The Chapter is very pleased to announce that honorees at the banquet will be Admiral Herb Bridge, Diane Narasaki and Alan Sugiyama.  Admiral Bridge is co-owner of Ben Bridge Jewelry, a civic leader and philanthropist who has been a generous supporter of the Seattle JACL for decades.  Diane Narasaki, Executive Director of the Asian Counseling and Referral Service, provides strong leadership for the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition (APIC), an advocacy group that organizes the statewide Asian Pacific American Legislative Day in Olympia each year.  Alan Sugiyama is a former Seattle School Board member and former director of the Center for Career Alternatives. 

The prices for tickets are $60.00 before January 21, 2012 and $75.00 after January 21, 2012.  Online reservations and credit card payments can be made at www.jaclseattle.org.

The Seattle Times and Associated Press covered the amazing survival story of Yong Chun Kim, 66, of Tacoma, a snowshoer who was lost in a blizzard for two days on Mount Rainier. Kim said he stayed alive by digging out a snow tunnel and burning dollar bills for warmth.

Kim, who served in the South Korean military in the Vietnam War, told KOMO-TV in Seattle that skills he learned as a soldier helped him survive. He said he wasn’t scared. He kept waiting for the sounds of the helicopter — though severe weather conditions prevented park officials from using one to search for Kim. With temperatures in the teens and winds whipping on the mountain, Kim said he kept walking and moving to stay warm. He took cover in several tree wells — depressions in snow that forms around a tree — and slept standing for 5 to 10 minutes at a time.

Kim, a U.S. citizen for 30 years, was leading 16 members of a hiking and climbing club from Tacoma on Jan. 14 — a trip he takes nearly every week — when he slid down a slope and became separated. He radioed his group twice to tell them he was OK and would meet them farther down the trail, but became disoriented and went the wrong way. Dozens of park rangers, rescue dogs, volunteers and searchers from several rescue organizations scoured snowy mountain terrain for three days searching for Kim. Kim was about a mile from where he was last seen when he was found Jan. 16 by a ranger and two Crystal Mount Ski Patrol members. Kim said his experience won’t stop him from heading to Mount Rainier again.

“Oh yeah, of course, every Saturday.” But he added: “If it’s a bad day, don’t hike again.”

Sen. Paull Shin ‘Undecided’ In Same-Sex Marriage Bill

Sen. Paull Shin (D-21) of Edmonds is listed as one of six “undecided” members of Congress regarding Washington State’s same-sex legislation. If the legislation passes, Washington will be the seventh state to legalize same-sex marriages in the country. As of Jan. 24, there were 23 reliable “yes” votes in the Senate and 20 “no’s.” The bill requires 25 votes to pass. Six senators, including Sen. Paull Shin, will have to make a decision. An intern for Sen. Shin told The Stranger the senator has not made any public statement on whether he is for or against it, saying, “He’s weighing in with the constituents.” Shin’s Mormom faith is rumored to play a role in his indecison.

Former K-Pop Star and Seattle Native is Back in the Spotlight

In their January 2012 issue, KoreAm magazine covered the case of Seattle native Jay Park, who managed to climb to the top of the Korean pop scene as the charismatic leader of 2PM. KoreAm: “But when the young performer made some ‘anti-Korean’ comments on his MySpace page and later allegedly confessed to some ‘severe mistake,’ according to his record label, he found himself excised from the band and Korea. The singer was prepared to return to a life of obscurity, dancing with his old crew and taking a job at a tire shop in his hometown, but then a certain YouTube video launched him back into the spotlight — his loyal fans in tow. Now, Jay is back, making music and movies and this time, he’s calling the shots.”

David Kang to Head Up Rolling Stone, Us Weekly Online

David Kang will be leaving his post at Hearst to take charge of online publishing for Rolling Stone, Us Weekly and Men’s Journal, reported Goldsea news. As Wenner Media’s chief digital officer, Kang will have full P&L responsibility for sites that command 13.2 million unique monthly visitors. Kang said he will “focus on a brand-centric model based on user preferences, data and a seamless multiplatform experience with multiple revenue streams.” That will involve building strategic partnerships with companies like Spotify and deepening relationships with advertisers through multiplatform integrated deals and branded entertainment campaigns. He started work at Wenner on Jan. 20, less than 10 months after he joined Hearst in March of 2011 where he had been developing digital apps, mobile sites, branded YouTube channels and e-books for titles like Good Housekeeping and Cosmopolitan. Since August of 2007 Kang was SVP and general manager of online subscription services at Rodale which publishes health magazines like Men’s Health, Prevention, Women’s Health, Runner’s World, Bicycling, Running Times, and Organic Gardening. Before that, Kang was SVP of entertainment for Major League Baseball Advanced Media. David Kang has a bewildering array of academic degrees, including a B.A from Stanford, an MA from Harvard, a PhD from Harvard Business School and a JD from Harvard Law School.

Yahoo! Co-Founder Yang Resigns

Yahoo! Inc co-founder Jerry Yang has quit the Internet company he started in 1995, effective Jan. 17, potentially appeasing shareholders who had blasted the Internet pioneer for impeding efforts to revive the struggling Web company. Yang’s abrupt departure comes two weeks after Yahoo! appointed Scott Thompson its new CEO, and after growing criticism of Yang and his handling of affairs dating back to an aborted sale to Microsoft. Analysts said Yang’s exit might speed discussions surrounding a multi-billion dollar deal to sell much of Yahoo!’s prize assets — its 40 percent slice of China’s Alibaba, as well as its investment in Yahoo! Japan. In a letter to Yahoo’s chairman of the board, Yang said he was leaving Yahoo to pursue “other interests outside of Yahoo” and was “enthusiastic” about Thompson as the choice to helm the company. Respected in the industry as one of the founding figures of the Web, Yang has come under fire from investors over the years. In 2008 when Yang was CEO, Yahoo! rejected an unsolicited takeover bid from Microsoft Corp worth about $44 billion. Its share price was subsequently pummeled by the global financial crisis and its current market value stands at about $20 billion.

Pinkberry Co-Founder Beat Homeless Man With Tire Iron

One of the founders of the frozen yogurt franchise, Pinkberry, was arrested Jan. 16, according to the Los Angeles Tribune. Police accuse Young Lee of chasing down a homeless man and beating him with a tire iron in June 2011 on an off-ramp of the Hollywood Freeway. Apparently, Young Lee was stopped at a light when he was approached by a transient seeking money, police said. Words were exchanged, and Lee and another man in the car chased the homeless man and “beat him down,” police Capt. Paul Vernon said. Detectives spent several months probing the case against Lee, who was in South Korea for part of that time. Lee, 47, was taken into custody at Los Angeles International Airport. Bail was set at $60,000 but the records do not indicate whether Lee was released. A former kick-boxer and later an architect, Lee co-founded Pinkberry with Shelly Hwang in 2005. At one point, Pinkberry was drawing 3,000 customers a day and became known as the yogurt shop that spawned 1,000 parking tickets. The business now has more than 100 locations in the United States, Mexico and the Middle East, according to the company website.

Seven Teens Charged in Vicious Beating Caught on Video

In Chicago, seven teens have been charged in the Jan. 15 brutal alley attack of a 17-year-old high school student that was caught on video and went viral on YouTube. Soon after the video hit the web, the identities of the alleged attackers were released. The father of one of teens charged in the beating said the attack was a ‘retaliation’ from a previous altercation.  Seventeen-year-old Raymond Palomino, the attacker whose face can be clearly seen in the video, is being charged as an adult, and faces felony charges of robbery and aggravated battery. The rest of the attackers, ages 15 to 16, including the 15-year-old girl who apparently made the recording, have all been cited on the same charges. The beating and robbery occurred at about 4 p.m. in an alley behind an elementary school just south of the city’s downtown. Police said they don’t believe the attack was racially motivated, although the video clearly shows the victim being punched in the face and kicked repeatedly by a group of attackers while being taunted with racial slurs over the course of more than three minutes. His attackers also robbed the victim of $180 in cash, in addition to his sneakers. The beating victim ran away and was taken to Mercy Hospital and Medical Center.

Reuniting the Koreas in a Restaurant

The New York Times covered Pyongyang — not the capital city of North Korea, — but the rapidly expanding chain of restaurants owned by the North Korean government, with outlets in Bangkok, Jakarta, Pattaya, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Vientiane.

Apparently, the Pyongyang restaurant serves as a place of cross-border kinship between Northerners and Southerners, who enjoy performances by North Korean dancers. According to the Times, an expert calls the restaurants, which have opened over the past decade, a “North Korean capitalist experiment,” where wine goes for $30 a bottle and meals can run $100 a person. A critic said the restaurant franchise is an attempt by the government to generate hard currency, a supplement to the country’s sales of missiles and nuclear technology. There is no doubt it is desperately needed, to cope with food and fuel shortages and a socialist economy in a state of collapse. In the real Pyongyang — the capital city -– the death of the longtime leader, Kim Jong-il, and the succession of his son, Kim Jong-un, have raised fears of instability, creating a hard-line Communist atmosphere.

In the restaurant, the performers, who double as waitresses, said they work for three-year stints, request photographs of the restaurant deleted from cameras and shy from discussing politics. There are no propaganda posters in the franchises, no slogans and no portraits of Kim Jung-un, his father or his grandfather, Kim Il-sung. Mr. Jung, a South Korean tour guide, told the New York Times the restaurant was a kind of neutral ground for North and South Koreans to meet. “Politics disappear,” Mr. Jung said. “We are one family.”

Hong Kong Braces for Flood of Dragon Babies

Mainland women scheming and scrambling to deliver “dragon babies” are expected to create a logjam in Hong Kong hospitals and clinics, reported the Goldsea news website. About half of all babies delivered in Hong Kong this year will be to mainlanders eager to bring good fortune into their families while avoiding China’s one-child policy. The Year of the Dragon began on Jan. 23. According to Chinese superstitions babies born during a dragon year — which comes around every 12 years according to the Chinese zodiac — will be imbued with the talents and the good fortune of a great emperor. Consequently, many couples have deliberately sought to time births by putting off conception in the preceding year of the rabbit. Due to concerns that the quest for dragon babies by hordes of mainland woman would crowd out local women, Hong Kong placed a cap on the number of non-resident women who will be allowed to give birth in the Special Administrative Region. Hong Kong hospitals are essentially at the mercy of determined mainland women who manage to cross the border, legally and illegally, and make their way to a facility in a condition that requires preparation for delivery. Local papers have already reported cases of mainland women in the final stages of pregnancy who have illegally crossed the border and headed straight to emergency rooms of public hospitals who can’t turn them away. Expectant local mothers have taken to streets to protest the expected crowding. Up to 1,000 have already staged protests.

This latest in racist presidential campaign ads is from someone claiming to be a Ron Paul supporter, attacking Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman for his “un-American” values. The video claims among Huntsman’s un-American values are: his ability to speak Mandarin and having adopted children from China and India. China is once again linked to evil doers. An ‘Oriental’ track is made to sound sinister. As a former U.S. Ambassador to China, his multi-cultural skills and appreciation may be explained. The Ron Paul campaign disavowed and condemned the video.

US Presidential GOP Hopeful Romney Takes Heat on China Criticisms

Republican US presidential frontrunner Mitt Romney took heat recently over his fierce criticisms of China from a Chinese-American woman who bluntly told him, “it just doesn’t make me feel good.” The woman, sitting near the stage at a political rally held by the former Massachusetts governor and veteran Republican Senator John McCain, repeatedly said she loved the United States and asked Mr. Romney not to put Asians down. “I heard all this degrading thing about China this and China that, it just doesn’t make me feel good,” she scolded the candidate.

“I hope I haven’t put any Asians down,” said Romney, who in his campaign speech routinely accuses Beijing of cheating on global trade rules and vows to ‘clamp down’ on China, said somewhat stiffly.

Private Chen’s Family Learns More About Hazing by Fellow G.I.’s

The officers in command of the battalion of Pvt. Danny Chen, who the Army says committed suicide in Afghanistan in October after being hazed by fellow soldiers, were aware of the harsh treatment he had repeatedly received, his family told the New York Times. At a news conference, family members and their supporters said Pvt. Chen had been mistreated virtually every day of his six-week stint in Afghanistan. They said he had been called a “gook,” a “chink” and “dragon lady.” He was also forced to wear a green helmet and shout orders in Chinese, to a battalion that had no other Chinese-American soldiers, they said. Previously, the family “had no idea of the extent or how long this mistreatment had been going on,” said Elizabeth R. OuYang, president of the New York chapter of OCA, a civil rights group. The family learned of the new details — which they said were in the fullest account yet of what happened to their son — in a three-hour briefing with Army officials, including Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Bostick and Col. Thomas P. Weikert, at Ft. Hamilton in Brooklyn.

In an indication of the prominence of Pvt. Chen’s case, several officials, including City Comptroller John C. Liu and City Councilwoman Margaret S. Chin, attended the news conference. The case has generated considerable interest in New York’s Asian neighborhoods because Pvt. Chen was a Chinatown native and because of some Asian-Americans’ ambivalence toward the United States military. Pvt. Chen, 19, was found dead in a guard tower, of what a military statement called “an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound” to the head. The Army has charged eight members of Pvt. Chen’s battalion, including one officer, in connection with the death. The most serious charges are manslaughter and negligent homicide.

In a statement, George B. Wright, an Army spokesman, said, “The Army is a values-based organization. We inculcate our soldiers with the need to treat all with dignity and respect. We enforce standards, and when our soldiers fail to meet those standards, we take appropriate action.”

First Asian NBA Player Passes on Advice to Lin

Sixty-four years ago, the New York Knicks made Wat Misaka, 88, not only their franchise’s first draft pick, but the first Asian American in the NBA. He’ll share his team decades later with new Knicks recruit, Jeremy Lin. Lin, who played Harvard basketball, was recruited by his hometown Golden State Warriors, then brought on to the Houston Rockets. On Christmas, the Rockets let Lin go, who then joined the Knicks. “I wish him luck,” Misaka told ESPN from his home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Misaka continues to work as an electrical engineer. “I don’t know exactly what kind of player he is, except for what I’ve read about him. I sure hope that he can stick. New York could be a great place for him, although Oakland would’ve been great too with all of the Chinese people that are in California. I think it was one of the reasons why they drafted him. He should have a big following [in New York] if he gets a chance to play.” According to ESPN, in a surprise move, the Knicks went with a young, untested player whose career average is 2.6 points in 29 games. Misaka said he had a hunch the Knicks also signed him in part, because of his ethnic background, a strong tie-in with New York City’s large Asian population. “It makes a difference,” he said. “That’s certainly one of the reasons why people draft players. It’s not strictly about their talents, but their ability to draw fans.”

Papa John’s Worker Nicknames Customer “Lady Chinky Eyes”

Minhee Cho, a recent customer at a New York City Papa John’s Pizza, was given this receipt for her transaction. The employee took the liberty of renaming the customer “lady chinky eyes.” Cho posted the photo to her Twitter page, where it was quickly retweeted by hundreds of people. By the next day, the photo had been viewed at least 25,000 times.

The Papa John’s store owner initially blamed the teenage employee’s behavior on “modern culture,” and said he planned to have “sensitivity trainings” to avoid situations like this in the future. Ultimately, the employee was terminated and Papa John’s apologized for the racial slur. The apology, posted on Papa John’s company Facebook page read: “We were extremely concerned to learn of the receipt issue in New York. This act goes against our company values, and we’ve confirmed with the franchisee that this matter was addressed immediately and that the employee is being terminated. We are truly sorry for this customer’s experience.”

“Ummm, maybe dragons come from a mountain or something. Like maybe they are trapped in a cage.”
– Sasha Mai Ly, age 3

“D!”
– Makayla Wong, age 2

Dragons come from big castles!
– Dustin Le, age 3

“Magic eggs fall from the sky and fall into lava,” said Samuel Kolesar, age 9. “That’s why they can breath fire,” added brother, William, age 11.

“I think the good dragons came from the caves and the bad dragons came from the clouds. And the baby dragons came from the eggs.”
– Eddie Gannon, age 3, with brother Aiden, age 1

“Dragons come from the volcano.”
– Kaden Yip, age 4

“Dragons come from the sky. This is because dragons fly down from the sky to either spit out fire or water.”
– Tuyet-Lam Thai, age 7

Firecrackers: Firecrackers are a common tradition during the Chinese New Years. One popular belief behind the ritual is that the noise will awaken the dragon to fly across the sky and bring the spring rain for crops. Another belief is that the exploding noise of the firecrackers will scare away all evil spirits and misfortunes, preventing them from coming into the New Year. In ancient times they were lit to scare away the beast called Nin (Nian in Mandarin) who supposedly ate people. Thus, “guo nin,” which now means to pass through the new year, originally meant to “survive the beast.”

Lion Dance: This festive dance originated in China nearly a thousand years ago and is regarded as a guardian creature for good luck and blessings. The most common mythological tale associated with the Chinese lion dance is the story of the monster Nian, who terrorized villages by eating livestock, crops, and even villagers themselves on the first day of Chinese New Years. After witnessing the horrors, a Buddhist monk instructed the villagers to create a monster of their own to scare away Nian the following year. Combined with firecrackers, the accompanying loud music, and red flags, Nian is said to have been scared away each time the dance is performed.

Lai-See Envelopes: (Also called Hong-Bao) Money is placed in red envelopes and given to children and young adults during the Chinese New Years. The red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck and is supposed to ward off evil spirits. It is said that in China, during the Qing Dynasty, the elderly would thread coins with a red string. The money was called “ysui qian,” meaning “money warding off evil spirits,” and was believed to protect the elderly from sickness and death. Red envelopes replaced the “ysui qian” when printing presses became more common.

Spring Couplets: Spring couplets are traditionally written with black ink on red paper. These ornaments are hung in storefronts in the month before the Chinese New Year’s Day, and often stay up for two months. They express best wishes and fortune for the coming year. The message of the Spring Couplet can vary from household to household. A store would generally use couplets that make references to their line of trade. For example, couplets that say “Happy New Year” and “Continuing Advancement in Education” are appropriate for a school.

Flowers: Plum Blossoms: This flower symbol stands for courage and hope. Water Narcissus: This flower symbol signifies good luck and fortune. If the white flowers blossom on the day of the New Year, it is believed to indicate good fortune for the ensuing twelve months.
Peony: This flower is said to be a symbol of wealth.

Koi Fish: This favorite marine creature symbolizes surplus or having additional savings so that you’ll have more than enough to live on throughout the remaining year.

Astrology: How Will Your Year of the Dragon Be?

The Chinese lunar calendar names each of the twelve years after an animal. According to one legend, Buddha summoned all the animals to come to him before he departed from earth. Only twelve came to bid him farewell and as a reward he named a year after each one in the order they arrived. The Chinese believe the animal ruling the year in which a person is born has a profound influence on personality, saying: “This is the animal that hides in your heart.”

HORSE
(1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002) You love to travel and want to both ‘fit in’ and be able to roam free. You crave intimacy but may feel inferior to your peers, causing you to drift from group to group. Horses can motivate others, but are often impatient and can be insensitive to other’s needs. In the Year of the Rabbit, Horse people in general should have good luck in their career and in money. Horse people should pursue career advancement or expansion. Work to build a stronger network. This way, your job will be easier when your position faces more responsibilities and challenges. It’s a year of money opportunity. In relationships, don’t make too many demands or it can hurt your current situation.

PIG
(1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995) You are generous and honorable, possessing impeccable manners. While your luxurious nature can be perceived as snobbish, you actually live to help your loved ones. Pigs often feel restless with mood swings and get frustrated easily. When Pig people encounter difficulties, obstacles or even misfortune in the Year of the Dragon, as long as they keep their optimistic, enterprising and positive mind, someone will appear to help and overcome trouble. Sharing their achievements with others will create career paths. Money opportunities will come this year, but wealth won’t grow quickly. Make sure to have a stable income before spending. It’s a good romantic year with more opportunities for joy.

SNAKE
1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001) You’re diplomatic and both outgoing and introverted, with a strong intuitive sense. You’re a possessive partner, but irresistible. Snakes are disarmingly smart and favor using their feelings to make judgement. In the Year of the Dragon, Snake people need the attitude to help out their company or coworkers in problem solving, workload reduction, and business development. You might have to spend extra effort and time, but you will earn the credit and an unexpected good return in the Dragon Year. Don’t get greedy when money comes easily. Little romance is expected but a better mood will improve other social relationships. Snakes may lose energy easily this year, so keep upbeat with outdoor exercise.

OX
(1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009) You’re a born leader, dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. Ox are patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring hardship without complaint. People born in this year are also said to be stubborn, narrow-minded, and with low public relations skills. In the Year of the Dragon, Ox people might encounter some trouble in career development or financial investment. If they keep this spirit of hard work and make sure there is no conflict or dispute with people, then they will walk through the year of Dragon smoothly. It’s not a good year for any risky financial investments. Budget spending and don’t be greedy or there could be money loss. In love, be patient and avoid unnecessary arguments.

RABBIT
(1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1999) You are compassionate and protective of those close to you. But, you idealize relationships and give more to the partner than is healthy. Rabbits avoid fights and aren’t keen on facing issues. In the Year of the Dragon, there could be family disputes, but a lucky star will send someone to help. Career luck is fair but someone may cause an obstacle for you. Foster that network of friends to support you. You’ll have a steady income, but avoid lending or borrowing money; it can lead to a dispute. In love, don’t push relationships too hard or miscommunication will occur.

ROOSTER
(1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005) You’re a quick thinker, practical and resourceful. Roosters are keenly observant. You’re an open book and respect, as well as expect, honesty in others. In the Year of the Dragon, Rooster people can expect the prosperity of wealth, power of career, credit of reputation and happiness of love coming to them. But they still have to pay attention to their safety and health to prevent accidents from happening in the Year of the Dragon. Roosters can win people’s trust and earn a good reputation. Many career opportunities are wide open but don’t forget the people around you. Rooster people need to watch their health, otherwise they will miss golden opportunities for career and money luck.

RAT
(1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008) You’re clever and quick-witted with excellent taste. Rats are natural charmers and funny. To those loyal, you are extra protective and generous. Unapologetic promoters of their agendas, Rats can be viewed as greedy and quick-tempered. In the Year of the Dragon, Rat people won’t see outstanding achievement. As long as they don’t aim too high, they’ll be satisfied with what they will do in 2012. Money luck is fair and steady. Rat people can spend more time learning, improving job skills, and placing emphasis on physical exercise. In this way, they’ll have the knowledge and energy to network and build more relationships. This is good time to re-charge.

DOG
(1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006) You’re loyal, honest, and discreet. You have a firm code of ethics and can be tempermental and sensitive, needing solitude to recuperate. You enjoy staying active and smoothing out tough situations. In the Year of the Dragon, it’s not the best time for Dogs. Career will be challenging so keep a low-profile. Don’t change jobs. In money, protect your interests and budget well. Because of pressure from career and money, it can have a poor impact on relationships. Be patient and keep your cool. Health is unlucky in the Year of the Dragon, too. Maintain your focus and avoid any unnecessary adventurous activities.

DRAGON
(1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000) You’re tenacious, giving and intelligent. You know what you want and are determined to get it. Dragons are charismatic and charming and can influence others. As natural leaders, Dragons usually enjoy a measure of wealth and especially, the power it desires. In the Year of the Dragon, more than one malignant star arrives to Dragon people. Therefore, their friendships, love relationships, money management or job competition might have some impact in 2012. Do not expect any major prosperity in the year of Dragon. In career, Dragons should keep a low-profile and be patient. Their income will increase but so will expenses. In love, don’t let money problems affect a marriage. For single people, build relationships slowly. Pressure from career and money can also impact health so remember to slow down.

GOAT
(1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003) You’re a day-dreamer and like spending time alone. You’re not very materialistic or organized, and need to feel loved and reassured. The goat individual minds their own business and prefers not to stick their nose in on others. In 2012, Goat people will have a good year. In the Year of the Dragon, Goat people’s friends and mentors will particularly care and show consideration. Therefore, Goat people’s social relationships, career opportunities, and money luck will be good. In work, if they can do well with relationships, people will treat them as a close team player. However, disagreements could come easily between couples.

MONKEY
(1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004) You’re charismatic and energetic, craving fun and stimulation. Monkeys are curious and tackle complicated problems with ease. But, you can be self-involved and try to talk yourself out of situations. Indulgent activities and a lack of self-control can get you into trouble. In 2012, it is a very good luck year for the Monkey. Monkey people will have good people relationships, career opportunities, money luck and love relationships in the Dragon year. The only unlucky aspect is in health. Avoid rigorous activities. You’ll get along with co-workers and there will be little career pressure. Relationships will bring money this year so it’ll be a good time for investments. Love will be good and could develop more seriously.

TIGER
(1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998) You’re magnetic and self-possessed. A natural leader, Tigers exude an air of authority that prompts others to fall in line. You enjoy control, but are courageous and will fight until the end. Tigers, however, are moody and feel things more intensely than others, causing them to have outbursts. In the Year of the Dragon, Tiger people will have a busy, noisy and challenging year. Tiger people need to control their temper and must avoid unnecessary dispute in 2012 when it comes to love and work. Money luck is up and down; Tiger people should not try for a risky investment. And they must not ignore their health and safety when away from home.

Tet (Vietnamese New Year) Festival
Saturday, January 21 &
Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012
Seattle Center, Fisher Pavilion and Center House, 301 Harrison Street, Seattle. Saturday: 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Join the festival again this year at Seattle Center where Vietnam’s rich and colorful heritage is showcased in the special theme “Le Hoi Viet Nam.” Enjoy music performances, a childrens’ workshop, arts & crafts, multiple vendor booths, and food! Free. For more information, visit: www.tetinseattle.org.

Lunar New Year Tet celebration
Sunday, Jan 22, 2012
Chua Co Lam Buddhist Temple, 3503 South Graham St., Seattle.
Game booths, great vegetarian food, and lion dances. A fireworks show will call in the new year at midnight. Free. For more information, call (206) 723 – 4741.

The Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce Lunar New Year Banquet
Thursday, January 26, 2012
China Harbor Restaurant, 2040 Westlake Ave N, Seattle. 6 p.m.
Join the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce for their Lunar New Year Banquet. Celebrate with over 300 members and guests in this festive New Year tradition. A portion of the proceeds will support the Chamber Ambassador Youth Leadership Program. Individual: $40 or $500 for a corporate table. For more information, visit: www.seattlechinesechamber.org.

The Hong Kong Association of Washington Foundation’s 2012 Chinese New Year Gala
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Sheraton Seattle Hotel, Grand Ballroom, Second Floor, 1400 Sixth Ave., Seattle. 5:15 – 10:30 p.m.
This gala is one of the biggest Lunar New Year celebrations in the state of Washington, hosting over 700 attendees at this black tie event. This celebration will feature a lion dance, auction items, and a Luly Yang fashion show. Proceeds to benefit WiSe, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. $150 to reserve tickets or a table for ten for $1500. For questions or to RSVP, please call (206) 588 – 5452, e-mail gala@hkaw.org, or visit www.hkaw.org.

Families with Children From China – NW (FCC-NW) Chinese New Year Celebration 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Eckstein Middle School, 3003 NE 75th Street, Seattle. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Come join the fun and enjoy all the activities including dance performances, the children’s carnival, martial arts demonstration by Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu Center of Seattle, vendors and information booths, crafts and more. The Northwest Chapter of Families with Children from China (FCC-NW) is an organization whose goal is to support families who have adopted children from China. $5 – $10. For more information, visit:
www.fcc-nw.memberlodge.com.

Muckleshoot Casino
Lunar New Year Celebration
and Dragon Dance
Monday, January 23, 2012
Muckleshoot Indian Casino, 2402 Auburn Way South, Auburn. 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Enjoy music performances starting at 8 p.m. by special Asian entertainers in Club Galaxy, featuring Tu Quyen, Nhu Loan, Bich Thao & Duong Buu Trung, Tau Hai and Hoai Tam – Viet Huong. Free with Players Club card. For more information, call (253) 804 – 444 ext. 2433 or visit
www.muckleshootcasino.com.

Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino Lunar New Year Celebration
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Emerald Queen Hotel and Casino, I-5 Showroom, 5700 Pacific Highway E.,
Fife. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Receive a cash envelope and win up to $1,000 for the New Year! Envelopes available while supplies last. For more information, call (253) 594 – 7777 or visit www.emeraldqueen.com.

Westminster Chapel 8th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Westminster Chapel, 13646 NE 24th St., Bellevue. 3:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate Asian culture with Westminster Chapel. Enjoy children’s crafts, demonstrations, music, dance, food, and more. It’s fun for the whole family. $6/adult ($8/door), $4/child ($6/door). For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.westminster.org or call (425) 460 – 3714.

Lunar New Year events at The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
Saturday, January 21, 2012
The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, 719 S. King St., Seattle. Starts at 11 a.m.
Lion Dance: The Lieu Quan Lion Dance Team blesses The Wing with their vibrant and energetic team spirit. Come watch and cheer on the dancers as they rid The Wing of any bad luck and start the lucky year of the dragon. Afterwards, check out the opening of the newest KidPLACE exhibit “New Years All Year Round,” featuring Korean, Chinese, and Cambodian New Year celebrations. At 4:30 p.m., The Wing presents “Oshogatsu.” Welcome the New Year with a special Japanese tea ceremony hosted by the Chado Urasenke Tankokai Seattle Association. Green tea and sweets will be served. $5 admission, $3 children and members, includes tea and sweets. For more information, visit:
www.winguke.org.

The Children’s Museum Appreciate a Dragon Day
Saturday, Jan 7, 2012
305 Harrison St., Seattle. 10 a.m.
It’s National Appreciate a Dragon Day and that fits perfectly with The Children’s Museum, hosting Medieval Merriment Month. Help create a community Dragon or participate in friendly dragon inspired activities. For more information, visit: www.thechildrensmuseum.org.

The Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) 14th annual New Year Celebration
Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012
Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall, 2727 East D St., Tacoma. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
“Bula!”: Featuring the Beautiful Island of Fiji. Over 5,000 people join in on the fun in Tacoma, with food booths, cultural activities for children, hot hula sessions throughout the day, and cultural entertainment from different Asian Pacific countries including the Philippines, Korea, Hawaii, Samoa, China, Japan, India, Vietnam, and more! Free. For more information, call (253) 383 – 3900 or visit www.asiapacificculturalcenter.org.

Vancouver, B.C. Chinatown Spring Festival Celebration
Sunday, January 29, 2012
This signature event of Vancouver’s Chinatown will feature lion dances, cultural dance troupes, marching bands, martial arts performances and much more. As one of the three largest non-commercial annual parades in Vancouver, the Chinese New Year Parade features the largest assembly of traditional lion dance teams in Canada. Other highlights include multicultural dance troupes representing the diverse segments of the Canadian cultural heritage, the Vancouver Police Department Motorcycle Drill Team, marching bands and various community groups. The parade draws over 50,000 spectators along the route each year. The parade route starts at the Millennium Gate on Pender Street, proceeds east, turns south onto Gore Street, turns west onto Keefer Street and then disperses at Keefer and Columbia. The parade begins at noon and lasts two hours. The Cultural Fair for 2012 will be held for two days – Saturday, January 28 (1 – 3 p.m.) and Sunday, January 29 (2 – 4 p.m.) and is hosted at the Sun Yat-sen Plaza (50 East Pender Street) for both days. This event features multicultural performances, a special lion dance grand finale, martial arts demonstrations and more. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit: www.cbavancouver.ca/parade.

Portland’s Lan Su Chinese Garden Chinese New Year Festival
Festival: Monday, January 23 – Monday, February 6, 2012
Lan Su Chinese Garden, 239 Northwest Everett Street, Portland, Ore.
This annual event for families and kids of all ages includes lion and dragon dances each weekend day, martial arts demonstrations, feng shui talks, dance and music performances, plant talks and much more. The two-week celebration of Chinese culture and history kicks off on January 23, 2012 with a “Rolling in the Wealth” feng shui activity and concludes with two nights of a specially ticketed, traditional lantern viewings on Feb. 5 and Feb. 6, 2012. All events (except for the Lantern Viewing) are free with admission to Lan Su Chinese Garden. For more information, please visit: www.lansugarden.org.
Lantern Viewing: Sunday, Feb. 5 and Monday, Feb. 6, 2012
Lan Su Chinese Garden, 239 Northwest Everett Street, Portland, Ore. 6 – 8 p.m. Come see more than 100 hanging red lanterns, 200 floating lanterns in Lake Zither and a custom lantern installation by HiiH Gallery that will bring the Lan Su aglow at this special after-hours event. Tickets: $12 – member, $16 – general. For more information, please visit: www.lansugarden.org.

The Vietnamese Community of Oregon (VNCO) Annual Tet Festival
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland, Oregon.
This all-day event begins at 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Activities include a lion dance, bands, singers, traditional and modern dances, martial arts, a Miss Vietnamese pageant, youth games and activity center, and business, community, non-profit and health vendors. For more information, visit: www.congdongvietnamoregon.org.

Chinese New Year celebrations were born out of fear and myth. The legend of the man-devouring predator beast Nian (which is also the word for “year”) told of its frightening appearance at the end of each year, attacking and killing villagers. Loud noises, bright lights, and the color red were used to scare the beast away, and the Chinese New Year celebrations were said to have evolved from that. Today, the 15-day New Year festivities are celebrated in China, Vietnam, Korea, Mongolia, and where these communities reside all over the world.

The Chinese Lunar New Year is the longest chronological record in history, dating from 2600 B.C., when the Emperor Huang Ti introduced the first cycle of the zodiac. The Chinese lunar calendar starts the lunar year based on the cycles of the moon. Therefore, because of this cyclical dating, the beginning of the year can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February. This year it falls on January 23, 2012 — the Year of the Dragon.

Celebrated internationally, Lunar New Year is considered to be a major holiday. Families and friends reunite to ring in the new Lunar New Year with well-wishing, ritual, great feasts, and exuberant activities.

Famous Dragons

Slavery abolitionist and suffragist Susan B. Anthony.

“The Dragon” Bruce Lee.

Notable Dragons:

Salvador Dali, Bruce Lee, Joan of Arc, Susan B. Anthony, Florence Nightingale, Sigmund Freud, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Gao Xingjian – Nobel prize winner, Japanese artist Matsumoto Hideto

Entertainers:

Isabella Rossellini, Reese Witherspoon, Rihanna (Robyn Rihanna Fenty), Al Pacino, Shirley Temple

On Dec. 17, tropical storm Sendong (a.k.a. Typhoon Washi) struck the Philippines, deeply impacting the southern islands of Mindanao. The cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan were amongst the worst hit by flash floods and landslides leaving more than 1,080 people confirmed dead. More fatalities are expected, and more than 100,000 survivors are left homeless.

“It has been a difficult Christmas for the local Filipino community,” according to BAYAN-USA Regional Coordinator, Rachel Cendana. “First, the brutal murder of our beloved Danny Vega. Now, Typhoon Sendong displacing so many of our overseas friends and loved ones.” Despite the recent calamities, Cendana and other benefit organizers remain inspired. “The Seattle community always comes together to help one another in such adverse times.”

Local grassroots network Bayan-NW, the Filipino Community of Seattle, and Ihaw Ihaw Band organized a vigil and benefit concert on Dec. 29 at the Filipino Community Center to raise funds to help those hit hardest by Typhoon Washi. People interested in finding out more information or how to support can e-mail: bayanusa.pnw@gmail.com or contact the Filipino Community Center at (206) 722-9372. All proceeds raised at the event go towards helping the areas hardest hit by Typhoon Sendong.

Gov’t To Pay Family $17.8M For Military Jet Crash

On Dec. 28, a federal judge ordered the U.S. government to pay $17.8 million to a family that lost four members when a Marine Corps fighter jet crashed into their San Diego, Calif. home in 2008. A U.S. district judge’s ruling came after a nonjury trial between the Department of Justice and the family, who sought $56 million for emotional and monetary loss. Don Yoon lost his 36-year-old wife, Youngmi Lee Yoon; his 15-month-old daughter, Grace; his 2-month-old daughter, Rachel; and his 59-year-old mother-in-law, Seokim Kim Lee, who was visiting from Korea to help her eldest daughter take care of their children, according to the Associated Press. Yoon broke down crying throughout his testimony, which came three years to the day when he buried his wife and baby girls in the same casket.

The Marine Corps has said the plane suffered a mechanical failure but a series of bad decisions led the pilot — a student — to bypass a potentially safe landing at a coastal Navy base after his engine failed on Dec. 8, 2008. The pilot ejected and told investigators he screamed in horror as he watched the jet plow into the neighborhood, incinerating two homes. The military disciplined 13 members of the Marines and the Navy for the errors.

Eight Soldiers Charged With Killing of Pvt. Danny Chen

One night in October, Army Pvt. Danny Chen apparently angered his fellow soldiers by forgetting to turn off the water heater after taking a shower at his outpost in Afghanistan. According to the New York Times, in the relatives’ account, the soldiers pulled Pvt. Chen out of bed and dragged him across the floor; they forced him to crawl on the ground while they pelted him with rocks and taunted him with ethnic slurs. Finally, the family said, they ordered him to do pull-ups with a mouthful of water — while forbidding him from spitting it out.

It was the culmination of what the family called a campaign of hazing against Pvt. Chen, 19, who was born in Chinatown in Manhattan, the son of Chinese immigrants. Hours later, on Oct. 3, he was found dead in a guard tower, from what a military statement called “an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound” to the head. On Dec. 21, the American military announced that the Army had charged eight soldiers in Pvt. Chen’s battalion in connection with the death. It was an extraordinary development in a case that has stirred intense reactions and debate in the Asian population in New York and elsewhere over what some experts say is the somewhat ambivalent relationship between the Asian population and the United States military. In a journal he kept while in basic training and in letters, Pvt. Chen mentioned that other soldiers teased him because of his ethnicity. “Everyone here jokingly makes fun of me for being Asian,” he said in one letter to his parents. In another letter two days later, he wrote, “People crack jokes about Chinese people all the time; I’m running out of jokes to come back at them.”

Has Asian American Studies Failed?

Timothy Yu, Professor of English and Asian American Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, shared a provocative question on the state of Asian American Studies. He cited recent examples such as a New York Times article that reviewed a learning center at WWII-era Japanese American internment camp, Heart Mountain, where the reporter made historical inaccuracies about Japanese Americans. In another cited example of the apparent failure of Asian American Studies to Yu, the Wall Street Journal published an article by a Chinese American Yale law professor titled, “Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior,” claiming numerous reasons why “Eastern” styles of parenting are superior to “Western.” Yu wonders how, with thirty years of Asian American Studies, that such inaccuracies in identity and history can be made.

He offered solutions such as: popularizing Asian American Studies and better communicating discoveries; looking outward to mainstream audiences and promote public discourse about Asian Americans; developing “rapid response teams” to advocate when anti-Asian racism or misrepresentation occurs; and developing and fostering public intellectuals who can command public attention and contribute to the public discourse.

Read the full article at: www.tympan.blogspot.com and search by typing in the headline.

The New York Knicks Claim Jeremy Lin

The Houston Rockets released guard Jeremy Lin on Christmas day to reduce the roster to 14 players and make room to sign center Samuel Dalembert. Back in December, the Harvard hoops star got dropped from his hometown team of the Golden State Warriors. He was then recruited by the Rockets. Looks like Lin’s next appearance is at Madison Square Garden.

Lin is a Bay Area native who played in 29 games last season as a rookie with the Warriors, becoming the NBA’s first Asian American player since 1947.

Jeremy Yamaguchi is California’s Youngest Mayor

In December, the city of Placentia, Calif. elected 22-year-old Jeremy Yamaguchi as its mayor. As far as records indicate, this makes Yamaguchi, who was first elected to the City Council at age 19, the youngest mayor in the history of Placentia and possibly the entire state of California.

Yamaguchi recently completed his undergraduate degree in Political Science at Cal State Fullerton. “It’s record-setting, and uplifting in addition to being an honor,” Yamaguchi said. “But it’s the same job if you’re 70 or you’re 22.” Yamaguchi, the youngest mayor to serve in Orange County in more than 20 years, has plans for the coming year. He wants to establish office hours, certain times that he will be at City Hall, available to residents. He plans to visit every school in the city in the next year. Finally, he wants to revive the city’s youth council to get young people’s opinions on city issues.