SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea’s decision to restart tours run jointly with South Korea. Allowing reunions of families separated for decades by the peninsula’s war is aimed at obtaining much-needed foreign currency and leverage in negotiations with Washington and Seoul, experts said.
Taiwan’s vice foreign minister resigns over storm
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan’s vice foreign minister resigned Tuesday, Aug. 18, to take responsibility for his agency’s initial rejection of aid from other governments following Typhoon Morakot, which claimed about 500 lives and caused an estimated $1.5 billion in damage.
New housing project in Southeast Seattle goes green
The name for a new affordable-housing project in Seattle’s Rainier Valley seems to be a perfect fit since it’s located next door, at 3925 South Bozeman Street, to the Lao Highland Community Center. “Samaki” is a Lao word that means “people” or “individuals coming together.”
Thach Nguyen urges others to give without an agenda
Many people give, but only do so with strings attached. These thoughts may sound familiar:
“The more I get acknowledged in public, the more I will give.”
“I jump on the bandwagon when the rich and powerful in the room are giving.”
To use plastic or not to use plastic?
Seattle may become the first city in the United States to institute a tax on the plastic bags people carry home from grocery stores. Seattleites will vote on Referendum 1, dubbed the Seattle bag tax, in the Aug. 18 election.
Commander Bok Pon
On July 21, Commander Bok Pon passed away due to a deteriorating liver caused by Hepatitis B.
Three years ago, Commander Pon was diagnosed with Hepatitis B. Even with this prior knowledge, Pon did not stop helping people and continued his duties at American Legion Post #384, known as Cathay Post.
Filipino American among recipients of $370 million in defamation case
In one of Los Angeles County’s largest defamation lawsuits, Filipino American Elizabeth Tagle was awarded $74 million after winning a defamation case against GUESS? co-founder Georges Marciano on July 29.
July 29: Qi Lu’s warm reception from EDI
The Executive Development Institute (EDI) held a reception for Dr. Qi Lu. Lu is the current president of Microsoft’s Online Service Division and plays a vital role for the Microsoft-Yahoo partnership. He spoke to more than 200 people about leadership and the importance of humility and teamwork. Besides this event, EDI has created other programs to help Asian Pacific professionals.♦
Aug. 6: Lorna Schofield is the new section chair of ABA
Lorna Schofield is the new section chair of the American Bar Association Section of Litigation. Schofield is the first Asian American to be the chair of this section. She has experience in both the private and public sectors. She has served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the criminal division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. She is a partner of the international law firm Debevoise & Plimpton, LLP.♦
July 18: Yang Chengfu Tai Chi Chuan Center celebrates anniversary
The Yang Chengfu Tai Chi Chuan Center celebrated its 10th anniversary. Held at the Redmond Senior Center, local martial arts schools like Warrior Martial Arts and the Wushu Academy presented intricate performances. The Yang Chengfu Tai Chi Chuan Center has 28 centers in 12 countries. The first center was founded in 1995. ♦