Sushi and Japanese Cuisine 1028 S. Gaylord Street Denver, CO 80209 Tel: 303.744.0330 Fax: 303.715.0336
October
SPECIAL
$3
Kirin Draft (Reg. $4)
All Day, Lunch & Dinner! All Day Happy Hour every Tuesday! Now closed on Mondays. www.japonsushi.com FREE Wireless Internet | Complimentary Valet Parking for Gaylord St. customers (Half block south on Gaylord)
NAAPIMHA
National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association
EAST MOON ASIAN BISTRO & SUSHI
8162 S. Holly St. Centennial, CO 80122 Tel: 303.779.9999 | www.eastmoon9.com HOURS: Every Day 11AM to 9:30PM
$25 SPECIAL
Chinese dinner for two includes appetizer, soup and entrees
All You Can Eat Sushi Tuesdays Lunch $15.95 | Dinner $26.95
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50 S. Federal Blvd. DENVER CO 80219 1350 Chambers Rd. #104 AURORA CO 80011 2532 Sheridan Blvd. LAKEWOOD CO 80214
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Parol ParolLantern Lantern Workshop Workshop Saturday, Saturday,October October 19 1010a.m. a.m.to to12 12 Noon Noon Aurora AuroraHistory History Museum Museum
LearnLearn how to make traditional Parol Lanterns. Parol how to make traditional Parol Lanterns. Parol Lanterns, traditional star star lanterns from thethe Philippines, Lanterns, traditional lanterns from Philippines, are used as festive decorations during thethe holidays. are used as festive decorations during holidays. $12 per (materials provided) $12person per person (materials provided) Advanced registration is required. Advanced registration is required. To register credit card: To register by by credit card: 303-739-6667 (Mon – Fri) CallCall 303-739-6667 (Mon – Fri) To register cash check: To register by by cash or or check: Aurora History Museum VisitVisit the the Aurora History Museum
Coordinated supported Philippine-AmericanSociety Society of of Colorado. Colorado. Coordinated and and supported by by thethe Philippine-American Serafin 303-368-8183 PASCO contact: Serafin DiazDiaz 303-368-8183 PASCO contact:
AURORA HISTORYMUSEUM MUSEUM AURORA HISTORY 15051 AlamedaPkwy., Pkwy.,Aurora Aurora 15051 E.E. Alameda www.auroramuseum.org 303-739-6667www.auroramuseum.org 303-739-6667
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Health 19 Asian Pacific Development Center provides health
screenings for women and free flu shots
Restaurant Peeks 20 Indian restaurant Jai Ho features the flavors of
Southern India - which is hard to find in Denver!
21
Ace Eat Serve! Table tennis and Asian cuisine in
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On the Cover
Tattoos, once an ancient tradition, have become a form of art and self-expression
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Contents October 2013
6
Event Calendar
Spotlight 8 Margaret Cho goes on tour with her new
stand-up “Mother� performing in Denver at the Paramount Theater on October 18
Uptown - what more can you ask for?
On Scene Mile-high area events 22 Japanese American Association of Colorado hosts
luncheon and Joe Sakato honored at Rockies game
Ronald Yetsuo Otsuka conferred with the Commendation of the Foriegn Minister of Japan
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Governor Hickenlooper visits Camp Amache
Asian Chamber of Commerce tees up at annual golf tournament
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Nathan Yip Foundation fundraises over dim sum
Regis University celebrates the Moon Festival
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24
Rising Star 9 Colorado School of Mines student Jyotsana
Gandhi embraces her Indian heritage
Inside Story 10 Theatre Espirit Asia takes the stage for a new
season with the Korean-American play 99 Histories
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420
Check out Zushi Monsters - a creative combo of sushi and monsters developed by local designer Kumi Xiong
October 2013 | Table of Contents
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Nan Desu Kan delivers another great convention
26 National News Art 27
Picasso to Pollock: Modern Masterworks from the Albright-Knox Art Gallery
Golden Shanghai Asian Restaurant
● The Best Chinese Restaurant by 710 AM Restaurant Show ● The Best Chinese Restaurant by the 1430 KEZW Restaurant Show ● Voted 2007 Top 100 Chinese Restaurant in the US
1412 S. Parker Rd. A-134 Denver, CO 80231 (303) 743-7666 (303)743-9079 (303)743-8210
Shen Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are safe, effective and drug-free therapies that can help address a wide variety of common ailments and problems. ACUPUNCTURE TREATS:
Request an appointment today!
• Allergy & Asthma • Arthritis • Back and Neck Pain • Cancer Care • Carpal Tunnel • Colds & Flu • Depression • Diabetes • Insomnia & Stress
SPECIAL OFFER
Initial Consultation (including herbal treatment)
$75 FOR 90 MIN (Reg. $125)
244 Washington | Denver, CO 80203 Tel: 303-905-1730 www.shenchinesemed.com
upcoming events ‘Delirious Dehli’ Book Reading
Thursday, Oct. 10, Begins at 6:30pm
Cost: $10 ACC members | $15 non-members For more info, visit www.ACCColorado.org
Come enjoy Korean BBQ with the Asian Chamber of Commerce and fellow business owners. Network and meet new colleagues and Chamber leadership. This event takes place on the third Wednesday of each month.
Margaret Cho’s ‘Mother’ Show Friday, Oct. 18, Begins at 8PM
West Side Books | 3434 W. 32nd Ave. | Denver Cost: Free For more info, visit www.deliriousdelhi.com. Author Dave Prager returns to the Mile High City for a bonus reading at West Side Books of his “Delirious Delhi”! He’ll take the stage with a new set of readings and stories from his book about expat life in India’s capital city. Joining Dave on stage is Purnima Voria, Founder and CEO of the National US India Chamber of Commerce (NUICC). Whether you were born in India or you’ve never been, this is the perfect event for anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a vicarious trip through an intense and incredible city.
Uplift Internationale Gala Benefit Dinner and Auction Saturday, Oct. 12, 6PM to 9PM
Denver West Marriott 1717 Denver West Blvd. | Golden Cost: $75 per seat For tickets, visit www.upliftinternationale.org or contact Mary McNelis, Gala Chair, at 303-9315725 or marymcnelis@msn.com.
Join Uplift Internationale at its 25th anniversary Gala Benefit Dinner and Auction. Uplift Internationale conducts Operation Taghoy (a Filipino word for whistle) — an annual mission to the Philippines to provide reparative surgical care to poor, rural children born with facial deformities. Since its inception in 1989, Uplift Internationale has provided 1,417 mending care surgeries primarily for cleft lips/palates at no-cost to children in the Philippines. At the gala, Uplift Internationale will honor Dr. Jaime Yrastorza with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Asian Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6PM to 7:30PM Dae Gee Korean BBQ 7570 Sheridan Blvd. | Arvada
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October 2013 | Upcoming Events
Paramount Theater 1621 Glenarm Place | Denver Cost: Tickets $29.50 and up For tickets, visit www.livenation.com.
The Brothers of the University of Colorado-Boulder Colony of the Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Inc. invite you to a screening of LINSANITY: The Jeremy Lin Story. The film focuses on Jeremy Lin as we are given a brief, but intimate glimpse of life before the flashing cameras of wild paparazzi and screaming fans. The film engages audience with his battles and his victories as well as how he manages to deal with his growing fame. The film encompasses important themes relevant to Jeremy such as his Asian American identity.
Asian Avenue Halloween Party Friday, Oct. 26, Begins at 10:30pm
Margaret Cho’s new standup comedy show MOTHER is a complicated and completely original take on sex, queer politics, drugs, guns, identity and madness, proving time and time again, boundaries uncrossed are meaningless. Nothing is sacred, least of all, this MOTHER.
Parol Lantern Workshop
1515 Bar & Lounge | 1515 Market St. | Denver Cost: Free | Must be 21+ For more info, visit www.facebook.com/asianavemag. Join Asian Avenue magazine at its third annual Halloween Party at 1515 in downtown Denver. Join the costume contest for a chance to win the grand prize. “Nightmare on 15th Street” will feature DJ Guest and other local performers.
Saturday, Oct. 19, 10AM to 12PM
Aurora History Museum 15051 E Alameda Pkwy | Aurora Cost: $12 per person (materials provided) Advanced registration is required. To register, call 303-739-6667. For more info, visit www.auroramuseum.org. Learn how to make traditional Parol Lanterns. Parol Lanterns, traditional star lanterns from the Philippines, are used as festive decorations during the holidays. This workshop is coordinated and supported by the Philippine-American Society of Colorado.
Linsanity Movie Screening
Thursday, Oct. 24, Begins at 7PM AMC Flatiron Crossing 14 61 W. Flatiron Circle | Broomfield Cost: $11 - Must reserve advance at: www.tugg.com/events/5598.
Henry Cho at Isle Black Hawk Sunday, Oct. 28, Begins at 8PM
Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk 401 Main St. | Black Hawk Cost: $20 For more info, visit www.ACCColorado.org. Join the Asian Chamber of Commerce at Isle Casino in Black Hawk for some fun laughs with comedian Henry Cho. Cho, who is of Korean American descent, was raised in Knoxville and went into stand-up comedy in 1986. Cho often uses his childhood experiences as an Asian American in the South in his comedy. Visit www. henrychocomedy.com to learn more.
APDC Flu Shot Clinic APDC in partnership with Visiting Nurses Association is hosting a FREE FLU SHOT CLINIC for the community! Date: Thursday, October 17, 2013 Time: 2-5pm Location: APDC
Please come and get your FREE flu shot!
APDC 1537 Alton St. Aurora, CO 80010 (303) 923. 2920 | www. apdc.org | info@apdc.org
For more information call 720-873-6243 or visit our website today at: www.ColoEggDonor.com William Schoolcraft, MD • Eric Surrey, MD • Debra Minjarez, MD Robert Gustofson, MD • Jennifer Brown, MD
Q&A
Margaret Cho Emmy and Grammynominated comedian and actress, Margaret Cho
has returned to the road this fall with her new stand-up comedy show called “Mother”. Mother is a complicated and completely original take on sex, queer politics, drugs, guns, identity and madness, proving time and time again, boundaries uncrossed are meaningless. Nothing is sacred, least of all, this Mother. The cornerstone of Mother revolves around Cho’s long-suffering Korean mom and a staple of her shows, Young-Hie Cho. “It’s great because I get to put a lot of emphasis on my own mother,” Cho explains. “My mother did not prepare me for the world. First - I was named the poetic korean name “moran” which was perfect for the kids at school to call me “moron” and set me up for a good quarter century of therapy. However, I can clean a fish with my bare hands. So there are pros and cons of being from an Asian immigrant family.” Her tv show, “Drop Dead Diva,” now in it’s fifth season will air brand new episodes thru the fall every Sunday on Lifetime while her new YouTube series, a dark comedy about three women fresh out of jail titled, “In Transition,” can be seen on Cho’s YouTube channel. Margaretcho.com features some of the most sincere, fiery and laughout-loud funny blogs you will find on the Internet. A must-read! Find out what’s going on in the mind of Margaret Cho via her insightful blog posts. Her blogs are not only funny, but also smart and perceptive.
Margaret Cho in Denver! Friday, October 18th Paramount Theater
Tickets: www.livenation.com Tour info: www.margaretcho.com
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October 2013 | Spotlight
What does your mom think about being the inspiration of your new stand-up, “Mother”? She has seen it, and in a few different versions, and she is always trying to suggest things to put in the shows, different stories and jokes and sayings. I think it’s very fun for her, and it makes her quite the celebrity too. In my family, the women get quieter and more invisible as they get older, and here in this instance, it’s the opposite. How has being an LGBT Asian-American woman affected you? I get asked this a lot, but I am never sure how to answer, since I haven’t been anything else. I remember when I was starting out, people I worked with were concerned with my sexuality being at odds with my comedy and my goals for working in television, but that never made sense to me. Being an Asian American woman is simply what I have always been. I have had no experience as anything else so I can’t judge what has happened to me as being good or bad. It’s hard to know what makes for a good comic or a good performer, and I think that identity has less to do with it than anyone thinks.
Is there anything you would do differently if you “knew then what you know now”? Probably - I think that I would just trust my instincts and if I could do things over, then it would be to make my own choices rather than the choices that were presented to me by others. But what is wonderful about life - and living a long time - is that you do get opportunities to do everything again, as if it were just a series of lessons that changed form yet taught the same things. What do you love about being Korean-American? Dduk (Korean rice cake), especially yaksik, understanding Korean movies and going to the Korean movie theatre in Los Angeles, spicy pollack roe, kim chee, banchan, ajumma life - I am such an ajumma - that is the best. I am going to get a perm and wear elastic waist pants and socks with sandals. I already have a visor.
What is one issue you see in the Asian-American community? I think that families are very restrictive with allowing their kids to pursue their dreams, and they have too much influence over them, which forces them into careers they wouldn’t choose for themselves and leaves a lot of kids starting the work they really want to do in their 40s and 50s. This affects a lot of things.
A
CSM Engineering student
Jyotsana Gandhi embraces her Indian heritage Khanh Vu Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
Upon meeting Jyoti, as her friends call her, you will see a smile and hear laughter. She is always encouraging and supportive of her friends because she feels support and guidance from those around her. Coming over to the U.S. only seven years ago was very challenging and difficult for Jyoti. Changes in culture, climate and a myriad of tectonic shifts can be crushing to a young teenager. Gandhi says, “My friends, family, and mentors inspire me. If it wasn’t for them believing in me, I wouldn’t be the person I am. When I moved to the U.S. in 10th grade, I used to be really shy and had no clue about anything in the American culture.” Overcoming her shyness and cultural awkwardness, Gandhi joined various clubs in college and became a leader in many of them. After being the vice-president of the SASE (Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers) Colorado School of Mines chapter, she helped start SASE chapters at University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University and University of Colorado Denver as a way to encourage others to step up as leaders and gain valuable experiences. On being able to develop into the leader that she is, Gandhi states, “With the help of my high school physics teacher, my MEP director, and my college best friend, I have learned that I have all the support in the world, to accomplish my goals and be who I want to be. They have helped boost my confidence to go after things I care about and not be shy or scared.” In her most challenging leadership role yet, Gandhi is the assistant chair
of SASE’s National Conference Committee, which hosts the largest career fair for Asian Americans in the U.S. The 2013 conference expects to draw 1,000 participants and over 50 companies. As the assistant chair, she oversees all aspects of the conference and serves as a leader to the various subcommittees that make the conference and career fair happen. She continues to accept larger responsibilities to make a bigger impact in people’s lives. As she enters her final year at the CSM and is finishing her Mechanical Engineering degree, she has taken on the Collegiate Wind Competition to represent CSM for her senior design project. The national competition seeks to develop the most efficient and effective wind turbine to move the U.S. into more renewable energies and away from fossil fuels. In her life, Gandhi finds a strong role model in her mom. “She is a very strong woman and has always been super supportive of all my decisions in life. I wish to have the courage that she possesses whenever she faces a challenge in life and to be as caring and loving as she is to others.” Valuing her heritage, Gandhi says, “I believe that it has helped me because of the opportunities that are available for being associated with an identity of an Asian American. It has made me more aware of the difficulties and problems that Asian Americans or Indian Americans face in daily lives, and how to cope with them and grow every day trying to balance the two cultural clashes.” While most leaders lead with their loud voice and aggressive stance, Gandhi leads with her smile and laughter.
about jyotsana gandhi
Senior, Mechanical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines Hometown: Faridabad, India Describes herself as: Curious, Outgoing,Vegetarian Quote she lives by: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” - Mahatma Gandhi Hobbies/interests: Badminton, volleyball, tennis, watching movies, traveling, chilling with friends Dream job: Running my own engineering firm that provides clean drinking water and electricity to developing countries
Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers 2012 Nationals in Baltimore, MD - Gandhi in front row, third from left
When I moved to the U.S. in 10th grade, I used to be really shy and had no clue about anything in the American culture. Gandhi (left) celebrates Holi - the Indian Festival of Colors at CSM
Gandhi at her summer internship with GE Aviation Rising Star | asian avenue magazine
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TEA’s 99 Histories, a Korean American Drama Tria Xiong
Maria Cheng Theatre Espirit Asia
Thank goodness I don’t have to play live!” Sheila Ivy Traister, noted for her award winning portrayal in Paragon’s The Sound of a Voice and other starring roles, plays SahJin, Eunice’s fierce mother “who loves deeply and wants great things for her daughter.” Traister also says, “The beauty of being part of TEA is watching audiences realize that despite cultural differences we are more alike than dissimilar.” Dale Li plays Dr. Paul, whom Sah-Jin tries to fix-up with Eunice. Turns out during high school Paul was enormously admiring of Eunice and moved by her virtuosic playing. This past year, Li performed to stellar praise in TEA’s Dust Storm. Rounding out the cast is Matthew Block, Curious’ After the Revolution, who plays two characters fifty years apart, but similar in their search for love. Kim Yan of Joy Luck
Club and 14 year old SunHee Seo also make their debut with TEA. Says SunHee, “I love working with TEA, being part of something bigger than myself, collaborating with this wonderfully creative and innovative cast.”
Theatre Esprit Asia’s
99 Histories by Julia Cho October 24 - November 16, 2013 Fri & Sat 8pm, Sun 7pm Vintage Theatre 1468 Dayton St. | Aurora, CO 80010 Tickets: $25 door, $23 advance, $20 students/ seniors 60+ and groups of 6 or more Call 303-856-7830 for tickets or visit www.theatre-esprit-asia.org. Thank you to TEA’s fiscal sponsor:The Denver Chorale
THE CAST
Theatre Esprit Asia – TEA will present its third play: 99 Histories, written by leading Korean American playwright Julia Cho and directed by much-sought-after director Terry Dodd. It’s a poignant drama of Eunice, a violin prodigy who returns home, pregnant and unwed, to her very Korean immigrant mother. What unfolds is a tale of love, legacy and the bond between mothers and daughters. TEA’s co-artistic founder/director Tria Xiong stars as Eunice. Lauded for her work by the Denver Post in Vintage Theatre’s Joy Luck Club, Xiong says, “I love this character as she struggles with mental anguish, memories of loss and a violent past. It’ll be intense – she’s on stage almost the entire play. And I did play the violin, but I wasn’t a prodigy.
Sheila Ivy Traister
Dale Li
Matt Block
SunHee Seo
Kim Yan
“I love working with TEA, being part of something bigger than myself, collaborating with this wonderfully creative and innovative cast.” - SunHee Seo, age 14 10
October 2013 | Inside Story
• Zushi is an independent brand established and based out of Colorado. • Its mission is to share the lifestyle and the love of sushi through art and design; with the objective to inspire creativity and positivity through amazing designs and embrace individuality to build self confidence. • Zushi encourages people to start believing in themselves in a world where anything is possible.
IN HIS WORDS
Kumi Xiong, the founder of Zushi, is a graphic designer/illustrator born and raised in Denver. I have been interested in art and design my whole life. I got my BFA in Illustration from Ringling College of Art and Design. And I currently work as a freelance concept artist and graphic designer. I love to design anything that comes to mind but I mainly focus on characters, creatures and environments. My inspiration for Zushi Monsters came while doing research about Japanese mythical creatures for my senior thesis. I came across a maki-zushi called the Kappa Roll; named after the Japanese mythical creature fond of cucumber called the Kappa. From this sushi (the merging of sushi and monster) came the idea of Zushi Monsters. Zushi is also the merging of my love for sushi and monsters (mainly kaiju and cryptids). What I love about sushi is that it is meticulously prepared with the perfect balance of fish and rice to create a single bite-sized piece of art. The presentation is one thing, but other important details are the experiences and flavors when enjoying sushi. Monsters, not the ones from horror movies, but more along the lines of kaiju and cryptids, are amazingly interesting with their unique origin and background stories. These monsters are also the fuel that drives my imagination when approaching an illustration or design. “Stay Fresh. Be Different.” is Zushi’s motto. “Stay Fresh” means to always be reinventing yourself, creating something new, and evolving as a person.“Be Different” is to be extraordinary and be yourself. Why is “zushi” spelled the way it is spelled? The correct spelling for sushi is zushi. The term sushi is used because it easier for Americans to pronounce. By using zushi instead of sushi, I was also able to break away from all the sushi restaurants names. Zushi started out with plush dolls and vinyl toys. Xiong hopes to eventually produce Zushi toys. Zushi now offers t-shirts, posters, stickers, and button pins. These products are the first of many. In the future, Xiong hopes to expand into apps, plush, and vinyl toys. And through these products, he wants to create an experience based around sushi and design.
www.zushimonsters.com Inside Story| asian avenue magazine
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Kat Asuncion, 27 Filipino-American Denver, CO Alibata (ancient Filipino script) that says ‘Sin. Salvation. Strength.’ “I believe this is a cyclical pattern throughout life - human nature will cause people to sin, there is always a chance for salvation, but it takes great strength.”
tattoos:
Ancient traditions live on through self-expression
Article by Peter Bui Photos by David Guo Photography
What used to be taboo, tattoos have become more acceptable in today’s society and what used to be relegated to sailors and bikers is becoming more common amongst your bartenders and chefs. Nowadays it seems like everywhere you look you can find someone with a tattoo whether it be a little rose on your co-worker’s ankle or the full sleeve on your local barista. Out of all those people, you’re likely to see at least one Asian piece. Tattoo history and culture is so immense due to all of the different styles and techniques. Even just focusing on Asian style tattoos alone, one article will not do it justice but Asian Avenue is going to shed some light on this intriguing form of self-expression. We have composed the thoughts and perspectives of some local tattoo enthusiasts and the artists who work on them, but first to understand this beautiful form of body modification we must tell some of its history. A History Lesson In Japan the first evidence of tattoos dates back to 5,000 BC and older with figurines recovered from a tomb and the earliest written evidence of Japanese tattoos was recorded by a Chinese historian around 297
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October 2013 | Cover Story
AD. Historically in Japan, tattoos were given to mark criminals and over time became associated with organized crime. During the 18th century pictorial tattooing was very popular amongst the blue-collar working class in Edo, now known as Tokyo. Many of these tattoos were influenced by the Chinese novel, Shuihan Zhuan, which contained illustrations that depicted heroes decorated with dragons, tigers, flowers, and religious images. In China, tattoos were also given to mark criminals but amongst the different ethnic groups they were used for different purposes. Ci Wen or “puncture your body” is used amongst the Dai people to show virility and strength by depicting ferocious beasts like tigers or dragons. The Li use it to signify
marriage and for medicinal purposes by tattooing rings around the wrist. Multiple tribes similarly use tattoos to show a woman’s maturity. Tattoos are used in countries like Thailand for religious and spiritual purposes. For these special tattoos, monks chant prayers while they administer the tattoos as a way to ties prayer to the design. One form of this ceremony is called “Sak Yant” which binds protective prayers to the tattoo. There are also tattoos for luck, wealth, and blessings which can be attracted by a tattoo of Buddha. There are not many cultures that embrace and engrain tattoos into their identity like the many Polynesian cultures. In fact the word tattoo is “Tatau” in Samoan and “Tatu”
I think tattoos have become more popular because the cultural perception of tattoos has come away from being associated with deviant culture (i.e. prison, gangs, etc.) and has grown into a more artistic/ individualistic form of expression. - Kat Asuncion
in Tahitian. It was first mentioned by James Cook through his exploration of the Polynesian Islands, circa 1771. In Polynesian cultures, tattoos were used for spiritual power, protection, and strength. The tattoo ceremonies were conducted by highly skilled shamans who were educated on the meanings and methods of the designs. These body modifications were also used to show one’s character, position and levels of rank. In the Maori culture tattoos were used to signify social status and all of the high-ranking Maori were tattooed. In Samoan society, tattoos also showed rank and title as well as one’s dedication to cultural tradition. To Samoans it exemplified strength because the method in which the tattoo was applied was extremely painful and the risk of infection and death was very apparent, but to shy away would show cowardice. Today, a lot of these old traditions are still carried on and practiced by many people. Although some of the purposes for tattoos have changed over the years it is has become a way for people to honor their ancestors and culture. Self-Expression The reasons and meanings of a tattoo, just like interpreting a painting, is in the eye of the beholder and even two similar tattoos can have different meanings. Michelle Vo, 27, explains she has a “cherry blossom branch to represent strength” and is a tattoo she shares with her mother and brother. Marylyn Tran, 19, also has a tattoo of cherry blossoms to memorialize her mother who passed away to stomach cancer when she was 9. Tran says “cherry blos-
soms are elegant, beautiful, but yet short-lived after they have bloomed.” “It reminds me of my mother and her beautiful life that ended too soon.” These similar depictions have deeper meanings and emotions than what is seen on the surface. Many use body art to recognize their cultures like Jon Bui, 28, who explains the story behind his half sleeve dragon. “Folklore explains that Vietnamese are descendants of the Dragon (Lac Long Quan).” There are symbols or animals that are uniquely linked to a culture like the panda bear which Charlie Huynh, 19, uses as “a symbol of [his] deep Chinese roots.” Old folklore can be found in Andrew Bui’s crane and tortoise piece. “The two animals together represent longevity and prosperity,” tells Bui, 19. “I wanted something unique while representing my heritage.” Just like depictions of animals or symbols, words or writings can be a powerful representation of someone’s respect for their culture. Filipino-American Adam Jeffress, 30, has “Buhay Ko” tattooed on his back which “roughly translates to ‘My Life’ in Tagalog,” explains Jeffress. “Sin. Salvation. Strength.” is tattooed in Alibata (ancient Filipino script) on Kat Asuncion’s back. “I believe this is a cyclical pattern throughout life - human nature will cause people to sin, there is always a chance for salvation, but it takes great strength.” According to Asuncion, 27, tattoos have become more popular because the cultural perception of tattoos has come away from being associated with deviant culture (i.e. prison, gangs, etc.). “Tattoos have grown into a more artistic/individualistic
Jessica Thai, 25 Chinese-American Aurora, CO Buddhist Scriptures and Quotes “I was 18 when I got my first tattoo. I remember my dad going to the tattoo shop with me!”
Tattoos | asian avenue magazine
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Marylyn Tran, 19 Vietnamese-American Denver, CO Cherry Blossoms
Peter Bui, 31
“My tattoo is dedicated to my mother, who passed away when I was 9. Cherry blossoms are elegant, beautiful, but yet short-lived after they have bloomed. It reminds me of her and her beautiful life that ended too soon.”
Vietnamese-American Aurora, CO Dragon Koi “The koi dragon tattoo symbolizes overcoming obstacles. It’s a reminder that life isn’t easy.”
form of expression.” For Jessica Thai, 25, most of her tattoos are of Buddhist scriptures and quotes. Her Chinese parents helped pick them out for her. She says, “I got my first tattoo when I was 18. I remember my dad going to the tattoo shop with me!” The appreciation of tradition and culture doesn’t have to be of one’s own, but can be one that draws your interest and speaks to you personally. You can find very traditional Japanese tattoos on a non-Japanese person or a Samoan tattoo on a person with no Polynesian heritage. The deep appreciation for the meaning behind a tattoo as well as the process can attract people. There are traditionalists who still use tebori which is an old Japanese method of applying a tattoo by hand. The method is very painstaking and painful for the one getting the tattoo but this centuries-old technique shows the appreciation for tradition. The same can be said of Samoan tattoo artists or tafugas that still use combs and hammers to tap tattoos into the wearer. These traditional methods are uncommon practice because of the amount of skill and time needed to master them which shows the dedication these people have.
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Through The Eyes of an Artist Art has many different mediums and can be expressed in a multitude of ways whether it’s paint to canvas, hands to clay or ink to skin. The art of tattooing has drawn many creative minds to express their creativity through this art form just like the artists who lent us their perspective for this article. First, here’s a brief background on three Denver tattoo artists. Matt Sager has been tattooing since 2008 and is currently working at Th’ink Tank Tattoo in Denver. October 2013 | Cover Story
“I’ve always enjoyed art,” Sager says. “I absolutely enjoy tattooing Asian artwork, more specifically Japanese and Tibetan folklore. It’s one of the oldest forms of tattoo artwork and all the tattoo subject matter has stories behind them.” Chris Tran of Harbour Lights Social Club in South Denver has been tattooing for four years and says, “I’ve always had an interest in the arts.” When asked what he likes about tattooing Asian pieces, Tran said, “I love Asian tattoos and the beauty in them. These tattoos are timeless and the amount of attention to detail you have to put in them really draws me toward this style of tattooing.” Our third artist Jon Lew graduated from the Art Institute of Colorado and says, “I knew that I wasn’t going into the field that I had graduated in so I found tattooing as my career path.” Lew has been tattooing for eight years and is currently the owner of Fortune Cookie Tattoos in Denver. Lately, Lew has been drawn to the Polynesian style of artwork and says, “I think it’s a good style because it’s been around so long.” Just like the meanings behind tattoos, the styles and techniques will vary from artist to artist. Some are more traditional like Sager who says, “I’m very heavily influenced by traditional artwork. I steer towards the traditional style with a modern twist.” Like Sager, Tran also has an influence of both modern and traditional techniques. “I tend to have a mixture of both styles in my tattooing but always keeping mind of the traditional way.” Tran says, “Being able to throw in my own style definitely helps me keep building as an artist.” Lew also has a unique look on tattooing and says he notices “[artists] have gone back to the traditional tattooing.” Because of the history of Asian artwork, Sager explains “there is a certain way to do this style, and by modernizing it too much, you actually take away from the style.”
“
Snakes are a symbol of strength and prosperity. They are a delicacy, used in medicine, and worshiped by Vietnamese people. - Jon Bui
”
Not only are skills and techniques important but an understanding of tradition is needed in order to execute Asian art correctly and this knowledge takes a lot of time and dedication to learn. “The difficulty in Asian tattoos compared to other styles is the history behind them and making sure you keep traditional aspects of the tattoo with your overall design,” explains Tran. “[Asian tattoos] are difficult to do right,” Sager agrees. “Too many people mess up this style, by not following the rules, and not staying true to the actual stories and folklore.” Each of these artists have spent years learning and studying this art form. They continue to grow as artists with gained experience and knowledge which most would agree has been made easier with technology. Tran believes tattoos have gotten better over recent time because social media has allowed him “to see what other artists are doing around the world.” Sager adds “as time progresses, [tattoos] progress as well. When in the past you couldn’t see other people’s work without visiting them [or] seeing it in a magazine.”
Jon Bui, 28 Vietnamese-American Denver, CO Snake, Dragon, Chrysanthemums “My tattoos are very personal to me but in general, I got them because life can be painful but it’s how you respond and overcome that, that makes you the person you are.”
Jennifer Khat, 21 Cambodian-American Aurora, CO “Losing my grandpa was one of many significant events that affected my decision to get a tattoo. My tattoo consists of a crane, a koi fish, a lotus flower, my grandpa’s name in Chinese, and bamboo.The collaboration of them all expresses my resilience, my hope, my strength, and my perseverance.”
Phil Trinh, 23 Vietnamese-American Thornton, CO Traditional Chinese character “love” and Tinh Yeu Thoung “love” in Vietnamese “It is meaningful because I got it at the same time as one of my best friends from high school. We didn’t get the same tattoo but it was a bonding experience with her.”
Tattoos | asian avenue magazine
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Adam Jeffress, 30 Filipino-American Littleton, CO Denver skyline and Philippines flag “Buhay Ko roughly translates to ‘My Life’ in Tagalog. It’s a statement that I am living my life and not trying to be someone else or doing things in my life because someone else told me I should.”
Michael Lee, 26 Korean-American Aurora, CO Tiger and Cherry Blossoms “The cherry blossoms are for my grandma; my mom was born in the year of the tiger; and the tiger is Korea’s national animal.”
What You Need to Know Before Getting a Tattoo If you haven’t picked up the theme of the article yet, the first thing is you need to do your research and have a solid understanding on what kind of tattoo you want. There is so much information available on the internet and countless resources. “My advice for anyone getting a tattoo is to do your research and don’t rush into anything you are unsure of,” advises Tran. Once you figure out what you want, the next step is to find the right artist. Not just any tattoo artist is going to be the right one for your tattoo. Jon Bui spent time researching his artist, who specialized in traditional Japanese tattoos. “I came across his portfolio online and it was like love at first sight,” says Bui, who actually flew out to Chicago to meet his artist for his sessions. Adding to the point, Sager advises, “Find an artist whose work you like and talk with them about your idea.” There is a special relationship that people have with their tattoo artist. Just ask Vo who is best friends with her artist and says “he is amazing with Asian inspired tattoos.” Be prepared because getting a tattoo can be painful especially around the sensitive areas. “If you want a well done and detailed tattoo; be ready for a lot of pain!” warns Bui. In Marylyn Tran’s experience, “the outlining of the blossom didn’t hurt as bad as I thought it would [but] the shading was painful.” Here’s some last bit of advice from the artists. “Don’t shop for price. Cheap tattoos aren’t good and good tattoos aren’t cheap, it’s a permanent change to your body,” says Sager. “Get more tattoos!” exclaims Tran. “And also, don’t forget to breath.” Last Thoughts For most, tattoos aren’t family traditions or even cultural traditions; you won’t go into someone’s home and find full sleeves on their grandmother. This form of body modification has become a way for new generations to show respect and appreciation for their heritage. It’s also a way to adapt ideals and show admiration for another culture through artwork. Tattoos are appreciated as an art form and like art, many people collect these pieces as they do paintings. The growing social acceptance of tattoos can be attributed to the education and understanding of this form of artwork.
Tattoos by chris tran
Harbour Lights Social Club | 2422 S. Federal Blvd. Denver, CO 80219 | Tel: 303-668-5013
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October 2013 | Cover Story
Tattoos by Matt SAGEr
Th’ink Tank Tattoo | 172 S. Broadway | Denver, CO 80209 | Tel: 720-932-0124 | mattsagertattoos.com
“Don’t shop for price. Cheap tattoos aren’t good and good tattoos aren’t cheap, it’s a permanent change to your body.” - Matt Sager
Michelle Vo, 27 Vietnamese-American Denver, CO Buddha, cherry blossom branch, family tattoo “I’ve always been loud with my style and I’m fortunate to have a career and family that allows and supports me to express myself.” Tattoos | asian avenue magazine
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Tattoos by jon Lew
Fortune Cookie Tattoo | 329 14th St. | Denver CO 80202 | Tel: 303-877-6984 | jonlewtattoo.com
Tattoos statistics Source: Pew Research Center, Tattoo Finder,Vanishing Tattoo July 2012
Annual amount of U.S. spending on tattoos
$1.65 Billion
Total percent of Americans (all ages) who have at least one tattoo 14% Percent of U.S. adults 18 – 25 who have at least one tattoo
36%
Percent of U.S. adults 26 – 40 who have at least one tattoo
40%
Total number of Americans that have at least one tattoo Number of tattoo parlors in the U.S.
45 million 21,000
Percent of people with tattoos who claim they are addicted to ink 32%
Andrew Bui, 19 | Vietnamese-American | Centennial, CO “My most recent tattoo is of a crane standing on top of a tortoise. A tortoise in Vietnamese culture is a sacred animal.The two animals together represent longevity and prosperity.”
Percent of people who have some regret after getting their tattoo 17% Average cost of a small tattoo
$45
Average cost of a large tattoo
$150 / hour
Charlie Huynh, 19 Chinese-American | Boulder, CO | Pandas
“The words underneath each panda are words in the motto I try to live by. Live life to the fullest, laugh along the way, and chase what you love.”
Loren Chettry, 25 Nepalese/Native American Highlands Ranch, CO Tibetan Mantra - ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ “There is no exact translation but it reminds me of the many Buddhist teachings and concepts, such as being compassionate, staying calm, focused, and understanding.”
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October 2013 | Cover Story
Women’s Health Screening and Benefits Exchange
New Partnerships Open Fresh Avenues of Health Care for Underserved Communities Asian Pacific Development Center 1537 Alton St. Aurora, CO 80010 Tel: 303-923-2920 | www.apdc.org The Asian Pacific Development Center was awarded a grant with Women’s Wellness Connection (WWC) to offer breast and cervical cancer exams to underserved Asian Pacific Islander women. Since August 28th, the program has provided funding and case management to broaden the level of assistance, including enrollment in Medicaid for women diagnosed with cancer. WWC is administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and is part of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. APDC is also taking part in a pilot program for the state health benefits exchange, providing outreach and education efforts to allow low-income people—between 133 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level—access and eligibility to use the insurance exchange. APDC will integrate the navigator and interpreter system already in place to promote eligibility for Federal subsidized insurance plans or programs like Medicaid. This will create a simpler marketplace for those underinsured within the the Asian Pacific Islander community. On September 21st, members of APDC attended the Community Health Fair, sponsored by the Philippine Nurses Association of Colorado. Two of APDC’s community navigators, Gyan and Puspa Koirala were present alongside the Health Project’s Program Coordinator, Patricia Tabbilos, to present information on Connect for Health Colorado and Women’s Wellness Connection cancer screenings. APDC had moved to its new location (1537 Alton St. Aurora, CO 80010) late-April to integrate all of its services under one roof. In the 13,000 square-foot building, they now offer behavioral health, primary care, victims assistance, adult education, youth program, interpretation/translation services.
Get involved with the APDC Youth Leadership Academy
If you would like to get involved by volunteering with the APDC Youth Leadership Academy Tutoring Program, please let APDC know! Are you interested in leadership development? The YLA is also looking for counselors for the Intense Leadership Track to work with youth leaders. APDC asks the counselors for: • A one-year commitment to the program • At least one leadership workshop during the year • Participation at Leadership Camp and Retreat (if available) • Attendance at meetings twice/month (when available) • Support for our members! If you are interested in being a part of fostering young leaders, you will enjoy being a counselor - it’s very rewarding to witness our youth grow! Contact jinnykim@apdc.org for more information.
Adult Education Classes - Register Today!
Our mission is to assist Limited English Proficiency (LEP) adult learners to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency, and to assist adult learners who are parents to obtain the educational skills necessary to become full partners in the educational development of their children. ESL (English as a Second Language) ($15/10 weeks & $20/book): Location: APDC, 1537 Alton St., Aurora, CO 80010 • *Mon & Wed, 9-11 am | *Mon & Wed, 1-3 pm • *Mon & Wed, 6-8 pm | Tues & Wed, 9-11 am • Tues & Thur, 9-11 am | Tues & Thur, 12:30-2:30 pm • *Friday, 9 am–12 pm (*Babysitting provided) Location: Disciple Mission Church of Denver, 8390 E. Hampden Ave., Denver, CO 80231 • Mon & Thur, 6-8 pm Citizenship: (FREE!) Location: APDC, 1537 Alton St., Aurora, CO 80010 • Thur & Fri, 10 am-12 pm Job Readiness Workshop: ($5.00 / 10 weeks) • Wed, 11:30 am-1:30 pm • APDC, 1537 Alton St., Aurora, CO 80010
Contact Michaely Rosas, Adult Education Director, at 303-923-2924 or e-mail michaelyr@apdc.org. Health | asian avenue magazine
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J ai Ho Denver 3055 S. Parker Rd Aurora, CO 80014 Tel: 303.751.5151
Jai Ho Boulder 1915 28th Street Boulder, CO 80301 Tel: 303.444.5151
Khazana 9234 Park Meadows Dr. #700 Lonetree, CO 80124 Tel: 303.993.8335
Jai Ho
Open Hours: Mon - Thur: 11:30AM to 2:30PM, 6PM to 10PM Fri: 11:30AM - 2:30PM, 6PM to 11PM Sat: 12PM - 3PM, 6PM to 11PM Sun: 12PM - 3PM, 6PM to 10PM www.jaiho.us.com
Peter Bui Asian Avenue magazine
Indian Kitchen | Bar | Lounge
menu.
If you’re looking to learn about a culture, one of the best ways to do so is by experiencing its cuisine. Indian cuisine like many others has deep traditions and history that are reflected in its dishes. Jai Ho prides itself on providing patrons with the full Bollywood experience while serving up authentic regional Indian cuisine. When owner Sathya Narayan and his wife Sujatha opened Jai Ho in Aurora four years ago, they wanted to offer food unlike most other Indian restaurants. Narayan focused most of the menu on Southern Indian dishes while typically, other restaurants emphasize Northern Indian cuisine. Jai Ho’s extensive menu is broken up into sixty percent Southern, thirty percent Northern and about ten percent Indochinese cuisine. To serve all these different dishes Jai Ho has three chefs each with their own specialties. Indian cuisine has many dishes that can accommodate many different palates and lifestyles. The best way to experience a little of everything is to visit during the lunch buffet. The buffet offers dishes like coriander rice which is fragrant and colorful. Some of the standout dishes include the Chicken Makahani and the Chicken Biryani. The Biryani is slow cooked rice in chicken curry and
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is traditionally food for emperors. The buffet also includes several other tasty curries, meat, vegetarian, and rice dishes. Jai Ho offers appetizers from Indochinese cuisine like Lollipop Chicken and Chili Gobi. The latter is a vegetarian dish that batters and fries cauliflower and then tosses it in a sweet sour sauce. The menu also sports several varieties of dosas, which are crispy crepes. The more notable and dazzling dosa is the Rocket Ghee Roast, which is shaped like a rocket. This gluten-free item is great for dipping in the flavorful sauces and curries. Jai Ho offers several homemade breads like Kerala Parotta, a layered bread, and Atom Naan which is naan bread covered in green chilis. It would definitely take multiple visits to experience all the items on the menu. With great success at its first location, the Narayans opened up two sister restaurants in Boulder and Lone Tree. Jai Ho’s décor has a modern feel but still carries traditional characteristics. Its bar area and dance floor can host large events, including Bollywood dance. Jai Ho sets a hip ambiance to go along with their great food, cocktails, and drinks, which all combines into a very unique dining experience.
Weekday Lunch Buffet: $9.99 Weekend Buffet: $12.99
FUN FINGER FOOD Masala Vada (Fried crispy lentil dumplings AKA Indian falafel) $4.95 Jai Ho Lollipop Chicken (Chicken wing lollipops!) $9.95 Chilli Paneer (Cottage cheese in Indo Chinese style) $9.95 ECR Fish Fry (Tilapia filet, marinated and pan-fried) $9.95 ENTREES Chettinadu Gobi (Cauliflower cooked in chettinad style, dry stir fry) $10.95 Godavari Gongura Chicken (Spicy chicken cooked andhra style with a touch of gongura pickle) $12.95 Madras Mango Fish Curry (Fish, raw mango in curry) $13.95 Godavari Gongura Mutton (Goat cooked in spicy tangy curry, with gongura from andhra) $14.95 October 2013 | Restaurant Peek
Rocket Ghee Roast Dosa (Crispy Crepe)
ACE | 501 E. 17th Avenue | Denver, CO 80203 | Tel: 303.800.7705 www.acedenver.com | Hours: Mon - Fri: 11AM to 12AM; Sat - Sun: 2PM to 12AM
Peter Bui Asian Avenue magazine
Sometimes two unseemingly different things can be paired to make a winning combination; the same can be said about Ace. This unique restaurant has combined Asian cuisine with table tennis. The story of how this Uptown Denver restaurant was conceived is just as interesting as the concept itself. Brandon Biederman has been in the restaurant business for most of his life and started working for sister restaurant Vesta Dipping Grill 11 years ago. He is now the executive chef at Steuben’s Restaurant and Ace. While Biederman was focused at Steuben’s, an opportunity opened next door—one that he and owner Josh Wolkon could not pass up. What used to be an old car garage became their next business idea. With the help of Emily Biederman, Brandon’s wife and Ace’s restaurant manager, they brainstormed the initial concept. They wanted to incorporate things they enjoyed and experienced during their travels, like playing late night ping pong in New York. The immense space allowed for multiple ping pong tables and large dining areas inside and out on the patio. When it came to building Ace’s menu, Biederman applied the same train of thought. Whether traveling around the world or going down to Federal Blvd. in Denver, he has always found Asian food comforting. So for the menu he “cherry picked” his favorite Asian dishes and stamped them with his own unique twist. He said, “I’ve just been traveling and interpreting… and trying to learn as much as I can.” A good example is the crispy and spicy Tiger Wings which were inspired by a trip to the Northwest. He continues, “The menu, within the year, has changed three times pretty significantly. It’s all about listening to our guests.” The menu has a whole slew of baos, like the Korean inspired Braised Short Rib Bao and the Char Siu (barbe-
cued pork) Bao, each with a different flavor profile representing different origins of cuisine. Ace also has its own spin on dim sum with a variety of tasty dumplings and pot stickers. The main course side of the menu features dishes like the Vietnamese Noodle Bowl and Shrimp Pad Thai. Ace’s Pad Thai is served the way Biederman remembers from his trip to Thailand with the noodles and ingredients wrapped up in a huge omelette making for a delicious and filling meal. Food and ping pong are not all that Ace offers, they also have a juice bar and a full bar to serve drinks and cocktails. While Ace has only been open for one year, the restaurant has quickly become an Uptown favorite. Biederman sums it up best, “Ace has become a destination, where you can come and start off your night with drinks and bites, play a couple of games of ping pong, have dinner, and end up back at the bar.” “So we’re finding that people aren’t just coming in for an hour and taking off, they are here four to five hours. That’s because we are operating three different spaces at once.”
menu.
Appetizers & Dim Sum Crispy Brussel Sprouts $8 Shrimp Dumplings $5 Chive & Pork Shumai $4
Bao Buns ($3 to $4)
Braised Short Rib, Fried Chicken, Seasoned Tofu, Char Siu Pulled Pork
MAINS
Pork Belly Banh Mi $9 Mongolian Beef $9 Vietnamese Noodle Bowl $10 Shrimp Pad Thai $11 Bibimbap $11 Steamed Mahi Mahi $14 Restaurant Peek | asian avenue magazine
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Japanese American Association of Colorado hosts Nisei appeciation luncheon and Joe Sakato honored at Rockies game Calvin Hada President, Japanese American Association of CO
On September 21, at the Arvada Center for the Performing Arts, the Japanese American Association of Colorado (JAAC) hosted the 4th Annual Nisei Appreciation Luncheon for Nisei (second generation Japanese) veterans and their spouses/widows. This event is a JAAC favorite because the venue is always full, over 350 strong, and all the feedback is always positive. “Many of the Nisei attending are no longer able to get around on their own”, said Calvin Hada, President of the JAAC, “And this gives them a very rare opportunity to reconnect with old friends. For a day, at least, their sense of isolation is dispelled.” Subsequent generations of Japanese Americans owe the Nisei a great deal for their love of education and selfless sacrifice under harsh conditions. During the internment of Japanese Americans, a vast number of young men, the Nisei, enlisted in the U.S. Army to fight the enemies of the U.S., even while their families were behind barbed wire and under machine guns. These Nisei veterans were banded together as separate, Japanese only, units. The most famous was the 442nd Regimental Combat team whose motto was “Go for Broke” and nickname was the “Purple Heart Battalion”. The first speaker at the luncheon was Denver County Court Judge Kerry Hada who was an Army Ranger with two tours of combat duty in Vietnam. He warned the audience of the residual racism still existing in America and the constant need for vigilance against institutional prejudice.
The keynote speaker was Sam Terasaki who saw action in Europe with the 442nd. Two years ago, he was one of the Colorado delegation who traveled to Washington to receive the Congressional Gold Medal Citation, the highest civilian honor, first awarded to George Washington. In his speech to a rapt crowd, Terasaki recounted his experiences in WWII. He then urged the vetrans and their families to put their recollections into record before these precious memories are lost forever. At the conclusion of his speech, Terasaki was given a standing ovation. The 442nd received eight Presidential Unit Citations and is the most highly decorated regiment in the history of the U.S. Army with 21 Congressional Medal of Honor (CMH) recipients. One of these men was George (Joe) Sakato who led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Sakato was the keynote speaker at the Nisei Memorial Day Service at the Nisei Memorial located at Fairmount Cemetery earlier this spring. The day after the luncheon, September 22, Sakato was honored at the Rockies game during the 7th inning stretch. The announcer introduced Sakato and described his actions in Europe for which he was rewarded the CMH. In the ceremony when Sakato received the CMH, then President Clinton, said the actions of the Nisei veterans made names like Sakato, Okubo and Ono into American names. President Roosevelt said to the Nisei veterans, “You fought two enemies; the Germans and prejudice, and you beat them both.” The crowd gave Sakato a rousing standing ovation. Not many of them knew the back story of prejudice overcome by loyalty, but they knew a recipient of the CMH commanded respect.
Ronald Yetsuo Otsuka conferred with the Commendation of the Foreign Minister of Japan
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The Consulate-General of Japan in Denver is pleased to confirm that Mr. Ronald Yetsuo Otsuka, the Dr. Joseph de Heer Curator of Asian Art in the Asian Art Department of the Denver Art, has been conferred with the Commendation of the Foreign Minister of Japan, a prestigious award from the Japanese Government. This award recognizes outstanding dedication and achievement in promoting friendship, goodwill, mutual understanding, and overall strong relations between Japan and people of other countries. As curator of Asian art at the Denver Art Museum, Otsuka has been a leader in building public awareness and education of October 2013 | On Scene
Japanese and Asian art throughout Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. Otsuka received the decoration on September 10 during an official conferment ceremony, presided over by Consul General Ikuhiko Ono of the Consulate General of Japan in Denver and hosted at the Residence of the Consul General. The ceremony was attended by family members and close associates of Otsuka, and was followed by a brief reception for guests. Following conferral of the decoration, Otsuka gave remarks of gratitude, notably mentioning his family and the many colleagues he
From left: JAAC President Calvin Hada, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Joe Sakato and Judge Kerry Hada
Keynote speaker Sam Terasaki shares his experiences in WWII and receives a standing ovation. Photos by Jon Yamamoto
Bruce Powley Consulate-General of Japan in Denver
has worked with over the years. A toast was given by Dr. Christoph Heinrich, Director of the Denver Art Museum, who commented that Otsuka’s influence will remain at the museum for many more years. The Consulate-General of Japan in Denver offers sincere congratulations to Otsuka for this prestigious and well-deserved recognition of his long service toward building stronger relations between the United States and Japan. For more information, contact Shunsuke Ono, Consul at (303) 534-1151 x5332 or shunsuke.ono@mofa.go.jp.
The grass is always greener at the annual Asian Chamber of Commerce golf tournament Clarence Low Board Chair, Asian Chamber of Commerce
The Asian Chamber of Commerce held its annual Golf Classic at the Ridge at Castle Pines North on September 20. Chamber members and friends teed-off against a clear blue sky and warm temperatures, and wrapped up the day with a delicious Southwestern BBQ lunch, awards and silent auction. First-place winner of the event went to CH2MHILL; second-place winner was EKS&H; third-place winner was Accent Solutions & Media! The grounds crew at the Ridge are commended for having beauti-
ful greens and fairways, despite the amazing amount of rain over the past weeks! And as always, the staff at the clubhouse and restaurant did an amazing job for all the participants. Special thanks to the partners at MillerCoors, Mass Mutual of Colorado and US Bank for sponsoring the event and to the many volunteers who helped to coordinate this event. ACC would like to thank the hole sponsors: The Abo Group, Archipelago Web, Chicago Title of Colorado, Community Enrichment Counseling, The Firehaus Hair Salon, FirstBank, Isle Casino Hotel Blackhawk, Mary Monzon, Red Lion Hotel Denver Southeast/ Radisson and SJR Environmental.
Governor Hickenlooper receives tour of Camp Amache in Granada, CO Josh Austin Student, Granada High School
On September 20, three Amache students and myself had the great opportunity to give a tour of Camp Amache and its museum to the Governor of Colorado and part of his staff. Governor Hickenlooper stated that the museum was “eye-opening and spectacular.” He also commented on our knowledge of the history and was impressed that the Amache Preservation Society is an all-student organization. We met the governor at the Granada Town Hall. Not knowing what to expect, feelings of apprehension were in the air. Surprisingly, the governor was relaxed and somewhat laid back as if he were on a mini-vacation. He asked a lot of questions on the short bus ride to Amache about our small town, our agriculture, and our school.
He showed his surprise that our school only has 207 students K-12 with raised eyebrows and exclaimed, “That’s a new one!” We gave the tour of Amache as if we were giving it to a close friend. I especially remember Tanner Grasmick telling the story of Governor Roy Romer playing Holly High School football against the Amache team and losing on the last play of the game. The governor and his staff exclaimed that we really brought the history to life, and that he could tell that we cared a lot about our program. At the end of the tour, the staff reminded us of the time constraints that they had as we whisked them to the Amache museum. We showed him around the museum and I told the story of the 442nd and the 100th infantry regiment, the most decorated unit during WWII. The regiments were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor last year, which we have on display in the museum.
Students give Governor Hickenlooper tour of camp Amache and museum. Photo by Tonya Kemp
The governor’s visit was warm and very informative for both parties involved. We learned a little bit of the personal side of the governor and what his job entails while he learned much about Granada/Amache history. We invited him back at anytime, which he said he would take into consideration when planning his future events because he does want to come back. He told us students before leaving that, “You guys are very well informed and I can tell that you really care about this program and the care of the grounds.” “Thank you, and I appreciate you taking time out of your Homecoming to give me and my staff a tour.” We would like to thank the Governor and his staff for taking time from their schedule to visit middle of nowhere Granada. It is truly rewarding when people walk away with that much gratitude and appreciation.
On Scene | asian avenue magazine
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Nathan Yip Foundation’s 5th Annual Dim Sum Nearly 300 friends gathered at Kings Land Chinese restaurant to celebrate the 5th annual Nathan Yip Foundation “Under the Harvest Moon,” Dim Sum Lunch. On September 21, Linda and Jimmy Yip welcomed friends, family and supporters to celebrate the Harvest Moon Festival with entertainment, food and fun — all to support the organization’s mission to empower and support vulnerable youth by giving them the tools to become pro-
ductive, contributing citizens within their communities. Mistresses of ceremony for the event were board members Agatha Kessler and Ann Kirby with special entertainment by the hip hop dance crew, Machinez Remainz. If you are interested in learning more about the Nathan Yip Foundation or attending their 2014 Chinese New Year Gala, visit www.nathanyipfoundation.org or call
Hundreds came together in support of the Nathan Yip Foundation’s mission to empower youth.
Regis University celebrates Moon Festival Peter Pham Asian Student Alliance at Regis University
On September 13, Asian Student Alliance at Regis University and their local sponsors hosted their second annual Moon Festival. Working with companies such as The Le Law Group and UBS Financial and Wealth Management, they showed Regis and the Denver community a night of culture and energy to bring smiles after the terrible weather that had occurred in Colorado that week. With more than 200 participants, the Moon Festival consisted of performances from Southeast Asia to hip-hop. The night started with beautiful lion dancing from Colorado Asian Culture Heritage Center and followed with romance from Arcinda. As the night went on, performers gave the
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October 2013 | On Scene
audience a taste of martial arts, family, and excitement. Audience members were asked to dance with performers and with power from Machinez Remainz and Hype 303. The audience gave out cries of excitement as they prepared for the Moon Festival’s fun finale, the Moon Festival Dance Battle. As the festival wrapped up the night, audiences cheered for their favorite dancers. Concluding the evening, members came together for final goodbyes and according to Gil Asakawa, an attendee, “It was as fun as last year’s and I look forward to future Moon Festivals.” With a parting message, Asian Student Alliance at Regis wishes to become a closer Colorado family and make future Moon Festivals a bigger Colorado family event.
From left: Jimmy Yip, John Yee and Nai-Li Yee enjoy the Nathan Yip Foundation dim sum lunch.
Networking Naturally Workshop hosted by NAAAP Colorado
It may not be everyone’s number one fear but it’s up there on that list of things that can make you squirm. On September 17, the National Association of Asian American Professionals hosted the “Networking Naturally” workshop by guest speaker Carol Ross. The workshop helped participants get in the right frame of mind to have meaningful and memorable conversations. Ross shared principles to help deepen the conversation and taking it to the next level with key contacts. She touched on strategies to overcome the sense of shyness or fear and how to walk into a room filled with strangers. There was special interest in the portion of the workshop dedicated to networking virtually and using social media sites like LinkedIn to successfully make professional connections. For more information about NAAAP Colorado, visit www.naaapcolorado.org or learn more about Carol Ross at www.carolrossandassociates.com.
NDK 2013 delivers a rewarding experience for courageous fans Brenda Velasquez Asian Avenue magazine
Flood-defying anime fans were rewarded with a smorgasbord of exciting activities at this year’s premier Colorado anime convention. Along with mature-themed after-hours panels, light-hearted activities included an Anime Dating Game session and an array of intriguingly titled forums: When Will Anime Grow Up? A Look at Geek Culture’s Maturity; Friends or Frenemies: Anime & Mainstream Popularity; Symbolism & Eastern Storytelling in Anime. Heavier subjects discussed the effects of piracy and censorship on the anime industry and addressed daunting theories: Do Anime Conventions Have a Future?; The End of the Anime Industry As We Know It. Keeping current with social issues, the convention also offered an
LGBT in Video Gaming panel exploring gender roles expressed by video game characters. Rounding out its cultural experience, NDK incorporated sessions on other Japanese societal proponents like fashion and traditional kabuki theatre, offering beginners and advanced workshops. Amid a sea of cosplay action, attendees learned about Japanese fashion through introductory panels like Japanese Fashion Industry: Under the Hood and J-Fashion History & the Western World: Dominance Race between Super Labels. Next year’s NDK will welcome Japanese Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka and American Anime Award winner voice actor Mary Elizabeth McGlynn. For now, fans are preparing for the NDK New Year’s Eve Costume Ball which will include a fundraiser to benefit Colorado’s flood victims.
Humble table, wise fare By Venerable Master Hsing Yun
Conducting oneself should be as noble as mountains; handling life's affairs should be as fluid as water.
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On Scene | asian avenue magazine
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What happens on October 1 with Obamacare and the government shutdown?
O
n September 20, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives approved a stopgap budget measure to keep the government open through mid-December that also removes funding for Obamacare. The bill moves now to the Democratic-controlled Senate.
What happens on October 1 with Obamacare and the government shutdown? First, the health insurance exchanges established by the Affordable Care Act — or Obamacare — will be open for business. Millions of uninsured Americans will be able to enroll in health plans before the law kicks in on January 1, 2014. Second, the U.S. government might “shut down” if lawmakers can’t agree to pass a funding bill that has attached to it a provision to defund Obamacare. Does a government shutdown also shut down Obamacare? Not really. Most of the funding for Obamacare comes from new taxes and
fees, from cost cuts to other programs like Medicare and other types of funding that carry on even in the event of a government shutdown. Plus, the law would still be in effect, so its many new requirements — everything from forcing insurance companies to cover anyone who wants insurance to forcing everyday Americans to carry health insurance or pay a fine — would still be in effect, too. In Colorado: About 800,000 Coloradans are uninsured. Regardless of what happens in Congress, Connect for Health Colorado opens on October 1. Through the marketplace, all Coloradans will be able to shop and compare health plans on the web, by phone, or in person to find the best plans for themselves or their family. Visit www.connectforhealthco.com for more information.
Indian American crowned Miss America
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Moments after winning the 2014 Miss America crown, Nina Davuluri described how delighted she is that the nearly century-old pageant sees beauty and talent of all kinds. The 24-year-old Miss New York is the first contestant of Indian heritage to become Miss America; her talent routine was a Bollywood fusion dance. “I wanted to be the first Indian Miss America, to be that symbol of a new face for the organization,” she said. Born in Syracuse, Davuluri moved to Oklahoma at age 4 and Michigan at age 10. She attended the University of Michigan, graduating with a degree in brain behavior and cognitive science. She plans
Deferred Action Dream Still Unattainable For Many Undocumented Immigrants
T
he dream of living and working legally in the United States has come to fruition for many who have been able to qualify for the Deferred Action program. According to statistics compiled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, between Aug. 15, 2012, and June 30, 2013, a total of 537,662 requests were received under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, of which 400,562 were approved. There have been several factors that have contributed to the fact that not all eligible people have received coverage under the program. The factors include: the lack of resources to pay the $465 for the application, inability to present documents proving their continuous presence in the country and lack of information about the program.
Asian Eye Surgery and Media Racism
to go on to medical school and become a doctor with the help of a $50,000 scholarship from the pageant. Her father is an obstetrician/gynecologist. “I have always viewed Miss America as the girl next door,” Davuluri said. “But the girl next door is evolving, as the diversity of America evolves. She’s not who she was 10 years ago, and she’s not going to be the same person come 10 years down the road.”
October 2013 | National News
J
ulie Chen’s very personal story behind why she opted to get plastic surgery may have come as a shock to some viewers, but others
know this tale all too well. The Talk cohost revealed in her program that she went under the knife in the beginning of her career as a journalist to make her eyes bigger after being told that her appearance would stop her from getting on air. In response to sharing her secret, the Asian American Journalists Association released an official statement praising Chen for telling her story and noting that this sort of thing is a reminder “of the daily struggles Asian Americans face in the workplace across all industries, not just in broadcast journalism.”
Jeremy Lin walks the Red Carpet at ‘Linsanity’ premiere
T
he Premiere of “Linsanity” was held at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood, CA on September 19. Guests included Jeremy Lin, Fast and Furious director Justin Lin, NBA coach Mike D’Antoni, Hawaii Five-O star Brian Yang, and others. Linsanity (2013), directed by Evan Jackson Leong, is a documentary film about the rise of Asian-American basketball player Jeremy Lin. Leong had filmed Lin since he was a star college basketball player at Harvard Uni-
versity. The film traces Lin’s life from his childhood in California to his rise to prominence in 2012 with the New York Knicks in the NBA. The Denver screening is on Thursday, October 24.
Picasso to Pollock: Modern Masterworks from the Albright-Knox Art Gallery
Two Denver museums, the Denver Art Museum (DAM) and the Clyfford Still Museum (CSM) are collaborating in showcasing artworks between two master artists, from March 2, 2014 to June 8, 2014. The exhibition brings together approximately 50 iconic artworks by more than 40 influential artists from the late 19th century to present times. With a wide range of artists, there are several artists, who dabbled in Asian art. “While Asian art is not the primary focus, some of the artists show connections,” said Stefania Van Dyke, the exhibition’s master teacher. Van Dyke pointed to Jiro Yoshihara, whose art work features a black canvas with a white circle, indicating Zen and Buddhism enlightenment and understanding. Yoshihara is known as the leader of the “Gutai” group - a group of internationally acclaimed avant-garde artists representative of Japan’s post-war art world. He worked in surrealist and abstract expressionist painting styles before turning, in his final years, to the repeated depiction of circles reminiscent of “satori,” the enlightenment of Zen. This white circle made by leaving the canvas unpainted while painting the background black, is one in a series of works on this theme. When asked about his circles, the Japanese painter said that he could not manage to paint even one circle with satisfaction, an indication of the depths of his pursuit of this form. Indeed, no two of his circles are shaped exactly alike. Other artists show influences of Buddhism abstract expressions and Chinese calligraphy, while others consider minimalist in their artwork. Take Agnes Martin for instance. This Canadian American artist became interested in Asian thought, not as a religious discipline,
but as a code of ethics, a practical how-to for getting through life, after hearing lectures by the Zen Buddhist scholar D.T. Suzuki at Columbia. Her paintings, statements, and influential writings often reflect an interest in Eastern philosophy, especially Taoist. Her pieces of grid and pencil markings indicate meditation and thinking about the expressions universally, according to Van Dyke. Drawn from the collection of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York, one of the finest collections of 20th century art in the country, this exhibition provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness the major stylistic developments that shaped the course of modern art. Picasso to Pollock will feature masterpieces by some of the most prominent names in art history including Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol as well as one of the finest drip paintings ever created by Jackson Pollock. The exhibit covers modern art. “It conveys the notion of modern art series with a series of radical departure,” said Van Dyke, who encourages art lovers to visit the art work from Van Gogh and Matisse, showing cutting edge art work. Ticket admission will include an audio tour of the exhibit. “These pieces are extraordinary,” Van Dyke said. The Denver Art Museum is located in downtown on 13th Avenue between Broadway and Bannock. For the most up-todate museum information, call (720) 8655000 or visit the museum’s website at www. denverartmuseum.org. Mary Jeneverre Schultz’s favorite artists include Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. Tweet her your favorite artists at @Jeneverre.
Above: Jackson Pollock - ‘Convergence’
Mary Jeneverre Schultz Twitter: @Jeneverre
Roy Lichtenstein - ‘Head - Red and Yellow’
Henri Matisse - La Musique Art | asian avenue magazine
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A Late Comer Occupies a Better Place
后来居上
Means “The Best Is Behind”
Used in reference to what comes from behind and surpasses what is in front Ji An, Gongsun Hong and Zhang Tang all served under Emperor Wudi of the Western Han Dynasty. When Ji An held a high position. The other two were still petty officials. But later Gongsun Hong was promoted to be Prime Minister and Zhang Tang chief censor. Some of Ji An’s former subordinates were also given posts of the same level as his or even became his superiors. Out of jealousy, Ji An said to Emperor Wudi, “Your Majesty appoints officials in the same way as one piles up straw, putting what comes late on top of what is already there.” The Emperor paid no attention to this unreasonable allusion.
- Records of the Historian
Calligraphy by Harrison X. Tu, Confucius Classroom in Denver
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