PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 746 Seattle, WA
VOL 36 NO 4
JANUARY 21 – JANUARY 27, 2017
FREE
8TH ANNUAL ADULT & CHILDREN’S COSTUME CONTEST
35 YEARS YOUR VOICE
Seattle’s Chinatown-International District 2017 Lunar New Year Celebration will be held on Sunday, Jan. 29 (originally Jan. 21) from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The event is the largest of its kind in the region and showcases diversity, richness, and culture of the Asian community. This year is the first time that the Celebration is being held on a Sunday. The collaboration with other neighborhood businesses and organizations draws thousands of visitors. This year’s celebration
will include the 8th Annual Adult & Children’s Costume Contest, sponsored by Seattle City Light, Delta Air Lines, Simply Thai, Ron Chow, Jim Doane, Yim Kam Chang Ng, and the Tsue Chong Company. This is the year of the Rooster so judges will be looking for that! There will also be traditional dragon and lion dances, Japanese Taiko Drumming, martial arts, and other cultural performances. And don’t forget the return of the neighborhood’s Annual $3 Food Walk.
CHICKENS IN CHARGE How these famous female roosters (and one male) strut their stuff
TABOOS & SUPERSTITIONS Publisher Ng on some popular superstitions and how to co-exist with those who firmly believe in them. » see 10
ARE ONLINE SEARCHES RACIST? An artist’s struggle to be noticed in a sea of searches for “Chinese New Year.” » see 11
From left: Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Beyonce Knowles, Jay Z, Jennifer Lopez, Gloria Estefan, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Yoko Ono.
By Stacy Nguyen NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY This year is the year of the fire rooster. Roosters are observant people guided by instinct and intuition. Never ones to dwell too long over worries, roosters are hard-working
in nature and have a strong concept of time. However, this also means they can be shorttempered and bothered by tardiness and missed deadlines. Never content with the easy path, roosters pick careers that are robust, challenging, and competitive. They love the spotlight, and they
Ali Lee, organizers, ready prepare for Seattle Womxn’s March
Ali Lee (right) and friends at the Jan. 16 march to remember civil rights leader MLK Jr.
By Staff NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY SEATTLE – Tens of thousands of women are expected to attend the Womxn’s March on Jan. 21
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in Seattle, in solidarity with the Women’s March in Washington, D.C. The event begins at 10 a.m. with rally at Judkins Park and ends at the Seattle Center. see LEE on 6
also tend to have luck with wealth — though they earn wealth rather than inherit it. In the love arena, roosters are consistent, but can sometimes appear cold outwardly. However, roosters are also known for their see ROOSTER on 12
COMMUNITY » 2 CALENDAR » 6 SUDOKU » 6 ASTROLOGY » 13
Chinese factory makes giant inflatable ’Trump-like’ roosters By PAUL TRAYNOR ASSOCIATED PRESS JIAXING, China (AP) — A Chinese factory has been doing a brisk business selling giant inflatable roosters, some as tall as 16 feet, based on a design widely perceived in China to resemble President-elect Donald Trump. Yifang Inflatables, a factory in the city of Jiaxing, near Shanghai, began selling the inflatables after images of a large sculpture of a similar design outside a shopping center in the northern city of Taiyuan went viral on social media last month. The original statue was designed by U.S.-based artist Casey Latiolais, whose website displays the rooster next to a similar design that borrows elements of a Trump election slogan. Chinese state media have described see TRUMP on 4
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35 YEARS
JANUARY 21 – JANUARY 27, 2017
■ NAMES IN THE NEWS
Photo provided by Justice Mary Yu.
Justice Mary Yu sworn-in
Yu signing the oath on Jan. 9.
Washington Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu took the oath of office for a six-year term on Jan. 9. Yu was appointed to the Washington Supreme Court in 2014, and subsequently elected for the remainder of a two-year term. She won in the election last November for a full term.
Photo credit: Brian Chu Photography
Seattle-based DeepCell Industries has signed a deal with PSA Organica, of Palm Springs, Calif., to manufacture and distribute what it calls “the world’s first Flexible Edible cannabis product” throughout Southern California this year. DeepCell makes Ruby Canna- Kelly Ogilvie bis Sugar, which can be used in place of sugar, and is “discreet, easy to dose, flavor neutral, and doesn’t require any refrigeration, equipment, or pens.” DeepCell’s deal will put Ruby in 20 Southern California dispensaries to start, but CEO Kelly Ogilvie intends to expand that figure to 750 stores within the first six to nine months of sales. Ruby kicked off in the medical marijuana market in Washington before making inroads into the recreational market.
Yu was raised in Chicago by immigrant parents — her mother came from Mexico and her father from China. She is the first in her family to graduate from college. Yu is also the first Asian, the first Latina, and the first member of the LGBTQ community to serve on the Washington State Supreme Court.
Moriguchi retires from Uwajimaya board
Participants gathered to mark the 22nd anniversary of the Kobe Earthquake at the Kobe Bell on Jan. 16 Photo from bvtnews.com
Kelly Ogilvie’s DeepCell Industries to enter California
Uwajimaya chairman Moriguchi steps down as daughter Denise takes CEO role
Longtime Uwajimaya Chairman Tomio Moriguchi has retired from the board of Uwajimaya — the Seattle-based, family-owned Asian grocery chain. Daughter Denise Moriguchi plans to take over as CEO next month. “Now that we have worked through the challenge of identifying the next generation of leadership, my work on the board is done and I am stepping aside to make room for them,” said the elder Moriguchi in a statement. He will continue to work on developing the company’s real estate holdings, but will no longer be involved in its management and operations. Moriguchi oversaw the move and growth of the company’s main store in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District and its expansion into other cities, including Bellevue and Beaverton, Ore.
Kobe earthquake 22nd anniversary remembrance ceremony
Consul General of Japan Masahiro Omura and Seattle’s Deputy Mayor Hyeok Kim participated in the Kobe
Earthquake Remembrance Ceremony at the Kobe Bell on Jan. 16. A moment of silence was observed at 12:46 p.m. — marking the exact moment the 1995 earthquake struck. The ceremony honored the earthquake victims, and celebrated the new Kobe Bell Roof. The Kobe Bell was a gift from the City of Kobe to the City of Seattle in 1962 in honor of the World’s Fair. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the SeattleKobe affiliation.
Beijing Chinese Orchestra to perform in Seattle The Beijing Chinese Orchestra (BCO), with the mission to spread Chinese culture and enhance the Sino-U.S. relationship, will perform in Seattle on Feb. 16. Led by artistic director Austin Huang, the BCO’s U.S. Northwest Tour brings President Xi Jinping’s New Year’s greeting to overseas Chinese and American friends. Austin Huang
YOUR VOICE
■ NATIONAL NEWS
JANUARY 21 – JANUARY 27, 2017
Ex-wife of former Chinese official to forfeit millions
Photo from chinanews.com
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The ex-wife of a former Chinese official will forfeit nearly $30 million worth of California property after pleading guilty to defrauding immigration officials as part of a scheme to escape to the U.S. with stolen public funds from China. The U.S. attorney’s office announced on Jan. 11 that Shilan Zhao, 53, of Newcastle, Wash., falsely claimed she was still married to her ex-husband, Jianjun Qiao, to obtain U.S. visas through an immigrant investor program.
The Los Angeles Times reports that Zhao also lied about the source of the money she was investing as part of the visa program. Officials say the divorced couple bought property the San Gabriel Valley and Washington state through fraudulent transactions at a grain storehouse in China, where Qiao was a director. Zhao will be sentenced in November. Qiao remains a fugitive.
Shilan Zhao
No sign of Japan-related radiation found in Alaska waters ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — State officials have announced that tests of Alaska seafood continue to show no detectable amounts of radiation, five years after a deadly earthquake and tsunami set off a nuclear disaster at a Japanese power plant. More than 16,000 people were killed in 2011 after Japan’s 9.1-magnitude earthquake, which led to nuclear meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Since then, U.S. and international agencies have been conducting tests to determine the health of marine life along the U.S. and Canada, KTVA-TV reported. Testing regions in Alaska include the Aleutian Islands and
Bering Sea, Bristol Bay, the Gulf of Alaska and the southeast region. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation said on Jan. 9 that testing last year confirmed Alaska seafood hasn’t been affected by radiation from the nuclear plant. “Testing performed in previous years showed no detectable levels of Fukushimarelated radionuclides,” according to a statement from the department. “Testing in 2016 also confirmed the quality and health of Alaska seafood has not been impacted by the Fukushima nuclear disaster.” While Alaska appears to be in the clear for now, the department has detected radiation
in Canada and said radionuclides have been found in “ultra-low” levels in samples from Tillamook Bay and Gold Beach in Oregon. “These findings do not indicate a threat to Alaska waters or the safety of consuming marine fish. DEC, in cooperation with its partners, currently deems fish and shellfish from Alaska waters unaffected by the nuclear reactor damage in Japan,” the statement says. State officials are still advising Alaska residents to be aware that “fish and shellfish are still subject to local toxins, such as those that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning.”
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Man who killed Anna Bui, 2 others at party near Seattle, gets life in prison EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — A young man accused of shooting and killing three people at a house party in July near Seattle has Allen Ivanov been sentenced to life in prison without parole. Allen Ivanov pleaded guilty last month to three counts of aggravated first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder for wounding two other victims. He did so one day before a prosecutor was to announce his decision on whether to seek the death penalty. KOMO-TV reports that Ivanov apologized before Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Janice Ellis sentenced him on Jan. 12. Relatives of the victims expressed anger and sorrow in the courtroom. Investigators say Ivanov attacked the July 30 gathering in the small city of Mukilteo because he was upset that his former girlfriend, Anna Bui, seemed to be moving on after their breakup. Ivanov was charged with the killings of Bui, Jacob Long, and Jordan Ebner, who were all 19.
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JANUARY 21 – JANUARY 27, 2017
35 YEARS
■ NATIONAL NEWS
Study: Few AsianAmericans hold top legal jobs
By Sudhin Thanawala ASSOCIATED PRESS SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — When Goodwin Liu joined the seven-member California Supreme Court in 2011, he became its fourth sitting member of Asian descent. The number is remarkable. The other state supreme courts in the U.S. combined have a handful of AsianAmerican justices. And Asian-American representa- Goodwin Liu tion on other state courts, the federal bench and among the country’s top prosecutors is similarly scant. Those findings emerged from a new study by Liu and law students at Yale University that provides a portrait of Asian-Americans in the legal profession. The conclusion: They are well-represented among the nation’s attorneys but still missing from some of the highest posts. “They have a foot in the door in virtually every sector of the legal profession,” Liu said during a recent interview. “The question now is how wide that door’s going to swing open for them.” For Liu, the study is personal. His parents were doctors who came to the U.S. in the late 1960s from Taiwan. Nothing in his childhood was a conduit for a legal career. His parents encouraged him to study math and science. He didn’t know any attorneys growing up and almost became a doctor. Liu said the difference for him was mentorship. He had two Asian-American leaders as role models: U.S. Rep. Bob Matsui and former Yale Law School Dean Harold Koh. Liu became a law professor and associate dean at the University of California, Berkeley, before President Barack Obama nominated him in 2010 for a prestigious
TRUMP from 1 the rooster as “sporting the President-elect’s signature hairdo and hand gestures.” Wei Qing, owner of the factory in Jiaxing, said they have sold around 100 of the roosters, in sizes from 2 to 5 meters (7 to 16 feet) tall, to shopping centers in mainland China and Taiwan. Wei said some customers think the rooster resembles Trump but that the manufacturers had no say over that.
federal appeals court seat. His name was even mentioned as a potential U.S. Supreme Court candidate, but Republicans derailed his nomination to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. They called him a liberal ideologue and took exception to his outspoken opposition to Samuel Alito’s 2006 appointment to the high court. Liu withdrew his name. Soon afterward, California Gov. Jerry Brown swore him in for a seat on the state Supreme Court. Liu said the Asian-American representation on the California high court does not carry through to lower courts in the state. As of 2015, only two of 97 appellate court judges were Asian-American. The California Supreme Court now has three Asian-American justices after one of those of Asian descent retired in 2014. “People may have certain perceptions of what a judge should look like, and Asian-Americans being fairly new to this field are bursting that mold,” Liu said. Asians are the nation’s fastest-growing racial group and make up more than 5 percent of the population. They make up an even larger percentage of law school students, with a significant number graduating from top institutions. But Liu said their ranks in leadership positions are disconcerting, seen in some of the numbers the study compiled from research in recent years: — Three of the 94 U.S. attorneys and four of the country’s nearly 2,500 elected state prosecutors were Asian-American. — There were 26 active Asian-American judges among more than 850 federal judicial positions. Two percent of almost 10,300 state trial and appellate court judges who were surveyed were Asian-American. — Asian-Americans were the largest minority group at major law firms but had the highest attrition rates and lowest ratio of partners to associates among all racial groups. “Now we understand what’s happening,” said Charles
Lin still out for Nets as they give away his bobblehead By Brian Mahoney AP BASKETBALL WRITER NEW YORK (AP) — Jeremy Lin remained sidelined for the Brooklyn Nets on the night they gave away his bobblehead. Lin has battled a strained left hamstring almost all season and has been limited to 12 games in his first season with the Nets. The giveaway on Jan. 15 against the Houston Rockets was part of the team’s celebration of Taiwanese culture. Lin was the NBA’s first Americanborn player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent. Told about the bobble- Jeremy Lin bobblehead head, Houston coach Mike D’Antoni, who coached Lin in New York, asked: “With the hairdo? So you can change the hair any way you want it?” Lin, who has frequently changed his hairstyles, is depicted in braids in the bobblehead, as he wore about the time the Nets signed him over the summer.
see LEGAL JOB on 12
The social media sensation comes as China prepares to celebrate the lunar Year of the Rooster starting Jan. 28, the country’s most important traditional holiday. “It does seem like it’s got a personality, more so than chickens in previous years” in the Chinese zodiac, Wei said. “But because this is China’s Year of the Rooster, it has gone viral on the internet.” “I think this chicken is really special, so I decided to manufacture it,” Wei added.
KING COUNTY NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received for C01125C16, Physical Security Improvements - Fence and Gate System Replacement; by the King County Procurement and Payables Section, 3rd Floor, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, until 1:30 PM on February 7, 2017. Late bids will not be accepted. Brief Scope: Installation of new anti-ram gates, new vehicle and pedestrian gates, and Ecology Blocks and Cable Barrier system to provide perimeter hardening. Estimated contract price: $1,200,000 Mandatory Pre-Bids/Site Tour: January 25,
2017, 8:30 a.m., or January 26, 2017 1:00 p.m. King County International Airport Conference Room 201, located at 7277 Perimeter Road S., Seattle WA 98108. A site tour will be conducted immediately following the conference. Hardhats and safety boots are recommended for site tour. FAILURE TO ATTEND ONE OF THE MANDATORY MEETINGS AND SITE TOUR WILL RESULT IN A NON-RESPONSIVE BID DETERMINATION. A sign in sheet will provide evidence of attendance. It is your responsibility to ensure your sign in and out.
There is a 3% minimum Apprentice Utilization Requirement on this contract. There is a 3% minimum requirement for King County Certified Small Contractors and Suppliers SCS on this contract. Complete Invitation to Bid Documents, including all project details, specifications, and contact information are available on our web page at: https://procurement.kingcounty.gov/procurement_ ovr/default.aspx
JANUARY 21 – JANUARY 27, 2017
YOUR VOICE
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■ WORLD NEWS Philippines to offer free contraceptives to 6 million women
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered government agencies to ensure free access to contraceptives for 6 million women who cannot obtain them, officials said on Jan. 11, in a move expected to be opposed by the dominant Roman Catholic church. Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the intensified drive to make contraceptives available and ensure “zero unmet need for family planning’’ is important to reduce poverty. He
Scientists claim new gibbon species — name it Skywalker LONDON (AP) — Researchers in China claim they have identified a new species of gibbon in the remote forests along its border with Burma — and have named it after Star Wars character Luke Skywalker. Scientists studying hoolock gibbons on China’s Mount Gaoligong concluded there were two, not one, species based on both the primate’s distinctive brow and a genetic analysis. The study was published in the American Journal of Primatology. The proposed new species is called the Skywalker hoolock gibbon or Gaoligong hoolock gibbon. The Chinese characters of its scientific name mean “Heaven’s movement.” Outside experts are split on whether it’s enough to justify new species status. Actor Mark Hamill, who played Skywalker in the film, tweeted: “So proud of this! First the Pez dispenser, then the Underoos & U.S. postage stamp... now this!”
Honda adds 772,000 vehicles to ongoing air bag recall TOKYO (AP) — Honda Motor Co. says it is recalling 772,000 additional Honda and Acura vehicles in the U.S. for defective front passenger seat air bag inflators made by Japanese supplier Takata Corp. The vehicles, announced in a recall on Jan. 10 by Honda in the U.S., are part of an expanded recall of 1.29 million vehicles, including those affected by earlier recalls. There are no recalls being announced in other regions yet, related to the U.S. recall, Tokyo-based Honda. Takata is at the center of a massive recall of inflators that can explode in a crash, injuring people by sending metal shrapnel into the passenger compartments. Among the models recalled are the 2005-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2006-2011 Honda Civic, 2007-2012 Honda Fit and 2010-2012 Honda Insight.
said the government’s target is to cut the poverty rate from 21.6 percent in 2015 to 14 or 13 percent by the end of Duterte’s term in 2022. The executive order Duterte signed said out of the 6 million women with unmet needs for modern family planning, 2 million have been identified as poor. The 2 million women should have access to them by 2018, and all the rest thereafter, the order added. It also directs government agencies to locate couples with unmet family planning needs,
mobilize agencies up to the village level, and partner with civil society in intensifying the drive. The Philippines is the only Asia-Pacific country where the rate of teen pregnancies rose over the last two decades, the U.N. Population Fund said last year. It said the slow decline of the country’s overall fertility rate may deprive the Philippines of faster economic growth expected see DUTERTE on 13
Zhou Youguang, father of Chinese Romanization, dies at 111 BEIJING (AP) — Zhou Youguang, a linguist considered the father of modern China’s Pinyin Romanization system, died on Jan. 14 at the age of 111. Born in 1906 during China’s last imperial dynasty, the Qing, Zhou died at his home in Beijing, one day after celebrating his birthday, according to state broadcaster Chinese Central Television and other official media outlets. After receiving a Westernstyle education at Shanghai’s St. John’s University, Zhou moved to the United States and for a time worked as a banker on Wall Street. Returning to China along with Zhou Youguang other idealistic youths after the communist victory in 1949, he was placed in charge of a committee working on a new system to allow Chinese characters to be converted into Roman script. Adopted by the People’s Republic in 1958, Pinyin has virtually become the global standard due to its simplicity and consistency, although some Chinese communities, especially in Taiwan and Hong Kong, continue to use alternatives. In the era of computers and smartphones, Pinyin has become more ubiquitous than ever, with traditionalists lamenting that it is supplanting the original
Chinese characters from which it derives. Zhou went on to work on an official Chinese translation of the Encyclopedia Britannica and write on topics including the evolution of Chinese historical languages and scripts. In his later years, he became a scathing critic of the ruling Communist Party and an advocate for political reform, making him persona non grata at official events. He continued writing even after age 100, although many of his books were banned and the government censored discussion about his work online. Zhou told America’s National Public Radio in a 2011 interview that he hoped to live long enough to see China’s government acknowledge that the bloody crackdown on the 1989 Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests was a mistake and the victims bore no guilt. That has yet to happen, and the entire topic remains taboo. “Ordinary people no longer believe in the Communist Party anymore,” Zhou said in the interview. “The vast majority of Chinese intellectuals advocate democracy.”
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JANUARY 21 – JANUARY 27, 2017
■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR JAN
WOMEN’S MARCH ON SEATTLE Downtown Seattle 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
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SEATTLE UNITED FOR IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE FAMILIES McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St., Seattle 12–7 p.m. Free parking at 300 Mercer St., Seattle citizenship@seattle.gov
20 & 21 THE PACK, A TRIBUTE TO FRANK, DEAN AND SAMMY Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom 8 p.m. $20 snocasino.com/entertainment
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AAJA SEATTLE LUNAR NEW YEAR BANQUET 2017 China Harbor Restaurant, 2040 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle 6–9 p.m. aajalny2017.bpt.me COMMISSION ON ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN AFFAIRS PUBLIC BOARD MEETING General Administration Building, 210 11th Ave. S.W., Olympia 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
TWO HOURS HANDS-ON BONSAI MAKING, “POT SELECTION AND WIRE USE” Oriental Garden Center, 30650 Pacific Highway S., Federal Way 10 a.m.–12 p.m. $75/class 253-839-1639 NAAAP-SEATTLE’S “MICROSOFT ASIAN SPRING FESTIVAL” Overlake Christian Church, 9900 Willows Rd. N.E., Redmond 2–10 p.m. bit.ly/2h4aEah
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SEATTLE CENTER FESTÁL: TET FESTIVAL — VIETNAMESE LUNAR NEW YEAR Seattle Center, Seattle seattlecenter.com
27 QUEENSRYCHE, ONE OF HARD ROCK’S MOST RESPECTED AND CELEBRATED ACTS Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom 8 p.m. $20 snocasino.com/entertainment
LEE from 1
Ali Lee
Ali Lee is one of the organizers for the Seattle area — which could be the site of the country’s second largest march. Between 50,000 and 100,000 people are expected. Planned for the day after the Presidential Inauguration, the event aims to promote women’s solidarity,
35 YEARS
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LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION & FAIR Wing Luke Museum 10 a.m.–5 p.m. wingluke.org
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CID-BIA LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL Hing Hay Park 11 a.m.–4 p.m. NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY/ SEATTLE CHINESE POST PRESENTS 8TH ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR COSTUME CONTEST Northwest Asian Weekly’s front door, 412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle 11 a.m.–2:15 p.m. 206-223-5559 nwasianweekly.com/2016/12/costumecontest ROTARY’S BROKEN CEILING: CELEBRATING THOSE WHO BROKE IT Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S Massachusetts St, Seattle 4:30 p.m.
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2017 LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION, “YEAR OF THE RED ROOSTER” Yakima Ave. and South 38th St., Tacoma 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 253-591-5174 cityoftacoma.org
and the women say Donald Trump supporters are welcome. They’re using the phrase “One Seattle.” The Womxns March in Seattle is a silent march — to ensure attendees words are not used against them, nor that any one voice is prioritized over the other After the initial rally, marchers will walk quietly along the route. Attendees are encouraged to bring art and signs, and there will be some ready-made signs available at the rally. Attendees will be encouraged to chant, sing, and shout at the end of the route and into Seattle Center.
AL SUGIYAMA’S MEMORIAL SERVICE Seattle Center, Fisher Pavilion, 305 Harrison St., Seattle 2 p.m.
30 JAPAN TOUR ORIENTATION MEETING Nagomi Tea House, 519 Sixth Ave. S., Seattle 5:30–6:30 p.m. RSVP to 206-519-5469, elaine@ hokubeihochi.org
FEB 2
LECTURE, “AT THE INTERSECTION OF ART AND ARCHITECTURE,” BY DESIGNER/ARTIST MAYA LIN University of Washington, Kane Hall 130 7:30 p.m. $5 uwalum.com/lectures OCA-GREATER SEATTLE GOLDEN CIRCLE AWARD Joy Palace Restaurant, 6030 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S., Seattle 6–8:30 p.m. $26/member, $50/non-member, $260/ table of 10 squareup.com/store/oca-greaterseattle-2 lius27@uw.edu
The march will begin at 11 a.m. and follow a route through the downtown corridor. Along the route, community advocates and social justice leaders will speak about issues threatened by the incoming Presidential administration, such as the safety and wellbeing of undocumented people, reproductive and LGBTQ rights, combating climate change, and more. Staff can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
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The only weekly English-language newspaper serving Washington’s Asian community. The NW Asian Weekly has one simple goal: “To empower the Asian community.” The Editorial Board reserves the right to reject any advertisement, letter or article. Subscriptions cost $40 for 52 weeks of the NW Asian Weekly and $30 for 52 weeks of the Seattle Chinese Post. The NW Asian Weekly owns the copyright for all its content. All rights reserved. No part of this paper may be reprinted without permission. 412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104 • t. 206.223.5559 info@nwasianweekly.com • ads@nwasianweekly.com • www.nwasianweekly.com
JANUARY 21 – JANUARY 27, 2017
YOUR VOICE
■ AT THE MOVIES
asianweekly northwest
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“HIDDEN FIGURES” no longer hidden
By John Liu NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
the film. But after doing some research, it turns out it was real. There is some debate as to the actual time this favor was asked, since there were a bunch of false starts before the actual launch. Sadly, John Glenn passed away on Dec. 8 before he was able to see Hidden Figures, but I’m sure he would be satisfied with his portrayal in the movie. You’d be surprised that the soundtrack was handled by famous musicians, including Pharrell Williams (also producer), Hans Zimmer, and Benjamin Wallfisch. Kim Burrell, a pastor and gospel choir singer, also contributed with her song “I See a Victory,” but was met with controversy shortly before the movie was released. A video of Kim surfaced on the internet with her delivering a hateful homophobic speech. Since Hidden Figures was about inclusion, Kim’s remarks muddied up the message of the movie, and the cast and crew distanced themselves from her. According to variety.com, Hidden Figures played well with all audiences. Studio data shows females represented 64 percent of the audience, African Americans represented 37 percent. The comedy elements and great cast really helped distinguish this film from other biopics this year. Hidden Figures sold a leading $20.5 million in tickets in North American theaters over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday weekend, according to estimates on Jan. 15. Fox anticipates the film will make $25.3 million when Jan. 16 tickets sales are included, bringing its cumulative total to about $60 million.
For the last few months, you may have seen previews for a comedy biopic based on the book, Hidden Figures, written Margot Lee Shetterly. Three exceptional African American women made significant contributions to the U.S. space program that led to John Glenn completing a suborbital trip around Earth and the first moon landing. Katherine Johnson, portrayed by Taraji P. Henson, is the main protagonist. She is a mathematical genius and serves as a “computer” for NASA. In the 1940s, computers had not been invented yet, so a group of female scientists and mathematicians were hired to do computations to free engineers for higher priority tasks. There was a subgroup of African American women, known as West computers, who were not only some of the best and brightest, but also had to traverse the challenges of segregation. Surprisingly, on historyvshollywood.com, Katherine Johnson explained that although there were segregation laws, its effects were largely felt outside of NASA. She was treated respectfully by her peers. Hidden Figures also follows the lives of Mary Jackson, played by Janelle Monáe, who strives to be the first female African American aerospace engineer at NASA, and Dorothy Vaughan, played by Octavia Spencer, who oversees the “computer” division and constantly working for her promotion to supervisor. Katherine, Mary, and Dorothy navigate their way through NASA and segregation laws, while never letting go of their dreams.
Near the end of the movie, John Glenn asks Katherine Johnson for a big favor right before the rocket launch. I won’t spoil what he asks. However, at the moment I thought the movie was trying to shoehorn one last feel-good moment in
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Hidden Figures is currently showing at your local theaters. John can be reached at john@nwasianweekly.com.
asianweekly northwest
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■ FOOD
35 YEARS
JANUARY 21 – JANUARY 27, 2017
Celebrate Chinese New Year by pulling out the stir fryer By The Culinary Institute of America At the same time many of us are packing away our noisemakers and Champagne glasses, people all over the world are just beginning to prepare for the new year. Chinese New Year is a celebration of the lunar new year — the first day on a calendar based on the phases of the moon. The lunar new year is celebrated all over the world (this year on Jan. 28), with each country and culture having its own different traditions and celebrations. The Chinese New Year festival is widely celebrated in China, but also in other countries like Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia, where there are many people of Chinese origin. Chinese New Year is a huge celebration for Chinese-Americans as well, and there are tons of traditions that help ring in the festival. Alongside gifts, parties, and decorations, special “lucky” foods are presented to bring prosperity in the upcoming year, like coinshaped dumplings, long noodles to represent longevity, and oranges, which are a Chinese symbol of luck and good fortune. Since food is so central to the celebration, a Chinese-inspired dinner is a great way for you and your family to share in the tradition of our friends and neighbors. China is a very large country with many regions and a long history, which means there are many variations in what is considered traditional. Most Americans have become familiar with a style of Chinese food that bears only a mild resemblance to what diners in China eat every day. While American-style Chinese food may not always be authentic to the flavors of China, it is an opportunity to introduce our families, especially children with developing palates, to flavors they may not experience every day. Despite our best efforts, kids aren’t always open to trying new foods, so in this recipe for Chinese Take-Out Chicken and Broccoli, we offer an easy and familiar dish to teach an essential technique in Asian cuisine: stir frying, in which most ingredients can be used interchangeably, like shrimp or pork instead of chicken. Once you have the hang of stir frying, you can begin to experiment with new ingredients. This recipe already uses fresh ginger, scallions, and soy sauce. But your family might be surprised to learn that they love sesame oil, hot chilies, Szechuan peppercorns, and oyster
Want to include your personal or business Lunar New Year message to our readers? Contact John at:
john@nwasianweekly.com 206-223-5559
CHINESE TAKE-OUT CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI
Start to finish: 25 minutes (Active time: 20 minutes) Servings: 4 to 6
INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 tablespoons chopped garlic 2 tablespoons chopped ginger 1 bunch green onions, sliced 2 tablespoons cider or rice vinegar 2 tablespoons sugar 3 tablespoons soy sauce 1 cup chicken stock or water 2 tablespoons cornstarch 4 cups (1 bunch) broccoli florets, broccoli rabe, or broccolini
DIRECTIONS
Chicken and broccoli stir-fry
sauce (a very common Chinese ingredient that acts more like a seasoning than its own flavor). We live in a global community where we are inspired by the traditions of people halfway across the world. This Chinese New Year, take the opportunity to share in the celebration — and maybe next year you’ll be ready to make those coin-shaped dumplings! This article was provided to The Associated Press by The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.
1. In a large saute pan or wok, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, stirring the chicken occasionally to cook it evenly on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. 2. Add the garlic, ginger, and green onions to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. 3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, chicken stock or water, and the cornstarch. Mix with a whisk until there are no clumps and set aside. 4. Add the broccoli to the pan. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir to coat the broccoli. 5. Stir in the chicken, cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil, and cook on medium-high heat until the broccoli is bright green and cooked through, for 3 to 5 minutes. Nutrition information per serving: 270 calories; 67 calories from fat; 8 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 83 mg cholesterol; 552 mg sodium; 19 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 7 g sugar; 30 g protein.
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YOUR VOICE
JANUARY 21 – JANUARY 27, 2017
asianweekly northwest
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asianweekly northwest
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35 YEARS
JANUARY 21 – JANUARY 27, 2017
OPINION
■ PUBLISHER’S BLOG
Fighting bad luck? LUNAR NEW YEAR TIPS
By Assunta Ng NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY China has 5,000 years of history. That doesn’t mean the Chinese culture is flawless. Being a Chinese immigrant, I grew up with cultural practices that induced fear, self-doubt, disgust, and worry if I did or didn’t do certain things, especially during Lunar New Year (LNY). My culture is supposed to enrich me, not enslave me. And if it becomes a burden, I should let it go. Right? That’s easier said than done. I have to confess that my publishing office, which houses both the staff of the Northwest Asian Weekly and Seattle Chinese Post, has fostered Chinese traditions, blended with superstitions. It’s not my desire to permeate such a culture in the company, but if it helps my sales team to sell advertisements to keep the newspapers alive, I would rather stick with them. It’s similar to seeing a black cat on Friday the 13th — you might feel terrified too. Frequently, I am amused by how some staff members believe in it so much. Take our phone system for instance. Guess who has extension No. 8? In the Chinese culture, eight is the lucky number, not seven, as it sounds the same as getting wealth. The staff member, who sells advertisements, asked for No. 8 before everyone else. What it comes down to is basically psychology. The assumption is, if she feels lucky, she is also tough mentally — she becomes more confident and able to
overcome any clients’ objection. A reader once walked into our office. Her first comment was, “Your plants are getting too tall, touching the ceiling. That means you are experiencing lots of pressure. Trim the plants.” Without question, I complied. At the time, our sales had declined sharply, and staff members got sick. After the plants were trimmed down, business improved. I don’t know if that was a coincidence or if we simply worked harder. Looking back, I now realize the lesson. When you are experiencing bad things, don’t just sit there, moaning, groaning, and complaining. Get up and do something different to change yourself or your environment. Think of possibilities instead of challenges. Believe you can create your destiny and be in control of your life. And yes, I can’t help but check on the height of the office plants from time to time!
Disempowering cultural beliefs
What I hate most is how some cultural beliefs belittle or suppress women, children, and the poor. This is especially true in many countries. Many young Chinese women believe that if they get their period before LNY and it continues to
the first day, they are doomed for the rest of the year. Isn’t that ridiculous that someone has to wait a whole year for their luck to change? This belief had me living in fear when I was a young woman. So ladies, don’t be fooled by this nonsense. You create your own luck — whether it be a job promotion, a profitable business deal, or meeting the love of your life. Shed the traditions that make you question your self-worth and confidence.
Getting rid of bad luck
No one in our office wants the phone extension No. 4, as it sounds like the word “death” in Chinese. This is also true in Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. You don’t see a 4th floor in hotels, commercial, and residential buildings. You don’t see many cars owned by Chinese with a license plate with the No. 4 either. Even some Western hotels don’t have a 4th floor if they target Asian clients. Unfortunately, we can’t change our street address — 412 Maynard Avenue South. It has the figure 4. In fact, all our office addresses over the past 35 years has had the number 4. see BLOG on 13
YOUR VOICE
JANUARY 21 – JANUARY 27, 2017
asianweekly northwest
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OPINION
■ GUEST EDITORIAL Lunar New Year is for losers like me By Stacy Nguyen NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
When I started school at the age of 5, I couldn’t speak English, and I went to an elementary school of predominantly kids from low-income families like mine — and it was pretty ethnically and racially diverse. I didn’t really get it back then, being 5, so I wasn’t like, “Oh, diversity is so cool.” I was still only one of a handful of Asian kids and one of two Vietnamese kids in kindergarten. I experienced my first bit of racial microaggression when a non-white Latino girl came up to me and blindsided me with, “Hey, are you Chinese?” Even though I was 5 years old, I distinctly remember being really offended by that. I was like, what the hell, no! I’m not Chinese! Except I didn’t say it out loud because I was paralyzed by shyness. Even at that point, I was raised by my family to have extreme pride in being Vietnamese. We are a unique, hearty stock of scrappy survivors. And it was not really an aversion to all things Chinese that caused the offense. It was the feeling that your actual ethnic identity didn’t matter to other people — they just wanted a way to easily (and incorrectly) categorize you. In those days, Chinese was default for Asian. It flattened all of us into homogeneous sameness. That feeling carried over into adulthood for a lot of us.
Opening a Pandora’s box via Google
When I Googled “Chinese New Year vs Lunar New Year,” you know, because it’s a fight, the first results that came up are these defensive article titles about how it’s not just new year for Chinese people. I love it. These are my people!
Language
I checked with my Mandarin-speaking Chinese friend from Taiwan, Tiffany Ran (also writes for Northwest Asian Weekly), about Chinese New Year as a term — because at some point, it hit me like a freight train. Chinese people can’t possibly call this holiday Chinese New Year! That would be like an American calling Jan. 1 “American New Year”! Tiffany told me that Chinese people call the holiday in a few different ways, with the Spring Festival translation being the most formal. In-language, Chinese tend to simply refer to the holiday as the new year. I’m sometimes pessimistic. So I can only imagine how Chinese New Year, the term, came about. It goes something like this: Some years ago, a bunch of Chinese immigrants in the United States were lighting firecrackers and partying too hard like a bunch of BAMFs. Some non-Chinese Americans (probably white) ambled by and were like, “Yo, what are you guys doing?” The Chinese immigrants were like, “Dude, we’re ushering in the new year, man!” And the Americans were like, “No, bro. You’re like, a month too late. New year already happened.” The Chinese immigrants then said, “Oh, no, dude. We do something different. This is the new year for us, bros.” And the Americans were like, “Oh, so you’re saying that you’re celebrating Chinese people new year?” The Chinese immigrants said, “Uh, sort of? I mean, it’s a little bit more complicated than that? We call it the Spring Festival.” “Nah! Let’s call it Chinese people new year! Wait! No! Chinese New Year! It’s snappier!” True story.
The cold, hard numbers
For Vietnamese, I can admit that a number of elements from our Tết holiday overlaps with Chinese traditions. At the same time, there are a lot of deviations, too. There are things Chinese people practice — like eating noodles — that Vietnamese do not practice. Conversely, there are a lot of things Vietnamese people do — make bánh chưng
Credit: Stacy Nguyen/NWAW
The beginning
— that Chinese do not. Vietnam butts up against China and there have been centuries of cultural borrowings. But that really does not make Vietnamese people Chinese or Chinese-like. The assumption that Lunar New Year is basically a “politically correct” term for Chinese New Year is really Sinocentric. It’s also a construct that caters to non-Asian English speakers. While a lot of cultures with proximity and historical dealings with China have adopted elements of the Chinese version of the Lunar New Year (Japanese [pre 1873], Korean, Mongolian, Tibetan, and Vietnamese), there are also a lot of Southeast Asian and South Asian cultures (Burmese, Cambodian, Lao, Nepali, Thai, Tamil, Sinhala, Vishu, and many, many others) that have lunisolar celebrations that pull from Indic (India) traditions. But most of us aren’t going around calling these celebrations, “Indian New Year.”
You can tell how much of a sore subject this is for me, based on how much time I spent scrolling through Shutterstock, a popular stock photo and illustration website, just counting pictures like a mad woman. On Shutterstock, there are more than 100,000 illustrations similar to mine tagged with the keywords “Chinese New Year.” In contrast, there are only about 36,000 illustrations tagged with “Lunar New Year.” Furthermore, many of those Lunar New Year tags were basically pity tags. Of the first 100 illustrations under this tag — basically the most popular posts — 82 percent of them had “Happy Chinese New Year” or Chinese characters actually written somewhere prominently on the art. Only 18 of those 100 pictures were general enough to truly be Lunar New Year illustrations. I used the Moz SEO (search engine optimization) tool to do a keyword search and analysis. Moz’s metrics are volume, difficulty, opportunity, and potential.
Credit: Moz
When I’m not mucking about the Northwest Asian Weekly office, I work as a graphic designer. Mostly for fun, I also churn out stock clipart for pennies on the hour. Recently, I made this Lunar New Year-theme illustration in anticipation of my favorite holiday of the year. I’m Vietnamese, so we celebrate Tết Nguyên Đán, which, similar to other countries’ lunar new year traditions, is a holiday that ushers in the arrival of spring. I didn’t think that Lunar New Year clipart was going to be a real hot item (it isn’t), but I made it anyway, for the love of the holiday and also to rep Asian people like me/you/us in the clipart world. When I went to tag my clipart though — in order for the clipart to be easily findable in search engines — I realized quickly that if I wanted anyone to see my clipart, I was going to have to tag the thing under “Chinese New Year.” Not only that, I would have to title it some variation of, “Chinese New Year Clipart.” Apparently no one got the memo that we’re all supposed to call it Lunar New Year now. You know, to be more inclusive and stuff.
— Volume is the average number of searches performed on the keyboard — basically how in demand the keyword is. — Difficulty indicates the strength of the top 10 organic links for the keyboard — the higher the number, the more difficult it is to break into the top 10. — Opportunity is an estimate of click-through-rate for organic web results for the keyword. — Potential is the culmination of the other metrics, basically showing return on investment on using a particular keyword. To paint with a really broad brush, from Moz results, I learned what I already suspected — that Chinese New Year is significantly SEO-awesomer than Lunar New Year.
In conclusion
Of course I tagged and titled my clipart with “Chinese New Year.” I’m not stupid. But I felt dirty doing it. My one bit of rebellion in all of this was that I wasted a tag by writing down “Lunar New Year” anyway. It was a principled stance. So far, one person has bought that clipart. I made about . . . $2.04 from it. And it felt good. I mean, until we can all change the world together, we must live in it. You know? Stacy Nguyen can be reached at stacy@nwasianweekly.com.
Have a story idea that you think would fit perfectly in Northwest Asian Weekly? We want to know about it. Send it to us at info@nwasianweekly.com.
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JANUARY 21 – JANUARY 27, 2017
ROOSTER from 1
Metal Rooster
loyalty and faithfulness, which can seem at odds in the often lascivious world of Hollywood. So which celebs exemplify their rooster traits and which defy them? Read on to find out.
Jay Z Dec. 4, 1969 Earth Rooster
FAMOUS ROOSTERS Ariana Grande June 26,1993 Water Rooster Ariana Grande is a former Nickelodeon child star and currently a pop singer whose powerful four-octave voice has been compared to that of Mariah Carey’s. This water rooster has been busy since birth practically. Her first role was as the eponymous protagonist in the musical, “Annie,” for the Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre, followed by roles in “The Wizard of Oz” and “Beauty and the Beast” before she even hit her teens. Currently at 23 years old, Grande is slated to begin her Dangerous Woman tour to promote her third studio album of the same name next month. Grande has stated that, “To me, a dangerous woman is someone who’s not afraid to take a stand, be herself, and to be honest.” The water rooster’s propensity to communicate well might be exemplified in an essay that Grande wrote on June 7, 2015, which she released via Twitter. Following a breakup with rapper Big Sean, Grande stated she comes from a long line of female activists and tore into the double standards that exist for women. She opened her essay with, “I am tired of living in a world where women are mostly referred to as a man’s past, present, or future PROPERTY/ POSSESSION.” Britney Spears Dec. 2, 1981 Metal Rooster Metal roosters are the rooster-iest of roosters. They have double-downed hard on all rooster traits, and Britney Spears’ intense work ethic is an oftoverlooked aspect of her persona. will.i.am, of the Black Eyed Peas and also executive producer of Spears’ “Britney Jean” album, spoke of Spear’s rare personality trait in an interview with Pop Justice. When asked what surprised him the most when working with her, he said, “How focused she is when she’s working. How dedicated and disciplined she is.” He said it was surprising because, “most artists aren’t like that. I don’t want to name artists, but Britney is the most focused and disciplined of all artists in the industry.” He went on to say that most other artists will go into the studio and mess around a little bit — they sit around and watch TV, order in food, joke around, and listen to music. In contrast, Spears says she’ll come to the studio at 2 p.m. — she shows up at 1:30 p.m. — and then it’s a steady stream of efficiency until stopping time. “I’ve never seen anything like that,” said will.i.am. Beyonce Knowles Sept. 4, 1981
Gloria Estefan Sept. 1, 1957 Fire Rooster
Interestingly, Jay Z and Beyonce Knowles are both roosters, born 12 years apart. Each of their respective work ethics are legendary. In 2014, Harvard Business School put out a 27-page report entitled, “Beyonce,” which analyzed how the most successful female performer in the world (also the CEO of Parkwood Entertainment) does what she does. Jay Z (real name is Shawn Carter) was 11 when his father left the family, and he and his mother had to fend for themselves. He sold drugs, rapped, founded Roc-A-Fella Records, and wasn’t content with just being a niche recording artist. He became a multimillionaire investor and is now estimated to be worth about $610 million, according to Forbes in 2016 (this does not include Beyonce money). And they are also no strangers to rumors of marital strife. 2016 was the year “Lemonade” dropped, which simultaneously told us everything and nothing about the Carter-Knowles union. So how compatible are two roosters? Apparently not very, as the two can end up annoying each other and criticizing each other, rather than lifting the other up. However, Jay Z and Beyonce may be the exception that exemplify the rule. These two visionaries do mirror each other in their near-unmatched work ethics. We can’t imagine either of them being with less impressive people. Jennifer Lopez July 24, 1969 Earth Rooster Jennifer Lopez has been known as many things — recording artist, actor, “American Idol” judge, and maybe also a person who is in love with being in love. Lopez has had a number of highprofile romances with famous (Sean “Diddy” Combs, Ben Affleck, Marc Anthony) and not-so-famous men and has been married three times. Lopez herself has admitted to the Chicago Tribune in 2001 that she was a romantic at heart, and she believed in the whole fairytale. This earth rooster is seemingly defying her reputation as being the most practical and sensible of all roosters. Or maybe not? In a 2015 cover story for Complex magazine, when asked about the fairytale quote, Lopez wisely expanded and said that while she still believes in the idea of happily ever after, she sees the belief in girls that Prince Charming will come along as a damaging one. “Nobody teaches us the important thing from when we’re young,” said Lopez, “which is to value yourself and love yourself, and then you can share happiness and love with other people. That’s what we should be teaching kids, not fairytales about Prince Charming rescuing you.”
LEGAL JOB from 4 Huang, a California prosecutor who co-founded the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association. “We don’t know what’s causing it, but we know what the empirical results are.” The study surveyed more than 600 Asian-American lawyers, and their responses pointed to factors that may serve as barriers. A relatively small percentage had a parent who was a
In the world of tabloids and public scandals, Gloria Estefan, the voice of Miami Sound Machine, has been quietly married to her husband (and one-time bandmate), Emilio, for nearly 40 years now. On “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” Emilio tells Oprah, “Number one, we got married for the right reasons. We were raised poor kids, immigrants that were coming to this country. So in a way... we have a big responsibility for the next generation.” The pair, both Cuban immigrants, have been fiercely loyal to one another over the years. Gloria has said that her husband was her first and only boyfriend before marriage. Emilio also seems pretty content to let his fire rooster wife have most of the spotlight. Ruth Bader Ginsburg March 15, 1933 Water Rooster Ruth Bader Ginsburg almost needs no introduction and no expansion on how she exemplifies her rooster traits. She supported her husband Martin and cared for her 2-year-old daughter while she was in law school and he was battling testicular cancer. She graduated tied first in her class from law school. She initially couldn’t find a job, straight up because she’s a woman and Jewish. Then she made it happen anyway. She spent more than a decade arguing sex discrimination cases. And then she rose to the post that we know her for now — Supreme Court Justice. She reportedly accomplished all of it by forgoing sleep. A lot. While the Notorious RBG is not a Hollywood actor or a recording artist, she’s on this list because she does have celebrity status and she’s really cool. Yoko Ono Feb. 18, 1933 Water Rooster Yoko Ono, who is Japanese, is a performance artist, filmmaker, singer/ songwriter, and activist. In many circles, she is perhaps unfairly known as the woman that broke up the Beatles. It’s a moniker she reportedly does not think much of. And also one that Paul McCartney refuted in terms of its truthfulness in 2012. Water roosters are known for being the gentlest and the most communicative of all roosters. In a 2015 interview with Ono, the Guardian printed that, “Communication with the world at large has been Ono’s lifelong mission — even when the world responded with hostility.” Ono said in the interview that she uses art as a vehicle for activism. In more recent years, she has been lauded for her work and has earned near universal acclaim. “Art to me is a way of showing people how you can think,” she said. Stacy Nguyen can be reached at stacy@nwasianweekly.com.
lawyer. Those who expressed a desire to change their careers said getting a job as a judge or prosecutor was low on the list. More than 80 percent reported experiencing implicit bias in the workplace. Many respondents said Asian-American attorneys were considered hard-working and responsible, but far fewer said the legal profession associated them with empathy, creativity or assertiveness. Liu encourages law students to develop their confidence and identity through public speaking and “break from what
35 YEARS
IT’S ELEMENTAL
Metal Rooster – Steely, determined, and singleminded when their minds are on a goal – Charismatic; they have what it takes to be famous – Effective at bringing notable change – Can be inflexible, arrogant, and stubborn Water Rooster – Gentlest of all roosters, with an ability to communicate well – Resourceful and level-headed – Unceasing energy when it comes to work – Can be a perfectionist who gets bogged down by details Wood Rooster – Very cooperative and congenial; easy to work with – Very strong and can shoulder a lot – In tune to the welfare of others – Can set a very high standard, which is often impossible for others to achieve Fire Rooster – Natural leaders with sharp organizational skills – The center of the attention and the life of the party – Self-reliant and fiercely independent – Can be overbearing, temperamental, and overly critical Earth Rooster – Has a keen sense of responsibility – Great at multitasking – The most practical, sensible, and mature of all the roosters – Can be too efficient and work those around them down to the bone
came” before them, though he warns that the weight of stereotypes might not go away. Liu said he still struggles with how people might perceive him as an Asian-American judge. “I think for people who feel like they are going into places that are unfamiliar to them and who defy what perhaps is conventional expectation, you always feel like you’re an impostor,” he said. “There’s always that feeling like, ‘Oh, one day they’re going to find me out.”’
JANUARY 21 – JANUARY 27, 2017
YOUR VOICE
■ ASTROLOGY
asianweekly northwest
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Predictions and advice for the week of January 21–January 27, 2017 By Sun Lee Chang Rat — Even though it is not business as usual right now, there is reason to be cautiously optimistic about your chances for success.
Dragon — Combining multiple interests can save time, but can quickly become a bit messy. Give individual attention where it is due.
Monkey — You are on quite a roll, but there could be a bump or two up ahead. Don’t let it derail your current progress.
Ox — Your attention has been split more than you would like, but this week, the issue closest to your heart will prevail.
Snake — Praise can be just as effective as criticism. Too much of one or the other can neutralize their intended impact or influence.
Rooster — Having the appropriate tools for the job available should cut down significantly on how long it takes for you to complete it.
Tiger — Holding back isn’t necessarily the best move for you at the moment. Learn from the past and avoid the urge to turn inward.
Horse — If you are looking too intently in a set direction, then you may miss something important happening on the other side.
Dog — Take it slow on the front end and then gradually build up speed as you gain experience and comfort with what you are doing.
Rabbit — Is your message consistent with what you are actually doing? If not, then it is a worthwhile effort to ensure that they match up.
Goat — Some recent suspicions are about to be confirmed. However, you will learn much more than you bargained for.
Pig — You are invigorated by the energy that you feel around you. Let it inspire you to start a project you have been considering for a while.
What’s your animal sign? Rat 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 Ox 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 Tiger 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 Rabbit 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 Dragon 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 Snake 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 Horse 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 Goat 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 Monkey 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 Rooster 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 Dog 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 Pig 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
*The year ends on the first new moon of the following year. For those born in January and February, please take care when determining your sign.
No funerals during New Year?
BLOG from 10 To be able to survive for 35 years even with an unlucky address makes me wonder. Do numbers really matter? In Chinese culture, death evokes fear, and is associated with bad luck. However, Chinese obituary advertisements are an important part of our revenue for the Seattle Chinese Post. Some staff members don’t feel comfortable creating obituary ads. What’s the solution? I give out a red envelope with a couple of dollars in it. We call it lucky money. Once they receive the red envelope, many Chinese automatically feel the bad omen disappear and auspicious things will happen. Wow! The power of the red envelope to renew good luck and ward off evil spirits cannot be underestimated in Chinese culture. Lately, I am deeply environmentally conscious. I give out lots of red envelopes to staff for birthdays, LNY, and Christmas. I use close to 100 envelopes every year. Hence, our policy is to recycle the envelopes. Every time I give one out, my staff returns the empty envelopes. Of course, they keep the money. Something new I learned last December when we received quite a few obituary ads. The lucky money inside the red envelope was no longer enough. “Buy me a pound of roast pig,” said my staff member, who was overwhelmed with making those ads. What, roast pig? I thought for a second as I never tried roast pig to replace bad luck before. “Done!” I dashed out immediately to a Chinese barbecue restaurant and bought one pound for over $6. Roast pig in our culture symbolizes a celebration for happy affairs. I was surprised that her misery and phobia vanished as I brought back the roast pig. Everyone in our office was happy to share the treat. How easy it was for me to bring back their luck, I thought. And how hard it is to convince them that we shouldn’t be scared of obituary ads — an important source of revenue and a service to the community — no different than any other ads! In stressful times for my employees, I don’t see myself as a boss, but as a parent cheering and pushing my kids to reach the finish line before we go to press.
DUTERTE from 5 in similar countries that have more workingage people than younger and older dependents. In 2015, the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order on certain provisions of a landmark Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law following appeals by anti-abortion groups that view contraceptives as causing abortions. The court prohibited the distribution of a contraceptive implant and put on hold the renewal of licenses for other contraceptives. The government has appealed for the lifting of the temporary restraining order. “The government cannot continue to tolerate this delay in judgment because time is of the
A long time ago, I broke tradition by going to funerals right before and during Lunar New Year. My mom would have a fit if she found out. She has a fear of dying, and she has refused to attend any services as of five years ago. I was aware that when we decided to do the cover page in memory of Al Sugiyama, it was the first issue of 2017. That’s not an auspicious way to begin the year, as some Chinese would perceive. Yet, our respect and admiration for the man who had done so much for the community demands front-page coverage. It is also liberating that I am not bound by superstition. Yes, I plan to go to Al’s celebration of life on the second day of Lunar New Year. If I don’t attend, I would feel guilty for the rest of my life. We will have a feast of roast pig afterwards for dinner. That will do it for me.
One tradition I always follow
We believe in cleaning up our garbage before LNY. It’s a tradition I learned from my family when I was a child, and now I am implementing it in America. On the first day of LNY, we don’t discard our garbage for fear that we would throw away our wealth. We don’t clean the office or home. We arrange for all the cleaning to be done beforehand. I am old school in that respect. By now, you probably think of me as being superstitious or traditional. I have never claimed to be progressive. Think of people who believe that knocking on wood brings luck. Or how some folks start out their day by reading the horoscope or tarot cards. Some frequently consult fortune guidebooks before they make a major decision; or wear their lucky outfit or jewelry during a job interview or business deal. How is that different from me giving out red envelopes to entice my people to do their job? Kung Hei Fat Choy! Wishing you prosperity for the Year of the Rooster!
WHAT MAKES A GREAT LUNAR NEW YEAR GIFT? Besides the red envelope with lucky money, you can buy fortune cookies, lucky candies, and Lunar New Year decorations when you visit friends — all available at Asian grocery stores. Please remember, if you plan to buy fruit, be mindful of the number of oranges or apples you give. Always give six, eight, and nine pieces. Never four pieces. Remember to use lucky colors to wrap your gift, red and gold. Those colors will make your Asian friends smile. Never use white or black. And wear red when you visit them. By the way, never give your loved ones dried fish, because a dead fish without life means bad luck. Perhaps, skip the smoked salmon.
Assunta can be reached at assunta@nwasianweekly.com.
essence as far as the implementation of the RPRH Law is concerned,’’ Pernia said. He said 11 Filipino women die each day from complications of pregnancy and delivery and the law will reduce maternal deaths and teen pregnancies in addition to enabling families to have the number of children they want. Juan Antonio Perez, executive director of the Commission on Population, said if the contraceptives are made available, the contraceptive prevalence rate can increase to 65 percent, from the current 40 percent. The Philippines’ population, now at 104 million, is growing at a rate of around 1.7 percent yearly, but the growth may be reduced to 1.4 percent if the campaign is fully implemented by 2022, Perez added.
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JANUARY 21 – JANUARY 27, 2017
35 YEARS
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NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY / SEATTLE CHINESE POST PRESENTS 8TH ANNUAL
LUNAR NEW YEAR COSTUME CONTEST
SUNDAY, JAN 29, 2017
CHINATOWN-INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL
no age limit!
Please submit completed application through one of the following methods: Mail: Northwest Asian Weekly Lunar New Year Costume Contest 412 Maynard Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98104 Name:
________________________________________________________
School Name: ___________________________________________Age: ________ Profession: ________________________________________________________ Phone:
________________________________________________________
E-mail:
________________________________________________________
Contestants must adhere to all rules and regulations. Contest officials will remove any contestant failing to cooperate with officials or failing to comply with the rules and regulations. If you have any questions, please contact Northwest Asian Weekly at 206.223.5559 or via email at rsvp@nwasianweekly.com.
Costume Parade Schedule: • 11 AM — Registration • 1 PM — Line up • 1:30 PM — Parade begins • 2:15 PM — Parade winners announced • Start from Northwest Asian Weekly’s front door, march to main stage • Contestants must be present at the announcement of finalists (2:15 PM). • Finalists will be lined up in numerical order. • The first 20 registered will get a gift. Registration/Sign-Up: • You may pre-register for the contest by filling out this application and sending it in or sign-up on the day of the contest (Sunday, January 29) beginning at 11 a.m. at the registration table. Registration table will be located in front of Seattle Chinese Post/Northwest Asian Weekly – 412 Maynard Ave S. • Contestants must sign-in at the registration table 30 minutes prior to parade. Rules/Guidelines: • Adults & children are welcome to participate • Parents are welcome to accompany their children during the Parade • All contestants will be given a contestant number for order of Parade lineup • Contestants’ attire should be culturally relevant to the Lunar New Year Celebration Judging: • All contestants will be judged by the provided judging criteria. • Prizes will be awarded to First ($150), Second ($100), and Third ($50) Place Winners, Publisher Award ($100) (an organization which has the most participants), and 15 Honorable mentions will receive a gift bag. • All decisions made by competition judges are final.
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JANUARY 21 – JANUARY 27, 2017
PROTECT YOURSELF! DON’T LET IT HAPPEN TO YOU. Seattle City Light employees will never: • Call, email or make a home visit to request payment or ask for financial information* • Shut off your service without providing advance written warning • Fail to provide employee identification • Enter your home for any tests *We will always schedule an appointment for service/repairs
For more information, visit seattle.gov/light/EndScams or call (206) 684-3000
35 YEARS