a more fifteen votes in a highly contested race. So it's no surprise that Broadwater is demanding a recount.

"If I were in his shoes, I'd ask for a recount, too," said Nguyen.

Woman wears colander for driver's license photo

Former adult movie star Asia Carrera exercises her religious freedom at the DMV. With a pasta strainer.



Did you hear the one about the former porn star who wore a pasta strainer on her head for her driver's license photo? It's true. And would you believe it was an expression of her religious beliefs? Yup.

Woman wears colander for driver's license photo

That is Asia Lemmon, also known as former adult movie star Asia Carrera (legal name: Jessica Steinhauser). Claiming membership in the satirical Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, she was allowed to exercise her religious right by wearing a metal colander on her head for her Utah driver's license photo.

The Flying Spaghetti Monster movement, also known as "Pastafarianism," started in 2005 as a protest against teaching intelligent design as an alternative to evolution in Kansas schools. Lemmon says that with the right documents, she had no problem rocking her headgear at the DMV.

Man sentenced to life in prison for USC killings

Javier Bolden was found guilty of first-degree murder in the shootings of Ming Qu and Ying Wu.



A follow up on this tragic case... On Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, the 22-year-old man convicted of killing two USC students from China was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

USC double murder: 22-year-old gets life in prison

Last month, a jury found Javier Bolden guilty on two counts of first-degree murder for his role in the April 11, 2012 shooting of Ming Qu and Ying Wu, graduate engineering students who were shot during botched robbery while sitting in a double-parked car near the University of Southern California campus.

Bolden reportedly showed no remorse during the sentencing hearing:

11.17.2014

Arthur Chu returns for Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions

"Know all the answers and say them before anyone else does."



Folks, the champ is back. And this time, he's facing his toughest competition yet. Our favorite Jeopardy! gangster Arthur Chu, who rose to infamy with his unorthodox tactics and don't-give-a-f*ck attitude towards his detractors, has returned to the perennial trivia TV show to compete in the "Tournament of Champions."

Earlier this year, Arthur found himself in the spotlight after winning eleven straight games and taking home $298,200, making him the fourth highest-earning Jeopardy! champ in non-tournament gameplay. Traditionalists called his aggressive strategies unsportsmanlike. Arthur didn't care. They started calling him the "Jeopardy Villain." Arthur didn't care. People on Twitter made fun of his appearance. Arthur didn't care.

Arthur came to win.

Research Survey: Asian Americans needed for body image study

Seeking Asian American participants, ages 18 and older, to complete an online survey.

Passing along this research study that could use your help...

I recently heard from Dr. Frances Shen, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Illinois at Springfield, who is looking for Asian American participants, ages 18 or older, to complete an anonymous web-based survey to develop a measure on body image for Asian American men and women.

Here's some more details on the survey:

Music Video: G Yamazawa says "Thank You"

From the award-winning poet's latest hip hop project '23'



Some new music for you... Poet/emcee G Yamazawa recently released his latest hip hop mixtape project 23. A National Poetry Slam Champion and two-time Individual World Poetry Slam Finalist, he is not only an accomplished spoken word artist, G also writes rhymes and is putting in the hustle as a rapper.

Here's the new music video for his track "Thank You":

Sikh student files discrimination lawsuit against U.S. Army

"Choosing between one's faith and serving one's country is a decision that no one should have to make."



A Sikh student at Hofstra University has filed a lawsuit against the United States Army, claiming that he was refused a religious accommodation that would allow him to enlist in his school's ROTC program in accordance with his faith -- without shaving his beard, cutting his hair and removing his turban.

Sikh student sues U.S. Army, says ROTC enlistment blocked because of his faith

As a practicing Sikh, Iknoor Singh keeps his hair long and wears a turban. However, he was told by ROTC recruiters that he would not be able enlist unless he complied with all Army grooming and uniform rules, which would require him to immediately cut his hair, shave off his bear and remove his turban.

Singh, learning that the Army had previously granted religious accommodations to several Sikhs and soldiers of other faiths, applied for an exemption but was denied. The lawsuit, filed jointly by the ACLU and United Sikhs, says the Army's policy is a violation of Singh's religious freedom.

Sound and Fury Podcast Episode 16: Ursula Liang



Hello, podcast listeners! We're back. It's been a looooong hiatus, but we're finally back with a long-delayed new episode of Sound and Fury: The Angry Asian Podcast. Episode 16 features journalist/filmmaker Ursula Liang, director of the sports documentary 9-Man, which is currently screening on the festival circuit.

Thanks to all the folks who have told me they're fans of the podcast. It's a struggle to get these out on a regular basis, but we're trying our best! To catch up on previous episodes, check out the archive. To stay up-to-date with future episodes as soon as they drop, be sure to subscribe. You can also find Sound and Fury on services like iTunes and Stitcher, where you can rate and review the show.

But without further ado, check out my conversation with Ursula Liang...

Jon M. Chu making 1990s dance comedy 'Can't Touch This'

No, it's not a M.C. Hammer biopic.



Director Jon M. Chu is reportedly going old school with a new feature film project called Can't Touch This. No, it's not a M.C. Hammer biopic. It's a high school dance comedy movie set in the 1990s. Well, that's my jam.

Jon M. Chu, Focus Features Step Up To '90s-Set 'Can't Touch This'

According to Deadline, Chu and his producing partner Hieu Ho have sold the retro dance-comedy, with a script by The Goldbergs producers Annie Mebane and Steve Basilone, to Focus Features.

Jeremy Lin can't find the words to talk about the Lakers

We feel you, bro.



This is amusing, awkward... and just kind of sad. If you've been following the thus far lackluster season of the Los Angeles Lakers, you know there hasn't been a whole lot to cheer about. Apparently, Jeremy Lin feels it too. I think this Vine video, clipped from a locker room interview conducted after the Lakers' 136-115 blowout loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night, pretty much sums it up:

Man killed after being shoved in front of subway train

Four people -- all of them Asian immigrants -- have been pushed in front of trains in less than two years.



In New York, police are searching for a suspect in connection with a deadly subway attack. On Sunday, a 61-year-old man was killed after being pushed off a Bronx subway platform in front of an oncoming train.

Routine Trip Turns Fatal as a Man Is Pushed in Front of a Subway Train

Wai Kuen Kwok was waiting with his wife at the 167th Street station in the Bronx, on their way to breakfast in Chinatown, when a stranger shoved him from behind onto the subway tracks as a D train pulled in. It was a seemingly random attack -- there were no words exchanged, no struggle, and it doesn't look like an attempted robbery. Kwok was struck and killed by the train as his wife, who was not injured, watched in horror.

The assailant was seen leaving the station just after the attack. According to police, he boarded a BX35 bus and then got off minutes later, entered a bodega and eventually left. Here's surveillance video of the suspect:

11.16.2014

Read These Blogs


Randall Park Knows You're Nervous About 'Fresh Off the Boat': As ABC prepares to premiere Fresh Off The Boat -- its first Asian American family sitcom in twenty years -- actor Randall Park addresses the anxiety over "getting it right" and not offending the Asian American community.

How Women of Twitter Took Down Revolting Pick-Up Artist Julien Blanc: Dating coach Julien Blanc includes sexual assault, among other revolting "tactics," in his pick-up artist advice. How #TakeDownJulienBlanc began and led to the revocation of his Australian visa.

'Serial' and White Reporter Privilege: Jay Caspian Kang comments on white reporter privilege in reporting such stories as the case of Adnan Syed and Hae Min Lee, the focus of the new podcast Serial.

The Problem With "Serial" And The Model Minority Myth: Julia Carrie Wong says the latest episode of Serial relies heavily on the myth of the model minority, and Jay -- the black friend on whose testimony the entire case rests -- fills the role of the "bad" minority.

Years after murder, hope dims and stigma remains: Nearly fifteen years after a jury convicted Adnan Syed for the murder of Hae Min Lee, mystery and stigma remain.

11.14.2014

Family Reunion: A Storytelling Show

Presented by Disoriented Comedy, Thursday, November 20 at Echoes Under Sunset



We're getting the family back together again! If you're in Los Angeles, me and my crew would like to invite you to latest edition of Disoriented Comedy's monthly storytelling series Family Reunion, co-presented by Angry Asian Man, Tuesday Night Project, Mishthi Music and KAYA Press. No notes. Everybody folks. Talking story. It's happening Thursday, November 20 at Echoes Under Sunset. This month's theme is "No one will know."

Our last shows have been standing room only! Here are some more details about the evening:

Music Video: The Flavr Blue gets your "Hearts Racing"

Singer/songwriter Hollis Wong-Wear co-directs the Seattle electronic trio's latest music video.



Billboard recently premiered the moody new music video for "Hearts Racing" by Seattle-based electronic trio The Flavr Blue, from their album Bright Vices. Co-directed by singer/songwriter (and former Angry Reader of the Week) Hollis Wong-Wear, the video is cinematic, sultry and cool as hell.

Take a look:

MISSING: 49-year-old Carol Ota, last seen November 7

Ota suffers from bipolar disorder and is in need of her medication.



In Los Angeles, police and loved ones are asking for the public's help in the search for a woman who has been missing since last week. Carol Ota was last seen in the Westchester area on the morning of November 7.

49-Year-Old Missing Female

According to the Los Angeles Police Department Missing Person's Unit, Ota was last seen in the 12000 block of Juniette Street around 7:00am last Friday. She suffers from bipolar disorder and is in need of her medication.

Angry Reader of the Week: Lianne Lin

"...I have spent my whole life learning to be more of a participant and less a simple observer."



What's up, good people of the internet? It's time to meet the Angry Reader of the Week, spotlighting you, the very special readers of this website. Over the years, I've been able to connect with a lot of cool folks, and this is a way of showing some appreciation and attention to the people who help make this blog what it is. This week's Angry Reader is Lianne Lin.

Two women sentenced to six years for fatal nightclub beating

Candace Brito and Vanesa Zavala were convicted of manslaughter in the brawl that killed Kim Pham.


News out of Southern California... On Friday in Orange County, the two women convicted of manslaughter in the fatal beating of 23-year-old Annie Kim Pham were each sentenced to six years in state prison.

Kim Pham beating death: 2 women sentenced to 6 years each in prison

27-year-old Candace Brito and 26-year-old Vanesa Zavala were convicted of voluntary manslaughter and assault, but were acquitted of a second-degree murder charge, in the brutal fight that killed Pham outside a Santa Ana nightclub last January. The defendants claimed they were acting in self-defense.

The fight apparently started as a verbal argument between two groups of friends, but escalated when Pham threw the first punch. She fell to the ground and was kicked in the head during the brawl, sustaining brain damage. She died two days later when she was taken off life support.

Home invasion victim offers to pay for robbers' education

To the men who robbed Dr. Victor Ho: if you turn yourselves in and do the time, he'll pay for your tuition.



Here's something you don't see every day... A Houston doctor has a message for the group of young men who robbed him at gunpoint in his home last month: he wants to pay for your college education.

Local doctor offers his robbers free college education

Dr. Victor Ho, an emergency health physician, returned home last month to find his house being robbed by several young men. With his kids outside in the car, the masked robbers held a gun to Ho's head, made him open his combination safe, tied him up, and made off with cash, jewelry and weapons.

Ho wants the robbers caught, but he's also making them a unique offer. If they turn themselves in, he and his wife will pay for their education after they do their time.

11.13.2014

Giant Robot presents Return of the Hot Pot Girls

Exhibition of New Work by Katsuya Terada, November 15 - December 3



If you're in Los Angeles, Giant Robot invites you to its latest exhibition Return of the Hot Pot Girls, featuring new work by legendary artist Katsuya Terada. It runs November 15 to December 3 at GR2, with an opening reception this Saturday, and a digital demonstration and book signing on Sunday.

Here are some more details about the exhibition:

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