Daily Dose: 08/21/08
August 21, 2008
» AsianWeek Market Report
» Louisiana Families Urge Governor Jindal to Renew Anti-Discrimination Order
» Asian Am. Civic Project Sends Campaign Fellows to Tackle APA Community Issues
» Twenty Outstanding Filipinos Abroad Award Ceremony to be Held in D.C.
» Indonesian American Community of Illinois Flag-Raising Ceremony
» Elaine L. Chao Named Head of Delegation to Olympics Closing Ceremony
» Toshio Ushino, Hokubei’s Marin Correspondent, Dies at 84
» Fall 2008 Citizenship Classes
» Filipina Singer to Perform
» Takei Donates ‘Wanna Bet’ Money to JANM
» Olympic Diver Ishimatsu Fails to Make Final Round
» Japanese Heritage Day With the A’s
» Volkswagon to Unveil Car Parking System in Singapore
» Intel, Yahoo To Build Web TV 2.0
» Hong Kong Raises Strong Wind Warning as Typhoon Nuri Approaches
» China Hopes to Attract More U.S. College Students
Compiled by Vicki Mac and Ivan Natividad
| AsianWeek Market Report | ||||
| Asian Stock Indexes | ||||
| NIKKEI 225 | Tokyo | 12,752.21 | -99.48 | -0.77% |
| HANG SENG | Hong Kong | 20,392.06 | -539.20 | -2.58% |
| KRX | Busan | 3,135.35 | -55.13 | -1.73% |
| SSE IX | Shanghai | 8,243.03 | -288.12 | -3.38% |
| BSE | Bombay | 14,243.73 | -434.50 | -2.96% |
| HOSE | Ho Chi Minh | 525.98 | 17.51 | 3.44% |
| SET | Bangkok | 676.53 | -13.52 | -1.96% |
| Asian American Market Report | ||||
| Yahoo! | YHOO | 19.12 | 0.01 | (0.05%) |
| Citigroup | C | 17.50 | 0.03 | (0.17%) |
| Amkor Technology, Inc | AMKR | 7.92 | 0.02 | (0.20%) |
| Sybase | SY | 34.20 | -0.49 | (1.41%) |
| UnionBancal Corp | UB | 73.35 | 0.01 | (0.01%) |
| East West Bank corp,Inc | EWBC | 12.01 | -0.39 | (-3.15%) |
NATION
Louisiana Families Urge Governor Jindal to Renew Anti-Discrimination Order
NEW ORLEANS — Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is urging Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal to rescind his pledge to allow a state anti-discrimination order to expire.
The order, originally signed into law by former Governor Kathleen Blanco, bars state agencies and contractors from harassment and discrimination on the basis race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation or disabilities.
Jindal has said he will refuse to renew the order, in part, out of fear that it would hinder faith-based organizations’ ability to contract with the state. Jindal, who has been mentioned as a possible vice presidential running mate for presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain, has wrongly insinuated that other state and federal laws would protect workers and contractors, saying that discrimination is prohibited under other statutes. No such laws, however, protect gay Louisiana workers from discrimination.
— MarketWatch
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Asian Am. Civic Project Sends Campaign Fellows to Tackle APA Community Issues
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Asian American Civic Project held its first APA Civic Empowerment Day at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters to encourage Asian American youth and college students to consider careers in progressive politics.
The event honored the Civic Project’s first class of Campaign Fellows—five Asian American recent college graduates who completed a week-long campaign management training with the Emily’s List Campaign School in Washington, D.C.
The fellows were placed through Election Day 2008 on campaigns important to the Asian Pacific American community across the country.
The Asian American Civic Project is a new political training and placement program for Asian American recent college graduates. It represents an innovative strategic partnership between APAP PAC, Emily’s List and Annie’s List of Texas. APAP PAC is a political action committee supporting the work of APA community leaders and progressive activists across the country.
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Twenty Outstanding Filipinos Abroad Award Ceremony to be Held in D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C — Twenty honorees are set to receive the coveted 2008 Twenty Outstanding Filipinos Abroad awards at its ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, at the J.W. Marriott Hotel of this city.
The 15th annual 3-day event starts on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, with an informal get-together for the 2008 awardees that will be followed by a VIP Luncheon at J.W. Marriott Hotel and a Courtesy Call Reception at the Philippine Embassy in the evening on Friday. The following Saturday morning, a VIP Photo Op at various historical monuments in the Nation’s Capital will take place.
On Saturday evening Sept. 13, the formal and prestigious gala Banquet and Ball Award Ceremony will celebrate all 2008 Awardees as the Special Guests of Honor. Guests wishing to attend any functions are asked to donate as an entrance fee. As a tradition since 1990, net proceeds to all the TOFA functions are donated to charitable Filipino organizations contributing to humanitarian projects in the Philippines.
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Indonesian American Community of Illinois Flag-Raising Ceremony
CHICAGO — On August 25 in downtown Chicago’s Richard J. Daley Plaza, a special flag-raising ceremony of the Indonesian Flag will be performed for just the second time in Chicago by the Indonesian American Community of Illinois.
In celebration of the 63rd Commemorative Indonesian Independence Day, the ceremony will include brief cultural performances featuring Indonesian traditions. It commemorates the end of three and a half centuries of Dutch colonialism, when Indonesia secured its independence after World War II.
Under Dutch rule, the “Red and White” flag was prohibited. It was adopted as the national flag at the Indonesian Independence Day ceremony. The red represents courage and bravery and the human’s body or physical life, while the white represents the human’s soul or spiritual life and purity. Together, they stand for a complete human being.
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Elaine L. Chao Named Head of Delegation to Olympics Closing Ceremony
Washington, D.C. — President George W. Bush announced that the Honorable Elaine L. Chao, secretary of labor, will now serve as Head of Delegation of the Presidential Delegation attending the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing on August 24.
Secretary Chao replaces Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, whose travel schedule has changed due to developing world events.
Chao currently serves as the 24th United States Secretary of Labor and is the first Chinese American—and the first Asian American woman—to be appointed to a president’s cabinet in American history.
A Harvard Business School and Mount Holyoke alumna, Chao emigrated with her parents from Taiwan at age eight. She is the recipient of 31 honorary doctoral degrees from academic institutions around the world.
BAY/CALIFORNIA
Toshio Ushino, Hokubei’s Marin Correspondent, Dies at 84
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — Toshio Ushino, who served for many years as the Hokubei
Mainichi’s Marin County correspondent, recently passed away at Smith Ranch
Care Center.
Ushino moved to Korea after graduating from middle school and was drafted into military service. On Aug. 6, 1945, at the age of 21, he witnessed the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. He was attending an army school in Eba, three kilometers from Ground Zero.
He worked for three years in the orchards of Fresno, then became a gardener in San Mateo. Six years after immigrating, he became a U.S. citizen and was joined by his family.
In addition to his work with the Hokubei Mainichi, Ushino was a board member
of the California Japanese Benevolent Society and an active member of Marin Buddhist Temple. Stricken with Parkinson’s disease, he spent his final years at home. He was 84.
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SUNNYVALE — Cupertino Adult and Community Education is offering two free evening citizenship classes. They are called ESL/Citizenship Preparation Class and Citizenship Preparation Class and for students with mid- to advanced-level English speakers respectively.
Students will learn about American history and government, fill out the N-400 application and practice for their oral interview. In addition, there will be several speakers who will talk about the naturalization process, local government and voting.
Classes August 25 to October 22 are as follows:
ESL—Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30—9:30 p.m., Fremont High School, Room 83
No ESL—Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m, Fremont High School, Room 82
There are also two Saturday morning ESL/Citizenship classes September 6—October 25 (no class on September 13 and 20):
Beginning level: 9:00 a.m.—11:00 p.m
Intermediate level: 11:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m at Templo el Monte Horeb (in room 1 on the second floor), 455 E. Maude Avenue, Sunnyvale.
Students can register in class and after classes already have started. For more information, please call (408) 522-2703.
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT
RENO, Nev. — On August 30 at the Grand Theater of the Grand Sierra Resort Casino in Reno, Nev., Los Anegeles-based Filipina singer Ciamara will perform as she joins the four veteran performers Rico J. Puno, Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera, and Marco Sison, collectively known as The Greatest Hitmakers.
Ciamara has released her first single “Too Good For U” under a label she formed, Bad Girl Entertainment. The single, which is now available in all digital sites like iTunes, offers a wicked mix of sweet melodies and a slamming beat, bound to solidify her as a music mainstay.
The Grand Sierra Resort Casino is promoting the show in association with Alas Door to Door Cargo, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Headlines, Philippine Fiesta, ABS CBN Global and Xoom Money Remittance. For more information call: 1-800-648-3568. Tickets are available at the leading Filipino stores in your area.
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Takei Donates ‘Wanna Bet’ Money to JANM
LOS ANGELES — Actor George Takei, chairman emeritus of the Board of Trustees for the Japanese American National Museum, recently appeared on the ABC TV show Wanna Bet? and won over $100,000 for his favorite non-profit organization—Japanese American National Museum.
Hosted by British comedy sensations Ant and Dec, the show asks four celebrities to bet on whether an unusual feat can be done or not. They begin with $25,000, and the celebrity with the most money at the end contributes it to his or her favorite charity.
The Star Trek star had won $53,100 by the last round. His final total in winnings totaled $106,150.
Takei had a recurring role on the popular NBC series Heroes and is often heard as the announcer for Howard Stern’s radio show.
SPORTS
Olympic Diver Ishimatsu Fails to Make Final Round
BEIJING — Fifteen-year-old Haley Ishimatsu finished in 14th place, two spots out of contention for the final round.
What this means is that, according to popular world opinion as we currently determine it, 15-year-old Haley Ishimatsu is the 14th best amateur women’s diver in her event.
This also means that 15-year-old Haley Ishimatsu did not get to go on to the finals in her event, the finals of a competition popularly considered as the pinnacle of her sport, a sport to which she has most likely devoted the majority of the waking hours of all of her teenage years.
When an AP reporter interviewed Haley after the semi-finals, she visibly teared up. The athlete who had been trained to exhibit grace under pressure continued to answer the questions as they were posed.
— BC Beat
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Japanese Heritage Day With the A’s
OAKLAND, Calif. — Japanese Heritage Day with the Oakland Athletics will take place
on Saturday, Sept. 20, at McAfee Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way.
The game against the Seattle Mariners will start at 1:05 p.m.
The on-field pre-game program will include taiko drummers and the 2008
Northern California Cherry Blossom Queen.
For each ticket sold, $6 will benefit the Japanese American community, youth
baseball, Bay Area parks and education.
Tickets are $30 plus a $5 handling fee. Send orders by Sept. 12 to
Oakland A’s, Attn: Japanese Heritage Day
P.O. Box 2220
Oakland, CA 94621
or fax to (510) 563-2398.
Include address, phone number, e-mail address, credit card type and number and specify whether tickets are to be left at will call.
For more information, call (510) 638-GOAs (4627) or pchapaman@oaklandathletics.com.
COMMERCE
Volkswagon to Unveil Car Parking System in Singapore
SINGAPORE — Volkswagen is bringing its Tiguan to Singapore roads, joining the rarified car brands here, like Toyota Estima Aeras, in offering an intelligent parking system.
Volkswagen’s 2-liter SUV will launch in early September in the Republic of Singapore, with an auto-parking feature. The car only parallel parks, and it isn’t quite fully automatic.
The driver still has to control the accelerator pedal, brake and clutch while the Tiguan steers into a pre-measured space under sensor control. As a safety feature, the moment the driver manually intervenes in the steering process, the Park Assist function is deactivated. The Parking Assist Feature will most assuredly park the car, but it won’t brake for any moving obstacle getting in its way.
The Volkswagon SUV has been compared to the Toyota Estima Aeras, which also contains an auto-parking feature.
— CNETNews.com
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Intel, Yahoo To Build Web TV 2.0
SAN FRANCISCO — Eric Kim, general manager of Santa Clara, Calif.-based Intel’s Digital Home Group, announced a collaboration with Yahoo VP of ConnectedTV Patrick Barry during Kim’s keynote on digital home integration at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco.
The pair gave a quick demo of the Widget Channel at work on a home entertainment center powered by CE 3100-based devices.
Yahoo’s Widget Engine is a fifth-generation platform for delivering simple, small-scale Web. Yahoo, also based in Santa Clara, Calif., expects a fast ramp of new applications by the software developer community as the engine gains traction, he said.
“As we look at the emerging world of connected TV, we’re excited,” Kim said. “Users always want to improve the richness of their TV experience. After the flat panel explosion, we think bringing the Internet to TV is next step in the evolution of that experience.”
GLOBAL
Hong Kong Raises Strong Wind Warning as Typhoon Nuri Approaches
HONG KONG — Strong Wind Signal No. 3 was raised as Typhoon Nuri approached the city of Hong Kong after leaving at least seven people dead in the Philippines.
The eye of Nuri was 300 kilometers southeast of Hong Kong at 9 p.m. local time, the Hong Kong Observatory said after raising its signal from No. 1. Hong Kong’s government urged all small boats and fishing vessels to return to land as soon as possible and for residents in the city to stay away from the shoreline and out of the water and to ensure windows and doors are secure and drains and gutters are clear.
Hong Kong is frequently hit by typhoons and tropical storms during the northern hemisphere’s summer. The storm recently left seven dead, including three children, in the Philippines.
— Bloomberg.com
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China Hopes to Attract More U.S. College Students
BEIJING — China is hoping that American college students watching the Summer Olympics will want to travel there, providing a bump similar to what Australia and Greece enjoyed in 2000 and 2004.
But even before the 2008 Games, China was already on its way as the hot new destination for study abroad. There are almost certainly at least 10,000 U.S. students now enrolled annually in programs in China, up fivefold from a decade ago.
China is the seventh most popular destination for U.S. students, according to the Institute of International Education. But it’s growing so quickly that, if trends continue, it will soon pass countries like Britain, Spain and Italy and become the most popular.
China’s particular popularity has a range of explanations. It’s cheaper than Europe, whose currencies have pummeled the U.S. dollar. There’s a supply of American-trained Chinese academics who help bridge the language and culture gap.
— Associated Press
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