Covering The Multicultural Asian American Community in Georgia
www.gasiantimes.com
Lunar New Year of Rooster celebration in metro Atlanta
February 15-28, 2017
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February 15-28, 2017 Georgia Asian Times
Georgia Asian Times February 15-28, 2017
Publisher: Li Wong Account Manager: Adrian West Contributors: Andrian Putra, May Lee, Mark Ho Photographer: Ben Hioe
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All Rights Reserved: including those to reproduce this printing or parts thereof in any form without permission in writing from Georgia Asian Times. Established in 2004, the Georgia Asian Times is published by Asiamax Inc. All facts, opinions, and statements appearing within this publication are those of writers and editors themseleves, and are in no way to be construed as statements, positions, endorsements by Georgia Asian Times or its officers. Georgia Asian Times assumes no responsibility for damages from the use of information contained in this publication or the reply to any advertisement. The Publisher will not be liable for any error in advertising to greater extent than the cost of space occupied by the error and will only be made for a single publication date. The Publisher reserves the right to reject any ad or articles submitted for publication that may not be in good taste for a free publication.
GAT Calendar of Events GAT welcome submission of announcement pertaining to community related events. Please email event, date, venue, and time to gat@gasiantimes.com. GAT does not guarantee insertion of event announcement and has the right to deny any posting.
“Jews & Indians Strengthening Ties - Celebrating 25 Years of India-Israel Relations” Organized by Indian Professional Network Date: Thursday, Feb 16, 2017 Time: 6:00 pm Venue: Ashiana Indian Restaurant-Global Mall, 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross GA 30071 Dinner: $15; $20 door Registration: www.ajcatlanta.org/jewsandindians2017
Date: Thursday, Feb 16, 2016 Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Venue: The High Museum of Arts By invitation only.
Hong Kong’s Future - 20 years since the Handover Presenting Clement Leung, HK Commissioner to U.S. Organized by The Halle Institute-Emory University Date: Thursday, Feb 16, 2016 Time: 3:30 pm -6:30 pm Venue: Emory University Registration: http://bit.ly/hong-kongfuture
“One Belt, One Road” - Challenges & Opportunities for U.S. Companies Organized by The Carter Center-China Program, Hong Kong Association of Atlanta Date: Thursday, March 2, 2017 Time: 10:00 am -1:30 pm Venue: The Carter Center Admission: $50 per person; $500 (table 10) Register online: http://goo.gl/LtgNST
Lunar New Year Spring Reception Organized by Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office New York
AREAA 2017 Installation Reception - Dinner & Drinks Date: Thurs, Feb 23, 2017 Time: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Venue: Payne Corley House, 2987 Main Street, Duluth GA 30096 For more info: area.atlanta@gmail. com
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February 15-28, 2017 Georgia Asian Times
METRO ASIAN NEWS
Nash lauds Gwinnett’s achievements but “there is more to do” in annual address Duluth, February 16, 2017 – In her seventh annual State of the County Address, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash declared the county’s condition to be “remarkable,” highlighting multiple accomplishments while acknowledging challenges in the future. Nash said Gwinnett’s brand is one of excellence as demonstrated by its good jobs, workforce, schools, recreational opportunities, and its exemplary bond rating. “We’ve been building this brand over the course of decades but today, I see a strong Gwinnett brand that’s been re-invented,” she said. Innovation is a hallmark of the Gwinnett brand, she said, citing the County’s F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center, saying the wastewater treatment plant turns byproduct from the treatment process into fertilizer, and converts methane into electricity to run the plant. She noted the state-ofthe-art facility also returns 14.5 billion gallons annually of the water used by the county back to Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River. Research institutions and others in water industry are working with Gwinnett County to discover new methods for recycling water and producing clean water more efficiently, Nash said.
Nash said collaboration between the County and its cities is another important element of the Gwinnett County brand of remarkable excellence. She spotlighted a new facility in Lilburn that doubles as a city hall and a county public library. The County is discussing similar library relocations in Duluth and Norcross, she said. She said the County plans to work with the private sector to redevelop the 24-acre Olympic tennis venue on U.S. 78 near Stone Mountain, and with community improvement districts to improve pedestrian connectivity around Gwinnett Place mall and redevelopment and transportation along I-85 between DeKalb County and Beaver Ruin Road. Nash also discussed the future expansion of the Infinite Energy Center as the county’s signature business and entertainment district. Mark Toro, managing partner and chairman of the board of North American Properties, described to the audience of about 750 what made Gwinnett County an attractive place to do business. The County needs to explore new ways to improve mobility – including transit, Nash said. “We can’t stop improving our road
network, but expanded transit options must also be part of any long-term solution,” she said. Nash also reaffirmed the County’s commitment to diversity and pledged to broaden its community outreach programs. “Inclusion does not just happen,” she said. “It takes intentional effort. Let me be perfectly clear – failure to respect all Gwinnett residents and welcome their participation in our community is neither acceptable nor smart. Gwinnett’s future success depends on all of us, working together to build the community.” Nash said she wanted to build on the County’s Gwinnett 101 Citizens Academy, Dinner and Dialogue between citizens and commissioners, and Building Bridges events for various constituencies.
New inclusionary steps by the County will include adding young people to Gwinnett 101, inviting diverse groups to display traditional art, clothing, crafts and heritage in county buildings, and reaching out to minority job applicants and small businesses. She called on people of all backgrounds and heritage to become more involved in their county government. Nash announced a new tagline for the County’s community outreach program: “Many Voices, One Gwinnett.” “Gwinnett’s future depends on all of us, working together to build the community,” she said. “We must engage and empower leaders from our diverse population who love Gwinnett to champion this important work.”
Georgia Asian Times February 15-28, 2017
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METRO ASIAN NEWS
Dr. Indran Indrakrishnan, first Asian American picked to serve on GA Board for Physician Workforce Governor Nathan Deal officially appointed Dr. Indran Indrakrishnan, as the first Asian American in Georgia, to the Georgia Board for Physician Workforce on Jan 12, 2017. Dr. Inrakrishnan was also honored as one of GAT 25 Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia in July last year. A swearing in ceremony took place at the Georgia State Capitol witnessed by Dr. Indran’s wife Gayathri Indrakrishnan, Secretary of State Brian Kemp, President Prom Temp Ore of the Senate David Shafer, Senator Michael Dugan, Indian Consul General Nagesh Singh, CEO of Medical Association of Georgia Don Palmisano, and Founders of Meals by Grace Stephen & Suellen Daniels. The Georgia Board for Physician Workforce (GBPW) are made up of distinguished physicians, hospital and health system executives, and public members. The Board is a watch dog for physician’s distribution in the state and its responsibilities include overseeing, monitoring and forecasting the supply and distribution of physicians in Georgia through closely working with Medical schools, residency training programs, teaching hospitals, University System of Georgia and many other state agencies.
In addition, GBPW provides scholarships and loan repayment assistance programs to healthcare providers. The Governor also has an initiative to fund 400 new residency slots in Georgia. There are 126 new slots coming on line for July 2017 and the task will be one of the priorities of the board in the New Year. “I am deeply honored and humbled to be appointed by Gov. Deal to the Board. Infact, the first time the Governor asked me to serve on the Board – I turned him down,” said Dr. Indran with a smile in an interview with Georgia Asian Times.
Dr. Indrakrishnan’s appointment to the Physicians Workforce Board received much praise and accolades from both Democrats and Republicans.
to the Georgia Board of Physicians Workforce and he is proud to recognize Dr. Indrakrishnan for this momentous achievement.
Dr. Indrakrishnan is also a Clinical Professor of Medicine at Emory University of Medicine along with his busy Gastroentererology private practice in Lawrenceville.
“It’s been a privilege working with Dr. Indrakrishnan over the years. His wealth of knowledge and experience will greatly serve the Board and I’m confident in his ability to develop the next generation of medical professionals, ensuring our citizens have access to outstanding healthcare.” said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle.
Despite his busy schedule and official duties, he still finds time to serve the community by volunteering his service to several national and state non-profit organizations such as Meals by Grace, Third Eye Dancers, American India Foundation, and Georgia Colorectal Cancer Round Table.
“Dr. Indrakrishnan is well known as an embodiment of what it means to achieve the American Dream,” said U.S. Congressman Hank Johnson. “In addition to distinguishing himself as a medical educator and practitioner, Dr. Indrakrishnan has built a standout reputation in the community for his volunteer and philanthropic efforts to help the less fortunate.”
“Words cannot adequately express how grateful I am for the extraordinary healthcare services and resources that Dr. Indrakrishnan provided to the patients,” said U.S. Congressman David Scott. He also added that without question, Dr. Indrakrishnan is most deserving of the Governor’s appointment
“I could not say ‘no’ to Governor Deal when he asked me to serve the second time around,” added Dr. Indrakrishnan.
Dr. Indrakrishnan hopes to inspire more young Asian American to actively give their time and to serve in the community. “It is important to give back and help those in need.”
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February 15-28, 2017 Georgia Asian Times
METRO ASIAN NEWS
Memorial honoring sexual and human trafficking victims to be installed at the Center for Civil and Human Rights
Atlanta, Feb 9, 2017 — Atlanta will install a permanent outdoor memorial statue in honor of female victims of sexual and human trafficking during World War II at the Center for Civil and Human Rights, according to a press conference held at the Center today.
The Memorial, scheduled to be installed in late Spring or Summer 2017, honors the approximately 200,000+ women and girls throughout Asia and the Dutch East Indies who were trafficked and sexually enslaved before and during World War II by the Japanese Imperial Army. Known as the “comfort women,” their tragedy is one of the largest known cases of human trafficking in the 20th century. The Memorial project is a partnership between the Atlanta Comfort Women Memorial Task Force and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, who has agreed to serve as the site host. Roger Baik Kyu Kim serves as the Chair of the 24 member Task Force, and Congressman Mike Honda serves as the National Task Force Advisor. Georgia Public Service Commissioner Timothy Echols, who is a longtime advocate against sexual and human trafficking in Georgia, serves as the Task Force Statewide Advisor. “The Center aims to be the place for the brave sex trafficking victims and women to tell their story to the world. It is also a story on humanity,” said Deborah Richardson, a Task Force
member representing the Center for Civil and Human Rights.
The Memorial Task Force plans to raise between $100,000 to $120,000 for the project. The raised funds will help fund the memorial statue and to help organize an annual memorial event to raise awareness. “There are currently only 39 living victims in South Korea and most of them are in their nineties. We want to honor their legacy before its too late,” said Helen Kim Ho, special advisor to the Task Force. The bronze and granite memorial statue is currently being made in South Korea and will be ready for installation in late April or early June 2017. “The Center is a safe haven for the memorial and its purpose is to bring knowledge about the sex and human trafficking issue. With knowledge, it will bring ‘light’ to the issue,” said Congressman Mike Honda (CA, 17th District), a longtime advocate for sexual and human trafficking victims and the lead sponsor of U.S. House Resolution 121. “We must learn from the past and not repeat the atrocities. It is important to teach our children that this is not acceptable.” The memorial statue will be permanently installed outdoor on the grounds of the Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Ethics complaint filed against Tommy Hunter for “racist pig” comments Duluth, Feb 7, 2017 — Gwinnett County Commissioner Tommy Hunter who has been facing public outcry for his resignation over his “racist pig” comment on U.S. Rep. John Lewis on Facebook, is also facing fresh ethics complaint violations. At a press conference at Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center this afternoon, Attorney Helen Kim Ho and lawyer Christine Anne Koehler revealed that they have filed an ethics complaint on Monday morning on behalf of Ms. Nancie Turner. The complaint alleges Commissioner Hunter committed three violations of the county’s ethics policy with his Facebook comments, which also included calling Democrats “Demonrats” and “Libtards.” “Nancie Turner visited Tommy Hunter’s Facebook page after hearing about his ‘racist pig’ comment. There are several examples of inappropriate, unbecoming and partisan comments made by Hunter which she alleges violates provisions of the county ethics code,” said Attorney Ho.
The ethics complaint alleges Hunter had violated Gwinnett County’s ethics code which requires officials to not engage in behavior that breaks public’s trust and to “put loyalty to the highest moral principles and the county – above party line.” Commissioner Hunter has resisted public outcry for his resignation. At the press conference, Attorney Helen Kim Ho added, “I think we’re hoping that he will be removed from office.” “He would have saved the taxpayers a lot of money, and the commissioners as a whole a lot of grief if he had stepped down. As previous commissioners did in 2010, that would be the right thing to do.” Several Gwinnett residents continue their protest and calls for Hunter to resign at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday. Protest signs demanding his resignation were held up whenever Commissioner Hunter spoke at the meeting.
Georgia Asian Times February 15-28, 2017
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BUSINESS
Sister government agreement signed between Taoyuan City, Taiwan and Fulton County, Georgia Atlanta, February 6, 2017 — A formal cooperation agreement between the government of Taoyuan City in Taiwan and Fulton County, Georgia was signed by Mr. Vincent Liu, Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Atlanta and Mr. John Eaves, Chairman of Fulton County’s Board of Commissioners at the Fulton County’s office in downtown Atlanta. The agreement aims to promote cooperation in the areas of economic and cultural development including trade and investment, business, small enterprise development, tourism, education exchange, arts and culture. Discussion on the agreement was initiated between both parties over three years ago. Director General Liu, who assumed the posting in December 2016, was instrumental in finalizing the agreement. Taoyuan City is currently the fourth largest metropolitan area in Taiwan and has a population of over 2 million with an average growth of 2,000 residents per month. It has established itself as a commercial and industrial hub for green energy, aerospace, hi-tech semiconductors, electronics, biomedicine, R&D, and its aerotropolis logistics hub. “The agreement is very timely for Fulton County as we want to be involved with international partnership,” said Chairman Eaves.
Director General Liu also formally extended an official invitation to Chairman Eaves to visit Taoyuan City at the signing ceremony. “I am open to all possibilities for working with Taoyuan City and looking forward to my exploratory visit,” said Chairman Eaves who had previously visited Taiwan in 2013 as part of governmental exchange visit. Chairman Eaves emphasized the County’s focus on economic development, arts & cultural, and education exchanges as top priorities in the partnership with Taoyuan City. A major project that strikes an interest for Fulton County and Chairman Eaves is the Taoyuan Aerotropolis project. Taoyuan Aerotropolis is an international logistics hub project being developed by the Taiwanese government. Fulton County and the City of Atlanta are currently developing the Atlanta Aerotropolis project near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The City of Atlanta also have an established formal sister city relationship with City of Taipei, Taiwan. The relationship will celebrate a 40-year milestone anniversary in 2019, according to Director General Liu.
Filming of action thriller at Duluth’s Fumi restaurant Duluth, Feb 7, 2017 — A film crew and production team commenced filming of an action thriller film in the tradition of “heat” and “The Town” at the restaurant on Monday. The film “Den of Thieves” is a directorial debut of Christian Gudegast, of “London Has Fallen” , “A Man Apart” is helming an original screenplay based on a story by Gudegast and Paul Scheuring. Gerard Butler of “Den of Thieves”, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson of “Compton”, “War Dogs”, “Spy”, Pablo Schreiber of “13 hours”, “The Manchurian Candidate” are among several lead actors featured in the film, according to press statement. The film is based on a robbery heist set in Los Angeles and a section of the
movie is filmed at a contemporary restaurant setting. Fumi Hibachi Sushi & Bar restaurant was closed for business on Monday and was reserved exclusively for the film shoot, according to restaurant management. The film is financed by Diamond Film Production and STX Entertainment.
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February 15-28, 2017 Georgia Asian Times
BUSINESS Federal Reserve on course to raise interest rates at an upcoming meeting, says Yellen Washington DC, Feb 14, 2017 — The Federal Reserve will likely need to raise interest rates at an upcoming meeting, Fed Chair Janet Yellen said on Tuesday, although she flagged considerable uncertainty over economic policy under the Trump administration. Yellen said delaying rate increases could leave the Fed’s policymaking committee behind the curve and eventually lead it to hike rates quickly, which she said could cause a recession. “Waiting too long to remove accommodation would be unwise,” Yellen told the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, citing the central bank’s expectations the job market will tighten further and that inflation would rise to 2 percent. “At our upcoming meetings, the committee will evaluate whether employment and inflation are continuing to evolve in line with these expectations, in which case a further adjustment of the federal funds rate would likely be appropriate.” Yellen did not say if Fed policymakers expected the economy would warrant three interest rate increases this year, as they last signaled in December. Nor did she give indications whether the first rate hike of the year might come at its next meeting in March or at the June meeting, which is when most analysts expect a rate increase. “I can’t tell you which meeting it would be,” she said, including specifying “whether it’s March or May or June.” Since the end of the 2007-09 recession, the Fed has raised rates once in December 2015 and again in December of last year. Yellen added that Fed policymakers would be discussing in the coming
months how the central bank will eventually reduce the size of its bond portfolio, which ballooned during the financial crisis as the Fed sought to keep rates low. She repeated the Fed’s guidance that reducing its holdings would begin when the Fed’s current cycle of rate hikes is well under way. Yellen was appearing in Congress for the first time since Republicans took control of the White House and both houses of the legislature and she nodded to the uncertainties over the direction of U.S. economic policy. “Changes in fiscal policy or other economic policies could potentially affect the economic outlook,” she said. “It is too early to know what policy changes will be put in place or how their economic effects will unfold.” President Donald Trump has announced a rollback of financial regulation with few details and there is no clarity on the size and scope of the tax cuts he has promised, while possible new taxes on imports and increased infrastructure spending could boost inflation. Inflation has remained persistently below the Fed’s 2 percent target for several years and Yellen said it was “reassuring” that market-based measures of inflation compensation had recently risen, though she noted they remain low. Yellen said she did not want to weigh in on specific tax and spending proposals, but she urged policymakers to consider the importance of making U.S. businesses more efficient, which economists believe is essential to raising living standards over the long term. “I would also hope that fiscal policy changes will be consistent with putting U.S. fiscal accounts on a sustainable trajectory,” she said. – Reuters
Intel announces $7 billion semiconductor factory Washington DC, Feb 8, 2017 — Intel Corp chose the Oval Office as its backdrop to announce a $7 billion investment in a new Arizona semiconductor factory, a plant it said would create 3,000 new jobs when it is up and running. Intel Chief Executive Officer Brian Krzanich announced the investment to reporters while standing behind President Donald Trump, a signal of how corporate America is adapting to a White House that is not reluctant to single out companies for praise or criticism. Trump said Krzanich called him a few weeks ago to say he wanted to meet to make a big announcement. Krzanich said Intel has been working on the factory – its third in Arizona – for several years. He said he wanted to announce it at the White House as a sign of support for the “tax and regulatory policies that we see the administration pushing forward.”
The company said in a release that the plant would be completed in three or four years.Trump, a Republican who took office on Jan. 20, campaigned on a promise to push for companies to keep or create jobs in the United States, rather than sending them abroad. Intel was one of more than 100 companies that joined together to file a legal brief opposing Trump’s temporary travel ban on people from seven Muslim-majority nations. But that issue did not come up during the Oval Office meeting, said Reed Cordish, a White House official in charge of technology initiatives. Intel announced less than a year ago that it would cut up to 12,000 jobs globally, or 11 percent of its workforce, as it refocused its business towards microchips that power data centers and Internet connected devices and away from the declining personal computer industry it helped found. – Reuters
Georgia Asian Times Feb 15-28, 2017
EVENTS
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NACA Chinese New Year Gala, Feb 4, 2017
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EVENT
February 15-28, 2017 Georgia Asian Times
Chinese Community Center-Chinese New Year Gala, Feb 10, 2017
Georgia Asian Times February 15-28, 2017
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Entertainment
Adele sweeps Grammy awards in upset victory over Beyonce nomination Los Angeles, Feb 13, 2017 — Adele swept the Grammy Awards on Sunday, taking home statuettes for the top prizes – album, record and song of the year – in a shock, history-making victory over Beyonce on a night marked by political statements and emotional tributes.
“I can’t possibly accept this award, and I’m very humble and very grateful. But my artist of my life is Beyonce. This album for me, the ‘Lemonade’ album, was so monumental,” she added. SHOW-STOPPER
Adele, 28, won all five Grammys for which she was nominated, including for her comeback album “25” and her soaring ballad “Hello.” She became the first person in Grammy history to win the top three awards twice, following her wins for her last album “21” in 2012. Beyonce, 35, had gone into Sunday’s awards show with a leading nine nominations for her powerful “Lemonade” album about race, feminism, and betrayal. She had been hoping to win her first album of the year Grammy. Adele, who now has a career total of 15 Grammys, seemed stunned, telling reporters backstage that she “felt like it was her (Beyonce’s) time to win.” “My queen and my idol is Queen B. I adore you,” the British singer said to Beyonce, seated in the front row, as she accepted her award.
Beyonce and Adele also had the most talked-about moments on the Grammys stage. In her first public appearance since her announcement 12 days ago that she is expecting twins, Beyonce donned a sheer, glittering gold dress and halo crown to perform her ballads “Love Drought” and “Sandcastles.” Singing seated on a chair and surrounded by petals, she also appeared in video projections wearing a gold-chain string bikini.
asking to start again. “I can’t mess this up for him (Michael),” she said. She later apologized for causing any offense.
tions, including best alternative album. The British singer had never won in his lifetime for an individual album or song.
Later, Minneapolis band The Time and Bruno Mars performed an up-tempo tribute to Prince, celebrating his musical legacy.
“Blackstar” was released two days before his death in January 2016 of cancer.
POLITICAL STATEMENTS As with other recent Hollywood award shows, artists wasted no time getting political. Katy Perry wore a glittering armband saying “Persist” and her performance of “Chained to the Rhythm” featured banners showing the words “We the People”, the opening sentence of the U.S. Constitution.
Moments later, Adele literally stopped the show after flubbing the start of a tribute to the late British pop star George Michael.
Host James Corden, opening the show with an extended rap about the power of music, sang “Live it all up, because this is the best, and with President Trump, we don’t know what is next.”
“I’m sorry. I know it’s live TV,” she said, cursing, stopping her slow ballad version of Michael’s “Fastlove” and
The other big winner was late British singer David Bowie, whose final album “Blackstar” won all five of its nomina-
Other winners on Sunday included Chicago’s Chance the Rapper, who won three Grammys including best new artist while Twenty One Pilots won best pop duo/group performance for “Stressed Out.” Drake and Kanye West, who each had eight nominations, were no shows, as well as Justin Bieber. Drake, who won two Grammys for single “Hotline Bling”, is on tour in England. – Reuters
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February 15-28, 2017
Georgia Asian Times
LIFESTYLE
Marchesa brings Chinese influence to autumn line New York, Feb 16 — For their Autumn/Winter 2017/18 collection, design duo Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig were inspired by Imperial China showing a feminine collection filled with lush feathers, flower and fringe details. The runway show, held at New York Fashion Week on Wednesday (February 15) was “quintessentially Marchesa”, according to co-designer Georgina Chapman. The Brit, who is married to Harvey Weinstein, said they turned to the east for inspiration. “Well we looked at imperial China and we were very influenced by the color stories, the romanticism,” she said. Her design partner Keren Craig agreed. “Yes, you are going to see a lot of richness, which we are very much known for the rich textiles and you will see a little influence of that,” Craig told Reuters.
The fashion label, known for its ultra-luxurious gowns, is a red carpet staple and beloved of many celebrities. Besides decadent fabrics such as rich velvet, silk tulles and organza, the Chinese influence was seen in the high necklines, tassel fringes and cap sleeves on dresses. The look was completed with delicate shoes with bamboo heels, a reference to the Chinese theme. Color was abundant in the collection, from multi-colored tassel gowns to bright green draped cocktail dresses, some embellished with 3-D flower embroideries. The unapologetic feminine looks were completed with flower crowns or big velvet ribbons. A-listers such as Sandra Bullock, Rihanna and Kerry Washington have been spotted in Marchesa gowns in the past. The New York Fashion Week wraps up on Thursday (February 16). — Reuters
Coach 1941 mixes styles, channels optimism at New York Fashion Week New York, Feb 16 — Ready-to-wear label Coach — which presented its men’s and women’s collection in New York on Tuesday — delivered a mashup of styles, juxtaposing the city with the countryside, luxury with simplicity and creativity with classic style. The result is a collection of laid-back pieces that are urban, authentic and chic. Coach creative director Stuart Vevers installed his very own prairie in the heart of New York City to present the label’s fall 2017 collection. Both male and female models walked among a decor of sun-scorched grass against the backdrop of a ramshackle abandoned house. The scenery set the tone for this new collection, inspired as much by wide open prairies as by 1980s New York hip hop. These inspirations were channelled in jackets and coats, varsity jackets and oversized parkas, where patches and insignia sit alongside embroideries and floral motifs, and horses and cherries adorn checks in autumnal shades.
All in all, Stuart Vevers’ fall 2017 offering is a cool collection that’s full of humour and optimism, where luxury seems to flourish in simplicity, and where women are free to explore their inner tomboy. Key pieces include shearling jackets — the stars of this collection — as well as varsity jackets loaded with embellishments, hip-hop-inspired headgear and miniature bags — worn either across the body or carried as clutches — which are sure to be a hit next season. The new face of Coach, Selena Gomez, put in an appearance, while Lexi Boling, Camille Hurel, Lineisy Montero, Winnie Harlow and Vittoria Ceretti all took to the runway to model the brand’s collection.
Georgia Asian Times February 15-28, 2017
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SPORTS
Arsenal boss Wenger says future will be settled soon LONDON, Feb 16 — Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said his future would probably decided “in March or April” as he pondered whether to take up the offer of a contract extension or leave the club he has managed for 20 years at the end of the season. The Frenchman was speaking to German television station ZDF before Arsenal’s 5-1 Champions League humiliation by Bayern Munich yesterday, but details of the interview emerged only today as speculation intensified about Wenger’s intention. Asked when he would decide whether to continue next season, he said: “March, April probably.” Separately, the BBC reported, without sources, today that his future would be determined at the end of the season, when his existing deal expires. The 67-year-old Frenchman was stunned almost into silence after yesterday’s game, answering just three questions in a press conference that lasted under three minutes.
two-year deal had been offered but Arsenal legends Lee Dixon, Ian Wright and Bob Wilson all said they felt Wenger might decide to walk away. “I doubt he will sleep very much between now and a horrible (FA Cup) game on an artificial pitch at Sutton on Monday night,” said Wilson. “He might say enough is enough.” Critics were quick to point out that Wenger’s explanation for the Munich mauling — that his players were “jaded and lacking organisation” — reflected his own managerial shortcomings, and almost mirrored his remarks the last time his side were thumped, also 5-1, by the same opponents 18 months earlier. The only support seemed to come from Bayern manager Carlo Ancelotti. “This is football,” he said. “I think Arsene has a lot of experience, the experience to manage this moment, this result and look forward to the next game. It’s only one game.”
While Ozil was anonymous, confirming the critical view that he goes missing in the big games, Sanchez got visibly agitated in chasing the ball, often on his own. Non-league challenge It was unclear whether his solo defiance accorded to a game plan that he had just invented, or one put in place by Wenger which his team mates were ignoring. Either way, it did not reflect well on the manager at the heart of it all. Wenger’s next challenge could not be more different — an FA Cup tie next Monday on a 3G pitch at non-league Sutton United.
A better template was offered by Sir Alex Ferguson, who retracted his first retirement announcement in 2001 before eventually leaving Manchester United at the age of 71 after winning the title for the 13th time, in 2013. But with Arsenal already 10 points behind leaders Chelsea, and with a tricky game at Liverpool next up, Wenger knows a fourth title on his watch is unlikely. So, with no side ever coming back from such a first-leg Champions League deficit, the best he can probably hope for is a top-four finish and an FA Cup win, precisely the same as they managed in 2014 and 2015.
The trouble is, it isn’t. Wenger is due to speak publicly again tomorrow, by which time he will have had time not only to digest the 5-1 defeat but also the hostile reaction from pundits and former Arsenal players who lined up to predict his demise when his contract expires this summer.
Six successive eliminations at the same stage of the knockout phase do not suggest coincidence and a tactically disjointed Arsenal side were well beaten by opponents below their best.
Such is Wenger’s standing at the club, he will effectively decide his own fate.
Arsenal’s two biggest stars Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, underperformed in wildly contrasting fashion and did little to suggest either is worth the enhanced new contracts they seek.
British media reported that a new
Once again, the cameras will be there to track Wenger’s every move on live TV, with acres of newsprint likely to be devoted to whether the clock is really ticking on his 20 years at the club. There is, of course, no right way for a long-standing manager to quit. Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest were relegated in his last season, when his battle with alcoholism became increasingly obvious. Clough was 58 but never managed again.
Whether the fans will view that as progress remains to be seen. — Reuters
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February 15-28, 2017 Georgia Asian Times
SPORTS
Fifa to encourage co-hosting for 2026 World Cup
Fuming Chong Wei threatens to cut ties with BAM Kuala Lumpur, Feb 8, 2017 — Lee Chong Wei today threatened to cut ties with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) as relations become strained in the wake of the world number one’s latest injury. The 34-year-old will be out for weeks after he slipped at the new Academy Badminton Malaysia on Saturday, missing next month’s prestigious All England Championship where he would have been gunning for fourth title. Lee, a silver medallist in the last three Olympics, had complained to the association’s technical director Morten Frost and BAM general manager Lawrence Chew about the new centre’s slippery court mats but said nothing had been done. Lee, who has signaled he may retire this year, reportedly tore a medial collateral ligament in his left knee as he slipped and fell awkwardly. The Malaysia team only moved to their new national training centre in the Bukit Kiara suburb of Kuala Lumpur a week ago. Lee said that the association’s presi-
dent had told him that his issues would be settled, without going into further details. “I don’t know. Let’s see how it goes,” Lee said when asked if he thought his complaints could be resolved. Lee was reported by Malaysian media as saying his often stormy relationship with Frost had now become strained to breaking point. “I’ve lost my patience with Morten. This injury is the last straw,” he was quoted as saying in The Star newspaper. “What’s even more hurtful was the way Morten handled my injury. “Instead of asking about my condition, he asked my coach whether I would retire… why? Doesn’t he want me to play on? I’m hurt. “Now, I’ve lost my patience and I’m angry… if there’s no solution, I’ll quit BAM.” Lee had said last month that he hoped to win the 2017 BWF World Championships in Scotland in August before retiring.
Doha, Feb 16 — The 2026 soccer World Cup could be split between up to four countries, Fifa President Gianni Infantino said today, announcing the organisation would encourage applications to co-host the tournament. “We will encourage co-hosting for the World Cup because we need Fifa to show we are reasonable and we have to think about sustainability long-term,” Infantino said. “(We could) ...maybe bring together two, three, four countries who can jointly present a project with three, four, five stadiums each. We will certainly encourage it. Ideally the countries will be close to each other.” His remarks could open the way to a joint bid from the United States, Canada and Mexico, which have already said they intend to hold discussions over the possibility. At the end of last year Victor Montagliani, president of the Concacaf federation that the three countries belong to, said he expected formal discussions to start once “all the rules and regulations” related to the bid were announced. Concern has been raised about the financial burden placed on a single tournament host, and the bad publicity generated by stadiums built and then abandoned after use. The only time Fifa has previously sanctioned co-hosting was in 2002 when Japan and South Korea staged a tournament that was widely heralded as a success.
The idea has taken off at the European Championship, with Belgium and the Netherlands co-hosting in 2000, Austria and Switzerland in 2008 and Poland and Ukraine in 2012. The next tournament in 2020 has been designated as Pan-European and is due to be staged in 13 cities in 13 counties. Swedish FA chair Karl-Erik Nilsson quickly backed co-hosting for the World Cup too. “It’s a good idea, and Europe has of course previously worked in this way on the European Championships,” he said. “We are used to it and it works well, it makes it possible for more countries to arrange (tournaments), and in that way it is positive.” But there is likely to be opposition from fans’ groups, given the higher cost involved in following a team through different countries. Joint hosting could also raise security concerns. Brazil’s Maracana, which staged the last World Cup final in 2014, has become unusable in recent months, sitting with rusting gates and with a badly damaged playing area following a dispute over repair costs and redevelopment. — Reuters
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HEALTH A third of cancers are preventable through diet, researcher Paris, Feb 1, 2017 — Excluding genetic and behavioral factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, what can be done to help prevent cancer? Ahead of World Cancer Day, February 4, here’s some the latest understanding of nutritional and environmental factors outlined by Marie-Christine Boutron-Ruault, a research director for the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) at the Gustave-Roussy cancer research institute on the outskirts of Paris, and vice president of the “Human Nutrition” expert committee at the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (Anses).
influence cancer risk. When Japanese people immigrated to Hawaii and start eating processed products, their cancer risk increases by a third. We can affirm that raw, unrefined products like fibre and whole-grain cereals reduce cancer risk by 30 to 35 per cent, especially cancers affecting the digestive system, such as colon cancer, pancreatic cancer and stomach cancer. Fat and, in particular, being overweight, are a risk factor for almost all forms of cancer (especially liver and pancreatic cancer), as this has an effect on hormones. For example, after menopause, women who gain weight have a heightened cancer risk.
What links can currently be established between cancer and diet?
Today, we know that deli meats (charcuterie) and red meat increase the risk of cancer of the intestine and the stomach, as indicated in the latest WHO reports. These should remain treat foods to be eaten in quantities of
We have known for a long time that lifestyle and, in particular, diet can
What foods have a direct impact on cancer risk?
around 25g per day. We also know that combining antioxidants like fruit and vegetables decreases the aggravating effect. What is currently known about how the environment impacts cancer? For the moment, we don’t have any real estimation, apart from people directly exposed to pesticides or toxic substances, such as farmers. However, we can affirm that these products represent a risk factor, which is difficult to measure. Be careful not to throw out the baby with the bathwater, however, by no longer eating fruit and vegetables on the assumption that they could potentially be harmful. The risk can be reduced by choosing good-quality seasonal produce. Studies are underway in France and elsewhere to evaluate these risks.
Can dietary supplements help prevent cancer? It’s better to get vitamins from food rather than dietary supplements, which can have a counter-productive or even harmful effect in terms of cancer. We have shown that there was around 50 to 60 per cent greater risk of breast cancer in women who took 500mg of vitamin C every day, on top of a diet that already contained a sufficient amount. The same can be said of vitamin D. We tend to consider deficiency as a level reaching 20ng in the blood. Between 20 and 30ng, the level must be considered normal. There is no reason to supplement intake. For people who are overweight, obese or have a BMI lower than 25, I recommend daily drops. At the present time, cancers affecting the digestive system have been linked to vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D can protect against colds, flu, study claims Paris, Feb 16, 2017 — Taking extra vitamin D can protect against colds, flu and other respiratory infections, said a study today which reopened a debate on the usefulness of over-the-counter supplements. A review of 25 clinical trials in 14 countries, some with conflicting results, yielded “the first definitive evidence” of a link between vitamin D and flu prevention, researchers claimed in The BMJ medical journal. The effects were strongest for people with very low levels of the nutrient which is found in some foods and can be synthesized by the body when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet light. Many people, especially in grey, cloudy climes, do not have enough vitamin D. Scientific studies over the years have
delivered contradictory conclusions on the topic. Some have shown that low levels of the vitamin increase the risk of bone fractures, heart disease, colorectal cancer, diabetes, depression, Alzheimer’s disease and death. Others said there is no evidence of a link to disease risk. For the new study, researchers from the Queen Mary University of London conducted the biggest-ever survey of trials involving nearly 11,000 people. And they found clues as to why supplements seem to work in some trials but not in others. “The bottom line is that the protective effects of vitamin D supplementation are strongest in those who have the lowest vitamin D levels, and
when supplementation is given daily or weekly rather than in more widely-spaced doses,” lead researcher Adrian Martineau said in a statement. ‘Undeniable’
Alison Avenell said it should be viewed as a hypothesis in need of scientific confirmation. Louis Levy, head of nutrition science at Public Health England, shared their caution.
Vitamin D is thought to protect against respiratory infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia, by boosting levels of antibiotic-like peptides in the lungs, said the team.
“This study does not provide sufficient evidence to support recommending vitamin D for reducing the risk of respiratory tract infections,” he said via the Science Media Centre in London.
This fits with an observation that colds and flu are more common in winter and spring, when vitamin D levels are lowest.
Other observers were more optimistic.
It may also explain why vitamin D seems to protect against asthma attacks, they said. In an editorial published with the study, experts Mark Bolland and
The case for universal vitamin D supplements, or food fortification, “is now undeniable,” concluded Benjamin Jacobs of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.
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February 15-28, 2017 Georgia Asian Times
Misc Asia Malaysia detains woman, seeking others in connection with North Korean murder Kuala Lumpur, Feb 15, 2017 — Malaysian police on Wednesday detained a woman holding Vietnam travel papers and are looking for a “few” other foreign suspects in connection with the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s estranged half-brother, police said. Lawmakers in South Korea had earlier cited their spy agency as saying it suspected two female North Korean agents had murdered Kim Jong Nam, and U.S. government sources also told Reuters they believed North Korean assassins were responsible. The portly and gregarious Kim Jong Nam, the eldest son of late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, was assaulted on Monday morning in the departure hall of Kuala Lumpur International Airport and died on the way to hospital, Malaysian police said. The woman detained at Kuala Lumpur airport was identified from CCTV footage at the airport and was alone when she was apprehended, police said in a statement.Media had earlier published a grainy CCTV-captured image of a young woman wearing a white shirt with the letters “LOL” on the front. Documents she carried were in the name of Doan Thi Huong, showed a birth date of May 1998 and birthplace of Nam Dinh, Vietnam, police said. “Police are looking for a few others, all foreigners,” Deputy Inspector-General Noor Rashid Ibrahim told Reuters, declining to give their nationalities or gender. South Korean intelligence believes Kim Jong Nam was poisoned, the lawmakers in South Korea’s capital, Seoul, said.
The spy agency told them that the young and unpredictable North Korean leader had issued a “standing order” for his half-brother’s assassination, and that there had been a failed attempt in 2012. “The cause of death is strongly suspected to be a poisoning attack,” said South Korean lawmaker Kim Byungkee, who was briefed by the spy agency. Kim had been at the airport’s budget terminal to catch a flight to Macau on Monday when someone grabbed or held his face from behind, after which he felt dizzy and sought help at an information desk, Malaysian police official Fadzil Ahmat said. According to South Korea’s spy agency, Kim Jong Nam had been living, under Beijing’s protection, with his second wife in the Chinese territory of Macau, the lawmakers said. One of them said Kim Jong Nam also had a wife and son in Beijing. Kim had spoken out publicly against his family’s dynastic control of the isolated state. “If the murder of Kim Jong Nam was confirmed to be committed by the North Korean regime, that would clearly depict the brutality and inhumanity of the Kim Jong Un regime,” South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyoahn, who is also acting president, told a security meeting. The meeting was called in response to Kim Jong Nam’s death, news of which first emerged late on Tuesday. ‘SENSE OF DANGER’ South Korea is acutely sensitive to any sign of instability in isolated North Korea, and is still technically in a
state of war with its impoverished and nuclear-armed neighbor, which carried out its latest ballistic missile test on Sunday. Malaysian police said Kim held a passport under the name Kim Chol, with a birth date that made him 46. Kim Jong Nam was known to spend a significant amount of time outside North Korea, traveling in Macau and Hong Kong as well as mainland China, and has been caught in the past using forged travel documents. His body was taken on Wednesday to a second hospital, where an autopsy was being performed. North Korean embassy officials had arrived at the hospital and were coordinating with authorities, police sources said. There was no mention of Kim Jong Nam’s death in North Korean media. In Beijing, a foreign ministry spokesman said China was aware of the reports and closely following developments. Yoji Gomi, a Japanese journalist who wrote a 2012 book on Kim Jong Nam, said Kim’s media appearances, which increased around the time South Korean intelligence said he was targeted for assassination, may have been an attempt to protect himself.
“I now have the impression that even he may have had a sense of danger, so he began exposing himself in the media and stating his opinions to protect himself and counter North Korea,” Gomi told a talk show on Japan’s NTV. North Korean agents have killed rivals abroad before. South Korea’s spy agency said Kim Jong Nam wrote a letter to Kim Jong Un in 2012 asking that the lives of him and his family be spared, one of the lawmakers said. “Kim Jong Un may have been worried about more and more North Korean elites turning against him after Thae Yong Ho defected to the South,” said Koh Yu-hwan, an expert on the North Korean leadership at Dongguk University in Seoul, referring to last year’s defection by North Korea’s deputy ambassador in London. Numerous North Korean officials have been purged or killed since Kim Jong Un took power following his father’s death in 2011. Those include his uncle Jang Song Thaek, who was considered the country’s second most-powerful person and was believed to have been close to Kim Jong Nam. Jang was executed on Kim Jong Un’s orders in 2013. - Reuters
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Misc Asia
The first suspect detained had travel documents in the name of Doan Thi Huong, with a birth date of May 1988 and birthplace of Nam Dinh, Vietnam.
“The cause of death is strongly suspected to be a poisoning attack,” said South Korean lawmaker Kim Byungkee, who was briefed by his country’s spy agency.
‘NO REASON TO KILL’
Third suspect arrested in Malaysia over murder of North Korean Kuala Lumpur, Feb 16, 2017 — Malaysian police made a third arrest on Thursday in their hunt for the people involved in the murder of the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The third person, whose nationality was not disclosed, was the friend of an Indonesian woman who was detained earlier in the day in connection with the killing of Kim Jong Nam at the airport in the Malaysian capital on Monday, police said. “He was detained to facilitate investigations as he is the boyfriend of the second suspect,” said Abu Samah Mat, the police chief in Selangor state, told Reuters. The Indonesian woman was remanded in custody for seven days along with another woman, who held a Vietnamese travel document, who was caught trying to leave the country through the budget airline terminal of Kuala Lumpur airport on Wednesday, the Bernama state news agency reported. Kim Jong Nam, 46, was assaulted at the same airport on Monday with what was believed to be a fast-acting poison as he was about to leave on a flight to Macau.
He sought help, collapsed and died on his way to hospital. Lawmakers in South Korea earlier cited their spy agency as saying it suspected two female North Korean agents had murdered Kim. U.S. government sources also said they believed North Korean assassins were responsible.
North Korea has made no public reference to Kim Jong Nam’s death, and calls to the embassy in Malaysia were unanswered. But a source in Beijing with ties to both the North Korean and Chinese governments told Reuters that North Korea was not involved in his killing, and had no motive. “Kim Jong Nam has nothing to do with (North) Korea,” the source said. “There is no reason for (North) Korea to kill him.”
Kim Jong Nam had spoken out publicly against his family’s dynastic control of the isolated, nuclear-armed state, and he had also expressed fears for this safety.
“(North) Korea is investigating,” the source said when asked why there has been no publicly denied involvement, adding that North Korea wanted the body returned.
South Korea’s intelligence agency told lawmakers in Seoul that the young, unpredictable North Korean leader had issued a “standing order” for his elder half-brother’s assassination, and that there had been a failed attempt in 2012.
There was also no mention of Kim Jong Nam’s death in North Korean state media, as of early Thursday.
North Korean agents have killed rivals abroad before. The Indonesian woman was alone when she was apprehended, police said. Her passport bore the name Siti Aishah, and gave her date of birth as Feb. 11, 1992, and place of birth as Serang, Indonesia. The Indonesian foreign ministry said it had requested consular access to the woman.
At midnight on Wednesday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to mark the birthday of his father, the late leader Kim Jong Il, who died in 2011. The late leader was also the father of Kim Jong Nam. The two had different mothers. Malaysian police said Kim had been at the airport to catch a flight to Macau on Monday when someone grabbed or held his face from behind, after which he felt dizzy and sought help at an information desk.
Malaysian authorities rebuffed North Korean officials’ efforts to stop an autopsy being carried out on Kim, three Malaysian government sources familiar with the stand-off told Reuters. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, a Malaysian government leader said he believed the police had received a request from North Korean officials for the body, and it could be eventually released to the North Korean embassy. “After all the police and medical procedures are completed, we may release the body to the next of kin through the embassy,” Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. According to South Korea’s spy agency, Kim had been living with his second wife, under Beijing’s protection, in the Chinese territory of Macau, South Korean lawmakers said. One of them said Kim also had a wife and son in Beijing. In Beijing, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Wednesday China was aware of reports of the murder and was closely following developments. Reuters
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February 15-28, 2017 Georgia Asian Times
TECH
Xbox to present Scorpio upgrade in June ` Los Angeles, Feb 16 — Microsoft’s gaming division, Xbox, will detail its beefed-up Xbox One console, Project Scorpio, at E3 -- the Electronic Entertainment Expo—on June 11. Project Scorpio was first formally unveiled during the same event in 2016 and is expected to launch late in 2017. Much like the PlayStation 4 upgrade, 2016’s PlayStation 4 Pro, Project Scorpio is expected to build upon the Xbox One while offering the power to push 4k gaming and virtual reality experiences. Both mid-lifespan refreshes reflect adaptation to pressures from both the PC gaming sector and a cycle of yearly iterations from mobile phone manufacturers. Project Scorpio is likely to compete with 4K and VR-capable PCs and surpass the PlayStation 4 Pro, though an introductory price is as yet unknown. The PlayStation 4 Pro launched at US$399 in November 2016, by which point the original model PS4 had been
replaced by a slimmer version and its price lowered to US$299. Xbox had released its own reduced size replacement, the August 2016 Xbox One S, at an identical price point. Finally, the June 11 date means that the Xbox briefing, traditionally an event taking place the Monday before E3 opens its doors later in the week, now takes place on Sunday instead.
Facebook pushes video onto TV screens with new apps San Francisco, Feb 15 — Facebook yesterday announced it was rolling out apps to allow people to view videos posted on the social network on connected televisions.
“With the app, you can watch videos shared by friends or pages you follow, top live videos from around the world, and recommended videos based on your interests.”
The new apps — for Apple TV, Amazon’s Fire TV and Samsung Smart TV — will provide a more convenient way for users of the social network to view videos on a large screen.
Facebook said it expects the applications to roll our “soon” for users of Apple, Amazon and Samsung, with additional platforms likely to be added.
The move could be a small step toward what some reports say is a more ambitious video plan by Facebook to compete with Google-owned YouTube or even with streaming services such as Netflix. For now, the apps will simply make it easier to view and share user-generated video. “Last year we rolled out the ability for you to stream videos from Facebook to your TV, and today’s announcement expands this capability,” said a blog post from product manager Dana Sittler and engineering manager Alex Li.
Facebook also said it was modifying video playback for users, with sound to play automatically unless users silence their devices.