Daily Dose: 11/19/08

November 19, 2008

» AsianWeek Market Report
» Warm Fil-Am Hospitality Welcomes Philippine Consular Mission
» SU Takes Steps Toward Asian Studies Minor
» JACL Supports Invalidation of Prop 8
» Mayor Dellum Accepts Nominations for 2009 Women of Greatness Awards
» Grateful Crane Ensemble New CD
» Anime Expo and MTV Cast for True Life
» Japanese Schoolgirl Drafted by Pro Team
» Seattle Mariners Name Don Wakamatsu as Manager
» iO TV Launches Bollywood Hits on Demand
» Presentation at SF International Auto Show, for Asians and by Asians
» BBC Fire Presenter Sam Mason After She Demands Non-Asian Taxi Driver
» Thousands Evacuate as Vietnam Braces for Storm

Compiled by Sye-Ok Sato and Josh Laddin

AsianWeek Market Report

AsianWeek Market Report
Asian Stock Indexes
NIKKEI 225	Tokyo	8,273.22	-55.19	-0.66%
HANG SENG	Hong Kong	12.815.80	-100.09	-0.77%
KRX	Busan	2,151.04	-40.78	-1.86%
SSE IX	Shanghai	6,679.94	386.64	6.14%
BSE	Bombay	8.773.78	-163.42	-1.83%
HOSE	Ho Chi Minh	336.89	-3.80	-1.12%
SET	Bangkok	282.99	-8.94	-3.06%
Asian American Market Report
Yahoo!	YHOO	9.48	-2.07	(-19.32%)
Citigroup	C	7.20	-1.16	(-13.88%)
Amkor Technology, Inc	AMKR	2.30	-0.25	(-9.80%)
Sybase	SY	24.04	-1.08	(-4.30%)
East West Bank corp,Inc	EWBC	13.87	-0.89	(-6.03%)

NATION

Warm Fil-Am Hospitality Welcomes Philippine Consular Mission

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - More than the convenience and ease of getting the services one needs from the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco, Filipino Americans in Colorado and nearby areas eagerly participated in the consular outreach mission held at the Town Fiesta Restaurant, a local Filipino place, in Colorado Springs from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3.

This is part of the regular program of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco where consulate officials travel to the different cities within the 10 northwestern states under its jurisdiction to conduct and offer consular services, such as renewal of Philippine passports, legalization of documents, report of life events, applications for dual citizenship and conducting the oath-taking ceremony for new dual citizens.

This is the second visit conducted this year to Colorado by the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco. The three-member consulate team to Colorado Springs, headed by Consul Wilfredo Santos and accompanied by Mr. Cesar Cruz and Mr. John Jiao, accepted passport applications and processed requests for legal documentations and dual-citizenship requirements.

. . . . . . . . . .

SU Takes Steps Toward Asian Studies Minor

Andrea Wangsanata didn’t learn much about her heritage as a child. Her mother worked a lot, and she remained in the dark about her ancestors from China, Indonesia and the Philippines. When she arrived at Syracuse University, Wangsanata found a misunderstanding of Asian Americans and Asian culture.

“There’s constant questioning of ‘you can’t be American because you’re Asian,’ ” said Wangsanata, a sophomore public relations and political science major.

She joined a campaign to start an Asian and Asian American studies program at SU. Students have been pushing for this for more than 10 years, Wangsanata said. She’s now the student chairwoman of a committee set up to make the program a reality.

The committee, set up last semester, has gained faculty support and created an official name for the proposal: Transnational Asian Studies Program. While the program isn’t official yet, two new Asia-focused courses are being piloted this semester.

- The Daily Orange

BAY/CALIFORNIA

JACL Supports Invalidation of Prop 8

SAN FRANCISCO - The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) has joined the Anti-Defamation League, the Asian Law Caucus, Bet Tzedek Legal Services and Public Counsel in submitting an amicus brief (friend of the court brief) in support of the Petition for Writ of Mandate in the case of Strauss, et al. v. Horton, et al. The Writ requests that the California Supreme Court issue an order invalidating Proposition 8 in its entirety. Proposition 8 was passed by the voters on Nov. 4.

“The JACL supports the invalidation of Proposition 8 because it effectively eliminates the protections of the state’s Equal Protection Clause for same-sex couples with regard to their fundamental right to marry,” said National President Larry Oda. “The JACL was among the first civil rights organizations in the nation to support marriage equality. We believe Proposition 8 sets a dangerous precedent by taking away from citizens the rights that have already been granted.”

In the past, JACL has been a strong supporter of marriage equality. In 1967, the JACL was an amici to the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Loving v. Virginia, the seminal case that struck down anti-miscegenation in 17 states.

. . . . . . . . . .

Mayor Dellum Accepts Nominations for 2009 Women of Greatness Awards

OAKLAND, Calif. - Mayor Ron Dellums today announced that nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 Women of Greatness recognition awards. Mayor Dellums will present awards at a ceremony during the Model City Summit on Women held on February 17, 2009, at the Oakland Marriott City Center.

“The first Annual Women of Greatness Awards are established to recognize individual women for their exceptional contributions within the Bay Area region,” said Mayor Dellums. “Historically, the women of Oakland and the greater Bay Area have been great contributors to our society and it gives us great pleasure to present this award to honor the women that impact our lives on a daily basis.”

Summit Co-Chairs Mayor Dellums, First Lady Cynthia Dellums and the 2009 Women of Greatness Nomination Committee will select up to 10 women to be awarded this honor. The inaugural Summit on Women in February will feature unique workshops, a corporate luncheon, a Women’s Village Marketplace and special guest speakers to enlighten, empower and engage women and families of Oakland and the greater Bay Area.

ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

Grateful Crane Ensemble New CD

LOS ANGELES - The Grateful Crane Ensemble has announced the completion of the Nihonmachi: The Place to Be original cast album CD featuring all 19 songs from the popular touring musical show about California’s historic Japantowns.

Since its world premiere in 2006, Nihonmachi has played to thousands of people across California, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Jose, Long Beach and Torrance, as well as Salt Lake City, Utah.

Written by Soji Kashiwagi and directed by Darrell Kunitomi with musical direction by Scott Nagatani, the show takes its audience on a musical journey back some 100 years to Japantown, the way it used to be. Told through the eyes of three generations of a local manju-making family, Nihonmachi reminds Japanese Americans of their roots and encourages the preservation of Japantowns for future generations.

“We’re very happy to announce the completion of our Nihonmachi CD,” said playwright Kashiwagi. “Just in time for the holidays, the music and memories of Japantown will make great gifts.”

CDs are available for sale at $23 each (includes tax, postage and handling). To order CDs, call the Grateful Crane hotline at (323) 769-5503 or obtain an order form from the Grateful Crane website at gratefulcrane.com.

- Hokubei Mainichi

. . . . . . . . . .

Anime Expo and MTV Cast for True Life

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Obsessed with comic books, anime, fantasy or manga? Obsessed with cosplaying and attending anime conventions? Do your friends consider you a fanboy/fangirl? Have you ever missed work, school or other important events to engage in role-playing or cosplay? Are you misunderstood by your family or significant other because of your loyal fandom? Anime Expo 2009 and MTV Network’s True Life series wants to hear your story and are looking to cast three (3) individuals for an upcoming show. More information can be found on the website anime-expo.org.

Individuals must appear to be between the ages of 16 and 28 and must identify as a fanboy/fangirl. Interested applicants can click on the True Life link on the Anime Expo website.

True Life is a documentary series that’s been on MTV for more than 10 years. It chronicles the stories of young people in all kinds of situations, from global and political issues like war and natural disaster to issues of personal struggle like mental illness and family matters.

Located in Los Angeles, Anime Expo, the nation’s largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business.

SPORTS

Japanese Schoolgirl Drafted by Pro Team

TOKYO, Japan - A 16-year-old schoolgirl is making a pitch to become the first woman to play professional baseball in Japan.

High school student Eri Yoshida was drafted by the Kobe 9 Cruise, a professional team in a new independent Japanese league that starts its first season in April.

“I always dreamed of becoming a professional,” Yoshida said at a news conference Monday. “I have only just been picked by the team and haven’t achieved anything yet.”

Yoshida, a right-hander who is 5 feet and 114 pounds, throws a sidearm knuckleball and wants to emulate Boston Red Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield.

Yoshida threw a hitless inning against male batters during a tryout this month and was among 33 players picked in the draft.

- AP

. . . . . . . . . .

Seattle Mariners Name Don Wakamatsu as Manager

SEATTLE - Don Wakamatsu has been officially named the new manager of the Seattle Mariners, becoming the first Asian American field boss in Major League Baseball history.

Wakamatsu’s hiring was announced by the team this morning. An introductory news conference was scheduled for later in the day. Wakamatsu will be the 14th manager in Mariners history. He spent last season as the bench coach for the Oakland Athletics. Before that, he spent five seasons with the Texas Rangers.

The 45-year-old was among a field of seven candidates interviewed by Mariners’ general manager Jack Zdurencik. None of the seven had previous major league managerial experience. Wakamatsu, a former catcher, spent his entire playing career in the minors. His final season in the minors in 1996 was spent in the Mariners organization as a player-coach with Double-A Port City.

- AP

COMMERCE

iO TV Launches Bollywood Hits on Demand

Cablevision Systems Corp. announced the launch of Bollywood Hits On Demand as the company’s first international subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service for iO TV digital cable customers.

Bollywood Hits On Demand, available through the iO user interface or on Channel 241, gives cable customers unlimited access to a variety of South Asian films and music videos and includes the ability to pause, fast-forward or rewind.  Bollywood Hits On Demand features more than 25 movies each month, including both classics and recent blockbusters. In addition, more than 50 Bollywood music videos are available each month. In November highlight films on Bollywood Hits On Demand will include the recent blockbuster Drona, direct from its U.S. theatrical release and C Kkompany, along with all-time favorites from Devdas to Mr. India.

“Cablevision is pleased to offer Bollywood Hits On Demand as its inaugural international subscription video on demand channel. It is a valuable enhancement to the broad array of programming we offer to our international customers,” said John Trierweiler, Cablevision’s senior vice president of product management.

“The addition of such unique programming further demonstrates Cablevision’s leadership position in the delivery of culturally rich programming to our diverse customer base. We are thrilled that our content is now available to millions of new customers via Cablevision, the top cable system in the United States,” said Ken Naz, president, North America, Eros International. “With Bollywood Hits On Demand, Cablevision customers in the Tri-State area now have unlimited access to watch their favorite Eros movies and music videos anytime they want, all available at the touch of a button.”

. . . . . . . . . . .

Presentation at SF International Auto Show, for Asians and by Asians

SAN FRANCISCO - AsianWeek, the largest and longest-operating established news outlet covering Asian Pacific America, partnered with OnWheels Media, the nation’s first consumer automotive online media to target minorities, to create a special automotive supplement for Asians by Asians. It recognizes the contributions of Asian Americans in the automotive world, both as primary consumers and industry newsmakers. It will be presented at a special VIP reception during the San Francisco International Auto Show this weekend.

Presented by Albany Subaru, the special supplement is the first to cover the auto show from the Asian perspective. In the supplement, Asians on Wheels Editor Jeff Yip will highlight many of the new autos for 2009, look at the most popular cars with Asians today, offer buying tips and profile the work of a leading Asian automotive designer.

“Asian Americans are the most affluent group in America,” said AsianWeek President James Fang. “The buying power of these well-educated, brand-conscious consumers is forecast to hit $670 billion by 2012. AsianWeek readers are early adopters of new car technologies and models. We’re proud to be the first in presenting this exciting information.”

GLOBAL

BBC Fire Presenter Sam Mason After She Demands Non-Asian Taxi Driver

A BBC radio presenter was fired after making “completely unacceptable” comments about Asian taxi drivers. Sam Mason, 40, asked a Bristol cab firm not to send an Asian driver to pick up her daughter because “a guy with a turban on is going to freak her out.”

The phone operator recorded the conversation and passed a copy of it to The Sun.

The conversation of the transcript can be found on The Sun website.
Mason: “I know this sounds really racist, but I’m not being - please, don’t send anyone like, you know what I mean. An English person would be great, a female would be better.”

Operator: “We would class that as being racist. We can’t penalize the Asian drivers and just send an English one.”

After asking the woman on the phone to pass the call on to a supervisor, she finally adds: “I work at the BBC. I’m far from racist and that uneducated woman has no right to call me one.”

“I don’t want her to turn up with a guy with a turban on, it’s going to freak her out. She’s not used to Asians.”

Today, the BBC confirmed it had fired Mason but would not say which taxi firm made the complaint. A spokesman said: “Although Sam Mason’s remarks were not made on-air, her comments were completely unacceptable and, for that reason, she has been informed that she will no longer be working for the BBC with immediate effect.”

- The Times

. . . . . . . . . . .

Thousands Evacuate as Vietnam Braces for Storm

HANOI, Vietnam - Vietnam called its fishermen ashore and began evacuating 80,000 people from high-risk areas as a tropical storm churned toward the country’s southern coast. Weather forecasters said Tropical Storm Noul, packing winds of 74 kilometers (46 miles) per hour, was expected to make landfall between the provinces of Ninh Thuan and Khanh Hoa.

Hanoi officials urged provincial authorities to take urgent measures to minimize damages and said nearly 80,000 people needed to be evacuated, according to the government Web site.

In Khanh Hoa, emergency workers had begun evacuating thousands of residents from coastal areas to higher ground, said provincial disaster official Nguyen Xuan Quang. About 2,000 residents on an island off the coast of the southern commercial center of Ho Chi Minh City were being evacuated, said Vice Agriculture Minister Dao Xuan Hoc.

Weather forecasters initially predicted that the storm would hit Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city, and then cut across the vast Mekong River Delta. That region is especially vulnerable to storm damage, with its dense population and makeshift houses. Vietnam is prone to floods, which kill hundreds each year.

Daily Dose: 11/19/08

Comments