VOL 34 NO 12 | MARCH 14 – MARCH 20, 2015

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33 YEARS YOUR VOICE

WINNERS!

Checkmate! – Nakamura wins and Seattle kids learn chess

Local Seattle sushi chef beats Bobby Flay on national TV

Hikaru Nakumara

By Jason Cruz Northwest Asian Weekly Did you know that one of the best chess players in the world is American? Japanese American Hikaru Nakamura is known as a chess grandmaster at only 27 years of age. Nakamura’s success underscores the success and popularity the game of chess has among Asian Americans.

Born in Japan, Nakamura moved to the United States when he was {see NAKAMURA cont’d on page 15}

Toyota of Kirkland facing racial discrimination charges

Taichi Kitamura

By Nina Huang Northwest Asian Weekly Local chef Taichi Kitamura, owner and chef of Sushi Kappo Tamura appeared on the Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay” TV show on March 5.

It was a packed house at Tini Bigs Lounge for the viewing party of “Beat Bobby Flay” where folks gathered to watch and support Kitamura as he went head to head against Flay.

Kitamura was born and raised in Kyoto, Japan, and

lived there until he was 16. He came to Seattle as an exchange student at Lynnwood High School, and later graduated from Seattle University in 1997.

He opened his first restaurant Chiso in Fremont in 2001. He later sold the restaurant, and opened his current Eastlake spot Sushi Kappo Tamura in 2010.

Prior to running his own restaurants, Kitamura trained under his mentor and another local Seattle chef Shiro Kashiba for four years, and also worked at I Love {see KITAMURA cont’d on page 16}

Seattle celebrates Holi with culture and colors

Over 3800 attended and it raised a whopping $33,000 for charity!

Employees discuss racial discrimination at Toyota of Kirkland

Ruhul Kayshel in Kirkland, is suing a former employer for discriminatory practices at Toyota of Kirkland.

Kayshel , who is of Indian descent, is suing Toyota of Kirkland and the O’Brien Auto Group for discriminatory practices against their employees and customers.

“One of our area’s biggest car dealerships is facing charges for discriminating against minorities. The lawsuit against Toyota of Kirkland started with a former salesman, and now more people are coming forward,” said a King 5 News anchor. {see TOYOTA cont’d on page 5}

By Upasana Kone Northwest Asian Weekly Nothing brings out the vibrancy of India like

the festival of Holi. The festival represents India in its true sense, representing its colorful culture {see HOLI cont’d on page 15}

The Inside Story NAMES People in the news » P. 2

■

TRAVEL Thoughts & sketches from Kampot » P. 3

A&E Documenting Japanese internment » P. 7

SPORTS Lin & Clarkson! » P. 8

412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104 • t. 206.223.5559 • f. 206.223.0626 • info@nwasianweekly.com • ads@nwasianweekly.com • www.nwasianweekly.com

Photo by Jerald Peter

By Minal Singh Northwest Asian Weekly

asianweekly northwest

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MARCH 14 – MARCH 20, 2015

■ names in the news GSCCC annual banquet raises funds

courthouse last week in honor to remember the lives of Susanna Remerata Blackwell, her unborn child, baby Kristine, Phoebe Dizon, and Veronica Laureta, who were shot and killed at the Courthouse in 1995 by Susanna’s estranged and abusive husband.

This year was the 20th anniversary of the vigil to honor the lives lost to domestic violence and sexual assault. 

Yoshitomi launches “Memories” program Karen Yoshitomi, the new Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington (JCCCW) executive director, has launched the “Omoide (Memories)”program series for 2015.

She presented her organizational vision and goals in her first public appearance last week.

Karen Yoshitomi The JCCCW resumes its series, at its cultural center at 1414 South Weller Street. A native Washingtonian, Karen is a 1986 graduate of the University of Washington with a sociology degree.Each month, attendees are asked to write a personal memoir and present it to the group the following month. The purpose is to assist and encourage Nikkie to record their family histories.Some of the stories may be published as part of the JCCCW’s books on Nikkei cultural and history. 

McDermott awarded by the Embassy of Japan

Sam Wan, Donnie Chin, Martha Lee

The Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce celebrated Lunar New Year with its annual banquet at China Harbor on March 5. The GSCCC raised $2000 for Kin On Health Care Center and $1000 for the International District Emergency Center. May Wan also received a special award recognizing her dedication and service to the GSCCC. 

Do resigns; will help development for Special Olympics

with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold & Silver Star award at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. for his contribution to “promoting Japan-U.S. legislative exchange, and maintaining and deepening the Japan-U.S. alliance through the promotion of enhanced understanding of Japan in the U.S. Congress.” The Order of the Rising Sun is the highest civilian honor awarded by the Japanese Government. 

Vigil protesting domestic violence

Mary Do has resigned from Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area CID-BIA to join the Special Olympics as Vice President of Development. Her last day as BIA’s marketing director will be March 13. 

Northwest Asian Weekly is always looking for Asian American community news. If you are the host or an attendee of an API fundraiser, e-mail us a big photo, event highlights, and the amount of money raised. We are also looking for news about APIs in new jobs and APIs getting public recognition and awards.

Please send materials to editor@nwasianweekly.com with “names in the news” as the subject line.

Mary Do

McDermott awarded by Japan Embassy

Honoring those killed due to domestic violence

Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA) was presented

There was a rally and march around the King County

Friday, March 27, 2015 • 6-9 p.m. • New Hong Kong Restaurant • 900 S. Jackson St., Seattle • 206-223-7999 diversity.nwasianweeklyfoundation.org • rsvp@nwasianweekly.com • $25 for students & family • $45 regular ticket price Lucy Tran

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33 YEARS YOUR VOICE

■ travel

MARCH 14 – MARCH 20, 2015

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The Village Report Observations and sketches from Kampot

By Dipika Kohli Northwest Asian Weekly Three guys who talked like Eastenders asked me what I wanted.

Pasta. Did they have that? Kind of. In a set.

“Ok. I’ll have that. The special. But can I substitute the beer, please? Do you have milk? Yes. Yes, thanks.”

I was not in the mood for beer and pasta, conversation of the variety that happens when you go to a place with lots of young people who are on the road indefinitely, searching for something but not necessarily aware of what, or why, or how, and often getting distracted by whatever’s around. It’s normal.

It’s the age.

Me, I’ve been traveling for about twenty years, but in intermittent blocks. India for three months when I was 23, then Ireland for three years with all the setup that comes with that, and now I’m in Cambodia. It’s been almost a year, and I feel good here, noticing the new.

“I like Kampot,” I say, mindlessly to myself, but out loud.

Aske Pederson, who pronounces his name “Es-keh” and said I could print it here, heard. “You visiting for long?”

“A couple of days. Maybe four. Maybe five. I’ll just see. I want to kind of get offline a bit, you know?” Glowing screens all around the place—on tables, at bar counters, in pockets shining through—gave me the feeling I was on some kind of New Generation tour. Going to India on my own in the nineties was mostly journaling, scrapbooking, and commingling with the other people around the way we were doing now. Just hangin’ out, like I remember from before, in small towns in Himachal Pradesh and Kochin, without hundreds of people to talk to in any time zone at our fingertips. What’s going on, these days? What’s really happening to us?

I almost didn’t go on my Kampot sojourn because I know it’s going to be like this. But I can’t help it. I’m feeling keyed up in Phnom Penh with my routine, and there’s not a lot of greenery around, a lot of expats talk about that, especially the ones from Melbourne who really, really miss their parks.

Revisiting drawing in Kampot

Public space, private space. For sharing, and caring. It’s hard to discover the way from one to the other, but it’s possible, when we make time and room to try. Which involves, of course, taking small risks. Journeying out, even a small threehour jut into Cambodia’s eastern turf from my base, is fine, is good, is clearing the head a bit. I go offline. I draw. I pick up my pen, before the pasta.

“I used to draw,” says Aske. “When I was a kid I was good at it. I should do that more. I should draw.”

I pull out a blank cream sheet of A4. A pen. I push it towards him, across the diagonal space of my placemat and his. In a square, if one edge is the length “s,” that distance is “s” times the square root of two. I like this idea of roots and twos. I think about things like this but try not to let them enter first-time conversations.

But I can’t help it. I talk geometry. I go into math.

Surprisingly, this is welcomed. It begins to feel like I’m talking to my younger brother, in fact. I can go on for a while about nothing in particular, and it gets vaguely interesting when one thread connects to another that is parlayed in from the outside boundaries, from the edges, pulling and drafting

their way to center space, and the people who contribute to it words and observations move the stories along, and build new weaves. I like this. It feels connectional, if that’s a word, in a way that online doesn’t.

The new year got me to think about those things I want to change and those things I want to develop more deeply.

Get off Facebook. Open my own website, mynamedotcom, which I’d always thought was totally self-centered but now I realize is the hardest thing I’ve done professionally, as it come down to accepting myself as an artist, through and through, without apology. Used to be I’d hide behind a moniker, a design studio name, making me feel official, making me feel legit. (Our studio designed the 25-year anniversary update of this publication, for example.) Good times, but boring, after a while. Not quite... challenging enough. What could I do, instead?

Oh, yeah. Move to Phnom Penh. Figure something out when I got there.

I would be in Kampot for a few days to see about making some sort of event happen, but I wasn’t sure just yet what. I had some zines in hand, these worksheet booklets I was playing with while in Singapore last November, seeing if I could enter some stuff into their Art Book Fair and meandering into the space of asking those hard questions like “Four things to ask yourself to chart your life course” in an approachable, accessible way. Would someone in Kampot want me to share them?

They would.

An American. Surprising, since I had this bias against Americans when they opened conversations, their style being that of overwhelming the other, in a rhetorical blow-by-blow of debate whose aim is to conquer. I got into one of those discussions for the first time at Junior’s in Brooklyn in the 90’s, it was philosophy and logic, and pushing and not yielding. It was icky, really, afterwards. I realized though I’d been able to “win,” it felt terrible. The quality of the after-space, the just{see KAMPOT cont’d on page 15}

asianweekly northwest

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MARCH 7 – MARCH 13, 2015

■ national news

Survivor testifies about 2 friends stabbed, bound, drowned PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A man who survived being beaten, bound, stabbed in the neck and kicked into the Schuylkill River took the stand in a hearing Tuesday and described the night his two friends lost their lives.

Tam Voong, 20, said he used a submerged rock to cut his wrist ties and crawled up the riverbank on Kelly Drive to get help. He was nearly killed while trying to deliver some of the $100,000 that his friend Vu “Kevin” Huynh said he owed his captors.

Authorities describe the 31-year-old Huynh as a popular singer in his native Vietnam and a heavy gambler who racked up a $100,000 debt at a casino near Philadelphia. The other victim was his 28-year-old brother, Viet Huynh.

Voong said he arrived at the defendant’s house to find the brothers bound and badly beaten and five men holding them hostage. He had only been able to raise $40,000 but never got to deliver it before all three were put in a van and taken to the river.

Tam Le, 41, faces a double murder trial after a judge at Tuesday’s preliminary hearing upheld murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault and other charges for trial. The other suspects have not been captured.

Viet Huynh was stabbed 10 times and his brother 32 times, according to autopsy results. Both lived in Paoli, near Philadelphia, but traveled frequently to Vietnam, authorities said.

Le, with a shaved head and a strip of hair on his chin, stared intently at Voong during his long testimony.

He held his head in his hands as he listened to the statement his wife gave police during his five months on the lam. She told them that they had taken their children to Rochester, New York, after the Aug. 27 deaths.

Le told her about the river killings and was stunned when she told him someone had survived, she said.

“Tam got real pale and was getting real nervous and saying he couldn’t believe someone survived,” Bich Vo testified. “He

then told me that he couldn’t return to Philadelphia because the cops would be looking for him.”

She said she thought the debt involved about $20,000 they owed her husband for used appliances. Le was on parole in a New York manslaughter case at the time.

The slayings occurred two weeks after Vu Huynh and Voong were arrested in upstate New York with more than 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of marijuana. Voong, who described himself as a former drug dealer, said he had also been kidnapped weeks earlier in a separate incident in Philadelphia.

Under questioning from Le’s lawyer, Christopher Phillips, he said he did not belong to an Asian drug gang. He said he simply did favors whenever his friend Vu called. That’s why he agreed to try to round up $100,000, he said.

Police are not sure if Vu’s debt stemmed from the seized marijuana or $100,000 he had lost over six months at Harrah’s Casino in Chester, Homicide Detective Shawn Leahy said. 

Lin loses for 1st time to Chen in All Court to consider preservation of England Open badminton semis

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Lin Dan believes the decision to consign his semifinal with Chen Long to an outside court was one of the factors behind his defeat in the All England Open on Saturday.

Chen, the world champion and world No. 1, won for the first time against Chinese teammate Lin, a five-time All England champ, by a surprisingly oneLin Dan sided 21-13, 21-12.

Lin’s star clash with Chen was beside the court set up for live television, which featured women’s world champion Carolina Marin’s win over Tai Tzu Ying of Taiwan. It meant no video replay was available for the outside court.

“I was disappointed not being on center court,” Lin said.

“There were more than two points there that were arguably lost.

“If there had been (video replay), the umpire could have made a far better judgment, and it might have been another story.”

The lead changed hands in their first game before Chen ran away with it from 12-12. Lin, trying to become the first man to win six All Englands in more than 40 years, led 8-4 in the second, but a defensively minded Chen stamped his authority with tight interchanges at the net, and winners down the line.

Lin briefly sparked into life at 17-10 down, but two late

errors saw Chen proceed to the opening Superseries final of the year and, more importantly, his first win over his superior rival after six attempts on the world tour.

“The important phase was coming from behind in the second,” Chen said. “This win means I can improve, knowing I can beat players like that.”

Lin said he failed to get pumped up for the semi, admitting he couldn’t “shout or show fist pumps” against his teammate, who will play Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark for his second All England title in three years.

The Dane has yet to drop a game, after beating Sho Sasaki of Japan 21-11, 21-12. Chen has a 6-1 record against Jorgensen, although the Dane won their last match in June.

Marin couldn’t disguise her delight as she won her semi 21-18, 21-11 against Tai, breaking into vocal outbursts of celebration.

She and Saina Nehwal will contest their first All England final, after the Indian beat Sun Yu of China 21-13, 21-13 in 51 minutes.

“It is a big event and everyone dreams of winning,” Nehwal said. “This is a big hurdle, and everyone (in India) expects a lot of me.”

Nehwal said she has prepared for matches this week by watching the films of Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan.

“They have kept me relaxed,” said Nehwal, who first played here in 2007. “I used to play with a lot of pressure but I was free today.

In the mixed doubles final, Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir of Indonesia will attempt to win their fourth successive All England title against Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei of China. 

judge’s racist emails

By Matthew Brown Associated Press

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Civil rights attorneys and lawyers for the judiciary are due in federal court Tuesday for arguments over whether hundreds of racist emails from Montana’s former Chief U.S. District Judge should be preserved as potential evidence in future lawsuits.

Attorneys for the judiciary are seeking to dismiss the case. They said in court filings that the emails from Judge Richard Cebull are confidential and can’t be released under federal law.

But the civil rights attorneys who filed a court petition to preserve the emails contend they could prove bias in cases that came before Cebull during his 15-year career on the federal bench, including five years as chief judge for the Montana district.

Cebull resigned last year, after an investigation into a racist email he sent involving President Barack Obama that was first reported by The Great Falls Tribune newspaper.

A judicial committee determined he sent hundreds more inappropriate emails to personal and professional contacts that showed disdain for blacks, Indians, Hispanics, women, certain religious faiths and liberal political leaders. Those have not been released.

Under court policy, the emails will be maintained for {see RACISM cont’d on page 14}

■ WORLD NEWS

Bangladesh orders N. Korean diplomat out for smuggling gold

By Julhas Alam Associated Press

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Bangladesh’s government has ordered a North Korean diplomat to leave the country after discovering $1.4 million of unauthorized gold in his bag when he arrived at Dhaka’s airport, a Foreign Ministry official said Monday.

The ministry summoned North Korean Ambassador Ri Song Hyon on Monday and gave him a 72-hour deadline to send the diplomat, Son Young Nam, back home, the official said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

Local media, citing unidentified sources, reported Monday that Son, the embassy’s first secretary for commercial and

economic affairs, had already left the country secretly on Sunday night.

The 27 kilograms (59 pounds) of undeclared gold was seized from Son when he arrived last Thursday at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalam International Airport, police said.

No charges were lodged against Son because of his diplomatic immunity, and he was eventually handed over to officials from the North Korean Embassy, said Rashidul Islam Khan, commanding officer of the airport’s armed police battalion.

Khan said the diplomat arrived on a late-evening flight from Singapore and was passing through the “nothing to declare” channel in customs when he was stopped. An official asked to scan his carry-on luggage and he refused, Khan said.

“We challenged him and found the gold in his luggage. We seized the gold,” he said.

Khan said the diplomat admitted under questioning that he was carrying the gold illegally.

The North Korean Embassy could not be reached Monday night for comment.

Sanctions imposed on North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs have largely cut it off from the international financial system, and it may have wanted to sell the gold to gain badly needed hard currency. North Korean diplomats have also been accused in the past of involvement in counterfeiting and drug trafficking. 

33 YEARS YOUR VOICE

■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR SAT 3/14 WHAT: A night at the market WHERE: Garfield Community Center, 2323 E. Cherry St., Seattle WHEN: 5-7 p.m.

INFO: marketshare. ticketleap.com/ anightatthemarket WHAT: Beijing Meets Seattle (Finding Mr. Right) WHERE: Microsoft Auditorium, Central Library WHEN: 2-4 p.m.

INFO: 206-684-0849 WHAT: 70th Annual NVC/NVCF Installation Banquet WHERE: Rainier Golf & Country Club, 11133 Des Moines Memorial Drive S., Seattle WHEN: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

COST: $45/person

SUN 3/15 WHAT: Staged reading of “Yellow Fever” WHERE: Pocket

Theater in Greenwood, 8312 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle WHEN: 2 p.m.

INFO: www. porkfilled.com

MON 3/16 WHAT: The Annual Ethnic Commissions Reception WHERE: Legislative Building – Columbia Room, 416 Sid Snyder Ave. S.W., Olympia WHEN: 6-8 p.m.

RSVP: amy.van@ capaa.wa.gov, 360-7255667

SAT 3/21 WHAT: API Blood Drive WHERE: Chinese Baptist Church, 5801 Beacon Ave. S., Seattle WHEN: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

INFO: www. bloodworksnw.org/ drives

SAT 3/28 WHAT: Annual White Center 5K Walk & Run WHERE: White

MARCH 14 – MARCH 20, 2015

5

Center, Heights Park WHEN: 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. race time ENTRY FEE: 0-5 free, 6-12: $5, 13-18: $25, 19-54: $30, 55+: $25 REGISTER: whitecenter5k. brownpapertickets.com INFO: 206-692-1082

2­ nd & 4th TUES OF MONTH WHAT: International District Special Review Board meeting WHERE: Bush Asia Center, 409 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle WHEN: 4:30 p.m.

INFO: 206-684-0226

EVERY TUE WHAT: Asian Counseling and Referral Services Employment Program Orientation WHERE: ACRS, 3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S., Seattle WHEN: 3–4:30 p.m.

INFO: 206-695-7527

{TOYOTA cont’d from page 1} “We know that one former employee sued, but these are not new lawsuits that are going to be coming forward. These are just people who are going to be supporting that one man,” said reporter, Dan Cassuto. “[Ruhul Kayshel] said that he was fired after a complaint to his boss here at Toyota of Kirkland about racial discrimination,” said Cassuto.

“You know, basically, he used to say f*** off this Indians, and kicked them out,” said Kayshel.

Kayshel sold cars at the dealership for two years, and says his boss discriminated against people from India, like him, every day, according to Cassuto. When he complained, Kayshel claims the dealership fired him.

“I told him this is going on and you should stop it,” said Kayshel.

“I got a text on my phone,” said Kayshel. “It said, you have been fired we don’t want you anymore.”

“The lawsuit’s moving forward and [Kayshel’s] lawyer says more former employees are moving forward,” said Cassuto.

“I want people to know there is an internalized racism happening throughout O’Brien Auto Group that’s not being stopped,” said one of the employees on the video.

“Comments were made regarding East Indians and Asians while I worked there. One of them for instance, see I would be in the back working on something and he [the plaintiff] would need somebody to come out front. He would say, ‘Hey, Dean, your stinky friends are back’,” said Dean Blackwell, who was referring to Ravindra Bangar and Kaprit Singh, who claim, as customers to have experienced discrimination for being Indian.

“It’s inexcusable to me,” said Blackwell.

“The customers aren’t suing, and neither are the former

salesmen. They’re just talking about their own experiences to support Ruhul Kayshel,” said Capputo.

“I think they should stop this, and the higher management should know how to treat their employees,” said Kayshel.

According to Capputo, the Kirkland dealership did not respond to inquiry in the case.

According to the Seattle PI, “The people who have contributed affidavits to Kayshel’s lawsuit do not stand to benefit financially or legally from their statements, but Blackwell said he hopes the O’Brien Auto Group will acknowledge the alleged behavior of its employees.”

The O’Brien Auto Group is owned by Mike O’Brien, who briefly played as a defensive back for the Seattle Seahawks in 1979.  Minal Singh can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

KING COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ADVERTISEMENT King County is requesting Proposals from qualified firms interested in providing multidisciplinary engineering and architectural services on a work order basis to King County Parks and Recreation Division.

The Request for Proposals, all addenda and current document holder’s list are available on the internet at http://www.kingcounty.gov/procurement.

The County will not mail, ship or fax RFPs and addenda.

Interested firms must register with the County at time of download and ensure that a valid contact email address is given. Notification of addenda will be sent to the registered email address. Failure to register will result in the Proposer not being notified of any addenda, which may result in rejection of the proposal.

The County may award up to two (2) contracts with a maximum price of $1,000,000 each. Each contract will have an initial period of performance of one (1) year. The County reserves the right to amend the contract duration in one (1) year increments up to a maximum of three (3) years, if

funds remain.

Contract Title: Multidisciplinary Engineering and Architectural Services Work Order for King County Parks Number: E00351E15 Proposals due: March 26, 2015 Time: 5:00 p.m.

Pre-proposal Meeting: March 12, 2015 Time: 1:30 p.m.

Location: King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson, 7th Floor, South and North Wind Conference Rooms SUMMARY OF WORK: Engineering and architectural services on a work order basis related to park and trail facilities located throughout King County. The work is anticipated to be primarily civil engineering, environmental planning, geotechnical engineering, architectural, landscape architectural, and related services as needed for each work order.

SUBCONSULTANT OPPORTUNITIES: Provided for informational purposes only, following are subconsulting opportunities that may be available on this Contract: landscape architecture; civil engineering; environmental planning; geotechnical

engineering; architecture; electrical engineering; mechanical engineering; and structural engineering.

SCS UTILIZATION REQUIREMENTS: The Consultant shall ensure that at least 12% of the Total Price for all executed Work Orders, as amended, shall be performed by King County Certified SCS Firms over the life of the Contract. Evaluation points for meeting and/or exceeding the SCS utilization requirements will be provided to each Proposer responding to this requirement. King County will not evaluate the proposal and will not execute a contract with a Proposer who does not commit to meet at least the SCS utilization requirement as stated above.

QUESTIONS: Questions concerning this solicitation should be directed to Ruth Williamson, Contract Specialist at 206-263-9333, TTY Relay: 711. The Proposer may be requested to submit the question in writing. No verbal answers by County personnel will be binding on the County.

This information is available in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities upon advance request by calling 206-263-9400, TTY Relay: 711.

asianweekly northwest

6

MARCH 7 – MARCH 13, 2015

■ WORLD NEWS

Indonesia executions show hurdles of death penalty diplomacy

By Kristen Gelineau Associated Press

SYDNEY (AP) — Inside a remote island prison in Indonesia, two Australians facing death by firing squad await word of their fate. To some, they are ruthless drug smugglers who deserve to die. To others, rehabilitated do-gooders who deserve to live. The question of which characterization is correct has threatened ties between two once-close countries, both convinced they are right.

Australia’s fight to save Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran from imminent execution, and Indonesia’s fight to maintain control of its own legal system, has devolved into a diplomatic battle rife with accusations of hypocrisy, power plays and moral superiority. And it serves as a stark reminder of why the death penalty is often considered the ultimate diplomatic challenge: How do you negotiate the

non-negotiable?

“For a diplomat, the death penalty cases are always the hardest ones because they involve a supreme act of sovereignty — the foreign state believing it has the right to take the life of someone that’s committed a crime — but also a supreme loss of sovereignty that a country isn’t able to protect its citizens overseas,” said Andrew Carr, an international relations expert at The Australian National University. “You get the greatest clash of moral values in that some states believe this is right and proper to be applied and other states believe it’s quite abhorrent.”

There’s inevitably tension whenever one country tries to tell another how to conduct its business. That becomes even more acute in death penalty cases, which involve the most extreme human emotions and become, unwittingly or not, symbols of a nation’s strength — or lack thereof.

The Australian drug smugglers’ case is a prime example

of that. Chan and Sukumaran were arrested in 2005 and sentenced to death for planning to smuggle 8.3 kilograms (18 pounds) of heroin to Australia from Bali. Australia, which long ago abolished the death penalty, pleaded for clemency, arguing the men have been rehabilitated.

Indonesia maintains the ultimate punishment is necessary to protect its citizens from a national drug crisis.

Indonesian leaders, meanwhile, bristled at Australia’s attempts to intervene in what they consider a domestic justice issue. “We stress normally that people in foreign countries are subject to that country’s jurisdiction and that its laws may be different from ours. But in this case, we’re saying we find the death penalty so repugnant that we want you to change the application of your law — and that’s not entirely consistent,” said Geoffrey Miller, an Australian {see DEATH PENALTY cont’d on page 12}

China tells Japan to set MH370 report: Locator down historical baggage beacon battery had expired

By Christopher Bodeen Associated Press

BEIJING (AP) — China’s foreign minister renewed calls Sunday for senior Japanese leaders to abandon any attempt to water down their nation’s guilt over its World War II aggression against China and others.

Looking ahead to this year’s 70th anniversary of the end of the war, Wang Yi told reporters at an annual briefing that history continues to haunt relations between Beijing and Tokyo. He said Japanese leaders had to choose whether to keep those feelings raw or to put history behind them.

“Seventy years ago, Japan lost the war.

Seventy years afterward, Japan must not lose its conscience,” Wang said. “Will it continue to carry the baggage of history or will it make a clean break with past aggression?

Ultimately the choice is Japan’s.”

Japan launched a full-bore assault on China in 1937, withdrawing only after its surrender at the end of World War II in 1945.

Many if not most Chinese believe Japan has never shown true contrition for its brutal occupation that China claims caused the deaths of 14 million people and massive population displacement as refugees fled the Japanese army and set back the country’s embryonic modernization by decades.

China intends to mark the 70th anniversary of the war’s end with a military parade and other grand commemorations, fueling fears in Japan that it is attempting to belittle its post-war contributions to development and security.

However, Wang said China’s goal was to “remember history, commemorate the martyrs, cherish peace and look to the future.” He said invitations to the events would be extended to “all relevant countries and international organizations,” and said China welcomed the participation of “anyone who is sincere about coming.”

Japan issued a landmark apology on the 50th anniversary of the war’s end 1995 under then-Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, acknowledging for the first time its colonization and aggression in parts of Asia before and during the war. In 2005, then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi also apologized.

However, substantial questions surround plans by current hawkish Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to issue a statement on the Aug. 15 anniversary, fueling speculation that he may water down previous apologies.

A key question is whether Abe will use terms such as “colonial rule” and {see CHINA cont’d on page 14}

By Eileen Ng Associated Press

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — The first comprehensive report into the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 revealed Sunday that the battery of the locator beacon for the plane’s data recorder had expired more than a year before the jet vanished on March 8, 2014.

The report came as Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the hunt for the plane would not end even if the scouring of the current search area off Australia’s west coast comes up empty.

Apart from the anomaly of the expired battery, the detailed report devoted pages after pages describing the complete normality of

the flight, which disappeared while heading from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, setting off aviation’s biggest mystery.

Families of the 239 people who were on board the plane marked the anniversary of the Boeing 777’s disappearance, vowing to never give up on the desperate search for wreckage and answers to what happened to their loved ones.

Despite an exhaustive search for the plane, no trace of it has been found. In late January, Malaysia’s government formally declared the incident an accident and said all those on board were presumed dead.

The significance of the expired battery in the beacon of the plane’s flight data recorder {see MH370 cont’d on page 13}

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33 YEARS YOUR VOICE

7

MARCH 14 – MARCH 20, 2015

■ arts & entertainment

Climbing Heart Mountain Documenting Japanese internment

NWAW: Please describe your own background. Are you originally from Seattle? How have your perceptions of the city, and Seattle’s Japanese and Asian communities, changed over time?

Bruce Inaba: I am third generation Japanese American, born and raised in Seattle. I started school in the fall of 1957 in the very southern part of Seattle. There were only a handful of Japanese and Chinese American students at my grade school for the majority of the Asians lived on Beacon Hill, the central area, or Rainier Valley. Asians were restricted from living in many parts of Seattle which is not the case today.

NWAW: How did you get involved with the Seattle Nisei Veterans Committee and the Memorial Hall, and what were your duties there? What sticks in your mind the most about that time?

Bruce Inaba: My parents were members when I was a kid and my family attended the social events sponsored by the Nisei Veterans Committee. Since I grew up in a predominantly Caucasian neighborhood, the NVC allowed me to meet and socialize with other Japanese Americans.

NWAW: How did you get involved with

NWAW: How many times have you watched the film, and how have your impressions changed?

Bruce Inaba: I’ve only watched the film once but it left such a lasting impression, I’m hoping as many Japanese Americans as possible are given the opportunity to experience it.

NWAW: Please describe the film’s approach. How does its story unfold?

How does it differ from other films covering the same era and the same topics?

Bruce Inaba: The story has been told on many occasions how Japanese Americans were stripped of their rights and forced to live behind barbed wires after the attack on Pearl Harbor. “Legacy of Heart Mountain” not only focuses on the war heroes who were born out of these camps, but also on lesser known heroes who with their resilience and creativity, restored normalcy to thousands during these most abnormal times.

NWAW: How did you meet the film’s director, David Ono? What is his story, and what are your most vivid impressions of him?

Bruce Inaba: I met David Ono at Densho’s screening of “Legacy of Heart Mountain.”

I had previously seen his report for KABC News on the Nisei soldiers who served in the 442 RCT/100th Battalion. He is an extremely talented news journalist. What surprises me

is that neither his parents or grandparents were interned in an incarceration camp, nor did they serve in the military during World War II. NWAW: What awards has the film won?

Bruce Inaba: The film has won the Radio Television Digital News Association’s national “Unity” award for diversity programming, an Edward R. Murrow regional award, three Emmy Awards, and a national Asian American Journalist Association’s Pacific Islander Issues Television/Online Award.

NWAW: Please describe the The George and Frank C. Hirahara Photo Collection of Heart Mountain. How much of it

ended up in the film?

Bruce Inaba: The photo collection was the inspiration for producing the film. Not many photographs were taken in camp since most cameras were confiscated. Washington State University has the rights to the Hirahara’s photo collection.  For more information about the “Legacy Of Heart Mountain” screening, visit http://www. seattlenvc.org/calendar/185.

Information about the film itself may be found at http:// www.heartmountainfilm.com Andrew Hamlin can be reached at info@ nwasianweekly.com.

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The latest film to detail the JapaneseAmerican experience in relocation camps during World War II, David Ono’s “The Legacy Of Heart Mountain” has a free screening this coming Sunday, March 15th, at the Nisei Veterans Committee Memorial Hall 1212 S. King Street in Seattle, from 1 to 3 pm. The documentary film focuses on the Heart Mountain War Relocation Center, situated in Wyoming. Bruce Inaba, NVC Foundation President, had family at Heart Mountain. He’s seen the film already, and he took some questions over email.

“The Legacy Of Heart Mountain”? How did you first hear of the film?

Bruce Inaba: I first heard of it when Densho did a screening of the film last fall. The film does an excellent job of telling the adversity of what Japanese Americans had to deal with during World War II. Producer, David Ono, shares the same passion as the NVC Foundation of “Honoring the past, and educating the future,” and his film does a better job of it than anything I’ve ever seen

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asianweekly northwest

8

MARCH 14 – MARCH 20, 2015

■ SPORTS

The Layup Drill

Finally!: Manny-Floyd, UFC heads to the Philippines, and Lin playing well

By Jason Cruz Northwest Asian Weekly

Filipinos all over the world will be pulling for Pacquiao. Want to know how serious they are about their national hero? Former University of Kentucky basketball player, Daniel Orton was on a Philippines Basketball League team when he made comments about Pacquiao’s capability as a basketball player. Pacquiao is part-owner and player/coach on one of the teams. While Pacquiao has taken a sabbatical from playing, Orton was quoted as saying that Pacquiao’s basketball play “is a joke.” Poor decision as Orton’s team quickly dismissed him from the team. An official with the team stated that “everyone is angry at him.” The official compared the insult to that of insulting Martin Luther King, Jr. I am not sure if you can compare Pacquiao to the civil rights leader, but the intent is that Pacquiao is that important to the Filipino people. It goes to show that even taking a jab at Pacquiao on the court will still be met with a tough defense.

Welcome to another edition of The Layup Drill. Have you recovered from the Super Bowl yet?

Manny-Floyd...Finally We’ve written about it a lot and now we finally get to look forward to it. Manny Pacquiao will meet Floyd Mayweather, Jr. on May 2nd in Las Vegas. The fight was finally signed, delivered and announced by Mayweather. Although this fight would have been the biggest spectacle in sport about five years ago, it will still deliver for millions of fight fans. It’s clear that Pacquiao has made concessions so that the fight would be made. The most notable was that the two sides agreed upon a 60-40 split of the revenue in favor of Mayweather. Despite the lack of an equal split, Pacquiao should still make a hefty amount of money from the fight.

Most odds-makers are picking Mayweather as the clear favorite in this fight as most believe that Mayweather (38), has preserved his body over the course of his boxing career.

It is Mayweather’s defensive fighting style that has helped him withstand big shots whereas Pacquiao (36), is a much more aggressive fighter and being knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez in December 2012 still resonates in the minds of most boxing fans.

Rest assured, despite the fight not having the polish it might have had in 2010, these two will still draw a nice crowd, and a very good payday. It’s unlikely that many folks will be

Jordan Clarkson in action

Jordan Clarkson

able to afford a ticket into the 18,500 plus seat MGM Grand Garden Arena as the cheapest ticket into the fight will be $1,000 with ringside seats going for $5,000 each. Despite the lofty prices, expect a sellout and a gate of $40 million which would set a record for attendance at a boxing event in Nevada.

For those of us that can’t fly to Vegas

to watch, there is still the pay-per-view option. However, purchasing the event for home viewing will still be a pricey option as the rumors of the event costing between $100-$110 is almost double that of monthly cable bills for many.

Despite being an underdog against Mayweather, it goes without saying that

UFC heading to the Philippines After much flirtation with the idea that the Ultimate Fighting Championships would visit the Philippines, the mixed martial arts company will finally make a long-awaited debut in the country in May. As part of the card, Filipino fighters will be a part of the card so that fans will have a chance to cheer on their countrymen. The UFC is a hotbed in the Philippines with the company receiving a warm welcome every time a fighter comes to the country on a goodwill tour. {see SPORTS cont’d on page 11}

■ arts & entertainment

Revisiting Taiwanese New Wave

Northwest Film Forum features retrospective of Hou Hsiao-hsien’s films

By Andrew Hamlin Northwest Asian Weekly Hou Hsiao-hsien, who’s been directing films since 1980, is considered one of the most prominent directors in the Taiwanese New Wave cinema movement. The Northwest Film Forum, in collaboration with the Grand Illusion Cinema, presents a retrospective of the director’s work. Northwest Film Forum programmer Courtney Sheehan took some questions over email.

NWAW: How did the idea for a Hou Hsiao-hsien festival come about?

Courtney Sheehan: The retrospective is organized in conjunction with a new book on Hou’s work by Richard Suchenski. The films coming to Seattle are part of an international retrospective coordinated by Richard Suchenski and the Center for Moving Image Arts at Bard College.

This retrospective is a major film event across the world, with participating venues in Austria, Japan, Brazil, and beyond. It’s a rare opportunity to screen Hou’s work on film, and we jumped on the chance to share these films with Seattle by teaming up with the Grand Illusion.

NWAW: Who was responsible for picking the titles in the series? How did that selection go?

Courtney Sheehan: Because this is part of a traveling retrospective of Hou’s complete filmography, the five titles in this co-presentation between Northwest Film Forum and the Grand Illusion were available at this time. The titles are a representative sampling of Hou’s work, spanning fifteen years and encompassing multiple themes in his work: autobiography, period drama, contemporary work, etc.

The Puppetmaster

Good Men, Good Women

NWAW: What aspects of the director’s life and work make him ripe for viewing, discussion, and a retrospective series?

Courtney Sheehan: Hou Hsiao-hsien is arguably the most influential Taiwanese director, so his work is continuously worth revisiting or discovering. He is a master of the long take, and unmatched in his ability to weave emotionally textured narratives and characters.

at each venue because we want to make the films available to audience in the different neighborhoods. The GI presented the last retrospective of Hou’s work in Seattle so it was a natural fit for that reason as well.

I believe that this sort of collaborative, cross-town partnership is increasingly important for creating the best independent film-going opportunities for Seattle audiences.

We are especially excited about the partnership because it is Northwest Film Forum’s 20th anniversary this year, and the Grand Illusion was actually our first theater. The GI just celebrated its 10th anniversary as a volunteer-run theater last year, so it’s a perfect moment to revisit our tied history through this series.

The Scarecrow Project [Scarecrow Video] is also supporting the series by screening some of the films not included in this

NWAW: How did you go about coordinating with the Grand Illusion Cinema?

Courtney Sheehan: Seattle audiences will get to see these beautiful films thanks to this crucial partnership between the Grand Illusion and NWFF. The costs associated with the prints would have been prohibitive for either venue individually, but by pooling resources, our two independent film non-profits are able to present Hou’s work. We are screening every film

{see HOU HSIAO-HSIEN cont’d on page 11}

33 YEARS YOUR VOICE

■ education

MARCH 14 – MARCH 20, 2015

9

Top grade

“Diversity makes a difference” scholarship nominees

Jonathan Flores

Anne Liisa Vlasenko

Jerome Siangco

Compiled by Andrew Kim Northwest Asian Weekly Each year, the Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation offers scholarships for extraordinary students who contribute and play a part in promoting diversity in our community. Here is a sampling of a few of our many exceptional nominations: Jonathan Flores, Kentridge High School “Jonathan has challenged himself by taking advanced college classes. He is part of LEAP (Latino/a Education Achievement Project), KRADE (Kentridge Alliance for Diversity and Equity), and the POC (People of Color) Committee. He has worked with Washington legislators on the Real Hope of Washington State, which allows undocumented students that are DACA eligible get financial aid for college.

He is also a math tutor for those struggling with math.”

Christina Owour

Rachel Liu

Vera Okalo

Gloria Hunkin

Isabel Gregario

Lisa Nguyen

Anne Liisa Vlasenko, Mariner High School “Anne is a high academic achiever and has a diligent work ethic. She sets high standards for herself and is not intimidated by difficult tasks. She enjoys reading and is a welcomed voice in the classroom – her insightful contributions and relevant questions elevate the level of discussion. Anne is a part of the National Honors Society and a recipient of The Lamp of Knowledge Award, earned by maintaining a 3.7 GPA throughout high school. Anne and her family immigrated to the US from Estonia when she was very young and as a result, she values diverse thinking, open-mindedness, and respectful discourse. Anne is fluent in two languages and impressive for her age, she possesses a tremendous amount of integrity and is not threatened by opposing viewpoints or perspectives.”

Christina (Audrey) Owour, Mountlake Terrace High School “Audrey has been a key member of the Black Student Union group for the past two years and is a testament to the

group’s goal to ‘advance the perception and spread the culture of African Americans at her school and community through exceptional works both in the classroom and in our daily lives’. Being the middle child of five siblings has instilled a work ethic and sense of maturity beyond her years. She donates her time to the local food bank three times a month with her church to provide those who are less fortunate with a nutritious meal. She also shares responsibilities to set up and attend volunteer opportunities with Food Lifeline, Campus Clean-Up, and youth mentorship. She also played a pivotal role in the bi-annual Martin Luther King Jr. Assembly this year and exhibits a personal responsibility to be a positive role model for students of color.”

Gloria Hunkin, Auburn Riverside High School “Gloria is gregarious, open, and accepting – known for

■ arts & entertainment

{see DIVERSITY cont’d on page 12}

Young Jackie Chan…and samurais everywhere Highlights from the Cinerama Fists & Fury martial arts festival

By Andrew Hamlin Northwest Asian Weekly “I don’t think that was Jackie Chan,” I told my movie date, as the lights went up at the end of “Snake In The Eagle’s Shadow.” And I owe her an apology, because it actually was Jackie Chan, who was of course good enough at playing himself that I wondered if he was an imitator. At age 24 in 1978 when “Snake” was shot by first-time director Yuen Woo-Ping, Jackie looked fresh-faced, pliable, and not yet settled into the strict series of charming facial ticks (itchy nose, wide-eyed astonishment, crooked-lipped scoffing) he’d codify later on.

Jackie’s an underdog, as his comic persona usually demands; the strutting masters at his kung fu school find him fit only for floor-scrubbing and abuse, physical and otherwise. His resilience under hostility reminds me of Harold Lloyd’s Speedy character in the “The Freshman,” so desperate to fit in at football that he volunteers as a human tackling dummy.

Lloyd did not use a stuntman (neither did Jackie, in 1978). Speedy got up after every tackle, but I wasn’t sure whether to salute him or not. Like Jackie’s character, Speedy could have chosen better friends. But that wouldn’t be funny.

Akira Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai,” from 1954 (the year Jackie Chan was born) boasts so many piled accolades, saying

Jackie Chan in “Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow”

anything original about it isn’t easy. I took pleasure in one of its quieter moments; I’d remembered when the long-faced, highcheekboned master swordsman Kyuzo (Seiji Miyaguchi) comes back, through the fog, having silently raided the enemy came and taken a musket. ”Two more down,” he says—and that’s a long speech for him.

Then he sits and closes his eyes.

What I hadn’t recalled was the coda to that

moment, when youngster Katsushiro (Isao Kimura), rushes over to congratulate Kyuzo and to profess his celestial admiration for the older man. Kyuzo brushes him off.

Kyuzo speaks, moves, and kills decisively but simply. He refuses to waste energy. And to borrow a Zen adage, he will sleep when tired. He wants everything, even killing, simple. And direct.

The Cinerama’s print of “Seven Samurai”

had some noticeable wear and a recurrent, obnoxious spasm of bright red dots roughly center screen. I learned to look around that red and pay attention to the magnificent black-and-white photography, although it wasn’t easy. The film after “Seven Samurai,” Masaki Kobayashi’s “Harakiri” (1962) showed a little less print wear, although I worried in places that the film would break.

I hadn’t seen it on a big screen before, and the widescreen photography brought detail to faces, gestures, stances, intricacies in the film’s many extreme close-ups.

And “Harakiri” chronicles samurai, not their fighting, its big finish notwithstanding.

The sacred bushido code, says the story, does not allow for changing times—hard times. It does not allow for empathy, for mercy, for compassion. And in hard times, those with a little power, a little prosperity, scraps of power and prestige—flaunt it, to the suffering of others. The film is set in the seventeenth century; it came out a few years before Stanley Milgram’s “obedience to authority” testing, and several years before the Stanford Prison Experiment, of 1971. And long before the Great Recession.

We don’t need experiments to let us know that the haves close rank and persecute the have-nots, in times of struggle. We only need history.  Andrew Hamlin can be reached at info@ nwasianweekly.com.

asianweekly northwest

10

MARCH 14 – MARCH 20, 2015

■ PUBLISHER'S BLOG

OPINION

What a week for entertainment and politics!

Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber board members

From left: Seattle Port Commissioner Bill Bryant, Mayor Ed Murray, and Director-General of Taipei Economic Affairs Andy Chin

Not the usual Chamber’s dinner

So what was unusual?

Mayor Ed Murray, who declared he’s a sheep, spoke briefly at the Greater Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s Lunar New Year dinner at the China Harbor Restaurant last week.

Murray, 60, was born in the Year of the Sheep. According to Chinese astrology, anyone born in the same year as the named zodiac sign, it will be a year of turmoil. As if his first year wasn’t dramatic and challenging enough with the shakeup of the police department, the hiring of a new police chief, Kathleen O’Toole, and the passing of the $15 minimum wage and more—well we will soon find out, won’t we?!

Then Murray mentioned that he is also a Taurus (bull). Oh, the yin and yang balances!

That might also explain how the Chamber arranged its seats for the VIPs. Consider that Murray, a Democrat, was sitting right next to Seattle Port Commissioner Bill Bryant, a Republican. But that’s not the odd part. What is interesting is the conflict and obvious tension between the City and the Port. Murray had asked the Seattle Dept. of Planning and Development to “review, investigate and determine” whether the Port lease of Terminal 5 to Shell Oil is allowed under the City’s and Port’s guidelinea. Whoa!

I don’t blame Murray left early.

Then Walter Liang, a devoted Republican, bragged about Republicans buying two tables at the dinner. How about four tables next year? Republicans can afford it. (I know I am going to get flak for this!) The Washington State Republican Party also paid for a Happy Lunar New Year advertisement in the Northwest Asian Weekly without us asking for it. I hope the year of the sheep will be a start for the party to get involved with the Asian community.

I bought five raffle tickets and one of them hit the jackpot. I won the third prize (in terms of dollar value), a gift basket, but it was actually the best prize because it was the Chamber’s board members’ team effort pulling their resources together. What did it contain? The basket contained Nordstrom and Starbucks gift certificates, a comic book (Silk Comic Issue #1), a tea set, Girl Scout cookies, plus a month of kung fu classes donated by Master David Leong.

Winning the raffle was not just about winning. It also meant that a lucky aura had descended on me that day to prevent me from getting badly hurt the following day.

While I was frying pork for lunch the next afternoon, another stove inches from me, suddenly caused the plate on top to explode into hundreds of pieces with sharp edges and weird shapes. The broken pieces flew

all over the kitchen, including on the food I was cooking. My husband thought he had turned off the stove, but it was not completely off. The switch was a half centimeter from the “off” sign, and the heat was still strong.

Amazingly, I was not hurt. Despite the fact that I had no physical injury, my psyche was tarnished, and my body was trembling for a while. I had narrowly missed a frightening, deadly experience. If that wasn’t luck, what is?

Pam Banks vs. Kshama Sawant

Group therapy scene from “Seven Ways to Get There”

I have a confession to make. I am not exactly a huge fan of plays, but more a symphony and Broadway-performance enthusiast.

Nonetheless, I took my family to watch Seven Ways to support Clark’s endeavor.

Surprised, I actually shed tears (I won’t spoil the play and tell you what happens).

Pam Banks

Kshama Sawant

Pam Banks, CEO of Urban League, has announced her candidacy challenging Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant. On one hand, it is good news that a person of color is running for office. On the other, it might divide the minority communities. And two women will be running against each other. Banks is of Asian and African descent and Sawant is Indian-born. Oh my! What are we going to do?

Remember, we are living in a democracy.

We are talking about choices and the right to vote for who you think can best serve you and the diverse needs of your district. We also have Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell running for re-election. It looks as if this election will turn out to be an exciting one for the Asian community in politics.

Win-win for all

How do you describe a guy who is restless, relentless, passionate about doing good things, and simultaneously manages to shed some spotlight for his company?

Meet Dwayne Clark, founder and chairman of Aegis Living, who has just cowritten a play, “Seven Ways to Get There,” now playing at the ACT Theater. The story is about his counseling experience with a group of men and a counselor 16 years ago.

Aegis Living is also planning to build a Chinese-assisted facility in Newcastle, which will be breaking ground this year.

So before the show is even produced, Clark got his 28 CEO friends’ commitment to support the play by inviting their companies’ employees and families to watch it, too. Sixty percent of the seats have already been sold prior to the show.

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.

The play was actually a comedy, and there were several moments of lively and funny conversation about how these men discovered and responded to each other’s secrets, fears, anger, anguish, challenges, and anxieties. {see BLOG cont’d on page 14}

33 YEARS YOUR VOICE

MARCH 14 – MARCH 20, 2015

11

OPINION

■ editorial

Yes, there is Asian homelessness

Photo by Minal Singh/NWAW

Why do we not address the homeless Asian community more?

Yes, it is actually a problem.

And it is also especially ignored when it comes to the female Asian population. The male Asian population might be more noticeable due to less fear of panhandling and perhaps a tendency to be more aggressive when absolving their situation.

We talked to Rita Yu, who was carrying her heavy blue bag with her sleeping supplies (a sleeping bag, toothbrush, clothes, and other material needs when meeting her on Occidental Square. ) Yu’s family immigrated from Hong Kong in 1997; her family moved to San Francisco and she stayed in Seattle. She had plans.

Her regular sleeping quarters are now on the front of the Berliner (a restaurant that makes sandwiches) on First Ave. She said it was safest there. (She did mention mice crawl on her however.) Her other home is in Occidental Park.

She said none of the missions or shelters in Pioneer Square accepted women.

Why not go to a women’s shelter?

(Background: There are not a lot of women shelters in Seattle.

However, there is at least one in the International District.)

“Yes, I know. There is one on 14th and Jackson.”

“So why not go?”

“It’s hard to communicate. They don’t speak English and it is mostly for Vietnamese.”

Communication and translation issues. They are always a problem.

This is what Rita wanted to do when she was in Seattle: She was going to attend Lake Washington Technical College to get a certificate to be a nursing assistant.

She didn’t get to do that, but she worked at Fred Meyer for a while until she got laid off due to the recession.

So what is exactly the issue? Why are you not getting public assistance? (We asked this as if we didn’t already know what the answer was.)

“They make a difference between homeless and refugee.”

Maybe we shouldn’t be making that difference. 

■ commentary Hindus urge Washington Governor for task force on hate crimes

By Rajan Zed For Northwest Asian Weekly We are commending Washington Governor Jay Inslee for drawing attention to the recent vandalizing of Bothell and Kent Hindu temples Rajan Zed and stressing the need of standing against acts of intolerance and hate.

Hindus are urging him to create a Washington Governor’s Task Force on Hate Crimes.

Hindus are highly concerned about two vandalizing incidents involving Hindu temples in Bothell and Kent in the Seattle metropolitan area in February, which were about 34 miles apart. We thanked Inslee for meeting with Hindu temple leaders on March five and condemning acts

of intolerance, intimidation, and violence.

It was shocking for the hard-working, harmonious and peaceful US Hindu community numbering about three million; who had made many contributions to the nation and society; to receive such signals of hatred and anger.

This Task Force, headed by the Governor, might include senior state administration officials, law enforcement agencies, school district superintendents, religious leaders, community and human/civil rights activists, academic experts, etc., and should be designed to prevent and deal with conflicts threatening community stability and wellbeing and eradicate hate/bias-motivated crime, besides developing strategies and increasing awareness.

Besides grappling with issues of hate/bias motivated crimes, this Task Force should also aim to foster strong relationships/partnerships and build trust with diverse communities through robust outreach/interaction/

{HOU HSIAO-HSIEN cont’d from page 8}

{SPORTS cont’d from page 8}

retro.

While the main event will feature two American fighters in the main event, Frankie Edgar and Urijah Faber, expect a raucous Filipino crowd. Notably, Mark Munoz will be a part of the event in Manila.

Munoz fought this past February near his home in Southern California. Unfortunately, it was not a good homecoming for the man dubbed “The Filipino Wrecking Machine.” The problems started the day before as Munoz failed to make weight on his first attempt. You might recall Munoz had issues with weight in the past having ballooned up to near 300 pounds. Munoz fights at 185 pounds. Even though Munoz made the required weight limit, he was choked out in the first round in a disappointing performance which saw him mount no offense. With injuries mounting and his skills depleting, it’s easy to see that he is on the down side of his career.

Munoz, who is a proud Filipino American, will get another chance in the Octagon. And he’s decided that this will be his last in a fitting ending to his career. For a fighter that’s been proud of his Filipino heritage, his fight this May will be his last. Hopefully, he can end his career on a winning note.

NWAW: Are the Northwest Film Forum and the Grand Illusion planning any more joint ventures? If so, what?

Courtney Sheehan: NWFF will do an encore screening of the sold-out VHSEX3 show on March 27th. We are hosting a joint members and volunteer party (with Scarecrow) on March 25.

NWAW: What’s in the immediate future for you as a programmer, and NW Film Forum in general?

Courtney Sheehan: I am continuing to focus on community building through programmatic partnerships with area organizations, schools, and community groups.

Right after the Hou retro, we’ll have the 2015 edition of our long-running design and architecture film festival ByDesign, co-presented with Seattle design firm Civilization.  For more information about films, venues, prices, and show times for the Hou Hsiao-hsien festival, visit http://www.nwfilmforum.org/live/ page/series/3446.

Andrew Hamlin can be reached at info@ nwasianweekly.com.

Lin mounting comeback in second half but is it too late?

I had the unique opportunity to cover an NBA game, a rarity for those still hoping for the Sonics to return to Seattle. I traveled down I-5 in early February to watch the Los Angeles Lakers play the Portland TrailBlazers in the Moda Center (formerly known as The Rose Garden). The main reason was to see Jeremy Lin in person.

The player formerly known as “Linsanity” has been less than himself since leaving New York three years ago for the Houston Rockets. In the offseason, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

On this night, he was coming off the bench, his new role for the

coordination. No Washingtonian should fear being the victim of crime because of hatred/bias based on religion, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other circumstances.

We also suggest that hate crime reporting should be further strengthened and law enforcement policies/ procedures/practices should be reviewed to further energize response to hate crimes. Creating broader awareness might also help.

Basics of major world religions should be taught in both public and private high schools of the state and first responders should be imparted cultural competency training so that we understood each other better in view of increasing diversity of the state.  Rajan Zed is President of Universal Society of Hinduism

Lakers. Coach Byron Scott stressed that Lin needed to be more consistent as a player as he was one of the veteran players he relied on that came off the bench.

As I tried to interview him during pre-game warmups, he turned my offer down citing that his usual ritual is not to talk to press prior to games. Of course, I had waited after Lin just completed an interview with Time Warner Sports, the cable company that is the “flagship” station for the Lakers in southern California. To Lin’s credit, he recognized the inconsistency in his statement and let me know that the interview he did was pre-arranged and that he usually did not do interviews before his game.

Lin did not have a very good game against the Blazers. His shots were all fading away and he finished with just 2 points from free throws and no actual shots made. In the same game, Laker rookie Jordan Clarkson showed that he is a player that the team could look to in the future. Clarkson, whose mother is Filipino, has seen his minutes increase and has taken advantage of his opportunity to play.

Since watching the two play in Portland, Lin has improved.

His production is much better and he’s shown signs of being that stable point guard that Coach Scott is looking for. But, ironically, Clarkson’s play may actually mean the end of Lin’s time in Los Angeles. The sheer economics of it is that Lin makes a lot more money than Clarkson. As a free agent after the season, Lin will likely have to take a pay cut from his loft salary of almost $15 million per year to find another job. The Lakers pay Clarkson under $1 million, which is very cheap when talking about paying NBA players.

Is there any chance we see the return of Linsanity? Or, will the new Asian American basketball player to follow be Jordan Clarkson?  Jason Cruz can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

asianweekly northwest

12

MARCH 7 – MARCH 13, 2015

{DEATH PENALTY cont’d from page 6} who spent 40 years working as a diplomat in Japan, Korea and New Zealand. “The whole issue is so emotive and it’s so final ... it’s understandable that our government is making a major effort. But I think there’s a certain awkwardness in it.”

That awkwardness can lead to verbal stumbles that threaten negotiations. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott vowed not to let Chan and Sukumaran’s case jeopardize the countries’ close ties. And yet that’s exactly what happened when Abbott suggested the men deserved leniency because Australia gave Indonesia $1 billion in aid after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

The response from Indonesia’s foreign ministry spokesman, Arrmanatha Nasir, was sharp. “Threats are not part of diplomatic language,” he said. “And from what I know, no one responds well to threats.”

But if threats don’t work, what does?

“One challenge is balancing the need to win concessions from local officials, appease foreign outrage, and build political capital to use in future diplomatic negotiations,” Wesley Kendall, author of “The Death Penalty and U.S. Diplomacy,” said by e-mail.

That’s no small feat. Consider the 2011 execution of Mexican national Humberto Leal, which stoked tensions among Mexico, the U.S. government and the state of Texas.

Under pressure from Mexico, President Barack Obama had pleaded with then-Texas Gov. Rick Perry to stop the execution of Leal, who raped and murdered a Texas teen. Officials never told Leal he could contact the Mexican consulate for help, which the International Court of Justice later ruled to be a violation of his rights. The Obama administration said Leal should be spared in light of that ruling, though Congress never ordered the states to comply with it.

In a letter supporting legislation that could have given Leal an avenue for appeal had it passed before he was executed, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Attorney General Eric Holder wrote: “The United States is best positioned to demand that foreign governments respect consular rights with respect to U.S. citizens abroad when we comply with these same obligations for foreign nationals in the United States.”

The battle over Leal exemplifies just how tricky such negotiations can become, Kendall said.

{DIVERSITY cont’d from page 9} her kindness she displays to all students alike. She has been instrumental in setting up the Multicultural Fair for the past 2 years and she is sincere in her endeavor to unify the students at Auburn Riverside High School. A native of Hawaii, Gloria is very proud of her Samoan heritage and is frequently seen wearing Polynesian attire. For the Multicultural Fair, she took on the huge project of coordinating performances and booths with ethnic foods and other cultural items. Gloria also recruited students to perform with her in a Polynesian dance.

Many who participated were not even Samoan, though this was not apparent due to the joy on each of their faces. Her enthusiasm was absolutely contagious and the fair has doubled in the number of participants and cultures represented. Gloria also serves as an athletic trainer in the Sports Medicine Program and after high school, intends to pursue a nursing career.”

Isabel Gregario, Juanita High School “Isabel is a driven, focused, and mature young woman who has learned how to be a leader and role model at an early age.

Her family moved to the states seven years ago and as the eldest daughter, Isabel has had the responsibility of taking care of her younger siblings. She also takes the time to volunteer at Robert Frost Elementary and Kamiakin Middle School.

Isabel is a current member and past president of the Honor Society and takes leadership roles at her church. She has become looked upon as an ambassador to the Philippines and always looks to build a culture of inclusion. Isabel has shown the dedication, drive, and ability to achieve high levels of success and she always strives to be a positive role model who is able to share her diverse perspective.”

Jerome Siangco, Eastside Catholic High School “Jerome has had an impressive impact on his community – he has served as President of Interact-Fidelis, President of International Club, and as a member of Bamba Club. As President of Interact-Fidelis, Jerome led efforts to partner with a pen pal project with students in Nigeria. The pen pal project allowed a sharing of different cultures and students maintain contact with their pen pals to this day. As President of International Club, Jerome seeks to promote diversity in a fun way by celebrating a holiday from a different culture each month. Jerome is also an enthusiastic member of the Bamba Club, Eastside Catholic’s sister school in Bamba Kenya.

Jerome was actively involved with a small team of students who worked with school faculty and administrators to initiate

“Clinton’s statement captures her precarious diplomatic position,” he said. “When an American is arrested overseas, and his rights have been violated in some way, the U.S. will have little diplomatic capital to negotiate with after executing a foreigner in blatant violation of international law.”

The fallout of such cases can reverberate long after the execution is over. Relations between Australia and Malaysia were frosty for years after former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke blasted the 1986 executions of two Australian heroin traffickers hanged in Malaysia as “barbaric.”

They cause headaches in the short-term, too. Brazil and the Netherlands recalled their ambassadors to Indonesia after a Brazilian and a Dutchman were executed in January on drug charges. The next month, Indonesia recalled its ambassador for Brazil to protest the postponement of the approval of his credentials by Brazil’s president amid tensions over the looming execution of another Brazilian, Rodrigo Gularte, who is expected to be put to death alongside the Australian drug smugglers.

Then there is the thorny issue of hypocrisy, which commonly arises when nations that support capital punishment at home try to save their citizens from executions abroad. Australia has repeatedly pointed out such efforts by Indonesia, which last year paid around $2 million to stop the beheading of an Indonesian woman convicted of murder in Saudi Arabia.

The intense emotions involved make such cases tough for some diplomats to tackle both professionally and personally.

In the 45 years Miles Kupa worked as an Australian diplomat, there’s one case he cannot shake: Van Tuong Nguyen, an Australian sentenced to death after being caught with heroin in Singapore.

Kupa, who was Australia’s High Commissioner to Singapore when Nguyen was facing execution in 2005, had the delicate job of conveying Australia’s request for clemency to Singapore’s then-president — despite knowing the plea was unlikely to change the outcome.

“The law is very clear that in the case of heroin, if you’re carrying more than 15 grams, the death penalty is mandatory,” Kupa said. “So there was something very sadly automatic about the way the whole matter proceeded.”

Still, Kupa and his colleagues toiled behind the scenes, informing the Australian capital of developments and how the matter was being viewed in Singapore, managing visits from

Australia’s leaders, regularly checking on Nguyen and helping Nguyen’s family.

Ultimately, the efforts failed. Nguyen was hanged on Dec. 2, 2005.

“It was evident that there was no flexibility in their position,” said Kupa. “But that said, I think it was incumbent on us to do everything we could. ... In the end, that proved to be of no avail.”

“It is frustrating,” he added. “But one persists and one has to be resilient and forceful without causing offense.”

Yet avoiding offense is difficult in such highly charged cases. Former Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird once publicly accused Iranian officials of insulting his country’s diplomats during negotiations to free Canadians from Iran’s death row.

“When we’ve tried to call in Iranian diplomats and demarche in Tehran, I think it’s been met with nothing but hostility,” Baird was quoted as saying in 2012, during an audience Q&A session following a speech in Montreal. “The outrageous comments that we’ve received back from these encounters would stun you.”

Meanwhile, the advent of social media and 24-hour news have put consulates under increasing pressure from a tunedin public that expects much higher levels of assistance for citizens arrested abroad, said Carr, the international relations expert.

“So letting cases get to the point where the death penalty might be applied seems to be a de facto failure of the government to protect their citizens,” Carr said.

Diplomats struggle, too, with the conflicting need to keep the public informed while dealing with the cases privately — a necessity given that they sometimes involve deals that could invite public contempt, Carr said.

“If you’re increasing your aid budget in order to save a life, that can seem quite tawdry to some people,” Carr said.

Indonesia’s ambassador to Australia, Nadjib Riphat Kesoema, acknowledged the public element in Chan and Sukumaran’s case, noting a robust death penalty debate was underway in Indonesia among students, activists and officials.

“Give us space to internally discuss about this matter,” he said Wednesday during a speech in Australia. “It is not an easy game to play.” 

an entire week devoted to understanding the hardships of families growing up in Kenya. This included a day of fasting, a day without technology (wow!) and wearing the colors of the Kenyan Flag. Bamba Week continues to this day.”

In addition to his club activities, Jerome shares his Filipino culture by performing a traditional dance called “tinikling” at the school on different occasions including school assemblies and during half time of the school’s homecoming football game. Tinikling involves two people beating, tapping, and sliding bamboo poles on the ground and against each other in coordination with one or more dancers who step over and in between the poles in a dance.”

Vera Okalo, Mountlake Terrace High School “Vera has been a member of the Black Student Union group for the past three years and during this time, she has been an inspirational role model for younger students. She has taken formal leadership roles in planning volunteer events but she has also been looked upon by the group to be the vocal leader and respond to racially sensitive issues. In addition to the Black Student Union group, she is also a part of Key Club, Honor Society, and volunteers at the Lynnwood Library.

As the eldest sibling in her family, she has a sense of responsibility towards future generations. She intends to pursue a career in pharmaceuticals so that she can one day contribute to finding cures for diseases. She is well on her way; a thoughtful and responsible leader who has already completed an internship at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.”

Rachel Liu, Ingraham High School “Rachel is a thoughtful and creative student who is polite and respectful to all her peers. She enjoys studying French and has done an impressive job of reviving the long-dormant Chinese Club at Ingraham High School. As president of the club, Rachel takes it upon herself to organize a wide variety of activities including: a multi-media lesson on linguistic differences between Mandarin and Cantonese, a recreation of the Chinese Zodiac story for the school multicultural assembly, a guest speaker she’s arranged for a Tai Chi lesson, or lessons on calligraphy to make banners for the Lunar New Year. Her leadership in Chinese Club has helped bridge connections with a large group of students who are diverse in every way, from race to culture to gender. Interest in China, including its history, food, and arts have grown tremendously and it can be attributed to Rachel’s commitment to sharing her cultural background.”

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Lisa Nguyen, Franklin High School “Lisa is a curious student who goes above and beyond the required work to learn as much as possible. She sets herself apart by taking the initiative to start conversations and approaches issues of diversity with an open mind – seeking to understand all the different angles. Lisa’s extra-curricular activities display some of these qualities: from taking part in the Feminist and Gay Straight Alliance clubs, to tutoring younger students both at Kid’s Co. and in her own family.

She has a profound sense of integrity and has navigated the incredible ethnic diversity at Franklin High School with grace and a desire for understanding.”  Andrew Kim can be reached at info@nwasianweekly. com.

33 YEARS YOUR VOICE

■ astrology

MARCH 14 – MARCH 20, 2015

13

For the week of March 14–March 20, 2015

By Sun Lee Chang

Rat — When you take steps to help yourself, you may be surprised at just how many things align to support your advancement.

Dragon — No matter what story is told to others, the narrative that you tell yourself must ring true to your own ears.

Monkey — Whatever the immediate future holds for you, the long-range forecast is likely to be much more pleasing to you.

Ox — A rare opportunity will become available to you.

Although there is some risk, the chances for gain are also high.

Snake — There is definitely a benefit to treating others well. You never know when someone will remember and return your kindness.

Rooster — Stretch yourself beyond what would normally be expected of you. Doing so will allow you to reach new heights.

Tiger — Avoid setting limits too early in the process.

It is much more beneficial to explore the possibilities first.

Horse — If there is a gap in knowledge that you are self-conscious about, then by all means find a way to fill in that missing link.

Dog — Happiness is found in random, fleeting moments. Try to enjoy them as they happen and add to your treasure trove of memories.

Rabbit — Reconnecting with a part of your past could have some unintended consequences. To the extent that you are able to foresee them, proceed cautiously.

Goat — A skill, like an unused tool, can become dull over time with lack of use. If that is a concern to you, then make sure to utilize it once in a while.

Pig — Remember that a true friend can make the good times even better and make the bad times just a little bit more bearable with their encouragement.

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.

{MH370 cont’d from page 6} was not immediately apparent, except indicating that searchers would have had lesser chance of locating the aircraft in the Indian Ocean, where it is believed to have crashed, even if they were in its vicinity. However, the report said the battery in the locator beacon of the cockpit voice recorder was working.

“The sole objective of the investigation is the prevention of future accidents or incidents, and not for the purpose to apportion blame or liability,” the report said.

Even though the beacon’s battery had expired, the instrument itself was functioning properly and would have in theory captured all the flight information.

The two instruments —commonly known as “black boxes” —are critical in any crash because they record cockpit conversations and flight data through the end of a flight.

The 584-page report by a 19-member independent investigation group went into minute details about the crew’s lives, including their medical and financial records and training. It also detailed the aircraft’s service record, as well as the weather, communications systems and other aspects of the flight. Nothing unusual was revealed, except for the previously undisclosed fact of the battery’s expiration date.

The report said that according to maintenance records, the battery on the beacon attached to the flight data recorder expired in December 2012, but because of a computer data error, it went unnoticed by maintenance crews. “There is some extra margin in the design to account for battery life variability and ensure that the unit will meet the minimum requirement,” it said.

“However, once beyond the expiry date, the (battery’s) effectiveness decreases so it may operate, for a reduced time period until it finally discharges,” the report said. While it is possible the battery will operate past the expiration date, “it is not guaranteed that it will work or that it would meet the 30-day minimum requirement,” it said.

The report gave insight into the physical and mental well-being of the flight’s pilot, Capt. Zaharie Ahmad Shah, saying he had no known history of apathy, anxiety or irritability. “There were no significant changes in his lifestyle, interpersonal conflict or family stresses,” it said.

It also said there were “no behavioral signs of social isolation, change in habits or interest, self-neglect, drug or alcohol abuse”

by Zaharie, his first officer or the cabin crew.

Financial checks also showed nothing abnormal about their spending patterns. It said

Zaharie held several bank accounts and two national trust funds. He had two houses and three vehicles, but there was no record of him having a life insurance policy.

The co-pilot, First Officer Fariq Abdul Hamid, had two savings accounts and a national trust fund. He owned two cars and “spent money on the upkeep” of his cars.

“He does not have much savings in his bank account. He has a life insurance policy,” the report said.

It also said 221 kilograms (487 pounds) of lithium ion batteries packed by Motorola Solutions in Malaysia’s Penang state didn’t go through security screening at Penang airport.

The shipment was inspected physically by the airline cargo personnel and went through customs inspection and clearance before it was sealed and left Penang a day before the flight. At the Kuala Lumpur airport, it was loaded onto the plane without any additional security screening.

The report said the batteries were not regulated as dangerous goods. There were 99 shipments of lithium ion batteries on Malaysia Airlines flights to Beijing from January to May last year, it added.

In Sydney on Sunday, Prime Minister Abbott said the hunt for the plane would

continue even if searchers scouring a 60,000-square-kilometer (23,166-squaremile) swath of the southern Indian Ocean off Australia’s west coast do not find it.

Prior to Abbott’s comments, it was unclear what would happen if the search of that area, which is expected to end in May, yields no clues. Officials from Australia, Malaysia and China are scheduled to meet next month to discuss the next steps in the search, but Abbott’s remarks indicate that ending it is not an option.

“It can’t go on forever, but as long as there are reasonable leads, the search will go on,” Abbott, whose country is leading the search, told reporters. “We’ve got 60,000 square kilometers that is the subject of this search.

If that’s unsuccessful, there’s another 60,000 square kilometers that we intend to search and, as I said, we are reasonably confident of finding the plane.”

Meanwhile, family members of the passengers and crew aboard the plane marked the anniversary of the plane’s disappearance.

Voice 370, a support group for the relatives, hosted a “Day of Remembrance” at a mall in Kuala Lumpur with songs, poems and prayers.

“It is important to highlight to the public

that we still don’t have any answers and that we must pursue the search,” said Grace Subathirai Nathan, whose mother, Anne Daisy, was on the plane.

“The lack of answers and definitive proof —such as aircraft wreckage —has made this more difficult to bear,” Malaysian Prime Minster Najib Razak said in a statement.

“Together with our international partners, we have followed the little evidence that exists.

Malaysia remains committed to the search, and hopeful that MH370 will be found.”

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said his government would provide “all needed service to every next of kin” and help uphold their “legitimate and lawful rights and interests.”

Most of the plane’s passengers were Chinese.

“A year has passed, the plane has not been located, but the search effort will continue,” Wang told a news conference in Beijing.

“Today must be a difficult day for the next of kin. . Our hearts are with you.”  Associated Press writers Rod McGuirk in Canberra, Australia, and Christopher Bodeen in Beijing contributed to this report.

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asianweekly northwest

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MARCH 7 – MARCH 13, 2015

{RACISM cont’d from page 4} at least five years and then may be destroyed, Assistant U.S. Attorney Neill Tseng said in court documents filed last week. That period ends Jan. 18, 2019, five years after complaints over the emails were resolved by the Judicial Council of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The issue of whether the emails will be preserved for potential release so they can be used in other litigation is before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in

{BLOG cont’d from page 10} “My goal in writing this play was to raise awareness for mental health issues,” Clark wrote in his e-mail.

“What I realized during this process is that everyone has mental health issues from time to time. It is unfortunate that we label and stigmatize people who do.”

Proceeds of the play will benefit Sound Mental Health, which serves over 16,000 people in the Puget Sound Area. The play will continue until March 15.

Oakland, California.

Rogers already dismissed the petition once, saying in October that the plaintiff’s case was “hypothetical” because they did not specify any of Cebull’s cases that they hoped to challenge. However, she let them refile the petition.

Attorneys with the California Civil Rights Law Group have since said they want the emails as potential evidence to exonerate a former Crow Indian Tribe chairman of a bribery conviction.

Cebull sentenced former tribal chairman Clifford

I bet ACT folks are feeling great about the play, no need to sweat for sponsors or hustle for ticket sales.

On Mar. 8, when I attended the play, it was about 70 percent filled. That’s darn good for a local theater when many theaters struggle financially. Clark took care of everything.

Clark has written several books and he has donated the proceeds. I wonder what Clark is going to do next.

Perhaps produce a movie! 

Birdinground to three years prison in 2003. Birdinground later sought to retract his plea and go to trial. Cebull rejected the request, a decision upheld on appeal.

The plaintiffs also point to a lawsuit handled by Cebull in which American Indians sought satellite polling places on several Indian reservations. Cebull’s dismissal of the request was later overturned by the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The committee that investigated Cebull’s emails found no evidence of any bias when it analyzed his cases. 

{CHINA cont’d from page 6} “aggression” that appeared in previous statements. He recently appointed a 16-member panel — 10 academics, three business leaders, two journalists and an international aid worker — to seek advice on what he should say.

Among those panelists, Masashi Nishihara, head of a national security think tank, has written that reports of the Japanese military’s use of sex slaves during the war were “fabricated in South Korea.” Entrepreneur Yoshito Hori says the war was one of self-defense, not aggression. 

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33 YEARS YOUR VOICE

MARCH 14 – MARCH 20, 2015

15

{HOLI cont’d from page 1}

FUN FACTS:

and ethos. Holi heralds the arrival of the spring season with great fervor as people smear and throw colored powder and water at each other.

Out of many signature annual fundraiser events, Holi is the most celebrated event organized

by Child Rights and You (CRY) America across different chapters.

CRY Seattle has been organizing this event since 2010. This was the 6th year of successful fundraising to restore fundamental rights of underprivileged children in India.

This year CRY Holi was back with the same camaraderie and celebration in CrossRoads Park, March 7. But this time around it was bigger and crazier than previous years. There was a huge fanfare of 3800 people including kids who helped CRY raise a whopping $33,000. This is the cost of supporting an education project for a year, which will improve the lives of thousands of children and their families.

Photos by Jerald Peter

Since CRY believes in the importance of water conservation, they only used dry and organic colors for smearing. Approximately 1000kgs of colors were sold and drenched the venue (CrossRoads Park) in a riot of colors.

History and significance

Like many Asian festivals, there are numerous faiths attached to Holi. Holi takes its name from the Hindu demoness Holika. Her death is celebrated as a triumph of good over evil each year in a massive bonfire on the night before Holi. It also celebrates the immortal love of the divine couple Radha and Krishna. The spraying of colored powder depicts playfulness and romance

between the celestial souls The festival of colors also embarks upon new beginnings, letting go of the bygones in cheerful delight.

In addition to the boisterous nature of the festival, Holi also drives home lessons of social harmony as people from various faiths, irrespective of cast, creed, and gender, come together to revel and in turn strengthen the social

{NAKAMURA cont’d from page 1} two years old. He began playing chess before the age of 5 as he was taught by his Sri Lankan stepfather. Nakamura found his gift as at age 10 when he became the youngest player to achieve the title of chess master from the United States Chess Federation. At age 15, he earned the chess “grandmaster” title breaking the record of Bobby Fischer by three months. The record has been subsequently lowered by two others.

He recently won the Gibraltar Chess Festival in Great Britain and earned the grand prize of 20,000 pounds which is approximately $30,000 U.S. Dollars.

According to reports, it was one of the strongest fields ever assembled.

The game of chess is learned by many young children that might become the next prodigy. Chess4Life is a local organization that teaches chess to children. The organization is booming with 7 locations in the Seattle/Tacoma/Eastside region.

According to Chess4Life spokesperson, Stanley Wong, the school has approximately 500 students. Bellevue has the most students with over 200 children learning the game.

Chess4Life also works with school chess clubs in the Seattle, Bellevue and Lake Washington school districts. “The number one way we grow is by referral,” explained Wong of the school’s expansion. “Parents tell other parents about our programs.”

Some of the benefits of chess as promoted

by Chess4Life is that it improves memory, problem-solving skills and an enhanced ability to think ahead. It also helps improve performance with such subjects as math and science. “Chess teaches respect, sportsmanship and perseverance,” Wong added, “These are character traits that help in life.”

The organization was founded in 2007

by National Master Elliot Neff. Neff has taught over 20 years and decided to open the school when his schedule for teaching

fabric of the country.

There is certainly a fun quotient!

Holi spreads an infectious mood of festivity where people can let their hair down, dance in merriment, and watch the world in a myriad hue of colors. It also brings out the prankster, from backslaps to surprise attacks and

became too great. Chess4Life attempts to teach life skills through chess which it hopes to help young kids learn chess and have fun.

Wong indicated that a majority of parents are Asian and Indian. He indicated that the former reigning world chess champion was of Indian descent and it is very popular among people from India.

Chess4Life students range from the ages of 5 to 13. “We target the age of 5,” indicated Wong. The age of 5 is the minimum age although some 4-year-olds have been known to be able to attend a class.

As for learning the game, it’s not as hard as it might seem. “Kids’ brains are like sponges,” Wong said. “We try to keep it simple and one step at a time,” Wong explained of how Chess4Life teaches kids the game which can seem intimidating at times. “When kids see a chess board it can be overwhelming.” But Wong stated that most children pick up the rules after just two lessons and then they start to get the hang of it. “The real challenge is understanding tactics and strategies.”

“It comes naturally to sit still and play,” said Wong of the game, “Rarely have we found students that don’t want to play.”

The class size is relatively small to allow for the children to learn the game and have a chance to play. Wong indicated that Chess4Life holds tournaments so that children have a chance to show what they learn. He indicated that attendance at the tournaments are very popular as students have an opportunity to win a trophy.

While most of the kids may never meet the heights of Nakamura, they will learn a game requiring a lot of mental ability which should help them in the future.  For more information on Chess4life, you can visit its web site at http://chess4life. com.

Jason Cruz can be reached at info@ nwasianweekly.com.

messy color smearing: everything is fair during Holi. In fact, this is the only time when no one minds being hit with water balloons by total strangers and still be able to get away with it—“Bura Na Mano Holi Hain” (which means ‘Don’t Mind, It’s Holi’). The color carnival is rampant in open streets, parks, temples, and buildings and in every nook and corner of India.

{KAMPOT cont’d from page 1} after, was crap. I swore I wouldn’t do that again. Try to beat someone down with words.

The English lads seemed more needed to for this sort of outfit. They were walking around like the floor was covered in sawdust and blood, like they were just back from Glasgow, broken-toothed and freshly tattooed.

“It’s some kind of poker night tonight, it seems.”

That explained the downbeat feeling.

Shaggy dogs, oiling about as if they were part of the furniture, waxed over with layers of dust and soot and a sensation that it was filmed with diesel.

Aske sneezed. Or coughed. He was hanging in there, though.

“Are you sick?”

“I have a cold. Or something. Headache.

Stomach stuff.”

“You might have dengue!” I shocked myself with this ridiculous statement, because I sounded exactly like my mother.

But that didn’t keep me from pressing: “Have you had a test?”

“No.” “You might have it! You should get a test!

It takes no time or anything. It’s like, five minutes. Dude. Just get one.”

“I’m going to see if I feel better tomorrow,” he said.

Right. But then, when you’re still in your early twenties, you don’t think about consequences, tests, anxieties, what ifs.

You’re still open. You’re young, you’re interested, you don’t think stuff can end too fast and that life is long, an open road, with voluminous oranges heavy in groves, bounty on both sides.

Holi is also an excuse to indulge in delicious savory snacks and drinks. Although traditional Holi delicacies vary from region to region, it’s deemed incomplete without an intoxicating drink called ‘Bhaang’ made from the cannabis plant.  Upasana Kone can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

Some of this I may have blurted out, saying things I can’t remember a little blurry, but out loud.

To which he said: “Want to know how to be absolutely sure you’ll be miserable?”

“How?” “Know exactly how your life is going to end.”

Endings. The road.

“Wow,” I said, genuinely impressed.

“Did you make that up?” *Beat*. *”No.” *Beat*. “I heard it on a podcast.”

“You know, you could have made it up that you made it up, and I wouldn’t know.”

“I know. I thought about making it up.

For a second.”

“But you didn’t.”

“But I didn’t.”

What about all those people posting status updates, right now in the world, wherever they are. How much of what they share is real, and how much is made up.

What does it mean, what does it not mean, how does it matter. I’m not around my iPad, so I can’t look at examples right then, right now, while it’s on the forefront of my mind where it should stay for point four seconds and then blip out into the universe. Instead, when there are those things near me, I will look. I will waste time. The minutes of my life, adding up. I will dig in, and it won’t be useful.

But for now, I’m in Kampot. I’m talking about life, endings, awakenings, and the road.

However it ends, we concur in our own ways, is fine.  Dipika Kohli can be reached at info@ nwasianweekly.com.

Thank you for recycling this newspaper!

asianweekly northwest

Photos by Brian Chu

16

MARCH 14 – MARCH 20, 2015

Victory for Kitamura!

{KITAMURA cont’d from page 1} Sushi.

When casting agents called Kitamura and told him that he was chosen for the show, he was surprised. Kitamura didn’t think he did well during the interview. But nevertheless, he was ready to take on his first competitor to get to Bobby Flay.

He went against global chef David deCastro for the right to challenge the renowned Bobby Flay. In the first round, Kitamura had to cook a porterhouse steak.

“It was a big steak, and it had just been taken straight out of the refrigerator.

Normally, steak should be room temperature, but because of the size and time limit, I had to make sure it was cooked all the way through, but not overdone,” he said.

Kitamura created two different dishes with the porterhouse steak: strip loin with ponzu sauce and filet with soy butter.

Despite judge Giada De Laurentiis’ criticism of Kitamura creating “meat and sauce,” he ultimately earned the chance to take on Flay in the final around.

“I knew the judges would look for technique of cooking the meat as opposed to making a beautiful presentation. I demonstrated that I knew how to cook a piece of meat, the texture and flavor was there,” he said.”

With Kitamura making it to the final round, judge Michael Symon was ready for Kitamura to drop the hammer on Flay.

In the final round against Flay, Kitamura got to pick his signature dish to challenge Flay.

He chose pot stickers. He also contemplated making sushi, okonomiyaki, a spicy tuna roll, and even chicken teriyaki because he wanted to represent Seattle.

Kitamura had made pot stickers thousands of times with his own twist. He used kurobuta pork with shrimp for the filling, and rice wine vinegar, soy sauce and sea urchin for his

special dipping sauce.

“I knew it was the flavor that was going to make me a winner, not the presentation,” he explained.

On the other hand, the judges critiqued Flay’s pot stickers for being slightly undercooked and the overuse of yuzu in the dipping sauce.

In the end, the judges unanimously chose Kitamura’s pot stickers as the winning dish.

And Kitamura succeeded in beating Flay.

Also at the viewing party, executive chef of TASTE restaurant, Craig Hetherington, who has known Kitamura for a long time, was proud of his fellow chef friend’s TV appearance, “This does nothing but bring life to Seattle’s food scene.”

At Kitamura’s restaurant, they use local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. He takes pride in being very knowledgeable about the fish since he is a fly fisherman. He knows which river has what type of fish, and

how it’s caught, for example.

Kitamura is excited for folks to try his signature dishes from the show at his restaurant where he will be featuring the porterhouse steak and pot stickers on the omakase menu until the end of April.

What’s next for Kitamura? He wants to continue doing what he loves: making good and authentic Japanese food and making people happy.

“Authentic Japanese food is still foreign to a lot of people, and our goal is to establish a trust relationship with the customer. I also want to help Seattle gain more attention in the food scene; there’s a lot of talent and a lot of great ingredients, and it’s a beautiful city to visit. If I can help, then I’d be happy to do that” he said.  Nina Huang can be reached at info@ nwasianweekly.com.

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