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33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
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asianweekly northwest
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■ names in the news RTDNA awards KUOW and Seattle Channel for diversity coverage The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) recognized both KUOW-FM and the Seattle Channel with 2015 Kaleidoscope Awards, which honors outstanding achievements in the coverage of diversity. Seattle Channel The winning documentary “Honor Totem” produced by photographer and editor Ian Devier, was produced as part of city-operated Seattle Channel’s Community Stories series, which offers a window into the lives of Seattle’s underserved and diverse communities. Recent Ian Devier programs chronicled the 1981 murder of two union organizers fighting to improve conditions for Filipino workers in Northwest canneries, and delved into the wartime diaries of a Japanese American artist who offered an account of the lead-up to the mass incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.
In Redmond, one in 10 residents are Indian. The influx of workers and families has shaped life on the Eastside, and it’s having ripple effects on life in India. Jones traveled to South India for three weeks on an international reporting fellowship to explore the immigration trend. Liz Jones The series was funded due to a grant from the Ford Foundation, administered by the International Center for Journalists. Carol Smith was the editor.
Yay Team Seattle JACL!
Team Seattle JACL. Front row: Hannah, Toshiko Hasegawa, and Claire. Second row: Kenji Kurose, Paul Tashima, Josh Foley, Karen Cunningham, and Dave Asamoto. Back row: Bill Tashima, Katie Cunningham, Ciara Asamoto, Dave Cunningham, Ken Kurata, Kellie and Nora Ortis
KUOW -FM KUOW reporter Liz Jones was awarded for “Two Indias, Near And Far” which documents how Indian immigrants are the fastest-growing immigrant group in the country, and the pace of growth is even faster in the greater Seattle metropolitan area.
Team Seattle JACL participated in the annual the Walk for Rice this past weekend at Seward Park in South Seattle. The Walk for Rice raises funds for the Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) food bank, one of the largest in Washington state and the only food bank that regularly offers Asian food staples. The 2015 overall Walk for Rice goal was $250,000. Team Seattle Co-Captains, Katie and Kristen Cunningham, met their team recruiting goals of ten members and raised almost $2,000.
■ sports
First Indianborn player in the NBA draft
Satnam Singh is the first player born in India to be selected in the NBA draft. He’s headed to Texas after the Dallas Mavericks took him with the 52nd pick. The 7-foot-2 Singh, who wears a size-22 basketball sneaker, has spent the last five seasons playing at IMG Academy in Florida. He came to the U.S. from India when he was 14.Singh says, “Now in India I think everyone’s so happy.” The Mavericks say Singh will sign a D-League contract and develop with the Texas Legends. Singh wouldn’t be the first Indian to play in the NBA if he makes it to the league. Sacramento’s Sim Bhullar, who was born in Canada and played at New Mexico State, was the first player of Indian descent to play in an NBA game.
33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ world news
JULY 4 – JULY 10, 2015
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Gay activists in Asia Cat stationmaster Tama upbeat about impact of mourned in Japan, US court ruling elevated as goddess Gay rights activists in Asia, where no country allows same-sex couples to legally marry, are upbeat about prospects for a change following the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing such marriages in every state of the nation. A look at some of the reactions and background on gay rights: SOUTH KOREA South Koreans’ attitudes toward sexual minorities have been shaped by a patriarchal culture that emphasizes traditional values and the experience of military dictatorships that condemned homosexuality. Conservative Christianity, which was mainly imported from the U.S., is strong in the country and a powerful political lobby. “Following the legalization of samesex marriages in European countries, the decision in the U.S. strengthens the sense that this is the inevitable way of moving forward, and South Korean politicians will be required to express their thoughts on it,” said Han Ga-ram, an openly-gay human rights lawyer and activist. HONG KONG “It’s one step forward for the United States that leaves Hong Kong one further step behind,” said lawyer Michael Vidler.
Vidler is part of a legal team challenging a government decision to deny a dependent visa to a gay British woman so she can live with her partner in the socially conservative southern Chinese city. The pair formed a civil partnership in 2011 and moved to Hong Kong the same year after the woman’s partner landed a job. But the woman, identified only as QT, has been twice denied a dependent visa, leaving her unable to work. The outcome of the case could have an impact on the city’s reputation as a global financial center and leading business hub. While the U.S. ruling won’t have any effect on legislation in the specially administered Hong Kong, “clearly it shows that the tide is turning, in fact has turned, and Hong Kong has been left behind,” said Vidler.
JAPAN In Japan, homosexuality is not illegal, “but the atmosphere is such that most people feel homosexuals should not exist,” said Kazuyuki Minami, a lawyer in Osaka. “It’s tough. It’s hard to come out to families, friends and in the workplace.” Minami held a marriage ceremony with his own partner, who is also a lawyer, in 2011. Though Japan has some very popular transgender entertainment personalities, {see LGBTQ cont’d on page 13}
Photo courtesy Reddit
By The Associated Press
Tama with one of many fans
By Mari Yamaguchi Associated Press TOKYO (AP) — Tama the stationmaster, Japan’s feline star of a struggling local railway, was mourned by company officials and fans and elevated into a goddess at a funeral Sunday. The calico cat was appointed stationmaster at the Kishi station in western Japan in 2007. Donning her custom-made
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stationmaster’s cap, Tama quietly sat at the ticket gate welcoming and seeing off passengers. The cat quickly attracted tourists and became world-famous, contributing to the railway company and local economy. Tama, who had turned 16 in April, died of a heart failure on June 22. During Sunday’s Shinto-style funeral at the station {see TAMA cont’d on page 14}
asianweekly northwest
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■ on the shelf
SE Asian intrigue Selections to cover those extra summer hours
■ national news
Man sought in NY assaults on Asians dead of apparent suicide By Michael Balsamo Associated Press
By Samantha Pak Northwest Asian Weekly
Singapore Noir
Edited by Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan Akashic Books, 2014 For many people, when they think of Singapore, a few words and phrases may come to mind: caning, chewing gum, no littering, fines, and new-money wealth. But as clean as people think the streets may be, there is more to the city of Singapore than strict rules. And just like in any other city around the world, Singapore has a dark side. In “Singapore Noir,” just as the name implies, 14 authors show us the not-sosparkling-clean side of the city. This collection of short stories takes us around the city, visiting its various neighborhoods and showing us that even if a city presumably has
no crime, it doesn’t mean it’s true. From resentful husbands and underappreciated wives, to supposedly innocent teenagers and dutiful monks, these 14 stories show us how almost nothing and no one are really as they seem. In each story, we meet characters of all ages and backgrounds whose various situations and circumstances cause them to act out of character — whether it’s out of desperation, boredom, or something in between. And while these are short stories, the authors give the readers enough of a taste of these men, women, and children for us to understand what has led them to do what they do — not an easy task when you’re limited to only a dozen or two dozen pages. Having not known much about Singapore prior to reading this, I found myself just as interested in seeing the city though the {see SHELF cont’d on page 13}
NEW YORK (AP) — A man suspected in a series of bias attacks on Asian women in Manhattan was found dead in an apparent suicide, police said Tuesday, just days after he detailed in an online blog a plot to attack the women and then kill himself. Tyrelle Shaw, 25, was found hanged in an elevator shaft of a tony Madison Avenue apartment building at around 3 p.m. Monday, police said. Shaw was wanted by police for the four attacks on Asian women two weeks ago. In each instance, the attacker hit the victim in the face with a hard object that
was wrapped in a plastic bag. The victims, ages 29 to 41, suffered minor injuries, and police were investigating the attacks as hate crimes. Meanwhile, Shaw had detailed online his plan to attack any Asian woman he encountered on the street. In a series of rants posted on his blog “Mr. Talent,” Shaw wrote that he had “been rejected by women my entire life.” He said he tried to strike up conversations with more than 100 Asian women one weekend and was rejected every time. “Every Asian woman by herself must be hit in the face,” he wrote. “I may even take {see NEW YORK cont’d on page 12}
Familias Unidas negotiates new pay with Sakuma Farms Work stoppage avoided
Members of the board of the independent farmworker union, Familias Unidas por la Justicia, met June 23 with Ryan Sakuma owner of Sakuma Farms of Burlington Washington to negotiate a new pay rate. Farmworkers reported the most recent abuse against them to the union; Sakuma Farms imposed a new pay rate demanding farmworkers to pick thirty-five pounds (35 lbs.) per hour to be able to earn $10 per hour. The company told the farmworkers if they didn’t meet this standard, they would first receive a warning, and if they continue not meeting the goal, they would be fired. This week, 200 workers, almost all
members of Familias Unidas por la Justicia, were ready to do another work stoppage but their negotiating team was able to get an agreement with Ryan Sakuma, the agreement entails to pick fifteen pounds (15 lbs.) to earn $10 per hour. “We cant keep negotiating our wages every day, that’s why we need a union contract” said President of Familias Unidas por la Justicia Ramon Torres. The independent union will continue to fight for a union contract and continue boycotting the Sakuma label and Driscoll berries.
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The only weekly English-language newspaper serving Washington’s Asian community. The NW Asian Weekly has one simple goal: “To empower the Asian community.” The Editorial Board reserves the right to reject any advertisement, letter or article. Subscriptions cost $30 for 52 weeks of the NW Asian Weekly and $25 for 52 weeks of the Seattle Chinese Post. The NW Asian Weekly owns the copyright for all its content. All rights reserved. No part of this paper may be reprinted without permission. 412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104 • t. 206.223.5559 info@nwasianweekly.com • ads@nwasianweekly.com • www.nwasianweekly.com
33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ world news
JULY 4 – JULY 10, 2015
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Cigarettes or spark suspected in Taiwan fire that burned 498
By Ralph Jennings Associated Press
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Investigators in Taiwan were focusing Monday on the possibility that a cigarette butt or spark caused the blaze that burned 498 people, killing one, at a weekend water park party when colored powder sprayed from the stage caught fire. More than 400 people remained hospitalized, including 202 in serious condition, city officials said. A 20-year-old woman with burns to 90 percent of her body died after being taken off life support with her family’s consent, said a hospital spokeswoman, who spoke anonymously because she wasn’t authorized to speak publicly. Taiwan’s Central News Agency said her 12-year-old brother also had burns on 90 percent of his body. Police recommended criminal charges against the organizer of Saturday’s party, as well as two technicians, at the Formosa Fun Coast park in suburban Taipei. “It’s still not clear what happened, but there were a number of people smoking and the weather was warm,” New Taipei City news department head Lin Chieh-yu said. Temperatures around greater Taipei topped 36 degrees Celsius (96.8 F) before the party. The three tons of colored starch-based powder bought by the organizers from Tai Won, a seller in the island’s southern county of Yunlin, were flammable, said Chou Hui-fang, a representative of the seller. She said the buyer
was informed about the risk of fire. “Whether it’s corn starch or flour starch, this kind of stuff, no matter how long it’s been around, if it’s in dense quantities and if it’s hot, it can catch fire,” Chou said. She said her 4-year-old company has been questioned by police and health officials but was not considered at fault. “We didn’t know what the buyers were going to do with it or how much they would use,” she said. “It might have been supplies for a whole year.” Taiwan Premier Mao Chi-kuo banned use of the powder at future private events. Colored powder is often thrown on revelers during the annual Holi celebrations in India and Nepal, a Hindu festival. The powder at Saturday’s party was made in Taiwan, Chou said. The water park was ordered to close after the fire. Taiwan police recommended charges of professional neglect and public endangerment for party organizer Lu Chung-chi, who was arrested but released on bail of 1 million Taiwan dollars (US$32,000) and restricted from leaving the island, a New Taipei City police spokesman said. Local media photos showed Lu kneeling on the ground to apologize, pledging to take full responsibility. Police also recommended charges for the stage hardware technician and the person responsible for shooting off the powder. Each was given bail of 300,000 Taiwan dollars. Officers questioned two others involved in the event but did not recommend charges, said Yan Bo-jen, news liaison for
the local police precinct. Taiwan university student Liang Sheng-kai said flaming powder hit his legs, apparently catching fire after it was sprayed from a concert stage into the front row where he was standing. With the park’s water features several hundred meters (yards) away, too far to douse the fire or ease burns, people screamed and panicked to find exits as balls of fire surged from the ground, he said. He said the right and left sides of the stage were blocked. “It was very messy and a lot of people fell over or got knocked down,” said Liang, 20, who is being treated for his burns in a Taipei hospital. Five victims were from Hong Kong, two from mainland China and one each from Japan, Malaysia and Singapore. Authorities were still checking on the nationalities of three other foreigners. More than 200 were students, Central News Agency said. Hong Kong is reviewing venues and other factors before it gives licenses to two local events similar to the water park party, Secretary Ko Wing-man said. A total of 498 people were injured by the fire, according to the latest statement from the city government’s health department. It said 202 were badly injured, 236 lightly or moderately injured, and 60 others were unclassified. Associated Press writers Kelvin Chan in Hong Kong and Christopher Bodeen in Beijing contributed to this report.
Police investigate mob killing of school director in India
AP Wire Service
PATNA, India (AP) — Police are investigating the mob killing of a school director in northern India after two of the school’s students were discovered dead, officials said June 29. The mob attacked the boarding school’s director on Sunday after the bodies of two boys aged 10 and 11 were found in a nearby pond, Nalanda district police
Superintendent Siddhartha Kumar Jain said. The students had disappeared a day earlier from the school grounds, and villagers accused school staff of killing them and dumping them in the pond. Autopsies later showed the boys had drowned. Local TV stations broadcast video of the man being beaten with sticks and writhing on the ground as other people watched and stomped on his chest, stomach and limbs. He died of his injuries Sunday night.
When police arrived, the mob allegedly pelted them with stones and injured six officers. Police suspended an officer for failing to stop the attack in Nirpur village, about 90 kilometers (55 miles) southeast of Patna, the capital of Bihar state. Residents of the director’s home village held angry protests after the man’s death, blocking road and train traffic and setting a vehicle on fire.
KING COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ADVERTISEMENT King County is requesting Proposals from qualified firms interested in providing engineering and related services for the Terminal 115/West Michigan Combined Sewer Overflow Control Project. The Request for Proposals, all addenda and current document holder’s list are available 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 estimated price of Phase I of this contract is $600,000. The total estimated price of all remaining phases is $2.9 Million. The period of performance for Phase I is estimated to be six (6) months. The period of performance of all remaining phases is estimated to be three (3) years and seven (7) months. Contract Title: Engineering Services for the Terminal 115/West Michigan Combined Sewer Overflow Control Project Number: E00355E15 Proposals due: July 30, 2015
Time: 12:00 p.m. Pre-proposal Meeting: July 8, 2015 Time: 2:00 p.m. Location: King Street Center, 8th Floor Conference Center; 201 S, Jackson St., Seattle, WA. SUMMARY OF WORK: This work is anticipated to be funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Washington State Department of Ecology Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund, and applicable federal requirements apply. Work scope is for engineering and related services for the predesign, final design, and engineering services during construction for the T115/West Michigan Combined Sewer Overflow Control using Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) to control combined sewer overflows. SUBCONSULTANT OPPORTUNITIES: Provided for informational purposes only, following are subconsulting opportunities that may be available on this Contract: horticultural services; professional land surveying; geotechnical engineering; scheduling; estimating; and public involvement/community relations. MBE/WBE PARTICIPATION: This project is anticipated to be funded in part by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the State of Washington Department of Ecology Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund (SRF)
program. In accordance with EPA’s policy on the utilization of socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and disadvantaged business enterprises in procurement, where subconsulting opportunities are available the Contractor shall make good faith efforts to ensure to the fullest extent possible that it subcontracts with Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) firms. The applicable MBE/WBE fair share objectives/goals negotiated with EPA by the State of Washington Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises are 10% MBE and 4% WBE. Both MBE and WBE firms must be certified by the State of Washington Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises. QUESTIONS: Questions concerning this solicitation should be directed to Ruth Williamson, Contract Specialist via email at ruth.williamson@ kingcounty.gov or via telephone at 206-2639333, 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.
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JULY 4 – JULY 10, 2015
■ COMMUNITY calendar THU 7/2
SAT 7/4
WHAT: Legacy of Justice Preview Party on First Thursday Art Walk WHERE: Impact HUB, 220 2nd Ave. S., Seattle WHEN: 6-8 p.m.
WHAT: 31st Annual Naturalization Ceremony WHERE: Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center WHEN: 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. INFO: seattlecenter.org
WHAT: Preparing for Work (ESL level 5/6 students) WHERE: Bellevue College, 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue WHEN: 5:30 p.m. INFO: bellevuecollege.edu WHAT: On the Job Communications (ESL level 6 students) WHERE: Bellevue College, 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue WHEN: 5:30 p.m. INFO: bellevuecollege.edu WHAT: Working in English (ESL level 4/5 students) WHERE: Bellevue College, 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue WHEN: 5:30 p.m. INFO: bellevuecollege.edu
FRI 7/3 WHAT: Public Talk: “Living a meaningful life” WHERE: Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave., Seattle WHEN: 7-8:30 p.m. COST: $20
FRI 7/10 WHAT: FIJI Concert WHERE: Mount Tahoma Athletic Stadium, Tacoma WHEN: 8 a.m. INFO: 253-397-8225
FRI 7/10 & SAT 7/11 WHAT: “Asian Collection” Premier Auction WHERE: Pacific Galleries WHEN: 7/10 at 12-5 p.m., 4/11 at 10 a.m.-12 p.m. BID ONLINE: invaluable.com INFO: www.pacgal.com WHAT: STG Presents, “17th Annual DANCE This!” WHERE: The Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle WHEN: 7:30 p.m. INFO: www.stgpresents.org
FRI 7/10 THRU SUN 7/12 WHAT: DAIPANbutoh Collective presents the 6th annual Seattle Butoh Festival WHERE: Taoist Studies Institute, 225 N. 70th St.,
Seattle WHEN: 7/10 at 6-9 p.m., 7/11 at 12-6 p.m., 7/12 at 10 a.m.-4 p.m. INFO: brownpapertickets.com/ event/1179163
SAT 7/11 WHAT: The 5th Annual Samoa Culture Day WHERE: Mt. Tahoma High School, Tacoma WHEN: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. INFO: 253-383-3900, asiapacificculturalcenter.org WHAT: “Asian Collection” Premier Auction WHERE: Pacific Galleries, 241 S. Lander St., Seattle WHEN: 12 p.m. AUCTION CATALOG: www. pacgal.com BID ONLINE: www. invaluable.com INFO: pacgal.com, 206-4419990
SUN 7/12 WHAT: Seattle International District Rotary Club’s SummerFling fellowship! WHERE: Vijya and Scott’s home, 1117 Federal Ave. E., Seattle WHEN: 3-7 p.m. DONATION: $20/person
■ BRIEFLY
Welcoming 4,000 new citizens July 1-4 to celebrate Independence Day
Naturalization ceremonies across the country and at Seattle Center WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will celebrate the nation’s 239th birthday by welcoming more than 4,000 new U.S. citizens at over 50 naturalization ceremonies across the country July 1-4. “As we celebrate Independence Day, we welcome over 4,000 new Americans who will be able to enjoy all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship,” said USCIS Director León Rodríguez. “From Los Angeles to New York, Miami to Seattle, Indianapolis to Los Alamos, these individuals are showing their full commitment to the freedoms, values and ideals that have inspired Americans since the Declaration of Independence in 1776.” Citizenship candidates will take the Oath of Allegiance at Seattle Center
July 4, and other locations across the country including the New York Public Library, Harold Washington Library Center in Chicago, the National WWII Museum in New Orleans and the Tower Theater in Miami. This year’s celebration also will feature ceremonies at historic sites such as George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Virginia; Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia; and the USS Midway in San Diego, California. To view a list of 2015 Independence Day naturalization ceremonies, visit uscis.gov/news. USCIS encourages new citizens and their families and friends to share their ceremony experiences and photos afterward on Twitter and other social media, using the hashtag #newUScitizen.
33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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JULY 4 – JULY 10, 2015
Record auction sales for Chinese works of art Large bids for paintings by Zhang Dagian, porcelain by Wang Bu
By Staff Northwest Asian Weekly
Wang Bu, porcelain meiping, $533,000
Two important paintings by the renowned artist Zhang Daqian (1899-1983) yielded top results in the June 23 auction of Fine Chinese Works of Art and Paintings held at Bonhams in San Francisco. A splashed landscape, dated 1965, and titled “Qiu Shan Xiao Si” (Buddhist Temple in Autumn Mountain) (est. $180,000-250,000) brought $509,000 and a monumental landscape “Mountain Retreat Among Clouds and Streams,” dated 1972 (est. $150,000-250,000) sold for $485,000 in a hotly contested battle between floor and telephone bidders.
Zhang Daqian, “Qiu Shan Xiao Si,” $509,000
The paintings were purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Hal Louchheim in the mid-1970s from the Erickson Gallery of Palo Alto, CA, during the period when the artist lived in Carmel, CA, and have been with the owners since the date of purchase. The paintings, and a couplet of calligraphy painted by Zhang Daqian for the Chinese Industrialist Song Feiqing (1899-1955) which sold for $100,000 (est. $40,000-60,000) were among 83 lots of Chinese paintings sold to a full house of bidders during this 400 lot auction, which was part of a two-day sale featuring Chinese works of art and paintings and Asian Decorative Art from private collections, institutions, and estates throughout the United States.
The top lot of the afternoon was garnered by a blue and white porcelain meiping by the Republic Period artist Wang Bu (18961983). Wang Bu, along with his older brother Wang Qi, was one of the Eight Friends of Zhushan, and particularly accomplished in bird and flower paintings. The rare vase, painted with two chicks on a gnarled tree branch and only 17 cm high, carried a presale estimate of $5,000-10,000, and soared within two minutes to a record price of $533,000. It came from a Hawaiian collection by descent, and was acquired in Hong Kong in the 1960s. Late Qing and Republic
Period pieces painting by this school and founding artists are currently highly sought after in the market. A white jade circular table screen of the 18th/19th century was the top lot of the fine jades and hardstone carvings offered from a California Institution and various owners. Selling for $269,000 against an estimate of $20,000-30,000, the elegant panel was carved with a landscape scene featuring Shoulao and two boys on a mountain path near a waterfall. An inscribed gilt bronze seated figure of Shadaksari Lokesvara, Kangxi mark and period, dated to 1680, sold for $185,000, and was
the top lot of the bronzes and works of art offered in the auction. The Chinese furniture in the auction brought strong prices, with a pair of huanghuali rectangular stools from the Estate of Naomi Lindstrom of San Francisco, bringing $87,500. The total for the two-day auction was $7,250,000. For information visit www.bonhams.com/ auction/22411/. Staff can be reached nwasianweekly.com.
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asianweekly northwest
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■ community news
Documentary discusses caregiving of Filipino American elders Major General Antonio Taguba serves as mentor
Major General Antonio Taguba
their medical condition because in our community, they just don’t do that. You don’t want to trouble your kids.” Pride and independence are qualities found in many Filipino Americans. His 88-year-old father was going through his own medical issues.
A retired Army sergeant, Tomas Taguba served in World War II as a member of the Philippine Scouts. During the Bataan death march in 1942, he escaped capture by the Japanese Imperial Army and fought in the resistance. The former Maria Batulan died. “And then later, we’re thinking, ‘What are we going to do with dad?’ because he lived three-and-ahalf years longer,” retired Maj. Gen. Taguba said. In the 10-minute documentary, he said about his father, “Dementia was kicking in really bad. He was very combative.” According to AARP Research, 73 percent of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders feel that adult children should care for their parents, compared to 49 percent of other Americans. “We went into crisis mode,” Taguba said. “We did not have a plan. We’re spread across the country: two sisters in Hawaii, two sisters in Arizona, a brother in Texas, a brother in Alabama.” The National Institute on Aging says that as many as seven million Americans fit the definition of long-distance caretakers. Dealing with his father’s heart disease and dementia combined with the challenges {see TAGUBA cont’d on page 13}
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Taguba’s own caregiving story begins at a 2006 family reunion held at his home in Alexandria, Va. His mother, Maria, told the thirty people who attended that she was dying of cancer. “She was 80 years old at the time, so that really shocked us,” he said. “Sometimes, parents don’t want to relate
MEAT
After a 34-year career in the military, he had time to think about his next course in life: being a civilian who shares life lessons learned. Army Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, 64, is the second U.S. citizen born in the Philippines to attain the rank of general. Retired in 2007, he now works as a mentor and serves as an AARP community ambassador, one who is helping Baby Boomers, Generation X and other generations understand family caregiving. Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Markets and Engagement, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience, said, “We produced ‘Caregiving Dahil Mahal Kita (Because I Love You)’ to help families start the difficult conversations around caregiving for their loved ones.” Taguba is featured in the documentary along with Dolores Velasco, widow of Filipino American civil-rights leader Peter Velasco, and Leo Duran, a Filipino immigrant. He says the documentary has three family stories that people can relate to. “It has nothing to do with race, your political affiliation. It’s about a fact of life that is going to happen.”
Photo by James Tabafunda/NWAW
By James Tabafunda Northwest Asian Weekly
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33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ community news
JULY 4 – JULY 10, 2015
9
Photo courtesy ACRS
Photo by George Liu/NWAW
Walk for Rice Bringing community together to fight hunger for 25 years
Walk for Rice co-founder Sam Mitsui (in red hat, center) with veterans and newbies
From left: Dash Debadutta, Richard Conlin, and Mike McGinn
By ACRS
with fundraising teams with names like “Miso Miso Hungry” and “Food Bank Friends.” Tsuchiya credits Walk for Rice as a channel for their compassion. “It’s a community effort to help those in need to put food on the table,” Tsuchiya said. His regular fundraising team is CBC Hot Rice. Mitsui fondly remembers years people and their dogs wore costumes to Walk for Rice – an activity revived this year in honor of Sam and Herb, and their 25 year labor of love organizing this event every year since 1990.
Over a thousand community members came together on Saturday, June 27 for the annual Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) Walk for Rice, benefiting the ACRS Food Bank. Every year, the Walk draws approximately 1,000 community members who become fundraisers and take part in a community event featuring cultural celebrations and a 2.5 mile walk/ run around Seattle’s Seward Park. Walk for Rice turned 25 this year. “I
saw so many elderly women and children who lacked adequate food…no one donated rice,” says Herb Tsuchiya a retired pharmacist, community activist and Walk for Rice co-founder. Together with his late wife, Bertha Tsuchiya and friend, Sam Mitsui, they founded and organized the first Walk for Rice, which took place in 1990 on Beacon Hill with just 45 walkers who raised $1,800. The event has become an annual mission as the region’s businesses, colleges, and generations of community groups and families return each year
Each Walk for Rice event is like a celebration to help the ACRS Food Bank. Even during the years when it rained, crowds still gathered for the taiko drummers, martial arts demonstrations, and Chinese Community Girls Drill Team, and the walk or run around Seward Park. “The memory I always have, is the generosity of the community. Because without them, this could never have happened…that always {see WALK FOR RICE cont’d on page 12}
asianweekly northwest
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JULY 4 – JULY 10, 2015
■ PUBLISHER'S BLOG
OPINION
A Taste of Home Photos by John Liu/NWAW
A documentary about Chinese American food in the ID
Three types of sticky rice dumpling: Peanut, Mung Bean, and Red Bean Paste
From left: Siang Hui Tay, Xinhui Val, Seattle cultural specialist and food anthropologist Maxine Chan
“What is your dream?” Tay and Val started in Singapore and traveled around the world asking this question for the last five years. Then they shared the stories and inspired everyone around them. Their journey brought them from Singapore to Seattle. One day they were homesick and wanted to eat Chinese dishes that reminded them of home. Unfortunately, what they ordered turned out to be much different than what they expected. As a result, they
serves to answer questions like “How did the chop suey combo come about? What’s a Joong and what are ingredients in it? How did they ever insert those fortunes into the
used a documentary to explore the origins of Chinese American food businesses with a focus on Seattle’s International District. Who exactly are Tay and Val? Siang Hui Tay is a storyteller who has 12 years of experience working in the film and TV industry as a director. Xinhui Val is an actress, TV producer/director and has five years of experience working in the digital media industry and 13 years of experience in the film/TV industry. “A Taste of Home”
fortune cookies? What happened to Mon Hei Bakery after the fire? Val and Tan examine {see BLOG cont’d on page 12}
Want to get the inside scoop on the latest happenings of Seattle’s Asian American community? Follow Associate Publisher John Liu’s blog at nwasianweekly.c om under the Opinion section.
33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
JULY 4 – JULY 10, 2015
11
OPINION
■ editorial
The Supreme Court’s decision deserves a wedding ring — It doesn’t affect you. Don’t worry about it. If you are married to a same-sex partner in a state that has already legalized same-sex marriage: — It doesn’t affect you. Don’t worry about it. If none of the above applies to you and you would like to be married to your partner: — YOU CAN. Worry about proposing. We are happy to give a champagne toast to all the newlyweds and already-wedded (same sex or not) out there. And a toast to the Supreme Court. This Supreme Court decision is truly worthy of celebration and a massive, nationwide, huge reception with the largest cake and dance floor ever. Everyone is invited.
■ LETTERS
Photo courtesy Seattle Mayor’s Office
Last week’s announcement by the Supreme Court that same-sex marriages will be acknowledged country-wide, certainly sparked high-fives, rainbow-colored facebook profiles, and bitter denouncement (along with countless essays about the rules of marriage). Here at the Weekly, we are not schooled in what is apparently a gazillion views on the rules of marriage, but what we can do is help you out to see and analyze how this milestone ruling affects you. So what are its implications? If you are single: — It doesn’t affect you. Don’t worry about it. If you are already married: — It doesn’t affect you. Don’t worry about it. If you are married to a same-sex partner in Seattle:
Mayor Ed Murray, with First Gentleman Michael Shiosaki, applauding Supreme Court verdict
Shock over Charleston church murders
I am just shaken by the killing at the Charleston AME Church. Having lived in South Carolina, I visited Charleston often and I loved that church for its beautiful courageous history. It was one of the holiest places I have experienced—not the kind of holy associated with quiet and humility. Rather it was about the history of what was attempted from that church—the attempt to free other human beings and to give dignity to them. But also I loved the displays of joy and sharing and beauty that dated back to slave days. Some of you may not know that slaves who were thought to be illiterate were illiterate in English. But some of the church pews in Charleston actually have slaves names written on them in their own African language. I am so sorry for people who continue to worship and pray and try to resolve issues—and have this grievous act upon them. Please pray for them and with them. I am a southerner. I have lived all over the South. I love the South. I participated in the desegregation marches and action in Texas in the ‘60s. I know for certain that the deaths at the AME church in Charleston are not a reflection of what South Carolina wants and not what the rest of the South wants – in any way. Of course not. It was a lone gunman, acting with no support; and he was clearly not sane. However, I am afraid that this recent madness has just the slightest shadowy element of a reflection of South Carolina that I lived in 20 years ago. I moved to SC with
my high school children who thought racism was a part of Mom’s old stories about desegregation and no longer a part of American society. But for the first time they heard racial jokes and saw the confederate flag flying and found that in the ‘90s there was still, though not a legalized racism, at least an acknowledgement and social acceptance of a more personalized racism. I hope that now, another 20 years later, even this is gone. But, the insistence on flying the confederate flag is not sending the right message – either to those who are prone to acts of hate or to those who see SC from the outside. The confederate flag in the Deep South may be thought of as a symbol of your land, your culture – I don’t know really. But to others it represents two things – the Civil War and racism. A history class will tell you that the Civil War was fought for numerous reasons: economics, states’ rights, etc. But if you ask 99% of the population in the US or elsewhere they would tell you it was fought over slavery. So when some southerners fly the Confederate flag it is perceived as an egregious and outdated attempt to try to defend that line of thinking. There is an ongoing move to the South in the last decade – especially the Carolinas. But given the recent actions all around this country – the deaths at the Charleston church and even the violence following police action elsewhere – there is no room for even the slightest appearance of acceptance of any type of institutionalized or personal racism. South Carolinians
and others in the Deep South need to take a deep look at what they gain and what they lose with the flying of the Confederate flag. — Carla Everhart The brutal and ghastly murders of nine African Americans as they sat in church for a Wednesday evening Bible study is a terrible reminder that white supremacy remains a danger in our communities. The Institute for Research & Education on Human Rights (IREHR) mourns the lives lost, and calls on all people of good will to support the people of this Charleston, South Carolina church, to forthrightly oppose racism and white supremacy and to uphold the dignity of all the lives lost in the searing incident. We remind everyone that the African-American church has been an institution of special significance, and the one place where the independent power of black people has been exercised. We call on everyone—Jews, Christians, Muslims, other faiths, and non-believers—to defend the black churches in their communities and to prevent this incident from spreading into a rash of violence directed at these churches. — Leonard Zeskind President, Institute for Research & Education on Human Rights
KING COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ADVERTISEMENT King County is requesting Proposals from qualified firms interested in providing engineering, architectural, environmental, and related services necessary to plan and design components of and modify existing transit facilities on a work order basis. The Request for Proposals, all addenda and current document holder’s list are available 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 one (1) contract with a maximum price of $1,000,000. The 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 Services for Transit Work Order Projects Number: E00374E15 Proposals due: July 16, 2015 Time: 12:00 p.m. Pre-proposal Meeting: July 6, 2015 Time: 10:30 a.m. Location: King Street Center, 8th Floor Conference Center, 201 South Jackson, Seattle, WA SUMMARY OF WORK: Anticipated services include architectural and engineering studies, evaluations, analyses, cost estimates, designs and construction drawings for modifications to bus transit and related transportation facilities, such as passenger facilities; operations and maintenance facilities; and industrial office facilities. SUBCONSULTANT OPPORTUNITIES: Provided for informational purposes only, following are subconsulting opportunities that may be available on this Contract: mechanical and electrical engineering, security and access control services, survey, environmental and construction management
SCS UTILIZATION REQUIREMENTS: The Consultant shall ensure that at least 10% 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 Ken Curl, Contract Specialist via email at ken.curl@ kingcounty.gov or via telephone at 206-(206) 263-9322, 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.
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JULY 4 – JULY 10, 2015
{NEW YORK cont’d from page 4} a photo before hitting them. The reason is because I don’t think Asian women like me ... so I think its (sic) brilliant to give all Asian women a legitimate reason to hate me.” Shaw was a fashion student and made bowties with offbeat materials. His blog was previously used to showcase his wares and photos of celebrities who touted them, but it devolved into racist rants. The attacks started June 10 when Shaw tried to strike up a conversation with a 35-year-old woman, police said. When she ignored him, he walked away, then quickly returned and struck her in the face. Several hours later, he attacked a 29-year-old woman on Park Avenue and was also suspected of striking a 34-year-old woman in the forehead, police said. A fourth attack occurred June 15. All the victims were treated at hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries. Shaw grew up in Brooklyn, but he was homeless at the
time of the attacks, said Robert Boyce, New York Police Department chief of detectives. He had 10 prior arrests, all for nonviolent crimes, Boyce said. Police received a tip through their Crime Stoppers hotline and identified Shaw as a suspect after they released surveillance video from one of the attacks. When investigators combed through his social media accounts, they realized he “has a rejection issue with females,” Boyce said. Boyce said detectives were trying to find him, but they hit a wall when Shaw turned off his phone. “He’s kind of tough to look for,” Boyce said. “This is no dope.” Shaw was found dead before police could arrest him. In a June 17 post titled “Why I decided to leave earth,” Shaw admitted attacking the fourth victim at a dry-cleaning shop in the Chinatown neighborhood. “I didn’t even expect to bash the dry cleaning lady in the mouth,” he said. “That was actually my day off from
Associated Press writer Jake Pearson contributed to this report.
{WALK FOR RICE cont’d from page 9}
{BLOG cont’d from page 10} 100 years of Seattle’s Chinatown-ID in search of “A Taste of Home” which the only documentary film series featuring five of the oldest Chinese American food establishments in the ID. I was one of the lucky 100 who was able to attend the premiere of “A Taste of Home.” Val had just announced the waiting list was close to 100 people! The community hall has a max capacity of 150 people, but Tay and Val wanted room for the audience to also experience the tasty dishes featured in the documentary. The emcee for the film’s premiere June 27 was none other than Maxine Chan, our Seattle food anthropologist. She gave some background information about the Chinese American businesses and explained the origins of the Chinese dishes served. The entire documentary could not be screened because that would disqualify their entry into film competitions in the future. We were treated to 10 minute snippets of the featured film. The following is a brief description of what we saw: Tai Tung Restaurant Tai Tung is the oldest Chinese restaurant in the International District and has been opened for 80 years. Migrant workers stopped by Tai Tung while pursuing the American dream. The bar area served as a great place for single men to eat and socialize. “Chop suey,” meaning a combination of everything, was a traditional family meal created for single men. The only thing that has changed in the 80 years was the price. Tai Tung has become a family institution for many generations. Harry says life keeps changing, but he is fine with change as long as the change is good. Tsue Chong Noodle Company This noodle factory uses 10,000 pounds of dough products a day and makes four different styles of noodles. The workers give the products personality and the business livelihood. The family and relationships represent a huge part of Tsue Chong. Many of the Chinese restaurants in Washignton use Tsue Chong fortune cookies. Fortuna Cafe Fortuna Cafe was one of the few places to serve Joong all year long. Joong aka Zongzi or Chinese tamales, can be served in many different forms differing with the leaves used based on the ingredients inside. They all usually included some form of sticky rice. Everyone got a laugh when Ching Chan of IDEA Space struggled to make Joong in the documentary. At each table, we had a quick competition to see who could cut the Joong’s strings and unwrap the bamboo leaves without tearing them within 30 seconds. I don’t believe anyone was successful at doing it in time. Afterwards, we were served three types of Joong, and they were all delicious. Mon Hei Bakery Mon Hei was the first Chinese bakery in the International District and known for their cocktail buns and Chinese donuts. Unfortunately Mon Hei had to close its doors after the Louisa Hotel caught on fire in Dec
playing the Nose Game. Yeah, that’s what I’ll call it, `The Nose Game.’ “ In the same post, Shaw wrote about his suicide plot, saying he planned to use a noose at the bottom of an elevator. Tenants at the building where Shaw’s body was found said they became suspicious after smelling a mysterious odor for several days. They contacted the superintendent, who discovered Shaw’s body. Shaw had no known ties to the building, and it was unclear how he gained access to the elevator shaft. Police found a suicide note confessing to the attacks and a bag with a hammer inside— which police suspect was the weapon used in the attacks— under Shaw’s body in the elevator shaft, Boyce said.
A volunteer serves food featured in the documentary.
2013. This was the only business that was closed during the filming of the documentary. We get to see a glimpse of how owner Annie is struggling with transitioning to a life without running Mon Hei. Annie said, “She lost her home and misses her customers.” We got to experience Mon Hei cookies baked out of her own home. Yik Fung Co. This historical grocery store will be included in the final film. Tay and Val requests your help with any historical pictures of Yik Fung or any other Chinatown grocery stores. More info below on how to help. After indulging in chop suey, crispy noodles in a traditional takeout box, Mon Hei cookies, and Joong you get a sense of appreciation of the tradition, the complexity and time involved in cooking food from past generations. I like how Val attempted to make each food that was painstakingly mastered by family for many generations. Tay and Val have requested our help to send stories of Chinatown food businesses or any pictures you have of the four featured businesses. Visit www.atasteofhome.us for more info and get updates on the progress. Submit photos of historical Chinatown businesses to: hello@taynval.com. The documentary is sponsored by community partners 4Culture, Department of Neighborhoods, and SCIDpda.
amazes me,” says Sam Mitsui. This year, the walk has raised a record breaking $202,208.27 so far, and will continue to raise funds all year long. In between a traditional Chinese lion dance and warm-up exercises, Sam Mitsui and four generations of Herb Tsuchiya’s family were recognized for their contributions to the community with proclamations from the City of Seattle and Washington State House of Representatives and Senators. In honor of event founders, King County Executive Dow Constantine declared June 27, 2015 as Walk for Rice Day, and Governor Inslee and U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell sent greetings. The Moriguchi family and Uwajimaya also received an award from ACRS for decades of in-kind support for their Chinatown/International District Food Bank. “Food donations from Uwajimaya have made the food bank the special it is for families of Asian American and Pacific Islander backgrounds to find foods they know from people they trust. Further, generations of the Moriguchi Family have formed fundraising teams for Walk for Rice, personally raising funds and promoting the needs facing the most vulnerable in our communities” said ACRS Board President Vinod Nazareth. Jason Loui’s Team Niko Niko has been
at it for seventeen years, and Loui now brings his children. The success of Walk for Rice is matched by the need for it. In 2014, the ACRS Food Bank distributed nearly 1 million pounds of culturally familiar and nutritious foods to more than 5,600 families. In total, clients make over 120,000 visits to the 700-square foot facility in the Chinatown/International District. Most of their clients are seniors over 65 and youth under 18 years of age. ACRS staff and volunteers serve their mostly Asian American and Pacific Islander clients by providing ethnic staples like rice, tofu, noodles, and fresh fruits and vegetables, which are purchased with proceeds from Walk for Rice. Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization offering a broad array of human services and behavioral health programs to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in King County. ACRS promotes social justice and the well-being and empowerment of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and other underserved communities — including immigrants, refugees and American born — by developing, providing and advocating for innovative, effective and efficient community-based multilingual and multicultural services. For more information, visit www. acrs.org.
33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ astrology
JULY 4 – JULY 10, 2015
13
For the week of July 4–July 10, 2015 By Sun Lee Chang
Rat — Waiting for someone else to change their mind? If an impasse seems likely, then it might be worthwhile to reach out with a compromise.
Dragon — Sticking to a strict regimen can be quite challenging. It may be helpful to keep a constant reminder of why you are doing so in the first place.
Monkey — While you expected to remain indifferent to the final results, your immediate reaction speaks volumes to the contrary.
Ox — The bar has been set rather high, but you will no doubt rise to the occasion when called into action.
Snake — It’s not always easy to take the high road. However, as you get farther out you will be glad that you did so.
Rooster — An important project is gaining momentum this week. How much you need to do depends on whether you agree with the direction it is headed.
Horse — Are you stuck in a role that no longer fits you? Experiment in other areas until you find something that works better for you.
Dog — You will get inquiries from others who are curious about what you are up to. There is no need to divulge too much into detail at this point.
Goat — Although you want to say something right away, a measured response would likely be better received.
Pig — Has it been difficult to get a hold of someone you want to see? Offering a variety of dates and times could help.
Tiger — Are you starting to see what was once obscured from view? Now that you have a clearer picture, the path forward should be much simpler. Rabbit — Have you been debating taking some time off? Whether you spend it alone, with family or friends, it’s probably a good idea.
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.
{LGBTQ cont’d from page 3} homosexuality is not widely accepted in its mainstream culture. Schools tend to foster specific male and female models for behavior. CHINA The news has quickly spread in China’s social media, where the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling rekindled public discussions on homosexuality and same-sex marriage in this traditionally conservative but largely atheist country. Li Yinhe, a leading Chinese sexologist who has long urged Beijing to legalize same-sex marriage, said that the U.S. ruling could be exemplary for China and help sway the public opinion in favor of same-sex marriage in China.
{SHELF cont’d from page 4} authors’ and their characters’ eyes as I was the stories themselves. Each story takes place in a different neighborhood in the city and as you read them one after the other, you really begin to get a better feel of what type of city Singapore is. From the red-light districts to the coastal fishing district, readers will find Singapore to be a city of many faces with a little something for everyone.
The Coroner’s Lunch By Colin Cotterill Soho Press, Inc., 2004
The year is 1978 and at the ripe-old age of 72, Dr. Siri Paiboun wants nothing more than to retire after a long career in medicine and almost 50 years as a member of the Lao Communist Party. Unfortunately, the Lao government has other plans for him and the good doctor finds himself appointed as the country’s official (and only) coroner. For several months, Siri and his support staff — an ambitious nurse named Dtui and a man with a mild case of Down Syndrome named Mr. Geung — go about their jobs from day to day, with very little excitement. But then one day, the body of the wife of a prominent politician arrives at his morgue and the circumstances around her death, as well as her husband’s actions following her death, lead Siri to believe the woman was murdered. Now Siri and his team must investigate to find out what really happened to the woman, but it won’t be easy as they have many things stacked against them: government secrets, spying neighbors, victim hauntings, insufficient funding, and more. “Coroner’s Lunch” is Cotterill’s introduction to his Dr. Siri Paiboun mystery series and he does a great job with setting the tone. He balances the darkness of the deaths and murders in the story with humor and wit — mostly in the form of Siri himself. The septuagenarian is less than enthused about his appointed position and as someone who is almost as old as the century, does not have time to deal with much nonsense. Siri’s straight-forward and blunt personality, especially when juxtaposed with the rigid rules and policies of the new socialist Laos, will have readers chuckling in amusement as
“The Chinese people usually think that China is a poor country and the United States is rich, and that what America has achieved is our future goal,” she said. “I think the ruling will have a big impact on China and may promote the legalization of same-sex marriage in China.” THAILAND In Thailand, one of the most tolerant countries in Asia for gays and a top tourist gay destination, there have been attempts by civil societies to introduce a bill that would extend the same rights to same-sex couples. A draft of a new constitution under the military junta that took power in a coup last year contains a clause aimed at protecting the rights of gay and transgender people. The
the doctor often finds himself butting heads with government officials who may be his superiors in job status, but are still young enough to be his grandchildren.
The Sympathizer
By Viet Thanh Nguyen Grove Press, 2015 The year is 1975 and the end of the Vietnam War is approaching. Within the ranks of the South Vietnamese’s secret police is a young captain — one of the general’s right-hand men. This captain has been under the general’s command for several years but what the general and the other members of the secret police don’t know is that this captain is actually a sleeper agent — a spy for the Viet Cong. After the war ends, they all find themselves in Los Angeles, having boarded one of the last flights out of Saigon. Although they are now in a new country and the war has seemingly come to an end, with South Vietnamese on the losing side, our captain continues with his duties as a spy for the Communists. He observes and reports back to his “aunt,” letting those back home know what the general and his compatriots are up to in their new home. But soon, pulling double duty has the captain committing acts that will affect those closest to him and come back to haunt him. “Sympathizer” is the story of a man caught between two worlds — in more ways than one. In addition to acting as a double agent between the South and North Vietnamese forces, the captain — who remains nameless — is the son of a Vietnamese mother and French father. He claims his biracial background and having grown up being called a bastard, is what makes him so suitable for his double role. But just as his mixed background tugs at him in two different directions, so does his role as a mole for the North Vietnamese. “Sympathizer” gives readers a glimpse into the Vietnam War through the eyes of a cynical man with a dark sense of humor. We see how the aftermath of the war affected the Vietnamese who came to the United States and how they had to adjust to their new home. Samantha Pak can be reached at info@nwasianweekly. com.
wording would make it illegal to discriminate according to gender. “For Thailand, the momentum is already shifting. In the new constitution that is being drafted, gender is mentioned in a clause, guaranteeing the rights to everyone, regardless of their sexes. With this new example set by the U.S., we will surely move forward. But now, let’s the celebrate with them. I’m very glad for them,” said gay rights activist Natee Teerarojjanapongs. Associated Press writers Tong-hyung Kim, Seoul, South Korea, Kelvin Chan in Hong Kong, Elaine Kurtenbach in Tokyo, Didi Tang in Beijing and Thanyarat Doksone in Bangkok contributed to this report.
{TAGUBA cont’d from page 8} of a career, emotional strain, mental strain, sibling relationships and dealing with his own family created a crisis. He also said in the documentary, “There’s no cookie-cutter approach to caregiving,” and urges adult children to start the conversation about caregiving when the first opportunity strikes, keep talking about it and don’t ignore it. “We start by saying, ‘Mom, dad, we really love you. We’ve noticed that you’ve been going to the doctor all the time, what’s wrong?’” Taguba pointed out. “That’s not just one conversation. It would be several conversations.” Organizing medical and insurance records, getting needed legal documents, and scheduling appointments and medicine usage are just a few of the issues caregivers must include in those conversations. Taguba said, “Siblings and even relatives will argue about what’s best for your parents. The key feature is that the kids will have to make that determination of what’s best for their mom and dad.” “My two children (daughter, Lindsay Keys, and son, Sean, an Army captain) are very aware of what my mom and dad had to go through.” AARP provides online resources that can help both nonmembers and members make more informed decisions regarding their caretaking plans. He said, “I think every household should have a copy of this (the AARP booklet, ‘Prepare to Care’).” For those without a computer and Internet access, Taguba also recommends calling the local AARP office in Seattle. According to the AARP report “Caregiving Among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Age 50+,” to live a quality life, Filipino Americans believe in having peace of mind. “Peace of mind would be, as you’re retiring, somebody is actually taking care of you,” he said. “Peace of mind means that I did the best that I can for mom and dad.” To view the documentary, go to www.aarp.org/aapi. For more information about the AARP Caregiving Resource Center, go to www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/ planning-and-resources/. James Tabafunda can be reached at info@nwasianweekly. com.
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{TAMA cont’d from page 3} where she served, Tama became a goddess. The Shinto religion, indigenous to Japan and practiced by many Japanese, has a variety of gods including animals. In one of several portraits decorating the altar, Tama posed in a stationmaster’s hat and a dark blue cape. Sake, as well as watermelon, apples, cabbage and other fruits and vegetables were presented to the cat. A stand outside the station was heaped with bouquets, canned tuna and other gifts left by thousands of Tama fans who came to pray from around the country. Wakayama Electric Railway President Mitsunobu Kojima thanked the cat for her achievement, and said Tama will be enshrined at a nearby cat shrine next month. Before Tama’s arrival, the local Kishigawa Line was
near-bankrupt; and the station was unmanned as it had lost its last staff. Kojima said appointing Tama as stationmaster was initially an excuse to keep the cat at the station. “But she was really doing her job,” he said. The rest was a miracle, and his company’s success story also gave hope for dozens of other struggling tiny local train lines, he said. “Tama-chan really emerged like a savior, a goddess. It was truly my honor to have been able to work with her,” Kojima said in his speech. During her tenure, Tama had contributed an estimated 1.1 billion yen ($8.9 million) to the local economy, Kojima said. Kojima said that when he visited Tama at an animal hospital the day before she died, the cat woke up and reached out to him with her paws, as if asking for a hug,
and looked straight into his eyes. He said he told Tama to get well so they can celebrate the cat’s upcoming 10th anniversary as a stationmaster, and said the cat responded with a “meow.” Tama is a popular name for cats in Japan, where they are considered spiritual animals. The word could translate as treasure, ball or spirit. The cat had climbed the corporate ladder from stationmaster to “ultra-stationmaster” and vice president of the company before receiving the additional title Sunday of “honorable eternal stationmaster.” Tama will be succeeded by another calico cat, Nitama, now an apprentice stationmaster. Follow Mari Yamaguchi at https://www.twitter.com/ mariyamaguchi
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Mandarin, Cantonese & Korean Interpreter available
HONG LAW FIRM, PLLC 206-856-8291 honglegal@gmail.com
Bankruptcy Chapter 7 Personal Injury Landlord-Tenant Simple Wills
Frank S. Hong, Attorney at Law avvo.com
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33 YEARS YOUR VOICE
JULY 4 – JULY 10, 2015
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JULY 4 – JULY 10, 2015