New York City adds Lunar New Year to public school holidays

City becomes only the second major urban school district in the nation to observe the Lunar New Year.



Hey, kids of New York City! You get another day off. This week, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city's public schools will officially recognize the Lunar New Year as a holiday, starting next year.

Lunar New Year Added to New York Public School Calendar

The mayor made good on a promise made during his 2013 mayoral campaign, adding the Lunar New Year as a holiday on the official public school calendar. The move came after de Blasio in March declared school holidays on the most-observed holidays in Islam, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

The mayor's office first made the announcement on Twitter, saying it "was working toward a more inclusive city." The tweet also appeared in traditional Chinese characters and in Korean.

The Dynasty Project Holiday Party & Gift Drive

Tuesday, December 9 at The Old Bowery Station



If you're in New York, The Dynasty Project invites you to get into the spirit of the season, and enjoy drinks, snacks and games at their Holiday Party & Gift Drive. The Dynasty Project creates and supports innovative programs that enrich local APIA communities through athletics and the pursuit of athletic endeavors.

They'll be collecting sports-related gifts such as basketballs, footballs, t-shirts, shorts, and various sports training equipment, to be given to at-risk youth in Chinatown and the Lower East Side. Proceeds from the party will go toward funding the Dat Winning Fellowship and other programs.

It's happening Tuesday, December 9 at The Old Bowery Station. Here are some more details:

Happy Diwali from President Obama

"...remember, even in the midst of darkness, that light will ultimately prevail."



Today, President Obama wished a Happy Diwali to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and all those who celebrate the festival of lights here and across the world. Here's his video message:

holiday music: the christmas album by irvine young concert artists

Looking for some proper holiday tunes to set the mood while you're unwrapping gifts and feasting with family? Check out The Christmas Album featuring new arrangements of classic Christmas songs performed by the Irvine Young Concert Artists, conducted by George Shaw, joined by the likes of Jason Chen, Clara C, David Choi, Inch Chua and more. Preview the album below:

holiday party brawl! steven ho kicks conan's ass. again.

Hollywood stuntman Steven Ho, who has become a regular guest on Conan, was back on the show the other night to kick Conan O'Brien's ass. Again. This time, instead of the usual demonstration, Steven had to throw down and regulate when things got rowdy at the show's Christmas party. Check it out:

angry gift guide: poketo store holiday sale

If you're in the Los Angeles area, our friends at Poketo are hosting their annual holiday sale this weekend. Known for their cool brand of "Art For Your Everyday" items, this will be the first ever holiday sale at the recently opened brick-and-mortar Poketo store. Discounts, exclusive items and festivities await. Here are some more details:

angry gift guide: greeting cards by asian american designers

Looking for that perfect card to send this holiday season? How about some cool greeting cards by Asian American designers? The funny handmade card above, Close Encounter with Rudoph, was designed by Michelle Lin. Here are some more great cards to consider: