Asian American cops flock to Liu's funeral

Asian police officers from around the U.S. and Canada attended the funeral of NYPD officer Wenjian Liu,

WELL, my attempt at trying to be more positive in 2015 didn't last very long, did it?

After I posted the uplifting "We Are The World" video and Travis Ishikawa's inspirational faith, NYPD officer Wenjian Liu funeral was held with Buddhist monks leading the way.

Police officers - as they did at the funeral of officer Rafael Ramos - again used the funeral to express their displeasure at Mayor Bill Di Blasio by turning their backs to him when he spoke.

Both officers were attacked by a man who had a long police record and was obviously mentally troubled. Prior to ambushing the officers in their patrol car, he shot his girlfriend and after killing the officers, killed himself.

NBC had an Asian-American angle on the funeral of slain NYPD officer Wenjian Liu that didn't make it into a whole lot of newspapers.

Detective Ron Bongat, a Filipino immigrant who has worked as a police officer near Chicago for 15 years, told NBC News that the deaths of Liu and Ramos may help strengthen ties between police and the communities they serve.

"I hope there is a sense of community and support for each other," Bongat said. "Not just for officers, but for the community as a whole."

The New York Times used the funerals of Liu and Officer Ramos to point out the changing demographic of the NYPD.

It all goes to show that contrary to the mainstream stereotype of Asian American males, not all Asian-American men are nerds or brainiacs, computer geeks or doctors, restaurant workers or engineers. 

Many want to make a difference by becoming public servants such as police officers and fire fighters, soldiers and social workers.

I'm not sure about other parts of the country, but I'm surprised and disappointed that not one television station or mainstream newspaper in the San Francisco Bay Area, with its large Asian American audience, didn't pick up this facet of the story.

Police officer Wenjian Liu's widow (with portrait) and his family at the funeral held Sunday.

World Series: The Asian-American angle

Zelda and Cody Williams watch their brother Zak throw out the first pitch of Game 5 of the
2014 World Series in San Francisco at AT&T Park.

THE CHILDREN of the late Robin Williams threw out the first pitch of Game 5 of the 2014 World Series between the Kansas City Royals and the San Francisco Giants.

The comedian was a big Giants fan since he lived in the Bay Area and was often seen at the ball park with his good friend, fellow comedian Billy Crystal.

Williams second wife, Marsha Garces, was Filipino American, with whom he had two children, Zelda and Cody.

Crystal caught the ball thrown by Cody Williams while his brother and sister watched.

After Crystal caught the ball, he directed the fans' attention to the scoreboard where a video of Williams shouting out the iconic, "Pl-a-a-ay Ball!" to start the game.

The tribute ended with the final video images of Williams, chanting "Let's Go Giants!" while 

twirling an orange towel then hugging mascot Lou Seal. 

A file photo of the late comedian Robin Williams and his family.

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10/26/14: The Giants honor Robin Williams as his children Zelda, Zak and Cody take part in the first pitch with Billy Crystal before Game 5