Charice Pempengco

Filipino variety show, Wowowee, is sweeping into town Sunday, September 13, for a live concert at the Tacoma Dome. With eighty eight thousand viewers world-wide, Wowowee is an international phenomenon that connects Filipinos from the US, Australia, Saudi Arabia and many other countries to the place many call “home.”

The television show, hosted by singer and comedian “Willie” Revillame, is filmed in Metro Manila and features game show segments, singing, dancing, and talent competitions. The show’s lively atmosphere is created by colorful costumes, high audience participation, and comedic hosts.

For the live US tour, the entire crew of dancers, makeup artists, hosts, costumes and props will be transported stateside. Audience members who pay anywhere from $45 – $200 to attend the event at the Tacoma Dome can expect the show to be just as spectacular as it is when filmed in the Philippines.

Culturally, the show is important to many Filipinos outside of the Philippines because it serves as a connection to the people and pop culture “back home.”

Fifty-year old John Taverna watches Wowowee almost daily with his wife. For him the show “alleviates the feeling of homesickness” and provides “something to look forward to after work.”

One of Taverna’s favorite segments is when host, Willie, interviews contestants about their life stories. Oftentimes, contestants are people who struggle with extreme poverty and familial strife such as a strained father and son relationship. Taverna enjoys the “real human drama” that unfolds when a contestant’s close family member or friend is called out of the audience, sometimes resulting in tearful confessions of love or forgiveness.

Filipinos across the world can relate to these types of situations and appreciate that, for many contestants, winning cash and prizes means food on the table, the chance for their child to receive a good education, or the opportunity to start their own business.

Armelito Pangilinan, whose mother is a devout daily viewer of the show, noticed that Willie and other hosts have a pattern of spreading goodwill. Pangilinan claims that if you watch the show carefully, you can see the hosts steer contestants towards winning the most valuable prizes, especially if the contestant is elderly or is extremely poor. According to Pangilinan, the show “zeroes in on people who are the most needy,” and leaves audiences with a feeling of hope.

The American audience can expect a high level of drama and inspiration from the live taping as well. Prizes are rumored to include trips to the Philippines for contestants who have been long separated from their families, new car giveaways, and, of course, cash. The producers also plan to highlight American talent in opening acts, including 17 year-old Filipina singing sensation, Charice Pempengco, who has been featured on shows such as Oprah and the Ellen Degeneres Show. In any case, Filipino American audiences can expect to be “wowed” this Saturday, as America gets its first taste of Wowowee.

Bush Hotel. Completed in 1997. Photo credit: InterimCDA.

On September 19, 2009, the Inter*im Community Development Association (Inter*im CDA) will celebrate its 40th Anniversary at the Waterfront Marriot. Formally incorporated in 1969 as the International District Improvement Association, Inter*im is the oldest neighborhood organization in Seattle’s International District (ID).

Forty years ago, the International District had deteriorated into an area of urban blight, abandoned buildings, and a decaying infrastructure. In the 1960s, what had once been a thriving neighborhood for Asian immigrants had been physically torn apart by the construction of the freeway. Because of increasingly stringent fire and housing codes, many hotels were closed and abandoned.

In the late 1960s, a group of International District civic-minded business people, including Don Chin, Ben Woo, Tomio Moriguchi, and Shigeko Uno, decided to form an organization to improve the economic conditions of the area. Funded and staffed under the City’s Model Cities Program, the International District Improvement Association or Inter*im opened an office in a storefront in the NP Hotel. In its first two years, Inter*im lobbied successfully for better lighting and increased police patrols to help minimize crime. Staffing for the agency was sporadic; Inter*im went through two executive directors and two coordinators in three years.

In November of 1971, King County officials decided to build a multi-purpose domed stadium at King Street. At about the same time, Bob Santos was recruited by Shigeko Uno and Tomio Moriguchi to become Inter*im’s Executive Director. Santos accepted the job. Almost immediately, Santos took on the impacts of the proposed Kingdome on the very existence of the International District. Bolstered by an influx of young Asian American activists, Santos took Inter*im in a new direction. Inter*im sponsored a series of public meetings to identify problems which the stadium would bring to our community. Santos testified frequently at city and county council hearings about the need for decent housing and social services in the International District.

Nihonmachi Terrace Family Housing. Completed in 2006. Photo credit: InterimCDA.

Consequently, in the 1970s, Inter*im sponsored, developed, and provided seed money for needed social services programs such as mental health counseling (the Asian Counseling and Referral Service); child day care (the Denise Louie Education Center), community health services (the International Community Health Services), and tenant advocacy services (the International District Housing Alliance). Inter*im also offered a meal voucher program, a legal referral service/clinic, a nutrition program, and affordable parking under the freeway. Thanks to the generosity of Danny Woo, Inter*im built a community garden on Woo’s property so that elderly could grow their own vegetables. Inter*im staff also played a major role in the creation of the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority.

In the last twenty years, Inter*im assumed the role of housing developer which led to the creation of a new entity, the Inter*im Community Development Association (Inter*im CDA). Inter*im CDA provided technical assistance in developing low-income housing projects including Gee How Oak Tin Apartments and Rex Hotel. ICDA also served as its own developer in such projects as the Eastern Hotel, NP Hotel, Highland Gardens in Issaquah (co-ownership), Nihonmachi Terrace, and its latest project, Samaki Commons.

Under Executive Director Hyeok Kim, Inter*im CDA continues to represent the community when addressing potential impacts from government action and private development and has been a leader in advocating for and allocation of green space within the International District.

For ticket information, please contact Nancy Ko, nko@interimicda.org or (206) 624-1820 Ext. 15.

The New Look Beauty Salon, above, is located on 1405 N. 45th St., Seattle, Wash., 98103. For more information, visit; http://balayageatnewlook.com/ index.html. Photo credit: Fereshta Noman.

The New Look Beauty Salon in Wallingford, owned by Emily Nguyen, provides many styling services, including the new digital perm technology that is all the rage in Japan. But none of this would have been possible if she hadn’t been able to escape the war and conflict in her native Vietnam.

“It was terrible, we are lucky we came here,” she said.

Nguyen left South Vietnam in 1990 because her father managed to survive imprisonment and get approval to leave the country. Most of her family were able to come with her.

“It was a really special situation because my dad was a Vietnamese soldier and he was in prison for 17 years,” she said. “After he left the prison we received a visa from the government that allowed my family to come with my dad.”

However, her sister and another brother did not join them. “They got married and they wouldn’t allow people who got married to leave,” said Nguyen.

Like many immigrants, Nguyen’s family had a rough start when they first entered the U.S. They left a lot of their belongings behind and had to rebuild their lives.

“It was so hard for my family…we had nothing, we were a poor family and my family had only $40 for starting a living,” she said.

Nguyen says that she was very fortunate to enter the U.S. and open a business so she can help her relatives back home.

“When you stay here you can help a lot of relatives in Vietnam,” she said.

Phiem Dang, Emily’s husband, entered the U.S. in 1975 as a refugee from Vietnam after the fall of Saigon.

“I got here via an American warship, which was involved in a rescue operation

at the time,” he said.

They both settled here because they believed it was an opportune place to start married life. “I moved to Seattle because of its diversity and it’s also a good place to raise children,” said Dang.

Nguyen, however, was more attracted to the larger Asian community because it helped her mother feel more included.

“My parents like to live close to Asian people and at that time it was very hard to find people like us,” she said. “But when we came here we lived closer to Asian people and my mom had easier communication with them.”

After moving here, Nguyen decided to begin the process of opening a salon. She lived in China for a year in 1998 and trained to learn techniques for Asian hair texture. When she came back, she worked at different hair salons to obtain more experience.

“I had a plan to open a business,” she said. “After six years I opened the salon; this is my first business.”

The New Look Beauty Salon offers hair styling, facials, pedicures, waxing and other services. Nguyen believes her most unique service is the digital perm, a new technology developed in Japan that can create a variety of waves.

“That perm is not like old-fashioned perms,” she said. “It is very good for people who love to wear waves. It’s controlled by the computer so it curls evenly.”

Cori Dang is a regular customer at the New Look Beauty Salon and she highly recommends the digital perm.

“I first went to try it because they’re one of the few salons that do digital perms and they have competitive prices,” she said. “When I went in for a consultation she special ordered the perm rods for my application and the perm turned out exactly what I imagined!”

Dang says what she finds most appealing about the store is the quality of the service.

“It’s a hidden gem,” said Dang. “I usually go to the high-end salons, but have never found a stylist that was consistent. Since this is a small salon and owned by the main stylist, I know I’m getting taken care of.”

Emily Nguyen says she is very passionate about her work and she is proud to run the New Look Beauty Salon.

“I love the hair; I like to do things with beauty…that’s why when I open the store, I work every day,” she said. “I opened the shop because I can do it, I’m really glad I have the shop.”

Daniel Kim. Photo credit: Edward Park.

It is estimated that one in nine Americans have some form of kidney disease. Dr. Frank Fung, medical director of the Auburn Kidney Center, said that the two main causes of renal failure are diabetes and hypertension. According to Dr. Fung, it is less common for those in their 20s or younger to be diagnosed with kidney disease.

But Daniel Kim, 26, was diagnosed with renal failure when he was still in high school.

Before the disease, he was very active in sports. He loved football and like any other teenager; he felt like he was on top. It wasn’t until his junior year of high school that his sports physical presented him with a problem. The exam showed that there was protein in his urine which was a cause for concern.

The first thing he wanted to know was if he could still play football. Kim’s parents started to worry and as time went by, he visited the doctor a few more times. The doctor told them that protein in urine could happen once in awhile but other doctors advised for patients to perform a kidney biopsy right away once they find excess protein. The biopsy consists of sticking a large needle into the kidney and grabbing a tiny piece to examine under the telescope.

Kim didn’t perform the biopsy soon enough and his condition worsened. He continued to visit the specialist every two weeks to conduct other tests and ultrasounds.

“For some reason Asian Americans are particularly responsive to environmental factors and are prone to developing diabetes,” Dr. Fung said.

For example, he said that Chinese Americans that moved to the United States have a higher percentage of kidney disease than those who live in rural China. Diet plays a role as well as genetic factors, he said.

Kim was about 17 at the time and thought he was “untouchable.” But when he started dialysis treatment, he noticed a lack of energy.

He said that the hardest thing that he has to do since being diagnosed with kidney disease is watching out for his diet and fluid intake. He has had to stay away from high-sodium or phosphorous foods like beans or cheese.

He has also noticed that when he gets bruises, it takes longer to heal and his body does swell and bruise more easily now. Before the disease, he had heard of other people getting diagnosed with diseases but didn’t realize how close to home it really was until it hit him.

He has been on kidney dialysis for about five years now and he goes three times a week to the Lake Washington Kidney Center. On those days, he takes it easy by going home to relax. But he makes sure that he takes advantage of the other days where he can be active. The dialysis has taken a toll on his body but despite the physical differences, Kim is very optimistic.

“I don’t feel any remorse, I’m not sad about anything,” he said.

Kim is heavily involved with his church, Roots Ministry of the Great Love Church. One of his proud accomplishments with his church was the recently held Seaquence 2009 dance competition.

“That’s my family right there,” he said referring to his fellow church members.

He is a strong believer in divine healing and that helps him maintain his positivity and faith. He used to be negative about his situation but good people around him made him realize how blessed he was.

“People offered their kidneys; I’ve just been so blessed,” he said.

Kim has learned a lot from his situation. He said that he was able to research more about the human body and learn the specific functions of the kidney.

“It’s amazing how each body part works,” Kim said.

The foremost thing to remember is prevention of disease, he said. “It’s very important to prevent someone from going on dialysis and developing kidney failure.”

“There are things doctors can help patients to preserve their kidney functions, it takes a lot of work but it can be done,” Dr. Fung said.

The medical specialist also emphasized that it’s important that people see a physician on a regular basis. Because kidney failure is a “silent illness,” he also recommended for people to have their annual physical exams so that anything abnormal can be monitored and the disease can be picked up early.

He also stated that lifestyle is very important. Since obesity is a risk factor for diabetes, hypertension and kidney diseases, one should do regular exercise and maintain a sensible diet.

Kim’s health hasn’t been easy on his family but they are loving parents which is why he has chosen to help with their upcoming business, World Fresh Asian Eatery, that will feature Asian food and salad bars.

Learning from his battle with the disease, Kim advises people to make sure that they take control of their lives because the sad truth is that often people don’t know that they’re sick until it’s too late.

Image from the 2007 feature-length narrative film, ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon.” www.yellowribbonmovie.com.

Remember the good old days in elementary school on the playground chasing the cute boys (or girls)? Those days were so innocent. We were not much different from each other besides gender. We weren’t able to grasp the concept of race yet.

Then, one day, I realized that I was different. I was in the second grade and to celebrate Martin Luther King Day we learned about the civil rights movement. Afterwards, while sitting on the swings, my friends and I determined that I was white. We came to this conclusion after comparing my skin to our friend Shay Shay’s skin, which was black. I wasn’t as dark as her so by default, I was white.

Imagine how much more upset I was when I found out that I wasn’t white or black, but Asian, some form called Chinese. What the heck was Asian? Why weren’t Asians in my history book? Where did we come from? Space? As far as I was concerned, there were only two types of people that existed on Earth, blacks and whites. Oh, and a dying species that helped start Thanksgiving Day called Indians (later, I would find out that that there were also Indians from a place called India. Who would have thought?!).

The following years were spent learning about great Americans that built our country. They were great men like Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Albert Einstein. But I could no longer relate to them. In fact, I felt less American when I finally found out in my history book that Chinese people came to the United States to work on the railroads and open laundry mats. We weren’t great explorers or social leaders. We didn’t have any holidays named after us. The U.S. government tried to exclude us from the country in 1882 with the Chinese Exclusion Act. We must have done horrible things, I remember thinking.

“American history books contribute or play a role in shaping one’s racial and ethnic identity,” said Doug Chin, author of “Seattle’s International District: The Making of a pan-Asian Community.” “For instance, if one’s ethnic group is not mentioned in American history then that person may conclude that his or her group has no part in building America and therefore feel less American.”

One reason why there isn’t more inclusion of other groups’ histories in grammar school textbooks is because there are many versions of the same story and advocates have had a hard time agreeing on which version should be included, says Connie So, senior lecturer in American Ethnic Studies at the University of Washington. Because of this absence, teachers also aren’t knowledgeable enough to teach these histories.

This is a great example of why diversity in the education system is a must. “I learned about Asian American history from my father. But sometimes I thought he was lying because his stories weren’t in my history book,” said So.

Similarly, I didn’t believe my fourth grade teacher when she told me that a slave invented the cotton gin. I had read that Eli Whitney was the American inventor that created the cotton gin, a mechanical device that removes the seeds from cotton gin and a key invention of the industrial revolution. I remember Mrs. Dawson vividly. She was a black, grandmother-looking lady. “Why would a white man create something that made work easier for his slaves?” she said to the class.

“The only person who found a need to invent such a tool was the black man who was tired of picking cotton.”

Mrs. Dawson taught us that just because it’s in a book, it’s not always the truth and to always question what is missing. I don’t know if anyone else was listening. But I remembered.

Prof. So said history books should at the very least include more detailed information about the Japanese Internment during World War II, considering post 911 social justice and political issues. “What’s also important is to examine how America acquired land. When it comes to social justice, ethnic history is party of American history,” said So.

If we did some of our research and matched what’s out there with what we learned when we were kids, we’d find out that history doesn’t happen so much in chronological order but simultaneously.

The Supreme Court ruled that schools could no longer remain segregated in Brown vs. the Board of Education in 1954. That same year General Vo Nguyen Giap led a 57-day siege against a French garrison in northwestern Vietnam—which signaled the coming end of colonialism in the country. These are proven histories and shape our world today.

Other “alternative” accounts of history can also change the way we look at the world around us. In 1423, England was at war with France. Some argue that that same year, a Chinese admiral by the name of Zheng, finished his exploration of the coasts of Africa, South America and Australia and sailed into the Caribbean and the Sea of Cortez, off what is now Baja California, discovering the Americas 70 years before Christopher Columbus.

Like pieces of a puzzle, all these events make up our history. “We are so interrelated,” said So. Perhaps, if grade school textbooks allowed us to come to our own conclusions about history, rather than feed us with facts and dates, we’d have a better understanding of ourselves and of American history.

In many Asian countries, parents have near-absolute power to discipline their children, uphold particular social mores or encourage strict educational outcomes. This cultural value conflicts with the American legal system, which is set up to protect children from abuse or neglect.

Washington State law defines child abuse or neglect as: “the injury, sexual abuse, or negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by any person” which harms “the child’s health, welfare and safety.” Negligence is “an act or omission which evinces a serious disregard of consequences of such magnitude as to constitute a clear and present danger to the child’s health, welfare and safety.”

A non-accidental physical injury (whether temporary or permanent) involves bruising, burns, fractures, bites, internal damage, dental injuries, auditory harm, eye or brain damage. A mental injury includes harm to the child’s intellect, psychology, or emotions. These mental injuries may stem from emotional rejection, isolation, ignoring, frightening or corrupting a child. Sexual abuse may involve indecent liberties, molestation, sexual exploitation, sexual misconduct, and rape. Neglect involves the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, or supervision. It may involve abandonment or reckless endangerment.

The diversity of Asian Americans in terms of countries of origin, values, languages, religions, socioeconomic statuses, educational levels, occupations, and levels of acculturation means no over-arching generalizations may be made with any accuracy. And families each have their own unique features.

The lack of professional childcare may affect many immigrant families who may not be able to afford quality childcare. In such cases, children may be left at home alone or with untrained babysitters; many are brought to workplaces, which may not be designed to accommodate the presence of children. Others may dress their children with pajamas or slippers as street clothes, which may be appropriate in some Asian countries but not in the U.S. In some Asian cultures, parents sharing a bed with children (of a certain age) is not considered sexualized.

Rsearch on child abuse and neglect in the API community includes some of the following family structures that may allow abuse or neglect: respect for the father as someone with unlimited power; alcohol or drug abuse by one or both of the parents; a family culture of abuse or violence; avoidance of shame and bringing honor to a family; a traditional vertical parent-child relationship structure (with expectations of filial piety); family isolation from the larger society, with no discussing family issues with those on the outside, and unrealistic expectations of children (such as their caring for younger siblings or supporting a high-pressure family business).

Many immigrant families (some dealing with traumas from their experiences prior to reaching the US) face demoralization at having to take on menial jobs; living in dangerous and impoverished neighborhoods; facing racism and non-understanding from neighbors, and the pains of social transitions. Many families look to education as a stepping-stone to higher social attainments and therefore pressure their children and grandchildren to such achievements.

While some view acclimating to the larger society as a benefit, some research suggests that more domestic violence occurs with acculturated Asian Americans who are “socialized into violence.” Intergenerational differences in terms of acculturation often leads to strife, with tensions between conservatism and liberalism, collectivism vs. individualism, and authoritarian parenting vs. more laissez-faire parenting.

Some Asian American families prefer homeopathic and Eastern medical treatments, particularly where the high cost of Westernized medical care would be difficult for the family. These treatments may include the preparations of special foods or drinks, the application of herbs and poultices, and other endeavors.

Sometimes, this reliance on folk medicine may delay medical treatment, which may be considered medical neglect. Some traditional healing practices involve the extraction of illness from the body by applying heated cups, coins or spoons to the body, which may result in bruising and abrasions.

Some common worldviews may result in the belief that suffering is fore-ordained or fated, which may encourage passivity in the face of abuse.

For many Asian Americans, particularly those in the first and second generations, there may be an entrenched mistrust of government—from their countries of origination (for immigrants who are fearful of putting their immigration status at risk) and others who may be acculturated in the idea of intrusive government.

Research has found a reluctance to seek professional help for emotional or mental health challenges among the API populations. Many individuals worry about the cultural insensitivity of mainstream counselors. Family members may worry that reaching out to child welfare professionals may result in an invasion of privacy and shaming by the system. Others fear the traumatic removal of a child from his or her nuclear family. Still others, when faced with potential child abuse, may discuss these issues with a local pastor instead of social service personnel.

Professionals in public health suggest protecting against child abuse by strengthening family bonds and developing stronger communications skills. Support for the family includes respect for parental authority and the reinforcement of cultural values. They encourage parental resilience against stress, and promote the use of multi-generational and multi-lingual education about the standards for child welfare and care. There should also be endeavors to reduce the acculturation gap between parents.

8 Facts About Child Abuse

Seattle’s API Women and Family Safety Center (APIWFSC) Executive Director Lan Pham shares her insights.

1. “It should be understood that there are many, many child abuse cases that go unreported.”
2. “People who abuse their partners (verbally, emotionally, physically) often also abuse their children.”
3. “In cases of sexual assault (SA), we generally see victims of child abuse/molestation many years after the abuse. This is because most of the times, victims feel too “shameful,” “do not want to relive the trauma,” or “do not want to punish the perpetrator, who might be someone close … Statistics reveal that over 80 percent of perpetrators are people that the victim knows.”
4. “The cases of human trafficking-related crimes against children are the buying and selling of children for sex work, and the exploitation of poor children in forced labor.”
5. “Parents should not only teach their children about “stranger danger,” but also teach them about danger with the familiar, how to handle unwanted touching and uncomfortable situations, local resources, and how to call for or get help.”
6. “There are many challenges in addressing child abuse in our community: lack of information about child protection laws, lack of exposure to alternative parenting style, abusive learned behavior or socialization, cultural perception about the role that children play in society, idea that child rearing is a “family business” and no one else should be involved, exploitation of children and the vulnerable, and so forth.”
7. “To the contrary to what most people think, child abuse – the kind that you think is beneficial to the child has less to do with teaching the child good behavior, but more to do with the parent gaining control and taking out anger and frustrations. Children who are abused grow up to be depressed, angry, have low self-esteem, high risk for suicide, more violent tendencies, or are more likely to becoming victims to other types of abuse.”
8. “Parenting is not easy. No parents are perfect. This means, that if your intent is to be an effective parent, you have to actively want to learn and also train yourself to be the type of parent – the type of person – that you want your child to emulate.”

Lan Pham may be reached at
lan@apiwfsc.org or
(206) 467-9976.

Community Resources

Asian Counseling and Referral Service
206-695-7600

http://www.acrs.org/services/

Chinese Information and Service Center
206-624-5633

http://www.cisc-seattle.org/

Within Reach (formerly Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies of Washington)
206-284-2465

http://www.withinreachwa.org/

Korean Community Counseling Center
206-784-5691
Parents’ Guide to Child Protective Services of the DSHS (in multiple languages)

Refugee Women’s Alliance
206-721-0243

http://www.rewa.org/

Washington State Child Care Resource and Referral Network
253-383-1735 / 1-800-446-1114 (toll free)

http://www.childcarenet.org/

Washington Council for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect/ Children’s Trust Fund of Washington
206-464-6151

http://www.ccf.wa.gov/

While the AOL days may seem like a distant past, I still remember the ethnic specific chat rooms, and at thirteen, these were my first experiences positively socializing about my race. Who could forget the infamous “Got Rice?” song, or the various “AzN PrYdE” cartoon caricatures of women with shoes as big as their head and men with the long bang and undercut hairstyle. Looking back on it now, it feels like a brief stint of immaturity, but it was also symbolic of a generation creating a space for identity.

Traditionally, APIAs have been denied social identity by conventional media. Our faces don’t grace the covers of the best selling magazines. We don’t see ourselves in the summer blockbusters or prime time television. While we’re expected to excel academically and socially, we’re left directionless. Perhaps that is why a recent study by eMarketer classified APIAs as the highest ranking ethnic group in the US connected to the information superhighway. This would explain the birth of the various networking sites targeted, intentionally or unintentionally, towards APIAs.

From Asian Avenue to Apartment 107, to Xanga to Friendster, to Myspace and now to Facebook, APIAs have always convened on some online medium of social networking. But these primarily “Asian sites” haven’t seemed to distinguish themselves from the seeming natural tendency towards human narcissism.

“Sometimes I feel like it (Facebook) is a popularity contest,” says Julie Chen, a Chinese-American undergraduate student at NYU whom I met in Argentina. “People just want to post their pictures, ‘outfriend’ you or they always want to know what you’re doing.”

In the current era of communication, telling someone “how you’ve been” is a Twitter update, and what was once a scheduled face-to-face meeting of “catching up” can now be summarized in a 20 second keystroke. I began to wonder if we’ve lost something in communication, and if human interaction has been replaced by something more mechanical and artificial.

“Not so much between close friends,” answers the NYU student. “I still meet in person with my friends, but now I know that some guy in my high school geometry class just had a kid. I wouldn’t call them, but I might comment a ‘congrats’. I couldn’t do that before.”

Then perhaps online social networking has simply expanded our capacity to maintain connections with those we normally couldn’t. Justine, a British-Indian from the UK and avid Facebook user, expressed similar sentiments.

“Facebook is convenient because it’s a place where everyone comes together,” explains the British national. “It’s easy to keep in touch.”

And in thinking about it, I have reconnected with old friends and managed to maintain the various relationships with people of different nations and of all races. Though APIA usage has been reportedly rising in Facebook, using the Internet to keep in touch is something everyone does.

“Nowadays I don’t think it’s necessarily an ‘Asian thing’,” says Michelle Wong, a UW pharmacy student. “I feel that everyone is on Facebook. Everyone uses it for the same reason; everyone is connected.” A stark contrast to how I remember these types of sites being for APIAs.

Sometimes I look back and ask myself if the “AsianPride” days have died out or if it’s just me that has grown up. Sometimes I wonder if Justine experienced the same thing in the UK or if Julie perceives the APIA experience similarly on the East Coast. Well, I could probably ask them both after I send them this article on Facebook.

Trained at the Center for Third World Organizing in Oakland, Lynne Nguyen, above, has helped organize several events, including the 5,000 strong Health Care for All rally and march in May.

You’ve seen the signs. You’ve heard the supporters – and their opponents. The facts are scary enough without the fiction and that’s why there is such a strong push to pass national health care reform this year.

The facts: runaway private health insurance costs, denial of coverage because of pre-existing conditions and the high unemployment levels are driving millions of people out of any health care coverage. According to the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, API communities have a higher rate of uninsured (21.8 percent) than most, and are less frequently understood by health care professionals – including having cultural and language barriers. And, most small businesses, of which there are many in the API community, cannot afford to provide health care for their employees or themselves. There are over 45 million Americans who have no safety net.

There is a safety net here in the Seattle API community. Over 35 years ago, the I.D. Free Clinic provided free basic health care to the elderly residents of Seattle’s Chinatown International District. Today, ICHS is a $20 million dollar community medical, dental and acupuncture clinic at New Holly as well as in the International Examiner serving 16,000 people a year. But, ICHS, and all other community-based health clinics, are in real jeopardy if health care reform is not accomplished this year.

In 2008, 19 percent of ICHS patients were uninsured – costing ICHS $1.5 million – with another 20 percent on state funded Basic Health. With deficits at the state, county and city as well as the federal level, it is hard to know whether Basic Health insurance will continue. And, that’s why ICHS CEO, Teresita Batayola is a leading health care reform advocate, including having been the emcee at the May 30th Health Care for All rally in Pratt Park with 3,500 people.

Another API leader in health care reform is Sofia Aragon, Senior Government Affairs Advisor for the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) that represents 12,000 registered nurses in the state. As a second generation nurse, she saw first hand the struggle her mother went through as a nurse educated in the Philippines and who could not get licensed as an RN here in the states.

As an RN and attorney, Aragon wanted to affect health policy. She worked as a legislative policy analyst for the Washington State Department of Health before becoming an advocate for the WSNA. Aragon is also focused on recruiting new people – especially bilingual/bicultural – into the nursing field. There is still a real shortage of nurses and it’s a great profession for young people in the API community to consider. Participation on the front lines of health care reform is a natural extension of Aragon’s ongoing work.

There is also a new generation of advocates in the API community. Lynne Nguyen is lead health care organizer at WashingtonCAN, a coalition of organizations committed to supporting the needs of lower income families in the state. She has helped to organize several events, including the May 30th Health Care for All rally and march.

Raised in southern California and a graduate of UCLA, Lynne grew up in a socially conscious family and all three of her older sisters are community activists.

“Health care reform is important for API communities in particular because we are so deeply impacted by the issue,” said Nguyen. “We need a public health insurance option as part of the reform to make the private health insurance companies accountable & honest, and to reduce costs.” After health care legislation passes Congress, Nguyen will move on to another community organizing project. Oh, and did I mention that Lynne Nguyen is 24 years-old?

Activists or not, no one can sit on the sidelines. The health care system is broken and reform is needed now. People can differ on specific elements of health care reform, but everyone needs to push the U.S. House and Senate to work to pass Health Care Reform NOW! Call your Congressperson and Senators Cantwell and Murray. Give them the courage to do the right thing. Health insurance reform needs to happen this year.

Call: 877-264-HCAN

Fiber artist Tina Koyama. Photo credit: Judith van Praag.

On First Thursday September 3rd, fiber artist Tina Koyama celebrates a first showing of “My 50th Year” at the Toshiro Kaplan Studios. Together with three other recipients of the 2009 PONCHO/Pratt Artist In Residence Scholarships she shows work created during and thanks to the residency.

A University of Washington Grad with a Masters degree in Creative Writing, Koyama embarked on her artistic career only seven years ago. Believe it or not, the successful artist’s search for the imaginary started with missing earrings. Her sister-in-law wished for a matching pair to go with a necklace.

“We bought beads, and I put the jewelry together in no time,” Koyama says. After initial reluctance to give in to “the bead bug,” a course at the University of Washington opened her eyes to the possibilities of glass seed beads, and eventually she earned a Certificate in Fiber Arts from U.W. Extension.

In September of 2002 a photo of her first free style watchband was published on the cover of a bead magazine, and instant recognition followed. She now is a nationally renowned teacher. Lucky Seattleites only have to go to Fusion Beads in Wallingford for her classes.

The necessity to find an ultimate way to exhibit her tiny three-dimensional abstract pieces, led to the hand-sewn creation of amorphous, inside/out shapes made of dyed cord, rope, or string, that nest her seed bead objects.

After her mother’s death last January Koyama laid her hands on the journals she kept while in Junior High. Not wanting to share any of the “really bad” writing with anybody, she tore up the pages and used them in collages. The Pratt residency allowed her to experiment with different media, such as printing. Therefore it’s not surprising that words and two-dimensional imagery found their way into her new body of work. Snippets of text, the meaning (out of context) fleeting, are still readable. Pasted on boxy canvasses and painted in translucent colors her younger self’s words form the background to small herring bone weavings of red beads, squares mounted in odd numbers, or photo essays; a new language.

On her 49th birthday Tina Koyama started with the first of 366 pieces (it was a leap year) of tiny woven beadwork inventions —created one per day— intended for “My 50th Year.” Mounted on a 20” x 60” stretched canvas the resulting assemblage shows similarities with a needlepoint sampler, made to show-off the needle worker’s ability and craft.

“Read” from left to right, just like western script, the viewer will, upon close inspection, discover series executed in a certain color palette, or along a design concept. The 366 pieces form a memory bank for the artist. Each tiny object is a still from a moment in time. Thus, a series in purples and fuchsia is reminiscent of a bracelet in the same color scheme. There are bead objects woven from a tube she carries while traveling, and squares created when her aim was to capture a miniscule section of a Gustav Klimt painting.

“Design” is not quite the correct word for Koyama’s artistic approach. With a profound dislike of drafting graphics, she says she’s at her most creative when the meditative nature of repetitive movement —stringing bead after bead—takes her into a mental state she likens to Jazz improvisation. Listening to music helps to reach that stage.

“I love Keith Jarret, he’s the genius of Improv,” she says.

Koyama adds she never has a picture in her mind when she sets out to create her mysteriously shaped miniatures.

“I strive to be Keith Jarrett,” she says laughing out loud.

“My 50th Year” is on view in the Artists In Residence group exhibition on September 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 12 – 5 p.m. or by appointment at the Pratt Gallery at Tashiro Kaplan Studios, 306 S Washington Street, Suite 102 Seattle. Tina Koyama and other Pratt residents will present a slideshow on Thursday, September 10, at 6 p.m. at Pratt Fine Arts Center, 1902 S. Main Street in Seattle. For more information call (206) 328-2200.

“YELLOW TERROR: The Collections and Paintings of Roger Shimomura.” On display at the Wing Luke Asian Museum September 11 - April 18, 2010. Exhibit Opening: Sept. 10. Image: “Different Citizens” by Roger Shimomura.

• Wing Luke Asian Museum presents “Yellow Terror: The Collection and Paintings of Roger Shimomura” with two opening reception events on Sept. 10. First up is the members exclusive preview with the artists and co-curator Dr. Stacey Urodomo-Barre from 6 to  7p.m. RSVP by calling (206) 623-5124×126 or e-mail jaquino@wingluke.org Not a member? You can join by calling (206) 623-5124. The general opening reception is from 7 – 8 p.m. and is open free to the public with no RSVP required. This show not only shows the art of Seattle-native and nationally known artist Roger Shimomura and how he deals with identity and racial stereotypes created by the media in his own work, but contains key elements from his own collection of racial stereotype artifacts, kitsch and ephemera. It’s like having a chemist with his laboratory next door open for viewing. Gives the viewer that rare opportunity to peer closely into an artist’s closet to see how reference material feeds into creation. Through April 18, 2010. 719 S. King. (206) 623-5124 or visit: www.wingluke.org.
• Join SCIDPDA in their last ID Artwalk for the summer. Sept. 19 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the ID/Chinatown  neighborhood.  Performances by Wushu master Tain Yuan Li and Sony Playstation’s motion-capture model for “SOUL CALIBER.” Watch her demonstrate live with her NW Wushu students. Also performing in the area will be Mia Yoshihara Bradshaw, Joseph Songco, Kelli Frances Corrado and others. With art on view by Romson, Carlos Ruiz, Audra Brumberg  & others. Many restaurants also feature artwalk $5 specials. For details, go to info@scidpda.org.
• SIS Productions in Residence at Richard Hugo House presents the premiere of ‘Sex in Seattle 17: Coming Clean” set for Sept. 18 – Oct. 17. Recently selected as “Best of Asian American Plays” category by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine. This is the premiere of a new chapter in the lives of Seattle’s contemporary Asian American women and their lives and loves. Created by Kathy Hsieh and Shawn West & Directed by West. For reservations call (206) 323-9443 or tickets@sis-productions.org. For tickets, call 1-800-838-3006 or go to www.brownpapertickets.com.
• The work of bead artist Tina Koyama (see related article this issue) is included in a group show entitled “2009 POCHO/Pathways Recipients” along with the work of Otong “Iron” Durahim, Sarah Hood, Carla Grahn and Akua Kariamu. With exhibition, reception and lecture.  Opening on 1^st Thursday from 6 – 8 p.m. in the Tashiro Kaplan Studios. Art work in the Pratt Gallery at Tashiro Kaplan Studios at 306 S. Main. A lecture takes place Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Pratt Studios at 1902 South Main St.Through Sept. 25. Visit www.pratt.org.

Visual Arts

• “Counter-Photography, Japan’s Artists Today” is an internationally touring exhibition that features 11 contemporary Japanese photographers including Hiroshi Sugimoto, Eikoh Hosoe, Miho Akioka, Miyuki Ichikawa, Akiko Sugiyama, Chie Yasuda, Kazuo Katase, Hiroko Inoue, Tomoko Yoneda, Tomoaki Ishihara and Michihiro Shimabuku. Opening reception from 6 – 8 p.m. on Sept. 11. Don’t miss this survey of Japan’s contemporary  photography scene. Photographic Center Northwest. 900 Twelfth Ave. (206) 720-7222 or visit www.pcnw.org.
• KOBO at Higo presents calligraphy by Shodo Harada Roshi which opens on Sept. 4 from 5 – 7 p.m. and continues on view through Sept. 18. Harada Roshi is a Zen master in the Rinsai tradition who served as the Abbot of Sogenji in Okayama, Japan for the past 25 years. He is also the Abbot of Tahoma-Sogenji Monastery on Whidbey Island. www.onedropzendo.org. Jamie Kirkpatrick has a show entitled “A Time For Tea” based on his love of morning tea and the joy of using other artists tea utensils. This new work is soda and wood-fired vessels. Opening reception with the artist on Sept. 19 from 6 – 8 p.m. On view through Oct. 3.  New work by Oregon ceramic artist Ken Pincus and Ikebana by Sogetsu School flower arrangment artist Megumi Schacher. On view till Sept. 5. Also Megumi teaches a fall workshop on tea ceremony on Sept. 27 from 1 – 3 p.m. but advance registration is required. Sculptural lighting by Hiih Lighting is set for Sat., Oct. 17. 604 S. Jackson. (206) 381-3000 or info@koboseattle.com.
• ArtXchange Gallery  presents “Love Empire: James Lawrence Ardena,” an exhibit  of mixed-media,  resin art and installation. This show explores the nature of the state of Filipino America and the lasting effects of colonization and the emotional constraints in which we confine ourselves. Opening reception for the artist on Sept. 3 from 5 – 8 p.m. On view throughout the month. 512 – 1^st Ave. S. (206) 839-0377. www.artxchange.org. Also gallery artist Deborah Kapoor has her work on view at Simply Desserts in Fremont. 3421 Fremont Ave. N. Ongoing.
• Drawings by Toshi Asai are on view at Joe Bar located at 810 E. Roy St. throughout the month. (206) 324-0407.
• Patricia Rovzar Gallery presents a new show of oil paintings by Z. Z. Wei entitled “Light And Shadow” through Sept. 30. 1225 Second Ave. (206) 223-0273 or www.rovzargallery.com.
• “Target Practice:Painting Under Attack 1949 – 78” is an international survey of how a generation of artists assaulted the genre of painting following WW II. Curator Michael Darling must be applauded for creating a show so international in scope that it includes many artists not as well known but just as important for their contributions to this world-wide phenomenon. Quite simply one of the most refreshing exhibitions on modern art shown at the museum. With contributions by Yoko Ono, Yayoi Kusama, Shigeko Kubota, Nam June Pail, Ushio Shinohara and members of the Gutai Group. Hurry! Must end Sept. 7. Seattle Art Museum.1300 First Ave. (206) 625-3900.
• Davidson Galleries 313 Occidental Ave. S. (206) 624-7684 or www.davidsongalleries.com.
• “Spite House” is a group show curated by Yoko Ott and Jessica Powers that looks at the creative ways artists come to grips with the human element of spitefulness when push comes to shove. On view through Sept. 12. Lawrimore Project at 831 Airport Way S. (206) 501-1231.
• “Business As Usual/New Video from China” presents the work of Cao Fei and Yang Fudong. They are two of the most well known Chinese video artists working internationally today.  Through their eyes, one witnesses the rapid social and economic transformation of China’s cities. On view through Oct. 4. North Galleries. Henry Art Gallery on the UW campus.15^th Ave. NE & NE 41^st St. (206) 543-2280 or visit www.henryart.org.
• “Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition: Indigenous Voices Reply” juxtaposes historic objects and photographs from the 1909 Exposition with contemporary artwork by Native artists exploring how the representation of indigenous people and cultures has changed over 100 years. It should be noted that indigenous people from the Philippines were in the original 1909 show.  On view through Nov.  29.  Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Washington. 17^th Ave. NE and NE 45^th. (206) 543-5590 or www.burkemuseum.org.
• Respected jewelry artist Ron Ho has work in an upcoming group show entitled “Metal-urge” which will be on view through September 6. The show is part of Tacoma’s city-wide celebration of the metal arts.  Traver Gallery-Tacoma located at 1821 East Dock St. #100. (253)383-3685 or www.travergallery.com.
• The work of Etsuko Ichikawa is included in a group show entitled “Elusive Element” which includes NW artists who work with fire, air, earth and water. Through Oct. 4 at the Museum of Northwest Art. 121South First St. in La Connor, WA (360) 466-4446 or visit www.museumofnwart.org. She has work in a group show entitled “West Coast Drawings” at Koplin Del Rio Gallery in Culver City, Calif. A cultural exchange of sorts between Northern and Southern West Coast. A group of Southern California artists will be showing at Davidson Galleries locally through Aug. 29. www.koplindelrio.com.
• Seattle Asian Art Museum presents two new shows. On view through Oct. 17 is “A Black-and-White World: The Art and Lessons of Chinese Rubbings” which looks at the pictorial programs of the Wu Family Shrines and the carved images of the sixteen Lohans. Two vastly different world-views of Confucian order and Buddhist law are explored. On view through Feb. 21, 2010  “Transforming Traditions: Japanese & Korean Art Since 1800” and “Live Long and Prosper: Auspicious Motifs in East Asian Art.” 1400 East Prospect in Volunteer Park. (206) 654-3100 or log on to www.seattleartmuseum.org.
• Wing Luke Asian Museum has another new exhibit. “Across the Spectrum: Stories from Queer Asian Pacific America” will be on view through Feb. 14 of 2010 in the Boeing Company Community Portrait Gallery. Join the conversations about life, love and community. Continuing shows include the following. “Ho’omau ka Huoka’I” looks at the history and culture of Hawaiians in the Pacific Northwest. On view through Aug. 16. “New Years All Year Around – Cambodian, Korean and Chinese New Year Ceremonies” as well as the “Cambodian Cultural Museum and Killing Fields Memorial” and much more. “Deporting Cambodians: How Immigration Policy Shapes Our Communities” is on view through Oct. 18, 2009. Just opened is Parallel Lines: 8 Contemporary Seattle Artists”, a group show curated by Tracey Fugami through Nov. 29. The show draws comparisons between artists Tram Bui, Mark Takamichi Miller, Jason Huff, Akio Takamori, Patti Warashina, Saya Moriyasu, Thuy-Van Vu and Joseph Park . Teensway members under the supervision of guest artist Saya Moriyasu have a new sculpture exhibit entitled “Welcome to Our World” in the Frank Fujii Youth Space on view through Oct. 2, 2009. 719 S. King. (206)623-5124 or www.wingluke.org. Just opened is “Asian Voices,” a YouthCAN exhibit. The Family Day at the Wing event takes place on August 15 and features a workshop on native Hawai’ian thatching used for homes and structures with Na Lei O Manu’akepa. 1 – 3 p.m. “Animation & Comics” opens Aug. 15 from 4 – 6 p.m. in KidPLACE. A related activity is “Exhibits Exposed: Animation & Comis” in which you’ll see how images can have a life of their own in the comic world. August 22 at 2 p.m. Get ready for “Yellow Terror: The Collection and Paintings of Roger Shimomura” opening Sept. 10 with the show ongoing through April 18, 2010 in the Special Exhibition Hall. Mark your calendars! Shimomura has addressed issues of his ethnic identity as a sansei and this special exhibit displays his extensive collection of ephemera and stereotypical images and how he as an artist responds to that stimuli through his own work. The museum sponsors an “Asian American Visual Artists Reception” on Friday, Oct. 9 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in their Community Hall. A chance to network with Asian American artists, curators and arts professionals in a catered event by Salina Restaurant. This is a ticketed event. For updates, email javiado@wingluke.org. Save the date! Wing Luke Asian Museum. 719 S. King St.(206) 623-5124 or www.wingluke.org.
• “Sumi-e Harmony: East and West” is the title of the Puget Sound Sumi Artists’ sumi and calligraphy exhibition which will be held at Tacoma Public Library’s Hanford Gallery from Sept. 8 – Oct. 5. Opening ceremony is on Sept. 12 from 2 – 4 p.m. (253) 591-5666.
• Seattle artist Joseph Park has a series of pieces entitled “APEX: Joseph Park” on view through Nov. 15. These recent paintings include a visual structure built upon reflections from a range of photographic sources. Portland Art Museum at 1219 SW Park Ave. (503) 226-2811.
• Asia Society Museum in New York City presents the first U.S. museum survey of contemporary art from Pakistan entitled “Hanging Fire-Contemporary Art from Pakistan” Sept. 10 – Jan. 3, 2010. 55 works by 15 artists in various media. Curated by Salima Hashmi. For details, go to pr@asiasociety.org.

Performing Arts

• Korean Cultural Celebration is held on Sept 12 and Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival is held on Sept. 13 both at Seattle Center. Expect cultural activities, kids events, dance, music, demonstrations and food booths. www.seattlecenter.com or call (206) 684-7200.
• Elliott Bay’s Tenth Annual Staged Play Reading series continues with a Seattle premiere reading presentation of Richard Greenberg’s recent Broadway play, “The House in Town” staged by David Hsieh’s React Theatre. A new year’s party in 1929 precedes the stock market crash and the strain on a couple’s marriage. Sunday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. Suggested donation of $5 at the door and reservations are encouraged. For details, go to www.reacttheatre.org. Elliott Bay Book Company is at 101 South Main in Seattle. (206) 624-6600.
• The Pork Filled Players blast back to the past with their latest show, “Pork in the Future” running from Sept. 18 – Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. at Seattle’s Odd Duck Studio located at 1214 – 10^th Ave. Spinning off from the success of their late-nite “Spam*O*Rama comedy cabaret, the troupe ventures back to the time of the 80’s bringing back everything from GI Joe to classic John Hughes films and the old days of Michael Jackson mania. Joining the group is an array of guest stars. Seattle sketch duo Charles opens the first weekend, Seattle’s Burlesque All Stars come on board Sept. 25 & 26 and Vancouver B.C.’s premier sketch comedy group, Assaulted Fish close Oct. 2 & 3. Pork Filled Players are led by Roger Tang and lead writer Maggie Lee with members Brian Beckley, Marr Dela Cruz, Agastya Kohli, Toni Rose and Yvette Zaepfel. (206) 365-0282 or oink@porkfilled.com.
• Teatro Zinzanni presents  the musical, “Bottega Zinzanni – All Dressed up With Someplace To Go” featuring a runway event with 13 original designs by Luly Yang Couture. 3^rd Ave. N. & Mercer St. (206) 802-0015 or visit www.zinzanni.org.
• 2009 Jazz Night will benefit the Denise Louie Education Center. Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. 1700 – 1^st Ave. S. (206) 621-7880×12 or www.deniselouie.org.
• Aki Matsuri, a Japanese Fall Festival set for Sept. 12 from 10 – 6 p.m. and Sept. 13 from 11 – 5 p.m. With a varied program of Japanese arts and culture including arts & crafts, performing arts, tea ceremony, food booths, “Hello Kitty!” display, puppet shows and more. At Bellevue College main campus. (425) 861-7865.
• The 2009 Kobe Jazz Vocalist Whoopin makes her Seattle debut at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley on Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. during the “10^th Sister City Jazz Day” concert. 2033 – 6^th Ave. (206) 441-9729 or visit www.jazzalleycom.
• Inter*Im presents their 40^th Anniversary Gala 2009 entitled “Journey of a Thousand Miles” at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront located at 2100 Alaskan Way in Seattle. Starts at 5:30 p.m. (206) 624-1802×15 or www.interimieda.org.
• September is time for the annual visit from Tokyo-based Bunka Women’s University students in fashion design. It gives a chance for Japanese student designers, stylists and models to strut their stuff in the States and gives us lucky Seattle residents a chance to see what may be going up on the runways and catwalks of Tokyo. Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. Broadway Performance Hall on the campus of Seattle Central Community College. Free but call now to reserve a ticket. (425) 483-5974 or e-mail info@ushomestay.com.
• Cumbancha will release “Tatra (Nomadic Souls)”, the first international album from Kailish Kher, one of India’s most beloved voices on Sept. 15. Kher is one of Bollywood’s most recognizable playback singers and a judge on the popular Indian Idol TV show. As part of his North American Tour, he will appear in Seattle on Sept. 27 at the Crocodile. Log on to www.thecrocodile.com or go to http://www.cumbancha.com/ for complete details.
• “Este Mundo”  (Cumbancha) is the new musical release by Bay Area-based group
• Rupa & the April Fishes set for Oct. 27. Lead singer Rupa Marya grew up in California, India and France before splitting her time between careers in medicine and music. For details, go to http://www.cumbancha.com/rupa.

Film/Media

• Seattle Parks and Recreation has a free outdoor screening of “Shall We Dance?” on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. at occidental Ave. S. and S. Main in Occidental Square. (206) 684-7710.
• “Always: Sunset on Third Street” is a new Japanese film which will be screened in support of Washington State – Japan Sister City relationships at the Carlson Theatre in Bellevue on the campus of Bellevue College at 3000 Landerholm Circle NE. Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Free but you must get your tickets at the Consualte General of Japan booth at Akimatsuri 2009 from 4 – 6 p.m. on Sept. 12. E-mail culture@cgjapansea.org for details.
• What happens when pop culture and democracy comes to Afghanistan in the guise of a nationally televised talent contest voted on by cell phone? Find out in Havana Marking’s “Afgan Star” which played SIFF and returns for a regular run August 21 for a week. Hirokazu Kore-eda  ((“Nobody Knows”, “Afterlife”) explores the shifting dynamics of the contemporary family in “Still Walking,” his latest film that played SIFF and returns for a regular run later this fall on Oct. 8 for a week. Won “Best Director” award at the Asian Film Awards. All screenings at the Varsity. 4329 University Way NE (206) 781-5755.

Written Arts

• Seattle-based poet Brandon Shimoda reads as part of the Subtext Reading  Series on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Center. For details, go to subtext@speakeasy.org.
• Noted Asian American Studies scholar Roger Daniels will speak on “Incarceration and Rememberance: A Historian’s View” on Sept. 14 at 2 p.m. Wing Luke Asian Museum. Free. Call (206) 623-5124 or visit www.densho.org.
• Edward Espe Brown reads from “The Complete Tassajara Cookbook: Recipes, Techniques, and Frflections from the Famed Zen Kitchen” (Shambhala) on Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. All readings  at Elliott Bay Book Company at 101 S. Main. (206) 624-6600 or visit www.elliottbaybook.com/events.
• A writing workshop for perspective Oregon-based Asian American writers interested in submitting to an upcoming Oregon anthology of Asian American writers will be held with Patti Duncan on Sept. 13 in Portland. Deadline for submissions is Oct. 31, 2009. To send submissions or ask questions about workshops, e-mail ThymosBook@gmail.com.
• UCLA Asian American Studies Center has published a new textbook entitled “Untold Civil Rights Stories” which discusses the social struggles Asian Americans have faced before and after 9/11. Co-edited by Russell C. Leong and Stewart Kwoh. For details, call (310) 825-2968 or log on to www.aasc.ucla.edu/aascpress.
• Bay Area poet Mari L’Esperance is interviewed and a poem from her latest book, “The Darkened Temple (2008-University of Nebraska Press) is featured in the “Poets to Know” section of the latest Writing The Life Poetic e-newsletter edited and published by Sage Cohen. For details, log on to http://writingthelifepoetic.typepad.com/writing_the_life_poetic/.

Arts News/Opportunities

• Artist Trust offers the 2009 Edge Professional Development Program for Filmmakers Oct. 23 – Dec. 11. They also offer a Professional Development Weekend Workshop for Performing Artists Sept. 19 – 20. They have also developed a new health care program for artists. For details on all these and more, go to www.artisttrust.org.
• Applications for 2010 Jack Straw Artist Residency Programs offer an opportunity to explore the creative use of sound in a professional atmosphere through residencies in a recording studio and the participate in our various presentation programs. Deadline is Oct. 30, 2009. For details, go to www.jackstraw.org or call (206) 634-0919.
• Joshua Helm of Wing Luke Asian Museum offers a free introductionary Oral History Workshop at the Museum on Oct. 7 from 3 – 5 p.m. and Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. – noon. To RSVP, contact Christina Seong at (206) 623-5124×102 pr e-mail cseong@wingluke.org.
• Washington Lawyers for the Arts offers a workshop on Copyright & Creative Commons: Alternative Licenses in the Arts on Sept. 22 from noon-2 p.m. At 4 Culture located at 101 Prefontaine Place S. To register, call 1-800-836-3006. To pay at the door, RSVP with WLA at (206) 328-7053. Registration at the session begins at 11:30 a.m. For complete details, go to info.thewla.org or call (206) 328-7053.
• City of Auburn Arts Commission issues a call to artists for three special exhibits. prospectus and application go to www.auburnwa.gov/arts or call (253) 931-3043.
• In San Francisco, Kearny St. Workshop, the nation’s oldest Asian Pacific American multi-disciplinary arts organization, presents “APAture” from Sept. 17 -26. This two-weekend-long festival takes place at venues throughout the city and includes the talents of Johnny Hi-Fi, Tanji Chopra, Kenny Yun, Aimee Suzara, Debbie Huey, fiftyseven-thirtythree and many others. Go to www.kearnystreet.org/apature for details.