PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 746 Seattle, WA
VOL 35 NO 51
DECEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 23, 2016 FREE 34 YEARS YOUR VOICE
Photo by Assunta Ng/NWAW
Trump’s choice for Oakland fire: Warehouse top China diplomat owner Chor Ng elusive has long ties to Xi
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad (right) and Luca Berrone in Seattle in September 2015 for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s dinner at the Westin Hotel.
By Thomas Beaumont and Matthew Pennington ASSOCIATED PRESS DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — It may seem odd for the governor of a lightly populated agricultural
state to be chosen as U.S. ambassador to China, especially amid escalating talk of a trade war with the major U.S. trading partner. But Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad see BRANSTAD on 12
This photo taken from video provided by @Oaklandfirelive shows the scene of the fire on Dec. 3.
By Staff NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY It was the deadliest structure fire in the United States in 13 years. On Dec. 2, up to 100 people were at a dance party at an Oakland, Calif. warehouse — known as the
“Ghost Ship” — when the fire broke out, killing 36 people. The warehouse had been turned into artists’ studios and illegal living spaces. Investigators haven’t identified the cause of the
Photos by George Liu/NWAW
Snow blankets much of Washington state
Children playing in the snow at Hing Hay Park.
The Historic Chinatown Gate after much of the snow melted.
FDA alert on food from Japan The United States recently tightened restrictions of food imports from Japan. According to Import Alert 99-33 issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a list of Japanese food will be banned unless they pass physical examination. This list includes milk, butter, milk-based infant formula, other milk products, vegetables and vegetable products, rice and whole grain, fish, meat and poultry, venus clams, sea urchins, yuzu fruit, and Kiwi fruit. The FDA indicates that revision to this import alert is due to radionuclide contamination. On March 11, 2011, an 8.9 magnitude earthquake triggering a tsunami struck the Pacific Coast of
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see FOOD BAN on 12
SEATTLE (AP) — Seattleites woke up to rare winter powder on Dec. 9 after an overnight weather system brought 1 to 3 inches of snow to the city and other parts of Washington state. Some schools canceled classes, while others including Seattle Public Schools have delayed school start time because of the snow. The southwest interior including Chehalis got hit the heaviest with about 3 to 5 inches overnight. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport recorded 2 inches of snow. The snow transitioned to rain by late afternoon on Dec. 10.
see OAKLAND on 11
TOP 10 ENTERTAINMENT STORIES OF 2016 From #OscarsSoWhite to the allfemale (and some Asian) casting of Oceans 8. » see 8
LAST MINUTE GIFTS UNDER $15 Publisher Ng’s tips on gifts they’ll love and won’t break the bank. » see 10
COMMUNITY » 2 CALENDAR » 6 SUDOKU » 6 ASTROLOGY » 15
Salesman who targetted Asian business charged with tax fraud By Ruth Bayang NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY John Yin of Everett pleaded guilty to wire fraud for selling revenuesuppression software that allowed businesses to cheat on their taxes. The scam cost the U.S. government more than $3.4 million. The U.S. Department of Justice said in a Dec. 2 news release that Yin sold software built by Profitek, a Vancouver, Canada company
that sells point-of-sale software for recording transactions by restaurants and other businesses. He also sold, see TAX ZAPPER on 12
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34 YEARS
DECEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 23, 2016
■ NAMES IN THE NEWS Aegis Living makes Best Places to Work list
Kinokuniya for 4 years. The Kinokuniya bookstore in Seattle’s Uwajimaya celebrated its 25th anniversary last month. The former general manager, Shigekazu Watanabe, recently transferred to Texas.
Photo by George Liu/NWAW.
Photo from aegisliving.com.
AAPI Arts & Crafts Fair
Opening in fall 2017, Aegis Gardens in New Castle will be an assisted living community designed to celebrate Chinese culture. A tai chi studio will be among the amenities.
Aegis Living made the list of the Top 50 Best Places to Work in 2017, according to Glassdoor. This is the first time that a senior living company has been named on the list. “We’re a high touch business, nurturing more than 2,000 seniors,” said Aegis Living Founder and CEO Dwayne Clark. “We’re amazingly honored … our employees deserve this award.” In a news release, Aegis said the award is surprising because it breaks almost every rule on what it takes to be a “Best Place to Work.” It’s senior living in a youth-obsessed culture. It’s high touch in a high tech world. It’s a missionbased career in a selfie society. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Redmond, Aegis serves residents in Washington, California, and Nevada — with six new developments in the Puget Sound region.
Attendees browsing arts and crafts for sale.
Hing Hay Coworks held its first ever AAPI Arts & Crafts Fair on Dec. 10. More than 15 unique vendors and artisans offered their crafts for sale. There was live music, a Filipino food truck (Che Bogz), free holiday treats provided, and photos with Asian Santa Claus for the kids. All proceeds will go toward turning Hing Hay Coworks into a community art gallery.
Delegation to Japan in 2015. Guests enjoyed a luncheon that included sushi, tempura, beef, and desserts with a Japanese flair.
Sikh makes English debut in NHL broadcast
Harnarayan Singh made history last month as the first Sikh to broadcast an NHL game in English. Singh called the Nov. 30 game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Calgary Flames — becoming the first Sikh to broadcast in English, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). It was a dream come true for the 31-year-old, who grew up with aspirations of Harnarayan Singh becoming a sports broadcaster, while watching hockey legend Wayne Gretzky skate the ice in his hometown of Alberta. Singh had already broken new ground when he became the first person to call the play-by-play of NHL games in Punjabi, as part of Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi.
Abbey Lincoln Court grand opening
Japanese emperor’s birthday celebration
Photo by Steve Rowland.
New GM at Seattle’s Kinokuniya
Photo by Assunta Ng/NWAW
Mayor Ed Murray (left) with LIHI Executive Director Sharon Lee.
Consul general Masahiro Omura (right) chatting with Sen. Karen Fraser.
Takahiro Miura
Takakiro Miura has been promoted to general manager of Kinokuniya Book Stores of America. Miura, who moved to the United States from Tokyo a year ago, has worked for
The consul general of Japan in Seattle, Masahiro Omura, held a birthday celebration at his personal residence on Dec. 8 to celebrate the birthday of Japanese Emperor Akihito, who officially turns 84 on Dec. 23. State Sen. Karen Fraser was invited to offer a toast in front of the nearly 200 people who attended. Fraser was once a board member of the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington, and she led a Friendship
The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) celebrated the grand opening of Abbey Lincoln Court on Dec. 7. The 68 new homes in Seattle’s Central Area serve those making up to 60 percent of the area median income ($53,760 for a family of four). Seattle Mayor Ed Murray said LIHI is both helping to retain racial and income diversity in the Central Area and honoring the rich jazz history of the Jackson Street corridor. Abbey Lincoln Court celebrates Abbey Lincoln (1930-2010), American jazz vocalist, songwriter, actress, and civil rights activist.
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YOUR VOICE
■ COMMUNITY NEWS
DECEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 23, 2016
asianweekly northwest
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Seattle reinforces Welcoming City status with second citizenship workshop By Staff NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY SEATTLE — Over 700 people flooded into the College Center building of North Seattle College on Dec. 4, for the City of Seattle’s second-ever Citizenship Workshop. There were 375 volunteers that assisted the over 325 attendees with each of their naturalization applications.
The workshops, organized by the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA), are part of the city’s longstanding commitment to being a Welcoming City. This designation means that Seattle is part of an inclusive coalition of cities, municipalities, and organizations focused on creating environments where everyone can contribute to their greatest potential. Additionally, it creates an Inclusive and Equitable City Cabinet that will coordinate city efforts to
protect the civil liberties and civil rights of Seattle residents. “It is my commitment that Seattle will remain a Welcoming City, not a place where children and their families live in fear,” said Murray. “All our friends, neighbors, colleagues, and families should feel safe and welcome when they need services, contact our police and see CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP on 15
Seattle announces three new authorized encampment sites
Mayor Murray establishes team to build stronger dialogue between SPD and communities
SEATTLE — On Dec. 1, the Human Services Department announced the siting of three new temporary sanctioned encampments for individuals living unsheltered in Seattle. This action is part of the Bridging the Gap plan, announced in October, to better address the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness, while the City fully implements its long-term plan, Pathways Home. Together, the following three new sanctioned encampments will serve more than 200 people starting in early 2017:
SEATTLE — Mayor Ed Murray announced the creation of an interdepartmental project team (IDT) on Dec. 7, to guide the development of a new Community Service Officer (CSO) program. The CSO program will be designed to ensure that the Seattle Mayor Ed Murray Police Department (SPD) is better able to provide non-emergency services and support to Seattle’s communities. “It is critical to the long-term success of our police department to build strong, lasting bonds between officers and the communities they serve,”
1. 1000 S. Myrtle Street will contain up to 50 tiny houses serving 60-70 people. 2. 8620 Nesbit Ave N. will contain up to 50 tiny houses serving 60-70 people. 3. 9701 Myers Way S. will contain up to 50 tents serving 60-70 people. Catherine Lester, director of the Human Services Department, said, “We remain committed to our long-term plan to transform our homeless services system and focus our investments on getting see ENCAMPMENT on 13
said Murray. “The Seattle Police Department has worked for years to become a model of 21st century policing and the Community Service Officer program will help us reach the ultimate goal of building community trust with the department.” Existing CSO programs in the United States typically handle non-emergency incidents, such as neighborhood disputes, investigations, and crime prevention, which can ultimately increase efficiency within a police department and improve service to residents. The IDT will consist of representatives from the Mayor’s Office, SPD, Department of Neighborhoods, Office for Civil Rights, Seattle Human Services, City Budget Office, and City Council. The IDT will see SPD on 13
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DECEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 23, 2016
34 YEARS
■ WORLD NEWS
2 runners die after collapsing in China half-marathon BEIJING (AP) — Two runners died after collapsing during a half-marathon in southern China on Dec. 10, event organizers said. One runner suffered sudden heart failure 2.8 miles from the finish of the Xiamen International Half-Marathon in the coastal city of the same name. A second runner died after crossing the finish line. Both were taken to an area hospital, where they were declared dead.
Municipalities throughout China have organized such road races as publicity events, despite the relative lack of interest in jogging as a pastime among Chinese. Few if any races require medical checks for participants, while high levels of smoking, high-fat diets and heavy urban pollution raise the health risks for runners drawn from among the general public. For those in less than perfect fitness, stress on the heart is a major risk of running
Michael Jordan wins China court ruling after yearslong case
long distance, along with wear and tear on the legs and feet. Facing growing levels of obesity, general ill-health and an aging population, the Chinese government has sought to promote exercise and healthy pastimes. At least 15 marathons are scheduled across China for 2017, along with scores of shorter distance road races.
■ BRIEFLY
Metro launches ‘Transit GO Ticket’ mobile app
By Louise Watt ASSOCIATED PRESS BEIJING (AP) — Basketball legend Michael Jordan now owns his Chinese name, after China’s highest court sided with him on Dec. 8 following a yearslong legal battle over a trademark dispute. The former NBA star has fought a Chinese sportswear maker since 2012 over the name “Qiaodan,” pronounced “CHEEOW-dan,” the transliteration of “Jordan” in Mandarin. Qiaodan Sports, a company based in southern China, had registered the trademark under which it was selling its own shoes and sportswear. Jordan has been known by the Chinese characters for “Qiaodan” since he gained widespread popularity in the mid-1980s. He had previously argued unsuccessfully in Beijing courts that Qiaodan Sports had used his Chinese name, his old jersey number 23 and basketball player logo to make it look like he was associated with their brand. The Supreme People’s Court on Dec.
Michael Jordan
8 announced that it was overturning two rulings by Beijing courts against Jordan from 2014 and 2015 that had found there wasn’t sufficient evidence to support the athlete’s allegations over the use of his image, and that “Qiaodan” was the translation of a common family name as the Chinese company claimed. It also ordered the trademark bureau see JORDAN on 14
King County Metro Transit is launching the region’s first-ever mobile ticket app — Transit GO Ticket — allowing riders to buy and redeem transit tickets on their mobile device without needing cash to ride. Tickets can be purchased for use on King County Metro buses, King County Water Taxi, Seattle Streetcar, and Sound Transit’s Link light rail and Sounder trains. Currently, riders pay cash, purchase tickets, or use an ORCA card to ride transit. Having an app is designed to be more convenient for infrequent transit riders — including visitors, sports fans, or those who would otherwise pay cash. • Download the Transit GO Ticket app for Android, Apple, or Windows mobile devices.
• Create an account. • Purchase one or more tickets through the app using a credit or debit card. • Activate the tickets just prior to boarding. There is no limit to the number of tickets that can be activated at one time. • Show the mobile display to a transit operator, a water taxi fare collector, or have it available if requested by a fare inspector. • Transfers are allowed between Metro buses within a two-hour window. Metro will evaluate the performance of the app and gather rider feedback through November 2017. The pilot project is budgeted at approximately $470,000 and 86 percent of the project is funded by the Federal Transit Administration grant.
YOUR VOICE
■ NATIONAL NEWS
DECEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 23, 2016
asianweekly northwest
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Fukushima radiation detected on Oregon shores
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Researchers say seaborne radiation from Japan’s Fukushima nuclear disaster has been detected on Oregon shores. Seawater samples from Tillamook Bay and Gold Beach indicate radiation from the nuclear disaster but at extremely low levels not harmful to humans or the environment.
Citing the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the Statesman Journal newspaper reports the samples were taken last winter and later analyzed. Massive amounts of contaminated water were released from the crippled Japan nuclear plant following a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami in March 2011.
■ WORLD NEWS
Diggers find ancient tombs in Beijing suburb BEIJING (AP) — The Chinese capital’s future administrative hub was already bustling 2,000 years ago. Government agencies excavating a site in the far southeastern Beijing suburbs say they have found ancient city walls and more than 1,000 tombs, most of which are dated to the eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD) and some even earlier. The excavations, made this year ahead of development of a new administrative district for Beijing, shed light on life in a county-level city that was alive with activity several hundred years earlier than experts previously thought. Archaeological teams
this year found ceramic and porcelain urns, earthen sculptures of animals, copper tools and mirrors — some of which are believed to be made by the Yan, a northern kingdom that stood for centuries before falling to the conqueror who unified China and became its first emperor in 221 B.C. The excavators also found ruins of a square-shaped city with walls 2,000 feet on each side from the Han Dynasty. Modern Beijing suffers from traffic gridlock and overcrowding with 22 million residents, prompting officials to relocate see TOMBS on 13
Woods Hole chemical oceanographer Ken Buesseler runs a crowdfunded, citizen-science seawater sampling project that has tracked the radiation plume as it makes its way across the Pacific Ocean.
Reports: Tibetan Buddhist monk self-immolates in west China By Christopher Bodeen ASSOCIATED PRESS BEIJING (AP) — A Tibetan Buddhist monk has set himself on fire in western China in what appeared to be the latest such radical protest against Beijing’s rule, a U.S. government-backed radio station and rights monitoring group said. The unidentified monk set himself alight on a road outside the town of Machu in a traditionally Tibetan area of Gansu province
at around 7 p.m. on Dec. 8, Radio Free Asia and London-based Free Tibet reported. Police who arrived shortly afterward took the monk away and there was no immediate word on his condition, they said. A man who answered the phone at a regional police station hung up immediately after the caller asked for information. Calls to other government offices rang unanswered. While information from the isolated area see MONK on 13
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DECEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 23, 2016
34 YEARS
■ COMMUNITY CALENDAR DEC 15
HAPPY HOUR FOOD WALK Seattle’s Chinatown-International District 4–7 p.m. cidbia.org
15–31 LEARN CONVERSATIONAL MANDARIN CHINESE IN SOUTH SEATTLE Highline College, 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines 6:30–8 p.m. ce.highline.edu 206-592-3785
16 EMERGENCY WORLD DANCE PARTY Filipino Community of Seattle, 5740 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S., Seattle 6–9:30 p.m. facebook.com/worlddanceparty
17 KING DONUT’S FAREWELL PARTY King Donuts Seattle, 9232 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle 3 p.m.
17 & 18 HOLIDAY MAHOUTO MARKET Nagomi Tea House, 519 6th Ave. S. Ste. 200, Seattle 12–5 p.m.
18 THE FINAL JK POP Barboza, 925 E. Pike St., Seattle 8 p.m.–1 a.m. 21+ A BONSAI SOLSTICE Pacific Bonsai Museum, 2515 S. 336th St., Federal Way 4–7 p.m. Free admission pacificbonsaimuseum.org
JAN 5
CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE ROOSTER WITH THE TENTH STAMP IN THE LUNAR NEW YEAR STAMP SERIES, “FIRST DAY OF ISSUE DEDICATION CEREMONY” Wing Luke Museum, 719 S. King St., Seattle 11:30 a.m. RSVP at usps.comlunarnewyear
16 2ND ANNUAL MLK CAREER DAY Garfield High School, 400 23rd Ave., Seattle 1–4:30 p.m. mlkseattle.org
LUNAR NEW YEAR EVENTS JAN. 21 & JAN. 22
Seattle Center Festál: Tet Festival — Vietnamese Lunar New Year Seattle Center, Seattle Free admission seattlecenter.com
JAN. 21
Lunar New Year Costume Contest Northwest Asian Weekly Office, 412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle 11 a.m. cidbia.org
FEB. 4
2017 Lunar New Year Celebration The Bellevue Collection 11 a.m.–6 p.m. bellevue.com
View the solution on page 14
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The only weekly English-language newspaper serving Washington’s Asian community. The NW Asian Weekly has one simple goal: “To empower the Asian community.” The Editorial Board reserves the right to reject any advertisement, letter or article. Subscriptions cost $40 for 52 weeks of the NW Asian Weekly and $30 for 52 weeks of the Seattle Chinese Post. The NW Asian Weekly owns the copyright for all its content. All rights reserved. No part of this paper may be reprinted without permission. 412 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104 • t. 206.223.5559 info@nwasianweekly.com • ads@nwasianweekly.com • www.nwasianweekly.com
YOUR VOICE
■ COMMUNITY NEWS
DECEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 23, 2016
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Wing Luke exhibit features APA athletes Seattle Reign of the American Basketball League. She now runs a nonprofit, Education with Purpose. The author of many of the introductions and text for the exhibits came out of a chance contact during the start of the exhibit. Ursula Liang wrote the text for the exhibit, which includes interviews, research, and oral histories with many APAs. In February 2016, Liang was contacted by the museum about using her documentary, 9-Man, as part of the exhibit. Her film is about a unique streetball tournament played by Chinese Americans. Liang wrote all of the main panels and the subtext panels for the exhibit.
An entire section of the exhibit is dedicated to Ichiro Suzuki.
sport or community. Some of the athletes featured include Native Hawaiian surfer Eddie Aikau, Chinese American tennis player Michael Chang, Chinese American women’s hockey player Julie Chue, Korean American snowboarder Chloe Kim, and Samoan American women’s basketball player Naomi Mulitauaopele Tagaleo’o. Mulitauaopele Tagaleo’o was the first Pacific Islander drafted by the WNBA. She played high school basketball at Chief Sealth and then went on to play college basketball at Stanford. She spoke at the opening as well. “It’s a responsibility and I had to be a part of it in telling our story,” she said. “It will help progress our culture by being a part of this exhibit.” Mulitauaopele Tagaleo’o recalled her personal story of playing women’s basketball and many times being the only
Pacific Islander on the team. “By the time I got to Stanford, I was used to people not knowing what I was,” she explained. “It was my job to tell people that I was from this little island in the South Pacific. I realized it was my job to introduce my culture.” She was drafted in the first round by the Utah Starzz of the WNBA in 2000. Playing for that team offered a benefit due to the large Pacific Islander community in Utah. Mulitauaopele Tagaleo’o recalls having a cheering section of Pacific Islanders at home games. She also visited with kids in the community while with Utah. Her most memorable moment from being in the WNBA was being drafted and having her name called by the WNBA commissioner. “They did their best,” she jokingly recalled. In addition to her time with the Starzz, Mulitauaopele Tagaleo’o also played for the
Photo by Jason Cruz/NWAW.
It’s not too often that the many achievements of Asian Pacific Americans (APA) are highlighted in the media. A new exhibit at the Wing Luke Museum features APA athletes in sports. “Who’s Got Game” opened on Dec. 9 and runs through Sept. 17, 2017. The exhibit offers sports memorabilia of APA athletes and their unique stories. Not only are the traditional sports of basketball, football, and baseball covered, but cricket, tennis, snowboarding, surfing, and many other sports are covered in the display. “Who’s Got Game” explores national heroes like Jeremy Lin (basketball), Greg Louganis (Olympic diving), Ichiro Suzuki (baseball), and Kristi Yamaguchi (ice skating). It also dedicates a portion of the exhibit to local sports stars like former University of Washington (UW) track and field high jumper Rick Noji, basketball’s Ray Soo, and tennis player Amy Yee. In addition to the athletes, the exhibit looks at the role of APA fans and coaches. At the opening of the exhibit, Franklin High School’s Frank Nam, a coach for the Southend Ultimate Program, talked about the Ultimate Frisbee program he coaches and the importance of bringing to light the role of APAs in sports. “Many times, the story is American, but not Asian American.” Nam stated that the Ultimate Frisbee program is comprised of many Asian Americans. “Who’s Got Game” also features a Hall of Fame, which looks at APA athletes who have broken barriers in sports, achieved at the highest levels, and influenced their
Photo by Jason Cruz/NWAW.
By Jason Cruz NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
Ursula Liang
“It’s a long process,” Liang explained. She collaborated with the Wing Luke Museum as she wrote the text, while the museum obtained items for the exhibits. They also shared research online. “There was not a lot of research in Asian American material and Asian Americans in sports,” see WING LUKE on 16
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34 YEARS
DECEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 23, 2016
■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
A-pop!
TOP 10 ENTERTAINMENT STORIES OF 2016
SCARLETT JOHANSSON
JESSE WATTERS JENNIFER YUH NELSON
CHRIS ROCK
#OSCARSOWHITE By Vivian Nguyen NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY From the Oscars debacle to the presidential election, 2016 was a crazy year in Hollywood and beyond. With 2016 coming to a close, let’s look back on some of the year’s biggest stories and controversies. 10. TILA TEQUILA BECOMES A NAZI SYMPATHIZER In 2008, television and social media personality Tila Tequila was wildly popular
— she was the most-followed person on the social platform MySpace, had her own reality show on MTV, and was a known fixture in pop culture. In 2016, however, Tequila (whose legal surname is Nguyen) has remained largely irrelevant… that is, until recently. Shortly after President-elect Donald Trump won the 2016 election, Tequila tweeted a photo from the white supremacist National Policy Institute conference, which showed her giving the Nazi salute. For the past few years, Tequila has slowly been promoting herself as a
Nazi sympathizer, even going as far as to Photoshop herself in a Nazi uniform and praising Hitler publicly. It’s still unclear whether or not Tequila is doing this for the infamy or because she truly sympathizes with racists… but one thing’s clear. She made herself relevant again in 2016 in the most outlandish way possible.
“Ocean’s 11” franchise, revealed that its starring all-female cast includes Mindy Kaling and Awkwafina (whose real name is Nora Lum). Best known for acting/writing and rapping/acting pursuits, respectively, these two funny ladies round out a cast that includes Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Rihanna, and more. Although the movie’s plot has been kept under tight wraps, there’s no doubt they’ll both bring chuckles to the silver screen.
9. “OCEAN’S 8”: FEATURING ASIAN AMERICAN FEMALES Casting for the heist comedy “Ocean’s 8,” the upcoming installment in the popular
see A-POP on 16
■ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Interview: Matt Damon defends being cast for ‘Great Wall’
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By Louise Watt ASSOCIATED PRESS BEIJING (AP) — Matt Damon criticized “outrageous” stories in the era of fake news as he responded on Dec. 6 to accusations that his role in the new China-Hollywood co-production “The Great Wall” should have gone to an Asian actor. Some critics have said Damon’s casting as the lead character amounted
to “whitewashing,” in which Caucasians are chosen for roles that actors of other ethnicities should play. In an interview with The Associated Press, the American actor said he thinks of the term “whitewashing” as applying to Caucasian actors putting on makeup to appear to be of another race, as was common in the early days of film and see DAMON on 13
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YOUR VOICE
■ ON THE SHELF
DECEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 23, 2016
asianweekly northwest
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AMERICAN IDENTITY Book Recommendations By Samantha Pak NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
Something in Between By Melissa de la Cruz Harlequin Teen, 2016
For her entire school career, Jasmine de los Santos has worked hard to get good grades with the hopes of getting scholarships to help pay for college. And it works. She receives a prestigious scholarship through the federal government that would pay for all four years at the college of her choice. But instead of being proud, Jasmine’s parents tell her she can’t accept the scholarship. Recipients either need to be U.S. citizens or have a green card. Having emigrated from the Philippines with her family when she was about 9 years old, Jasmine learns that her family’s visas expired and they are in the United States illegally. The news of their undocumented status shatters Jasmine’s sense of identity. Having always considered herself American, she no longer knows how to identify herself and the threat of deportation has her family anxious about returning to a country that is no longer home. To top it all off, Jasmine meets and becomes close to Royce Blakely, the son of a congressman who’s basically the spokesperson against an immigration reform bill that could give families like Jasmine’s a path to citizenship. “Something” shows readers that there are many
different ways to be American and that pursuing the American dream is not always possible. Despite all of their hard work and sacrifices, Jasmine’s parents are unable to find jobs that would allow them to obtain proper work visas and green cards. We see the struggles people go through to stay in this country and that they’re not so different. De la Cruz also shows the damage bigoted rhetoric can cause as Jasmine’s younger brother becomes a target with some boys at his school once they find out their status. But she also shows the benefits of letting others know as Jasmine’s friends and members of the greater community come together to support her family and do what they can to help.
The Wangs vs. the World By Jade Chang Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016
After building a cosmetics empire that seemingly had him and his family set for life, Charles Wang loses it all. From the home his children grew up in, to their cars, everything gets repossessed and his American dream is broken. With his world falling apart, Charles gets it into his head to go to China to reclaim his family’s ancestral lands. But before that happens, the immigrant businessman is determined to get all of his family together. So he picks up Grace, his style-obsessed 16-year-old, from boarding school and Andrew, his aspiring comedian see SHELF on 15
NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY / SEATTLE CHINESE POST PRESENTS 8TH ANNUAL
LUNAR NEW YEAR COSTUME CONTEST
january 21 * 1:30 pm
CHINATOWN-IINTERNATIONAL DISTRICT LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL
no age limit!
Please submit completed application through one of the following methods: Mail: Northwest Asian Weekly Lunar New Year Costume Contest 412 Maynard Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98104 Name:
________________________________________________________
School Name: ___________________________________________Age: ________ Profession: ________________________________________________________ Phone:
________________________________________________________
E-mail:
________________________________________________________
Contestants must adhere to all rules and regulations. Contest officials will remove any contestant failing to cooperate with officials or failing to comply with the rules and regulations. If you have any questions, please contact Northwest Asian Weekly at 206.223.5559 or via email at rsvp@nwasianweekly.com.
Children’s Parade Competition Schedule: • 11 AM — Registration • 1 PM — Line up • 1:30 PM — Parade begins • 2:15 PM — Parade winners announced • Start from Northwest Asian Weekly’s front door, march to main stage • Contestants must be present at the announcement of finalists (2:15 PM). • Finalists will be lined up in numerical order. • The first 20 registered will get a gift. Registration/Sign-Up: • You may pre-register for the contest by filling out this application and sending it in or sign-up on the day of the contest (Saturday, January 21) beginning at 11 a.m. at the registration table. Registration table will be located in front of Seattle Chinese Post/Northwest Asian Weekly – 412 Maynard Ave S. • Contestants must sign-in at the registration table 30 minutes prior to parade. Rules/Guidelines: • Adults & children are welcome to participate • Parents are welcome to accompany their children during the Parade • All contestants will be given a contestant number for order of Parade lineup • Contestants’ attire should be culturally relevant to the Lunar New Year Celebration Judging: • All contestants will be judged by the provided judging criteria. • Prizes will be awarded to First ($150), Second ($100), and Third ($50) Place Winners, Publisher Award ($100) (an organization which has the most participants), and 15 Honorable mentions will receive a gift bag. • All decisions made by competition judges are final.
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asianweekly northwest
10
34 YEARS
DECEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 23, 2016
OPINION
■ PUBLISHER’S BLOG
Photos by Assunta Ng/NWAW
Winter gifts for last-minute shoppers
Harry Potter books at Kinokuniya Bookstore.
By Assunta Ng NORTHWEST ASIAN WEEKLY
ideas for you.
My son inspired me to write this blog. I recently asked what he wanted for his birthday. He could have asked for a big gift, and I was prepared to give it. But instead he said, “A scarf.” Of all the things in the world, he just wanted a scarf to keep him warm in this freezing winter. As a matter of fact, I didn’t even need to buy one. Last year, I bought some nice wool scarves from Scotland as emergency gifts. I never realized my son needed one, too. In this cold weather, we need lots of things to keep our body temperature from dropping. Instead of fancy gifts, I suggest practical gifts to warm your loved ones. If you still have not done your Christmas shopping, here are some
You can’t go wrong with any of the abovementioned items. Women need more than one warm scarf because we need to wear one to match the color of our coat. The same goes for hats. I have at least 10 different hats in my closet to match different outfits and occasions. And gloves, I need more pairs because I often lose them. It will be handy to have other pairs around. A box of thick socks will be good for men. Buy different colors and patterns, casual or formal, to fit all occasions. You can find these items everywhere, including drug stores and malls. Plus, most of these items are now on sale.
Winter slippers
2. Slippers
1. Scarves, hats, gloves, socks
Winter slippers are nice gifts. In fact, I bought one for myself from Macy’s last week. I thought it would cost more than $20. I spent just over $8 with a Macy’s card. The price will tell you it’s not wool, it’s polyester. What’s important is that when I wear them, I feel like I am wearing wool because it’s so warm. I can’t tell the difference. When we get up in the morning, we need something to protect our feet from the cold floors in the bathroom, living room, or kitchen.
3. Hand and foot warmers
In this freezing winter, my hands and feet are constantly cold. So I bought the warmers under $10 at Bed Bath & Beyond. (See photo on the top left). They are about $10 each. The
Sponsorship on a brochure
velvet one warms up the bed quickly. The small one I hold in my hand, and it works like magic.
Photo by George Liu
Bed Buddy hot and cold pack
Assorted green tea from Vital Tea Leaf
4. Asian tea
If your body is cold, try ginseng tea for a few days. It will raise your body temperature. Green tea is one of my daily breakfast see BLOG on 14
KING COUNTY NOTICE TO BIDDERS
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All sale lasts from Friday 12/16 to Thursday 12/22 1221 S. King St., Seattle • 206-720-0969 Monday–Sunday: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. • lamsseafood.com
Sealed bids will be received for C01113C16, Vashon Bunker Trail Pump Station Rehabilitation Project; by the King County Procurement and Payables Section, 3rd Floor, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, until 1:30 PM on January 5, 2017. Late bids will not be accepted. Brief Scope: The Bunker Trail pumping system consists of 4 small lift stations (BT1, BT2, BT3, BT4) located along 103rd Ave SW and 105th Ave SW on Vashon Island. The Bunker Trail System conveys raw sewage from homes and businesses to the Vashon Treatment Plant. This Contract will replace pumps, piping, valves, electrical and instrumentation and control on all four lift stations. New valve vaults and new access hatches for the pump stations will be installed on all 4 lift stations. Three of the wet wells will be lined for corrosion. Two new odor control systems will be installed, and two standby generators will be replaced. Estimated contract price: $1,700,000 Mandatory Pre-Bid(s) – Bidders Must Attend One: 10:00 a.m., December 21, 2016, 3rd Floor, 401 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104 ~OR~ 10:00 a.m., December 22, 2016, 3rd Floor, 401 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104 There is a 15% minimum Apprentice Utilization Requirement on this contract. There is an 18% minimum requirement for King County Certified Small Contractors and Suppliers (SCS) on this contract. Complete Invitation to Bid Documents, including all project details, specifications, and contact information are available on our web page at: https://procurement.kingcounty.gov/ procurement_ovr/default.aspx
YOUR VOICE
■ EDITORIAL
DECEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 23, 2016
asianweekly northwest
11
OPINION
Rewriting foreign policy? He’s still a month away from taking office, but President-elect Donald Trump is making waves. Whether it’s good or bad remains to be seen. China said it has serious concerns about Trump’s most recent comments about Taiwan, and warned that any changes to how America deals with the self-governing island could damage diplomatic ties between Washington and Beijing. China’s comments came a day after Trump said in a television interview that he didn’t feel “bound by a one-China policy.” Geng Shuang, a spokesman for China’s foreign ministry, said, “We urge the new U.S. leader and government to fully understand the seriousness of the Taiwan issue, and to continue to stick to the one-China policy.” Geng said any damage to this “political foundation” could render cooperation “out of the question.” Geng’s comments are the strongest public condemnation China has made of Trump’s criticisms of current
OAKLAND from 1 fire, but they said it started around 11:30 p.m. in the rear of the building. They ruled out a refrigerator as the cause, but were still looking at electrical systems as possible sources. There were no fire alarms, no sprinklers, and the two stairways from the secondfloor party did not lead to the building’s only two exits. The building, owned by Chor N. Ng, was permitted only as a warehouse and the city had opened an investigation last month after neighbors complained about trash piling up and people living inside of it. An investigation into the fire could lead to criminal charges as serious as murder, prosecutors said.
American policy toward Taiwan. China has long been sensitive to any diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, which it regards as a rogue province. China split from Taiwan amid civil war in 1949. Beijing was already angered by Trump’s Dec. 2 phone call with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, the first time an American president or president-elect has publicly spoken to a Taiwanese leader in nearly four
decades. That same day, Trump had a sevenminute phone chat with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte — who said that Trump endorsed his campaign against drug users and dealers — a campaign that has left at least 4,500 Filipinos dead in about five months. Trump told Duterte that he was doing it the ‘right way.’ You’ll recall that Duterte called President Obama a “son of a b****” and told him to “go to hell.” His anger was unleashed following Obama’s remarks about possible human rights abuses in Duterte’s war on drugs. As the soon-to-be new guy in charge, Trump appears to be ingratiating himself to leaders who’ve had an acrimonious relationship with Obama. He appears to be moving away from standard U.S. foreign policy protocol in an attempt to set himself from Obama. Most recently, Trump appointed
ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson — a man with considerable ties to Russia through years of deal-making — to lead the State Department. Russian President Vladmir Putin, told journalists on Dec. 14, that he was ready to work with the Trump as soon as he has formed his administration. “We are ready to work together, and much closer than before, on the problem of fighting terrorism, international terrorism, and here we certainly have vast opportunities. If we had joined efforts some time ago, we could have avoided many problems the world is facing now, I believe.” Putin then proceeded to bash President Obama, citing “fundamental issues” with the idea of “American exceptionalism.” Iowa Governor Terry Branstad has agreed to serve as the U.S. ambassador to China. Branstad is apparently old friends with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, and picking him sends the message that Trump wishes to extend an olive branch.
Property records show Ng owns several properties in Oakland’s Chinatown. She bought the building that burned in 1988, as well as an adjacent lot to the south and an adjacent building to the north. The city has spent years fining Ng for what it calls “nuisance or substandard or hazardous or injurious” conditions at the lot south of the warehouse and at the building to the north. Between 2005 and 2014, Ng paid $26,570.20 in “code enforcement” fees for the lot next to the Ghost Ship. A beauty salon owner, Griselda Ceja, rented space from the Ng family for 20 years and had numerous problems relating to electricity in the building, which is adjacent to the Ghost Ship. “She never took care of the building,” Ms. Ceja told the New
York Times. “We were scared. We were all scared.” She also says the salon had a blocked emergency exit that was never addressed, and she has since moved her business. Other tenants, including an owner at Sum Yee Pastry in Chinatown, said he had no troubles with his building or the Ngs. Neither Ng, nor her daughter Eva, who is known to help her mother manage these properties, have spoken publicly since Eva Ng gave a statement the day after the fire saying that as far as they were concerned, no one was living in the Ghost Ship space. Questions have arisen, however, regarding how much the Ngs were aware of the construction that occurred inside the warehouse between 2013 and 2016, and whether they had set foot inside to see the
substandard wiring and staircase made of wooden pallets. The San Francisco Chronicle visited several other properties around Chinatown that are owned by the Ngs. Those tenants describe Chor Ng as an unobtrusive landlady, who came to collect rent in a white Mercedes-Benz, and was generally “hands-off” otherwise. One tenant who runs a clothing store in a warehouse next door to the Ghost Ship said the Ng family got in touch right after the fire to say they would help them deal with water damage to their property and help them reopen. That tenant, Lorena Dominguez, told the Chronicle, “We’ve been here 25 years, and if they were bad landlords, we would have known.”
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (left) and President-elect Donald Trump (right)
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DECEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 23, 2016
BRANSTAD from 1 boasts a 30-year relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the most powerful Chinese leader in decades. “Given Xi’s penchant to keeping things close-hold, it is important for the U.S. to have a reliable and direct communication channel to him,” said Bonnie Glaser, senior adviser for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “Branstad has met Xi periodically since 1985 and has a personal relationship with him that could be very useful.” This relationship, begun when both men were political upstarts, could be put to the test in coming months if Branstad is confirmed. President-elect Donald Trump, who announced his choice of Branstad on Dec. 7, said during the campaign that his administration would make closing the U.S. trade deficit with China a top priority. Through the first 10 months of the year, government figures show the United States is running a $288.8 billion deficit with China on the trade of goods, a sharp decline from the same time a year ago. But Trump has suggested imposing 45
percent tariffs on Chinese products and has labeled the country a “currency manipulator.” Chinese officials have warned that the U.S. is bound by World Trade Organization rules, which restrain countries from imposing sanctions without making a persuasive case. In that way, Trump’s selection of Branstad appears to be savvy. Patrick Cronin, senior director of the Asia-Pacific security program at the Center for a New American Security, said that by selecting an ambassador who has forged commercial ties between his state and China, Trump was signaling to Xi that as leaders they will have the same fundamental priority in seeking economic growth. In 1985, Branstad was nearing the end of his first term as governor, then the nation’s youngest at age 39. Xi was a rising leader seeking ideas in Iowa for crop and livestock techniques to help his own agriculturally rich region. In 2013, he returned to Iowa as China’s incoming president and met with Branstad for a formal dinner in Des Moines between meetings in Washington with President Barack Obama and a trip to California. If Trump’s threats suggest the U.S.-Chi-
34 YEARS
na relationship could be bumpy, Branstad’s longtime relationship with Xi could help smooth things. His personal touch could go a long way in avoiding conflict caused by miscommunication or misinterpretation. Trump angered China by speaking to Taiwan’s president on Dec. 2 in a breach of diplomatic protocol. China still regards the island as part of its territory and would consider it unacceptable for the U.S. to recognize Taiwan’s leader as a head of state. China’s state-run news agency Xinhua said in a commentary that Branstad’s appointment is a “positive signal sent amid a mixture of messages from Trump,” a reference to Trump’s call with Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen and his criticism of China on trade and geopolitical issues. At a daily news briefing on Dec. 8, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said China considered the position of U.S. ambassador to Beijing to be “an important bridge” and that “Governor Branstad is an old friend of the Chinese people.” Cronin said he wouldn’t overstate the importance of the role of an ambassador in the modern era or the depth of Branstad’s personal ties with Xi. “I don’t think anyone is a drinking buddy of Xi Jinping, but fa-
FOOD BAN from 1
TAX ZAPPER from 1
Japan. The force of the tsunami destroyed a great deal of the infrastructure along portions of the Japanese coast. The most notable damage was at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant — which houses several nuclear reactors that pose a potential threat of radiological contamination to the surrounding areas. Due to the public health concerns associated with radiation and nuclear contamination, the FDA increased surveillance of regulated products from Japan. The FDA says it will continue consultation with the Japanese government to ensure products from the affected prefectures do not pose a health risk to U.S. consumers. The FDA will continue monitoring the public health risks and when appropriate, remove the Import Alert.
according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, a tool called “Tax Zapper” that Profitek either built or commissioned from a Chinese affiliate to help customers hide cash transactions to reduce tax payments. Prosecutors say eight restaurants in the Seattle area were found to be using this software and have underpaid their taxes by between $145,000 and $910,000, between 2010 and 2013. Yu-Ling Wong, owner of Bellevue’s Facing East restaurant, is charged with dodging $395,000 in sales tax and is facing two years in prison if found guilty. Wong admitted to the use of the software at the end of each month to delete cash transactions in a computer, and gave up a USB drive that contains the software to authorities. Wong also told the attorney general’s office that
miliarity is useful and could advance U.S. diplomacy,” he said. Branstad’s rapport with Xi could also outweigh the courtly, 70-year-old Midwesterner’s lack of formal diplomatic experience, though he has made multiple trips to China to pitch Iowa’s robust harvests, as recently as last month. Knowing the Chinese leader personally is even more important than it might have been in the past. Previous Chinese leaders ruled by consensus, but Xi has consolidated power in his hands, ousting rivals in an anti-corruption campaign and taking on responsibility for economic policy, typically the purview of the government’s No. 2 official, now Li Keqiang. Republican Sen. Marco Rubio appeared to criticize the choice, calling for the Trump administration to press China’s government and ruling Communist Party to respect human rights and uphold the rule of law. “It is my hope that this new administration will appoint an ambassador to China that reflects these priorities, not simply someone who is going there to catch up with old friends,” Rubio said without mentioning Branstad by name.
the money removed from the sales books was used to pay kitchen staff under the table. U.S. Attorney Annette Hayes said, “They cheated state and federal programs and victimized workers, whose employment and social security taxes went unpaid as well.” In 2013, Washington state passed a law that made “automated sales suppression devices, phantom-ware, electronic cash registers or point of sale systems used with automated sales suppression devices or phantom-ware, and any property constituting proceeds traceable” illegal (RCW 82.32.290). Yin, 66, will pay restitution of $3,445,589. Sentencing will be in February 2017. He faces up to 25 years behind bars. Ruth can be reached at editor@nwasianweekly.com.
DECEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 23, 2016
YOUR VOICE DAMON from 8 television, when racism was overt. “That whole idea of whitewashing, I take that very seriously,” Damon said, using the example of the Irish-American actor Chuck Connors, who played the lead character in the 1962 film “Geronimo,” about the famed Apache chief. Damon, 46, plays an English mercenary in the upcoming $150 million adventure fantasy about a Chinese army battling monsters, helmed by acclaimed Chinese director Zhang Yimou. The movie’s trailer sparked criticism in the U.S. that a white man had been chosen to play the lead in a film set in China meant to showcase Chinese culture. The furor came amid other accusations of a lack of diversity and opportunities for Asian actors in Hollywood. Damon questioned whether the critical stories on online news sites based on “a 30-second teaser trailer” would have existed before the era of fake news and headlines designed to make people click on them. “It suddenly becomes a story because people click on it, versus the traditional ways that a story would get vetted before it would get to that point,” said the star of the “Bourne” franchise. People fall for outrageous headlines, but “eventually
you stop clicking on some of those more outrageous things because you just realize there is nothing to the story when you get to it,” Damon said. “The Great Wall” is the first movie made by Legendary East, the Chinese venture of Legendary Entertainment, a Hollywood studio now owned by Chinese real estate and theater chain developer Wanda Group. Other companies behind the movie include the state-owned China Film Group Corp.; Le Vision Pictures, a private film company affiliated with Chinese tech firm LeEco; and Hollywood’s Universal Pictures. Damon and Zhang told the AP that because of the demands of the story, Damon’s role — a mercenary who comes to China to steal gunpowder — was always intended to be European. Damon said he thought the criticism over his casting would subside “once people see that it’s a monster movie and it’s a historical fantasy and I didn’t take a role away from a Chinese actor ... it wasn’t altered because of me in any way.” The film is the first Sino-Hollywood co-production and first English-language film for Zhang, the director of the romantic Kung Fu drama “House of Flying Daggers” and the opulent opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It also stars Pedro Pascal of “Game of Thrones” as Damon’s sword-wielding partner in crime, Willem Dafoe and Hong Kong’s Andy Lau. Jing Tian plays the female lead warrior.
TOMBS from 5
MONK from 5
many government agencies from the city center to a newly developed site in the suburb of Tongzhou, about 15 miles away. Under President Xi Jinping’s calls for China to show greater “cultural self-confidence,” local-level governments have been touting their respective historical relics and archaeological finds. Beijing officials said they would assess the archaeological value of some of the artifacts. Highvalue ruins at the site could prompt changes to development plans for the administrative zone. Tongzhou is mostly known today as a bedroom community with soaring apartment blocks housing workers who commute to jobs in central Beijing. The area was previously believed to have been developed in the Sui and Tang Dynasties (581907 AD), when it became a trading hub on the Grand Canal leading to southern China. “Our assessment is now that this area was actually quite developed and prosperous earlier than we thought,” said Yu Ping, spokeswoman for the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Cultural Heritage.
is incomplete, the incident is believed to bring to at least 146 the number of Tibetans who have self-immolated in recent years, about 125 of whom have died, according to monitoring groups. Eyewitnesses have been quoted as saying that many of those who self-immolated cried out for Tibetan independence or prayed for the return of the Dalai Lama. Tibet’s Buddhist leader fled Tibet in 1959 amid an abortive uprising against Chinese forces who had occupied the Himalayan region a decade earlier. While China claims Tibet has been part of its territory for more than seven centuries, many Tibetans say they were essentially independent for most of that time. Last week’s self-immolation was the first ENCAMPMENT from 3 people off the streets and into housing. In the meantime, we will continue the work of increasing our outreach efforts, implementing a more compassionate set of protocols when cleanups are necessary and offering trash and
Additional information about the mayor’s actions to address homelessness can be found at seattle. gov/homelessness.
TAITUNG
northwest
13
Eddie Peng of the boxing drama “Unbeatable” and Lu Han, a former boy band sensation, also appear. In the movie, China’s Great Wall has been built to keep out menacing, otherworldly creatures. The use of monsters and a hero saving the world are very much Hollywood techniques. Zhang told the AP that the script took Hollywood seven years to develop. “Although it was developed for commercial purposes, I felt there was room for me to play and put many elements of Chinese culture into it,” he said. Most Chinese co-productions with the West have been boxoffice flops, but producers hope “The Great Wall” can show that big-budget Sino-Hollywood co-productions can work. Hollywood is eager to work with Chinese actors and producers to appeal to the Chinese cinema-going market, which is expected to outgrow the current No. 1 market, North America, within the next two or three years. The Chinese government has long sought to project cultural influence abroad and hopes that “The Great Wall” will be an international blockbuster. “This kind of cooperation is not an end, but a start,” Zhang said. “It is just like relations between countries; cooperation is always a good thing and confrontation is not.” The film debuts in Chinese cinemas on Dec. 16 followed by other countries, including the United States in February.
known to have occurred since either March or May, perhaps reflecting stepped-up security measures in Tibetan areas of western China where most such incidents have occurred. The protests are seen as an extreme expression of the anger and frustration felt by many Tibetans — both lay people and members of the Buddhist clergy — living under heavy-handed Chinese rule. In a new book on the self-immolations, Tibetan writer and rights activist Tsering Woeser describes them as forming a “broad protest movement that continues to this day.” “Because no other method is available for Tibetans to voice their protests, and because only the horror of self-immolation is able to capture the attention of the world, it has become the choice of the bravest protesters in Tibet,” Woeser writes in “Tibet on Fire: SelfImmolations Against Chinese Rule.”
needle pick-up services.” The first of the authorized encampments is scheduled to open in early January.
asianweekly
Tibetan monks and nuns are among the most active opponents of Chinese rule in the region and the strongest proponents of Tibet’s independent identity, prompting the authorities to subject them to some of the harshest and most intrusive restrictions. Those include the stationing of police and informers inside monasteries and a 2007 regulation stating that reincarnations of highranking lamas — a central feature of Tibet’s unique tantric strain of Buddhism — must be subject to Communist Party approval. Beijing blames the Dalai Lama and others for inciting the immolations and says it has made vast investments to develop the region’s economy and improve quality of life. The Dalai Lama says he opposes all violence but has neither publicly condemned nor encouraged the self-immolations.
SPD from 3 be chaired by Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole. The involvement of the Community Police Commission is contingent upon the Court’s indication of approval under the
2012 Consent Decree between the City of Seattle and Department of Justice. The IDT will develop the scope, budget, and action plan for the CSO program and will make its recommendations in early 2018.
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DECEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 23, 2016
5. Books
BLOG from 10 treasures. During the holidays, we eat too much greasy food at parties. You need green tea to cleanse your body. Research has found that it is filled with antioxidants and it improves brain function, lowers cancer risk, and releases stress. It also has less caffeine than coffee. Asian green teas are cheap, and come in a great variety. Most tea comes in a colorful medal box. You don’t even need to wrap it. Also, it’s wonderful to support our community’s Asian grocery stories.
For kids, I try very hard not to give them toys, but books. It will stimulate their imagination. If your friends can read your gift to their kids, it will bring the parent and child closer together. Your friends’ kids will remember you more. There are tons of good books for children at discounted prices at many bookstores. I support authors with money and not lip service. Every year, I buy at least 10 books from different authors. Books are valuable gifts. You can pass the book to someone else after reading it or your receiver can do the same. What better way to enrich someone’s life through knowledge and information!
JORDAN from 4 to issue a new ruling on the use of the Chinese characters in the brand name “Qiaodan,” effectively awarding the trademark to Jordan. The company can continue to use the Romanized spelling of the name, however. Chief judge Tao Kaiyuan said there was an established link between Jordan and the Chinese characters for “Qiaodan,” which are commonly used by the public when referring to the former basketball player, meaning that Jordan was entitled to protection under the Trademark Law. The court’s judgment was shown live on its website. Jordan said in a statement that millions of Chinese fans and consumers had always known him by the name Qiaodan and that he was happy the court recognized his right to protect his name. “Chinese consumers deserve to know that Qiaodan Sports and its products have no connection to me. Nothing is more important than protecting your own name, and the decision shows the importance of that principle,” Jordan said. In a statement after the ruling, the company defended its actions
34 YEARS
6. Cookies
in countries like Uganda, where malaria is a major health concern. For $15, it will pay for polio vaccines in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria. For $100, it will pay for sewing machines, as well as training to show entrepreneurs how to turn sewing skills into a business. (See photo on page 10). So write a check now because you are the fortunate one.
7. Give, give, give
It’s never too late to get a gift for your loved ones. Just do it.
For some, the holidays are a time for indulgence. Whenever you are invited to dinner parties, bring with you a bag of chocolate chip cookies. We all have our own favorite brand of chocolate chip cookies. It’s time to share them with your friends and family when you visit them at their home. This time of the year, I receive many solicitations for donations. The best “ask” letter or flyer is from the Rotary Foundation. It details with photos where your money goes. Remember, a picture speaks a thousand words. A $10 donation will provide bed nets
but said it would respect the court’s decision. In a twist in the legal saga, Qiaodan Sports successfully countersued Jordan in 2013 for preventing it from pursuing a stock market listing because of the trademark lawsuit. The case reflects the difficulties faced by foreign individuals and companies in protecting their copyrights in China, where domestic firms have long taken a cavalier attitude toward intellectual property. Numerous Chinese companies sell products with names that sound similar to well-known foreign brands, often with only one or two letters changed. Chinese law protects foreign companies in cases where their brand was already famous in China before being registered by a Chinese firm seeking to capitalize on its notoriety. However, Apple Inc. lost a legal battle earlier this year when a Beijing court ruled the company had failed to prove that iPhone was a famous brand in China before a Chinese company applied for the “iPhone” trademark in 2007. The Chinese company uses “iPhone” on its handbags and mobile phone cases.
Assunta can be reached at assunta@nwasianweekly.com.
SOLUTION from SUDOKU on page 6.
SERVICE DIRECTORY SUCCESS SECRETS REVEALED!
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For placing an ad in Classified section, contact John Liu at JOHN@NWASIANWEEKLY.COM The deadline to place a classified ad is Tuesday.
DECEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 23, 2016
YOUR VOICE
■ ASTROLOGY
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Predictions and advice for the week of December 17–December 23 By Sun Lee Chang Rat — As much as you would like to push ahead, you can only go so fast. Don’t sacrifice speed for quality in the process.
Dragon — It has taken you a while to find your voice, but it is now coming in loud and clear. Where you lead, others will follow.
Monkey — Coming out on top isn’t as simple as you think. Some victories can be bittersweet depending on how you came to win.
Ox — If you are dealing with a limited quantity, you may have to take away from one area to give to another.
Snake — If you are holding out for a guarantee, then you may have quite a long wait in store for you. It may be that certainty is just not possible.
Rooster — You crave the spotlight, but aren’t completely comfortable with all the attention either. This contradiction could cause some friction.
Tiger — An abundance of choices is much better than the alternative. A sensible pick will stand the test of time.
Horse — The landscape is about to change somewhat for you. It won’t necessarily be better or worse, just different than you are used to.
Rabbit — Your best guess is only as good as the information it is based on. Carefully consider the credibility of the source.
Goat — A glimmer from a distance can shine very bright when you are up close to it. In fact, it may even distract you for a bit.
Dog — The questions you are seeking to have answered are not as complicated as you think. It may just require looking at them from an alternate angle. Pig — Some old friends have new plans for you. If you choose to go along, then you may be in for a wild adventure.
What’s your animal sign? Rat 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 Ox 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 Tiger 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 Rabbit 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 Dragon 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 Snake 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013 Horse 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 Goat 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 Monkey 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 Rooster 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 Dog 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 Pig 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
*The year ends on the first new moon of the following year. For those born in January and February, please take care when determining your sign.
SHELF from 9
Photo provided by the City of Seattle.
CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP from 3
Immigrants came from all over Seattle for assistance in filling out the N400 Naturalization Form.
fire departments, or interact with the city in other ways.” OIRA Director Cuc Vu, herself a refugee and a naturalized citizen, noted that the City of Seattle is united in joining with the mayor’s statement. “The day after Election Day, we saw the number of registered Citizenship Workshop volunteers jump from a few dozen to over 200,” recalled Cuc. “And then to see a number of volunteers from the October workshop, as well as many new faces really made me proud to live and work for this vibrant city that prioritizes helping our most vulnerable residents.” Workshop attendees Arturo and Josefina Delgrosa, who are husband and wife, have been legal permanent residents for over 11 years. They both wanted to become citizens after the results of the presidential election. “The future seems really uncertain, and we want to get our voices heard. Once we become citizens, we will!” said Arturo, who has four daughters and 14 grandchildren living in the United States.
Other workshop attendees came to the event because the naturalization process can be both complicated and expensive. Tong Liu immigrated from Beijing. She has been a green card holder for five years. “I am here because I have tried filling out the application by myself, but there are some questions that I do not really understand.” She also added that she hopes to be able to send for her parents once she becomes a citizen, “I think the U.S. is a better environment for them.” For immigrants who cite the total costs of the citizenship application ($680) as a barrier, Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union (SMCU) staffers were available to help sign people up for their low-interest loans to afford the application fees. On Dec. 23, the total fees to apply for citizenship increase to $725. The next workshop is scheduled for Jan. 20, 2017 at the Seattle Center.
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son, from college — both schools he can no longer afford. And together, with their stepmother Barbra, they set out on a crosscountry road trip from Bel-Air to New York where Charles’ oldest daughter Saina lives as a former art world It girl. As difficult and complicated as this may all sound, it gets worse as Andrew chooses romance in New Orleans over family and Barbra is one 1,000-thread-count sheet away from leaving. And on top of that, they’re driving cross-country in an old station wagon on its last legs. Thanks to Charles’ success in business, the Wangs are a privileged bunch who are used to the finer things. Chang shows readers characters who defy Asian and Asian American stereotypes. The Wangs may be spoiled and entitled but they come together during this time of need and support each other — if initially begrudgingly. And they are a family. Despite each of them seemingly living in their own world, when they get together the old family dynamics are still there: the three siblings giving each other a hard time while still being protective of each other; the father trying to get his three kids to obey him, and the stepmother trying to figure out where she fits in the picture.
The Fortunes
By Peter Ho Davies Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016 Ah Ling, the son of a Chinese prostitute and a white man, is sent from his homeland to California to make his own path on the Gold Mountain. Anna May Wong is the first Chinese film
star in Hollywood but is still looked over and relegated to supporting roles, even in films about Chinese people. Vincent Chin is beaten to death by two Detroit autoworkers who assume he is Japanese and blame him for their economic struggles. John Ling Smith is a half-Chinese man who travels to China for the first time to adopt a baby girl. “Fortunes” tells the stories of all four individuals’ as they try to make their way through a century of American history. While three of the four — Ling, Wong and Chin — are real-life historical figures, all of their stories are fictional as Davies weaves fact with fiction to capture what it means to be not just Chinese American, but American. Despite the very different lives these characters lived, they all share the bond of being Asian American in a society in which that is seen as a deficit. Their stories may span 100 years but Davies shows that as far as we may have come as a society, there are still many strides to be made. Throughout their lives, the four protagonists find themselves up against racism and racist stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, self doubt, and more. But they also display great amounts of courage and strength as they learn their own self worth and gain confidence to accept who they are. Although “Fortunes” tells the very specific story of the Chinese American experience in the United States, Davies is able to balance this with universal characters and experiences that could speak to anyone who has ever struggled to find their way and place in the world. Samantha can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
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DECEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 23, 2016
A-POP from 8 8. “MULAN” GETS LIVE-ACTION REMAKE When news broke that the beloved Disney animated film “Mulan” would get a liveaction remake, many rejoiced. Then, a spec script for the film was leaked, which revealed that a white male hero would not only be Mulan’s love interest, but is ultimately the one who defeats the enemy of China (for those unfamiliar, the spec script is basically the opposite of the original film in almost every possible way). People were not happy and they protested. After much controversy that dismissed the spec script as “rumors,” Disney issued a public statement that the male lead will in fact be Chinese and that the script is being rewritten. Nice save, Disney. 7. KELLY MARIE TRAN CAST IN “STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII” You know what “Star Wars” is — one of America’s most treasured film franchises — but you probably didn’t recognize Kelly Marie Tran’s name until this year. The Vietnamese American comedian, who is a newcomer with a background in comedy, was cast in the next installment of the “Star Wars” movies. Not much has been revealed about Tran’s role except that it’ll be connected to the main character, Finn. For all the controversy that’s erupted around the lack of Asian American representation in film, it’s a huge win to see Tran cast in a blockbuster franchise like “Star Wars.” Talk about visibility. The film will be out December 2017.
“GHOST IN THE SHELL” Although actor Scarlett Johansson has long been cast as The Major — the lead role in the live-action remake of the classic manga and anime “Ghost in the Shell” — the decision to cast Johansson continued to be a hot button topic in 2016. In fact, Johansson has now become the default person to openly mock or reference online when it comes to whitewashed roles (second only to Emma Stone’s character in “Aloha”). With 2016 being the banner year for activists protesting the dearth of roles for Asian American actors, the Johansson casting continues to be a slap in the face. “Ghost in the Shell” will debut in March 2017. 4. FOX NEWS VS. CHINATOWN The presidential election dominated news in 2016. And “The O’Reilly Factor,” a news and talk show on Fox News, played into this fact with an outrageously racist segment. Fox News correspondent Jesse Watters hit the streets of New York City’s Chinatown and interviewed Asian American voters on their opinions about the U.S. election. Though it sounds innocent in nature, the segment included stereotypical jokes, caricature graphics, and making fun of people with limited English
6. “CRAZY RICH ASIANS” IN PRODUCTION Written by author Kevin Kwan, the popular novel “Crazy Rich Asians” was green-lit for a film adaptation this year. “Crazy Rich Asians” is a character-driven story about family and culture, focused on a group of wealthy Chinese families as they prepare for a huge wedding in Singapore. Gossip and hijinks ensue. Director Jon M. Chu, who’s best known for directing projects like the documentary “Justin Bieber’s Believe,” will helm the adaptation. Chu and his production team are currently combing the globe for an all-Asian cast. Kwan will serve as executive producer of the film. 5. SCARLETT JOHANSSON IN
WING LUKE from 7 noted Liang, of some of the challenges in putting together the materials. While the exhibit focuses on the APA experience, one exception was a portion of the exhibit dedicated to Ichiro Suzuki. “Because this is Seattle, and Ichiro is one of the alltime greatest players in baseball, Ichiro was included.” “It is a real, great exhibit,” Liang said. “So often, Asian Americans are told that their stories are not that important.” “To see it realized in an impressive way, it was really touching.” In addition to her documentary, Liang’s work in sports includes a stint at ESPN The Magazine. She recalls her first published piece was in The Boston Globe while in high school. She addressed the media coverage of Tiger Woods as being African American, but neglecting the fact that Woods is also Asian American. For more information on the exhibit, visit wingluke.org. Jason can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.
speaking skills. How is this still OK to broadcast as “news” in 2016? 3. CHRIS ROCK AND FRIENDS MOCKED ASIANS AT THE OSCARS During this year’s Academy Awards, Black comedian and Oscars host Chris Rock featured a racially insensitive skit about Asians. Featuring three Asian children, Rock’s skit included several jokes on Asian labor and model minorities. Shortly after, actor and Oscar presenter Sacha Baron Cohen took the stage to make jokes about Asian men. Outraged members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences protested the offensive skits through a letter, signed by notable Oscar winners and nominees such as director Ang Lee, and actors George Takei and Sandra Oh, among others. 2. JENNIFER YUH NELSON APPOINTED TO BOARD OF GOVERNORS In response to the controversy surrounding the Oscars, the Academy added three new governors — the people that vote for the Oscar winners. Of the three new governors, one includes director Jennifer Yuh Nelson, who is of Korean descent. Best-known for her work on the animated movies “Kung
34 YEARS Fu Panda 2” and “Kung Fu Panda 3,” Yuh Nelson is the first woman to solely direct an animated film from a major Hollywood studio. We’ll have to find out in a few months whether or not Yuh Nelson’s appointment will make a difference in Oscar nominees. 1. #OSCARSSOWHITE The last two stories lead up to the biggest story and controversy of the year, hands down. For the second year in a row, there were no actors of color nominated for best actor or best actress from the 2016 Academy Awards. This was a major story that was of great importance to not just the Asian American community, but to all communities of color. The oversight saw much protest on social media and remained a hot topic of discussion in the months that followed. So much so that the incident came to influence how the public reacted to script and cast announcements throughout the year (for example, the “Mulan” controversy outlined in No. 8). Hollywood has heard the feedback loud and clear from Asian Americans — let’s see if anything changes moving forward in 2017. Vivian Nguyen can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.