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Aam Jan2014
Aam Jan2014
magazine
Connecting Cultures Linking Lives January 2014 Volume 9 Issue 1
2014
CAMPBELL
gives a voice to Colorados Asian community
FRAn
RESTAURAnT PEEK
Hiro Japanese Buffet
www.kokororestaurants.com
Harry Budisidharta
(303) 377-3474
2012 Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year Recipient
Awarded by the Arapahoe County Bar Association & Asian Pacific American Bar Association
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On Friday, Jan. 24, Asian Avenue magazine will be hosting our annual lunar new year banquet. Come enjoy a delicious Chinese dinner and a lion dance performance by Colorado Asian Cultural Heritage Center. Machinez Remainz and Denver Buddhist Cultural Society will also perform a hip hop dance and kung fu demonstration, respectively. This is one of our largest events of the year and allows the Chinese and Vietnamese community in Denver to celebrate their culture and traditions with new friends. See page 20 for more information. In this issue, read about lunar new year traditions. Why wear red? What foods should be at the new year table? There are many superstitions in Asian cultures that make this a fun time of year.
Happy new year! Thank you for coming to our Red Carpet Affair New Years Eve Party at Jing Restaurant. The new year celebrations have just begun, as lunar new year is right around the corner! 2014, the year of the horse, will begin on Friday, Jan. 31, 2014.
asian avenue
magazine
Publisher & Founder: Christina Yutai Guo President: Annie Guo Production Manager: Peter Bui Senior Designer: C.G. Yao Designer: Jonathan Nguyen Staff Writer: Patricia Kaowthumrong Staff Writer: Mary Jeneverre Schultz Staff Writer: Brenda Velasquez Photographer: Trang Luong Intern: Akemi Tsutsui Patty Coutts, Donna LaVigne, Nestor J. Mercado, Sum C. Nguyen, Alok Sarwal, Peter Warren, John Yee, Nai-Li Yee, George N. Yoshida Gil Asakawa, Son Huynh, Jamie Jennings, Nathan Yip Foundation, Stephanie Tanny, Harrison Tu, Padade M. Vue, M.D., Kong Xee Xiong Jim Brecht, Franciz Photography: Peejay Lumba and Laine Lumba, Daniel Huynh
Congratulations to Fran Campbell, who we highlight in our spotlight feature. This month, she will receive the Martin Luther King Jr. Business Social Responsibility Award to add to her many accolades. Fran has been an active member of Colorados Asian and Filipino community for decades. In addition to working at the Jefferson Center for Mental Health, Fran has served on the Denver Asian Pacific American Commission for six years - giving a voice to our Asian-American community. We are so lucky to have Fran in Denver!
advisors group
Another congrats is in order for Sanakee Xiong, 2013-2014 Miss Hmong Colorado. A senior at Horizon High School, Sanakee is already in the process of becoming a community leader. She is involved with numerous school organizations and also a part of the Colorado Asian Pacific Youth Association. As Miss Hmong Colorado, she will have the opportunity to organize programs next year to further strengthen Colorados Hmong community as well as spread education about Hmong culture. Thank you to Stephanie Tanny with Colorado HealthOP for providing information about health insurance options in this issue. Enrolling for a plan and using the health insurance exchange can be a daunting task. Read Stephanies article that shares a new model for health insurance that might be what youre looking for!
contributing writers
contributing photographers
Lastly, kudos to Suey Park, a 23-year-old writer and organizer that started the hashtag #NotYourAsianSidekick on Twitter to jumpstart a conversation on Asian American feminism. Read Gil Asakawas perspective on Sueys powerful work, using social media to ignite the fire in so many around the world who are ready to speak up. Happy Year of the Horse! Annie Guo, President Asian Avenue magazine
on the cover
Lily Auyeung, Thao Ma, Linda Pham, Tina Li, Chia Shie Lor, and Lana Tran perform a traditional Vietnamese fan dance at the Tet Show at the University of Colorado Boulder. Photo by: Daniel Huynh To subscribe, e-mail marketing@asianavenuemag azine.com. A one-year subscription is $25 for 12 issues, a two-year subscription is 40 for 24 issues. Please make checks or money orders payable to Asian Avenue magazine. For details about special corporate or group rates, please call during business hours: Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm. Shipping and handling included.
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Asian Avenue magazine offers businesses the most cost-effective way to reach consumers in the Denver/Boulder metro areas and beyond. For more information, call during business hours or e-mail us at marketing@asianavenuemagazine. com for our media kit and ad rates.
editorial
To submit story ideas, letters to the editor, or listings for the Events Calendar, e-mail to editor@ asianavenuemagazine.com.
Asian Avenue magazine (ISSN 1932-1449) reserves all copyrights to this issue. No parts of this edition can be reproduced in any manner without written permission. The views expressed in articles are the authors and not necessarily those of Asian Avenue magazine. Authors may have consulting or other business relationships with the companies they discuss.
Published by Asian Avenue Magazine, Inc. P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 Tel: 303.937.6888 Fax: 303.750.8488 www.asianavenuemagazine.com
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Asian Avenue magazine is in association with the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.
REGISTER ONLINE: www.NathanYipFoundation.org/events Ticket Price: $195 For more information: 303.817.8400 or info@nathanyipfoundation.org
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On the Cover
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Happy Lunar New Year! Enjoy the food and traditional festivities of this time of year.
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Colorado HealthOP provides a new nonprofit health insurance option for Coloradans
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Contents
January 2014
Restaurant Peek 21 All-you-can-eat, just cant be beat! Visit the new sushi
Upcoming Events
Rising Star 9 Ben Nguyen enjoys his three loves in life: dance,
music and brotherhood at CU Boulder
On Scene Mile-high area events 22 Fundraiser Saklolo raises money for typhoon victims 23 Korean Government Energy Forum builds bridges
between Korea and Colorado Student leaders on Auraria Campus recognized at CASL Apprecation Dinner
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Japanese Cultural Bazaar in Colorado Springs is full of culture Hmong community celebrates Hmong New Year Colorado Asian Basketball League finishes season
National News
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The annual Nathan Yip Foundation Gala presents fascinating performances including a contortionist and multicultural dance team
#NotYourAsianSidekick hashtag kicks off worldwide conversations about racist and sexist Asian stereotypes
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420
Chinese Idiom
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Asian Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours
the Philippines as an important contributor to the diversity of Colorado! The FACC has had many friends along the way these past 60 years who have supported our efforts, lent a helping hand and encouraged us as we grew. We recognize that without this mutual cooperation and spirit of Bayanihan that the FACC would not have endured. Therefore, we cordially invite to celebrate our Diamond Jubilee - 60 years as one of the oldest Asian American organizations in Colorado! salad and further entertained by the magnificent Shaolin Hung Mei Traditional Chinese Lion Dancers. Silent and live auctions will round out the evenings events. Anne Trujillo with KMGH 7News will be the emcee. Volcano Asian Cuisine 10440 E. Arapahoe Rd. | Centennial Cost: Free RSVP at www.asianchambercommerce.org. In partnership with the South Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, come enjoy sushi and other delicious snacks with the Asian Chamber of Commerce and fellow business owners. Network and meet new colleagues and Chamber leadership.
Asian Pacific Development Center Asian New Year Banquet Asian Avenue Lunar New Year Banquet Celebration
Kings Land Chinese Seafood 2200 W. Alameda Ave. #44 | Denver Cost: $35 General | $25 Student/Senior For more info or tickets, visit www.asianavenue magazine.com/horse. You are invited to celebrate the lunar new year with Asian Avenue magazine! Enjoy a 10-course Chinese dinner; dragon and lion dance by Colorado Asian Cultural Heritage Center; hip hop dance by Machinez Remainz Crew; kung fu performance by Denver Buddhist Cultural Society, and much more! There will also be a silent auction and raffle with many goodies to take home for the new year. Arvada Center for Arts & Humanities 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. | Arvada Cost: $70 For more info or tickets, call Jinny Kim at 303-923-2923 or visit www.apdc.org. Join Asian Pacific Development Center in celebrating the year of the wood horse! This is APDCs 17th annual Asian new year banquet. This year there will be Asian hor doeuvres, dinner and dessert. The evening will be emceed by news reporter Chris Jose, KDVR.
Denver Marriott Tech Center 4900 S. Syracuse St. | Denver Cost: $195 For more info or tickets, call 303-817-8400 or visit www.nathanyipfoundation.org/events. The Nathan Yip Foundation will celebrate its 12th annual Chinese New Year Gala with performances by the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble and a mind-bending 10-year-old contortionist, young Mongolian This, once-a-year gala, held to raise money for the work of the Nathan Yip Foundation, will provide guests a Chinese New Year fare, including the good luck salmon
OCA Colorado will be celebrating the lunar new year with a 10-course Chinese dinner and a night of entertainment! The menu includes peking duck, steamed whole bass, sauteed lobster, walnut shrimp, fillet mignon and much more! Join OCA Colorado for a fun evening!
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Asian Avenue magazine
tor for the CDBF Emerging Leaders Program. She was also recently elected FACC first vice president, a position she will serve for the next two years. In 2011, Campbell was awarded the Denver Foundation Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award. This month, she will receive the Martin Luther King Jr. Business Social Responsibility Award.
It has been such a great opportunity to work with my fellow commissioners in building the APIA voice in Denver to really be a bridge connecting city services with the APIA community and to advocate for the issues that affect us all.
Her accomplishments may seem endless, but Campbell says her greatest pride is without a doubt her daughter Taryn and her son Griffin. I invest everything I do and am in being their mother, and its their accomplishments as young adults that Im most proud of, Campbell says. In her free time, Campbell enjoys hiking with her dog, Gus, and having delicious dinners with friends. She also likes playing Xbox (a little too much), and going to the Colorado Symphony Orchestraall activities (besides Xbox) she pursues with her best friend and husband, Greg.
Youth Partnership for Health Presentation by Fran Campbell and Taryn Campbell
Aim High Chiropractic provides the best in health care for auto injuries and more!
Ever since Dr. Conrad C. Bui opened Aim High Chiropractic in 1995, the office has helped thousands feel better and improve their quality of life. The staff loves the feeling of helping someone regain their health. For the staff, that is the best part of working at Aim High Chiropractic. Dr. Bui saw the tremendous benefits of chiropractic when his mom was involved in a car accident back in the 80s. She soon developed headaches and dizziness. It eventually became so severe that she had to quit her job. She went to many doctors to seek relief. The only thing that helped her was chiropractic care. At that time, Dr. Bui was in the pre-med program at the University of Colorado and quickly switched over to become a chiropractor after seeing his moms great results. Dr. Bui claims this is the best decision I ever made! Dr. Bui believes in treating patients like family, and thats why Aim High Chiropractic wants you to feel at home from the moment you walk through the doors. Their doctors and staff are polite, respectful and caring. From Aim High Chiropractic: We are the best in delivering effective and efficient care. We love to see auto injury patients because of Dr. Buis experience with his mom. So often patients just do prescription drugs that cannot fix the problem. Chiropractic works on realigning the spine and therefore gets to root of the problem when it comes to car accident injuries. Of course, we also help with a myriad of conditions below. Services at Aim High Chiropractic Chiropractic Care, Nutrition, Acupuncture, Medical Massage, Rehab and Physical Therapy which includes Exercise, Electrotherapy and Ultrasound. Although we specialize in treating Car Accident Injuries, we can help with a wide variety of conditions like Ankle Sprains, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Back Pain, Failed Back Surgery, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Chest Pain, Degenerative Arthritis, Disc Herniation, Fibromyalgia, Foot Pain, Fractures, Frozen Shoulders, Headaches, Hip Pain, Knee Pain, Leg Pain, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Numbness, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Pinched Nerves, Pregnancy pain, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rotator Cuff Tears, Sciatica, Scoliosis, Shin Splits, Stress Related Problems, Tendonitis, Tennis Elbow, TMJ Pain, Vertigo/Dizziness and Whiplash Reasons to Choose Aim High Chiropractic Why make an appointment with us now versus going to another chiropractor? We have 11 reasons to be exact: 1) Appointments offered six days a week (morning, noon, afternoon and evenings). 2) Do you work? Do you have a family or hobbies? We understand your life does not (and should not) revolve around a doctors appointment. This is why we are open six days a week to make it easy for you. We offer appointments in the morning, noon, afternoons and evenings to fit into your busy life! 3) Who enjoys waiting? We certainly do not. Thats why we pride ourselves in having little to no wait times. Most patients are taken care of within five minutes. Try to get that at any other doctors office! 4) We handle insurance paperwork. Car insurance? Group insurance? We eat this stuff for lunch. Dont let the maze of insurance paperwork scare you. Come in, hand the information over, take a sigh of relief and let us take care of it all. 5) Very Affordable Payment Plans. No insurance? No problem. Our office has affordable payment plans that will work into any budget. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to live a happy, pain free life regardless of insurance. 6) Complimentary Spinal Checks for your family and friends. Does someone else in your life want to feel great? All our patients receive certificates to allow their family to be checked at no charge. We love to get you well and we love to help your love ones as well. 7) Massage roller table usage - Come in anytime between adjustments and use our massage tables.This free service is available to all our patients. Pamper yourself with a roller-table massage and watch your stress melt away... ahhh. Where else can you get a massage for free anytime you need it? 8) No cost translation for Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese patients. We love to help our community and provide caring translators to non English speaking patients FREE of charge. 9) Health workshops offered bi-monthly. Some patients want more than pain relief. They want to receive the latest cutting edge information on natural health. Topics include weight loss, stress management, wellness, exercise and natural pain reduction. We do this because we care and we want our patients to be healthy. 10) Rehab, Massage, Nutrition and Acupuncture available. This is your virtual buffet for natural health care. Not only do we offer quality and effective chiropractic care, our office specializes in all natural modalities. Want a massage? Feeling the need for Eastern healing? Want to clean up your diet and shed pounds? We are here to help you with the latest in natural healing. 11) On site radiology lab. Some patients may need x-rays to further diagnose their conditions. If you are one of them, you are in luck! No more waiting around the ER or radiology office to get your x-rays. We do it in house quickly so you dont have to make an extra trip. Hear From a Patient For many years, I have had trouble with my back and had to reduce my activities. I started care at this office about 2 years ago and my backs the best it has been in over 20 years! In fact, it has felt so good that I started riding and racing motorcycles at the age of 52. Last year, I rode 10-15 hours a week and I take my share of falls. However, with chiropractic care at 3-4 times a month, I have been able to ride and race nearly pain-free. Because I felt so good, I have been able to practice a lot resulting in a 3rd place last week against 28 other competitors! - Richard D. Denver, CO
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Get Seen Today! Call our office at 303-922-2977. If we have an open slot, we will see you today! No more waiting weeks to see a specialist. Office locations: 50 S. Federal Blvd. Denver, CO 80219 1350 Chambers Rd. #104 Aurora, CO 80011 2532 Sheridan Blvd. Lakewood, CO 80214 Our offices thrive on referrals. We must satisfy our patients to become a referral-based practice. Come in and try us out, you will be happy you did. Visit www.DenversChiropractic.com for more information.
12th Annual Nathan Yip Foundation Chinese New Year Gala - YEAR OF THE HORSE
Lion Dancers, Silent and Live Auctions, Dinner Emcee: Anne Trujillo, KMGH 7News Entertainment: Celebration of Children, featuring: Mind-bending ten-year-old contortionist Sandy Battulga accompanied by her sister Uyanga, playing violin Cleo Parker Robinsons talented multicultural Dance Ensemble Tickets: $195 More info: 303-817-8400 www.nathanyipfoundation.org/events
About the Nathan Yip Foundation Denver residents Jimmy and Linda Yip founded the Nathan Yip Foundation in 2002, after they tragically lost their only child, Nathan, in an automobile accident. Nathan, 19 years old, was a freshman at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. Since Nathans death, the Yips have built a Foundation in his name to provide educational access, empowerment and ongoing support to vulnerable youth throughout the world, giving them the tools to become productive, contributing citizens within their communities. Today, Nathans legacy lives on through the many projects funded by the Foundation in his name. Since inception, the Nathan Yip Foundation has provided support for children in Colorado and around the world. From the mountainous villages of China, to rural Mexico and Africa, to its home state of Colorado, the Nathan Yip Foundation has been making a difference in the lives of children. In China, the Foundation built, funds, and continuously supports seven schools, two orphanages and recently built a dormitory and cafeteria. The Foundation also built a dormitory in Loreto, Baja Mexico, and supports an orphanage in Juarez, Mexico, as well as other educational projects throughout Africa including a Nathan Yip classroom at the Kibera School for Girls, the first free school for girls in Africas largest slum. The Foundation is committed to donating 100% of the funds raised to their projects. In Colorado, the foundation has provided support for Project Pave, Denver Center for International Studies, Colorado Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families,Asian Pacific Development Center, Summer Scholars, Escuela de Guadalupe,Colorado Uplifts My Book Foundation and Colorado Book Trust.
Inside Story | asian avenue magazine
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shaped piece of red paper. Windows and doors are also decorated with red color paper-cuts and couplets with popular themes of good fortune or happiness, wealth, and longevity. Red envelopes with money symbolize happiness, good luck, success and good fortune. The color red is also used on these envelopes to ward off evil spirits. These envelopes are mainly given as presents to children. Red is a big color for the Lunar New Year; it represents joy and happiness, while black and white represent mourning and sadness. What about orange? Well, the fruit. While everyone knows oranges are loaded with vitamins and nutrients, they can also be the key to good fortune. Exchanging and eating oranges during the Lunar New Year is a common custom, as they symbolize wealth, health and prosperity. Eating food that looks like money during New Years celebrations is considered good luck, such as dumplings (jiaozi). During New Year celebrations, jiaozi are called yuanbao, a reference to the ancient, ingot-shaped Chinese currency. Eating them is said to bring prosperity. While making them, families sometimes tuck good-luck foods like peanuts (to bring long life) into some of them. Another representation of long life are noodles. Eating long noodles during the new year represent longevity. Dishes are often paired with pork because pigs are considered forward-moving animals. Eating pork can help you move forward. Eating whole fish may also bring abundance in the new year, since the Chinese word for fish sounds like abundance. But it is important that the fish is served with the head and tail intact, to ensure a good start and finish, and to avoid bad luck throughout the year. Pay respects A big aspect of the Lunar New Year is to honor ancestors, who are essentially the foundation of ones existence. Families tend to gather at the home of elders. Offerings are made and incense are burned for ancestors who have passed away. During Tt, Vietnamese families visit their passed relatives at cemeteries and temples. They clean the tombs to provide a deceased family member with continuous happiness and well-being in the afterlife. It is a way of continuing to show respect toward them, and it reinforces the unity of family and lineage. In the Korean culture, children perform a traditional bow to their elders, wishing them great prosperity in the upcoming year.
Ward away evil and bad luck Dragon and lion dancing was traditionally used to chase away bad spirits and bring good luck to communities. Dragon and lion dancing are believed to bring peace, good prosperity, good luck, health and happiness to all. The dragon, lion, turtle, phoenix, and carp are the five lucky animals in Asian culture. The Thai New Year or Songkran is celebrated April 13-15; people throw water on one another to wash away bad luck and cleanse Buddha statues and images. The celebration is much like a threeday water fight, where the cleansing customs are considered fun and games in many areas. Cleansing rituals are actually performed all over the world; masses of people gather to plunge into bodies of water to wash away the bad luck of the previous year. Firecrackers, which were first developed by the Chinese, are rumored to have first been lit to ward off evil spirits, who despise loud noises. Plastic firecrackers are sold for the Lunar New Year to hang around the home for the same purpose. Whether you choose to sweep away your bad luck or change your wardrobe to only red attire, remember that most importantly, the new year is an opportunity to start anew. How to Maximize the Lunar New Year in Denver 1. Chinese restaurants, especially those located on Federal Blvd., will not accept reservations. It will be first come, first served during the lunar new year weekend. Be prepared to wait a long time for customer and food service. It is not a time to eat and run, but to enjoy the special 2. Community centers, Chinese organizations, and Chinese language schools will provide day-long and weekend celebrations throughout the metro area. There will be lion dance performances free for the general public. 3. Check out student organizations on college campuses. Asian/ Asian-American organizations will showcase dances and cultural events for Lunar New Year. CU Boulder and CU Denver have announced their annual Tt show will be on February 15. Asian Avenue magazine wishes you a happy new year with good luck, great health and wonderful prosperity! We invite you to join us to celebrate on Friday, Jan. 24 at Kings Land Chinese Seafood in Denver for our annual banquet dinner. See page 20 for more information or visit www.asianavenuemagazine.com/horse.
Lunar New Year | asian avenue magazine
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Whats your Chinese zodiac animal? There are 12 animals that represent the rotating
1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
2014 Chinese Zodiac 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
Horse
Goat/Sheep
This is your year, 2014, and lots of good is hidden in this year. Keep your stamina up if youre going after a long-desired goal. Career: Learn how to hone in on what you really want, and then draw up a practical plan about the steps it will take to get there. While you should definitely follow your passion, you need to have a path and a plan already in mind. Money: Take daily action toward increasing your wealth, knowing that you can trust your intuition. Love: Its a good idea to stay put in your love life this year. One day you might feel like youre wildly in love, and the next youre ready to jump ship. Dont act until youre sure. Health: Youll have energy to spare this year if you follow all the sensible protocols: eat your vegetables, take your vitamins and sleep in more often. This way, you can sidestep colds, flus and respiratory problems. Even tough Horses need to go to the doctor now and then.
The Year of the Horse creates great luck in all sectors of your life. Heres the trick to making the most out of this time: let your hair down. Be more adventurous than normal. Career: Youre creative, youre innovative and youre a leader (really). So ramp things up at work! Go after a promotion. Demand that raise. Even better, get out there and start your own company. Money: Youre rolling in the dough this year. Even if you dont win the lottery, just being financially stable does wonders for your self-esteem and sense of security. You should finally have enough disposable income to upgrade your wardrobe, buy a new car or move into a nicer place. Love: Let things happen naturally. The more flexible and open your attitude is, the better. Health: As always, listen to your intuition. You already know when its time to rest, play or move. tables, take your vitamins and sleep in more often.
Snake
Therell be opportunities. Therell be challenges. Learn how to tell one from the other. Youre good at reading people and situations, and this year is when you want to put those skills to work. Career: Youre the type that tends to take the safe route. But now is the time to learn the true meaning of going after what you want. Know this: youre capable, youre worthy and you can do it. Dont over-analyze. Trust your instincts. Money: Is more about making practical advances and being smart with your cash, not going big or risking your life savings in some wild investment. Love: In your romantic life, there have probably been people who didnt quite understand how to truly connect with you. This year, its good to lighten up just a tad. Focus on friendship, fun and the practical matters of love rather than trying to forge a soul-shaking connection. Health: Be sensible and smart. Do what you can to stay in tip-top shape.
Dragon
You and the Year of the Horse make beautiful music together. Get out there and make your dreams happen. Yes, its okay to take some risks. Keep your eyes and ears open. Opportunities could come in bunches. Career: At work, buckle down in order to prove to the bosses that youre ready to make a big move. You might feel pulled in several different directions, but the best course of action is the one that will allow you to follow your bliss. Money: Look for opportunities to partner up in business ventures with people who are just as passionate as you are. But be careful not to get swept away. A wrong move could cost a lot. Love: Passion may be your middle name, but you may not have met your match, until now. But there might be a few bumps along the way. Get ready to commit or quit. Health: Slowing down can be a good thing, but you may not be willing to heed that advice. In fact, you might just thrive in this fast-paced atmosphere.
The Year of 2014 is the Year of the Horse, which begins on January 31, Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 animal signs. In Chinese culture, the Horse 2014 promises a lot of new things, not least of all adventure to energize all the positive attributes of the Horse Year is to display bea strongly and those which evoke positive energies and emo
Rabbit
Tiger
Overall, you come out ahead this year, especially if you learn how to operate outside of your comfort zone. The trick is to know yourself and stick to your own pace. Career: Sometimes its good to bite off more than you can chew. Yes, this means lots of things will be out of your control, but you might want to take that risk, if only to see what could happen. Money: Step up and lead the team. Break tradition. And try not to care so much about cash flow. If you follow your passion, the money will be there. If you run low, youll make more. Making money is all about harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit this year. Love: Loosen up those rigid and strict rules about love and youll enjoy yourself a lot more Remember that romance is great, but a true, lasting partnership is always built on friendship. Health: Be careful in the first few months of the year to avoid burnout. This year requires stamina. Be proactive about making sure youre eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep.
After two years filled with obstacles, your time to shine has come! This is the perfect time to implement changes for the better. This year is all about adventure and evolution. Career: Your career is on fire this year. Its not an exaggeration to say that youre nearly unstoppable. You can tackle lots of projects and not lose focus. The sky is the limit, and so is your imagination. Money: Money comes rushing into your life this year . The source of this flow is most likely coming from a simple but potent talent you possess: the ability to make things happen. Spend a little, save a lot and use the rest to fund your next big idea. Love: If youre itching to take the next step in your life as a couple, all signs point to yes. This year, love is filled with excitement. So dont shy away from your inner pizzazz. Own it. Health: Staying fit is at the top of your priority list. Tackle health goals with a new gusto this year. Finding ways to integrate exercise into your daily routine keeps you mentally and physically sharp.
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12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. The 2014 new year will begin on January 31.
Rooster/Chicken
Use this year to learn more about yourself and your behavior and how you can help create change for the better. Career: Keep and improve upon the momentum you already have by learning to deal with setbacks. In fact, dont view them as setbacks, see them as lessons that prepare you for achieving even bigger goals. Money: You have a knack for making money, and your hands will be full this year. Horse energy supports your entrepreneurial spirit and problem-solving ability, but you may need help making financial decisions. Love: Be upfront about expectations, both yours and the other persons. And while self-reliance is a good trait, if you really want love, try letting someone into your life. Its the only way. Health: Your health is a priority this year. Avoid burnout and exhaustion at all costs. In the true spirit of the Year of the Horse, stay active.
A positive, yet realistic outlook is the key to making the most of this year. Youll have some good opportunities and some challenging situations. Career: Its true that work may not be wildly fulfilling this year, but that doesnt mean you cant make significant progress. Take some risks, when the timing is right. Money: Keep a closer watch on your finances, especially since this years energy tends to encourage careless spending and lowered inhibitions. Love: While things can be easygoing when it comes to love, they can also get rocky if you arent careful about your perfectionist tendencies. Lighten up a little and your partner will see just how wonderful your stable and safe presence can be. Health: This is not the year to take unnecessary chances with your health. Stick with the basics.
Dog
Youve hit the jackpot with 12 out of 12 favorable months! Therell be opportunities every month. Expect good stuff to happen. Above all, be open to possibilities. Career: The skys the limit, and nowhere is this more true than in your career. Whatever you set your mind to you can achieve. Money: Luck is on your side when it comes to big financial goals. It really is time to trust your intuition when it comes to property, business ventures, career moves and loaning or borrowing money. Love: Youll probably find that the loyalty and love youve been looking for in a partner has been right under your nose all along. Health: Test your physical boundaries by picking up a new sport or hobby. But make sure that youre taking good care of yourself, dealing with stressappropriately and getting enough sleep.
Pig
This year is definitely an improvement over last. So let yourself have fun and enjoy any excitement that comes your way. Career: Youre down-to-earth, agreeable and hard-working. This year, you can reach unexpected pinnacles of fortune and success, so start having bigger dreams. Money: The Year of the Horse invites you to push beyond the boundaries of what you thought was possible, so think better and act bigger. And along the way, be smart about your money. Youre already good at that. Love: Its time to breathe a big sigh of relief and lower your dukes. Any conflict you experienced in your love life should be at an end. While things may not be perfect, youre in a much better place. Being a little more outgoing and spending more time playing helps you feel relaxed and approachable. Health: Pick yourself up and dust yourself off from last year. Right now is a time of cleansing, recalibrating your energy and refining your health habits until theyre squeaky-clean.
, 2014, and ends on February 18, 2015. The Horse is the seventh sign of the , the Horse is a symbol of nobility, class, speed and perseverance. The Year of e, excitement and romance for those who are looking. One of the best ways autiful horse images in the home. Pick those which resonate with you most otions in you, and invite the excellent energies into your home.
Ox/Cow
Rat
This year is a great time to think slow and steady. In general, sidestep risks in favor of strategic decisionmaking. Move ahead when good opportunities present themselves, but cautiously. Career: Embrace the opportunity to merge your true passions with your work. Developing a sense of poise and confidence is also key to your success this year. If you want something, speak up and ask for it. Money: Financially, you can shine, especially if you make smart, well-calculated moves. Random, unexpected expenses could require you to shell out some cash. Love: One thing about this year: romance wont be boring! A little turbulence can be fun if youre able to let go and realize that being flexible in love might actually make you a happier person. Health: Dont take your well-being for granted! Think about adopting better eating habits at the start of the year. Theres never been a better time.
Rats are independent and like to do things their way. Usually, that gets you what you want. The Year of the Horse asks you to be more flexible and adapt your style to changing circumstances. Career: This is the year to take a few well-calculated risks rather than acting on impulse. Stay in the planning phase and think about long-term strategy. The good news is that your ideas will almost certainly be brilliant. Money: Let go of the money-ego thing and learn to live in the moment. Money cant buy happiness, so be sure to take that lesson to heart. Love: This year emphasizes change and the thrill of the chase, but you tend to do better in solid partnerships. That means there may be moments when you really arent sure what you want. Health: Drink more water. Eat clean, healthy foods. It sounds simple, but small tweaks to your daily behavior will go a long way. Youll have to find the balance between work, play and rest. Chinese Zodiac | asian avenue magazine
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Being Miss Hmong Colorado means much more than holding a title, it represents an opportunity to spread education about the Hmong culture. That is what Sanakee Xiong, the 2013-2014 Miss Hmong Colorado believes. To me, it is a way to help those who really need it. Being Miss Hmong Colorado, is another way of making sure our culture continues to thrive and never gets left behind. Xiong, a senior at Horizon High School, was crowned on December 1 at the annual Colorado Hmong New Year Celebration at the Adams County Fairground in Brighton, Colo. The youngest participant in this years Miss Hmong Colorado Pageant, she competed against five other Hmong women as each shared a talent, answered questions on-stage in both the Hmong and English language, and dressed in formal attire and traditional Hmong attire. The women were judged on their ability to represent the Hmong community and organize activities that would spread education about Hmong culture. For her talent, Xiong played the hulusi also known as the gourd flute. She first heard the instrument at the age of 12 when her aunt played it for her uncle when they were getting married. I fell in love with it instantly, she said. Ive been playing the hulusi at the Hmong New Year and other events since I was 12. Her talent, poise on stage, and leadership stood out to the judges as she scored the highest all around. This was a great accomplishment for Xiong, since she grew up being very shy. In elementary school I was the shyest and quietest child you would ever meet. I never answered questions in class and when it came to recess I played hopscotch with one or two friends. But this changed in middle school, when Xiong began participating in leadership camps and student council which boosted her confidence. She said, I never thought I could speak in front of large crowds comfortably but now theres no where else Id rather be. In high school, she joined clubs such as Choir, Community Service Club, LINK Crew, Leadership, and Colorado Asian Pacific Youth Association. I feel like with all of this, Ive developed into a strong leader, though of
What I really love about my culture is that even when times are rough, we all pull together to make sure no one gets left behind.
course I will always need improvement. I hope to gather everything Ive learned from my experiences in order to help as many people as I can as Miss Hmong Colorado. Xiong comes from a large family with so many cousins that some she has yet to meet. Both of her parents are from small villages in Laos and came to America when they were very young. After having me, my parents had my sister and two brothers so I learned to take responsibility at an early age, she said. Learning this skill helped me a lot in school when I took on many after school clubs, academics, and even created Horizon High Schools Green and Clean Environmental Club. I love to help out in my community, and I tend to go to extremes to meet my goals. She feels her family is an intangible value that is so close to her heart. While the Hmong people have a small community in Colorado, Xiong believes the Hmong people provide each other so much support. What I really love about my culture is that even when times are rough, we all pull together to make sure no one gets left behind. Its a great feeling to see this in my very own culture. To Xiong, the best part of participating in the Hmong Colorado Pageant was the sisterhood formed between all of the candidates. Lucy Lee, Bethany Xiong, Pahoua Thao, Ashley Vue, and Amanda Cha were so wonderful to be with. Being the youngest, the other contestants were like big sisters Xiong has never had. From our late night dance practices to getting our nails done, these ladies have taught me what true friendship is. Even after this competition, we still talk and hang out on a regular basis. They honestly are some of the best friends I could have ever asked for. As Xiong prepares to organize programs for next year, she looks forward to meeting new people and listening to recommendations from the community. Im very friendly and open to conversation, so Id love to make new friends and hear suggestions! There is a lot of work ahead of me so I hope others will join me on my journey.
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Miss Hmong
Colorado bids farewell
2011-2013
Mai Choua Lee took the stage at the Colorado Hmong New Year Celebration on December 1 to reflect on her two years as Miss Hmong Colorado and give her farewell. She shares, What was most rewarding about being the first Miss Hmong Colorado was that I was able to help the Hmong community in ways I never thought I could. When I was first crowned in 2011, the only thing I could think of to help the Hmong community was to host a fundraising event, but in the end, I ended doing so much more such as putting together a Hmong Idol competition, putting together a Hmong classroom to teach the Hmong youth how to read and write in Hmong, along with learning about the Hmong culture as well. Lee also assisted the 2013-2014 New Year Committee in organizing the Singing and Dance Competition for this years New Year Celebration. While the Miss Hmong Colorado title is for one year, Lee served two years since a pageant was not hosted in 2012. From her two-year experience, she has learned that being Miss Hmong Colorado
is not an easy task. She said there were days that she wanted to give up, but then she would remember all of the people who supported and believed in her. The feeling of wanting to do your best overcomes that feeling of giving up. She shares, in the words of Harvey Mackay, No one said itd be easy, they just promised itd be worth it. And for Lee, in the end, all of the hard work was worth it. With the crowning of Sanakee Xiong, the new Miss Hmong Colorado, Lee looks forward to seeing how Xiong will bring together the Hmong community. Lee will serve as a guide and mentor for Xiong in the new year. Because the Miss Hmong Colorado Pageant is still so new to the Colorado Hmong community, I plan to still be a part of the committee and help out in any way that I am needed. She hopes that Xiong will not only grow the Hmong community, but also grow herself. For me, my Hmong language was not great at the time I was crowned, but throughout the years volunteering and assisting the Hmong community, my Hmong language has gotten better. Lee hopes to help Xiong with this area because communication is key, especially with the elders. She also plans to encourage more members of the Hmong community to get involved and participate in more events. Lee is a Business and Communications student at the University of Colorado Denver and anticipates to graduate Spring 2015.
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Colorado HealthOP:
New Nonprofit Health Insurance Option for Coloradans
Stephanie Tanny
Community Outreach, Colorado HealthOP
Most Americans will be required by law to have health insurance in 2014. In Colorado, health insurance shoppers have a new option for their health insurance coverage: Colorado HealthOP, Colorados first statewide nonprofit health insurance cooperative (CO-OP).
as independent workers, sole proprietorships, individuals living in rural or migrant communities, undocumented immigrants and others.*
A New Model for Health Insurance With a board of directors and executive team that have more than 330 years of combined healthcare experience, Colorado HealthOP knows what it takes to build a new alternative to traditional health insurance one that is focused on people, not profits. As a CO-OP, Colorado HealthOP is a health insurance company that gives its members a stronger voice in their healthcare. Members sit on and vote for the board of directors influencing everything from what benefits are covered to how profits are reinvested. The organization also strives to decrease healthcare costs for its members by paying for quality medical care as efficiently as possible and rewarding members for healthy behaviors because healthier members mean lower healthcare costs for everyone. The CO-OP model has been successfully used in other industries including food, grain and electricity and has the potential to improve the delivery of health care and provide more affordable coverage options for certain hard to reach populations such
Educating Coloradans About Healthcare Since the Asian American community has the highest proportion of foreign-born individuals among all racial groups, many in our community have mixed status households where one or more members have an immigration status that differs from other members of the family. This can complicate the enrollment process.* Colorado HealthOP is educating the community on these issues at events and presentations across the state to ensure members have the coverage that works for them. To get involved or request a Colorado HealthOP speaker at your event, contact Outreach@ COHealthOP.org. Colorado HealthOP also aims to improve the health of all Coloradans by offering a free pharmacy discount card (on right) that can be used at pharmacies nationwide. Learn More Coloradans can purchase a Colorado HealthOP plan through Connect for Health Colorado, the states health insurance marketplace (www.connectforhealthco.org), at 855-697-1652, or through a statewide network of insurance brokers. To learn more about Colorado HealthOPs coverage options, call 855-697-1652 or visit www.COHealthOP.org.
Stephanie Tanny (pictured below) is a Community Outreach Organizer for Colorado HealthOP. Contact Stephanie at Outreach@ COHealthOP.org.
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By 2016, 2.0 million AAPIs who would otherwise be uninsured will gain or be eligible for coverage.* Connect for Health Colorado, the states health insurance marketplace (www.connectforhealthco.com), allows you to more easily compare and shop and for health insurance, which is required for most people starting in 2014. (Note: Connect for Health Colorado is independent from Healthcare.gov, the national health insurance marketplace used by other states.) Tax credits are available to help pay for health insurance. About 10% of AAPIs are likely to benefit from these tax credits*, which are only available in Colorado when you purchase a plan on Connect for Health Colorado. Assistance sites (such as the Asian Pacific Development Center, Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice, and Denver Human Services) are available in various languages to help navigate the insurance options. Colorado HealthOP also has language assistance available for those interested in our plans.
How the Affordable Care Act Helps Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs)
The small business marketplace and new small business tax credits will provide relief for more than 1.5 million Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander-owned businesses in the U.S.* Visit www.connectforhealthco.com to learn more. Medicaid has been expanded to 133% of the poverty level, which will help nearly 1 in 10 Asian American adults (1 in 5 Bangladeshis; 1 in 6 Hmong).* Young adults are now eligible to remain covered under their parents health plan until age 26, which helps 97,000 young AAPI adults who were previously uninsured.* Insurance companies can no longer deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, including asthma, diabetes or hypertension, which affect 3 in 10 Asian Americans.* Free preventative care has been expanded, which helps 2.7 million AAPIs with private insurance.* 867,000 AAPI beneficiaries in Medicare have access to a stronger Medicare program.*
*Condensed and reprinted with permission from the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF). Additional written permission is required for any other reproduction or future use of this material. Please contact: Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, 450 Sutter Street, Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94618 or atitong@apiahf.org.
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Peter Bui
Asian Avenue magazine
2797 South Parker Road | Aurora, CO 80014 Tel: 303-873-9999 Mon - Fri: 11:00am - 3:00pm | 4:30pm - 9:30pm Sat - Sun: 11:30am - 9:30pm
For many Americans, childhood memories of eating out usually include all-you-can-eat buffets. When you think about it, its a no brainer. Why not enjoy large selections of dishes for all different kinds of palates? The prices are also relatively inexpensive, especially for kids, which offers the best bang for your buck. Plus, if you have a good buffet, like Hiro Japanese Buffet, that also offers a large variety of fresh sushi, what a steal. Opened in early December of 2013, Hiro has been drawing in families and the hungry alike with their reasonable all-you-can-eat prices and their great food. With more than 13 years of restaurant experience, the owner has put together a kitchen of 12 chefs that cook around the clock to keep up with the appetites and the constantly changing menu. The Aurora restaurant offers a large selection of Asian dishes that vary in cuisines and origins. Some of the more notable options are the flavorful Salt and Pepper Shrimp and the tender Chinese Barbecue Spare Ribs.
Hiro provides patrons with many seafood options like oysters on the half shell and chilled crab legs. For hot served seafood, they offer cajun-style crawfish, fried calamari and baked muscles, to name a few. The real star of the buffet is the sushi, of course. During dinner service, four sushi chefs are on hand to keep up with hungry patrons. The chefs provide a constant flow of nigiri such as salmon, tuna, and octopus. They are also busy making Caterpillar Rolls, Philadelphia Rolls, Spider Rolls and other well-known rolls. The Special House Roll is made with salmon, cream cheese, avocado, crabmeat and topped with mayo. Hiro can hold up to 200 patrons and can accommodate private parties. Not only are there more than a hundred dishes to choose from, the sushi buffet makes the restaurant even more appealing. But perhaps the most appealing of all, is Hiros prices: only $13.99 for dinners and $8.99 for lunches. And of course, even better deals for children.
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Saklolo, a collaboration of several Colorado-based organizations, raised about $20,000 in ticket sales last Dec. 15 to assist survivors and their families from the recent typhoon Haiyan, also known as Yolanda, in Tacloban, Philippines and the surrounding areas. The fundraiser was organized a month after Typhoon Haiyan struck the island nation with the strength of a Category 5 hurricane. To date, the storm has killed 5,240 people, injured 25,615 others and displaced about 752,279 families across 44 provinces. The event would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of the entire Denver Community, Asian Pacific American Community Leaders and awesome work of the Disaster Relief Committees, led by chair organizers: Donna LaVigne, Edith Pasion and Dennis Apuan, said Aurelia Jinstead, one of the main committee leaders and organizers of this fundraiser. Attendees paid $25 a ticket that included food and entertainment throughout the evening. Food was
prepared by several food carts and Filipino chefs, who include Kathy Gietl, owner of A Taste of the Philippines food cart, Orange Crush food cart, private chefs and caterers Leah Eveleigh and wife and husband team of Michael and Judy Waxelman. In addition to ticket sales, a silent auction raised about $4,000. Items from the silent auction included donations from ski resorts, facials, massages, theater and dinner tickets. Two rounds of silent auction were organized throughout the evening event. Interested in helping the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, the American Red Cross has set up special fundraising page on their website. If you could not join the December event, the organizers are hosting another on Jan. 31, 2014 at the Wings of the Rockies at the event called Breweries & Foodies. Visit the website: sites/google.com/site/naffaa5 for more information. For more updates on the aftermath, follow Mary Jeneverre Schultz on her twitter feed @Jeneverre. All her family and friends are safe.
A Colorado gathering of Beer and Food Enthusiasts Friday, January 31, 2014 Wings Over the Rockies, 7711 E. Academy Blvd. #1, Denver, CO 80230. Ticket: $45 (early bird or online), $50 at the door Donations will go directly to the victims of the Haiyan/Yolanda typhoon through the nonprofit, non-governmental organization (NGO): Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF) - www.pdrf.org
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Korean Government Energy Forum builds bridges between Korea and Colorado
Consul General Han (right) at the reception following the forum, with organizer Eun Moredock (left).
Colorado entrepreneurs, scientists and government officials working in clean energy had the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and network with each other and with counterparts from the Republic of Korea in the first-ever Korean Government Clean Energy Forum held on Dec. 5 at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Denver. The event, which drew almost 100 participants, was sponsored by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea at San Francisco. Consul General Dongman Han and staff members attended from San Francisco, and Han gave the keynote address to kick off the event. The forum, which featured a series of panels and speakers, was organized by an organizing committee headed by committee chair Eun Moredock and co-chair Gwangho Lee of the Consulate at San Francisco, as well as James McGibney, the Honorary Con-
sul of the Republic of Korea in Denver. The range of panelists and presenters included Colorado State Senator Gail Schwartz; Dr. Fort Felker, Director of Wind Program, NREL, U.S. Department of Energy; Christopher Votoupal, Deputy Director, Colorado Cleantech Industries Assoc.; Jaeyong Lee, Sr. Discipline Program Manger, Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation/ Planning; David Hiller, Executive Director of Colorado Energy Research Collaboratory; Stephen Davis, Trade Commissioner, Consulate General of Canada and Jerry Tinianow, Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Denver. Attendees agreed the event was a successful first step to building bridges for business and research cooperation between Colorado and Korea, and participants are already looking forward to next years Korean Government Clean Energy Forum.
Asian-American photographer will give a presentation, gallery showing and reception of at the Anschutz Medical Campus Library. April 1, 2014 - Diversity Professional Development Networking Event is a collaboration among CU Denver, MSU and business and professional organizations in Denver. April 19, 2014 - Hawaii Club of Auraria Luau will prseent their annual luau. April 19, 2014 - Hmong Culture Night will be hosted by the Hmong Student Association of Colorado. April 25, 2014 - Lee Mun Wah, the renown Chinese-American film director and master diversity trainer, will facilitate a discussion called An Unfinished Conversation and show his film, If These Walls Could Talk. Bueno concludes that the Asian American Student Services Office is pleased at the momentum of our student club organizations in showcasing the diversity of the Asian culture on campus.
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Colorado Hmong New Year brings together community in food, music and dance
By Padade M. Vue, M.D. and Kong Xee Xiong, Hmong American Association of Colorado President
Nyob zoo xyoo tshiab! Happy New Year! The Hmong Colorado community celebrated their New Year (noj peb caug) November 29-December 1, 2013 at the Adams County Fairgrounds. This is an annual tradition dating back to the 1980s in Colorado and an even older tradition in Laos. Historically, Hmong New Year is based on the lunar calendar and is a time to welcome the New Year, celebrate the fall harvest, and encourage courtship through ball tossing for the younger generation who wear their finest clothes and jewelry. Though ball tossing has become less common as a form of courtship, many people still dress up in Hmong clothes and jewelry. The
celebration does last several days allowing people to attend the event to see the new fashion in Hmong American clothes, entertainment (movies, karaoke DVDs, music), and of course, see friends and family members. This year, the Hmong New Year Committee headed by chairman Mr. Kou Chang, introduced a sports tournament featuring kato, top spin, and volleyball as well as the 2nd Annual Miss Hmong Colorado Pageant and singing and dance contest in addition to the performances by traditional Hmong dancers, singers and skit by the Hmong Student Association of Colorado. The keynote speaker was Professor Cher Teng Yang, who along with Dr. WatPhat Lee,
also honored Colorado Hmong students that attained graduate degrees. In attendance were city officials from Westminster (Mayor Herb Atchison, Bob Briggs, Emma Pinter, and Faith Winter). Other participants included: dancers from the Polynesian, Filipino, and Thai communities. This event usually draws out most of the Hmong community in Colorado and is one that is anticipated each year. As with each New Year, we wish everyone good health, happiness, and wealth until we can celebrate again next year around Thanksgiving. The event is open to the public, and tickets are available at the door. We invite you to join us next year.
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The Japan America Society of Southern Colorados annual Japanese cultural festival and bazaar was a great success. It was held on Oct. 26, 2013 at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. This years bazaar featured Japanese food, entertainment, and items. One of the popular new foods at the bazaar was shave ice, featuring special toppings, including blue Hawaii, strawberry, and azuki (sweet red beans). The azuki was especially popular because it is a traditional Japanese flavor. The entertainment at the bazaar was an excellent opportunity for people to understand Japanese culture and music. At first there was beautiful music from
January 2014 | On Scene
the shakuhachi, koto, and the shamisen. Then there was a demonstration from a professional sushi expert Carl Rosa, who came all the way from Texas in order to give a presentation on Japanese culture and how to make excellent sushi. Finally, were the two outstanding demonstrations from the Kashiwa Bujinkan Ninjutsu Dojo and the Denver Taiko. Many items were sold at the Japanese cultural festival this year. The bonsai trees attracted a lot of attention because they are very rare in the United States. The Kimono were also popular. A woman even bought one for her wedding dress. The members of JASSC were very proud to bring traditional Japanese culture to Colorado Springs and hope to continue doing so for many years to come.
Photos by Jim Brecht
Various items, such as jewelry, could be found on the bazaar sales floor.
Paul Maruyama, President of JASSC, with Bea Brecht playing koto in the background
Maria Cheng performs a one-woman piece, Spirit and Sworded Treks, at the Partnership dinner.
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ith immigration legislation stalled in Congress, Hispanics and AsianAmericans say getting relief from deportations is more important for many of the 11 million immigrants here illegally than creating a pathway to U.S. citizenship, a new study finds. Two polls released by the Pew Research Center expose a potential conflict for two minority groups that voted overwhelmingly last year for President Barack Obama, a Democrat. Obama is under pressure from immigration supporters to use his executive power to stop deportations. Strong majorities of both Hispanics and Asian-Americans continue to back a pathway
Relief from deportation more important than path to citizenship for many immigrants
Nielsen study says Asian American households spend 19% more than U.S.
to citizenship, 89 percent and 72 percent, respectively. Still, by 55 percent to 35 percent, Hispanics said being able to live and work in the U.S. legally without the threat of deportation was more important. Among AsianAmericans, the ratio was 49 to 44 percent.
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0 years ago this month President Franklin Roosevelt ended sixty years of codified racial oppression when he signed a bill repealing the Chinese Exclusion Act. Now, Asian-Americans in Florida are asking state lawmakers to do the same by nixing a constitutional provision banning Asians from owning property in the Sunshine State. More than thirty states, including Florida, followed the federal governments lead in 1882 by passing laws and amendments that excluded Asian-Americans from the full rights of citizenship. Every state repealed those unconstitutional provisions except for Florida, whose statute barring Asian citizens from owning property remains on the books. Soma Sundaram, Chairman of the Asian Coalition of Tallahassee, called the law a racist relic that should be reversed. The provision bans aliens from owning property. At the time the term was a code word for Asian-American. Groups like Sundarams tried to get the law repealed by voter referendum in 2000 and again in 2008 but the effort was defeated both times because voters interpreted the term alien to mean illegal immigrant.
January 2014 | National News
youtu.be/XGkdUEHa7sI
A study conducted by Nielsen on the consumption habits showed that Asian American households outspend US households by about 19%. The study involved those who come from various ethnic backgrounds, including Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean and Indian. The study also revealed that they are the top demographic as far as online shopping goes. According to the study, 77% of AsianAmericans bought something online in the past year while only 61% of Americans made online purchases. At least $2,500 was spent by12% of Asian Americans each year on Internet shopping, an amount which is nearly twice that was spent by the general population in the US. By 2017, Asian Americans are expected to surpass $1 trillion in consumer buying power, showing their influence and reach and the need for marketers to continue to offer culturally relevant materials, said Betty Lo, vice president of public affairs for Nielsen, which conducted the survey.
he video, titled Save the Date, was developed as a tool to raise awareness of financial literacy for Asian American college students. It is sponsored by Wells Fargo the social media video for Asian American and Pacific Islander students to reaches an important milestone.
Asian American women are a growing and influential constituency in the United States. Their share of the female population will grow from 5.14 percent in 2012 to 7.8 percent in 2050. Asian American women are making strides in education, participation, health, and other areas, but there is a long way to go to fully close racial and ethnic disparities. See the fact sheet at: www.americanprogress.org.
Suey Park (@suey_park) is the 23-year-old freelance writer behind the hashtag #NotYourAsianSidekick, which became a trending topic on Twitter with thousands of Asian American women and others from around the world joining the conversation on Asian American feminism. Ive watched in awe and appreciation for the past month as a Twitter hashtag created by writer and activist Suey Park, #NotYourAsianSidekick, has achieved the impressive feat of trending on the social network, sparking a global discussion about Asian stereotypes, Asian American identity and especially, the challenges faced by Asian American women. Park first used the hashtag on Sunday, December 15 to promote a Twitter conversation the next day about how feminism had minimized and marginalized Asian American women. Be warned, the tweet announced. Tomorrow morning we will be have a convo about Asian American Feminism with hashtag #NotYourAsianSidekick. Spread the word!!!!!!! The conversation couldnt wait til the next morning. It began right away, and led to a torrent of posts from Asian American women who aired their frustration and anger, inspiring others to add their voices to the chorus. Writer Kai Ma summed up on Time.com, #NotYourAsianSidekick Is Great. Now Can We Get Some Real Social Change? how the hashtag caught the cultural zeitgeist: Led by Park, who tweeted, #NotYourAsianSidekick because Id rather base build with fellow Asian Americans than rely on allies, who have a history of being absent, thousands of feminists similarly gave an online middle finger to those that reject them, namely patriarchal Asian-American spaces and white feminists. What pierced through the tweets was a broad slam around the silence from non-Asian feminists around our causes. These discussions are the latest evolution of the search for identity that sparked the call for Asian American studies in universities in the 1960s and 70s, that launched the first wave of Asian American publications in the 1980s, and
allowed to fight back. And you are allowed to play the violin or not to play the violin. There is no model for what an Asian American is. Park is an unexpected super-hero for Asian American women and for Asian American men, because frankly, the hashtag is broad enough to also stir discussion and self-empowerment among both sexes. Shes in the middle of an extended and intense 15 minutes of fame. She knows the mainstream media are callow and will move on to the next bright shiny distraction, but shes making the most of the maelstrom shes unleashed, and shes manipulating the media to great effect, building her brand so that she can use the afterglow of all the attention to build her base of followers and continue the convo. To help build that base, Park and her team of like-minded provocateurs, now have a partner, 18 Million Rising, an Asian American Pacific Islander activist organization. 18MR now manages Parks massive email load, and has launched a website thats building a database of community members who sign up to support #NotYourAsianSidekick (everyone who registers gets a sticker). The organizations a great fit for Park and her mission. Although Park still lives in Colorado, shes moving on to Chicago to build on the momentum of her hashtag to convert the online trend and the virtual community into a real-world social movement with 18MRs help. In fact, she wants to turn the movement into a revolution. Turn the talk into action. The late jazz musician Gil Scott Heron once recorded a wonderful track, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised. Little did he know, that he was right. This revolution wont be televised. Its gonna be tweeted. And itll be cool.
National News | asian avenue magazine
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