Author Archives: Mike

About Mike

I'm an idealistic realist, humanistic technologist & constant student. And what, you want to Internet-stalk me too? Why, sure.

Green Card Status Forces PhD Grad Into Pizza Boy

Posted on July 12, 2007 by Mike

Picture this: you’re born in Asia, move to the US when you’re two, graduate from a US college, then have to take a $5.50/hr off-the-books job and live in fear of deportation because you’re not a US citizen. If you’re … Continue reading →

Posted in Food & Drink, Lifestyles | 14 Comments

War with… China?

Posted on July 7, 2007 by Mike

“I am convinced that if it had not been for 9/11, we would be in a military showdown with China today.” Wow, um, WHAT?? That’s a quote from Gary Hart, in reference to a discussion raised by Lynne Cheney, wife … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events, Politics | 10 Comments

Ellen is a Super Asian American!

Posted on June 22, 2007 by Mike

A friend of mine recently wrote about a childhood magnet she found under her parents’ fridge (ew, what was she doing down there?). The magnet says “Ellen is a Super Kid” (obviously her parents have an ironic sense of humor). … Continue reading →

Posted in Lifestyles | Leave a comment

Asian American Academic Pressure

Posted on May 30, 2007 by Mike

Last week, I wrote about how parental pressures in education drove some students to stress, depression, suicide, and even sneaking into universities and pretending to be enrolled students. I even suggested that the disadvantaged backgrounds of Asian immigrant parents contributed … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events, Lifestyles | 12 Comments

Push to achieve tied to… deception?

Posted on May 26, 2007 by Mike

It’s become cliché: Asian parents browbeat their kids into pursuing prestigious professions in technology, medicine or law, and their children suffer the resulting stress and depression. So writes Pueng Vongs in her article “Inside the Asian Pressure Cooker“. From a … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events, Lifestyles | 23 Comments

I know you want it Asian Princess

Posted on May 17, 2007 by Mike

Interracial dating is a tough subject. Which is why I’m not writing about it right now. Instead, I’m writing about the delightful juxtapositions that I often find in everyday life. Like in this article in Asiance Magazine, for instance: “Dating … Continue reading →

Posted in Lifestyles | 26 Comments

The Foodwise Effects of the West in Asia

Posted on May 5, 2007 by Mike

I just came back from a trip to Hong Kong & Tokyo and noticed two things that surprised me as an Asian American. Aside from the massively crowded subways and kinky maid cafes in Tokyo, I mean. The teenagers there … Continue reading →

Posted in Food & Drink, Lifestyles | 14 Comments

West 32nd

Posted on April 10, 2007 by Mike

John Cho’s coming back! With Grace Park and Jane Kim in the upcoming movie West 32nd. Written by Michael Kang, a Korean American filmmaker based in New York. West 32nd is touted as a dark, urban thriller. Straight from Michael’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainment | 4 Comments

Want to be the Next Bruce Lee?

Posted on April 3, 2007 by Mike

I grew up watching Bruce Lee movies and mimicking his cries. I also grew up being taunted as Bruce Lee by bullies who mimicked his cries. (“Hwah! Hwah! Hwaaah!”) This turned into a love-hate relationship with The Master. I secretly … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainment, Sports | 7 Comments

Minority Kids are Hot!

Posted on March 19, 2007 by Mike

They are! And savvy entrepreneurs know it. Entrepreneur Magazine reported one of the hottest 2007 business trends as being in the minority kids market. Nearly half of the children under 5 in the U.S. are part of a minority group, … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events | 2 Comments

Kal Penn: From Stoner to Gogol in The Namesake

Posted on March 15, 2007 by Mike

Kumar’s never had it easy. First, it took him a whole night to get to a White Castle. Then people made fun of his name. Officer Palumbo: What kind of name is that anyhow? Kumar? What is that five o’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainment | 4 Comments

The Effects of Racism

Posted on March 1, 2007 by Mike

The Houghton Mifflin dictionary defines “racism” as: The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others. Discrimination or prejudice based on race. Kenneth Eng’s article is almost a … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events, Discrimination | 18 Comments