National and International News  
| 16 September 2009 |
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Best scores in 2009 U.S. SAT exam go to Asian American students Asian American students achieved best scores in the 2009 U.S. SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) college entrance exam in mathematics and writing, according to a report by the U.S. College Board. In math, Asian American students scored an average of 587, 72 points, better than the general population of 515. In writing, they scored an average of 520, 27 points, higher than the general population of 493. White students scored best in critical reading with 528, 27 points, better than the general population of 501. Asian American students ranked the second with 516. According to the College Board officials, Asian American students appeared to do better at all income levels with a tendency to take more Advanced Placement and other rigorous courses. A record 1.53 million students took the exam in 2009 in the United States, the report said. The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard Asian Americans Say: “No Sale” After viewing a clip of the new movie, “The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard,” Karen Narasaki, president and executive director of the Asian American Justice Center, issued the following statement: “The use of harmful, racist slurs and treatment of hate crimes in the trailer for, ‘The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard,’ is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. The offensive scene revolves around a group beating of an Asian American man after the group is whipped into frenzy by the main character’s anti- ‘Jap’ rhetoric. Although billed as a satirical comedy, there is nothing funny about using slurs that simply reinforce negative stereotypes, nor in making light of violent hate crimes. Hate crimes are very real and have a devastating affect on our communities. Employing the use of racial slurs and hate-based violence for comic relief is unacceptable.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Asian American women more at risk for suicidal behavior According to new research from the University of Washington, U.S.-born Asian American women are particularly at risk for suicidal behavior. The study shows 15.9% of U.S.-born Asian- American women have contemplated suicide in their lifetime, exceeding national estimates of 13.5% for all Americans. Lifetime estimates of suicide attempts also were higher among Asian American women than the general population, 6.29% vs. 4.6%. *The percentage of Asian Americans who reported thinking about suicide increased the longer they lived in the U.S. *Young Asian Americans, between 18 and 34, had the highest estimates of thinking about (11.9%), planning (4.4%) and attempting suicide (3.8%) of any age group. *Asian Americans who were never married reported the highest lifetime estimates of thinking about (17.9%) planning (7.6%) and attempting (5%) suicide. *There were few major differences by ethnicity, although Chinese (10.9%) and Filipinos (9.76%) reported the highest rates of thinking about suicide. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First J-Pop building nationwide opens in San Francisco Nearly 30,000 Anime and J-Pop fans flooded Japantown on August 15th for the J-Pop Summit Festival, to kick off the grand opening of the New People building, the only venue in the U.S. devoted to Japanese popular culture. Guests dressed in stylish and vibrant anime and Harajuku outfits were greeted by Hello Kitty and the Asian Art Museum’s Samurai man. New People was created by VIZ Pictures President Seiji Horibuchi. The 20,000 square foot contemporary three-story building located at 1746 Post Street, showcases the latest films, art, and retail brands from Japan. The first floor houses figurines, toys, music, and books, the second floor features clothing and accessories, and the third floor, an art gallery. In the basement is a 143-seat underground cinema that will showcase the latest and hottest films from Japan, as well as an incredible legacy of classics, documentaries and anime–making it the only cinema of its kind in the U.S. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- China to launch nationwide organ donation system China’s Health Ministry said it is starting the government’s first nationwide organ donation system in an attempt to move away from the practice of harvesting organs from executed prisoners. According to China Daily, the program, which will be operated jointly with the Red Cross Society of China, will have a database in which people can stipulate that their organs be donated after death. The state-run newspaper said in the past 65% of organ donors were executed prisoners. Huang Jiefu, vice minister of health, was quoted as saying that prisoners “are definitely not a proper source for organ transplant.” China is believed to conduct more judicial executions than all other countries combined; Amnesty International put the 2008 tally at 1,718. Prisoners sentenced to death undergo extensive blood tests for matching with potential organ recipients and are given injections to inhibit blood clotting and other treatments to improve the chances of successful transplants. After execution, the bodies are usually stripped of corneas, livers, kidneys and other organs. 2,000-year-old skeleton found in Mongolia The National Museum of Korea has unearthed a 2,000- year-old skeleton of a Mongolian nomad at the Xiongnu Tombs of Duurlignars, about 500 kilometers northeast of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. The skeleton of a man was identified as mortal remains of the Xiongnu, a confederation of nomadic tribes in Central Asia, a finding that archeologists and historians could use to advance the studies about the ancient tribe. The site has a grouping of 198 ancient tombs that belong to the Xiongnu period, according to the preliminary survey conducted in 2002. This year, the archeologists discovered a number of artifacts such as bowls and a mirror at four different tombs at the excavation site. The skeleton, whose structure remains largely intact, was found in one of the tombs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Four Asian Women Crowned in U.N. International Pageant Asians took four of the crowns in the United Nation International pageants held July 25th at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica. In its 13th year, the pageant was a night of glamour and lively performances. Representing traditions from China to South Africa, women from different age groups and ethnicity competed in the ethnic costume, fitness, fashion, evening gown, platform and interview categories. Some of the results: Teen United Nation Int. – Regina Liang (China), Miss United Nation Int – Janet Cruz (The Phillipines), Ms United Nation Int. – Lucille Low (China), Mrs United Nation International – Dr. Toni Jay-du Preez (South Africa), Ms Elite United Nation International – Linda Andrews (US), Miss United Nation International Ambassador (People’s Choice) – JuJu Chan (China). The winning queen and ambassadors will be servicing their platform and carrying out their community service duties throughout their reigning year, to make a difference to the world and other people’s lives. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vietnam’s A/H1N1 flu cases rise to 2,142 In late August, Vietnam confirmed 69 more cases of A/H1N1 influenza, raising the total number of flu patients in the country to 2,142, said a report on the Vietnam’s Ministry of Health web site. Among the newly-reported cases, 55 were in the south, 12 in the north and two in the central highland provinces of Vietnam. Currently, 1,228 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals. The rest are being quarantined and treated. Vietnam has reported two deaths of the A/H1N1 flu since its outbreak. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harley-Davidson To Sell Motorcycles in India Harley-Davidson Inc., the largest U.S. motorcycle maker, plans to start sales in India from next year as it seeks growth in emerging markets to offset the decrease in domestic demand. Harley’s second-quarter U.S. sales fell 35 percent amid rising unemployment and a recession. The Milwaukee-based company, Harley, will import motorcycles, accessories and riding gear for sale in India. The company has set up an unit in Gurgaon, India near New Delhi. The company will initially set up dealerships in cities including Mumbai and New Delhi as it aims to tap demand from the affluent for its Fat Boy models and Cross Bones cruisers, which can cost more than $40,000 in the U.S. when customized. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In celebration of the 63rd Indian Independence Day, the India Association of Colorado (IAOC) hosted “Dances of India 2009” at Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver with nearly 900 in attendance on August 16th. IAOC President, Deepak Kaithakkapuzha welcomed attendees, followed by the “Lighting of the Lamp,” by Guest of Honor Hon’ble Consul General Mrs. Susmita Thomas. The traditional lighting of the lamp is symbolic of the kick-off for celebrations. Thomas also shared the inaugural address, noting the historical significance of Indian Independence Day and India’s continual growth and success in the global economy. Qwest Communications Vice President Sandeep Kulkarni also addressed the audience, in addition to the many cultural performances and Indian dinner. Volunteers from Tata consultancy services and Vibha Colorado helped in coordinating the event. For complete coverage of this event, please visit: www.desishades.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Denver establishes SIÉ CHÉOU-KANG Center The University of Denver and the Anna and John J. Sie Foundation on August 7th announced the establishment of the SIÉ CHÉOU-KANG Center for International Security and Diplomacy named in honor of John J. Sie’s father Ambassador Sié Chéou-Kang. Ambassador Sié Chéou-Kang was an extraordinary diplomat, educator, author and playwright, and spent much of his adult life in Europe forging relationships on behalf of China. The announcement took place in front of the new 5,460 square foot building that will house the SIÉ Center located next to Ben Cherrington Hall – home to the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. The Anna and John J. Sie Foundation’s $5 million commitment to the center will provide for the endowed Sié Chéou-Kang Chair and funds for the SIÉ Center building. The building has many Asian design elements, including a roof of blueglazed Asian tiles and a Japanese-style courtyard garden of rock forms focused on a magnolia tree. “I am so pleased to be able to name this center and this building after my father,” says John J. Sie. “He was truly a life-long diplomat who made it his mission to understand foreign cultures and to educate people about China. There is nothing so befitting than to create this center in his honor.” More than 200 people attended the announcement and ribbon cutting ceremony, including Denver Mayor John W. Hickenlooper, DU Chancellor Robert Coombe, the Consul General of Mexico honorable Eduardo Arnal, the honorable Consul of Costa Rica Tito Chaverri, Charlie Gallagher, Patricia Livingston and Norm Brownstein. For more information, contact: Chase Squires at 303.871.2660 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . |
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