Prop 8 in California

For the people of California, Proposition 8 is on your ballot this November What is Prop 8? The entire text of Proposition 8 is as follows: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California." By voting yes, you are supporting traditional marriage between a man and a woman. By voting no, you are supporting gay marriage.

Needless to say, this proposition is a tight race and a controversial ballot measure, we decided to hop over to two sites ProtectMarriage.com (for Prop 8) and noonprop8.com (against Prop 8) to see if there were any Asian American representation. To our surprise, we only saw Asian American representation on ProtectMarriage.com.



Shockingly, the noonprop8.com campaign did not use either Helen Zia and George Takei. Both of them married their partners earlier this year.

According to a recent poll, likely California voters overall now favor passage of Proposition 8 by a five-point margin, 47 percent to 42 percent. The recent surge for Prop 8 has come from young voters. Those in the Inland Empire and the Central Valley continue to back Proposition 8, while those in the Bay Area remain opposed. Those in the greater Los Angeles area also remained largely split. Support for a gay marriage ban was strongest among those who considered themselves conservatives and identified themselves as regular churchgoers. Opposition is strongest amongst liberals and those who are less religious.

Eight years ago, 61 percent of California voters approved the 2000 marriage ban, while only 52 percent of voters told pollsters they favored the proposition. While Californians may respond with politically correct answers to pollsters, their true beliefs are shown at the ballot box.

With the ballot measure so tight expect more TV ads for Prop 8 as well as against. Whatever your position, get out and vote this November.

Yes on Prop 8 ad


No on prop 8 ad

Racist scene on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" is a pretty funny show and one of the most viewed TV shows on Hulu.com. However, the Season 4 episode 1 of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" entitled "Mac and Dennis: Manhunters" has what we deemed a racist scene. The scene involves the characters Dee and Charlie looking for exotic meat and end up in Chinatown. And they try to order monkey in Chinatown. Aren't we done with the "Asians eating monkey" jokes? WTF?

Racist scene on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia


See the whole episode here.

White Rabbit Candy and Chinese Milk pulled

As of September 25, 2008, the FDA testing of milk based products imported into the United States from China has not found melamine contamination. The classic candy favorite of Chinatowns around the world are seeing White Rabbit Candy banned. It is also affecting the US.

The FDA is working with regulatory agencies in other countries. The New Zealand Food Safety Authority reports that its testing of White Rabbit Creamy Candies has shown melamine contamination at high levels. In light of the widespread contamination of milk and milk-based products in China and the New Zealand Food Safety Authority’s finding, the FDA recommends that consumers not eat White Rabbit Creamy Candy and that retailers and foodservice operations remove the product from sale or service. To date, the FDA is not aware of any illnesses in the United States stemming from consumption of either White Rabbit Creamy Candy.

White Rabbit Candy and Mr. Brown instant coffee and milk tea products recalled


On September 12, 2008, in light of reports from China of melamine contaminated infant formula, the FDA issued a Health Information Advisory to assure the American public that there is no known threat of contamination in infant formula manufactured by companies that have met the requirements to sell such products in the United States. That advisory also warned members of Chinese communities in the United States that infant formula manufactured in China, possibly available for purchase at Asian markets, could pose a risk to infants.

The FDA had contacted the companies who manufacture infant formula for distribution in the United States and received, from the companies, information that they are not importing formula or sourcing milk-based materials from China.

At the same time, the FDA—in conjunction with state and local officials—began a nation-wide investigation to check Asian markets for Chinese manufactured infant formula that may have been brought into the United States. In particular, this effort focused on areas of the country with large Chinese communities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and New York. To date, investigators have visited more than 1,400 retail markets and have not found Chinese infant formula present on shelves in these markets.

The FDA also advises consumers not to purchase infant formula manufactured in China from Internet sites or from other sources.

The FDA has taken, and will continue to take, proactive measures to help ensure the safety of the American food supply. In conjunction with state and local officials, the FDA will continue to check Asian markets for food items that are imported from China and that could contain a significant amount of milk or milk proteins. In addition, the FDA has broadened its domestic and import sampling and testing of milk-derived ingredients and finished food products containing milk, such as candies, desserts, and beverages that could contain these ingredients from Chinese sources. Milk-derived ingredients include whole milk powder, non-fat milk powder, whey powder, lactose powder, and casein.

Chinese dairy products banned amid fears over a widening tainted milk scandal

a/k/a Tommy Chong

a/k/a Tommy Chong is a dynamic portrait of comedy legend Tommy Chong of Cheech and Chong set against the unfolding political horror story of post 9/11 America. Filmmaker Josh Gilbert follows the tragic and absurd tale of Chong as he travels down the rabbit hole of America's war on drugs and the federal prison system after becoming the primary target in a government sting, code named "Operation Pipe Dreams." In February of 2003, at a time of unparalleled assaults to our freedom by international terrorists, John Ashcroft and U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan spent 12 million dollars to take down Tommy Chong for selling art glass water pipes, a/k/a bongs, over the internet. What emerges is an intimate portrait of a cosmic character, caught in the crosshairs of a surreal Cheech and Chong fantasy come to life. (Tommy Chong is HAPA. His father is Chinese, while his mother is Scottish and Irish.). Here's more about the film:

a/k/a Tommy Chong chronicles the entrapment and incarceration of comedy icon Tommy Chong of the legendary comedy duo, Cheech and Chong. Josh Gilbert takes on the event in his documentary, and offers a sometimes frightening, often hilarious account of Operation Pipe Dreams, a nationwide drug paraphernalia sting spearheaded by a federal prosecutor named Mary Beth Buchanan, appointed by George Bush three short days after the attacks of 9/11.

After fully armed SWAT teams raided the comedian's home and his business, Chong Glass, Chong was sentenced to 9 months in federal prison for "conspiracy to manufacture and distribute drug paraphernalia through his family business, specializing in handmade glass water pipes, or "bongs". Of the 55 defendants prosecuted, Tommy Chong of Cheech and Chong was the only one with no prior convictions to receive jail time. Justifying the sentence, George Bush's appointee, Mary Beth Buchanan cited the classic Cheech and Chong comedy Up In Smoke as evidence that Tommy Chong had become wealthy "trivializing law enforcement efforts to combat marijuana trafficking and use." As Roger Ebert said after viewing the film, "You do not have to approve of drugs to be offended."

The film provides a charming portrait of a counter culture icon set against the backdrop of a War on Drugs gone horribly awry.

Buy a/k/a Tommy Chong DVD

a/k/a Tommy Chong


FBI Confiscates 10,000 Copies of Tommy Chong's Documentary


TIME Q&A with Tommy Chong

LPGA rescinds English policy

LPGA Commissioner Carolyn F. Bivens released the following statement on the LPGA's policy on effective English communication. (Previous post on LPGA English speaking Requirements are racist.)

The LPGA has received valuable feedback from a variety of constituents regarding the recently announced penalties attached to our effective communications policy. We have decided to rescind those penalty provisions.

After hearing the concerns, we believe there are other ways to achieve our shared objective of supporting and enhancing the business opportunities for every Tour player. In that spirit, we will continue communicating with our diverse Tour players to develop a better alternative. The LPGA will announce a revised approach, absent playing penalties, by the end of 2008.

During that time we will continue to provide support under the three-year-old Kolon-LPGA Cross Cultural Program. This popular program provides all LPGA members with the best cross-cultural training in the form of tutors, translators, Rosetta Stone®, the official language-learning system of the LPGA, as well as assistance from LPGA staff and consultants.

LPGA was definitely feeling more heat from the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, California State Senator Leland Yee, California Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi, Californai State Assemblyman Ted Lieu, Filipinos for Affirmative Action, California Immigrant Policy Center, Korean American Coalition, National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA), the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC), and many more. The announcement to rescind the English policy came hours before a coalition of multienthic groups holding a press conference. The groups would send a signed letter protesting the LPGA Tour's policy that would require all tour members to speak English.




Here's the controversy on the LPGA's English Policy

LPGA English speaking Requirements are racist

Since Golfweek broke the story August 25 about the LPGA requiring English proficiency from its players, reaction has been swift. This was clearly targeting the South Korean players, since there was a mandatory South Korean player meeting August 20 to inform the players that beginning in 2009, all players who have been on tour for two years must pass an oral evaluation of their English skills. Failure would result in a suspended membership. How can you determine who is considered "proficient"?

The Asian American Justice Center (AAJC) urges the LPGA sponsors to withdraw support of the Tour until the English proficiency policy is retracted. There are currently 121 international players from 26 countries on the LPGA Tour, 45 players from South Korea. Eight of the top money makers on the LPGA tour are from South Korea.

"This policy is tantamount to national origin discrimination, which is prohibited under Civil Rights Act," said Vincent A. Eng, deputy director of AAJC. “The policy is an affront to our American principles of diversity and equality. It is even more unconscionable that the LPGA is devolving to past divisive and exclusionary practices of their sport following the successful closing of the unifying Olympic Games."

"There is already a strong endorsement incentive for the players to learn English to increase their global marketability," said Tuyet G. Duong, senior staff attorney at AAJC. "The new LPGA policy along with their actions to have a special meeting with the South Korean players, smacks of clear discriminatory targeting of those players."

“The game of golf has a long history of exclusion of minorities and women and they have fought for years to be included in sport,” added Duong. “That is why it is shocking that the LPGA would issue this policy, which is completely contrary to the spirit of inclusion that drives LPGA pioneer women to continue breaking new ground in their sport. This will ultimately result in depriving the audience and fans of seeing the best golfers in the world."

WPIX report on the English requirement rule on the LPGA


Golfweek talks about the racist LPGA rule

Spanish teams make racist "slant eyes" gestures

The Spanish men's and women's Olympic basketball team and 2008 Federation Cup Tennis women's team posed for pictures making the ever offensive slate eye gesture. Among the people participating in the vulgar act includes LA Lakers superstar Pau Gasol and Toronto Raptors point guard Jose Manuel Calderon.

The photo of the Spanish men's and women's Olympic basketball team was part of a publicity campaign for team sponsor Seur, a Spanish courier company, and is being used only in Spain. A Seur official in Madrid said the company had not intended to offend the Chinese people, but has no immediate plans to withdraw the ad, which is scheduled to run on selected days until the end of the games. The advertisement has been condemned by international media and the IOC. Spain's Olympic basketball team is expected to apologize for making the slit-eye gestures. During the China vs Spain basketball game in the Beijing Olympics, Spain was consistently getting booed.

Also during the week, a photo of the 2008 Federation Cup Tennis women's team making the slant eye gesture was revealed. Among those in the photo are Nuria Llagostera Vives, Anabel Medina Garrigues, and Carla Suarez-Navarro, who are all competing in the Beijing Games. More booed are expected to rain down on these players.

Spain will try to shake off the string of racist photos by its athletes. However, the "slant eyes" gesture could damage Madrid's bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Listen to NPR's Looking Into The Spanish Team's "Slant Eyes" here.

This YouTube commentary sums it all up

Lipsynching the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony

The Chinese government is being criticized for replacing a Chinese girl at the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony with another Chinese girl who was better looking. 9 year old Lin Miaoke lip-synched "Ode to the Motherland" at the opening ceremony over the voice of 7 year old Yang Peiyi. The switcheroo happened as Yang Peiyi was considered visually unsuitable to appear herself because of her teeth, so only her voice was used.

Here's a photo of Yang Peiyi:



A Chinese rep said:

"The main consideration was the national interest. The child on the screen should be flawless in image, in her internal feelings, and in her expression. In the matter of her voice, Yang Peiyi was flawless, in the unanimous opinion of all the members of the team.

We have a responsibility to face the audience of the whole country, and to be open with this explanation. We should all understand it like this, it is a question of the national interest. It is a question of the image of our national music, our national culture.

Especially at the entrance of our national flag, this is an extremely important, an extremely serious matter.

So we made the choice. I think it is fair to both Lin Miaoke and Yang Peiyi, after all, we have a perfect voice, a perfect image and a perfect show, in our team’s view, all together."

The secret of the Olympic karakoe was revealed Sunday by the ceremony's musical director Chen Qigang in an interview with Beijing Radio. He said a senior Politburo member had said after the final dress rehearsal that Miaoke's voice was not good enough and that Peiyi did not look right. The result was combining the perfect voice and the perfect performance. The parents of both girls said separately Wednesday they did not want their daughters to speak to the media, and said each felt privileged just to have taken part.

Yang Peiyi is a first-grader at the Primary School affiliated to Peking University. Lin Miaoke is a third-grader appeared in a television commercials with China's biggest gold medal hope, hurdling champion Liu Xiang.

What do you think of the controversy?

Olympic Karaoke - Lipsynching the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony

Jabbawockeez Drama on the East Coast

UPDATE: One of our bloggers didn't get all the facts right on this post. Apologies to SCAT Productions as their flyer did state their cause in small print on their flyer. Also three members of Jabbawockeez (Kevin Brewer, Phil Tayag and Chris Gatdula ) showed up towards the end of the "Rebuilding the Bridge" event to say some words on stage to support the Sichuan Quake event. They ended up staying for a meet & greet, took photos, signed autographs and passed out T-shirts. Jabbawockeez took care of their fans and the cause. Here's some fan footage when Jabbawockeez got announced.




Lots of drama surrounding the booking of Jabbawockeez performances on the East Coast this weekend for July 12th. Apparently, the Jabbawockeez were booked by both SCAT Productions and Rebuilding the Bridge (an event helping the China Quake Victims). For July 12th, SCAT Productions got the Jabbawockeez, while Rebuilding the Bridge lost their top act with days before the event.

On the "Rebuilding the Bridge" site, this message appears:

Due to unforeseen conflicts in scheduling, the Jabbawockeez are no longer part of the lineup for this event. On behalf of all the individuals and organizations involved, we are deeply sorry for this development. We are nonetheless extremely excited by the roster of artists who are performing.

On the Jabbwockeez website, the SCAT Productions event is being promoted. (It's going to be tough for the "Rebuilding the Bridge" event to re-promote without their top draw.) The Ningin.com message boards lit up for awhile on the Jabbawockeez controversy until the thread was taken offline. Ningin.com is a backer of the "Rebuilding the Bridge" event. Miss Info of Hot 97 in NYC, who is supporting the "Rebuilding the Bridge" event, voiced her concerns on her blog here and here.

...a disturbing tale of what happens when you have the wrong people repping you and claiming to be out to “do good in the hood."...

...But while some fans are putting the entertainment over the mission, which I cant respect, much love to all the folks who are support this 100% non-profit event (to one of the largest aid organizations in the world, Mercy Corps….not an unlicensed undocumented charity). I am doing everything I can to make sure you’ll be more than happy...

When you read between the lines on what is going on here, money is clearly a factor. If you take a look at how the marketing was done for the events. SCAT Productions flyers say nothing about the charity they support, only on their website. "Rebuilding the Bridge" flyers clearly state the charity they support. While not all the information is out in the open, the nasty truth will come out sooner or later. Bottom line, it's the charity that matters. Bypass all the drama and contribute directly to the cause you want - donate to Mercy Corps or Children's Chance in Connecticut.

The promo video got taken down for the "Rebuilding the Bridge" event. However, you can still hear the PSA by Amy Chang - Remember the Jabbawockeez will not be at this event.

Miss Washington Elyse Umemoto Photo Scandal

TMZ posted some unflattering photos of Miss Washington 2007 - Elyse Umemoto. Among the photos posted include the pageant winner flipping off the camera while wearing her crown, drinking and playing what appears to be beer pong, and making obscene sexual gestures. Running on a platform to promote diversity and women's empowerment, Elyse Umemoto was also the second runner-up in this year's Miss America pageant.

While her scandal is not as big as Miss Nevada's, the Miss Washington Scholarship Organization is embarrassed by the pictures. Quick reaction also by Elyse Umemoto. She held a press conference in Tacoma, Washington the same day the scandal broke. In her apology, she says that someone she trusted stole the photos from her, she's not proud of how she was depicted, and that being a public figure and role model is a full-time job. (We think Elyse Umemoto has learned her lesson.)

Elyse Umemoto's press conference apology

The Love Guru sucks

A month ago, we told you that The Love Guru may be banned in India. Although this film has a lot of stars (Mike Myers, Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake), overall reviews have not been good for this film. (Neither getting less than 20% on Rottentomatoes nor being considered for a Razzie is good for a film.) Here's the synopsis for The Love Guru

In the comedy "The Love Guru," Pitka (Mike Myers in his first original character since Austin Powers) is an American who was left at the gates of an ashram in India as a child and raised by gurus. He moves back to the U.S. to seek fame and fortune in the world of self-help and spirituality. His unorthodox methods are put to the test when he must settle a rift between Toronto Maple Leafs star hockey player Darren Roanoke (Romany Malco) and his estranged wife. After the split, Roanoke's wife starts dating L.A. Kings star Jacques Grande (Justin Timberlake) out of revenge, sending her husband into a major professional skid - to the horror of the teams' owner Jane Bullard (Jessica Alba) and Coach Cherkov (Verne Troyer). Pitka must return the couple to marital nirvana and get Roanoke back on his game so the team can break the 40-year-old "Bullard Curse" and win the Stanley Cup.

The more we look at The Love Guru, the more we think of yellow face like Fu Manchu and Charlie Chan. Mike Myers needs to watch Hollywood Chinese. Asian Americans are making great strides in American entertainment and this film comes a long. Something must be broken in Hollywood for the execs to greenlight this film.

Watch a clip of the The Love Guru and decide for yourself

Grade changing hacker

Omar Khan, 18, hacked into school computer servers of the prestigious Tesoro High School (This is the same school on the show Real Housewives of Orange County and also on Newsweek's list of best high schools in America.) Between Jan. 23 and May 20, Khan changed his "D" and "F" grades to A's. How did he do it? Omar Khan stole a master key, broke into classrooms, hacked teacher computers to steal tests and answers, and change grades. The reason: He wanted to get into UC Berkeley. Instead of graduating this week, Khan had almost 70 charges against him (34 counts of altering a public record, 11 counts of stealing and secreting a public record, 7 counts of computer access and fraud, 6 counts of burglary, four identity theft charges, 3 counts of altering a book of records, 2 counts of receiving stolen property and 1 count each of conspiracy and attempted altering of a public record.). He could face up to 38 years in prison.

This is not the end of the story. His co-conspirator, Tanvir Singh, was also busted, but on lesser crimes. A dozen other students had their grade changed as well. When the final investigation is complete, we will see what the final results will be. College admissions could be rescinded.

Is there too much pressure in Asian/Asian American families to get good grades?

Watch the news report of the grade changing hacker

Gay marriage - Helen Zia and George Takei

Last month, the California Supreme Court said denying gay and lesbian couples the right to marry each other violated the state constitution. The decision was a close 4-3 vote. The ruling made California one of just two states, along with Massachusetts, that grant the same rights to same-sex couples as opposite-sex couples. Yesterday was the first day for gay marriage in California.

In Northern California, Writer & activist Helen Zia, 55, and her partner, Lia Shigemura, 50, got hitched. The pair sang "The Chapel of Love" as they walked to the city attorney's office to get married. The couple was also on the home page of the NYTimes briefly as well.

Meanwhile, in Southern California, actor and gay rights activist George Takei, 71, and his longtime partner Brad Altman, 54, got their marriage license. They're planning a September 14th wedding in Los Angeles. The whole crew from the original Star Trek is expected to attend except William Shatner. The wedding will take place at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles.

While all this celebration is happening, all this can be overturned on the November ballot when the people of California will vote on a state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. Eight years ago, 61 percent of California voters approved the 2000 marriage ban, while only 52 percent of voters told pollsters they favored the proposition. While Californians may respond with politically correct answers, their true beliefs are shown at the ballot box.

Here's the proposed California Constitutional Amendment

LIMIT ON MARRIAGE. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Amends the California Constitution to provide that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: The measure would have no fiscal effect on state or local governments. This is because there would be no change to the manner in which marriages are currently recognized by the state. (Initiative 07-0068.)

If you live in California, vote your true beliefs at the ballot box.

Helen Zia and Lia Shigemura getting married


George Takei and Brad Altman first in line to get a marriage license in West Hollywood

Racist Amy Winehouse home video

Grammy award-winning artist Amy Winehouse was in a disturbing home video shot last year around May 2007, weeks after she and her husband eloped. In the video Amy Winehouse and her friend Sarah sing a racist song to the tune of kid classic "Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes". However, the words we changed to "Blacks, Pakis, Gooks and Nips, Gooks and Nips!" As the racist song is being sung, you can also see drug paraphernalia all over the place. The person behind the camera is Amy Winehouse's husband Blake Fielder-Civil, who is currently behind bars.

It's time to go rehab. You need to go, go, go.

Watch the racist Amy Winehouse home video

Yakuza get liver transplants at UCLA

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Japanese yakuza received liver transplants at UCLA. The most prominent transplant recipient was Tadamasa Goto, who has been barred from entering the U.S. because of his criminal history. The four surgeries were done between 2000 and 2004 at a time of pronounced organ scarcity. In each of those years, more than 100 patients died awaiting liver transplants in the Greater Los Angeles region.

Watch this news report about the liver transplants.

Sharon Stone apologizes for Quake Karma Comments

CNN's Jack Cafferty made controversial comments about China about a month ago. Now it's Sharon Stone turn. Here's what she said at an interview at Cannes:

Well you know it was very interesting because at first, you know, I am not happy about the ways the Chinese were treating the Tibetans because I don’t think anyone should be unkind to anyone else. And so I have been very concerned about how to think and what to do about that because I don’t like that.

And I had been this, you know, concerned about, oh how should we deal with the Olympics because they are not being nice to the Dalai Lama, who is a good friend of mine.

And all these earthquake and stuff happened and I thought: IS THAT KARMA? When you are not nice that bad things happen to you.

And then I got a letter, from the Tibetan Foundations that they want to go and be helpful. And that made me cry. And they ask me if I would write a quote about that and I said I would. And it was a big lesson to me, that some times you have to learn to put your head down and be of service even to people who are not nice to you. And that’s a big lesson for me.

Yesterday, Sharon Stone issued the following statement:

Due to my inappropriate words and acts during the interview, I feel deeply sorry and sad about hurting Chinese people. I am willing to take part in the relief work of China's earthquake, and wholly devote myself to helping affected Chinese people.

But it's a little too late. Sharon Stone films will be banned at UME Cineplex, one of the largest movie chains in China. (What was Sharon Stone's last film anyway?) Also French fashion house Christian Dior dropped Sharon Stone from its Chinese ads.

IS THAT KARMA?

Sharon Stone's comments about China at Cannes:

Protesters want CNN to fire Jack Cafferty

Lots of protests the past few weekends at CNN locations all over the US. Thousands have protested Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta (CNN headquarters) over statements made by Jack Cafferty that were broadcast on "The Situation Room" back on April 9, 2008. Here's the quote in question:

“We continue to import their junk with the lead paint on them and the poisoned pet food and export, you know, jobs to places where you can pay workers a dollar a month to turn out the stuff that we’re buying from Wal-Mart. So I think our relationship with China has certainly changed. I think they’re basically the same bunch of goons and thugs they’ve been for the last 50 years.”

Listen the the controversial statements by Jack Cafferty:


CNN Protest in Atlanta (CNN headquarters)


CNN Protest in San Francisco


CNN Protest in Los Angeles


CNN Protest in Chicago

Although CNN had offered an apology, the Chinese government rejected it as inadequate. CNN Beijing bureau chief Jaime FlorCruz was summoned to a meeting at the Chinese Foreign Ministry with with Liu Jianchao, director general of the Foreign Ministry information department. The situation looks bad for CNN and Jack Cafferty. Looks like a lot less coverage for the Beijing Olympics for CNN.

Also a Beijing-based primary school teacher Li Lilan and a New York-based beauty therapist Liang Shubing are filing in a law suit for $1.3 billion against CNN for slander. The $1.3 billion equates to $1 per person in China.

Dark Matter

Dark Matter, the feature film debut of renowned opera and theater director Chen Shi-Zheng, delves into the world of Liu Xing (Chinese for “Shooting Star”), a Chinese science student pursuing a Ph.D. in the United States in the early 1990s. Driven by ambition, yet unable to navigate academic politics, Liu Xing is inexorably pushed to the margins of American life, until he loses his way. The cast includes Liu Ye, Meryl Streep, and Aidan Quinn.

Dark Matter is loosely based on the 1991 University of Iowa school shootings. With the Virginia Tech shootings a year ago, the film's release was delayed. Controversy has surround the timing of the new release date, which was around the 1 year anniversary of the VA Tech shooting.

Despite the controversy, we need to find better ways to communicate. Both International and American students need to bridge the cultural divide and encourage mutual respect. With the rise in school campus violence in recent years, we need to foster better communication among students, parents, teachers, and administrators.

See the trailer for "Dark Matter" here:

The film won the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize when screened at the Sundance Film Festival in 2007. The award is given each year to a feature film that either focuses on science or technology or depicts a scientist, engineer, or mathematician as the main character.