News across the world has been solemn and unsettling lately. In Libya, what began as a civil uprising against a long-ruling dictator has escalated into a civil war, and much of the rest of the Middle East remains in violent incertitude. In the Ivory Coast, the possibility of wide-scale civil war looms as the country struggles to find political harmony. And, in Japan, as we … [Read more...] about The Japanese Scatological Sensibility: Making Sense of a Nuclear Situation
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Ring of Fire: 9.0 Earthquake danger in Vietnam, near China?
Growing up in Da Lat, Vietnam, there was a legend that Da Lat was built on top of an inactive volcano. Perhaps it was a story used to scare kids (though discovery of volcanic rocks near Da Lat indicates otherwise) but I was always weary of earthquake. This recent string of earthquakes, including yesterday's magnitude-6.9 quake in Yushu county, Qinghai, got me to look into the … [Read more...] about Ring of Fire: 9.0 Earthquake danger in Vietnam, near China?
Joe Jackson, father of Michael Jackson, invests in Vietnam’s “Happyland”
Some unexpected news out of “Happyland.” Joe Jackson, father of late pop legend Michael Jackson, recently announced that he has invested in a two billion dollar hotel-entertainment complex in Ben Luc District. The project, called “Happyland,” is set to open in 2014. According to Vietnam Net, “Happyland will boast many different constructions such as a theme park, resorts, … [Read more...] about Joe Jackson, father of Michael Jackson, invests in Vietnam’s “Happyland”
Breath of Asia: Music of Vietnam Set to Awe Audiences on a Journey Through Vietnamese Music
Folks in the Bay Area still pondering what to do this weekend might want to pop by the Smith Center at Ohlone College in Fremont for a live performance with Breath of Asia: Music of Vietnam (or just Breath of Asia for short). Declared the “first ensemble of its kind from Vietnam,” Breath of Asia interweaves traditional Vietnamese melodies with modern composition, drawing out … [Read more...] about Breath of Asia: Music of Vietnam Set to Awe Audiences on a Journey Through Vietnamese Music
First Vietnamese Congressman Joseph Cao Loses Seat in Congress
Yesterday, the Vietnamese American community suffered a step back in the political arena as Anh "Joseph" Cao, the first Vietnamese American in US Congress, lost his seat to Cedric Richmond in the 2nd Congressional District of Louisiana. At 9PM yesterday night, Cao delivered his concession speech to supporters and pledged for a smooth transition. In 2008, Cao had a surprising … [Read more...] about First Vietnamese Congressman Joseph Cao Loses Seat in Congress