PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 746 Seattle, WA
VOL 33 NO 50 DECEMBER 6 – DECEMBER 12, 2014
FREE 32 YEARS YOUR VOICE
A last supper and a new beginning in Chinatown
Photo by George Liu/NWAW
Neighborhood icon Ocean City closes
Owners Christine and Tim Lee (center) with staff and patrons at a last dinner which included crab, rock cod, and duck
By Assunta Ng Northwest Asian Weekly After hosting countless weddings and social events, Ocean City (OC) restaurant, the biggest restaurant in Seattle’s Chinatown, finally ended its own party and history of 31 years on Nov. 30. Instead of tears and sorrow, owners Christine and Tim Lee, dining
with their 10 employees and a few customers, were smiling at their last supper in the restaurant, which was considered an institution in Seattle’s Chinatown. Its two floors could seat up to 850 people for banquets. A year ago, the Lees leased more than three-quarters of its restaurant {see NEW BEGINNINGS cont’d on page 15}
Clinically funny
“Canasian” Ed Hill’s low anxiety helps with high-stress job
By Jason Cruz Northwest Asian Weekly
Ed Hill’s start in comedy was a prerequisite. Then again, it was probably an elective. “I took a class when I was in graduate school,” explained the 30-year-old Taiwanese Canadian. While in graduate school at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, B.C., Hill decided to take a comedy writing class. Five years removed from taking the class, Hill has found a knack and comfort for telling jokes in front of people and his comedy has become a serious
side gig. Dubbing himself as the “Canasian” (Canadian Asian), he jokes that comedy has “ruined his life.” Hill’s full-time job is being a mental health therapist. Hill holds a master’s degree from Simon Fraser and an undergraduate degree from the University of British Columbia. Hill’s job is a serious one for someone that is skilled at making people laugh. Hill does not mix work with play. “There’s nothing funny about my day job,” he remarked. Although he does not hide his comedy career, he does not impose it on {see HILL cont’d on page 13}
BLOG Seattle meets China » P. 10
Legal scholars: Obama’s immigration actions lawful By Jim Kuhnhenn Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — More than 100 immigration professors and scholars declared Tuesday that President Barack Obama’s decision to make several million immigrants illegally in the United States eligible to be spared from deportation is constitutional and within his administrative powers. The 135 scholars focused on two major provisions of Obama’s executive actions announced last week. One would shield parents of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents from deportation and allow them to apply for work permits. The other measure would expand a program that shielded immigrants who entered the United States illegally as children. Those two programs could affect up to 4.4 million people. The scholars’ statement asserts that the president’s actions are a proper use of prosecutorial discretion. Republicans reacted furiously to Obama’s decision, calling the offer of deportation relief and work permits unlawful and unconstitutional. Some of Obama’s legal critics argue a president’s job is to enforce the laws passed by Congress and say Obama is acting in defiance of Congress. The White House has argued that past Republican and Democratic presidents have used their executive authority to protect immigrants from deportation. Obama’s actions, however, would affect a far larger number of immigrants than other presidents did with their directives. Critics like John Yoo and Robert Delahunty, both of whom worked in the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel during President George W. Bush’s administration, argue that the president doesn’t have such broad latitude and that prosecutorial discretion can only be applied narrowly. The scholars, in their statement, said the broad scope of Obama’s actions did not make them any less lawful. {see IMMIGRATION LAW cont’d on page 12}
Ed Hill
The Inside Story NAMES People in the news » P. 2
■
WORLD Gong Li questions fairness » P. 5
A&E Acrobatics! » P. 7
A&E Cultural drama » P. 9
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asianweekly northwest
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DECEMBER 6 – DECEMBER 12, 2014
■ names in the news 49ers game this November. The Mayor, Manny Lee, Perry and Vickie Lee, Charlene, Matthew Chan and Jerry Lee were together at the game. San Francisco lost 3-19. Manny, Mayor Lee and Perry grew up on Beacon Hill and are longtime friends.
Photo by Assunta Ng/NWAW
Ben Grace leaves CIDBIA
Photo by John Liu/NWAW
SEARAC UNITE Summit
Honorees of the Ayame Kai Guild
Okamoto, Maida Okazaki*, Linda Osada*, Betty Otani, Nobi Otsuji, Fumi Sakamoto*, Joan Seko, Corrine Toda*, and Mary Sada Uno. (*Deceased.) The luncheon raised approximately $12,000.
Ben Grace and Mary Do
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee a good sport
SEARAC’s Education team
Finish line in record time
The Southeast Asia Resource Access Center (SEARAC) Education team attended the Southeast Asian American / Access in Education (SEA3eD) Coalition’s UNITE Summit in Seattle in November. Over 300 students, parents, educators, researchers, and policymakers attended the summit to learn how to advance educational opportunities for Southeast Asian American students. The next summit will be in 2016.
Photo from Sophia Liu’s Facebook page
On November 21, the community held a farewell party for Ben Grace, former Program Director of the ChinatownInternational District Business Improvement Area. The CIDBIA will be accepting applications for his position shortly.
Photo provided by Jerry Lee
Honoring members of the Ayame Kai Guild
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee (center, in red cap) poses with Seahawks fans
Mayor Ed Lee was in Santa Clara for the Seahawks/
The second annual Omusubi Connection luncheon was held at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center November 6. The luncheon celebrated the founders and initial members of the Ayame Kai Guild. Honorees were Jody Clovis (Matsubu-Yamanaka), Kachi Ikeda, Hiroko Ima*, Shiz Kaku, Judy (Yoshino) Kanzaki, Ossie Katayama*, Amy Kuramoto*, Ruth (Otani) Luders*, Edna Matsubu*, Lovett Moriguchi*, Joyce Nakamura*, Toshi
Sophia Liu
Sophia Liu, 31, of Redmond recorded the top women’s time of 2:57:30 at the 44th Seattle Marathon last month. The marathon is 26.2 miles and there were 8,484 participants. Liu studies exercise physiology and just completed her doctorate at Ball State and called her win a “present to myself.”
32 YEARS YOUR VOICE
DECEMBER 6 – DECEMBER 12, 2014
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asianweekly northwest
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DECEMBER 6 – DECEMBER 12, 2014
■ TOP CONTRIBUTORS
Lori Wada It’s all about healthcare
Lori Wada
By Ninette Cheng Northwest Asian Weekly Northwest Asian Weekly Top Contributor honoree Lori Wada will also become the director of the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) come January. For the 25-year veteran in the state government, it’s all about healthcare education. Wada currently serves as an Operations Supervisor at the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, which offers counseling and education on healthcare options to low-income families across the state. A native of Seoul, Korea, Wada moved to the United States at age 18. She graduated from St. Martins University and began her civic career at the Washington Lottery Commission in 1990. “I started at the Lottery Commission as an Asian liaison,” she said. “My job was a new position they created. They were having a language and cultural competency issue amongst the staff in serving small businesses and there were 700 Korean convenience stores at the time.”
In order to sell lottery tickets in convenience stores, many compliance laws, restrictions, and requirements must be followed. A lot of convenience store owners didn’t understand. “They created this position to narrow the gap,” Wada said. “I was going between the Lottery Commission and convenience store owners to understand what were the requirements on both sides and the interests of the convenience store owners and making sure they were equally and fairly treated.” In Wada’s time at the Lottery Commission, the sale of lottery products went up 400 percent, she said. “We had close business partnerships with the store owners,” she said. “That was a big accomplishment for me.” After leaving the Lottery Commission, Wada went to work at the Department of Commerce as a Position Contract Manager for the Housing Trust Fund, working to find homes for low income, seniors and special needs populations. There, Wada worked with many nonprofit organizations including the Korean {see WADA cont’d on page 6}
Dr. Jai Jun Byeon Helping the underserved community
By Staff Northwest Asian Weekly
Dr. Jai Jun Byeon is the CEO and Chief Medical Officer for Cornerstone Medical Services. He is a strong advocate of health equity for immigrants and minorities, and received the 2013 Molina Healthcare Champion award. As a family physician, Byeon is a certified civil surgeon who can perform immigration physical exams and provides preventative health information regularly to thousands of Korean immigrants through guest appearances on Radio Hankook and delivering media opeds. Byeon was raised in Cheongju, a small town in Korea. He graduated from the prestigious medical school Seoul National University in South Korea in 1985, and he practiced in Korea for 15 years. He immigrated to Canada afterwards because he wanted to study end-of-life care and then eventually moved to the Seattle area, where he has worked for several free clinics and Cornerstone. He realized that many Korean immigrants did not realize their insurance options, therefore didn’t seek services. He found some would even go back to Korea to receive medical help because they were not aware of the options they had available. “I believe medical and social services should be provided together,” he said. He recounts a case where a patient, who suffered from paranoia, wouldn’t leave home, and had never been treated. Dr. Byeon visited him at his home and arranged through a social worker to help the patient get Medicaid coverage. The patient was diagnosed with schizophrenia and now has outpatient follow-ups. The qualities he has in my mind as a good physician are 1) having up-to-date medical knowlege and skills, 2) emphathy for the patients 3) practice in the context of community and 4) essentially being a good person when it comes to being a human being. Byeon is an active member of the Seoul
Dr. Jai Jun Byeon
National University alumni association and continues to collaborate with his former colleagues from Samsung Medical Center on health disparities faced by Asian Americans. Cornerstone Medical Services began as a free clinic for the uninsured in South King County and is now a fullfledged community health clinic that has been recognized by Governor Jay Inslee for excellence as In-Person Assisters for the Affordable Care Act, has hosted over a dozen Medicare outreach and education events for over a thousand seniors, and is leading Washington state in stomach cancer prevention. Staff can be reached nwasianweekly.com.
at
info@
“I believe medical and social services should be provided together.” — Dr. Jai Jun Byeon
■ national news
Immigrant students helping others like them
AP Photo
By Erin Grace AP Wire Service
The Omaha Northwest Thrive Club helps other immigrants
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Inside the tiny Benson apartment, in a kitchen filled with boxes of donations, stood two teenagers washing dishes. Side by side, the pair of immigrants — a girl from Mexico, a boy from Thailand — worked through the piles of plates, mugs, glasses, and silverware. They washed, they dried, and they put them into onceempty cabinets, while their friends in a unique high school club ran the vacuum, filled the fridge with fresh cabbage, and made signs that said “Welcome.” The Omaha Northwest Thrive Club was preparing Apartment 11 for a refugee family due in that night, the Omaha World-Herald reported.
The setup work was just part of a larger commitment the students, nearly all of them foreign-born, are making to the newcomers. And it is a measure of how far the students have come since their own arrivals to America. The Northwest students know all too well the challenges ahead, including adjusting to a sometimesfrigid climate, a new language, and even creature comforts like a bed. “I wasn’t used to a mattress at all,” recalled 19-year-old Hei Blut Htoo, an Omaha Northwest senior, about his first night in America seven years ago. “I slept on the floor. The carpet was warm and soft.” Hei Blut Htoo is president of his {see IMMIGRANT STUDENTS cont’d on page 12}
32 YEARS YOUR VOICE
DECEMBER 6 – DECEMBER 12, 2014
■ world news
5
Japanese paper regrets use of term ‘sex slaves’ By Mari Yamaguchi Associated Press
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s biggest newspaper apologized in print Friday for using the term “sex slaves” in its Englishlanguage edition to describe Asian women forced into Japanese military-run brothels during World War II. The conservative Yomiuri said in articles in English and Japanese that it was inappropriate to have used the phrase and others implying the women were coerced to provide sex. The newspaper identified 97 articles, including 85 of its own, with “sex slaves” or similar expressions between 1992 and 2013. It said non-Japanese people have difficulty understanding the term “comfort women,” used in Japan to describe the
women, so its English-language edition added explanations improperly suggesting that “coercion by the Japanese government or the army was an objective fact.” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, other conservative lawmakers, and activists have a long-running campaign against the term “sex slaves,” maintaining the women weren’t forced. A government investigation in the early 1990s concluded that many of the women “were recruited against their own will” and “lived in misery at comfort stations under a coercive atmosphere,” according to an apology issued by then-Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono. It said in many cases the women were recruited by coaxing and coercion, and that government and military officials were often directly involved.
The investigation found no proof in existing official documents, and conservatives have used that to argue their case. Abe, who took office in December 2012, hoped to revise Kono’s 1993 apology, but later promised not to do so following protests from South Korea and elsewhere. The efforts to deny coercion have soured relations with South Korea, where some of the women came from. Historians say tens of thousands of women from across Asia were used in military brothels. They say most Japanese women in the brothels were prostitutes by profession, while many others were kidnapped. In August, the liberal-leaning Asahi newspaper apologized {see SEX SLAVES cont’d on page 12}
Nominee questions fairness N. Korean leader’s sister of Taiwan film awards named as senior official
Gong Li
AP Wire Service
AP Wire Service
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — The golden horse statues have been awarded, but the drama hasn’t ended from one of Asia’s biggest film festivals. Chinese actress Gong Li called Taiwan’s Golden Horse Film Festival unprofessional after she lost the best actress category to Taiwanese actress Chen Shiang Chyi. Sometimes called the Chinese Oscars, the Golden Horse Awards are among the most prestigious for Mandarin-language films. While the festival is held in Taiwan, the filmmakers and stars who make up the jury and compete for the awards hail from all over the region. In a statement via her manager Monday, Gong questioned the awards’ impartiality and said an “unfair” festival would be looked down upon in the film industry.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea has revealed that leader Kim Jong Un’s younger sister is a senior official in the ruling Workers’ Party, adding to analysts’ views that she is an increasingly important part of the family dynasty that runs the country. State media on Thursday referred to Kim Yo Jong as a departmental vice director within the party’s Central Committee. Analysts say the mention could signal Kim Yo Jong’s growing role in supporting her brother’s authoritarian rule. The siblings’ late father, former leader Kim Jong Il, was seen as relying on his own
{see LI cont’d on page 12}
Thai legislature approves ban on surrogacy
AP Wire Service
BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s interim parliament has given initial approval to a bill banning commercial surrogacy, the practice of hiring a woman to carry a fetus to term, a lawmaker said Friday. Thailand was rocked by several surrogacy scandals earlier this year. One involved an Australian couple who took home a healthy baby girl born from a Thai surrogate mother, but left behind her twin brother who had Down syndrome. The other case involved a Japanese man who fathered at least 16 babies via Thai surrogates. National Legislative Assembly member Chet Siratharanon said the bill passed its first reading on Thursday, and a finalized version was expected to be ready for consideration within 30 days. The interim government, installed after a military
coup in May, vowed to outlaw commercial surrogacy and punish offenders with up to 10 years in prison. Thailand is one of the few countries in Asia where commercial surrogacy is not specifically banned by law. The Medical Council of Thailand has a regulation stating that doctors cannot perform surrogacy for pay and may risk losing their license. But that penalty has rarely been enforced and there are no rules covering surrogacy agencies or surrogate mothers, leaving room for commercial surrogacy to occur without oversight. Thailand has become a go-to destination for couples from Australia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan and a low-cost alternative to the United States. The cost of a baby by surrogate in Thailand is less than $50,000, compared to about $150,000 in the United States.
Kim Yo Jong
sister during his 17-year rule. Outsiders closely study North Korea’s opaque ruling power dynamics for clues about a secretive country that pursues nuclear weapons and threatens its neighbors with war.
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asianweekly northwest
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DECEMBER 6 – DECEMBER 12, 2014
■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR THU 12/4
WHAT: Screening of “Seven Samurai” WHERE: 1515 12th Ave., Seattle WHEN: 7 p.m. INFO: nwfilmforum.org
FRI 12/5 WHAT: WSCRC Annual Banquet with keynote speaker Jian Wang, CTO Alibaba Group WHERE: Hyatt Olive 8, Seattle WHEN: 5:30-9 p.m. INFO: www.wscrc.org WHAT: Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber December Luncheon, “China’s Current Challenges, Reform and Implications for U.S. Business” with Yi Ping Chan WHERE: Han’s Garden, 3020 78th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island WHEN: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. COST: $20
SAT 12/6 WHAT: Kingdom of Tonga Tea Experience WHERE: Asia Pacific Cultural Center, 4851 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma WHEN: 10 a.m. COST: $5/member, $10/nonmember WHAT: Multicutural Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair WHERE: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 1610 S. King St., Seattle WHEN: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
INFO: 206-323-5250, www. stpeterseattle.org
WHAT: 3rd annual Rogers Reindeer Fun Run WHERE: Heritage Rec Center & Trails, South Hill, Puyallup WHEN: 9:05 a.m. REGISTER: active.com, rogersreindeerrun.com
THRU SUN 12/7 WHAT: The NAPCA Helpline help reviewing and enrolling in prescription drug plans ENGLISH LINE: 800-336-2722 CHINESE LINE: 800-582-4218 KOREAN LINE: 800-582-4259 VIETNAMESE LINE: 800582-4336
SUN 12/7 WHAT: Create handmade greeting cards WHERE: Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Level 3 WHEN: 1-3 p.m. INFO: 206-386-4636
TUE 12/9 WHAT: Asia Business Forum WHERE: Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave. N.E., Bellevue WHEN: 5:30 p.m. COST: $15 INFO: abf12-9.eventbrite.com
THRU 12/10 WHAT: Preparing for US
Citizenship WHERE: Highline College, Building 19, Room 101, 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines WHEN: 1-3:30 p.m. COST: Free INFO: 206-592-3856, jsmucker@highline.edu
WED 12/10
■ briefly
A fusion of tradition and culture for the holidays
WHAT: Seattle CityClub’s Year in Review WHERE: Westin Seattle, 1900 Fifth Ave., Seattle WHEN: 11:30 a.m. COST: $12-$55 WHAT: General Membership Meeting WHERE: ACRS, 3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S., Seattle WHEN: 7:30-8:50 a.m. INFO: nhwa.org
SAT 12/13 WHAT: Making Spirits Bright WHERE: Dairyland Farm, 13428 Shorts School Rd., Snohomish WHEN: 6:30-9:30 p.m. COST: $15/person TICKETS: www.klahayadays. com/MakingSpiritsBright INFO: info@klahayadays.com
SUN 12/14 WHAT: NVC Children’s Christmas Party WHERE: NVC Memorial Hall, 1212 S. King St., Seattle WHEN: 12-3 p.m. INFO: seattlenvc.org
Volunteers and staff prepare Thanksgiving dinners
On Nov. 27th, Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) hosted a Thanksgiving Luncheon for youth, families and seniors at ACRS’ main office. Over 250 individuals attended, including many who had no other place to celebrate the holiday. A full Thanksgiving meal, as well as a range of Asian foods, was served by fifteen volunteers and staff. “By immersing ourselves in service to others, today’s fusion of traditional Thanksgiving turkey served alongside Asian foods is an example of our great country’’s long history with blended cultures,” explains ACRS Board Member Debadutta Dash. “At times like these, the beauty is in embracing the cultures and traditions of our new home while
maintaining respect and honor for those of our homelands. Today’s food and those that came to either enjoy a hot meal or serve a hot meal reflect the true beauty of our blended American community.” Victor Loo, Director of Recovery Services, organized ACRS staff, their families and friends to host this event. “We are responding to a need we saw in the community for culturally diverse holiday events,” said Loo. “ACRS was again happy to serve so many on Thanksgiving. It feels wonderful to know that we gave people a hot meal and a warm place to go on the holiday.” This was the eighth year that organizers held the Thanksgiving Luncheon. It was free and all were welcome.
■ world news
Chinese gay dating app grows to 15 million users
By Louise Watt and Aritz Parra Associated Press
BEIJING (AP) — By day, Ma Baoli was a high-ranking officer in a seaside city police force. By night, he ran a website for gay people to share experiences and on which he spoke under a pseudonym about the pressure he faced as a homosexual. After several years, the police force found out and told him he could not run a private website that was earning money from advertisements while serving as a police officer. Ma chose his website, a move
that later proved fruitful. His Danlan.org has spawned a Chineselanguage dating app for men called Blued that has garnered 15 million users, 3 million of them outside China, over two years. And last month, his company, Blue City, received $30 million in funding from Silicon Valley venture capital company DCM Ventures. Ma hopes to use the money to expand abroad and possibly prepare for an IPO. He is also considering launching a dating app for lesbians. In a country where the government considers any activism dangerous and where homosexuality
{WADA cont’d from page 4} Women’s Association. “I was able to help them obtain state funding to develop housing for seniors and domestic violence shelters,” she said. After ten years at the Department of Commerce, in 2010, Wada became involved with healthcare for underserved populations at her current position at the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. “I have done a lot of outreach for API communities to educate people about Medicare coverage options and enrollment information,” she said. “Medicare is a very complex program. Because it is administered by the federal government, there’s a cost associated but there’s a program for low-income populations that not many people are aware of.”
has traditionally been taboo, Ma has managed to build his business partly by reaching out to government agencies and showing them he can provide a public service in spreading safe-sex messages. The app allows users to look for people by location or the last time they logged on. It also enables group settings so people can organize activities such as hiking or assembling a basketball team, as well as providing information from health authorities on locations for HIV testing and treatment. Andrea Pastorelli, a policy specialist at the United Nations Devel-
opment Programme, said the Chinese CDC had recognized the app’s usefulness in reaching people they were unable to. “They are having a real issue reaching out to the most marginalized people and in China that’s where the epidemic is,” he said. “The fact that they have been able to attract this much money shows that there is interest in the so-called pink market,” Pastorelli added. “Private companies are realizing that gay people exist and gay people represent a huge market.” An investment manager at the Beijing office of DCM Ventures
This is where Wada comes in, reaching out to the community to teach them about their options. She hopes to continue her work with healthcare education in her new role at CAPAA. “I’m facing retirement pretty soon,” she said. “I felt that I could get involved actively at CAPPAA. I want to be more involved at the policy level.” “I really want to focus on giving more effort to more healthcare fields,” she said of her goals in her new position. “The healthcare illiteracy is really high across the board but in the API community, it’s even higher. A lot of people are not taking advantage of the programs. I want to give more of my hours and time and effort to help people to navigate the system so they can find the program that works for their situation.” As far as how Wada became a Top Contributor, she was nominated by Buwon Brown, Executive Director of the
who asked not to be named because she was not authorized to speak to the media confirmed that the company had invested $30 million in Blue City, saying its future outlook was promising. “Five percent of the total population are LGBT people,” she said. “Social attitudes toward gay people will become more and more tolerant in the future.” For Ma, 37, who goes by the online pseudonym Geng Le, the investment signals a shift in attitudes already among Chinese toward homosexuals.
Korean Community Service Center. “I really think there’s other people in the community to recognize,” Wada said. “The person whom I think nominated me said ‘nobody came to the API community to teach them about how Medicaid works.’ I was the first one that actually went out and gathered people about this program. They were very touched by it I guess. I think that’s why I was nominated.” When asked what she thinks makes a Top Contributor, she said “I think somebody who really sacrificed themselves or somebody who really achieved a significant accomplishment for the API community [should] be recognized.” It looks like Wada fits her own description. Ninette Cheng can be reached at info@nwasianweekly. com.
32 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
DECEMBER 6 – DECEMBER 12, 2014
7
Photos by Laura Ohata/NWAW
Rising star on the flying trapeze: Jordan Tribble
Christopher Jordan Yasukuni Tribble
By Laura Ohata Northwest Asian Weekly “Fear is a big part of flying trapeze,” says Jordan Tribble. “To stand up on the platform, with no safety lines, and tell yourself to jump off. Just swinging on the bar is a big deal.” For all of his talk of fear, at age 21, Christopher Jordan Yasukuni Tribble is a rising star on the flying trapeze. These days, he performs and teaches classes at Emerald City Trapeze Arts, a school in Seattle that offers classes in a variety of circus skills. “Jordan should be very proud of how fast he got to where he is,” says Paul Schimmel, chief instructor of trapeze at Emerald City Trapeze Arts. “He has only been flying for a year now, and he has learned some serious, serious tricks. He will be showing those off for our next show on New Year’s. He is very talented, very driven, as both a teacher and performer.” “He’s got a gift and an aptitude for learning,” says Alestair Winn, an Australian instructor who works with Tribble. “It usually takes quite a few years to reach to the level he is at. Jordan has managed to surround himself with a lot of great coaches. If he stays focused, he’ll likely fly for Cirque Du Soleil one day.” Tribble credits his rapid success to prior training. He studied Tae Kwon Do for seven years, eventually earning a black belt. “Martial arts helped me a lot, to focus my energy on what I am doing. Learning how to breathe helped a lot. Movement and flow…make what I do now more of a dance.” About five years ago, he began studying circus arts with his uncle, Sam Tribble, an expert in the Cyr wheel, a spinning circular metal bar. He also learned a form of tightrope called slackline, and some basic tumbling routines. About a year ago, Tribble began training at the Trapeze School New York on the Santa Monica Pier
in California. “My first trick was a knee hang. That is the intro trick,” says Tribble. “You’ve got to do that before you can do anything else.” He advanced rapidly from knee-hang to plange, and from plange to layout. “Right now, I am working on the double layout. That is kind of my itch right now, trying to make this one trick really good, because it leads on to all of the other big tricks that I eventually want to work on, and keep going.” Emerald City Trapeze Arts invited Tribble to move to Seattle and work as a circus arts instructor in May of 2014. “Emerald City Trapeze is the cathedral of all things trapeze,” says Tribble. The ropes, pulleys, and platform and net span the center of a renovated factory in SODO. Light filters in through windows 40 feet overhead. Tribble says, “It’s an amazing school, with amazing coaches and an amazing rig that I can come and fly on every day, and train my heart out.” While his family supports his high-flying career, his mother hid behind her husband, too afraid to watch one of Tribble’s recent performances. “Of course, it’s dangerous. What could happen definitely shouldn’t be taken lightly,” he says. “I’ve had a few sketchy moments. I was doing a pirouette… bar to bar. When I went to grab the bar… I barely had my fingertips on the right-hand side of my bar.” When he came back up to the board, he had to straddle the ladder off to the side over a 25-foot drop. The art of flying trapeze requires intense concentration and physical strength. “You really have to focus to filter out your daily life, as well as what is going on throughout the room,” says Tribble. “There might be 20 things wrong in what you are doing, but you can’t think about 20 things and do your trick the best way possible. So, you {see TRIBBLE cont’d on page 12}
asianweekly northwest
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DECEMBER 6 – DECEMBER 12, 2014
■ ON THE SHELF
All about action Book recommendations
By Samantha Pak Northwest Asian Weekly
Tiger
By Wesley Robert Lowe Wesley Lowe Media At 28, Micah Keating is fresh out of law school and traveling back to Hong Kong to start his new law career at one of the country’s top firms. On his first day, Micah meets Brenda, the daughter of his boss, Garret Southam. Micah is immediately smitten, but Brenda, having grown up around lawyers, is less than impressed. The two are assigned a seemingly boring – but multi-billion dollar – client. It soon becomes clear that not all is what it seems and that Garret is the attorney for Chin, a Triad leader and psychopathic Shaolin kung fu master, and Micah and Brenda’s client is actually a cover for Chin’s dealings. In addition, Garret and his best friend Tommy (father to Brenda’s best friend Abby) have ripped off the crime boss for billions of dollars. The only thing keeping Garret alive is his extensive and exclusive knowledge of Chin’s empire, but to force his hand, Chin abducts Brenda. To find and free his new lady love, Micah must transform himself from the awkward, romantic son of missionaries to an untamed animal even Chin will fear. “Tiger” is action packed from the beginning – from a foot chase between
Chin and a Bengal tiger on the busy streets of Hong Kong, hand-to-hand combat between various characters, there is rarely a dull moment. Readers will be on the edge of their seats throughout the story as they read to find out what happens with Brenda, Garret, Micah, Abby and the rest of the characters – even the Bengal tiger. And in between those action-packed moments, Lowe does a great job of showing who the characters are. Through stories from their past as well as interactions with others, we see that each character is their own person, with individual thoughts and
opinions and hopes and dreams. We learn how they became who they are and root for them to succeed.
Rolling Thunder
By Mark Berent Amazon Digital Services, Inc., 2014 During the Vietnam War, there were many things at work. From the soldiers on the front lines in Vietnam, to the politicians in Washington D.C. working to control the strings, to the members of the press whose coverage of the war swayed public opinion,
there was not one single thing that drove things. “Rolling Thunder” is a story about how all of these elements – and more – came together to become the war often referred to as “Nam.” The story takes place from 1965-66 and covers the points of views from various characters. However, it particularly follows three men: Court Bannister, a U.S. Air Force captain who is often overshadowed by a movie star father who fought in WWII; Toby Parker, a first {see SHELF cont’d on page 14}
32 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
DECEMBER 6 – DECEMBER 12, 2014
9
Cultural drama Ultra Rich Asian Girls: Stereotype or commentary?
By Vivian Nguyen Northwest Asian Weekly I am seldom interested in reality television, but there’s something intriguing about reality shows that feature all-Asian casts. Whether it looks like a train wreck or a show with actual value, there’s a surefire guarantee I’ll watch it. So what’s the latest reality show I’ve been following? The reality web series “HBICtv: Ultra Rich Asian Girls of Vancouver” (“HBICtv”). “HBICtv” follows four affluent Chinese Canadian girls who chase their career aspirations while flaunting their obscene wealth and privilege in your face. The show is currently in the middle of its first season with five episodes aired as of this date. Show highlights thus far include the girls eating oysters in high-end, elite restaurants in Vancouver to shopping for haute couture in Milan. Cast members speak Mandarin and English during the talking head interviews and filmed scenes, which is a departure from other reality shows that feature Asians in North America. “HBICtv” is primarily aimed at viewers in China, according to several Canadian outlets that have covered the web reality show.
Mixing reality television with “cultural drama”
For Kevin Li, the show’s producer and creator, there is a bigger picture involved with the launch of “HBICtv.” Li hopes to balance the tone and topics of the web series by reintroducing his previously filmed 2012
HBICtv’s “Ultra Rich Asian Girls of Vancouver”
documentary that looks at the humble roots of Chinese Canadians in Vancouver. His documentary, which was recently renamed to “Ultra Hard Working and Not Rich Asians of Vancouver,” to contrast with the premise and title of “HBICtv,” explores Chinese immigrant history and culture, which has long played a big role in Li’s professional and personal life.
The documentary was made available in English, Chinese, and Mandarin. Li hopes that “HBICtv” will draw more attention to the documentary, which currently has just over 3,000 views online. Li, who has 17 years of experience in news broadcasting, originally conceived of “HBICtv” when he started noticing a flood of wealthy immigrants arriving
to Vancouver from Mainland China and Taiwan. He was particularly curious about young Asians loaded with unimaginable wealth. In an interview with the Canadian news outlet The Early Edition, Li says he was {see ULTRA RICH ASIAN GIRLS cont’d on page 15}
asianweekly northwest
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DECEMBER 6 – DECEMBER 12, 2014
■ PUBLISHER'S BLOG
OPINION
What happens when Seattle meets China? Romance, business, and more business
Corruption vs. relationship
Van Vong, an attendee, asked if the concept of “It’s who you know…” is essential in dealing with business in China, and how does one balance relationship and corruption? Christ said that’s why his company is aiming at “transparency.” As a developer, he could manage the construction of his hotel, but he chose not to. Instead he hired
U.S. officials with his projects. If he makes money, Christ likes to see other people get benefits too.
Photo by Assunta Ng/NWAW
Advice for the Chinese market
From left: Martha Lee, Ming Zhang, Mike Medeiros, and Michael Christ
MG2 to be the project’s architect, Sellen Construction as the contractor, and a separate accounting firm to deal with the books. He said there are many fraud cases in the EB5 program, in which Chinese investors invest in real estate, but don’t realize that they didn’t really purchase the land. The land for his hotel is all paid for, he said Chinese President Xi Jingping has been cracking down on corruption, said Zhang. So business is slowing down in China. Zhang said this will affect China in the short-term, but it will be good for the country long-term. “Eighty percent of Chinese officials are good, only 20 percent are corrupt,” said Zhang. Medeiros said “Be true to your values.” If you bribe the first time, there will be no end to this.
introduction to open doors. Christ credited his Chinese wife to break barriers in China. Zhang joked that finding a Chinese husband also works. Christ said going to dinner with Chinese officials might be normal in China. However, under the strict U.S. law, even a cup of coffee could be perceived as bribery, he said. It is frustrating because he couldn’t show appreciation for the help he got from
“Be an expert, not a generalist,” said Zhang. “That’s why we don’t do hospitals or libraries.” MG2 designs many mixedused development and high-rise buildings. The Port of Seattle’s commitment to build a bigger facility for international arrival is crucial, said Medeiros. “It shouldn’t be at taxpayers’ expense,” he said, the gates’ users should pay for it, meaning Delta and other air carriers. Transparency, transparency, transparency, was Christ’s emphasis. Those were all good points, but the truth of the matter is, many Chinese send their money to California and Canada, according to Mark Wen, president of the Washington China Chamber of Commerce. What should we do? It’s about time we should have another romance movie like “Finding Mr. Right,” said Zhang. “Finding Mr. Right,” a popular Chinese movie, modeling the theme, “Sleepless in Seattle,” drew over 5 million viewers in China. It is also the reason why many Chinese visitors come to Seattle. Medeiros surprised 60+ guests by donating two Delta tickets for domestic flights for a raffle along with umbrellas and other goodies.
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No knocking on doors
Eating and drinking are a big part of the business culture in China. Food helps to close deals. If you don’t drink, you should bring along friends who can drink along with the Chinese dignitaries. Unlike what might be customary in America, Zhang said you should not knock on doors when dealing with Chinese business and government leaders. You find their friends’ friends to provide the
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The Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a business panel discussion, “Seattle meets China,” at the Sun Ya restaurant in November. With its explosive growth in economy, the Chinese market is pervasive not only in Seattle, but all over the world. There were more Chinese tourists in Seattle than tourists from any other countries, including Japan, according to the City of Seattle. Panelists gave their perspectives, from marketing to strategies positioning their companies to fight for a piece of the “golden goose.” Highlights from the conversation: Michael Christ, SECO Development President, is building Southport Hotel, a 350-room hotel and conference center in Renton with the goal of attracting Chinese investors through the EB5 program. He started with development 25 years ago when he was single, and then fell in love with his wife, originally from China, which has now connected him to the country. Twenty years ago, MulvannyG2 Architecture President Ming Zhang said he originally had to convince management that the “next big thing” would be China. He eventually took his supervisor to China. He agreed. The rest is history. MG2 has completed 30 projects in China and there is an upcoming project in Wuhan. Vice President Mike Medeiros of Delta Airlines said the airline has started four non-stop flights to S. Korea, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, the last two being the airline’s exclusive. Medeiros said the market is limitless and Delta has been researching more destinations in Asia. He credited Delta’s success to hiring Chinese nationals running its China office, hiring Seattle staff with Asian languages proficiency, developing relationships with travel agencies, and redesigning its planes to have a spacious business class.
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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.
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32 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ editorial
DECEMBER 6 – DECEMBER 12, 2014
11
OPINION
A sincere signature Northwest Asian Weekly, No. 338 on the list
We, the undersigned, are Asian-American writers and scholars. We are very aware of the ways a story is told. We are also keenly and painfully aware of the ways a story gets untold. 18-year-old Michael Brown was shot and killed last summer by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. His body was left out in the street for four and a half hours. We are deeply troubled by repeated miscarriages of justice against people of color, not the least of which is the grand jury’s recent failure to deliver even a minimum indictment of Darren Wilson — all this given just a few widely accepted (if not irrefutable) pieces of information. Just to begin with: Michael Brown was unarmed. There is conflicting testimony on record about the actual confrontation, and Wilson’s version of the story appears to have been privileged in this case, a testimony which refers to Michael Brown in inhuman terms. The Medical Examiner seems to not have taken pictures at the crime scene. There is widespread concern that grand juries, too frequently, refuse to indict in cases of police shootings.
Fivethirtyeight.com reports: “According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. attorneys prosecuted 162,000 federal cases in 2010, the most recent year for which we have data. Grand juries declined to return an indictment in 11 of them.” That is, there is statistical evidence that prosecutors seeking indictments get them — unless it’s a cop. There is a historical pattern of not holding officers accountable in the justice system, while the burden of proof remains with the families and communities of the victims of these police shootings. Too often these are families and communities of color. The killing of Michael Brown is just one case among many. We are outraged by the state violence against young black and brown men and the less noticed but equally distressing state violence against black and brown women. We are dissatisfied with an unjust system and dominant culture that continues to craft false narratives around our African American, Latino, and Native American brothers and sisters – similar to the construction of false narratives about Asian Americans. The myth of the model minority, for example, has sought
to pit us against each other, even though some of us have a long history of mutual support and collaboration across racial lines. We can’t overstate this: the rich, productive, complicated relationships across boundaries among Asian, Latino, and African-American people are too often poorly represented or entirely erased. It may not appear in the official record, but we squabble and we love. The evidence of this suppressed history very often finds its way into the poems, novels, talk-stories, plays, kitchen gossip, and movies that we are making – works of art that are often ignored or dismissed. We live in an American culture of privilege and disregard, and we want things to change. We share the feelings of helplessness and frustration rising now across the country about the tragic death of Michael Brown. We share the anger and sorrow of our time. — Northwest Asian Weekly (No. 338 on the list) To see the full list of signatures and to sign the petition, please visit www.apiajusticenow.org.
■ COMMENTARY
RE: E-cigarettes and the API community By Sean Yokomizo For Northwest Asian Weekly
On behalf of Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy, and Leadership (APPEAL), I would like to respond to the commentary, Sean Yokomizo “E-cigarettes and the API Community,” authored by Reid Mukai and posted on Nov. 21, 2014. First, I would like to make clear APPEAL’s position that e-cigarettes and other electronic devices designed to feed nicotine addiction should be regulated, just as traditional nicotine addiction devices, like tobacco cigarettes, are regulated. Mr. Mukai opens his commentary by using data from APPEAL highlighting the disproportionate and devastating impacts of tobacco on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Indeed, the numbers are alarming and we appreciate Mr. Mukai’s concern for those subjected to the leading preventable cause of disease and death among AANHPIs. Mr. Mukai goes on to discuss the role of e-cigs as
a potential means of lessening the impacts of tobacco by acting as an aid to reduce or quit the use of tobacco. However, Mr. Mukai’s commentary fails to consider some key facts related to the use of e-cigs. While e-cigs don’t give off smoke, like traditional cigarettes, it’s important to understand that the vapor produced by e-cigs still contains chemicals from the nicotine, flavoring, and other additives. Scientific research is still ongoing to try and determine the actual effects that inhaling those chemicals has on e-cig users, as well as those in close proximity to “second-hand” vapor. The fact that the contents of e-cigs are unregulated and therefore could contain an unknown “cocktail” of chemicals that differs from product to product only complicates that research. There are also serious concerns about e-cigs acting as a “gateway” tobacco product and the targeting of children through both unregulated marketing and the use of sweet, candy-like flavorings. Studies of traditional tobacco shows that both targeted marketing and the use of menthol and other flavorings increases use among young people. It’s reasonable to assume that the same may be true with e-cigs and there is evidence to support this concern. According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey, between 2011 and 2013, the number of youth who’d never smoked, but used e-cigs increased 3-fold, from 79,000 to over 263,000. The
“intention to smoke conventional cigarettes” was 44% among youth who had used e-cigs, compared to 22% of those who’d never used e-cigs. One of APPEAL’s key missions is to protect the next generation from a lifetime of nicotine addiction and making the regulation of new nicotine delivery systems, like e-cigs, comparable to the regulation of traditional nicotine sources, like tobacco cigarettes, goes a long way toward creating environments in which kids are less likely to start smoking or become addicted to nicotine in any form. Ultimately, nicotine is an additive substance that provides no benefit and is associated historically with considerable adverse impacts on health. Decades of work, millions of dollars, and literally millions of deaths have been invested in fighting the impact that tobacco and nicotine have had on AANHPI communities. We strongly oppose products that threaten to undo that investment, no matter how profitable it may be for the few in the community who sell those products, as does Mr. Mukai. Sean Yokomizo is Communications & Development Manager for APPEAL
■ WORLD NEWS
Honda admits failing to report deaths, injuries By Tom Krisher AP Auto Writer
DETROIT (AP) — Honda is admitting that it failed to report more than 1,700 injury and death claims about its vehicles to U.S. safety regulators, a violation of federal law. The Japanese automaker, in statements issued Monday, also said it became aware of the omissions in 2011, yet it took about three years to take action. The company said it filed documents detailing the lapses on Monday with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which had demanded an explanation on Nov. 3. The agency said at the time that Honda may have failed to
report incidents related to air bags made by Takata Corp., as well as other defective parts. Honda has recalled more than 5 million vehicles in the United States since 2008 to fix a potentially fatal defect in air bags made by Japanese auto supplier Takata. The air bag inflators can rupture after a crash and injure occupants with shards of metal. Honda blamed the lapses on inadvertent data entry and computer programming errors, as well as a misinterpretation of the federal TREAD act, a law passed in 2000 requiring faster reporting of deaths, injuries, and safety defects by automakers. Under the law, automakers must report each quarter any claims they receive alleging that defective vehicles or parts caused a death or
injury. But Honda said it did not report 1,729 death and injury claims from July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2014. During that 11-year period, the company only reported 1,144 claims, it said in statements. The numbers are the result of an audit conducted by the law firm of Bowman and Brooke that began on Sept. 23. The unreported claims included one death and seven injuries attributed to faulty Takata air bag inflators, but Honda’s statement said those were reported to NHTSA in other unspecified ways from 2009 to 2013. The unreported death happened on May 27, 2009. Ashley Parham, 18, of Oklahoma City, was driving a 2001 Honda Accord
across a high school parking lot in Midwest City, Okla., when it hit another car. The air bag inflated and sent shards of metal into her neck. Her family sued Honda the following month. Honda acknowledged in its statements that one of its employees recognized the data entry errors in 2011, and the company was made aware of under-reporting by NHTSA in January of 2012. NHTSA on Monday would not answer questions about what action it took, if any, in 2012. The agency said it is reviewing Honda’s documents. “Honda began looking into the issue at that time, but did not take conclusive {see HONDA cont’d on page 14}
asianweekly northwest
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DECEMBER 6 – DECEMBER 12, 2014
{SEX SLAVES cont’d from page 5} for having quoted a person whose account of abducting Korean women to become sex slaves turned out to be a fabrication. Its apology and retraction of articles from the 1990s containing the comments led to extensive criticism of the Asahi by conservative lawmakers and media. But Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told parliament that officials didn’t take the person’s account seriously and it did not affect the results of Japan’s investigation or its apology.
{TRIBBLE cont’d from page 7} have to break that down and think of two things… and kind of let your body do the rest. And, that is a big deal—trying to push everything else aside and make that one thing happen. In the end, you’ve changed the one thing you wanted to change.” When asked about his plans for the future, Tribble says, “Trapeze artists are very transient. We move from rig-to-rig and place-to-place to follow our dream… depending on what opportunity arises. I think eventually, yes, I would like to be in a professional circus, but it doesn’t matter to me, as long as I keep flying.” If you want to give it a swing for yourself, Emerald City Trapeze Arts offers lessons seven days a week. “Flying trapeze is the best. Everyone should try it,” says Tribble. “It helps conquer fears. It’s about pushing yourself forward and making yourself realize that you can do things you never thought you could do.” For more, visit Emerald City Trapeze at http://emeraldcitytrapeze.com. Laura Ohata can be reached at info@ nwasianweekly.com.
{LI cont’d from page 5} Speaking to The Associated Press, Gong’s manager Christophe Tseng said her criticism wasn’t aimed at a particular award category or any individual, rather, she wanted to bring attention to the voting process. At the Golden Horse festival, the jurors who select the nominees are asked back for the final vote. Together, the two panels choose the winners. Tseng said that his client doesn’t understand why the nominating panel is invited to vote for the winners. The festival executive committee responded in a statement that the “judging process and the result of the Golden Horse has always been independent and fair. It is not influenced by any external factor ...” The committee also called this year’s 17 jurors “outstanding professionals” who voted anonymously under the watch of lawyers. The jury president, Chinese actress Joan Chen, said it’s inevitable someone will think any festival’s awards results are unfair and the Golden Horse is no exception. Chen called the judging process “transparent and democratic” and not interfered with or influenced by others. Saturday’s big winner was ChineseFrench film “Blind Massage,” which won best feature and five other categories. Gong was nominated for “Coming Home” from director Zhang Yimou. Their previous collaborations include “Curse of the Golden Flower,” “To Live,” and “Raise the Red Lantern.” She’s also appeared in “Miami Vice” and “Memoirs of a Geisha.”
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{IMMIGRANT STUDENTS cont’d from page 4} school’s Thrive Club, an after-school group at five Omaha public high schools. The club is aimed at migrant students who are either new to Omaha or who work or have parents working in an agricultural field, such as meatpacking. Generally such students are from other countries, many of them refugees who had come from meager conditions without a lot of modern conveniences or consistent schooling. Once they get to America, the learning curve is steep. Many refugee students, insecure about their broken English, tend to clam up in the classroom and not get involved in activities where they could make friends and build stronger school connections. That’s where Thrive comes in. The club meets weekly and uses a leadership curriculum that teaches students about character traits and service and encourages them to branch out beyond their ethnic groups. The four-year-old club also encourages students to do more than merely survive — they are pushed to thrive. A number of former club members are now in college. Club participation requires a service project, and past projects have involved generic acts of kindness, like picking up litter. This year, the Northwest Thrive Club wanted to do something more personal. So the club teamed up with Lutheran Family Services, a refugee resettlement agency, and spent a few days helping transform bleak, empty Apartment 11 into a warm, welcoming home — with help from an Omaha firefighter who had collected furniture, hauled it in, and set it up. Some students went grocery shopping, choosing the fresh, familiar fruits and vegetables that the incoming family from a Thai refugee camp would appreciate. Some went to Family Dollar to buy new towels and a shower curtain. Others, like Hei Blut Htoo and Fernanda Compean, unpacked boxes. Each had a unique immigrant story. Hei Blut Htoo’s parents, members of a persecuted ethnic minority in Burma
called the Karen, had fled to Thailand. Hei Blut Htoo was born in a Thai refugee camp. He lived in a bamboo hut with no electricity, though he could go to a common area to watch American movies. Schooling was spotty. Fire was a constant risk. The refugee camp where he was born burned down, and his family had to go to a different camp. When his family landed in Houston, a sponsor drove them to an apartment. What Hei Blut Htoo remembers is how hungry he was. After two days of travel, he hadn’t had any rice and he really, really, really wanted rice. Instead, waiting for him in America was a strange meal, a box of Walmart chicken. It took a week for a caseworker to show up. No one got the boy, then 11, enrolled in school for several months. It was hard for his father to find work at first. They moved several times. They first moved to a remote Texas town called Cactus, to Amarillo, and finally to Omaha last year. His father, a meatpacker, recently had a stroke. Fernanda Compean, 16, came to America from Tamaulipas, Mexico, four years ago. She flew with her mother and sister to Denver, then drove to Gillette, Wyo., where her father already was working. Fernanda said it seemed like there weren’t many Mexicans in Gillette, where the last Census has shown a Hispanic population of just under 10 percent. She said she knew only one student at her school who spoke Spanish. Anti-immigrant sentiment has stunned her. “It’s hard,” she said, “because sometimes they don’t like us.” She felt very alone, even more so 1 1/2 years ago, when her mother died of cancer. Fernanda moved to Omaha with her older sister. Their father now works in Kansas and sees them when he can. Thrive has been an important outlet for Fernanda, a junior at Northwest, and for Hei Blut Htoo. Both have set high goals for themselves that involve college. Fernanda wants to be an elementary school teacher. Hei Blut Htoo sees social work in his future — and his present. He already tutors migrant and English as a Second Language students. He encourages them
{IMMIGRATION LAW cont’d from page 1} “The president could conceivably decide to cap the number of people who can receive prosecutorial discretion or make the conditions restrictive enough to keep the numbers small, but this would be a policy choice, not a legal issue,” they wrote. The statement is an updated version of a Sept. 3 letter from
to practice English, to not be ashamed of speaking broken English, and to try hard. “I tell them I was once in their place,” he said. And because the other Thrive Club members had shared that stranger-ina-strange-land experience, they have committed to doing more than unpack the boxes and hang the towels. They plan on coming regularly to tutor the new refugees, to practice English with them, and to ease their transition to a new home. Some Thrive Club members started that deeper commitment that very night, at Eppley Airfield. They met the arriving family, a father and mother and three children ages 7, 4, and 1. They waved signs and took pictures. Then Hei Blut Htoo and a few other Karen-speaking Thrivers followed the family back to Apartment 11. The students had spent the afternoon there. Now it was after 9 p.m. The apartment began to fill with a Lutheran Family Services caseworker (who brought a rice cooker and rice) and Karenspeaking translator. Members of the Karen community in Omaha also came. They lugged in steaming pans of food. They made themselves at home. The new family entered tired, but happy. The mother plopped right onto the floor and put the baby to her breast to nurse, while his big brothers eagerly grabbed fruit out of the basket and began to eat. The father, still wearing a winter coat he was given at the airport, followed the Karen translator and Hei Blut Htoo around the small apartment for a crash course. This is a stove and how to use it. This is a fridge. Be careful what you put down the kitchen sink. Hei Blut Htoo handed him a sink strainer and explained that. This is a thermostat. This is a toilet. This is the key. Hei Blut Htoo and his fellow Thrivers then left. They knew the family had endured a long enough journey and that another journey — of settling, of learning, of assimilating — awaited. And these former newcomers who are now seasoned Omahans would help. “I want them to feel welcome,” Hei Blut Htoo said, “that they’re not alone, that they will be fine, that they have people who care about them.”
some of the same professors and immigration experts to Obama spelling out legal arguments and precedents for executive action. It was organized by immigration law experts Hiroshi Motomura at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law, Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia at the Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law, and Stephen H. Legomsky at the Washington University School of Law.
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32 YEARS YOUR VOICE
■ astrology
DECEMBER 6 – DECEMBER 12, 2014
13
For the week of December 6–December 12, 2014 By Sun Lee Chang
Rat — Not every deal is worth the trouble to claim it. The price might be right, but don’t bother if that’s the only draw.
Dragon — There are things that you want to do and a list of items you need to do; be sure you take care of the latter first.
Ox — Your abilities and skills bring value to the table, so don’t diminish their worth in the name of humility.
Snake — You may be hearing what you want to hear. Seek someone you know who you will give you an honest opinion.
Tiger — A project that is important to you needs a leader. This could be your moment to step up to the plate and shine. Rabbit — Having a hard time describing what should be done? Perhaps a visual example would convey the idea better than words.
Horse — The longer the list of details you have to keep track of, jot them down instead of relying on just memory. Goat — Looking for the quickest route available? If possible, avoid deviations and look for a straight path.
Monkey — A special treat is made all the more so by sharing the moment with close friends and family. Rooster — Avoid using someone else as a barometer of where you should be going. The most accurate measure is within you. Dog — Surface impressions are highly variable and unreliable. It is in your interest to reserve judgment for a later date. Pig — Are you asking for something that you really don’t need? Be thankful for the necessities that you already have.
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 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.
KING COUNTY INVITATION TO BID
{HILL cont’d from page 1} his co-workers. Hill started his career doing “open mic” nights, where comedy clubs allow people to come up and tell jokes. Now, Hill has agents that assist him in getting booked for shows on college campuses, as well as other venues. “There’s a lot of sleeping in airports and on the road,” said Hill of his life on the road. Typically, Hill travels on the weekends in order to accommodate his full-time job. There are times when work and his comedy shows have come into conflict. Hill was able to do shows in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. He recalls that after the comedy shows, he flew back home to Vancouver with little time to recover from jet leg. “I literally went home, took a shower, and went to work,” Hill said. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Hill and his parents moved to Vancouver, B.C. when he was 10 years old. In addition to “open mic” nights, in order to establish himself as a comedian, Hill worked many comedy festivals and networked with other comedians. One of these chance meetings included Louie Anderson. Anderson has been in numerous movies and television shows and is also known for hosting the game show “Family Feud.” Hill established a connection with Anderson over the course of time. Through Anderson’s help, Hill was able to obtain an American work visa and was the opening act for several of Anderson’s shows, including one in Las Vegas and two recent shows in Washington state. Hill recalls one of the Washington tour dates with Anderson was at the Central Washington State Fair. There were 5,000 people in attendance and he was on a jumbotron, so people could see. “It was defi-
nitely a different and humbling experience for me,” recalled Hill. “At the bottom of it, I’m pure stand-up.” Hill is not looking for an acting career as he does not believe he’s a very good actor. Hill’s comic material is based on his insecurities, observations on life, and identity as a Taiwanese Canadian. “I don’t sit down and write, and I’m always thinking,” explained Hill on the way he comes up with jokes. “It’s a fluid process. I don’t sit down for an hour at night. I’m always adding stuff.” Instead of a notepad, Hill puts his notes in his phone with words that help him recall the jokes. “I have a good memory,” said Hill. Hill jokingly talks about how his parents react to his comedy. “My dad hopes I’ll grow out of it,” Hill said with a smile. “My mom says she hates it, but she’ll share everything with her friends.” Hill adds, “My brother is indifferent.” Despite the perception that stand-up comedy comes with great stress and anxiety to have strangers like your jokes, Hill says he is a person with “low anxiety.” “I like the idea of challenging myself,” said Hill of comedy. “You can write something and immediately test something to see if it is good.” Hill enjoys the immediate feedback on his comedy material. “I’m not a patient person.” For more information, you can follow Ed Hill on twitter @kingedhill and his website at www.kingedhill.com. Hill will be back in Seattle at the Parlor Live on Feb. 11, 2015. He will be headlining a Chinese New Year show. Jason Cruz can be reached at info@ nwasianweekly.com.
Project: Solid Waste Division Electrical Services Work Order, C00917C14 Sealed Bid Time/Date: 1:30 p.m., December 16, 2014 Location Due: King County Procurement & Contract Services Section, Contracts Counter, 3rd Floor, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104 Engineer’s Estimate: $500,000.00 Scope of Work: Work in this Contract includes furnishing all labor, materials, and equipment necessary to perform electrical maintenance and repair services on King County Solid Waste facilities. King County is unable to determine the precise schedule or amount of work that may be performed under this Contract. The work will be assigned to the Contractor by Work Orders; each Work Order will address the scope of work and time of completion, and shall be performed as directed by the Project Representative and in accordance with the Technical Specifications issued with each Work Order. The Contractor shall be available 24 hours a day by pager/phone, and respond (arrive at the project site, prepared to perform work) within 4 hours after receiving an emergency call from King County. The work performed under this Contract shall not exceed $500,000. The Contract Time shall end 365 calendar days after the date of Contract execution by the County; provided however, at the County’s sole discretion, this Contract may be extended for one additional year or until the Not to Exceed Contract Price is reached, whichever occurs first. If the County elects to extend the Contract Time the County shall issue a letter. In no event shall the Contract Time be greater than two years from the date of Contract execution by the County. Contact Information: Mark Hoge, Contract Specialist, 206-263-9325, TTY Relay: 711, Fax: 206-296-7675, or mark.hoge@kingcounty.gov. A bidder may be asked to put a question in writing. No verbal answers by any County personnel or its agents and consultants will be binding on the County. Pre-Bid Conference: December 10, 2014, 2:00 p.m. at 401 Fifth Avenue, 3rd floor conference room, Seattle WA 98104. Subcontracting Opportunities: Automatic gate installation. Apprenticeship Requirements: No minimum Apprentice Utilization Requirement. SCS Utilization Requirements. The Contractor shall ensure that at least 5% of the total price for all executed work orders shall be performed by King County Certified SCS Firms over the life of the Contract. Bid Bond: Not less than five percent (5%) of the Total Bid Price. Bid Documents Electronic copies of the plans, specifications, reference documents, and any addenda for this solicitation are available on the King County Procurement website shown below. Printed documents may also be ordered from United Reprographics at 206-382-1177. Copies of documents are not available for purchase from King County, but are available for review 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., M thru F at the Contracts Counter: Chinook Bldg., 3rd Floor, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104. To receive email notifications of addenda or other important information concerning this solicitation, you must register to be a planholder under the “Solicitations” tab at the following internet link: Website: http://www.kingcounty.gov/procurement/solicitations This information is available in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities upon advance request by calling 206-263-9400, TTY Relay: 711. Notes: Bids received after Sealed Bid Time will not be considered. Bidders accept all risks of late delivery, regardless of fault. King County is not responsible for any costs incurred in response to this Invitation to Bid.
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{SHELF cont’d from page 8}
knowledge of the subject.
lieutenant in the air force who hooks up with an intelligence unit on a whim and gets a up-close view of the dangers of war; and finally, Wolf Lochert, a colonel in the Special Forces who ventures into the jungle to rescue a downed pilot. Admittedly, I did not know much about the Vietnam War prior to reading “Rolling Thunder.” It was not something that was covered extensively in school. Through this story – the first in his “Wings of War” series – Berent, who served three tours in Vietnam, shares his knowledge of one of the most controversial moments in modern history. He shows us the complexity of the war and how it was fought equally overseas and behind closed doors. The story takes place in the war zones of Vietnam such as Saigon, Hanoi, Bien How, Da Nang and Tahkli. Berent shows readers his experience as his action scenes in the air and on land are filled with rich details. And while there are moments when his attention to detail – such as that regarding the various planes in the story – sometimes slow down the story, it just once again proves Berent’s extensive
The Fourth Watcher
{HONDA cont’d from page 11} action,” Executive Vice President Rick Schostek said during a teleconference with reporters. He would not take questions. A spokesman said that was because the matter was legally sensitive and the documents had just been submitted to NHTSA.
By Timothy Hallinan William Morrow, 2008
Poke Rafferty is back in this second installment of the thriller series that bears his name. In this story, Poke is settling into the domestic life with his fiancée Rose and his newly adopted daughter, Miaow. Together, the trio has formed a small – if odd – family comprised of an American travel writer, a former go-go dancer who used to work at one of Bangkok’s most famous bars and a former street child. But their pleasant way of life is soon interrupted after someone from Poke’s past reenters his life – and not for the better. With this individual has comes trouble, including one of the most dangerous gangsters in China, which now threatens Poke’s newly formed family. In addition, Rose has found herself innocently in the middle of a North Korean counterfeiting operation and at the center of scrutiny from an especially determined U.S. The company says it is taking corrective action to make sure the lapses don’t happen again. Honda should get the maximum fine for “massively” violating the law, said Clarence Ditlow, head of the Center for Auto Safety, a nonprofit watchdog group. Honda hid more claims than it reported, so NHTSA should refer the case to the Justice Department for a criminal investigation,
Secret Service agent. While Poke may be the title character in the series, he is in no way, the only character. Hallinan has done a great job in creating multi-faceted characters – from the other two members of Poke’s family, to his police officer friend Arthit, to his former spy friend Arnold Prettyman, everyone has a story that readers will want to know. Another thing I enjoyed about “Fourth Watcher” was how there was more than one storyline – just as there are in real life. The characters have many things they have to deal with and seeing them struggling to deal with everything coming at them just makes them that much more human to readers. Hallinan keeps the story fast-paced, with something happening on every page. Even during moments of exposition, he keeps things concise and straight to the point and does not get bogged down by unnecessary details, which can often happen. Hallinan shows readers know what they need to know and moves on to the next scene. Samantha Pak can be reached at info@nwasianweekly. com. he said. Ditlow said it “strains credulity” that a sophisticated company like Honda could make so many errors. NHTSA has the authority to fine automakers up to $35 million for failing to report defects in a timely manner. The agency wants to increase the maximum fine to $300 million.
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32 YEARS YOUR VOICE
DECEMBER 6 – DECEMBER 12, 2014
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to Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot, a chain restaurant from China. Last October, Little Sheep opened with a facelift, remodeling from top to bottom with a $2 million price tag, next to the remaining OC restaurant’s snack bar. Why did the restaurant close? “We have not been able to make money for the last five years we took over from our family,” said Christine. “We practically worked for nothing.” “Three factors led to the decline of OC,” said Tim. “Wage increases, food price increases, and yet we can’t raise the prices on our menu. Customers objected… Chinese restaurants have this problem nationwide. People refuse to pay for quality Chinese food, so we can’t afford good chefs,” he said. “Look at P.F. Chang [chain restaurants]—it doesn’t offer cheap prices and customers accept the price. It means they respect the restaurant and what it tries to achieve in food culture.” “We need new ideas of managing Chinese restaurants,” said Tim. “And Little Sheep is on the right track.” The second week Little Sheep opened, it served close to 1,000 diners over its weekend with lines of people waiting. Golden Zhang, chairman of Little Sheep North America International Group, decided to lease the whole restaurant. The offer meant OC had to shut down. Tim thinks Little Sheep’s management will work. He said Little Sheep plans to turn the original snack bar into a lounge for drinks and waiting area for tables. It will feature new varieties of bubble tea with fresh tea leaves, rather than powder, which is not the norm in Seattle. Tim was excited about this new concept. He was also impressed with Little Sheep’s management. “Because of the hot pot style, Little Sheep got rid of the need for the stir-fry chef. Quality from stir-frying is hard to control. But hot pot’s cooking is based on its soup. And Little Sheep has quality control over that. It’s up to the customers to control the soup’s taste after it is served on the table. OC was the first restaurant in Chinatown to serve a seafood and hot pot buffet approximately 15 years ago. It was successful initially, but OC was unable to sustain the
Photos by George Liu/NWAW
{NEW BEGINNINGS cont’d from page 1}
Ocean City interior
Storefront
model. “Little Sheep serves you the shrimp and food even though it’s all you can eat, it doesn’t let customers pick (resulting in waste). It controls the amount and directly the food cost,” he said. “Besides, it has good financing to support their plan. When they (Little Sheep) told me the remodeling was $2 million, I didn’t believe it. Then, I saw the invoice. It was actually over $2 million.” So what is next for the Lees? “My friend was surprised that we were partying on OC’s last day,” said one employee. One would assume there would be sadness, but there was no sadness, just laughter. Five out of seven staff members will be hired by Little Sheep, and a couple retired after their almost three decades of service at OC. “It’s the OC tradition,” said one employee. “We always have a feast after the big holiday since Tim’s parents started the restaurant.” This feast was special, celebrating bonds between employees and employers for working together. The Lees will have a new beginning. “It’s new leadership for a new century,” said Lee. “A satisfactory way to end and I can have my new dreams.” The Lees’ burden is now over. Tim is looking forward to starting his development project next to the OC. He owns a plot of land and his vision is to have an eight-story
apartment building. Tim Lee’s parents first started San Francisco’s Chinatown Golden Dragon in 1964, later the Hong Kong Ocean City, which had a seating capacity for 4,000. In the late 1980s, the Lees expanded to Seattle, bought the Hong Kong Restaurant on Maynard Avenue South from Sam Yee, and then OC (at the time called Kingsfisher). The restaurant business at the time was not as tough. Chinese cuisine was extremely popular. OC had its niche as the largest Chinese restaurant and its reputation for authentic Cantonese cuisine. They brought in chefs from Hong Kong, and everything worked seamlessly. Now, in the second generation, things have changed drastically during the last decade. There were more than 256 Chinese restaurants in the Seattle area, according to yellowpages.com. In Chinatown alone, there were over 100 restaurants. Big Chinese restaurants catering to banquets have spurred in and outside of Chinatown. Competition was intense. One by one, the Lees sold their restaurants in Hong Kong, San Francisco, and the Hong Kong in Seattle. “All parties have to come to an end,” Tim said.
Vivian Nguyen can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
{ULTRA RICH ASIAN GIRLS cont’d from page 9} motivated to create “HBICtv” because of a past video project he produced, which featured a few Chinese girls hanging out with their friends and generally having fun. The video garnered 60,000 hits in 24 hours. “What [this video project] tells me as a producer is that people would rather watch HBIC TV than educational documentaries,” said Li. “So I thought, why can’t I hide something educational in this programming?” Unlike other popular North American reality shows with all-female main casts, such as “Keeping up with the Kardashians” or the “Real Housewives” franchise, “HBICtv” focuses more on what Li refers to as “cultural drama.” That is, charged social interactions and drama influenced by cultural understandings. One “HBICtv” episode follows the girls on a historical tour of Victoria B.C.’s Chinatown, a site with meaningful roots to the Chinese Canadian immigration experience. In this episode, the girls take jabs at one another for cultural reasons, such as over praying (or not praying enough) to the Buddha during a temple visit, or for specific things asked for during fortune-telling. These jabs, or the specific topics the girls touch on to criticize one another, are what Li refers to as “cultural drama.” This is what Li is hoping will resonate with viewers — presenting cultural insight and experiences through the lens of entertainment.
Repositioning Asian women in Canadian media
The response to “HBICtv” has drawn its share of online criticism both in Canada and overseas in Asia, with many claiming that the series showers too much attention on the rich, and does not provide an accurate representation of Chinese Canadian women.
Assunta Ng can be reached at assunta@nwasianweekly. com.
Rather than making this a commentary about our society’s inability to ingest education without some form of distraction, or criticizing the show’s ostentatious show of wealth, I’m focusing more on what Li wants to accomplish with the show, in addition to how “HBICtv” is repositioning Asian women living in North America. Like other web reality series featuring Asians in a non-stereotypical light — such as the YouTube reality series “K-TOWN,” which followed club-loving, partying Asian Americans in Southern California — “HBICtv” aims to reposition a minority group in the public eye, and reintroduce them in ways that the media is not accustomed to seeing. In this case, “HBICtv” allow viewers to see these Asian women beyond the media stereotypes of being submissive, quiet, or nerdy. Yes, these women are entitled or self-absorbed at times, and there are plenty of eye-rolling moments on the show. But these women are also confident, powerful, and assertive in their own ways, and there is significance to be had in introducing these Asian Canadian women in a different light. Like its web reality show predecessors, “HBICtv” makes this minority demographic more fully-fleshed in the media. And there is social value to that. The important thing to remember is that this show and its cast do not aim to represent the entire Chinese Canadian experience. Much like reality shows before it, and the shows that will surely come after, “HBICtv” offers a small, magnified depiction of a much larger minority group and demographic full of people with just as many flaws and rich experiences.
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