7.31.2015

Angry Reader of the Week: Dora Quach

"Let's be angry/compassionate/forgiving/awesome together."



Hey, folks. You know what's up. Once again, 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 Dora Quach.

Mother arrested for leaving child unattended in hot van

Police officer smashes car window to rescue young girl in Costco parking lot.



You'd think people would understand this by now. Parents and caregivers, do not leave children unattended in cars, even for the quickest errands. This week in New Jersey, a mother was arrested after leaving her young daughter unattended inside her parked minivan while she went shopping at Cosctco.

Cop rescues young child from hot van, mom charged with endangerment

On Thursday in Hackensack, a Bergen County Sheriff's officer smashed a van window to rescue a 2-year-old girl from inside a locked car parked in a Costco parking lot. According to witnesses, the child was "sweat-soaked" and crying profusely. The officer estimated it was at least 80 degrees in the van.

The child's mother, Chaeyoung Lim-Kim, returned with her shopping cart to find a crowd gathered around her car and her daughter in the arms of a sheriff's officer. She was charged with child endangerment.

7.30.2015

Tamlyn Tomita. Arden Cho. Sword Fight. Badass.

Watch a sneak peek clip from MTV's 'Teen Wolf.'



Have you been watching MTV's Teen Wolf? In addition to a lot of young pretty people and dark, shadowy happenings, the hit supernatural drama features one of television's few Asian American families. The cast includes Arden Cho as Kira Yukimura, a foxy (literally) lady, and Tamlyn Tomita and Tom Choi as her parents.

In this sneak peek clip from next week's episode, Kira and her mom engage in a sword fight that nearly goes wrong. Don't ask me why mom and daughter are suddenly dueling in the middle of a high school classroom -- I'm not actually caught up with the current season, so I have no idea what's going on. But it's badass.

It's Arden Cho versus Tamlyn Tomita, swinging sharp blades at each other. That's all you need to know.

Check it out:

Asians React to Yellowface

In this BuzzFeed video, we offer some thoughts on Hollywood's greatest racist hits.



Not that we needed a reminder of how friggin' racist Hollywood can be.... In this BuzzFeed video, Asians react to yellowface. They recently got some Asian American folks, including me and my pal Jenny Yang, to sit down, watch and react to various movie and TV clips in which white actors were made up to look like some form of "Asian," like Marlon Brando in Teahouse of the August Moon, Mickey Rooney in Breakfast and Tiffany's and more. I think we reacted pretty much as expected.

Take a look:

7.29.2015

Watch this stunning 3D animated tribute to Hayao Miyazaki

Superfan's video pays homage to the unique worlds of the master animator.



Wow. Wow. This is a must-see for fans of Hayao Miyazaki. One talented superfan, Vimeo user dono, has made a stunning tribute to the beloved master animator, re-creating some of Miyazaki's most famous worlds and characters in animated 3D. The video features characters from Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, Porco Rosso, Kiki's Delivery Service, The Wind Rises, Howl's Moving Castle, Castle in the Sky, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Ponyo. It's epic.

Take a look:

The Slants to NAPABA: Stop Undermining the Work of Activists

Guest Post by Simon Tam of The Slants



On July 17, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the South Asian Bar Association of Washington, D.C., (SABA-DC) and the Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality (Korematsu Center) jointly filed an amicus brief to support the U.S. Trademark Office's denial of trademark registration for my Asian American band, The Slants.

The case has been profiled in numerous media outlets and has brought on larger questions about reappropriation, language, and identity. While there are certainly legal arguments to be had among lawyers and judges, I believe a separate conversation is necessary on the ethical implications of what transpired.

Frankly, I was surprised at NAPABA's position, because for five years, the organization and many of its members expressed deep interest in supporting The Slants. In fact, I was on a featured panel at their 2014 national convention and NAPABA (along with several of their individual chapters) have sponsored numerous events for The Slants. Earlier this May, I had multiple conversations with NAPABA president, George Chen, who said "You have many fans within NAPABA."

7.28.2015

National CAPACD's 15th Anniversary Convention

"Moving Forward, Rising Together: United for Thriving Communities," September 28-30



National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development's (National CAPACD) mission is to improve the quality of life for low-income Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by promoting economic vitality, civic and political participation. You are invited to join hundreds of progressive and diverse AAPI organizations at the National CAPACD 15th Anniversary Convention, "Moving Forward, Rising Together: United for Thriving Communities," happening September 28-30 at the Embassy Row Hotel in Washington DC.

Here are some more details about the convention:

7.27.2015

Inmate found hanging in Houston city jail cell

38-year-old Hung Do apparently used his own clothing to hang himself.



I've lost count of all disturbing recent headlines about people who have died in police custody. Last week in Texas, an inmate was found dead hanging inside his cell at the Houston city jail. [UPDATE: Four people have died while in custody of the Houston Police Department within the span of one week.]

PD: inmate hanged himself in Houston city jail

38-year-old Hung Do was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, underwent and passed physical and mental health evaluations, and was booked into the city jail on Wednesday. According to police, he was found dead in his cell on Thursday afternoon. He apparently used his own clothing to hang himself.

Stickers, ketchup, banana, farts and 'Kaiju Clubhouse'

Cool stretch goals added for 'ABC Disgusting,' a children's alphabet book about disgusting things



Writer Greg Pak and Co. are in the final hours of their already successful crowdfunding campaign for ABC Disgusting, a children's alphabet book about disgusting things. Having blasted past their initial goal of $24,000, they've come up with some cool, fun stretch goals -- and met them. This includes stickers, gross-out videos, a fart-filled song, and soon, maybe even a whole 'nother book.

First, here's a video with more info about the project:

See spaceships and dinosaurs in the teaser for 'The Garden'

Watch the epic 18-second trailer for the forthcoming sci-fi short.



Hmmm. Just got a mysterious video link passed along to me... Check out this cool-looking teaser trailer for a soon-to-be-released sci-fi short film called The Garden. I don't know who's making it, who's in it, or what it's about, but it appears to involve spaceships and dinosaurs and laser guns and special effects and pretty people in peril. And I like movies about all of those things.

If you've got 18 seconds of your day to spare, check it out:

New Jersey EMT killed in ambulance crash

22-year-old Hinal Patel was responding to a routine call on her last day on the job.



Some tragic news out of New Jersey, where an emergency medical technician, on her last day on the job, was killed when her ambulance got into a fatal accident Saturday morning while responding to a routine call.

On her last shift as EMT, woman killed in ambulance responding to call

22-year-old Hinal Patel and her partner were in their ambulance, responding to a mutual aid request in East Brunswick. It was supposed to be one of one her final calls, on her last day of work as an EMT. Patel, a recent graduate of Rutgers University, was scheduled to start graduate school next month.

According to a police news release, the ambulance had its emergency lights and sirens activated and was crossing an intersection when it was struck by another car. The ambulance overturned and slid into another car. Patel, who was riding in the front passenger seat, was killed.

Kentucky prosecutor fired for derogatory remarks

Attorney's history of "inappropriate and unprofessional" behavior came to light after "greedy foreigners" remark.



Remember that Kentucky prosecutor who got in trouble for sending a racially inflammatory letter regarding the Asian American owners of a local martial arts school? It's official: he's been fired. Good riddance.

Controversial prosecutor Karl Price fired after incendiary comments

After a monthlong investigation, the Jefferson County Attorneys Office terminated local prosecutor Karl Price last week for his unprofessional behavior, as well as his deliberate refusal to take responsibility for his actions.

It all started in May when Price, while working a civil case in his private practice, sent a letter to the attorney representing the owners of Hwang's Martial Arts Academy, calling the Hwang family, among other things, "greedy foreigners." Later, Price doubled down and defended his comments, saying the Hwangs could be "illegal aliens" due to their "broken English." He was subsequently disciplined for his remarks.

7.26.2015

Read These Blogs



Facebook Apologizes For Not Taking Down Death Threat Against Comedian Hari Kondabolu: When a Facebook user left a threatening comment to Hari Kondabolu -- "Keep making comments like you do and the only thing going to be fed to you will be a bullet" -- the comedian reported the commenter. Facebook replied that the text did not violate the network's "Community Standards." Um, what?

* * *

Jose Vargas: White People Is for White People: An interview with Jose Antonio Vargas, whose MTV documentary film White People engages with, well, white people, on how we talk (and do not talk) about race and issues of belonging in an increasingly multiethnic America.

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Reactions to Jose Antonio Vargas' #WhitePeople Doc: How did audiences react to White People, a documentary which follows five young white Americans faced with issues of race in cities across the country.

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When the absolute right to snark turns sour: A Gawker believer reconsiders the manifesto he once held dear: Snark can be a useful tool, but when it turns into an indiscriminate hammer, everyone starts to look like a nail. Arthur Chu on snark, smarm and the internet.

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Beyond the Model Minority Myth: Asian Americans' long history of challenging stereotypes has often overlooked the ways in which capitalism forges racial identity.

7.24.2015

JANM Summer Night Concerts featuring Magnetic North & Taiyo Na, Marie Digby and Priska

FREE! Thursday, July 30 on the JANM Plaza



If you're in Los Angeles, and wanna get down with some good tunes on a Thursday night, head over to Little Tokyo for the Japanese American National Museum's new free summer evening concert series, JANM Summer Night Concerts featuring Magnetic North & Taiyo Na, Marie Digby and Priska. There will also be food trucks and stuff. It's happening Thursday, July 30 on the JANM Plaza.

Here are the details:

Angry Reader of the Week: Wendy Wang

"Living life as a beginner to everything."



Hello, everyone! It's that time again. I am pleased to present another 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 Wendy Wang.

Asian parents have the sex talk with their adult daughters

"The Encyclopedia Britannica has a really good section on sex."



My fellow Asian Americans, when you were growing up, did your parents give you the sex talk? For a lot of us, the subject was not discussed and pretty much avoided altogether. In this hilarious and heartfelt Buzzfeed video, Asian Parents Have The Sex Talk With Their Daughters As Adults. Our friend Jenny Yang and her mom get in on the awkwardness, and it's amazing and honest comedy gold.

Take a look:

Chinatown leader Donnie Chin killed in Seattle shooting

Community leader dedicated his life to protecting and serving the Chinatown International District.



Some tragic news out of Seattle, where a beloved community leader, widely known as one of the "beating hearts" of the Chinatown International District, was shot and killed early Thursday morning.

Donnie Chin, Chinatown ID's 'frontline hero,' killed in early morning shooting

Police found 59-year-old Donald "Donnie" Chin, director of the International District Emergency Center, critically wounded inside a car with shot-out windows. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died a short time later. Police do not believe he was the intended target of the shooting.

7.23.2015

Visual Communications presents VC #TBT

A Summer Screening, July 30 at the David Henry Hwang Theatre



Film fans, if you're in Los Angeles, Visual Communications invites you to VC #TBT, a special summer screening of ten short films by Asian American filmmakers, curated by VC's summer interns. If you missed out on the shorts programs at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival in April, here's your second chance. Plus free food and drinks. It's happening Thursday, July 30 at the David Henry Hwang Theatre in Little Tokyo.

Here are some more details about the event:

Angry Asian America: Jeremy Lin Leaves Lakers FOR WHERE?!

With co-host Jenny Yang and special guests Yong Kim and Ted Kim of Seoul Sausage Co.



Yo, YouTube watchers! Again, I am pleased to present the latest edition of Angry Asian American, our web talk show in ISAtv. In this episode, co-host Jenny Yang and I are joined by brothers Yong Kim and Ted Kim of Seoul Sausage Co., purveyors of tasty gourmet Korean flavors. We talk about a variety of pop culture topics including Jeremy Lin, Emma Stone, K-pop, X-Men, Tilda Swinton and more. This was a fun one.

Take a look:

7.22.2015

Who run the world? White girls playing Oriental dress-up.

Dance video to Beyonce/2NE1 suddenly gets all Asian and shit.



Who run the world? Girls. And I'm all good with that. But I'm watching popular YouTube dancers, 14-year-old Larsen Thompson and 11-year-old Taylor Hatala, make this proclamation in their ferocious dance video to Beyonce's feminist pop anthem, and it's generally fine... until about halfway through when 2NE1's "I Am The Best" kicks in and the whole thing turns to Oriental nonsense, complete with the fans and the qipaos and the chopsticks in the hair.

It's a mess:

7.21.2015

Check out this totally gross preview of 'ABC Disgusting

An Alphabet Book About Disgusting Things!



Great news from our friend Greg Pak! ABC Disgusting, his new children's book about disgusting things, hit its $24,000 Kickstarter goal last night. To celebrate, Greg, artist Takeshi Miyazawa, colorist Jessica Kholinne, and letterer Simon Bowland have released a lettered, colored preview of the book.

Check out the first eight pages of the book, in which a boy tries to gross out his sister with disgusting things such as anchovy ice cream, bug juice, cockroaches, and various forms of flatulence. From the awesome creative team that brought you The Princess Who Saved Herself.

WARNING: VERY DISGUSTING. (And maybe a little heartwarming.) INCLUDES FLATULENCE, LAMPREYS, MAYONNAISE MILK SHAKES, NOSE HAIR, ZOMBIES AND ZORILLAS.

Giveaway: Win 'Kung Fu Killer on DVD

Donnie Yen stars in the kickass critically-acclaimed martial arts action thriller.



The kickass critically-acclaimed martial arts action thriller Kung Fu Killer, starring legendary Hong Kong superstar Donnie Yen, is now available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download from Well Go USA Entertainment. To celebrate, I'm giving away some free DVDs. Who wants one? Scroll down for details...

In Kung Fu Killer, when a vicious serial killer targets top martial arts masters, convicted criminal and kung fu master Hahou (Donnie Yen) is the only one with the skills to stop him. Released from jail and into police custody, they soon have their doubts about Hahou's true allegiance, causing Hahou to be hunted by an unstoppable killer (Wang Baoqiang) and the entire police force.

Here's the trailer:

Wesley Clark Calls for Modern Day Incarceration Camps Styled After Those Used During WWII

By Jenn Fang. Cross-posted from Reappropriate.


Retired US Army General Wesley Clark

Retired US Army General Wesley Clark -- who ran unsuccessfully to represent the Democratic party in the 2004 presidential primaries -- said in an interview on Friday to MSNBC that he believes it is time for America to once more incarcerate its citizens in concentration camps, as the American government once did during World War II.

7.19.2015

Read These Blogs



Your instant ramen noodles are a massive threat to the environment: My people, some bad news. Ramen is destroying the planet. Instant ramen noodles are apparently a main culprit of deforestation due to the high amount of unsustainable palm oil used to make them. Alas, we get the world we deserve.

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Former Reddit CEO Ellen Pao: The trolls are winning the battle for the Internet: Reddit's CEO Ellen Pao stepped down amidst a deluge of harrassment and threats in the face of the company's regulation of internet trolling. Pao writes about her experience, and the importance of fighting the trolls.

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Meet the Engineer Who Forced Silicon Valley's Gender Problem Into the Open: Tracy Chou is confronting Silicon Valley's gender gap head on -- and is not, as one brogrammer put it, "too pretty to code."

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How My Premature Baby Defied the Odds, Shamed a CEO and Taught Me Love: An excerpt from Deanna Fei's recent memoir, Girl In Glass, in which the author recounts the premature birth of her daughter -- an incident infamously referred to as a financial burden by the CEO of AOL, where here husband worked.

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Do You Know How Your Daughter Died?": When Gloria Huang was declared dead in a Qatar emergency room, her parents had no time to grieve before they were caught up in a legal nightmare.

7.17.2015

Beatrock Music 5-Year Anniversary "Left Coast" Tour

With Rocky Rivera, The Bar, Otayo Dubb & Equipto, Odessa Kane, Bwan, 6Fingers



For the past five years, Beatrock Music has consistently released politically-charged, socially conscious and sonically groundbreaking underground hip hop. To celebrate their fifth anniversary, Beatrock is embarking on its first full roster tour of the West Coast, featuring Rocky Rivera , The Bar (Prometheus Brown & Bambu), Otayo Dubb & Equipto, Power Struggle, Odessa Kane, BWAN and 6Fingers.

Beatrock Music's "Left Coast" Tour kicks off next week in Seattle. Here are some more details:

Music Video: "Can't Breathe" by Lyricks

Dedicated to Eric Garner, on the one-year anniversary of his death.



Virginia-based emcee Rick Lee, aka Lyricks, just dropped this raw, powerful music video for "Can't Breathe." Shot in Staten Island, the track commemorates the one-year anniversary of the death of Eric Garner, who died after being placed in an illegal choke hold by a New York City police officer. It's a lament for those who have died, but it's also a call for all to stand up in solidarity against injustice, brutality and police violence.

Check it out:

Angry Reader of the Week: Ryan Miyamoto

"I am also all about hummus. I love hummus."



Hey, folks! It's time again 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 Ryan Miyamoto.

The congressman takes issue with your tone

Rep. Ted Lieu schools a witness who insulted people with 10th-grade educations.



In case you missed it... Here's video footage of Congress Ted W. Lieu, who represents California's 33rd district, dropping the hammer and righteously laying some smack down during a congressional hearing on Oversight and Government Reform. Rep. Lieu, taking issue with the tone of a witness who criticized immigrants and alleged that they do not contribute to society, used the balance of his time to school a fool.

He tells the story of Maria Isabel Jiminez, "who has given more to America than you or I ever will." Rep. Lieu starts schoolin' at around the 1:57 mark.

7.16.2015

Family Reunion: A Storytelling Show

Thursday, July 23 at Echoes Under Sunset



Hey, Los Angeles! It's time for another awesome evening of storytelling! You're invited to the latest edition of Disoriented Comedy's Family Reunion. The monthly storytelling show, co-presented by Angry Asian Man, Tuesday Night Project, Mishthi Music and KAYA Press, features regular everyday folks talking story. No notes.

The theme of this month's show is "Black Lives Matter," and will raise funds for Black Lives Matter - Los Angeles. The lineup of storytellers includes Frangela, Neela Banerjee, David Gborie, Christina Anthony, Ify Nwadiwe, Lesley Asistio, Hop Hopkins, D'Lo and host Jenny Yang.

It's happening Thursday, July 23 at Echoes Under Sunset. Here are some more details:

Is AMC Finally Embracing Diversity This Fall?

By Keith Chow. Cross-posted from The Nerds of Color.



It's hard to believe it's already been a week since Comic-Con started, but here we are in that post-Con daze, and I'm still recovering. While I might need some more time before getting back into regularly scheduled posting, I didn't want to leave before I comment on a couple of the trailers that came out of SDCC. No, not this one or that one. Instead, I want to focus on the early looks that came out of the AMC presentations and how the network is kicking off the post-Don Draper era by seemingly embracing diversity in the casts of its newest shows.

As a network, AMC was at the forefront of the Golden Age of Difficult Men. From Mad Men to Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead, the protagonists on AMC's shows were usually anti-heroes who traverse in the grey area between right and wrong and make the hard decisions despite the consequences. So it's because of characters like Don Draper, Walter White, and Rick Grimes -- along with Tony Soprano on HBO -- that television drama about bad men became the prestige format for cable. The other thing they all have in common? They're all white men.

Sound and Fury Podcast Episode 20: Tamlyn Tomita



Hey, podcast listeners! I am pleased to share the latest edition of my podcast Sound and Fury. Episode 20 -- that's right, we made it twenty! -- features our pal, actress Tamlyn Tomita, who you may know from movies like The Karate Kid Part II, The Joy Luck Club and a long resume of other great film and TV credits. As a longtime fan of her and her work, you don't know how excited I was about this conversation.

As always, thank you to all the regular listeners of Sound and Fury. 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, here's my conversation with Tamlyn Tomita:

First official look at Jubilee in 'X-Men: Apocalypse'

Lana Condor stars as the fan-favorite teen mutant at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters



And while we're at it, fellow X-fans, here's your first official look at Lana Condor as Jubilee in X-Men: Apocalypse. (We got an unofficial look when a few set photos leaked earlier this year.)

Jubilee is part of the new generation of students at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. Described as "fashionable" -- just look at that totally awesome outfit, complete with the fan-favorite character's signature yellow jacket -- she possesses to the mutant ability to unleash colorful energy bursts.

You know what? I can't wait to see little Asian kids dress up like Jubilee for Halloween.

See EW for more photos of the new X-Men characters: Meet the new mutants of X-Men: Apocalypse

First look at Olivia Munn as Psylocke in 'X-Men: Apocalypse'

Rocking a version of the character's iconic Jim Lee-designed ninja costume from the 1990s.



Here you go, X-fans. Here is your first official look at Olivia Munn as Psylocke in X-Men: Apocalypse. The latest cover of Entertainment Weekly features Psylocke, Magneto and the titular villain Apocalypse.

This Week's Cover: First look at the new generation of mutants in X-Men: Apocalypse

Director Bryan Singer's follow up to X-Men: Days of Future Past is touted as a turning point for the mutant movie series, shifting the focus toward younger versions of classic X-characters, circa Reagan era, and pitting them against the big bad mutant villain Apocalypse, who, unsurprisingly, wants to destroy the world.

Psylocke, decked out in a version of her iconic Jim Lee-designed ninja costume from the 1990s, is one of the mutants that Apocalypse recruits as his "Four Horsemen," along with Storm, Angel and Magneto.

Here's a full look at the cover:

Filipino WWII veterans can now reunite with their families

New policy will give families of Filipino veterans an easier path to immigration.



This week, the White House announced that family members of Filipino World War II veterans will be granted special permission to reunite with their parents and come live and work in the United States.

Filipino World War II Veterans Will Get Easier Path To Reunite With Family

Filipino American veterans, who have been waiting for years to bring family members to the United States, will soon be able to do so through the Obama administration's new policy, announced with a spate of other recommendations to modernize and streamline the legal immigration system.

This has been a long time coming. During World War II, the U.S. government promised Filipino soldiers citizenship in recognition of their service, but it took more than fifty years to make good on that promise. The new policy will help the thousands of these veterans, many who are elderly and in need of care, to reunite with their families. Under the current family immigration system, it can sometimes take decades to obtain a visa.

7.13.2015

Angry Asian America on ISAtv: Do Asian Students Face Too much Academic Pressure?!

With co-host Jenny Yang and special guests Patrick Epino and Stephen Dypiangco



What's up, video viewers? We've got another edition of our web talk show Angry Asian America on ISAtv. In this episode, co-host Jenny Yang and I welcome guests Patrick Epino and Stephen Dypiangco of National Film Society. We discuss, among other things, the unhealthy academic pressure face by Asian American students, and Hollywood's annoying habit of casting white actors in just about everything. Also: Asian Magic Mike.

Check it out:

Watch the Comic-Con trailer for 'Into the Badlands'

Daniel Wu stars in AMC's upcoming genre-bending martial arts action drama.



Over the weekend at San Diego Comic-Con, AMC dropped this badass new first-look trailer for the upcoming genre-bending martial arts drama Into the Badlands, starring Daniel Wu. It looks pretty damn awesome. Loosely based on the classic Chinese tale Journey to the West, it tells the story of a great warrior and a young boy who embark on a journey across a dangerous land to find enlightenment. And kick ass along the way.

Take a look:

Read Chapter 4 of Jeremy Arambulo's 'A Challenge'

Serialized graphic novel tells the story of three friends in 1964 San Francisco Chinatown.



After much delay, artist Jeremy Arambulo has dropped the latest installment of his serial web graphic novel A Challenge. Set in 1964, in San Francisco's Chinatown, the story centers on three friends whose lives are changed after they meet a martial artist named Bruce Lee. In Chapter 4, things heat up when Frank takes Nancy out to celebrate her big news. If you haven't been following, catch up on the story so far here.

Here's a preview of Chapter 4, "Caught Up In The Rapture":

Disney accused of segregating Sikh employee

Gurdit Singh was barred from delivering mail in view of Disney World guests because of his turban and beard.



In Orlando, a Sikh American employee of Walt Disney World, who claimed his delivery routes were restricted and hidden from public view of Disney visitors because of his religious appearance, has won the right to have the same routes as other delivery workers.

Disney Allows Sikh Worker to Show Turban and Uncut Beard

Gurdit Singh, a mail carrier at Disney World, wears a turban and unshaved beard in accordance of his Sikh faith, which allegedly violate Disney's strict grooming guidelines, known as "The Disney Look." Because of his appearance, Singh says he was segregated from co-workers, denied career advancements and barred from delivering mail through Disney's resorts and theme parks in view of guests.

7.12.2015

Read These Blogs



Star Wars: The Force Awakens - JJ Abrams, "There are Asians in this film": At this year's San Diego Comic-Con, during the panel for Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, a couple of fans asked director J.J. Abrams if there are any Asian characters in the upcoming Star Wars movies. (His answer: Yes, there are.)

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Reddit's Terrorists Have Won: Ellen Pao and the Failure to Rebrand Web 2.0 : "Some of the worst trolls on the Internet are celebrating victory, as embattled interim CEO of Reddit Ellen Pao stepped down yesterday after what can charitably be described as a month or so of pure hell."

* * *

An Open Letter To American Muslims on Same-Sex Marriage: "We don't know about you, but our faith teaches us to care for the weak and the marginalized, the poor and dispossessed, those who are trampled underfoot, those who are persecuted -- no matter who they are, no matter what they believe, no matter who they choose to love."

* * *

No, Asian Americans Were Not Silent on Jerry Hough's Comments Regarding AAPI Assimilation: Syracuse University's Victoria Razzi's conclusions in her article, "Asian Americans studies professors stay silent on Asian vs. Black integration" is based on lazy, poor research and is filled with all sorts of wrong.

* * *

The Phenomena of 'Parachute' Kids: 'Parachute' kids -- children whose families send them to the U.S. for any part of a K-12 education -- have been gaining a lot of attention in the wake of an attack on a Chinese girl at her high school. How schools can better protect and support their students, and why parents are not to blame.

7.10.2015

Angry Reader of the Week: Mike Le

"Banging my head against the wall all day until a good idea spills out."



Hello, everyone. It's that time again. I am pleased to introduce another 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 Mike Le.

How Aziz Ansari would replace the Confederate flag

Comedian offers a unique idea for a new flag design to represent his home state.



This morning, after decades of intense debate and deep-rooted controversy, South Carolina officially lowered and removed the Confederate flag from the state capitol grounds, closing a chapter on one of the most fraught symbols of racism and white supremacy in the American South.

Comedian Aziz Ansari, who is currently promoting his new book Modern Romance, is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. Now that the Confederate flag has been lowered for good, supposedly ushering in a new era of racial progress and understanding, he offers a unique idea for a new flag design to represent his home state.

This is like a hundred times more funny because it was posted by PBS NewsHour:

72-year-old woman dies after being shoved to the ground

24-year-old Tajanetta Downing is accused of fatally assaulting Yuzhen Lei in Chinatown.



In Boston, a 72-year-old grandmother has died after being shoved to the ground and critically injured by another woman. In a weird detail, the assault occurred near the set of the Ghostbusters movie remake in Chinatown, and crew members were able to aid police in identifying and apprehending the suspect.

Woman, 72, dies after allegedly being pushed in Chinatown

24-year-old Tajanetta Downing is accused of shoving Yuzhen Lei, leaving her with a fatal head injury.

Downing was crossing the street when Lei bumped into her. She pushed Lei, who fell to the ground and hit her head on the pavement. She was taken to the hospital, where she was treated for a skull fracture, brain swelling and bleeding, and placed on life support. She was pronounced dead on Thursday night.

7.09.2015

Jose Antonio Vargas gets "uncomfortable" in the MTV documentary 'White People'

So many White People Tears.



Caucasian people shifting nervously in their seats. Frank discussions about racial privilege. White People Tears. So many White People Tears. This is what we are promised in the trailer for the new documentary White People from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and filmmaker Jose Antonio Vargas, premiering July 22 on MTV.

In White People, Vargas travels around the country to team up with five young people and explore what it really means to be young and white in America -- and why it matters. They'll delve into issues of white privilege, affirmative action and racial identity -- things that are not always easy to talk about. (Especially when you don't regularly have to think about them.) As you can see in the trailer, it's going to get uncomfortable.

7.08.2015

Jeremy Lin to sign with Charlotte Hornets

Free agent announces his next move on Instagram.



Whaaaaaaat. Well, okay. I guess this is happening now. After several days of rumors and speculation about his next off-season move, free agent Jeremy Lin has announced that he'll be joining the Charlotte Hornets.

AP Source: Free agent Jeremy Lin agrees with Hornets

According to league sources, Lin has signed a two-year, $4 million dollar contract with the Hornets. The deal apparently isn't officially official until they officially announce it officially. But Jeremy essentially announced it.

And he wasn't exactly subtle. Via Instagram:

7.07.2015

Museum ends kimono-wearing promotion amid protests

Critics accused the MFA's interactive exhibit of cultural appropriation.



So... the Museum of Fine Arts Boston recently announced "Kimono Wednesdays," an interactive art event inviting museum-goers to pose in front of Claude Monet's La Japonaise while wearing a replica of the kimono worn by Monet's wife, Camille, in the painting. I don't know about you, but dressing up like a white lady dressing up like a Japanese lady sounds like a fun way to spend a Wednesday night.

As you might have guessed, some folks were not cool with this cultural cosplay, and organized a peaceful protest to call attention to issues of orientalism and cultural appropriation in the promotion. Still, the museum pressed on with the stunt despite the outcry, handing out a one-page flyer to address the criticism, and flatly stating the MFA's position on the matter: "We don't think this is racist." (Well, I guess that settles it.)

But now, as a result of the negative response, the MFA has announced that it's changing its interactive kimono experience. Instead of trying on the kimono, museum visitors will be allowed to "touch and engage" with it.

Here's the release the MFA sent out on Tuesday:

Elodie Yung cast as Elektra in 'Marvel's Daredevil'

'G.I. Joe: Retaliation' actress will play "a mysterious woman" from Matt Murdock's past.



Marvel has announced that French actress Elodie Yung has been cast as Elektra in the upcoming second season of the Netflix original series Daredevil, based on the popular Marvel Comics superhero.

Elodie Yung Will Play Elektra In 'Marvel's Daredevil' On Netflix

Elektra is described as "a mysterious woman from Matt Murdock's past whose dangerous and exotic ways may be more than he can handle." The first season of Daredevil made reference to a certain "Greek girl" in a flashback scene, which fans recognized as a nod to one of Daredevil's most popular characters.

New Jersey man arrested in hate crime assault

24-year-old Nyle Kilgore is believed to be behind a string of attacks on Indian residents in North Brunswick.



In New Jersey, police say a man arrested and charged last week for assaulting an Indian man may be responsible for a recent string of violent bias attacks on men of Indian descent in the North Brunswick area.

NJ Man Found on Road, Bleeding from Head, in Apparent Bias Attack: Police

24-year-old Nyle Kilgore was arrested Wednesday after 57-year-old Rohit Patel was found lying on the side of the road, bleeding from his head. Kilgore apparently got out of his car, followed Patel, then knocked him out with a blow to the head. Patel suffered broken teeth and received stitches on his mouth and forehead.

Police say Kilgore targeted Patel because he is Indian.

7.06.2015

NQAPIA 2015 National Conference, August 6-9

Thriving Together: Queer APIs Building Community, Solidarity, & Movement



You are invited to join the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance for their largest, most diverse gathering of LGBTQ Asian Americans, South Asians, Southeast Asians, and Pacific Islanders next month at the NQAPIA 2015 National Conference. It's happening August 6-9 in Chicago.

With the help of over 100 workshops with presenters who have worked around the world, NQAPIA hopes to press a progressive agenda that will bring all LGBTQ racial and ethnic minority groups into the full-fold of their families, society, the LGBTQ movement, and the AAPI community.

Here are some more details about the conference:

Comics & Graphic Vignettes - From Scribble to Strip, July 11

With Wendy Xu and Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, presented by the Asian American Writers' Workshop


If you're in New York City this weekend, and want to learn how to make comics, check out this one-time workshop with comics artists Wendy Xu and Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, Comics & Graphic Vignettes - From Scribble to Strip, presented by the Asian American Writers' Workshop. They'll be reading, discussing, and drawing all things comics. Come nerd out with them. It's happening Saturday, July 11 in Manhattan.

Here are some more details:

Tiny Rhymes: Music to Make Your Heart Swell

Listen to the Buffalo-based indie chamber folk band's debut EP 'A Kinder History.'



I can't stop listening to A Kinder History, the recently released debut EP from the Buffalo-based indie chamber-folk band Tiny Rhymes. Listening to the lead single "Arrows," it's hard not to fall a little bit in love with the band's intricate harmonies, plucky string arrangements, and songwriter Sharon Mok's gorgeous vocals.

Take a listen:

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