2023 APA Living Today Sept/Oct Issue - vol. 5. no. 5

STRONG

The APA Living Today express our condolences and thoughts for the lives lost and homes destroyed by this wildfire. The wildfire is the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than 100 years, and as of the writing of this hundreds of people are still missing. The fire has displaced thousands of people and damaged or destroyed about 2,200 structures (most of them homes) across 2,100 acres. However, these statistics do not fully capture the tremendous loss endured by residents and disproportionate impact on Native Hawaiians. Lāhainā was the traditional home of Maui royalty dating back to the 1500s, and later became the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1820 and the burial site of early members of the Hawaiian royal family of the Kamehameha line. Several cultural institutions were damaged or destroyed in the fire.

STRENGTH. UNITY. INVOLVED. DIGITAL EDITION

4 BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Are You A “Fantastic Foreigner?”

RESPECT: The Key To Bringing Us Together Page 4

6 12

ENTERTAINMENT

Daynim, Part 2: Pssst! They’re Coachella ready. Night Brunch with the band out of Thailand. Page 6 - 11

TRAILBLAZERS

Bhagat Singh Thind, Soldier, Activist, and Author Page 12 & 13

14

SWEET & SAVORY

2023 Food Trends: What’s Hot Page 14 & 15

How Food Brings Us Closer Together Page 16 & 17

18

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Pet Euthanasia: Making the Solemn Decision Page 18

Dealing With Guilt After Putting a Pet to Sleep Page 19

20 NEWS & EVENTS

2nd Annual Golden Harvest Parade & Festival Page 20

Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation and Rawlings® Introduce “The Foundation” Glove Series Benefiting Underprivileged Athletes Page 22

JACL Joins National Civil Rights Organizations in 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington Page 23

Hawaii urges tourists to visit Maui amid rising unemployment after wildfires Page 23

THE APA LIVING TODAY

PHONE 916.747.9366

Jim Chong

EMAIL

jtc.publicist@gmail.com

ONLINE

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Terri Torres DIRECTOR

Jim Chong

ART DIRECTOR

Layne Imada

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & SOURCES

Val Acoba

Felicity Andrews

Jessie Bowen

Linda Claramo

Leslie Edman

Elite Publications

Beverly Engkabo

Toby Gomez

Ines Ruiz-Huston

Emily La Russa

Linda Norris

Tanya Parmelee

Anna Sass- HerLife

Carrie Sass - HerLife

Michelle McCowan-Smith

Terri Torres

Cathy Wei

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tim Ulmer

Jim Chong

Deadline to submit newsworthy information from non-profits, charitable organizations, or other sources is the 19th of each month for the following issue. Submitting information does not guarantee it will be featured.

Submit information to:

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• Attn: Jim Chong

The APALT is digitally published bi-monthly by the APA Living Today.

APALT does not assume responsibility for the authenticity or accuracy of news materials furnished for publication.

©The APA Living Today 2023

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK:

As we venture into the conclusion of another year, we are reminded about all the great things that have transpired during these past months. What is the legacy you want to live? I want to encourage you to not just have your legacy happen, but to be intentional about how you want to be remembered and how you may consider inspiring others to do the same.

As we progress as a society and community, I would encourage you to really consider the footprints you will leave behind to those that you can influence. One of the best ways to help you tell your story is to tell it. There are so many ways you are able to share stories, your experiences, and help document the things you believe are important and relevant for people to focus on.

I want to once again thank those that have made it a priority to contribute to this publication because without you, we would not be able to share the many things that are captured in these pages. I specifically want to thank Layne Imada for all the work that he puts in behind the scenes to help produce this publication.

As we focus on the various stories and submissions to the APA Living Today, I never want to take for granted how these stories capture the essence of what is important at that moment. It also leaves a history for the future as to certain milestones and actions taken by various individuals, entities and communities that we can be enriched, educated, and inspired by.

There is an interesting element and relationship between the past, present, and future in how they are interrelated. What would you like to focus on moving forward? We strive to capture a heartbeat of what we believe is pertinent and happening in today’s world especially as it pertains to the Asian community. We understand that although we may be a hub for stories specifically sharing what is written here about the Asian Pacific Americans, we know we are only a spoke to the bigger picture in this world.

What stories will you tell that will be the positive difference to others?

Please feel free to contact us with any stories you feel you would like to contribute, any communities or activities you would like to sponsor, or anything you believe is significant and noteworthy to be told. Here is to the legacy you will leave for your friends, relatives and others to remember you by.

– Jim

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The Asian Pacific American Living Today is a bi-monthly newspaper dedicated to providing a comprehensive publication, both in print and online, that seeks to raise awareness of issues of interest to Asians and associated ethnic groups in California and abroad.

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Strength - To give a voice to the community for sharing and lauding accomplishments and concerns.

Unity - Unite readers about the issues facing Asian Pacific Americans. Promote and encourage readers to take an active role in raising awareness in the community and its contributions and concerns.

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While we most directly address the concerns of Asian Pacific Americans, our publication is not a racial or ethnic sorting. It is a gathering of all those who wish to gather.

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Jim T. Chong

Are You A “Fantastic Foreigner?” RESPECT: The Key To Bringing Us Together

By Jim T. Chong the Wok Star, Media, PR Publicist and Founder of the Fantastic Foreigners

The “Fantastic Foreigners” is an iconic concept being developed to help us further understand various cultures and communities. During these times where people’s focus is a premium, we need something to be developed that would help us make culture a potential priority to understand how we can all come together. Now what do I mean?

When you think about it, the foundation of the United States has been to be the Melting Pot of the world where people can come together to live their “American Dream.”

As people, how have we really done in coming together? Let’s start looking at things locally. It’s not uncommon for people to come together to help support a cause or stand together on some issue. As we go across different locales, we can note that the focus and attention of the various local areas may have different values and issues they are focused on. Now, extending that to being national…how are we doing?

Nationally, we have definitely been focused on various issues politically and are polarized. However, when it comes to just getting to know people, we can find that in general most would say they want the overall good to happen. So why are we divided and what divides us? This can be a complex answer but some of the basics would include education, familiarity, an individual’s value system, perception, and…leadership (or what I will call influence).

My somewhat euphemistic perspective is that people want to do the right thing and just need to be pointed in the right direction. These apply not just for current issues at hand, but also greatly influence how we all ultimately work together. If we seek to understand each other and various cultures and communities as a whole, I believe that we will all be able to understand more the perspectives of each other and learn more how to work together rather than work apart. The core of every culture that we can all relate to is food, fashion, entertainment, and overall understanding of what and why we believe what we do.

In future writings, I will focus on these issues and address them specifically so that we can all learn together and be enriched by the various cultures and backgrounds that make our nation great. I believe in this way, we will be able to help influence the world for positive change. The one word I believe we all can focus on is RESPECT. This will bring about the foundation we need to understand each other.

Remember that depending on what vantage point we are coming from, we are all foreigners and all have a chance to be fantastic.

The author would love your feedback on this article.

Jim is a prolific conceptionalist and originator of various concepts like the Fantastic Foreigner that brings people together. He is a sought after Professional Master Emcee, Speaker, and Media PR Publicist. For thoughts or comments on this write up, you can contact him at: (916)747-9366 or JTC.LegendMaker@gmail.com.

Jim T. Chong

Daynim, Part 2: Pssst! They're Coachella ready. Night Brunch with the band out of Thailand.

By Tanya Parmelee @growgreenhair

In Part 2, we deep dive into Daynim’s fusion, hip-hop, alternative music journey growing up in Thailand. We talk new album PSSST!, latest EP collab TWIMC, and where they want to go. Refresh with “Daynim, Part 1: Where Glossy Lips meet selfempowerment” from the July/August issue of The APA Living Today. Edited for brevity and clarity.

It’s night in the San Francisco Bay Area, +14 hours later morning Bangkok time. All four band members quickly hop onto the call early. The conversation flows immediately, so we jump right in and I forget video and mic check. I apologize ahead for any stray barking in the background.

KAN: Yeah, maybe you can put your dog on here.

SOE: I can get my cat too.

Flashback an hour before. The house Chihuahua Pug angrily knocks over the video monitor, repeatedly. I catch a glimpse of my messy hair on screen and move on.

Q: So is there anything that you wanna talk about first?

MEET DAYNIM

Kan, Pleng, Get & Soe

PLENG: We’re so glad to be here. There were not many international press interviews, so we’re excited.

Q: How about some introductions?

PLENG: Hi, I’m Pleng, Lead Singer of Daynim.

KAN: My name is Kan. Drummer.

GET: My name is Get, Bassist of Daynim.

SOE: Hi, my name is Soe — like SO. I’m Guitar, sometimes Vocal and Rapper.

Late night, earlier in the week, IG alerts me to Daynim going live. I pop into the feed to get their vibe. The friends-like-family ease permeates the screen.

Photos courtesy of Yeezaa Music.

Tanya Parmelee

Q: How did you meet and how did you decide on your music?

PLENG: We went to the same major at KMITL (King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok). We studied music engineering. It was a part of engineering school, but it’s a different college now. And KAN joined the last — he is the younger brother of GET. We kinda gathered together because we shared a rented house back at college. We started there.

Q: Do you remember the first time you met?

PLENG: I went to the same major as GET and SOE, but different year. So my impression for these two was fun college, older generation of me. We started out as friends.

Being college buddies, they’re obviously around the same age, climbing over the mid 20’s hill into the 26-27 next stage of life’s journey.

Q: How did you decide to form a band and on your music genre?

PLENG: It’s after college, we graduated, still figuring out what to do. Me and SOE played at bars together. Back before we graduated, we were kinda like why not make music, we are here together. So we decided to jump in. That’s why Daynim was born.

As for the name Daynim, Pleng shares it’s inspired by Canadian R&B singer Daniel Cesar’s metaphor of a love song Japanese Denim (2016).

Q: Tell us about the name. How did that come about?

PLENG: We were playing at a bar. The bar asked me, what name would you go for? Back then we’re still figuring out the name, so we agreed on Daynim because we are so into Daniel Cesar’s song. It’s called Japanese Denim. He is also an incredible artist. We kinda chose the Daynim part and changed the spelling.

Q: What about your first song, your debut?

PLENG: The first track is called Would You (2020)…back when we’re still living in the same house. It was a fun song to create it. Yeah. It’s a mixture of R&B and hiphop and rap and stuff. Back then we kind of worked individually, versus as a band. We hadn’t worked with any producer, like outsourced producer.

Q: A true indie start! Have each of you been musicians a long time, for those of you that play instruments? Do all of you play?

PLENG: I started learning piano when I was little. I loved to sing. I’ve never taken any serious (vocal) course, but I just love to sing. But serious courses — classical piano lessons.

SOE: I started playing guitar at 10-11. Singing, maybe grade one high school. My school had a singing competition, but I played. My teacher had to pick someone to sing in the competition, but no one (stepped up). And that’s how I started!

KAN: I started to play drums when I was eight. At the same time, my brother GET studied bass. Yeah. Same school. When we go to school…in the same band. Then, we go to the same university too.

PLENG: Remembering way back when I was in kindergarten, I joined a singing competition. I failed the first round, but that’s OK.

Q: To KAN & GET. So you had the cool parents, they actually let you guys play drums and bass at a young age. And the very fact you were allowed to play drums. At home.

KAN: It’s hard. I had a fight with my neighbor many times when I was young. They couldn’t understand me. We made a schedule to practice drums and we can deal with the neighbor. My brother, sometimes he’d go outside.

Q: What do all of your friends and family think of all this?

PLENG: They’re super supportive of me. My mom, my parents, live in Chiang Mai, my hometown. It’s up north in Thailand. So they would go to every live performance they could. She would fly out to see us play. And it’s pretty much the same for the other guys too because we all came from different parts of Thailand. They’re super supportive.

Before reaching out for an interview, I noticed right away the visual production and branding is solid as well. Turns out, it was truly an in-house group effort.

PLENG Watsaya Takkapaijit Lead Singer, Keyboard

Siriwatchara Khanom Guitar, Rap, Vocals

Sirayu Lerstsongkram Bass, Programming, Vocals Partner, Yeezaa Music

KAN Nattapat Lerstsongkram Drums, Vocals

Q: How’d you find your label — Yeezaa?

PLENG: As mentioned before, we started off as totally independent. We didn’t work with any producer, then we met Jim (the current producer and director of Yeezaa). He’s a friend of ours. When we were quitting the older label, we talked to Jim. We still want to be making music, and he agreed to make Yeezaa happen.

Yeah, we started as like a group of friends gathering together. Daynim is the first band of Yeezaa.

Noticeably quiet during the early parts of the interview, GET observes in the screen corner, reminding me of a young BangPD of BigHit. As soon as we shift into the producing process of their latest album PSSST!, the conversation comes full circle.

SOE: GET is actually is one of the founders of Yeezaa. He’s a partner of the label.

PLENG: Yeeza is a small label, and the people who work there are our friends. Me personally, I sometimes like to work for other artists on Yeeza. Songwriting, vocals.

Q: What have you written? Then we’ll focus completely on Daynim.

PLENG: I helped another artist, PETITE. She’s a really talented singer. I helped with the lyrics and some of the melodies. Her latest single is BLOOM. I’m part of that single as well. And GET is a really talented engineer for the whole process.

The discussion shifts to Daynim’s newest album, PSSST! It covers deep topics of self-empowerment and self-exploration. At the time of the interview, GLOSSY LIPS is just released. In my first listen, the album reminds me of a movie soundtrack.

Q: Tell me about the process for developing the message and music of the album.

PLENG: I came up with the concept. To give messages like self-empowerment, the teenager’s life, details on social issues. I took the series SEX EDUCATION (Netflix UK) as a model for the whole concept. I borrowed some of the characters, some of the storyline. The show expresses and represents teenage life. It’s a pop series, easy to digest. I wanted the album to be that way.

The concept began there. Then we gathered together at Jim, our producer’s place, and started doing demos and lyrics.

KAN: If you listen to all of it, the album is arranged by the timeline, like a movie or series. Starting with the party at the house, then many things happen. A sad story. A happy story. A song about feeling lonely. And the last story is about happiness.

Q: The music video. How did the concepts and execution come about?

PLENG: The music video of GLOSSY LIPS was made by one of our friends, Ted. He works for the label as well! He jumped into the project, wrote the storylines. We all love it. He already knows the message of the song and put it into his own animated version of the music video.

Q: What was the hardest song for you to finish on the album?

PLENG: For me, it’s the track MY TYPE (featuring Wan Wanwan, Youth Brush, and bankaboon).

GET gives a moaning laugh: Yeah.

PLENG: It’s a dance song, disco beats and stuff. It’s supposed to be the easiest track on the album, because of the structure. But for me, the vocals became

difficult for me to think of something not too complicated but catchy. I struggled with that part for a while. It turned out great.

SOE: For me, SMILE CLUB.

KAN: Yeah, I know. Me too.

SOE: I had to record the vocal.

GET: — And guitar.

SOE: And, I remember, I recorded three times. The first one, it’s not okay. Then the second one, it’s not okay.

KAN mentions SOE doesn’t typically have to exercise his vocal muscles: SOE sings at the bar almost every day, but MY TYPE is so different from there.

PLENG: The thing is…the track has been made. The music part has been made. And we kinda put really high expectations for this one. It became challenging for all the vocals on the album.

SOE: What about GET?

GET: It’s MY TYPE. Recording bass. For seven days! Record, practice, practice again and again.

KAN: For me it’s MY TYPE. In the first version, when I listened to it, it was normal. I thought, “It’s so normal. It’s just a disco song.” After that, we talked with the producer, and the band (Yeezaa’s in-house collaborators). We wanted to add more to the track. We experimented with the sample and asked more at the beginning and end of the song. Add something, still add more.

SOE: We collaborated with many people.

Soe, Pleng and Get. The original housemates early on.

Q: What’s most challenging about collaboration? What is the experience like?

PLENG: For example, on MY TYPE, we have many collaborators. And the challenge…I did the guidelines for the vocals for the other singer, but I have to open room for her to join in to be herself. On recording day, it turned out great because she’s super talented. She’s a vocal trainer for me as well for this album. So it’s pretty dope to work with her.

KAN: And the rap in the rap song came from BANK, accidentally. We called Bank, “Can you rap something in this?” And it’s amazing.

GET: Spontaneous.

PLENG shares BANK & GUIDE are the art direction team for the label: Bank also works for the label as graphic designer. Guide — she’s the stylist for our band and the other bands at the label. The graphics for the label is fantastic. I love it so much.

KAN: INTRO came from Youthbrush. He’s famous in Thailand. He created this melody that is so cool. We asked him, “Can we borrow your sound?” I think it’s a good combination.

Q: With all of the collaboration and production process, which tracks on PSSST! are you most proud of?

PLENG: GLOSSY LIPS. I think it’s one of the most difficult to do vocally because I have to switch characters while recording. It was super challenging for me to actually sing and rap and do different characters than what I usually go for. I’m proud of this. It requires a lot of energy out of me.

KAN: NEVERLAND. Cause I sing that song and I’m not a vocalist. I worked hard to practice my voice. It improved me and I can work out that song better. I think it challenged me. I wrote this song about my experience in the US in Orlando, Florida.

GET: GLOSSY LIPS. The challenge to me was mixing more than five characters of playing and voice.

SOE: INVITATION. The first track. This track represents everything in our album. And I love to perform this song (featuring Geekabok) — it gives us power!

Nearly an hour later, I’ve had the chance to hear their love for music, challenges and triumphs together.

Q: What have been the most fun or even the cringiest experiences you’ve had in your career so far?

PLENG: I love this story. When we do live performances, we have microphones for all four of us because we are jamming the vocals and we rap and we sing and we hype all together. And lately, I told Kan, “Just scream out whenever you want to release your energy!”

Kan is the person that loves to scream. A screaming, screaming voice. Like it’s a perfect screaming voice that I can’t even do. And randomly, during live performances, he likes to scream in the middle of the show. We love this.

KAN: Yeah, I love it. On stage, I am a little nervous. When I do something weird, it can reduce it.

PLENG: Cause he’s always on drums. It’s really great that he does this.

KAN: Just do something weird! I think it’s my nature even on stage.

Q: What’s been the most meaningful performance? Emotionally stuck with you? The members pause.

PLENG: Every performance is so meaningful to us. There’s a live house called Ledo. Basically every performance, the audience is standing around us — a circle stage. The stage is on the same level as the audience. It’s really refreshing and meaningful for people to surround us. We get the vibe, emotion from the audiences, which is super cool. It’s different from other stages.

SOE: For me, I would say Very Festival. It’s the biggest performance that we have. And playing with Keshi, my favorite artist. The people appreciate every band, including us.

LEDO circle stage

PLENG: The biggest stage. It’s really different from small venues. The conversation has been great and I thank them for spending their morning with me. Jokingly, I apologize for not setting up an alcohol sponsor for them. Pleng’s quick response pulls heavy laughter.

PLENG: Actually if we have alcohol, we can speak better. Be confident about English language.

TANYA: That’s why the Instagram Live was so good, huh? It’s obvious you’re going to eventually get huge. The quality of the your music, your personalities. There’s too much to enjoy and appreciate.

KAN: In Thailand, our band is not popular. It’s so different if we compare with the famous bands in Thailand. We want to make different songs. Go to many shows abroad. Go to many countries. Try to make a strong difference and hope someday people like our songs. To sing our songs in many countries. It would be great!

Q: Describe your current fan base to me. Who is your audience?

PLENG: Many of the fans are a younger generation, even younger than we are. College and even high school students. People who love exploring new indie bands in talent as well. There’s so many interesting bands right now in Thailand.

Q: For those not familiar with the current pop music in Thailand, what is most common and what is emerging? The top 10 radio hits?

KAN: Most of my friends like music from the 2000s. Many bands try to make songs that way. The songs have success and many listeners in Thailand.

Q: As you grow your platform and reach out to a larger audience, what do you hope to do with it? Or how do you hope to grow?

PLENG: We’d love to share the whole world who we are for sure. That we are just ordinary people, doing fun stuff. We are friends and want to give out the message for the album as well. Self-empowerment, self-improvement. We want to reach out to the fans that we haven’t met. Social media is a great way to connect with fans.

Q: Who would each of you like to collaborate with?

Say that again loud...

Who would you like to collaborate with?

KAN’s quick to answer: Anderson Paak. It’s a big dream.

TANYA: I’m a big fan of his and Silk Sonic. He’s directing a Kpop-based movie that was recently casting. He’s part Korean and wanted to switch to directing. You’ll be able to go bug Anderson in Asia. Say that again out loud so we can make a nice video clip. (Collective laugh.) Who would you love to collaborate with?

PLENG: There are so many artists that inspire Daynim. The person that I would have to go for is Doja Cat.

GET: Yeah, yeah. She’s a big superstar. I’m totally taking in her latest single. For me, it’s NUJABES. He’s a Japanese DJ.

Pleng gets a boost from Kan at the Very Festival.

Pleng, Get, Kan & Soe before their Very Festival performance.

LISTEN

https://adadaynimthaimilktea.lnk.to/ TWIMC

Check out the EP, a chill collaboration between DAYNIM and THAIMILKTEA.

https://adadaynim.lnk.to/PSSST

INTERVIEW PLAYLIST

@growgreenhair

iTunes

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/ growgreenhair/pl.u-kv9llavTk8Ge2

WATCH

PLENG: Unfortunately, he passed away a few years back. He’s like one of the greatest DJs of sampling.

SOE: For me, or course, DANIEL CESAR. Love him. And our band’s name.

Q: Where do you want to perform?

PLENG: Coachella is our dream.

Q: How do you think you’re different here?

PLENG: I think it’s because we have everything!

We close in on 11:30am Bangkok and the conversation shifts to festivals and where Daynim’s sound fits globally.

Q: As a final question now that you’re older and wiser and have all this music under your belts. Looking back when you were starting out in music, what advice would you give yourself?

PLENG: Hmm. It would be to believe in yourself. I know it’s cliche, but back then we were just kids, who loved sharing our music, doing live shows on small stages. It’s really intimidating, four of us, just random kids. But I wanna say, “Oh, you’re doing great!”

KAN: On the “right way.” We are a band that likes to experiment everything. Sometimes we find a wrong way, and sometimes a right way. And I think all of that (will) force us to grow up.

PLENG: And who knows what could happen in future works. Might go for a totally different direction. It’s part of the future.

Charisma, easy going personalities, crowd interaction. Artistically, musically, and technically adept. Expect Daynim to flourish. Coachella ready, indeed.

Daynim’s Pleng has a songwriting credit. https://adayeezaapetite.lnk.to/bloom

FOLLOW

Follow DAYNIM

Instagram : @daynim.official

X : @daynimofficial

YouTube : @daynimofficial

Key Words / Tags

https://youtu.be/Pe4jhOTD7pA

Follow YEEZAA MUSIC

Instagram : @yeezaamusic

Youtube : @yeezaamusic

#daynim #glossylips #pssst #yeezaa #thaimilktea #geekabok #guideyik #wanwanwan #youthbrush #bankaboon #zambug #podcharakumchaiskul #twimc #neptember #firstdogwhine #warnermusicthailand #warnermusic #petite #veryfestival #ledo #kmitl #musicengineering #coachella #andersonpaak #dojacat

Festival selfie with the crowd.

TWIMC the EP

Glossy Lips the Music Video

PSSST! the Album

PETITE Bloom

Bhagat Singh Thind, Soldier, Activist, and Author

By Kipp Jarecke-Cheng

Source Cited: Tiny Beans March 28, 2023

United States v. Bhagat Singh Thind, 261 U.S. 204 (1923)

Bhagat Singh Thind, a practicing Sikh from Punjab, India, blazed a trail for immigrants hoping to become American citizens. In 1918, After serving in World War I, Thind was granted citizenship, only to have it revoked four days later because he failed to meet the definition of either a “white person” or a “person of African descent. He tried again in 1919 and was granted citizenship in 1920. The Beauru of Naturalization appealed the ruling, and his case went before the Supreme Court in 1923. Siding with the bureau, Thind was once again stripped of his citizenship. Finally, in 1935, he was awarded citizenship for a third and final time under the Nye-Lea Act, which stated that all veterans of World War I were eligible for citizenship, regardless of race.

He was also the first United States soldier to wear a turban and eventually, while fighting for citizenship, obtained his Ph.D. in theology and English Literature from the University of California, Berkeley.

Bhagat Singh Thind (October 3, 1892 – September 15, 1967) – was an Indian American writer and lecturer on spirituality who served in the United States Army during World War I and was involved in a Supreme Court case over the right of Indian people to obtain United States citizenship.

Thind enlisted in the United States Army a few months before the end of World War I. After the war he sought to become a naturalized citizen, following a legal ruling that Caucasians had access to such rights. Identifying himself as an Aryan, in 1923, the Supreme Court ruled against him in the case United States v. Bhagat Singh Thind, which retroactively denied all Indian Americans the right to obtain United States citizenship for failing to meet the definition of a “white person”, “person of African descent”, or “alien of African nativity”. Thind remained in the United States, earned his PhD in theology and English literature at UC Berkeley, and delivered lectures on metaphysics. His lectures were based on Sikh religious philosophy, but included references to the scriptures of other world religions and the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Walt Whitman, and Henry David Thoreau. Thind also campaigned for Indian independence from colonial rule. In 1936, Thind applied successfully for U.S. citizenship through the State of New York which had made World War I veterans eligible for naturalization regardless of race.

EARLY LIFE

Thind was born on October 3, 1892, in the village of Taragarh Talawa of Amritsar district in the state of Punjab in India. As he grew into adulthood, Thind began his collegiate studies at Khalsa College, Amritsar where he began to foster his academic interests. He then travelled to the Philippines where he worked orally translating languages for a brief period of time.

ARRIVAL IN THE UNITED STATES

Bhagat Singh Thind arrived in the United States in 1913 to pursue higher education at an

American university. On July 22, 1918, he was recruited by the United States Army to fight in World War I, and on November 8, 1918, he was promoted to the rank of Acting Sergeant. He received an honorable discharge on December 16, 1918, with his character designated as “excellent”.

Photograph of Bhagat Singh Thind in his U.S. Army Uniform, from 1918. Thind enlisted in the U.S. Army, and trained at Camp Lewis, Washington. 1918 photo, also likely taken by the United States Army.

Thind originally arrived in Seattle upon his move to the United States in 1913. He arrived on the Minnesota which was a boat that originated from the Philippines’ capital Manila, and his brother Jagat Singh Thind perished on the journey. He partook on this journey in a migration of around 7,000 other mostly Punjabi Sikh Indian men, of which many fled their homeland to escape persecution by the British who still colonized India. After his arrival, he moved to Oregon where he worked in lumber mills alongside a diverse community of European, Asian, and other ethnicities. Due to this history, Thind joined the Ghadar Movement, of which many of its earliest members, including Thind, were under watch by British spies in the United States. Thind did not take part in the movement’s attempt to rebel against British rule in India, but remained a member of the movement and its messages throughout his life. U.S. citizenship conferred many rights and privileges, but only “free white men” and “persons of African nativity or persons of African descent” could be naturalized.

FIRST UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP

Bhagat Singh Thind with his battalion at Camp Lewis, Washington on November 18, 1918. Thind received his certificate of US citizenship on December 9, 1918, wearing military uniform as he was still serving in the United States Army. However, the Bureau of Naturalization did not agree with the decision of the district court to grant Thind citizenship. Thind’s nationality was referred to as “Hindoo” or “Hindu” in all legal documents and in the news media despite being a practicing Sikh. At that time, Indians in the United States and Canada were called Hindus regardless of their religion. Thind’s citizenship was revoked four days later, on December 13, 1918, on the grounds that Thind was not a “white man”.

SECOND UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP

Thind applied for United States citizenship again from the neighboring State of Oregon, on May 6, 1919. The same Bureau of Naturalization official who revoked Thind’s citizenship tried to convince the judge to refuse citizenship to Thind, accusing Thind of involvement in the Ghadar Party, which campaigned for Indian independence from colonial rule. The judge took all arguments and Thind’s military record into consideration and declined to agree with the Bureau of Naturalization. Thus, Thind received United States citizenship for the second time on November 18, 1920.

SUPREME COURT APPEAL

The Bureau of Naturalization appealed against the judge’s decision to the next higher court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which sent the case to the Supreme Court for ruling on the following two questions:

1. “Is a high caste Hindu of full Indian blood, born at Amritsar, Punjab, India, a white person within the meaning of section 2169, Revised Statutes?”

2. “Does the act of February 5, 1917 (39 Stat. L. 875, section 3) disqualify from naturalization as citizens those Hindus, now barred by that act, who had lawfully entered the United States prior to the passage of said act?”

Section 2169, Revised Statutes, provides that the provisions of the Naturalization Act “shall apply to aliens, being free white persons, and to aliens of African nativity and to persons of African descent.”

In preparing briefs for the Ninth Circuit Court, Thind’s attorney, Sakharam Ganesh Pandit, argued that the Immigration Act of 1917 barred new immigrants from India but did not deny citizenship to Indians who, like Thind, were legally admitted before the passage of the new law. The purpose of the Immigration Act was “prospective, and not retroactive.”

On February 19, 1923, Justice George Sutherland delivered the unanimous opinion of the Supreme Court to deny citizenship to Indians, stating that “a negative answer must be given to the first question, which disposes of the case and renders an answer to the second question unnecessary, and it will be so certified.” The justices wrote that since the “common man’s” definition of “white” did not include Indians, they could not be naturalized.

Thind’s citizenship was revoked and the Bureau of Naturalization issued a certificate in 1926 canceling his citizenship a second time. The Bureau of Naturalization also initiated proceedings to revoke citizenship granted to other Indian Americans. Between 1923 and 1926, the citizenship of fifty Indians was taken away.

THIRD AND FINAL UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP

Thind petitioned for naturalization a third time through the state of New York in 1935 after the Congress passed the Nye-Lea Act, which made World War I veterans eligible for naturalization regardless of race. Based on his status as a veteran of the United States military during World War I, he was finally granted United States citizenship nearly two decades after he first petitioned for naturalization.

DEATH

Thind was writing a book when he died on September 15, 1967. He was outlived by his wife, Vivian, whom he had married in March 1940, his daughter and son. Two of his books were self-published posthumously by his son: Troubled Mind in a Torturing World and their Conquest and Winners and Whiners in this Whirling World.

WRITINGS

• Radiant Road to Reality

• Science of Union with God

• The Pearl of Greatest Price

• House of Happiness

• Jesus, The Christ: In the Light of Spiritual Science (Vol. I, II, III)

• The Enlightened Life

• Tested Universal Science of Individual Meditation in Sikh Religion

• Divine Wisdom (Vol. I, II, III)

POSTHUMOUSLY RELEASED

• Troubled Mind in a Torturing World and their Conquest

• Winners and Whiners in this Whirling World

Bhagat Singh Thind with his battalion at Camp Lewis, Washington on November 18, 1918. Photograph dated November 18, 1918 of Bhagat Singh Thind with his batallion at Camp Lewis, Washington. His unit was called Washington Company No. 2, Development Battalion No. 1, 166th Depot Brigade.

By Author Monique McArthur

2023 Food Trends: What’s Hot

Last updated: July 21, 2023

Source Cited: The Wicked Noodle

Food trends in 2023 could include the rise of mood food, curry, and mushrooms as popular new additions to the American dinner table. In past years, pumpkin spice, Kimchi and Korean cuisine in general have all gained in popularity with Americans eager to try new things.

But there are also potential culinary trends in the cocktail department; the alcoholfree cocktail seems to be gaining traction side by side with THC-infused food. Is there a connection? That remains to be seen, but these will be fascinating trends to watch in 2023.

Mood Food

A fancy way of saying “ordinary food with cannabis infused”, mood food has been growing in popularity on social media for some time. The Vice Munchies series includes an impressive amount of reporting on 420-friendly recipes, and YouTube channels such as The Cannabis Cooking Channel all point toward a sustained interest in marijuanainfused entrees, deserts, and even cocktails.

Some 19 states have legalized or decriminalized cannabis at press time. As more states join this group, we may see a national trend developing in this area.

Swicy Food

What does “swicy” mean? Basically a collision between sweet and spicy elements in a single entrée, dessert, or side. Swicy food includes hot honey (see below), chili dark chocolate candy bars, and even some types of hot chicken.

South Korean cuisine features plenty of swicy options (one includes hot sauce mixed with strawberry jam applied to fried chicken) and thanks to a growing interest in Korean cooking, swicy food seems to be getting singled out for some good attention in the months ahead. Whether South Korea-inspired or not, swicy is a trend to watch.

Alcohol-Free Cocktails

Mocktails we shall always have with us; the Shirley Temple is one of the most famous, but so is the “virgin” Cosmo, guilt-free Margaritas, and much more.

Why the added interest in 2023? Part of that may have a lot to do with New Year’s resolutions, but there’s the added factor of being just far enough out of the COVID-19 pandemic lock-down mentality to start contemplating the long-term health implications of some of our collective bad habits during the pandemic.

“Virgin cocktails” may be a phrase worth re-thinking in favor of something a bit more descriptive, but the concept is certainly worth a look. The other reason for a rise in popularity may well be that some markets are just more interested in cannabis than alcohol. And that’s likely to be a growing market share or demographic to contend with in the coming years and not just 2023.

Mushrooms

Sustainable ingredients have been a welcome trend in the restaurant business and as cultivators and chefs look for new resources to source locally, the humble mushroom often winds up getting a look.

Shiitakes, portabellas, and crimini are old favorites; in 2023 look for continued growth in specialty mushrooms; Oyster mushrooms alone are reported by one source to have grown well over 100% in use as appetizers alone.

A variety known as Trumpet mushrooms are being used nearly 75% more often on restaurant menus; compare that to criminis, which were reported in 2022 as being up only 12% by comparison.

Butter Boards

Butter boards have become a viral Tik Tok sensation. What are they? Think charcuterie board with a butter base. Butter boards are wooden serving boards topped with a thick coating of butter. Toppings are then added to the butter. It’s all about personal choice here, and flavor combinations are practically endless. Chefs recommend using high quality salted and grass fed butter for the best flavor. Once you’ve added your toppings to the butter, slather it on to french bread, crostini, challah, or even crackers.

Here are some topping suggestions:

Chopped, roasted tomatoes or sundried tomatoes

Basil, chives, or other fresh herbs

Salsa, chili oil or Chimichurri

Seasonings like cajun spice, Old Bay, or Italian seasoning

Thinly sliced pickles

Lemon or orange zest

Fig jam

Dates, dried cranberries, blueberry or other fruit compote

Roasted garlic

Walnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds

Honey drizzle

Balsamic glaze

Roasted butternut or acorn squash

Pomegranate seeds

Chopped steak or chicken, bacon crumbles, salami, or pepperoni

Tinned Fish

It started with the popular TikTok video “tinned fish date night,” and now it’s nicknamed “hot girl food.” You can even join tinned fish-of-the-month clubs, buy a tinned fish cookbook or make waves at your next party with a “seacuterie board.”

SWEET & Savory

Look for more canned mackerel, anchovies and sardines to be included with pizza and fish taco recipes in the coming year. We even had this canned or should we say tinned oyster stew recipe before we even knew it was a trend.

Yuzu

Fruit And Spicy Honey

Where toppings, seasonings, and spreads go, Yuzu and spicy honey are likely to be big trends in 2023. Yuzu is described by some as a “Japanese lemon”, this is more common in East Asia but has since caught on in America thanks in part to Yuzuflavored cannabis gummies popular among recreational users.

But its popularity may also be rising thanks to interest from high-class chefs and cocktail bars. Spicy honey has been gaining some traction in a similar way as a spread or a topping; it has been a sort of underground staple condiment found in some New York pizzerias.

But once the brand known as Mike’s Hot Honey found its way into the legendary New York Pizza chain Paulie Gee’s, interest in spicy honey seems to have exploded. Hot honey today is finding its way into more pizza places than ever.

Ube

Ube is a purple yam with origins in the Philippines. It is said to have a warm, vanillaadjacent flavor and works well as a seasonal ingredient in both desserts and savory entrees. There has been some rising interest in the purple yam from bakeries, dessert shops, and even gastropubs.

In parts of Hawaii and the Philippines alike, spam preparations are a cultural go-to and spam mixed with ube is something Americans might find a bit adventurous but in other cultures this may be a serious comfort food.

Ube could be seen as a successor, food fad-wise to taro root, which had some attention for a time, but ube should not be confused FOR taro. One big difference is that taro contains a toxin when raw that should DEFINITELY be avoided.

Functional Food

Functional foods are ingredients that provide an extra health benefit beyond nutritional value. Some examples include mood-boosting and relaxation snack bar brands or gutfriendly probiotics and prebiotics that are found in fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles.

The pet industry is even catching on with toppers and mixers that use ingredients to benefit pet’s skin, bone, joint and digestive health.

Olive Oil Coffee

Inspired by Starbuck’s Oleato Olive Oil Coffee line, adding olive oil to coffee has got the internet buzzing. As far out as this may seem to some it is actually similar to adding other fats like coffee and cream to coffee. For the main draw may be its texture, Starbucks describes it as “velvety,” while for others it’s appeal may be the health benefits of olive. Particularly Paleo and Keto diets, which promote healthy fats.

Curry in 2023

There is no one curry the way there is no single ice cream variety–the flavors and options are practically endless. People in the west may be more tempted in the fall by curries and curry dishes; it’s a great comfort food for cooling weather and falling temperatures.

Indian curry varieties that could get more attention in 2023 include chicken or vegetable tikka masala; this is a mild, almost sweet entrée featuring a tomato sauce with cream, chicken, and a blend of spices.

More Food Trends:

Wiggly foods – Wiggly, wobbly foods have become a recent fascination because they are both silly and mesmerizing at the same time.

Beverage as medicine – Functional and medicinal beverages that claim a health benefit are now on the rise. Even alcohol brands are beginning to add antioxidants and other extracts to their drinks.

Fusion cuisine – Inspired on by social media, unique concoctions from influencers all over the world are being mixed and matched in creative and vibrant ways. Itameshi, a fusion cuisine that combines elements of Japanese and Italian food, is one recent example that has gained popularity.

International BBQ – Look for both an uptick in BBQ dishes from from the Middle East, the Mediterranean, South America and Asia but also many creative fusion BBQ dishes.

Filipino food – Global dishes are on the rise but perhaps none more than food from the Philipines which has more depth than most people yet realize.

Bold ingredients – We mentioned Yuzu and Ube but there many other bold flavors that are on the rise like spicy maple, coconut curry, Caribbean spices, and Kombucha.

Climate consciousness, sustainable food production – More effort is beginning to focus on minimizing the environmental impact of food production with organic and sustainable markets continuing to grow. Zero-waste cuisine, Nose-to-tail and leaf-to-root cooking, is gaining momentum as well.

Whipped cheese – Whipped cheese is a social media trend that appears to have captivate food enthusiasts. Whether it’s whipped goat cheese, ricotta, or feta, there seems to be no limit to the types of soft cheeses being whipped and enjoyed.

More non-milks – This trend already started with soy and almond milk but be on the lookout for many new types of milk, like those made from peas, tiger nuts and macadamia nuts.

Amaro cocktails – Amaro, the bittersweet Italian liqueur, has gained popularity and is becoming a staple on bar menus and home bar carts nationwide. It is typically made by infusing a combination of herbs, spices, roots, and citrus peels in a base spirit, which is then sweetened with sugar or honey.

Elaborate cocktail garnishes – In today’s Instagram-driven world, a basic cocktail garnish just won’t cut it anymore. Mixologists and home bartenders are taking garnishing to the next level, with a rise in wild cocktail garnishes. From edible garnishes to artfully painted cocktails, the creations are endless.

Coffee & tea – Keep an eye out for innovative trends in the coffee and tea shop world, such as protein coffee, coffee concentrates, and lattes with unique food toppings. Emerging tea options include Kombucha, Moringa Tea, and nonalcoholic Sparkling Tea, offering exciting and refreshing alternatives.

How Food Brings Us Closer Together

By Jessie Bowen, President of Elite Publications

Food is a form of communication and a universal language that transcends barriers. It speaks to our senses and communicates emotions and experiences that words often fail to express. The act of sharing a meal can convey love, gratitude, and friendship without the need for words.

Just think about the last time you shared a meal with someone. The food’s flavors, textures, and aromas can ignite a sense of joy and create a shared experience beyond words. It’s a way of connecting on a deeper level, fostering a sense of intimacy and understanding.

Discover the seven proven ways food connects people and brings them together.

1. Conversation starter: Food can be a great conversation starter, especially when trying new or interesting dishes. It provides a topic to discuss and helps break the ice.

2. Hospitality: Sharing food is a way to show hospitality and generosity. When people invite others into their homes and share a meal, it can bring them closer through the act of kindness.

3. Special occasions: Food often plays a central role in special occasions such as holidays, birthdays, and weddings. These shared celebrations and the food accompanying them can bring people closer together.

4. Tradition: Food traditions, such as cooking a specific dish on a particular holiday, can create a shared sense of tradition and nostalgia that brings people closer together.

5. Team building: Cooking and eating together can bring people closer, whether at work or with friends, through the experience of teamwork towards a common goal.

6. Family time: Family dinners are a great way to bring family members closer together and create a sense of togetherness. Sharing a meal can be a special time to connect and catch up.

7. Fun: Food is a fun way to bond, whether trying new restaurants or hosting a cooking competition. It brings people together and creates memories.

Jessie Bowen

Jessie at the BBQ!

We are on a mission to get your message, your brand, and your business out in front of your ideal customers.

Pet Euthanasia: Making the Solemn Decision

By JENNA STREGOWSKI

Jenna Stregowski, Pet Health and Behavior Editor, The Spruce Pets and Daily Paws Updated on 06/09/23

No one wants to think about pet euthanasia. It’s hard to know when the time is right to humanely end your pet’s pain and suffering, and the death of a beloved animal companion is solemn for everyone involved. However, it may be less of a strain if you have prepared in advance for the euthanasia process and you know what to expect.

What is Euthanasia?

Euthanasia is defined as the act of humanely ending the life of a living being in order to end extreme suffering (often as the result of a serious and irreversible medical condition). In animals, euthanasia is often called “putting to sleep” or “putting down.”

Why Vets Use Euthanasia

Euthanasia for pets is intended to end lives when animals are suffering and there is little or no hope of recovery from illness or injury. As a pet owner, the decision to euthanize can be very difficult to make. Your veterinarian will help guide you and your family through the decision-making process and help you keep the best interest of your pet in mind. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Rest assured, your decision is the right one if it’s made with your pet’s best interest in mind.

Once you have made the difficult choice of euthanasia for your pet, it is important that you know what to expect before, during, and after your pet is put down.

What to Expect Before the Euthanasia

First, decide if you would like to be present during the procedure. As hard as it may be to watch your pet pass away, remember that your presence will be a comfort in their final moments. Also, decide if you would like any family members or friends to be present.

Talk to your veterinarian about your decision, and ask any questions that come to mind. If you want euthanasia to take place at home, at-home pet euthanasia might be an option. Your vet might be able to recommend a mobile vet if they don’t do house calls.

Ask about the vet’s process during euthanasia. Be aware that there will likely be a consent form for you to sign before your vet can proceed.

Next, make a decision about aftercare and notify your vet. Many veterinary hospitals work with companies that can arrange for individual cremation (and, in some cases, burial). Some owners will opt for communal cremation (sometimes called group or mass cremation). In most cases, the cremation or burial company can pick up your pet’s remains directly from the hospital.

Alternatively, you may wish to bring your pet’s remains home so you can handle aftercare on your own.

Try to settle up the bill in advance. The last thing you will want is a tearful wait in the lobby to pay your bill after your pet is gone.

Most importantly, take the time to say goodbye. Talk to your pet, offer gentle rubs, and express your love in any way you can. You and your pet will find comfort in this.

What to Expect During the Euthanasia

In dogs and cats, euthanasia usually involves the intravenous injection of drugs that will quickly stop the heart. In most cases, this solution is predominantly made up of pentobarbital, though some euthanasia solutions also contain phenytoin. The most effective way to administer the solution is through a vein. Injection into a body cavity will often work, but not as quickly.

Your vet may prefer to have an intravenous catheter placed in your pet. This will allow easier access to the vein and make the injection process quick and painless. It may also help to decrease the chance of complications.

Many vets opt to administer a sedative prior to administering the actual euthanasia solution. This allows the pet to be extremely relaxed and sleepy before the next step. You may wish to say your goodbyes before the sedative is given as your pet may lose consciousness.

Finally, the euthanasia solution is injected into the pet’s vein, where it rapidly travels throughout the body. Within seconds, the animal will become unconscious, experiencing no pain or suffering. Breathing will slow down and then stop over the next several seconds. Cardiac arrest will soon follow, resulting in death. Typically, a peaceful death occurs within 30 seconds of intravenous administration.

What to Expect After the Euthanasia

Once the solution has been administered, your vet will listen to your pet’s heart to confirm death. Your vet will let you know that your pet has passed on. At this time, the vet will probably step out of the room to give you a few moments alone with your pet.

This is an emotional time, and the veterinary staff will provide plenty of tissues and privacy. You’re in a safe environment where everyone understands what you’re going through. Stay as long as you need. If you have already made aftercare and payment arrangements, you can simply slip out when you are ready.

Be aware that your pet’s body may release urine, feces, and possibly other bodily fluids upon death. This occurs due to the relaxation of all muscles. Know that your pet’s eyes will remain open. Sometimes, there are muscle spasms or sounds as the air and energy leave your pet’s body. This does not mean your pet is still alive; it is simply part of the process that occurs after death.

Grieving the Loss of Your Pet

Now the process of grieving will begin. Grief is different for everyone, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. Remember the good times you had and know that your pet would thank you for relieving their suffering.

Consider doing something special to memorialize your unique and much-loved companion. One idea is to make a clay or ink paw print and frame it next to a photo of your pet. You may wish to plant a tree or another plant in memory of your pet. Another therapeutic exercise during grief is to write about it. A poem, story, or written tribute can help you say goodbye to your beloved companion in words.

Dealing With Guilt After Putting a Pet to Sleep

By ADRIENNE KRUZER Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, LVT

Pets are important parts of our families so it’s no surprise that grief is often felt when they pass away. But sometimes the decision to end a pet’s suffering is left to us to make and this can result in some guilty feelings. Knowing more about the process of putting a pet to sleep and how to cope with these feelings are an important part of the healing process.

Reasons a Pet Is Put to Sleep

While we often wish our pets would live forever, the reality is that just like people, pets are not immortal. They are subject to injury and disease and eventually pass on from this life either with or without the assistance of humans. Some animals have untreatable diseases, are unable to have a good quality of life, are in chronic pain, have organs that no longer function, or are injured beyond repair. These reasons and many more may warrant a discussion with your veterinarian about putting your pet to sleep to relieve suffering.

How Is a Pet Put to Sleep?

The most common method of putting a pet to sleep is through an overdose of an anesthetic agent. This drug is injected into the vein of an animal and the pet falls out of consciousness, is unable to feel anything, and its heart, lungs, and brain stop functioning. Usually pets are also sedated prior to this injection to relax them and help them hold still. Sedation may be administered in the muscle or the vein. Owners are often given the option to be with their pet during this procedure but they do not have to be. Other than the poke of the needle, this procedure is considered painless. Sometimes a pet is already under anesthesia and the option to put a pet to sleep arises due to complications or untreatable conditions. The same type of injection is delivered in a pet that is already anesthetized so that the pet feels nothing.

Is it Humane to Put a Pet to Sleep?

The word euthanasia means “good death” and is used to describe the act of putting a pet to sleep. Pets that are suffering and no longer have a good quality of life are often given the gift of having their pain stop and preventing any more loss of their dignity. The fact that we are able to provide this type of relief for our pets is seen as a positive thing to most people and the manner in which it is done is very humane.

Occasionally, overrun animal shelters and other places and people will opt to put a healthy pet to sleep. This is often referred to as convenience euthanasia since there is no medical reason to put the pet to sleep. A lack of space, time, resources, and other reasons relating to the wants and needs of the animal and/or person cause the choice to be made. Convenience euthanasia is a controversial topic and one that some argue is not humane. Many veterinarians will even refuse to provide this type of procedure.

Coping With Guilt

The majority of the time a pet is put to sleep for very good reasons. Your veterinarian can help you determine when the time may be right to put your pet to sleep if you feel it is suffering since sometimes putting it to sleep is the only way to relieve the pain.

OUR best fRiend, HOnjO–

A few mOntHs AgO, i mAde A tOUgH decisiOn tO pUt HOnjO tO “sleep.” As HARd As it wAs tO sAY gOOdbYe, tHe decisiOn tO pUt Him tO sleep wAs A necessARY decisiOn. i’m HOping bY inclUding tHese twO ARticles, it will Help tHOse in de Aling witH pet lOss OR is fAcing tHe difficUlt decisiOn tO pUt YOUR pet dOwn.

- Layne Imada

It hurts to say goodbye but when you put a pet to sleep, you can find comfort in knowing it is no longer hurting. Guilt is often a normal emotion to feel when we have to make a tough decision though, especially if we aren’t sure it is the right one. It’s hard to make a life or death decision and not question whether or not we could have done something else to prevent the loss of our pet.

We need to remind ourselves during these times that we can’t always predict the future so looking back and thinking we could have or should have done something differently to prevent this outcome isn’t productive. Making ourselves feel guilty does not help the situation. The best thing we can do is to reflect and learn from our past experiences. It is unlikely that any decision we make for our pet is intentionally trying to hurt it so allowing ourselves to feel guilty for doing or not doing something is not fair. During these difficult times, it may even help to remind ourselves that we should love and forgive ourselves like our pets so often did. We can learn a lot about unconditional love from our pets and giving ourselves grace and understanding are good ways to honor our pet’s memory.

If you need further guidance and help, it is important to remember that pet loss support groups and grief counselors are ready and willing to hold your hand through this emotional process. Do not be afraid to reach out for support.

Kaiden Imada with our best friend, Honjo.

By: Jim T. Chong the Wok Star (916) 747-9366

2nd Annual Golden Harvest Parade & Festival

WHAT: Multicultural Parade; Festival

WHEN: Saturday, October 28th, 2023

WHERE: Capitol Mall area: Famers, vendors, 8:00am-1:00pm, Parade: 11:30am-1:00pm

Primary Event Contact: Wei Zhang at (530) 867-1373

SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 – Join the Multicultural event to Unite all Cultural Communities and focused on the theme of “A Greener Tomorrow For Youths” at the 2nd Annual GOLDEN HARVEST PARADE AND FESTIVAL. Come join us for a spectacular CELEBRATION of Cultural Diversity and an extensive production designed to promote a “Greener Tomorrow” through this parade and event.

During our event, we are excited to announce that we are planning to be adding a Farmer’s Market which will open our event at 8am with other vendors opening at 10am and the parade commencing at 11:30am starting on Capitol Mall. Multiple communities and cultures will come together for this Citywide Parade Celebration full production by various ethnic and artistic entertainers.

The event can be attended and is supported by the City of Sacramento. This is a free event and we encourage everyone to invite their friends and family to join the commencement of the day at the Vendor Fair and with a parade where people can attend by standing anywhere along designated areas along Capital Mall and Capitol West Side.

Prior to the event date, we will have a series online virtual webinars that focus on Clean Air, Clean Water, and Clean Environment to promote a greener and cleaner tomorrow.

There will be 30+ groups join the parade, the floats which includes participation from APAPA with a “Jupiter Float”, Chinese railroad worker sculpture truck from US-China Railroad Friendship Association, Fantastic

Foreigners, TOFA, Local Fire Station Fire Truck, Energy Saving Bus and Classic Cars. Jim T. Chong the Wok Star will return to be the primary parade emcee and host for the parade portion of this event.

The marching groups for the parade and entertainment will incorporate Dragon Dances, Martial Arts, Painted Ladies,Rodeo Cavalry, Veteran entities, and other various ethnic groups representing the Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Lao, Lu-Mien and Indian communities to name a few.

Come early and join us on October 28th, 2023 starting at 8am with the parade at 11:30am. Share about this historic event and join us for a wonderful celebration to promote people everywhere to come together and share in the cultural experience at the event and to celebrate a great year through this event and a cleaner and “Greener Tomorrow”.

For more information, contact Wei Zhang at (530) 867-1373.

“Events like this are essential. We just want all the cultures and ethnic groups to be one family where everyone will be brothers, sisters, and support each other. There is so much talent that we can share and enrich each other with.

Sacramento is a great mecca where all aspects of culture, family, and talent can come together.”

Sponsors

ALL RISE will inspire children and youth to become responsible citizens by engaging them in activities that encourage them to reach unlimited possibilities.

Contact: Carrie Sass

Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation 209-612-5478 • carrie_sass@sasspr.com

LINDEN, CA July 7, 2023 –The Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation and Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., have announced a new glove series: The Foundation. This series is now available exclusively on Rawlings.com and Amazon.com.

The Foundation series features high-quality, all leather baseball patterns designed for competitive youth players. New York Yankees Captain and American League MVP Aaron Judge, who has used a Rawlings glove throughout his entire amateur and pro career, worked alongside Rawlings as they designed The Foundation for this inaugural series.

For every glove purchased from The Foundation series, the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation and Rawlings will donate a glove to an underprivileged youth baseball or softball player. Their aim is to make equipment more accessible to kids, regardless of income status or social barriers, and inspire youth to learn more about citizenship and community through sports.

During the planning stages Aaron Judge stated, “The ALL RISE Foundation was started by my mom and me to inspire the next generation to be great citizens. The ALL RISE mission is to inspire children and youth to become responsible citizens by engaging them in activities that encourage them to reach unlimited possibilities. When you buy The Foundation glove, you’ll also be giving one to a kid in the inner city to hopefully inspire them to become the next great baseball or softball player. This collaboration speaks directly to our mission.”

ABOUT ALL RISE

The Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization established by Aaron to inspire children and youth to become responsible citizens by engaging them in activities that encourage them to reach unlimited possibilities. Since launching in 2018, the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation has had tremendous opportunity to grow in: Aaron’s hometown of Linden, California; San Joaquin County, California; Fresno County, California; and Bronx County, New York. The organization serves youths who will benefit from a focus to inspire, engage, and encourage. ALL RISE strives to take advantage of every opportunity to make a difference. For further information, please visit aaronjudgeALLRISEfoundation.org.

Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation and Rawlings® Introduce “The Foundation”

Glove Series

Benefiting Underprivileged Athletes

The first of The Foundation series will feature five different glove models: an 11.5 inch infield glove, two 12 inch utility gloves, a catcher’s mitt, and a first baseman’s mitt. The Foundation series gloves are available on Amazon via an exclusive retail collaboration, and Rawlings will also sell the gloves on their website. The ALL RISE Foundation and Rawlings are also planning for future product launches to grow the series.

“We’re thrilled to be launching this initiative to grow the game, and we can’t think of anyone better to partner with than Aaron and the ALL RISE Foundation,” said Rawlings Chief Marketing Officer Mike Thompson. “His dedication to growing the game and serving his community reflects the values we hold as an organization as well.”

ABOUT RAWLINGS

Established in 1887, Rawlings is an innovative leading global brand and manufacturer of premium baseball and softball equipment, including gloves, balls, and protective headwear. Rawlings’ unparalleled quality, innovative engineering and expert craftsmanship are the fundamental reasons why more professional athletes, national governing bodies and sports leagues choose Rawlings. Rawlings is the Official Baseball, Helmet, Face Guard and Glove of Major League Baseball, the Official Baseball of Minor League Baseball and the Official Baseball and Softball of the NCAA and the NAIA. The company is headquartered in St. Louis. For more information, please visit www.Rawlings.com. Tax ID#: 83-1083207 501(c)(3)

Seia Watanabe, VP Public Affairs, swatanabe@jacl.org Matthew Weisbly, Education & Communications Coordinator, mweisbly@jacl.org

JACL Joins National Civil Rights

Organizations in 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington

MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2023 – will mark the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington, organized by A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin and featured Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. On Saturday, August 26, JACL will join the National Action Network who will be leading the anniversary march, with the theme titled, “Not a Commemoration, A Continuation”. This theme is an acknowledgment that the fight for civil rights today, as it was 60 years ago, is unabating, tenacious, and uninterrupted. From the Supreme Court’s dismantling of Affirmative Action to the book and curriculum erasure happening around the country, it is clear that there is still work to be done and the forces of White Supremacy continue to flourish and exert their hatred and bigotry.

In 1963, JACL leaders and members marched in solidarity, in recognition that the racism they faced was no different from that which formed the basis of segregation laws targeting African Americans. They wanted to ensure that the injustices that led to the mass incarceration of 125,000 people of Japanese ancestry in the United States never befell any other marginalized community. They also wanted to demonstrate that the Japanese American community also had a place in the growing civil rights movement. Engagement in the 1963 march would pave the way for JACL to take a leading role in issues such as the Loving v. Virginia Supreme Court case, and ultimately, empowering our community to achieve redress for WWII incarceration 35 years ago.

In this year’s coming march, we are honored to take part again and to share our voice and our community’s voice. While JACL was the only Asian American organization to formally join the 1963 march, this year we look forward to being joined by hundreds more of our partner Asian American organizations. JACL Executive Director, David Inoue will be one of several other Asian American voices speaking out on Saturday morning where he will highlight the unfinished work to achieve social and economic justice for all in this country.

We acknowledge, just as we did then, that there is much to be done. This Saturday is just one further step we take to ensure the dreams of 60 years ago become a reality.

ABOUT THE JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE

The Japanese American Citizens League is a national organization whose ongoing mission is to secure and maintain the civil rights of Japanese Americans and all others who are victimized by injustice and bigotry. The leaders and members of the JACL also work to promote cultural, educational, and social values and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American community.

Hawaii urges tourists to visit Maui amid rising unemployment after wildfires

Source: The Press Rundown

MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2023 – In the aftermath of the deadly wildfires in the western region of Maui, officials in Hawaii are urging tourists to visit the island to help support the local economy. While West Maui remains off-limits to visitors as search and recovery efforts continue, Governor Josh Green and the Hawaii Tourism Authority are encouraging tourists to visit other areas of Maui

Unemployment claims in Maui have surged from 130 to 4,449 in the wake of the fires, leading to furloughs and layoffs. Senator Brian Schatz emphasized that the entire island is not closed, and tourists should consider visiting South Maui, specifically Wailea or Kihei.

Governor Green assured the public that the affected area is confined to West Maui, and the rest of the island is safe. He urged tourists to come and support the local economy, emphasizing the need to speed up the recovery process for those affected.

The wildfires in Maui have resulted in significant economic losses, estimated to be between $4 billion and $6 billion. However, this figure only accounts for damage to physical infrastructure and does not consider the impact on Hawaii’s overall gross domestic product, government expenditures on the response, and social costs.

Moody’s, the financial services company, predicts that the rebuilding process will further add to the economic losses. Factors such as inflation, the high cost of labor in the construction industry, and the expensive goods related to Maui’s remote location are expected to contribute to the economic challenges faced by the island.

Despite the devastation caused by the fires, there have been heartwarming stories of support and assistance. Hawaiians sailing on a large catamaran have gathered supplies for the fire victims and delivered them to Lahaina neighborhoods, showcasing the community’s resilience and solidarity.

In conclusion, while the wildfires in West Maui have had a devastating impact on the local economy, officials are urging tourists to visit other areas of Maui to support the recovery efforts. The economic losses are estimated to be significant, and the rebuilding process is expected to be lengthy and costly. However, the spirit of community support and resilience shines through as Hawaiians come together to provide assistance to those in need.

The Press Rundown is daily rundowns for updates in top news, health, business, entertainment, coronavirus and more. Just the facts. No Opinions. No Bias.