Google Doodle celebrates Tyrus Wong's 108th birthday

Pioneering Chinese American artist served as lead artist on Walt Disney's 'Bambi.'



Today's Google Doodle honors the life and legacy of Chinese American artist Tyrus Wong on what would have been his 108th birthday. Drawing inspiration from Chinese artists of the Song Dynasty, Wong was responsible for some of the best-known images in American popular culture, applying his unique vision to paintings, prints, and perhaps most famously, the 1942 Walt Disney animated film Bambi.

Here's the gorgeous tribute that plays when you click on the kite:

Today's Google Doodle is dedicated to Yuri Kochiyama.

Google's homepage honors the legendary activist on her 95th birthday.



In honor of Yuri Kochiyama's 95th birthday on May 19th, the Google homepage has dedicated today's Google Doodle to the legendary late activist, educator and humanitarian, who died in 2014.

The doodle, by artist Alyssa Winans, features an iconic image of Kochiyama at the center of one of many protests and rallies, for numerous social and political movements, over a lifetime in the fight for justice.

Happy Birthday, Bruce.

And happy Thanksgiving.



November 27, 1940. Happy birthday, Bruce.

Hayao Miyazaki Figure by Martin Hsu and Bigshot Toyworks

A 6" figure tribute to the legendary master animator



Sunday marked the 73rd birthday of legendary Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, the celebrated director behind such classics as My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and countless more beloved films. To celebrate the occasion, our artist friend (and huuuuuuge Miyazaki fan) Martin Hsu has teamped up with Bigshot Toyworks to create and produce a limited edition run of six-inch Miya-San figures.

Details are sparse -- full specs, pricing and presale/release dates are still forthcoming -- but it's a definitely a cool little collectible for any Miyazaki fan. For further information, head over to Martin's website.

Here's also Martin's annual birthday sketch for Miyazaki-sensei titled "Bug Whisperer":

turning 12 on 12/12/12 at 12:12

A big happy birthday to Kiam Moriya, who turns 12 years old today. But it's not just any old twelfth birthday. Kiam was born on December 12, 2000 at 12:12pm, which means he will turn 12 at 12:12 on 12/12/12. No joke! That's a lot of twelves: Kid will turn 12 on 12/12/12 at 12:12.

happy birthday, bruce

Happy birthday, Bruce Lee. The legendary actor, martial artist, philosopher and international icon of asskicking was born on this date, 72 years ago, in San Francisco. The guy gave Asian kids everywhere someone to cheer for.

In honor of his legacy, I'm reposting this video I did with National Film Society earlier this year, naming the Top 5 Bruce Lee Movies. (Yes, I know he only starred in like four and a half movies. That's kind of the joke.)

Happy Birthday, Yuri Kochiyama

Happy birthday to Yuri Kochiyama. To celebrate the legendary Japanese American activist's life, work and struggle, here's an amazing reduction print/portrait by artist Alec Icky Dunn, available from Justseeds.

And since we're celebrating, listen to the song "Yuri Kochiyama" by Blue Scholars, off their upcoming album Cinemetropolis. I've had it on repeat all day. "When I grow up I wanna be just like Yuri Kochiyama." Seriously.

Yuri Kochiyama, A Real American Hero

Here's a great profile on long-time social justice activist Yuri Kochiyama, who turns 87 years old today: Oakland activist keeps spirit of revolution strong. She's definitely one of my heroes, a true inspiration in the fight for justice and fairness for all. What an amazing woman.

Today also happens to be Malcolm X's birthday, and for many, Kochiyama might be most well-known as the woman who cradled Malcolm X in her lap after he was shot, on February 21, 1965, during a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City. Malcolm X's message had a profound impact on her own activist ideology, one of self-determination for all people, and her involvement in African American struggles helped lay the groundwork for the Asian American movement in the late '60s.

Without a doubt, she's a real pioneer. But what amazes me most is that at age 87, she's still going strong, active as ever in social justice causes and passing that fire along to younger generations. Much respect.