PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 746 Seattle, WA
VOL 34 NO 8
FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2015
FREE
PREDICTIONS... For the year of the Goat, Sheep, Ram » P. 17
33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
A good reason to celebrate – Stamping in the Lunar The Year of the Wood Goat New Year First day of the Lunar New Year is February 19 By Sun Lee Chang Northwest Asian Weekly For many of us in the West, things are starting to settle down now that the holidays and the festivities of the New Year are behind us. The normal routines of going back to work and school have now been in full swing for the most part. While there is no denying that many parts of Asia, as well as Asians around the world, will be celebrating one of the biggest annual events of the year, and it is just around the corner. The Chinese New Year will be celebrated this year on Feb. 19, 2015. Every year, the Chinese New Year corresponds to a date on the lunar calendar and is also associated with one of 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac, as well as one of five elements (water, earth, fire, metal, and wood). This year
will be the year of the Wood Goat, also called the Ram or Sheep in some cultures. Each zodiac animal has certain characteristics, through which the year is viewed. The goat in particular is seen as a passive, loyal, sensitive, and peaceful creature. It is also an optimistic sign, with the associations of healing, creativity, and nurturing characteristics. These qualities are thought to influence the fortunes of those in the coming year. In addition to the 12 zodiac animals and five elements, Asian astrology also combines the factors of {see WOOD GOAT cont’d on page 8}
A different melody First Chinese symphony to perform in Seattle
The U.S. Postal Service welcomes the Year of the Ram by issuing the eighth of 12 stamps in its Celebrating Lunar New Year series. The first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Forever stamp took place today at the Chinese Culture Center in San Francisco. The series will continue through 2019 with Forever stamps for the Year of the Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar. Year of the Ram is being issued as a souvenir sheet of 12 self-adhesive stamps. “For millions of people around the world, Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays of the year,” said Postmaster Sanghera. “In my opinion, the Year of the Ram Commemorative Forever stamp is one of the most beautifully designed, colorful, festive and majestic stamps {see STAMP cont’d on page 17}
“Fresh Off the Boat”
New sitcom offers Asian American perspective
Shenzhen Symphony
By Ninette Cheng Northwest Asian Weekly One of China’s finest orchestras, the Shenzhen Symphony, will perform a special Chinese New Year special in Seattle on Feb. 25. The 2015 Chinese New Year Concert, featuring China Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, in collaboration with the Seattle Symphony and Stanford University, will be playing at Benaroya Hall to celebrate the Year of the Ram.
This marks the first time a Chinese symphony has performed in Seattle and the debut of the Shenzhen Symphony in North America, according to Austin Huang, producer of the Chinese New Year concert. The event will feature conductor Jindong Cai, legendary pianist Yin Chengzong, and Chinese pipa virtuoso Zhao Cong. Cai joined the Stanford faculty in 2004 as the first {see CHINESE SYMPHONY cont’d on page 13}
By Vivian Nguyen Northwest Asian Weekly On Wednesday, Feb. 4, ABC aired two episodes of “Fresh Off the Boat,” a new family sitcom based on Taiwanese chef and food personality Eddie Huang’s autobiography of the same name. Set in Florida during the 90s, the show explores Huang’s childhood as his family navigates the cultural challenges of settling into a city that is predominantly white. What this television show aims to do is examine {see FRESH OFF THE BOAT cont’d on page 15}
The Inside story (and Happy Lunar New Year!) NAMES People in the news » P. 2
■
NATIONAL Takei takes on Broadway » P. 4
SPORTS A long-shot view » P. 12
BLOG Superstitions and traditions » P. 14
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FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2015
■ names in the news
Brogan appointed to State Transportation Commission
Gov. Jay Inslee has appointed Rita Brogan of Vashon Island to the Washington State Transportation Commission. She will serve the remaining four years of the six-year term vacated by former Commissioner Charley Royer, who resigned effective Jan. 15. Brogan will represent the central Puget Sound area on the Rita Brogan commission. Brogan served as the superintendent of Public Transportation Development for the Seattle Metro Transit Department from 1985-89, where she directed the development and marketing of all public transportation services and facilities in King County. She also served as a special assistant to the King County Executive
Ip knows how to woo a crowd
From assistant to novelist Sichan Siv, former Deputy Assistant to President Bush 41, has written a political thriller. He is the bestselling author of Golden Bones. “After writing a bestselling memoir I wanted to turn to a work of fiction, drawing from a combination of experiences and imagination,” says Siv. He is a genocide survivor, making it from the Killing Sichan Siv Fields to the White House in 13 years. He is the first American of Asian ancestry to be appointed Deputy Assistant to the President of the United States and the first American of Southeast Asian ancestry to be appointed UN Ambassador. Siv has traveled to more than 100 countries and has interacted in a myriad of cultures around the world.
Photo by George Liu/NWAW
The 2015 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction for young people went to Dash, by Kirby Larson, published by Scholastic Press. In the book it’s January, 1942, and school scapegoating is the just the first hardship Mitsi Kashino and her Japanese-American family will encounter. Mitsi also has to leave her beloved dog Dash in the care of a neighbor when Kirby Larson the Kashinos are sent from Seattle to an internment camp. The judges were impressed by the “deceptive ease with which Larson maintained all the pleasures of a school-and-family (and dog!) story while also providing an honest and intimate account of the prejudice and mistreatment faced by Japanese Americans during World War II.” The annual award carries with it a prize of $5000.
where she was the chief land use and community development advisor and led the way to King County’s first comprehensive land use plan.
Johnny Ip and Teresa Hsu
Over 1500 were in attendance at over two shows famous Hong Kong singer Johnny Ip and Taiwanese singer Teresa Hsu performed at Snoqualmie Casino on February 8. Ip, who is 70 years old, performed renditions of popular theme songs in Cantonese, mostly from the 80s.
Wenjian Liu scholarship
Buckley now CEO for law offices Erica Buckley is now the CEO for Buckley Associations, in charge of two law offices. One is located in Chinatown and the other is a satellite office in Tacoma. Both practice in personal injury litigation. Buckley is a member of the Junior League of Seattle, a women’s service organization, and a member of the Treehouse Erica Buckley Young Professionals Board, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of foster children.
Photo by Assunta Ng/NWAW
Larson wins award for novel
Hop Sing Tong leaders presenting the check to Ming Ming Tung-Edelman at House of Hong, Feb 2
Hop Sing Tong presented approximately $1500 for scholarly funds to the Chinese American Citizens Alliance Seattle chapter president in memory of deceased New York City police officer Wenjian Liu.
Get Your Free Lucky Red Envelope!
Lunar
NEW YEAR Sale! February 11-24, 2015
Year of the Ram Those born in the Year of the Ram are elegant, charming and artistic. Their creativity and artistic temperament may cause them to feel insecure and unloved, but their gentle and caring nature brings them many admirers and friends.
February 11-24, 2015
February 11-24, 2015
When you spend $25 or more, receive a Lucky Red Envelope with a special prize inside in honor of Lunar New Year! (While Supplies Last. Limit One Red Envelope per Transaction, Per Day)
Lion Dance Schedule Sunday, February 15th WA Stores
• Seattle Store • Bellevue Store • Renton Store
1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:45 pm
Sunday, February 22nd
Visit our website www.uwajimaya.com to view all of our Lunar New Year Specials!
Beaverton Store
• Sunflower Dance Troupe • Lion Dance • Folk Dance
12:30 pm 1:15 pm 2:00 pm
33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ in memory of ...
FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2015
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Ticiang Diangson: A legacy of environmental justice A pioneer in the field of environmental justice, Ticiang Diangson died peacefully on Jan. 29 at her home on Beacon Hill. The legacy of her work lives on in Seattle and in cities throughout the nation. Born in Chicago in 1941 during the pre-civil rights era, Diangson experienced extensive Ticiang Diangson racial intolerance as a half Polish, half Filipino child. This led to her life-long passion for matters of social and racial justice. As a social worker, Diangson helped organize the first independent welfare workers’ union in the nation in Chicago during the mid-1960s. She received a Wisconsin state award in 1974 for innovative programming for Native Americans to foster-parent native children.
In 1974, she moved to the Puget Sound area because of its natural beauty and high degree of ecological awareness. She also wanted to be a part of a larger Asian Pacific community. She worked for seven years with at-risk youth and as minority affairs coordinator for Shoreline College before joining Seattle City government in 1981. Diangson’s 31-year career with the city focused on issues involving the environment and racial and social justice, with the two broader areas of concern gradually fusing. In her early years with City Light, she served as a home energy auditor and took notice of service disparities in different parts of the city. Later, she transferred to Seattle Public Utilities, where she became the first outreach staff member and a major force behind the city’s recycling program. She served as editor of the Utilities’ award-winning newsletter and a leader of the city’s Race and Social Justice Initiative. Ultimately, she was appointed the inaugural director of the Utilities Environmental Justice and Service Equity Division, a position she had long
worked to create. She was the first person in the nation to hold such a position. During all these years, Diangson worked tirelessly to ensure that the city’s poor, immigrants, refugees, and people of color were served equally and fully by SPU. Her innovative ideas and strong leadership brought national recognition to Seattle as a leader and model of good government in recycling and racial and social as well as environmental justice. Diangson was also an ardent community activist during her Seattle years, with much of her focus on Chinatown International District and the South End. She was cofounder of the Asian Pacific Women’s Caucus in 1978 and the Community Coalition for Environmental Justice in 1992. She received numerous awards over the years, including the 1992 SPU World Class Award for Diversity, 1993 First Place Award for Curb Waste Times from the National Association of Government Communicators Blue Pencil Competition, and in 2001 Mayor Paul Schell City of Seattle Award for valuing and managing diversity. Her community awards include the 2009 Empowered Women of Color Empowered Citizen Activist Award for advocating environmental justice. She held a BA in Social Science from the University of Chicago (1963), MSW from the University of Wisconsin (1972), and MA from Bastyr University’s Leadership Institute of Seattle (1997) in managing and consulting. A renaissance woman, Diangson was a world traveler, an avid reader, a lifelong writer of poetry and fiction, a cartoonist, a crackerjack Scrabble player, and a skilled amateur jazz singer. Diangson died of mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer which – with terrible irony – she probably contracted from exposure to asbestos during her time as an enthusiastic and idealistic young home energy auditor for City Light. A celebration of Ticiang Diangson’s life will be held on her upcoming 74th birthday, March 15, 2015, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Filipino Community Center at 5740 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Seattle.
■ BRIEFLY Robots replacing human factory
workers at faster pace By Paul Wiseman AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Cheaper, better robots will replace human workers in the world’s factories at a faster pace over the next decade, pushing manufacturing labor costs down 16 percent, a report Tuesday said. The Boston Consulting Group predicts that investment in industrial robots will grow 10 percent a year in the world’s 25-biggest export nations through 2025, up from 2 percent to 3 percent a year now. The investment will pay off in lower costs and increased efficiency. Robots will cut labor costs by 33 percent in South Korea, 25 percent in Japan, 24 percent in Canada and 22 percent in the United States and Taiwan. Only 10 percent of jobs that can be automated have already been taken by robots. By 2025, the machines will have more than 23 percent, Boston Consulting forecasts. Robots are getting cheaper. The cost of owning and operating a robotic spot welder, for instance, {see ROBOTS cont’d on page 17}
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■ community news Women in male-dominated careers Making a difference
On Friday, Feb. 6, at the China Harbor Restaurant, the Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation hosted a luncheon to honor female professionals who are making a difference by working in maledominated careers. This occasion marked the 20th anniversary of the organization. Tanye Jimale, the first African American to graduate from the University of Washington with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, was master of ceremonies. Many of the honorees were scientists and engineers. Throughout the luncheon, the honorees imparted much advice for encouraging women of all ages to pursue and succeed with educations and careers in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields, which are primarily occupied by men. The 14 Honorees gave short empowering speeches offering advice or insight about their success in fields where they are the gender or racial minority. Srilakshmi Remala is owner of Remala Consulting LLC, which provides technology and management expertise to nonprofits and the education sector. She explained in her speech her inspiration for entering her field. “My parents inspired us from a
Photo by John Liu/NWAW
By Minal Singh Northwest Asian Weekly
From left: Tanya Jimale, Srilakshmi Remala Sri, Joyce Yen, Gita Bangera, Michelle Mills Clement, Shira Broschat, Dawn Gidner, Linda De Boldt, Melissa Rice, Stephanie Caldwell, Cheryl Paston, Kelly Knebel, Tina Soike, Kathleen O’Toole
young age to have curiosity about computers. For us, technology was a ticket to opportunity.”
I’ll look around realizing that I am the only woman in a room of thirty people,” she said.
Dr. Melissa Rice, who is Assistant Professor of Planetary Science at Western Washington University, like Remala, went to an all-girls school and was appreciative of the positive experience. “It is important that all women feel freedom in choosing their career and should not be persuaded by the demographics,” Rice said. “Often I will be in a meeting with other scientists, and
Cheryl Paston, Deputy Public Works Director for the City of Sammamish, spoke about raising daughters to care about math and science. “Stop every once in awhile to feed your daughter’s curiosity. Help your daughter discover the scientific answers behind her questions. Tell her how proud you are of the skills she develops about numbers, about abstract concepts, about how stuff works,” she said.
■ national NEWS
George Takei’s musical ‘Allegiance’ finally gets to Broadway
‘Allegiance’ cast
By Mark Kennedy AP Drama Writer NEW YORK (AP) — George Takei is next boldly going somewhere special — to Broadway. The “Star Trek” star’s personal and heartfelt show about Japanese-Americans imprisoned during World War II has found a spot on the Great White Way this fall with
him in a starring role. “It is absolutely thrilling,” Takei, who helped turn his childhood memories in an internment camp into the new musical “Allegiance,” told The Associated Press. `’I consider this production my legacy project.” “Allegiance” is a multigenerational tale with two love stories that’s framed by a {see TAKEI cont’d on page 19}
Stephanie Caldwell is the Small Business Program Manger for Absher Construction Company and has worked in construction for 16 years. She shared some of her grandmother’s points of wisdom. “Be yourself. Follow your passion. Use your God-given gifts. Don’t blame others for what you don’t have. Don’t give up,” she said. Kim Pastega was named vice president of Production System Operations for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. She discussed the importance of female mentors and
bonding with female colleagues. “Look for role models. When you go into a role that’s traditionally male-dominated, it is important to see other women that are successful and powerful. Pursue your dreams. Set your goals high and proceed with confidence. Sometimes when you take a risk you might fail. Most importantly: Women need to support other women,” she said. {see WOMEN OF COLOR EMPOWERED cont’d on page 15}
33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ WORLD NEWS
FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2015
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Malaysia top court upholds Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy conviction By Eileen Ng Associated Press
PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim began a 5-year prison sentence on Tuesday after a court rejected his final appeal against a sodomy conviction, a decision he called a “murder of judicial independence” and human rights groups condemned as unjust. The case was widely seen at home and abroad as politically motivated to eliminate any threats to the ruling coalition, whose popularity has slowly been eroding since 2008 after more than five decades of unquestioned dominance. Anwar is the most popular, vocal and visible symbol of the opposition’s resurgence and had become a potent political threat to Prime Minister Najib Razak. Police led Anwar out of the court to start serving his sentence. “I have to go. Time’s up,” the 67-yearold politician told his supporters inside the court. “I will miss you all,” he said, bowing to them before walking out. Anwar was accused of sodomizing Saiful Bukhari Azlan, then 23, who was working as a lowly aide in the opposition campaign office in 2008. Homosexuality is a crime in Muslimmajority Malaysia and is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and by whipping, although prosecutions are rare. Anwar was acquitted by the High Court in
Anwar Ibrahim
2012 but the Appeals Court overturned the acquittal in March last year and sentenced him to five years in prison. Anwar appealed in Federal Court, which in its ruling Tuesday said there was “overwhelming evidence” to support the conviction. “It is beyond reasonable doubt that (Saiful) was sodomized by the appellant. The appeal is dismissed,” said Justice Arifin Zakaria, who read the verdict for two hours on behalf of the five-judge panel. Saiful maintained that he submitted to sodomy because he was afraid of Anwar.
Now 30, Saiful has married and has a son. He said on his blog Tuesday he is thankful for the judgment and that it proved the court found him a credible witness. “What is important is that I and my family can now move forward,” he wrote. The verdict brought forth a torrent of criticism from local and international human rights groups including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the International Federation for Human Rights. They called the verdict “disgraceful,” a “black day” and “totally unjust.” In Washington, the White House issued a statement saying the United States “is deeply disappointed with Mr. Anwar’s conviction” and that the trial “raised a number of serious concerns about rule of law and the fairness of the judicial system in Malaysia.” Malaysian human rights group Suaram said the political nature of the trial was apparent from the fact that Saiful had met with the prime minister and senior officials before making a police complaint, medical records had shown no penetration, and one of Anwar’s lawyers was charged twice with sedition for criticizing the Appeals Court judgment. “The Federal Court’s verdict is the disgraceful conclusion of a relentless judicial campaign against Anwar Ibrahim. Malaysia’s judiciary failed to demonstrate its independence from the executive
branch in a trial that had clear political motivations,” International Federation for Human Rights President Karim Lahidji said. The Federal Court said Anwar’s allegation that the case was a political conspiracy “remains an allegation, unsubstantiated by any facts whatsoever.” It also rejected the defense argument that the semen samples taken from Saiful’s body were tampered with by police. Addressing the judges from the dock after the verdict, Anwar said, “You have become partners in crime in the murder of judicial independence,” prompting them to get up and walk out of the room, with Justice Arifin heard saying, “I don’t need to hear all this.” Anwar, however, continued speaking from the dock. “Allah be my witness. I pledge that I will not be silenced. I will fight on for freedom and justice. I will never surrender.” “I maintain my innocence. This to me is a fabrication coming from a political conspiracy to stop my political career,” he said. As the last words of the verdict were read out, Anwar’s wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, burst into tears. Anwar hugged and consoled her before turning to his children and grandchildren. He smiled and hugged {see IBRAHIM cont’d on page 16}
■ WORLD NEWS
China seizes toilet paper bearing image of Hong Kong leader
By Didi Tang Associated Press BEIJING (AP) — Authorities in southern China have seized about 8,000 rolls of toilet paper and another 20,000 packages of tissues containing unflattering images of Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing chief executive, according to an official of the small political party that placed the order. The items were to be sold at a market in Hong Kong during Lunar New Year celebrations later this month, said Lo Kinhei, a vice chairman of the Hong Kong Democratic Party. The seizure came after Hong Kong
was shaken by a massive pro-democracy movement in which demonstrators demanded greater electoral freedom than Beijing is willing to grant. During the demonstrations, protesters expressed anger at Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, calling him a puppet of Beijing, and asked him to step down. No reason was given for the seizure of the $12,900 worth of goods in the city of Shenzhen, outside of Hong Kong, Lo said. “I guess [the Chinese authorities] don’t like people mocking government officials, especially high-ranking government {see TOILET PAPER cont’d on page 13}
Registration Deadline: March 2, 2015
http://culturalexploration.org
Age Divisions: Grades K-2 Grades 3-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12 Competition Categories: Group Poetry Recitation Individual Poetry Recitation Public Speaking Storytelling Talent Show Chinese Singing Drawing Chinese Chess China Knowledge Bowl Chinese Language Arts
March 22, 2015 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Chief Sealth International High School 2015 Organizers:
Cultural Exploration of Greater China Foundation Confucius Institute of the State of Washington Chinese Lanuage Teachers Association Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction World Lanuages Program
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FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2015
■ WORLD NEWS
Catholic bishop detained in China for past 14 years has died BEIJING (AP) — A secretly appointed Roman Catholic bishop detained by China for the past 14 years due to its feud over authority with the Vatican has died at age 94, a Roman Catholic website said Friday. Chinese officials informed the family of Bishop Cosmas Shi Cosmas Shi Enxiang Enxiang on Jan. 30 that he had died, but didn’t say when or provide his relatives a cause of death, ucanews.com reported.
Shi was ordained in 1947, two years before officially atheistic China was founded. Shortly afterward, Chinese leader Mao Zedong demanded Chinese Catholics sever their links with the Vatican, churches were closed, and, like scores of priests, Shi suffered long terms of imprisonment and hard labor between 1957 and 1980. The Vatican secretly appointed Shi as bishop of the northern city of Yixian in 1982, but he was taken away again in 2001 and held at an undisclosed location. Beijing now allows Christians to worship openly, but it has no formal relations with the Vatican and insists that the Communist Party-controlled Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association has the authority to appoint bishops rather the Holy See. China has an estimated 12 million Catholics, many of
whom worship outside the official Patriotic Association. Even after churches were permitted to reopen, Beijing continued to harass and detain so-called underground priests, such as Shi who remained fervent in their loyalty to the Pope. Ucanews.com said that with Shi’s death, Bishop James Su Zhimin of Baoding is the only remaining underground bishop still being held in secret detention. However, Shanghai’s bishop, Thaddeus Ma Daqin, has not been seen in public for years and is believed to be confined to Shanghai’s Sheshan Seminary. He was taken there hours after his 2012 ordination, during which he publicly renounced membership in the Patriotic Association, shocking and angering officials.
Philippine police chief TransAsia pilots resigns after deadly undergo proficiency terror raid tests following crash
AP Wire Service
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine president said Friday he has accepted the resignation of the national police chief, the first official to fall following the killing of Police Chief Gen. Alan 44 police commandos Purisima in the operation last month that may have killed one of Asia’s most-wanted terror suspects. Speaking in a nationally televised appearance after the government setback drew public outrage, President Benigno Aquino III also said the nighttime anti-terror
raid on Jan. 25 should have been aborted because of fatal defects. Police Chief Gen. Alan Purisima, who participated in planning the operation, had been suspended last December for six months by an anti-graft court in a case unrelated to the anti-terror operation. Aquino said the commander of the elite police Special Action Force members, who oversaw the covert attack in southern Mamasapano town in Maguindanao province, failed to coordinate the assault to ensure the safety of the policemen involved, including possibly arranging for military support. He said the commander could {see TERROR RAID cont’d on page 18}
North Korea says it test-fires anti-ship cruise missile AP Wire Service
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea said Saturday that it has test-fired a new antiship cruise missile, a move experts in Seoul viewed as an attempt to raise tensions ahead of joint military drills between the United States and South Korea. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was on-site to observe the successful testing of the “ultra-precision” rocket conducted by the country’s East Sea fleet, the North’s official Korean Central News Agency said. The official Rodong Sinmun newspaper published front-page photos of Kim watching a missile being fired off a naval vessel, although the state media outlets did not mention the time or location of the exercise. Yang Uk, a Seoul-based security expert
and an adviser to South Korea’s navy, said the North Korean missile looked similar to Russia’s KH-35 anti-ship missile, which has a range of about 130-140 kilometers (8187 miles) and is capable of traveling at high speeds while staying close to the sea’s surface. North Korea began importing KH-35 missiles in the mid-2000s and the test-firing suggests that the country has succeeded in producing missiles of similar design domestically, Yang said. Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said North Korea was demonstrating its military capabilities ahead of next month’s annual U.S.-South Korean drills, which Pyongyang {see CRUISE MISSILE cont’d on page 16}
By Ralph Jennings Associated Press
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — The dozens of pilots who operate TransAsia Airways’ ATR propeller-jets began proficiency tests on Saturday, three days after one of the carrier’s ATRs crashed into a river, killing at least 40 people. The airline said it had canceled 90 flights over the next three days to accommodate the requirement by Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration that all 71 of its ATR pilots be retested. Preliminary investigations indicate the pilots of Wednesday’s doomed flight shut off a running engine of the ATR 72 after its other engine went idle, a move that aviation
experts said was an error. “It’s a mistake,” said John M. Cox, a former US Airways pilot and now head of a safetyconsulting company. “There are procedures that pilots go through — safeguards — when you’re going to shut down an engine, particularly close to the ground. Why that didn’t occur here, I don’t know.” Local prosecutors have said they will look into the possibility of “professional error.” Thomas Wang, head of Taiwan’s Aviation Safety Council, said Saturday that it was too early to reach conclusions about any pilot error. Pratt & Whitney Canada, the plane’s engine maker, and the safety council have {see TRANSASIA cont’d on page 18}
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33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2015
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■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR SAT 2/14
FRI 2/20
WHAT: 17th Annual Asia Pacific New Year Celebration featuring Pakistan WHERE: Tacoma Dome, 2727 East D St., Tacoma WHEN: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. INFO: 253-383-3900, asiapacificculturalcenter.org
WHAT: Koto Jazz performance WHERE: Stage Seven Piano, 511 6th St. S., Kirkland WHEN: 7:45 p.m. INFO: kotojazz.com/events
THRU MON 2/16 WHAT: Contemporary Art from India Exhibition WHERE: Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Ave., Seattle INFO: seattleartmuseum.org
TUE 2/17 WHAT: Increasing U.S. Access for International tourists, students and workers WHERE: Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce, 1301 5th Ave., Seattle WHEN: 3:30-5:30 p.m. COST: $20/members, $30/nonmembers
THU 2/19 WHAT: Art & Agriculture event featuring Philip Lee WHERE: The Well, Queen Anne WHEN: 6:30 p.m. TICKETS: artnag.bpt.me
SAT 2/21 WHAT: Lunar New Year Festival, kids’ parade/costume contest, and $2 food walk WHERE: ChinatownInternational District WHEN: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. INFO: cidbia.org WHAT: Lunar New Year presented by The Bellevue Collection WHERE: Bellevue Square, N.E 4th and N.E. 10th, Bellevue WHEN: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. INFO: bellevuecollection.com/ lunarnewyear WHAT: Councilmember Larry Gossett’s Campaign Kickoff and Birthday Party! WHERE: Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1634 19th St., Seattle WHEN: 6-9 p.m. RSVP: Katherine@ katherinebobman.com, 206-4865913
SUN 2/22 WHAT: Building Up Our Community One Pancake at a
{WOOD GOAT cont’d from page 1} Yin Yang, lucky numbers, flowers, and colors. In order to know which elements and factors apply to you, often an astrologer will ask you about the details of your birth – basically the date and time of your birth as it falls on the lunar calendar. In countries throughout Asia and Southeast Asia, such as China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and others, there will be celebrations involving fireworks, feasts, exchange of presents (such as money in characteristic red envelopes), and cultural dances. Considered a holiday, it would not be unusual to see people out of school and work to take part in these celebrations, as you would expect of the major winter holidays in the West. For instance, in my combined family of Chinese and Ko-
Time WHERE: Kawabe Memorial House, 221 18th Ave. S., Seattle WHEN: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. TICKETS: $10/person, 206-7213630 INFO: kinon.org
WED 2/25 WHAT: China Shenzhen Symphony, featuring legendary pianist Yin Chengzong and pipa virtuoso Zhao Cong WHERE: Benaroya Hall, Seattle WHEN: 7:30 p.m. COST: $20-$40 TICKETS: 206-215-4747 INFO: ChineseCultureFestival.org
THU 2/26 WHAT: Asian Pacific American Legislative Day WHERE: State Capitol, Olympia WHEN: 10:30 a.m. INFO: apicwa@gmail.com, 206695-7582
THRU 2/28 WHAT: Lunar New Year Celebration WHERE: Southcenter Mall WHEN: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. INFO: westfield.com/ Southcenter
■ briefly
Samsung reveals potential for smart TVs to eavesdrop By Youkyung Lee AP Technology Writer
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Watch what you say in your living room. Samsung’s smart TV could be listening. And sharing. Voice recognition technology in the South Korean company’s Internet connected TVs captures and transmits nearby conversations. The potential for TVs to eavesdrop is revealed in Samsung’s smart TV privacy policy available on its website. “Please be aware that if your spoken words include personal or other sensitive information, that information will be among the data captured and transmitted to a third party through your use of Voice Recognition,” the policy said. For the voice command feature to work, the TV listens for speech which is translated by third-party software into text and sent back to the TV as a command. Samsung declined to name the software
reans, we have different but complementary Lunar New Year traditions. For both cultures, as with all the Asian countries, this is an important family holiday. The Korean part of my family gathers in the early morning, before the dawn to eat an elaborate meal together and also make offerings to our departed ancestors. The children are also given a small token in celebration of the New Year. The Chinese part of my family gathers in the evening and also shares a great meal together, careful not to do anything that would taint their luck in the New Year. As one would expect, there are some superstitions that accompany the New Year’s celebrations, such as not washing or cutting one’s hair on New Year’s Day. Doing so might cut short or wash away your luck in the New Year. Another is not sweeping or cleaning your house on New Year’s Day
company. The TV also transmits other information including its unique identifier. Samsung said data collection is aimed at improving TV performance but users can disable it. In a statement, the company said it takes consumer privacy “very seriously.” “We employ industrystandard security safeguards and practices, including data encryption, to secure consumers’ personal information and prevent unauthorized collection or use.” It is not the first time that smart TVs sparked privacy concerns. In 2013, the owner of a LG Electronics smart TV revealed it was sending information about his viewing habits back to the company without consent and without encrypting data. LG has also experimented with displaying targeted ads on its smart TVs, which requires collecting and utilizing user data, such as their location, age and gender.
for much the same reason. Wearing red is also associated with New Year’s Day, as it is traditionally thought of as a lucky color. Another old tradition is not using knives or scissors on New Year’s Day, again as not to cut short your fortune. While many people do not actually believe in these taboos, there are many who follow them just in case. The coming year is largely considered a positive one, with the uncertainties and frantic pace of the Year of the Horse being replaced by the lucky Wood Goat. In its place, the Wood Goat Year should be a year of stability and healing, with periods of renewal and steady upward growth. Sun Lee Chang can be reached at info@nwasianweekly. com.
33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2015
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FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2015
■ on the shelf
Ghost stories
Books that will make you enjoy being scared By Samantha Pak Northwest Asian Weekly
Deadly Love
By Wesley Robert Lowe Wesley Lowe Media, 2014 Five years ago, 20-year-old actress Jasmine Huang died in Beijing. She had asked her boyfriend Chris to rehearse with her for an audition for the role of a battered woman. She was convinced he needed to make the pain real, as this role would be the biggest of her life. Unfortunately, things went too far and Jasmine died. Haunted by not knowing the truth surrounding her death, Jasmine spent years stalking Chris. She is in Chinatown in Vancouver, B.C. when she learns what had really happened. Feeling at peace with the truth, Jasmine prepares to leave the natural world for the Next Place. But then she hears her daughter Mei-Mei — who she gave birth to eight months after her death — call her back to earth. “Deadly Love” is Jasmine’s story as she searches for her daughter, who, despite having been born to a ghost, has somehow grown into an energetic and rambunctious 4-yearold. Along the way, Jasmine encounters Buddy, the lecherous ghost of an old Chinese man, and Tanya, a 14-year-old prostitute and her demon pimp (literally) Larry. Despite her reservations, Jasmine asks for their help in her search for Mei-Mei. This is a fast-paced story filled with twists
and turns that will have readers turning page after page. Everything happens within a short span of time, but not without a lot of mystery. Despite the story’s short length, Lowe gives us well-developed characters with depth and several facets. In particular, Jasmine, despite being a ghost, is very human. She is not perfect and has her fair share of flaws — from the disdain she feels toward Buddy, to her cattiness with Tanya when the teen gives her attitude, we see she has not lost her sass in death. Jasmine’s personality feels more realistic as we see that she is the same person
in death as she was in life.
Yurei: The Japanese Ghost By Zack Davisson Chin Music Press Inc., 2015
What would you do if the place where you were living was haunted? For some, the answer would be to move as soon as possible and then try to forget the experience. But not Zack Davisson. After spending seven months in an apartment in Ikeda, Japan with his wife that had an odd atmosphere felt
by everyone who visited and had strange red marks on the ceiling that closely resembled a child’s handprints and footprints, Davisson delves headfirst into the world of the yurei — or spirits — in Japan. He investigates the origins, popularization, and ongoing existence of yurei in Japan. From the yurei’s medieval roots, to the first recorded ghost story, to more contemporary examples, such as “The Ring,” Davisson shares the story of Japanese ghost stories and {see SHELF cont’d on page 16}
33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ WORLD NEWS
FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2015
■ community news
11
Photo by George Liu/NWAW
Recommended Publix Hotel groundbreaking 3 years in jail for nut rage exec
Uwajimaya family members and developers participate in the groundbreaking
Cho Hyun-ah
By Youkyung Lee AP Business Writer SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean prosecutors on Monday recommended three years in jail for the former Korean Air executive charged with endangering flight safety during a tantrum over how she was served macadamia nuts. Cho Hyun-ah, the daughter of Korean Air’s chairman, has pleaded not guilty to four charges. In the final day of testimony, she defended her actions as the result of devotion to work and said cabin crew in first class had erred by not following proper procedures. Cho ordered the chief flight attendant off a Dec. 5 flight after a heated confrontation with cabin crew, forcing the plane to return to the gate at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York. She was angry at being offered nuts in a bag, instead of on a dish. Park Chang-jin, the chief attendant, told the court he and others were treated like “feudal slaves” by Cho. Her behavior, dubbed nut rage, caused an uproar in South Korea. The incident touched a nerve in a country where the economy is dominated by family-run conglomerates known as chaebol that often act above the law. Prosecutors are seeking a 2-year jail sentence for Yeo Woon-jin, the Korean Air executive accused of pressuring cabin crew to cover up the incident and lie to investigators from South Korea’s transport ministry. They also called for two years in jail for Kim Woon-sub, a transport ministry official and former Korean Air executive accused of leaking secrets about the ministry’s investigation. In seeking three years in jail for Cho, prosecutors said she stood atop the airline’s systematic efforts to cover up the incident, compel employees to lie to government investigators and discredit and blame Park, the chief flight attendant. The three trial judges are expected to announce their verdicts before Lunar New Year holidays later this month. During the trial, Cho admitted using violence against one flight attendant by pushing her shoulder and throwing an object at her. A statement from one crew member described Cho as behaving like an “angry tiger.” Lawyers for Cho have not disputed the major elements of the prosecutor’s account of events. Instead, they have focused on a technical rebuttal of the charges. That has included trying to demonstrate that the flight attendants didn’t know proper service procedures. On the most serious charge of changing a flight’s route, they argued that events fell short of that definition because the plane was only meters (yards) from the gate when it turned back. Cho, who has been in custody since Dec. 30, said she did not realize the chief flight attendant has law enforcement authority during the flight and that ordering him off the plane was consequently a risk to safety. The “final call” about returning to the gate was made by the captain, she said. “I think this case happened because of devotion to my work and because I could not be considerate to other people,” Cho said. Last week, cabin crew told the court they were pressured by Korean Air executives to cover up the incident and lie to investigators.
There was a groundbreaking February 9th in the parking lot of the Publix Hotel located at 5th Avenue and South King Street in Seattle’s Chinatown/ International District. There was a traditional Asian ceremonial elements for good luck and Japanese tea. It was attended by members of Uwajimaya, the hotel development team, investors, and the community to celebrate the start of construction of The Publix. Those in attendance included: Tomoko Moriguchi-Matsuno, President & CEO, Uwajimaya, Inc. Tomio Moriguchi, Chairman of the Board, Uwajimaya, Inc. Kenneth Louie, VP of Real Estate, Uwajimaya, Inc. Denise Moriguchi, VP of Marketing and Strategic Planning, Uwajimaya, Inc. Miye Moriguchi, Development Manager, Uwajimaya, Inc. Hal Ferris, Principal, Spectrum Development Solutions, and others. The project will create a total of 125 apartments. The $24 million dollar construction project will include the extensive rehabilitation of The Publix and the partial demolition of an adjacent building to make way for a new wing of apartments and retail space. The Publix will open in early 2016.
“The Publix was built in 1928 to house transient immigrant workers from Asia in order to meet the demanding workforce needs of burgeoning Seattle,” said Nicholas Vann, State Historical Architect for the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. “Single-room occupancy (SRO) hotels were in high demand in the 1920s and 1930s. At one time the International District/ Chinatown had more than 65 SROs catering to waves of migrant workers from China, Japan and the Philippines. Today, only one third of those SROs remain. “The location of the Publix, directly across the street from Union Station, likely attracted significant volumes of passengers coming into Seattle. The hotel was also a significant social gathering place for short term and long term guests alike,” added Vann. “The Publix is one of the largest SRO in the International District, and today it still retains a high level of historic integrity” “Today, there is a shortage of market-rate housing in Chinatown/International District” said Tomio Moriguchi, board chairman of Uwajimaya. “Like the 1930s, we have thousands of workers moving to Seattle and we want them to have the opportunity to not only visit but live in the Chinatown/ID.”
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FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2015
■ sports The Layup Drill: A long-shot view
Photos by Jason Cruz/NWAW
Super Bowl reflections, retirement, lawsuits, and potential fights
I thought that the weather served as foreshadowing for a positive result on Super Bowl Sunday. As my wife and I landed in Phoenix from our flight from Seattle, I saw a steady downpour of rain from the window of our airplane on Friday afternoon. Felt like home. Of course, the weather was not the only thing that made us feel at home. There were thousands of fans donning Seahawks colors as the city’s beloved football team made its second Super Bowl in as many years. They would be facing the New England Patriots, who were embroiled in some controversy as the team had been accused of deflating its footballs in its previous game against the Indianapolis Colts. For most that missed out on last year’s win at the Super Bowl in New York, it felt like everyone did not want to lose out on the opportunity to celebrate another World Championship. First, Phoenix is much closer and a direct flight was much easier for those fans coming from Seattle. Second, many Seahawks have relatives, friends, or second residences in the Phoenix area. Of course, many Seahawks fans probably reacquainted themselves with relatives and friends living in Arizona to see if they could find lodging for Super Bowl weekend. Finally, the prospect of sunny weather was another draw for many to head south. But uncharacteristic rain prevailed Friday and Saturday of Super Bowl weekend. With the Super Bowl pitting the Seahawks, the number 1 seed in the National Football Conference, against the Patriots, the number 1 seed in the American Football Conference, tickets were at a premium. We were actually offered a considerable amount for our tickets by an affable fellow sitting next to us on the plane. He had decided to fly down to Phoenix with the hopes of scoring tickets. Of course, many others had the same idea. On Friday, the price just to get into University of Phoenix Stadium, the venue where the Super Bowl was held, was almost $9,000 per ticket. That’s right, almost $9,000 per ticket. And many in Phoenix were willing to pay it. According to ESPN, Super Bowl 49
overtime. Downtown Phoenix was brimming with many Seahawks fans, as spontaneous chants of “SEA” followed by other fans replying “HAWKS” were heard throughout the streets. Confidence was at an alltime high. The NFL also held the “NFL Experience” at the Phoenix Convention Center, which featured interactive displays celebrating the league and football. It also
included a huge line which wound around the block. After another lengthy line, we finally entered the center and looked around at the exhibits. The Lombardi Trophy served as the centerpiece of the exhibit for me, but there was another lengthy line which I could no longer stomach standing on my feet to wait. {see SPORTS cont’d on page 16}
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Super Bowl trip falls just short
had the most expensive tickets ever for the event. The average price of a ticket sold on the secondary market ranged between $4,131 and $4,600. Most fans had to go through ticket brokers to purchase seats, as most tickets are unavailable to the general public. If you knew someone working for the NFL or an NFL team, you might have been able to score a deal. The only other alternative for fans wanting to attend the game was to win some sort of contest to win tickets. Otherwise, you would have to watch on television like most people. If you would like to know, we set a “have to sell” number in our minds just in case we were offered that amount for tickets. We were never offered that number. The day before the Super Bowl, there was a rally for Seahawks fans at Chase Field, the baseball stadium where the Arizona Diamondbacks play. It appeared that all of Seattle attempted to attend the rally as lines were jammed. Security let fans in at only one gate at the stadium, which created a massive line. We waited in line for almost an hour before getting in. Another downpour of rain did not dampen the spirits of fans adorned in a plethora of Seahawks jerseys and t-shirts. I later heard reports that approximately 25,000 Seahawks fans attended the event, which lasted from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. Once at the rally, fans were allowed onto the field, where Seahawks signs and flags were handed out. There were concession stands which sold hot dogs, popcorn, and pretzels just like any sporting event. The one addition was Skittles, the candy of choice for Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that water and Diet Coke was free at the venue. Seahawks owner Paul Allen sprang for the entire event. He spoke on stage which was set up in center field of the baseball stadium. Also speaking to the crowd was Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and Seahawks play-byplay announcer Steve Raible. There was a performance by the Seattle Sea Gals. The big screen in the stadium showed highlights of the Seahawks season, which culminated with the emotional, comefrom-behind victory against the Green Bay Packers. The crowd erupted when they saw Jermaine Kearse’s touchdown catch in
Green Mango $3.49 lb
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SEAFOOD
By Jason Cruz Northwest Asian Weekly
An exhilirating game
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MEAT
Seahawks line up
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33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ editorial
FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2015
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OPINION
Breaking ground is a good beginning
Image by Clark Design Group, PLLC
The Publix Hotel in the International District (ID), owned by the Moriguchi family, has been vacant for a decade. The family also owns Uwajimaya. We watched its decay over the years as a place for transients and bird droppings. But the groundbreaking on Feb. 9 signaled a new beginning, not only for the neighborhood, but for the Asian community. We are excited that the Publix development is headed by Miye Moriguchi, a third-generation member of the Moriguchi family. This will bring new ideas, leadership, and energy for the family as well as development. Mia, a graduate of Yale University and has a degree in architecture, is the right person to lead the team. A $24 million investment will create 125 affordable apartments with retail and other business
development. The ID is already diverse, filled with residents of all ethnicities, newcomers and those who have called it home for years. This housing project will definitely increase the ID’s diversity and vibrancy. It will certainly revitalize the neighborhood and enhance the image of the ID. (See related article on P. 11.) Even though it has much to offer culturally, the ID has often had to face the stigma of being viewed as dirty, unsafe, and unappealing. This will change with the clean and attractive image of two new buildings on the block of 5th Ave. S. In two years, the project will be completed. We can’t wait for the Publix Hotel to have its new face, new residents, and businesses to occupy the building. We are looking forward to the development in the International District, and the new capital and jobs infused in the community.
■ commentary
Diversity is our identity
By Leah Shin For Northwest Asian Weekly
It used to be waking up every morning where I felt like I was unable to dream. It was not because I was incapable of dreaming but I was afraid to. Growing up as an Asian Leah Shin American, I was surrounded by the stereotypical “Asian” standard of dreamers… parents who dreamed that I would attend a prestigious university, friends who dreamed of becoming successful doctors, teachers who dreamed for us to ace every test, and society that dreamed for their own success. Their dreams are what I felt pressured into dreaming. Until recently it occurred to me that I, an Asian American
{CHINESE SYMPHONY cont’d from page 1} holder of the Gretchen B. Kimball Director of Orchestral Studies Chair. He has held positions as assistant conductor with the Cincinnati Symphony and the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, working closely with conductors Jésus López-Cobos, Erich Kunzel, and Keith Lockhart. Zhao Cong plays the ancient Chinese pipa, a four-stringed instrument sometimes referred to as the Chinese lute. She won her first important award at 13. Zhao was later recruited as first pipa soloist of the Central Orchestra for Chinese Music in Beijing and has toured in over 20 countries and performed for a dozen heads of state. Huang named pianist Yin Chengzong as one of the reasons this concert is a must-see. Yin began learning piano at 7 years old and gave his first recital at the age of 9. He studied piano in the preparatory school of Shanghai Conservatory of Music. In 1962, he was the second-prize winner at the International Tchaikovsky Competition. “Yin became the first to bring the piano into the New Peking Opera,” Huang said. “He is one of the major composers for the famous Chinese piano concerto ‘Yellow River.’ He was one of the first original performers.” Yin will be performing “Yellow River” at the event. “Next year is the 70th year anniversary of World War II and the year ‘Yellow River’ concerto was composed,” Huang said. “It’s the kind of music that motivates and inspires.” Huang also sees the Chinese New Year Concert as a turning point for Chinese music, Seattle, and the Chinese and American cultural interactions. “Symphonic music today globally encounters a lot of competition because of this new age of music, pop, jazz, rap,” He said. “There’s also the modernization of electronics, creating electronic music. All of these bring competition to
female teenager, can actually change the world. I was ridiculed by words I pronounced wrong and had to attend mandatory English Language Learner (ELL) class. Yet, enduring those hardships inspired me to make a difference. For years I saw transfer students like Dao (Vietnam), Fátima (Bolivia), Wonkyoung (Korea), and Afomia (Ethiopia) feel lost at school; I wanted them to find their identity and share their culture with confidence. Hence, I established Literacy for Love. Through Literacy for Love, members arrive early mornings to have conversations with students in the ELL Program. We create a safe place to share their stories of diverse cultures and foster acceptance. Most of the ELL students struggle to learn English. Most don’t have access to educational resources, not even a single book. So the club collected over $55,000 worth of books which have been donated to local and global communities. This year we are uniting diverse cultures through a cultural gala:
symphonic music. One-hundred years ago, entertainment and opportunities were very limited. The symphonic theater was one of the places they can entertain themselves.” Now, music halls can struggle to fill the seats for symphonies, Huang said. “The audience and the symphonic music hall become older and older in age,” he said. “To recruit a young audience is crucial to symphonic music development.” Huang also feels the concert holds cultural significance as a chance for American audiences to better understand the Chinese culture both artistically and for economic and political purposes. “The difference between countries has really shortened because of all these new technologies,” Huang said. “Geographically, we are still different, but economically and technologically, we are closer.” Huang points out that the United States and China are global competitors and feels that arts and culture can help bridge a better understanding of China for Americans. “Our generations need to be exposed and understand other cultures, especially from your largest competitor.” Huang is confident the concert will be a success because Western-style symphonies have played Chinese symphonic music in Seattle before and it was well received. “The melody is different,” he said. “I think it’s always good to have something different. I think people will love it.” The 2015 Chinese New Year Concert, featuring China Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, will be performing at Benaroya Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, call 866-833-4747. Ninette Cheng can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
exchanging food, music, traditional dance, and language. Society implicitly accepts diversity as: “how no one person is alike.” However, diversity implicitly falls under a common misconception of stereotypes that society sets for any ethnic group. Diversity is important because it is more than just a stereotype; diversity is our identity, our roots, our pride, and our hope. Taking the time to understand the background and cultures of others, allows us to take a piece of them with us. Only with diversity are we able to take a single step forward into the world filled with boundless amount of confident dreamers. My dream is for others to embrace what makes them different and let that not be a weakness but a strength. To be an Asian American leader and help students find their identity— for them to dream their own dream. Leah Shin is a “Diversity Makes a Difference” scholarship nominee.
{TOILET PAPER cont’d from page 5} officials, after the movement. They have become more cautious about criticisms about them,” he said. The party’s 4,000 rolls of toilet paper with Leung’s image sold out at last year’s seasonal market, and it decided to get more this year from a factory in Shenzhen, Lo said. The images of Leung on the novelty products are cartoonish and unflattering. One has him bearing two fangs, and another has the word “lying” on his forehead. The sickle-and-hammer symbol of the Communist Party of China also appears on some products. The order was placed under the name of a friend to obscure the party as the true buyer, and all communications were done through the friend instead of the party, Lo said. Citing the need to protect the manufacturer, Lo declined to reveal the factory’s name and said he had no information on the whereabouts of the factory owner. “We are worried about what has happened to him,” Lo said. Calls to Shenzhen police rang unanswered on Saturday, and there was no official report about any seizure of toilet paper. Lo said he found the act worrisome because it indicates further tightening by Chinese authorities on freedom of speech, which is guaranteed in Hong Kong’s constitution. “Many productions in Hong Kong rely on the mainland. This kind of tightening means in the future it will be more difficult to make products in the mainland,” Lo said. “It’s alarmful for Hong Kong people that they keep suppressing freedom in Hong Kong. We will become the mainland if this kind of mocking will be not allowed in Hong Kong.”
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FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2015
■ PUBLISHER'S BLOG
OPINION
Superstitions and traditions Examining our strange Lunar New Year customs
By Assunta Ng Northwest Asian Weekly Reminiscing about Lunar New Year during my childhood, I could count as many as hundreds of traditions my family followed. Some were fun, while some were silly and reflective of cultural defects. As a child, I wasn’t smart enough to say, “Hey, just because it was done thousands of years ago in China doesn’t mean we have to do the same today!” Nor was it my place to ask, “Why are we doing this?” As an adult, I have skipped many of the requirements of the Lunar New Year to-do list due to two reasons. It isn’t meaningful to honor traditions if they are based on superstitions. It’s not practical to keep my cultural customs, living in America, which doesn’t celebrate the holiday like Asian countries, and not even normally celebrate other nations’ New Year. So I made an arbitrary decision—only hanging on to the fun New Year activities and traditional food and crafts, to bring families and the community together. Here is a list I will refer to before and after Feb. 19, the first day of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Sheep. Yes, “red envelopes!” When I was a child in Hong Kong, I would dream of having New Year every day because there was no school, and there was plenty of
Hong Kong school system didn’t provide free lunch for low-income students.) I usually only bought two pieces of bread (about 10 cents U.S.) as opposed to buying a lunch box (about 60 cents U.S.). Then, I hid the rest of the money. Yes, I hid it. Because if my mom knew that I had money left, she would give me less the next time. So Lunar New Year became my temporary financial savior because adults, all my relatives, would give us “lucky money.” My mom usually let me keep all the lucky money. Red envelopes are a popular tradition, and especially popular with the receivers. Married adults are supposed to give unmarried friends and relatives lucky money. The money is put in red envelopes for good fortune. I give red envelopes to my employees. Ever since we’ve published the Asian Weekly, I have always handed out lucky money, as well as treating them to a sumptuous Lunar New Year lunch. It’s something they look forward to every Chinese New Year. Of course, I give red envelopes to my sons and some friends’ children since they are single. I will stick to this tradition because everyone is smiling when I hand them money.
New Year treats and decorations
money and an abundance of fine food. My family was poor. Seldom did my mother
give me an allowance. My mother was able to give me lunch money during weekdays. (The
Pay debt the Chinese way It would bring bad luck for the debtors next year if they don’t pay before New Year arrives, according to Chinese tradition. That’s {see BLOG cont’d on page 19}
Ha p p y L u n a r Ne w Y e a r ! We wish you health, joy, prosperity and fortune in the Year of the Sheep! Thank you for all your wonderful support! — From our management and staff
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33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
{FRESH OFF THE BOAT cont’d from page 1} Anglo Americans and the cultural dynamics from an Asian perspective — for once, the white person is the Other. The show stars Randall Park, Constance Wu, and Hudson Yang. Park is most recently known for playing the exaggerated version of Kim Jong Un in the irreverent comedy “The Interview,” while Wu is a newcomer to the small screen. The two adults play Huang’s father and mother respectively while Yang plays the young Eddie Huang. “Fresh Off the Boat” is the first sitcom to star an allAsian starring cast since comedienne Margaret Cho’s sitcom “All-American Family,” which aired for one season from 1994 – 1995. That is 20 years since we’ve last had a show about Asians on American television. It doesn’t need to be repeated that this show is important and that there will inevitably be a range of reactions from all corners of our community. This is what happens when you have a lack of representation in the media. I’m going to preface this review by saying that I liked the first two episodes. Mostly. The second episode was stronger than the first. The pilot was, as all network pilots tend to be, awkward. Viewers are first introduced to the polished and sitcom-friendly versions of Huang and his family. Everyone seems a little shinier than they should be. My biggest critique is the distracting accents of Park and Wu. They were so distracting that it actually took me out of the show at times. As native English speakers, the two adult leads had to practice their Taiwanese-accented English to play Huang’s immigrant parents. Park is aware of his inauthentic accent. In a recent panel for the show, Park said he had previously worked with dialect coaches who gave him conflicting advice on how to replicate a foreign Asian accent. He concluded that Asian accents are multi-faceted, and that while it is hard to create a consistent accent, he
would continue to work on perfecting it moving forward. Race and cultural conflicts obviously play a central role in storylines. In one pivotal moment in the pilot, an African American boy calls Huang (Yang) a chink during a school lunch. Huang fought television executives to keep this scene. I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been to keep “chink” in a network television show. Huang famously penned an essay lambasting the show’s staff and network executives for tearing apart his autobiography and the original story he wanted to tell, but concluded that the show had a greater purpose, which is to serve as a vehicle of getting Asian representation into the media. This, of course, comes with tweaking or changing certain life experiences and making them more palatable for mainstream audiences. Huang eventually made amends with this, but there are certain incidents, like this “chink” scene, that he will fight for in order to avoid sugar-coating or diluting racial realities. It’s moments like these where the show works best — when it breaks free from what the network wants it to be versus the direction that Huang wants to take the show. It’s genuine, realistic and relatable. “Fresh Off the Boat” exercises a heavy hand when it comes to introducing cultural conflicts between characters of different races or when discussing immigrant cultures. Sometimes, the writing holds the viewer’s hand too much. The show employs clichés, such as Wu’s “Tiger Mom” persona, that it feels unintentionally satirical. Conversely, maybe you have to resort to exaggerated stereotypes in order to create context for viewers that are foreign to Asian culture. This begs the question: Who is the intended audience for this show? What this show does well is to portray family dynamics. Wu has great comedic timing and Yang is a total natural for his role; their scenes together have been among my favorites. I had anticipated humorous conflicts between an Asian American kid and the immigrant parent — and I got
{WOMEN OF COLOR EMPOWERED cont’d from page 5}
be a little different, and keep a good support system,” Clement said.
Dr. Gita Bangera is Dean of Undergraduate Research at Bellevue College. She said, “There’s a theme here. The women here honored are changing the rules around. Young women should dream. Dream big.”
Linda De Boldt, Public Works Director for the City of Redmond, spoke about the importance of encouragement for women who are in male-dominated professions. “To get where I am, I received encouragement from family and friends, from formal and informal mentors. When I started my career, there weren’t many other women. I benefited from the help of colleagues. There is no reason for the fear of entering a male-dominated career,” she said.
Dr. Joyce Yen fundamentally echoed the words of honorees speaking before her: “I’ve been in male-dominated meetings and I’ve made a point of looking for female colleagues—a posse. Posses provide community and support. To be in a room of female engineers or scientists feels different, especially women who are used to being a minority in the room. Find your posse.” Yen is the Program-Research Manager for the UW ADVANCE Center for Institutional Change.
Shira Broschat, a professor in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and adjunct faculty in the Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health and in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology at Washington State University, was asked to describe why
Kelly Knebel is a pilot for Alaska Airlines. She advised young women to pursue their passion. “I became a pilot because I had a passion for it. My love of flying not only helped me enter a male-dominated field, but to stay in it,” she said. Kathleen O’Toole, Seattle Police Chief, was also honored. She spoke about her early years preparing for college and career. Her guidance counselor discouraged her from entering her first field of choice, which was law. “That’s great, Kathleen, but I really think you should consider something more appropriate for a woman, said my counselor, which made me even more determined to become a lawyer,” she said. Michelle Mills Clement, Executive Director and CEO of Commercial Brokers Association (CBA), offered advice for women in male-dominated fields. “Most people (I work with) don’t look like me, by gender, by race or by age. Every time I walk into a room, I think it’s just going to be me. So my advice is to get a male mentor, find a male advocate, display confidence, have an edge, don’t be afraid to
FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2015
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that in spades — but what I was not expecting were direct references to my own Asian American childhood. In the second episode, Mama Huang homeschools the Huang children and a reference to a “Chinese Learning Center” was made. For the uninitiated, a “Chinese Learning Center” was a throwback to an educational/ math center that Asian parents coerced their children into attending on the weekends. This was quite common in the 90s and early 2000s. Some Asian American youth resented their parents for this because it meant additional schooling on the weekends in lieu of fun. I was one of those kids growing up. I think everyone needs a relatable entry point to get on board with this show. This was mine. To answer my previous question on viewing demographics: “Fresh Off the Boat” is first and foremost for Asians and Asian Americans. Though the show clumsily educates on Asian culture, issues, and people through broad strokes, the show is at least successful in introducing relevant experiences for Asians, particularly for the Asian American millennial or the Generation X Asian. There is validation that comes with not just seeing someone who looks like you on network television, but in seeing people who have gone through the same cultural events and issues as you. This show isn’t perfect. It’s still finding its footing. And it will never be the divisive and gritty show Huang wants it to be (it is a sitcom on Disney-owned ABC, after all). But it’s fresh, funny, and made for Asians. So if you haven’t done so already, please watch “Fresh Off the Boat”. Give it a chance. Because like all green things, the show needs time to grow. “Fresh Off the Boat” airs Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. on ABC. Vivian Nguyen can be reached at info@nwasianweekly. com.
it’s difficult to be in a field dominated by men. She compared the situation to water drop torture. “After a while you find that there’s a hole in you. We (as women) don’t have to keep taking these small slights. They add up drop by drop. There are corrections we can make,” she said. Tina Soike, Director of Engineering Services, expressed common themes of the luncheon in her speech. “Have confidence in what you know. Don’t hesitate to speak your opinion. Don’t underestimate your ability to influence and contribute to those major decisions that happen in our corporations and agencies today. Conduct yourself professionally but don’t take yourself too seriously. Relax. Be yourself. Be your whole self, as a woman and as a person in your community. Lastly, learn from mentors, both male and female. Be open to possibilities because there are
many routes to the end destination,” she said. Dawn Gidner, a member of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, was honored for her work as a radar systems engineer at Honeywell Aerospace. She spoke of her early fascination with how things work. “My parents were my biggest, early inspiration. They completely supported me when I wanted to build things instead of play with dolls. They always told me to believe in myself, follow my dreams and I could do anything I wanted,” she said. The luncheon ended with a big raffle prize donated by Alaskan Airlines. Jennifer Jacobson was the lucky recipient of two plane tickets to fly anywhere she likes. Minal Singh can be reached at info@ nwasianweekly.com.
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FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2015
{SHELF cont’d from page 10} how they came to be. Woven into the narrative of this history are more than a dozen never-beforetranslated Japanese ghost stories. Some of these stories are short, only a few paragraphs, while others are lengthier, spanning a couple of pages. I’ve never been big on ghost stories — having avoided being scared on purpose my whole life — but Davisson’s telling of the yurei’s history kept me turning the page. His book is focused specifically on yurei, but he also gives readers a glimpse into Japanese history and culture. There are very specific details and nuances surrounding how the Japanese view death, afterlife, and spirits — as with any culture — so it was interesting to learn how these and the yurei have influenced Japanese culture, and vice versa, throughout the course of the country’s history. He also discusses how yurei continues to influence the country’s culture, as well as the West as things become more mainstream. And while “Yurei” may not have readers believing in ghosts, it will have them thinking twice about what happens to a person after they die.
Of Metal and Wishes
By Sarah Fine Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2014 At the age of 16, Wen helps as an assistant to her father in his medical clinic in a slaughterhouse. The abattoir is staffed by the Noor, men who have been hired as cheap factory labor. When one of the Noor workers — a teenaged boy even younger than her —
{SPORTS cont’d from page 12} The day of the Super Bowl, we had to endure more traffic and lines, even though we showed up five hours before the actual game started. I was nervous. Not for the result of the Super Bowl (because I knew the Hawks would win), but because I had the most expensive sporting ticket in the history of my life in my hand. I wanted to ensure that I made it through the gates before losing it. Good news. We made it in. The real Phoenix weather made it out for the Super Bowl as if the NFL had ordered it to come out on the biggest day of the year for the league. The sun and warmth of the day made it a great scene. As we entered through the mounds of security into the stadium, I was struck by the enormity of the event. Yes, the title of the event should have tipped me off, this is the SUPER BOWL. Despite how anxious I was for the game to start, I took the time to take pictures. I just wanted to stand and look at how awesome it was to be there, and feel blessed, as a long-time sports fan, to have the opportunity to see this in person. As for the game, it was one of the greatest games I’ve ever seen. Northwest Asian Weekly favorite, Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin, scored a touchdown in the game. Fortunately, my view of his touchdown celebration where he mimicked going to the bathroom on the football was obstructed. I am not sure if he lost his mind momentarily or was making a statement about the NFL. The game was exciting and seemed to go by quickly. The halftime show, which I usually skip when watching it at home, was very entertaining live. Katy Perry, the headlining performer, put on a fabulous performance. We were also reminded how great Missy Elliott is with songs that were blasts from the past. The end of the game was the best example of why sports are such a great
embarrasses her in front of everyone in the slaughterhouse cafeteria, her friends encourage her to turn to the Ghost rumored to be haunting the slaughterhouse to get revenge on the boy. Wen, not really believing in it, impulsively challenges the Ghost to prove its existence to her. And it does — brutally, as the young Noor boy ends up at her father’s clinic after an accident on the factory floor leaves him unable to work again. Wen is ridden with guilt and ends up befriending Melik, the group’s leader. She is also enticed by the mystery of the Ghost — said to be a former worker who died on the slaughterhouse floor. With her growing feelings for Melik, a need to appease a spirit hell-bent on protecting her against any threat (real or imagined) and deadly accidents adding fuel to the tension, Wen has to figure out who to trust before it’s too late. Set in an unnamed industrial Asian community, “Of Metal and Wishes” is a reimagining of “The Phantom of the Opera.” Admittedly, I have never read the novel or seen the musical, but Fine’s retelling has me wanting to look up the original story. Wen is a complex character, torn between what her current environment has led her to believe and what she has witnessed with her own eyes. She is strong and is not one to shirk her responsibilities — along with others’ — and is someone young readers of any gender could look up to. The society within the story is very divided by its class system, but through Wen’s eyes, readers will question whether this system helps or hinders a community. Samantha Pak can be reached at info@ nwasianweekly.com.
thing. Seahawks fans, including myself and my wife, experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in a span of five minutes. After Jermaine Kearse made an incredible catch and Marshawn Lynch ran the ball “Beast Mode” style to the 1 yard line, I could only think of one thing. “Run it down their throats one more time.” But…a pass. An interception. And the city of Seattle could not explain what they had just witnessed. Neither could I. As the confetti flew and Patriots fans celebrated an improbable goal line interception, my wife and I decided to leave our seats. We were treated to shouts by Patriots fans of “Go back to WARSHINGTON!” and “You Mad Bro?” mocking Richard Sherman’s infamous Twitter remark to Tom Brady after the Seahawks regular season win over the Patriots in 2012. There were many emotions about the end of the game. Perhaps losing the Sonics may be the only other moment in the history of Seattle sports that compares to this level of low. Maybe the Sonics is more hurtful since the Seahawks could be back to the Super Bowl, but the NBA may never be back to this city. At the end of the night, we fought traffic back to our hotel and only one word could describe my emotions. Deflated. (But there’s always next year…)
Na enjoying retirement, cheers on Nishikori
The first grand slam event of the tennis year, the Australian Open, began Jan. 19th. The women’s side of the tournament was without Li Na. The best tennis player from China retired last fall and based on a recent interview with the New York Times, she does not miss the circuit one bit. Li has been taking advantage of her free time by traveling and meeting with friends. She is also working on building
{IBRAHIM cont’d from page 5} them too. Watched by about 300 policemen, hundreds of his supporters gathered peacefully outside the imposing court building in Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia. The verdict is the “death of justice. We will keep on fighting for a better Malaysia. We won’t give up,” said supporter Tey Khang Fai, 33. In an apparently pre-written statement released minutes after the verdict, the Prime Minister’s Office said Anwar’s case has gone through an exhaustive legal process, and that the case was brought by an individual, not the government. “The process is now complete and we call on all parties to respect the legal process and judgment. ... Malaysia has an independent judiciary, and there have been many rulings against senior government figures,” it said. Anwar previously was imprisoned for six years after being ousted as deputy prime minister in 1998 on earlier charges of sodomizing his former family driver and abusing his power. He was freed in 2004 after Malaysia’s top court quashed that sodomy conviction. That case was also widely seen as politically motivated, as it came at a time when he was locked in a power struggle with then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
{CRUISE MISSILE cont’d from page 6} says are a rehearsal for an invasion. The United States and South Korea have repeatedly said that the war games are defensive in nature, and that they have no intentions of attacking
a tennis academy in China. Despite not playing competitively anymore, she still attends tennis tournaments and follows Asian tennis. One of the individuals that Li follows is Kei Nishikori. 2014 was a breakthrough year for Nishikori as he made a surprising run to the finals of the U.S. Open. Nishikori has continued his ascent up the men’s tennis rankings. He is currently ranked number 5 in the world going into the Australian Open.
Vera, Cung Le part of potential class action lawsuit
Mixed Martial Artists Cung Le and Brandon Vera have joined a lawsuit which claims that the biggest organization in the sport has suppressed fighters’ wages among other things. They are part of a lawsuit that claims that the UFC violated United States Antitrust law and their attorneys are seeking class action status. Le’s relationship with the UFC deteriorated after he was accused of failing a drug test after fighting in Macau this past August. He was first issued a 9-month suspension from the UFC and then a one-year suspension after it was thought that 9 months was too lenient. When his suspension was raised to a year, he decided to appeal the ruling and the drug testing procedures. It was determined that the drug test procedures with which the UFC implemented were shoddy at best. Also, the process for appeal was not readily known. Instead of having to go through an arbitration in which it may lose, the UFC decided to drop the suspension of Le. Still, Le was sore at the UFC for tarnishing his reputation and there is speculation that is why he joined this lawsuit. Brandon Vera was let go by the UFC in June 2014 and signed with Singaporean MMA organization OneFC. Despite leaving the UFC, Vera has headlined a show in the Philippines with OneFC. Vera was a longtime UFC fighter, but fell out of favor with the organization. He
Anwar said his jailing for a second time would be toughest on his family, but that they were all very supportive. Instead of breaking up his three-party alliance, he warned Najib on Monday that jailing him could backfire and galvanize more support for the opposition. His wife Wan Azizah, who is also president of his National Justice Party, told reporters Tuesday that his imprisonment “has given us more reason to continue our fight. It will not break our spirit nor weaken our struggle.” Bridget Welsh, a senior research associate at National Taiwan University, said the opposition alliance will have difficulty choosing a new leader because of growing ideological differences. “It’s going to be a struggle for the alliance but it will not crumble. Ironically, Anwar’s jailing has now given them common ground. It will be difficult for a short time but it will bring them together,” she said. Anwar led his alliance to unprecedented gains in 2008 elections and made further inroads in 2013 polls. Najib’s National Front coalition won with a slimmer majority and lost the popular vote to the opposition. Associated Press journalists Paul Joshua and Vincent Thian in Putrajaya and Matthew Pennington in Washington contributed to this report.
the North. North Korea told the United States last month that it was willing to impose a temporary moratorium on its nuclear tests if Washington scraps the military drills with South Korea this year, but the allies have refused to cancel the exercises.
was not happy with how his release was handled. Adding insult to the lawsuit, Vera filed his case on Christmas Eve. The case has all the makings of being a big deal, which could up-end the business of the sport. Five law firms have joined together to litigate the lawsuit on behalf of Le, Vera, and other plaintiffs. The UFC has retained the law firm of Boies, Schiller, and Flexner. Some may remember that it was the same firm that represented Al Gore in Bush v. Gore. It also represented the United States in its case against Microsoft.
Pacquiao fights Mayweather… maybe
Manny Pacquiao wants to fight Floyd Mayweather. Does Mayweather want to fight Pacquiao? Pacquiao has prodded Mayweather to fight via social media platform Twitter. He has agreed to the contractual requirements brought by Mayweather’s representatives. The only holdup is that Mayweather has yet to sign. Pacquiao wants to know this month about the potential Mayweather fight, which is proposed to happen on May 2nd. Based on Pacquiao’s camp, there’s nothing left but for Mayweather to sign the contract. Will Mayweather do it? If the fight occurs, it would pit the two best pound-for-pound fighters of this era. Although many think that this fight is five years too late, it would still be one of the biggest and most lucrative fights in the history of boxing. Pacquiao is an international sensation and Mayweather touts an undefeated mark through 47 fights. Even if the two want to fight, there are still broadcast logistics which must be hammered out before the sides can fight. Will it happen? Jason Cruz can be reached at info@ nwasianweekly.com.
33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ astrology
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Astrological Predictions for 2015 — The Year of the Goat By Sun Lee Chang Even the most jaded amongst us can feel a bit distressed upon hearing the pressing news of our day. It is in this environment that the coming Year of the Goat (also called the Year of the Sheep or Ram) comes mercifully in on Feb. 19, 2015. Each animal in the Chinese Zodiac has five associated elements, including wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The coming year will be the Year of the Wood Goat. The Goat has a special strength as one of the 12 animals
in the Chinese Zodiac – it has the power to make something from nothing. Where you have plenty, it will be sustained in the coming year and where you need assistance, help will surely follow. The combination of the element of wood and sheep is a lucky one indeed. As compared to the other animal signs in the Chinese Zodiac, the Goat has a strong tendency toward sensitivity. As a result, this should be a year where your creativity should
be nurtured and be allowed to develop. However, you must also take care not to be too reactionary, for that could lead to unwise choices. The following is a glimpse into what the year holds for all the animal signs in the Chinese zodiac, with special focus on the areas of work and love.
Rat Your industrious nature has allowed you to accumulate more than you need, thus a shifting of goals may not be in order. Work: Though your focus has been firmly fixed for quite a while, there are things in the periphery which require your attention. Love: Although it seems like your inner circle is shrinking, you have the ability to expand it if you so desire.
Dragon Though you are confident in your position, there is no harm in admitting that another approach would have yielded the same result. Work: Blending in isn’t exactly your forte. The likelier scenario is that you will make a significant impact where you are. Love: A story will be written. Whether you want to be the hero or villain is entirely within your control.
Ox An open and honest nature generally serves you well, but there are times when you should consider your words before you speak. Work: You are not afraid to leave behind comfort in search of something more satisfying, but it will come at a price. Love: No matter what else is going on, you know that taking care of business at home should be the highest priority.
Snake As you make your way through the terrain, watch for those who help or hinder your progress. Work: Although there are some who begin with an advantage, the playing field
Monkey Ever search for something only to find that it was in front of you all along? Slow down to get a good look at what is around you. Work: What is the point of switching places if you just end up at the same place? Be wary of lateral moves this year. Love: The right move isn’t always as clear as you want it to be. Listen to your heart, when your head is not giving you an answer.
will soon be level. Love: You are adept at spotting potential problems, but are often too quick to try to address every issue. Sometimes, it is better just to let it go.
Tiger As the year unfolds, you could find yourself growing restless. Planning a short adventure could quell this feeling for a bit. Work: Have you bitten off more than you can chew? Bring your ambitions in line with what you are able to handle. Love: All or nothing doesn’t have to be in the arena of love. Learning to compromise may be better than you think.
Horse There is a serious note to what you are doing now that is different from before. The choices you make now will be lasting ones. Work: For you, business isn’t just a means to an end. You truly enjoy the twists and turns that are evident along the way. Love: A shared passion will bring you together with someone you had not realized was in the picture.
Rabbit There are those who want to stand out from a crowd, but for the time being, you are content to do well within the comfort of its ranks. Work: There is no one perfect model for success. What it means to you is likely different from others around you. Love: It has taken longer than you thought it would, but there is no denying that you have found the person you have been looking for.
Goat Strong and steady is your motto. The respect you have earned with your style will garner many admirers and followers. Work: Why change something that has been working well for you? A tried and true method is worth keeping. Love: It is in your best interest to pick a partner who you value as a friend as much as anything else.
Rooster Even though your options might be somewhat questionable at the beginning of the year, your prospects will improve as you go. Work: Listen carefully to what is being asked of you. It may differ a great deal from what you expected to hear. Love: You have been ready to go to the next level for quite a while. This may be the year when you will have to step up. Dog You are your own biggest critic, but you have the power to turn that around. Become your own cheerleader instead. Work: As you embark on a new adventure, bring the lessons of the past with you so that you do not make the same mistakes again. Love: You are at your best with a willing companion at your side. Just don’t forget to let them have space to grow as well. Pig Traveling is a high priority for you and this year is no different. Try going somewhere you have not been to before. Work: Are you growing unsatisfied with the range of available solutions? Perhaps it is time to bring someone new
in. Love: While you are accustomed to being in charge elsewhere, in this arena, uncertainty is part of the game.
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 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.
{STAMP cont’d from page 4} ever issued by the Postal Service. Starting today, this lovely illustration will be carried on letters and packages to millions of households and businesses throughout America. As you use them, we hope that the ‘Year of the Ram’ brings each of you good health, great joy and boundless prosperity.” Art director Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, MD, worked on the series with illustrator Kam Mak, an artist who grew up in New York City’s Chinatown and now lives in Brooklyn. The artwork focuses on some of the common ways the Lunar New Year holiday is celebrated. For the Year of the Ram, (Feb. 19, 2015 – Feb. 7, 2016), the illustration — originally created using oil paints on panel — depicts a wooden candy tray known as a chuen-hop or Tray of Togetherness. The tray is filled with dried fruits, candies, and other treats to provide a sweet beginning to the New Year.
The ram, alternately referred to as a sheep or a goat, is one of 12 animals associated with the Chinese lunar calendar. According to an old legend, the animals raced across a river to determine their order in the cycle. The rat crossed by riding on the back of the ox, jumping ahead at the last minute to win the race. Next came the ox, then the tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake and horse, followed by the ram in eighth place. People born in the year of a particular animal are said to share characteristics with that animal. Individuals born during the Year of the Ram are said to be shy, creative and wise. As the most important holiday of the year for many Asian communities around the world, the Lunar New Year is celebrated primarily by people of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan and Mongolian heritage. Images associated with some of these widespread customs are depicted in the Celebrating Lunar New Year series.
In the United States and elsewhere, the occasion is marked in various ways across many cultures; parades featuring enormous and vibrantly painted papier-mâché dragons, parties, and other special events are common. Many families set out a candy tray known as the chuen-hop or Tray of Togetherness like the one depicted in the stamp art to provide guests with an assortment of dried fruits and candies for a sweet beginning to the new year. Drums are played to celebrate this time of renewed hope for the future, with drumsticks sometimes painted red for luck. Firecrackers are set off to ward off evil spirits. Red envelopes (hong bao) containing money are given as gifts to children and loved ones. Purchase stamps at usps.com/stamps, the Postal Store, at 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) and at post offices nationwide.
{ROBOTS cont’d from page 3} has tumbled from $182,000 in 2005 to $133,000 last year, and will drop to $103,000 by 2025, Boston Consulting says. And the new machines can do more things. Old robots could only operate in predictable environments. The newer ones use improved sensors to react to the unexpected. The rise of robots won’t be limited to developed countries with their aging, high-cost workforces. Even low-wage China will use robots to slash labor costs by 18 percent, Boston consulting predicts. Increasing automation is likely to change the way companies evaluate where to open and expand factories.
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FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2015
{TRANSASIA cont’d from page 6} begun to examine both of the aircraft’s engines, a process that can take four months, Wang said. The crash into the muddy Keelung River in Taipei minutes after takeoff killed at least 40 of the 58 people who were aboard the plane,
with rescuers recovering five more bodies on Saturday, according to the Taipei City Fire Department. Three people remain missing. Fifteen people were rescued with injuries after the accident, which was captured in a dramatic dashboard camera video that showed the aircraft banking steeply and scraping a highway overpass before it hurtled
{TERROR RAID cont’d from page 6} have aborted the mission on at least three instances, especially because he knew there was no coordination with support troops. “Why did it happen that there was no coordination?” Aquino said. “Why was the mission continued when it already drastically changed from the original plan, putting the lives of our troops in great danger?” The head of the 120,000-strong military, along with the acting national police chief, Leonardo Espina, have said that
into the water. With warmer temperatures, divers on Saturday were able to retrieve more bodies, which were found hundreds of meters downriver from the crash site. One body turned up near the shore, and others were submerged in mud, said You Chia-yi, a command post chief with the fire
they only were informed by the commanders of the police’s elite commando force after the raid had begun and the commandos were already under militant fire in the marshy fringes of Mamasapano. Aquino also appealed for continued support to the peace deal the government signed last year with the largest Muslim rebel group in the country, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, some members of which were implicated in the fighting that killed the police commandos. “Let us remain focused on our goal, widespread and longterm peace,” he added.
department. Family members of those still missing have given up hope, said Lee Hung Shu-ying, a Tzu Chi Foundation volunteer who talked to numerous relatives Saturday. “They know it’s not possible [to survive] with the weather being so cold,” she said. “They just hope the bodies can be found.”
The FBI has reported that preliminary results of DNA tests showed a man killed by the commandos was the target of the operation, suspected Malaysian bomb-maker Zulkifli bin Hir or Marwan. Aquino also vowed to catch Abdul Basit Usman, a top Filipino terror suspect who escaped. He urged the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to surrender Usman if he is within their territory or at least stand aside and allow troops to hunt him down.
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33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
{BLOG cont’d from page 14} what we should teach our children before they become adults. I endorse this custom totally. Settle your debt before you borrow again next year; it is the right thing to do. In the modern world, people are inclined not to pay on time and postpone payment as much and as long as possible. That’s why so many Americans have lost their credit and are in financial trouble. Food There are lucky foods, especially when it comes to the Chinese New Year. The New Year Cake, made of solid cake, nien go, combines glutinous rice flour with some sugar. Eating the cake is a symbol that you will climb higher and higher every year. Oysters signify that your affairs will be in order. If you don’t want something bad to happen, perhaps eating more oysters can ward off all those bad omens. What about lotus seeds providing fertility? What about tangerines giving you wealth? How about steamed fish granting you prosperity every year? I don’t mind eating all those with my family and staff. I don’t care if it lands me fortune. It’s still fun to eat them anyway. We can all buy our lucky foods at Lam’s Seafood and Uwajimaya if we don’t have time to make them. Activities Create the New Year look by hanging lucky posters, signs, and lanterns to decorate your shop, office, and home. These gestures make you feel festive. You can buy these items at Uwajimaya and Modern Trading. I love to enhance my office with New Year greetings, but I never seem to have time to do it at home. Some folks might argue that if you don’t do it, you might have bad luck all year round. Sorry, I can’t help it. I would rather get enough sleep than sweat over New Year superstitions.
Avoid mean words During the first two days of the Lunar New Year, we are supposed to greet friends and loved ones with “Gung Hay Fat Choy,” meaning “wishes for you to make lots of money.” My parents and relatives got annoyed if anyone said anything like “You go to hell” at the beginning of the year. Now, if people say mean words, I just respond with, “Oh really,” and laugh. That’s a better defense mechanism than to be upset. Today, we say the phrase “Gung Hay Fat Choy” so many times, as if it doesn’t mean too much. It’s more like a New Year greeting than actually meaning that the receiver will get wealth. The better greeting would be, “May your dreams come true.” “May you have good health.” “Million affairs will be in triumph.” It doesn’t cost us anything to say nice things to others. So why make others feel bad?! Cleaning is a no-no… My mom used to clean our home before the New Year because cleaning means sweeping away your wealth. As she ages, she doesn’t do much. Could it be that she is wiser or she doesn’t remember to clean? Both. I try to schedule my cleaners to do the cleaning before the New Year. It’s thoughtful to do so, especially if your janitors are Asian immigrants. Sometimes, it doesn’t work and that’s fine. Go with the flow. And don’t blame yourself or rationalize that you have bad luck that year simply because you clean your house on New Year’s Day. Washing dishes and showers are a “no-no.” But we can’t stop flushing the toilet! I can manage turning on our dishwasher two hours before midnight instead of that certain day. But a daily bath for me is essential to have a good night’s sleep. I cannot change this habit even if you guarantee me a thousand bucks. The day I came to America, I have been showering every New Year’s Day. Perhaps, that’s the reason I can’t be a publisher of 20 newspapers, but only the publisher of two. I just disregard my luck with my act of bathing on the wrong day! But then, if I change my habits, I don’t think money will flood my house either.
Want to get the inside scoop on the latest happenings of Seattle’s Asian American community? Follow Publisher Assunta Ng’s blog at nwasianweekly. com under the Opinion section.
FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2015 {TAKEI cont’d from page 4} Japanese-American war veteran looking back on his family’s time in a Wyoming camp. Previews are set to begin on Oct. 6 at a Shubert Theatre still to be announced. It will mark the first Asian-led cast of a musical on Broadway in more than a decade, since “Flower Drum Song.” David Henry Hwang’s play “Chinglish,” with a predominantly Asian cast, played 109 total performances in 2011-12. “Allegiance” features music and lyrics by Jay Kuo — which blends Big Band sounds with Japanese folk melodies and brassy Broadway numbers — and a book by Marc Acito, Kuo and Lorenzo Thione. It is being directed by Stafford Arima, who directed “Carrie” and “Altar Boyz” off-Broadway and whose own father was interned in Canada during the war, a dark chapter in American history that not everyone knows. “I’m always shocked by the number of people I consider to be well informed who, when I tell them about my childhood and growing up behind barbed-wire fences, they are aghast and shocked. They’d never heard of it,” Takei said. The show had a sold-out premiere in 2012 at the Old Globe in San Diego, starring Takei, Lea Salonga and Telly Leung. So far, only Takei has signed on for the Broadway run but he said “we are working to recreate that.” The producers are Thione and Andrew Treagus. Takei was 5 years old when soldiers marched onto his front porch with bayonets in May 1942 and ordered his entire family to leave their Los Angeles home. His school days began with him reciting “The Pledge of Allegiance” but he could see the barbed wire and sentry towers through his school room window.
It would be nearly four years until the family was able to return to Los Angeles, penniless and forced to start over on Skid Row. His parents “worked their fingers to the bones and got us back on our feet,” Takei said. They went on to buy a three-bedroom house and send all three of their children to good universities. Takei said he believed his musical will be the first Broadway show to investigate the internment of Japanese-Americans and pointed to other great musicals that tackle tough moments in history, including “Les Miserables” and “Cabaret.” At the heart of “Allegiance” is the importance of family, he said and that’s something “everyone can identify with.” Finding a Broadway berth has taken years, partly due to the complicated logistics of traditional theater booking and partly because the subject is a mostly unknown chapter of American history. “All the Broadway theaters had been booked up and there was a long line of productions waiting for the next vacancy. So we just had to get in line and vamp our time,” he said. “It is very, very frustrating and anxietyridden. We’re absolutely thrilled that we’re at this point now. 2015 is going to be the year of `Allegiance.”’ A bottom-up, grass roots effort to land it a home in New York has included leveraging fans of Takei — a wry social media magnet known for his catchphrase “Oh, My!” — as well as a Facebook campaign with more than 530,000 likes, and an unprecedented offer for theatergoers to reserve a seat for the show before it had gotten a theater. Takei will be visiting Seattle for the Asian American Festival in March and will be speaking at the Japanese American Chamber of Commerce.
Northwest Asian Weekly / Seattle Chinese Post presents
Chinatown-International District Lunar New Year Celebration
Children’s Parade Contest | Saturday, February 21, 2015
Children’s Parade Competition Schedule: • 11:30 AM — Registration • 1 PM — Line up • 1:30 PM — Parade Begins • 2:30 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 (1:50 PM). • Finalists will be lined up in numerical order. • All contestants will receive a fortune cookie and lucky candies. 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 (Saturday, February 21) at 11:30 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 are chosen on a first come first serve basis. • Contestants must sign-in at the registration table 15 minutes prior to parade. Rules/Guidelines: • Children ages 12 and under can participate in the contest • Parents are welcome to accompany their children during the Parade • Children will be given a contestant number for order of Parade lineup • Children 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 ($100), Second ($50), and Third ($25) Place Winners, plus 15 honorable mentions. • All decisions made by competition judges are final.
Check out our last year’s parade contest! http://www.nwasianweekly.com/2014/02/welcoming-year-horse
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Please submit completed application through one of the following methods: Mail: Northwest Asian Weekly Children’s Parade Contest 412 Maynard Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98104
Name: ________________________________________________________
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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.
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FEBRUARY 14 – FEBRUARY 20, 2015