By Samantha Pak
Northwest Asian Weekly

“Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)”
By Mindy Kaling
Crown Archetype, 2011

Before she became known as the self-involved, boy-crazy Kelly Kapoor on “The Office,” she was Mindy Kaling, a girl from Cambridge, Mass., with a love for comedy. Growing up, she was a bit on the chubby side, the furthest thing from an athlete. It took her a while to realize what true friendship meant.

In “Hanging Out,” Kaling shares the story of how she went from an admittedly asexual-looking kid to one of People magazine’s Most Beautiful People in 2011. We learn — among other things — about her time performing off-Broadway as a Ben Affleck impersonator, her take on romantic comedies, her views on dating, marriage, and relationships, and what the set of “The Office” is really like. Kaling also shares her views on proper karaoke etiquette, best friend responsibilities and rights, and the differences between men and boys. She even leaves detailed instructions on how she wants her funeral. Read the full story

By Stacy Nguyen
Northwest Asian Weekly

Anthony Youn

Anthony Youn, a board-certified plastic surgeon, doesn’t believe that there was one
moment when he realized his calling as a doctor. Rather, he explains that his journey has been a series of moments with patients.

“I think in any physician’s practice, there is a handful of patients that stick with them all their lives,” said Youn. “For me, one of the patients who always stuck with me is Phil. Part of it was because of his deformity, what he struggled with was so impressive …”

Phil was an overweight Black 14-year-old when he met Youn, near the beginning of Youn’s practice. Phil had severe gynecomastia — he had breasts. Phil’s physique gave him cripplingly low self-esteem. It made him withdraw and completely isolate himself from friends and his grandma. In Youn’s office one day, Phil, with tears in his eyes, looked at Youn and implored him to help.

Youn promised he would. It was a vow he didn’t take lightly.

And he did help. Read the full story