Covering The Multicultural Asian American Community in Georgia
www.gasiantimes.com November 1-15, 2016
20th Anniversary American Korean Friendship Society
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November 1-15, 2016 Georgia Asian Times
Georgia Asian Times November 1-15, 2016
Publisher: Li Wong Account Manager: Adrian West Contributors: Andrian Putra, May Lee, Mark Ho Photographer: Ben Hioe
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All Rights Reserved: including those to reproduce this printing or parts thereof in any form without permission in writing from Georgia Asian Times. Established in 2004, the Georgia Asian Times is published by Asiamax Inc. All facts, opinions, and statements appearing within this publication are those of writers and editors themseleves, and are in no way to be construed as statements, positions, endorsements by Georgia Asian Times or its officers. Georgia Asian Times assumes no responsibility for damages from the use of information contained in this publication or the reply to any advertisement. The Publisher will not be liable for any error in advertising to greater extent than the cost of space occupied by the error and will only be made for a single publication date. The Publisher reserves the right to reject any ad or articles submitted for publication that may not be in good taste for a free publication.
GAT Calendar of Events GAT welcome submission of announcement pertaining to community related events. Please email event, date, venue, and time to gat@gasiantimes.com. GAT does not guarantee insertion of event announcement and has the right to deny any posting.
20th Annual Italian Car Day Organized by City of Norcross Date: Saturday, Nov 5, 2016 Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Venue: Lillian Web Park, Norcross For more info: www.aplacetoimagine. com Laotian American Society (LAS) Annual Gala Date: Dec 10, 2016 Time: 5:00 pm - 12:00 midnight Venue: Signature Ballroom, 80 Horizon Drive, Suwanee GA 30024 Admission: $65 adult / $650 table For more info: www.lasga.org
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November 1-15, 2016 Georgia Asian Times
METRO ASIAN NEWS cancer at the age of 86. In May 2016, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus held a press conference, organized by the Council of Korean Americans, to call on President Barack Obama to posthumously award Kim the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Mr. Sam Yoon, President, Council of Korean Americans will receive the award as beneficiary.
American Korean Friendship Society celebrating its 20th anniversary, announces 2016 New American Hero Award honorees Atlanta, Oct 28, 2016 — The American Korean Friendship Society (AKFS) celebrates its 20th anniversary and to present its New American Hero Awards to the late Colonel Young-Oak Kim, US Army, and Dr. Peter Rhee. “The New American Hero Award is to honor Americans of Korean ancestry who have made significant and noteworthy contributions to the United States and its communities. The AKFS seeks to recognize Korean immigrants and their descendants for their contributions to their adopted nation and to their new neighbors,” said Sunny K. Park, President of American Korean Friendship Society. This year’s award honorees were presented with a $10,000 cash award. The awards gala was held at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel, 2450 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA. “For the past 20 years, AKFS has been honoring these deserving individuals for their sacrifices. We hope
that they can be role models for the future generation,” adds Park. AKFS officially announced its 2016 award honorees as follows: U. S. Army Colonel Young-Oak Kim (1919 – December 29, 2005), a highly decorated U.S. Army combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War and a civic leader and humanitarian. He was a member of the U.S. 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and a combat leader in Italy and France during World War II. He was awarded 19 medals, including the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Medal of Military Valor, a Légion d’honneur, a Croix de guerre, and (posthumously) the Korean Taeguk Cordon of the Order of Military Merit. After his military career, Kim dedicated his life to public service and was an active founder and leader of several non-profit organizations for underserved communities throughout Southern California. He died of
Dr. Peter Rhee, Chief of Acute Care Surgery and Medical Director of the Marcus Trauma Center, is an American surgeon, medical professor, and military veteran. During his 24 years in the United States Navy, Rhee served as a battlefield casualty physician in Afghanistan and Iraq. As of June 2016, Dr. Rhee has been Grady Memorial Hospital’s new Chief of Acute Care Surgery and Medical Director of the Marcus Trauma Center. Dr. Rhee comes to Grady from the University of Arizona where he served as Chief of Trauma, Critical Care, Burn and Emergency Surgery and was a professor of surgery. In January 2011, Rhee was the attending physician to U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, as well as other victims of the 2011 Tucson shooting. A 1983 summa cum laude graduate of Georgia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Health System Engineering, Rhee received his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland. “To be able to recognize these “new” Americans for their extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to the US is our honor,” said Frank Blake, Chair of the Society. Past recipients are Dr. Tom Kim of Knoxville, TN, who founded and operates the Free Clinic for Working Poor for the last 20 plus years; US Army Major John Oh, medical doctor of the US Army, for his heroic service including removing a live RPG from a wounded soldier serving in the war fields in Afghanistan; Dr. Sammy Lee of Los Angeles, CA, the first Asian American Olympics gold medalist in flat diving in the 1948 and 1952
Olympics. Most recently, the award was presented to the father of the late James Suh, who was part of a dedicated Naval Special Warfare team fighting the Taliban. Suh was one of 16 troops killed when his helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan, on a daring daylight mission to reinforce an outnumbered four-man SEAL reconnaissance squad in 8,000-foot mountainous terrain. The award was also recently presented to Retired Captain Jason Pak, who, in October 2012, was deployed to Panjwai, Afghanistan, and was seriously wounded by an IED while leading a patrol on foot, losing both of his legs and two fingers. Korean Americans are Americans of Korean descent, mostly from South Korea, with a small minority from North Korea. The Korean American community comprises about 0.6% of the United States population, or about 1.7 million people, and is the fifth largest Asian-American subgroup. The U.S. is home to the second largest Korean diaspora community in the world after the People’s Republic of China. The Korean American community has become an integral part of the United States, with Korean Americans being one of the highest-income, best-educated and fastest-growing ethnic groups in the country. According to a comprehensive new, nationwide survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, Korean Americans are generally more satisfied than the general public with their lives, finances and the direction of the country; and they historically have placed great value on family, marriage, parenthood, industriousness and career success. The American Korean Friendship Society was founded in 1996 to help promote and strengthen the unique relationship between the people of the Republic of Korea and the United States of America. Past AKFS Chairs have included (titles are current at the time) Dr. William Chace, President, Emory University; Dr. Wayne Clough, President, Georgia Institute of Technology; Dr. Betty Siegel, President, Kennesaw State University; and Retired US Army General Larry Ellis.
Georgia Asian Times
November 1-15, 2016
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Introducing a Few National Heroes! These Americans of Korean ancestry serviced our adopted nation, the U. S. significantly and made all Americans proud. The Korean American Friendship Society identified a few patriotic Americans of Korean ancestry for their contribution to the United States of America. The New American Hero Award was created to recognize individuals who set the example through patriotism and has improved the perception of the Korean American community as being an integral part of our Nation. Each year, the Award and $10,000.00 is presented to an Asian-American of who made significant contributions to the United States. The objective of the award is to announce patriotic deeds by immigrants to America; to inspire and encourage fellow citizens to serve and make contributions that will ultimately benefit and serve the needs of this Nation. Please join us as we celebrate the contributions of these proud patriotic Americans! 2016 New American Hero Award Winner 2016년 이민자 영웅상 수상자 1
US. Army Colonel Young-Oak Kim (1919 – December 29, 2005), a highly decorated U.S. Army combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War and a civic leader and humanitarian. He was a member of the U.S. 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and a combat leader in Italy and France during World War II. Please check USKorea.org for details.
2016 New American Hero Award Winner 2016년 이민자 영웅상 수상자 2
Dr. Peter Meong Rhee, Chief of Acute Care Surgery and Medical Director of the Marcus Trauma Center, is an American surgeon, medical professor, and military veteran. During his 24 years in the United States Navy, Rhee served as a battlefield casualty physician in Afghanistan and Iraq. Please check USKorea.org for details.
Thanks to our Sponsors
Past recipients of New American Hero Award
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Blake, Chair, Grady Memorial Hospital Mr. Jay Eun and Stella Eun, Owners, Golden Stella Goldenstella.com 250 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 525-4324
Dr. Tom Kim, Free Medical Clinic of America, Knoxville, TN
Lt Colonel John Oh, US Army Surgeon, Germany
Dr. Sammy Lee, U. S. Gold Medalist, Twice, Los Angeles, CA
Sgt. James Suh, U. S. Navy Seal (1977-2005) Oakland, CA
Captain (R) Jason Pak, Washington, DC
American Korean Friendship Society is nonprofit, non-political organization by IRS Code 501(c)(3) 3835 Presidential Parkway, Suite 111, Atlanta, GA 30340 Please visit USKorea.org for more information on us
신속한 융자, 예금등 은행 업무는 브랜드 은행의 선임 부사장 에릭 라우손 을 찾으세요. Sr. Vice President, 6224 Sugarloaf Pkwy. Suite 350| Duluth, GA 30097 전화: 678.226.7882 애틀랜타 노스 피부과Atlanta North Dermatology, Dr. Ellen Koo 100 Stoneforest Drive, 320, Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 516-5199 VetConnexx, LLC., General and Mrs. Larry Ellis General Building Maintenance, Inc., Mr. and Mrs. Sunny Park
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November 1-15, 2016 Georgia Asian Times
FEATURE
UK court says parliament must have Brexit say, dealing blow to government London, November 3, 2016 — England’s High Court ruled on Thursday that the British government requires parliamentary approval to trigger the process of exiting the European Union, upsetting Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit plans. The government said it would appeal against the decision and a spokeswoman for May said the prime minister would press ahead with the planned timetable of launching talks on the terms of Brexit by the end of March.
Brexit altogether. But few people expect that outcome, given that the British people voted by 52 to 48 percent to leave the EU in a referendum in June. However, the ruling makes the already daunting task of taking Britain out of a club it joined 43 years ago even more complex. It also puts at risk May’s March deadline triggering Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty, the formal step needed to start the process of exiting the bloc.
The pound rose on the court’s ruling, hitting a three-week high against the dollar. Many investors took the view that lawmakers would temper the government’s policies and make an economically disruptive “hard Brexit” less likely.
“The government is disappointed by the court’s judgment,” trade minister Liam Fox told parliament. “The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by acts of parliament. The government is determined to respect the result of the referendum.”
“The most fundamental rule of the UK’s constitution is that parliament is sovereign and can make and unmake any law it chooses,” said Lord Chief Justice John Thomas, England’s most senior judge.
Making clear the government planned to stick to its timetable, the spokeswoman for May said: “Our plan remains to invoke Article 50 by the end of March, we believe the legal timetable should allow for that.”
Thomas and two other senior judges did not spell out what action the government needed to take. They also did not say whether it would need to pass a new law to trigger the divorce proceedings, which could face opposition and amendments from both houses of parliament, particularly the House of Lords, the unelected upper chamber.
“HARD BREXIT” NOW LESS LIKELY?
In theory, parliament could block
The court ruled that the government could not trigger Article 50 without approval from parliament. “The court does not accept the argument put forward by the government,” Thomas said. “We decide that the government does not have power ... to
give notice pursuant to Article 50 for the UK to withdraw from the European Union.” The judges granted the government permission to appeal to the Supreme Court, Britain’s highest judicial body, which has set aside Dec. 5-8 to deal with the matter. Investment manager Gina Miller, the lead claimant in the legal challenge, said the case was about “process, not politics” and rejected accusations of trying to usurp the will of the people. “One of the big arguments (in the referendum) was parliamentary sovereignty,” she told reporters. “So you can’t on the day you get back sovereignty decide you’re going to sidestep or throw it away.” Lawmakers largely voted to remain in the EU in the June referendum. Many investors believe greater parliamentary involvement in the process would therefore reduce the influence of ministers in May’s government who are strongly pro-Brexit.
This could reduce the likelihood of a “hard Brexit”, a scenario in which Britain prioritizes tight controls on immigration over remaining in the European single market. Nigel Farage, head of the anti-EU party UKIP, said on Twitter that he feared the ruling could turn into an attempt to scupper Brexit altogether. “I worry that a betrayal may be near at hand,” he said. “I now fear every attempt will be made to block or delay triggering Article 50. They have no idea (of the) level of public anger they will provoke.” - Reuters (Additional reporting by Andy Bruce, Kylie Maclellan, Sarah Young and Costas Pitas, writing by Estelle Shirbon, editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Timothy Heritage)
Georgia Asian Times November 1-15, 2016
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BUSINESS
An entrepreneur with unique vision for growth Meet owner Eddie Li of Taki and Fumi Hibachi Sushi & Bar
Fumi Hibachi, Sushi & Bar officially opens its door near Gwinnett Place Mall in May 2016. This is the fifth and latest restaurant venture by Eddie Li, an entrepreneur who earned his reputation in the food and beverage business in Hiram, Macon, Atlanta, and Dacula. Li makes his mark with Taki, his first Japanese steak house restaurant in Hiram back in 2004. Since then, he has successfully operated three other Japanese steak house restaurants in Georgia. “My reason for choosing this location is due to the explosive population growth in the Gwinnett area and it is closed to the busy I-85 highway,” explains Li on his decision to locate in Duluth. “Furthermore, there isn’t any descent hibachi restaurant in the vicinity,” adds Li with a smile. Fumi is located near Pleasant Hill
Road corridor where there are many successful restaurants such as Breakers, Iron Age, and Stone Age - where Korean BBQ rules in the area. “I am confident that our concept of unique interior design, quality of service, and tasty food will win over many customers. I believe today’s customers are looking for a unique dining experience,” said Li. Li hires a well known interior designer and restaurant architect to design the restaurant. It took eight months from initial concept design to final construction build up. The restaurant has a modern contemporary feel with unique Asian decorated aesthetics such as calligraphy and vases. It also feature a full bar serving beer, wines, mixed alcohol, and sakes from variety of breweries. A comfortable outdoor sitting area is also available for customers who wish to enjoy the beautiful outdoor weather.
Since its initial soft opening the past summer, Fumi Hibachi, Sushi & Bar has garnered a lot of positive accolades from restaurant critics and media including Zagat and Atlanta Eats. It also build up a steady mix of corporate customers and regular customers dining at the restaurant. Li is working hard behind the scene to expand the Fumi brand to other metro locations. He has also recently formalized a partnership with Gwinnett Tech to develop a job internship program to train chefs in the school’s culinary F&B department. Fumi is gearing up for the upcoming holiday seasons catering to corporate, family, and business holiday parties.
It has two private rooms designed for private parties accommodating from 20 to over 60 peoples. “Our chefs insists on using the freshest ingredients from meat, seafood, to vegetables. With the highest quality of food, service along with beautiful presentations — we hope to establish a consistent Fumi brand and reputation,” adds Li.
Fumi Hibachi, Sushi & Bar 3550 Mall Blvd NW, Duluth, GA 30096 770.495.8898 Fumiatl.com
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November 1-15, 2016 Georgia Asian Times
BUSINESS
On Wall Street, a high-ranking few still avoid email New York, Nov 1, 2016 - In an age when most bankers use keyboards to communicate with each other, a small group of the Wall Street elite refuses to say anything substantive in an email, text or chat, and some will not communicate digitally at all. This group, which includes top bankers like JPMorgan Chase & Co Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon and powerful investors like Carl Icahn and Berkshire Hathaway Inc’s Warren Buffett, were eschewing electronic communications long before the probe of US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s emails and the recent hacks of her campaign manager’s account made headlines. Some on Wall Street are nostalgic for a time when in-person conversations or phone calls were the norm, but others believe the words they type and send can come back to haunt them. Prosecutors have built insider trading, mortgage fraud and rate-rigging cases on embarrassing emails over the past several years, and they are often the most memorable part. Recent email woes among Washington power players have provided yet another reason for bankers to try to protect private correspondence from prying eyes.
Dimon uses email but is known to keep his replies short and factual, favoring “yes,” “no” and “thank you.” That behavior was evident in company emails released by a US Senate committee investigating JPMorgan’s US$6.2 billion “London Whale” derivatives trading loss. In one message, Dimon replied with a simple “I approve,” showing some responsibility but giving no sense of how deeply he was involved with the decision to change risk tolerances at the bank. After hearing a passing reference to regrettable emails during an interview at a conference two years ago, Dimon volunteered: “Don’t send emails after you’ve had a drink.” A JPMorgan spokesman would not comment further. Other top investors like Icahn and Buffett rely on their assistants to send and receive messages. Buffett’s assistant, Debbie Bosanek, prints out emails for the billionaire investor. Although the investors are averse to two-way digital correspondence, both blast out carefully curated messages on their Twitter accounts, with Icahn attracting 304,000 followers and Buffet, 1.2 million.
Samsung Electronics to invest more than US$1b in U.S. chip production Seoul, Nov 1, 2016 - Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said today it planned to invest more than US$1 billion by the end of June 2017 to boost production of system chips at its Austin, Texas, facilities in the United States to meet growing demand. The South Korean firm, the world’s second-largest chipmaker behind Intel Corp, said in a statement its investment would boost output of chips for mobile and other electronics devices from its existing facilities in the city.
for 2016 would rise to a record 27 trillion won, with 13.2 trillion won earmarked for its semiconductor business. While most of Samsung’s semiconductor profits come from memory chip sales, it has been trying to boost earnings from other products including its own Exynos mobile processors and contract manufacturing deals with clients such as Qualcomm Inc and Nvidia Corp. Samsung did not give further details for its investment plans in Austin, such as how much production capacity would be added. - Reuters
The investment comes after Samsung said last week its capital expenditure
Icahn has often used the tool to promote investments or political views, while Buffett has been relatively mum, tweeting just nine times. Ariel Investments chief John W. Rogers also shuns email, which he has described to associates as a “distraction.” His staff filters important messages, prints them out and puts them on his chair for review, according to spokeswoman Merrillyn Kosier. He prefers to speak with employees in person or over the phone.
“I do think there is certain cautiousness today around email,” said Virginia Healy-Tangney, a senior lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management who focuses on managerial communication. “Since the financial crisis, executives really have to be prepared for anything they say to potentially end up on the front page of the New York Times.” Reuters
Georgia Asian Times November 1-15, 2016 Page 9
BUSINESS
US slaps steep duties on Canadian, Chinese machine parts Washington DC, Oct 25, 2016 — The department said that iron transfer drive components — machinery parts like pulleys, sheaves and flywheels — from Canadian and Chinese companies were sold on the US market at a fraction of the real price. One Canadian Company, Baldor Electric, failed to answer Commerce Department requests for information and department investigators assessed dumping margins of 191.7 percent on the company’s products. For other Canadian producers, a blanket tariff of 100.5 percent was assessed.
For Chinese imports, dumping margins of 13.6-401.7 percent were assessed on all suppliers. The Commerce Department also said that certain products had benefited from unfair subsidies, and assigned a countervailing tariffs of 33.3-163.5 percent. In 2014, imports of the mechanical parts in the case from Canada and China had been valued at $222.3 million and $274.3 million, respectively. The US International Trade Commission is to make a final ruling on the tariffs in December. If the commission overrules the Commerce Department decision, duties collected will be refunded.
UK bankers confident of London City’s place after Brexit, study finds London, Nov 2, 2016 — Almost three quarters of British bankers believe London will still be the financial centre of Europe in five years’ time, despite risks surrounding Brexit, according to a study published today. US financial services firm Synechron, which carried out the research with the TABB Group, said it questioned 80 capital markets executives in banks based in Britain. Of those surveyed, 72 per cent thought that London would remain the heart of the European financial system in the years to come, despite many anticipating increased compliance costs and red tape because of Brexit.
transfer some of their activities out of the country from early 2017.
Facebook-owned Instagram getting into shopping San Francisco, Nov 1, 2016 -- Instagram on Tuesday said it will start testing features that let smartphone or tablet users easily buy items they find on the popular photo and video sharing service.
The study shows that 55 per cent of banks have put in place “Brexit steering committees” to prepare for life outside the European Union.
The test slated to begin next week in the US will be tailored for Instagram applications on Apple mobile devices, according to a blog post by the Facebook-owned service.
Synechron estimates that it would cost banks an average of £50,000 per employee to relocate staff from London to another European financial centre.
The move will build on a strategy by the world’s leading online social network to connect shoppers and shops, earning revenue from purchases.
While some banks are “already considering relocating staff to other cities around Europe”, the majority of bankers questioned remain optimistic, “painting a very hopeful picture of the future”, said Tim Cuddeford, a director at the firm.
“Mobile has changed the way people shop,” Instagram said in the blog post “We’re excited to announce an easier experience to shop the products you love on Instagram.”
Big banks have publically voiced their fears about the impact of Britain leaving the European Union, including potential loss of access to the European single market.
Instagram cited industry statistics indicating that smartphone purchases are commonly used in the US to browse or research options regarding potential purchases.
The powerful British banking lobby has even warned that international banks based in Britain are ready to
Twenty US retailers including Kate Spade and JackThreads will take part in the Instagram e-commerce test,
sharing posts that provide more information along with “Shop Now” icons for streamlined purchasing, according to the blog post. “This test is going to change the scope of what we, as retailers, are capable of offering on mobile,” JackThreads chief marketing officer Ryan McIntyre said in the post. “Our customers will be able to shop seamlessly from their social media feeds — allowing us to reach guys where they’re already hunting for what’s new.” Rival firm Pinterest last year dove into e-commerce with “pins” that let people buy items they like at the popular online bulletin board. Pinterest became a hit, particularly among women, by giving people virtual bulletin boards that they can decorate with pictures showcasing interests in anything from food to sports, to fashion or travel.
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EVENTS
November 1-15, 2016 Georgia Asian Times
American Korean Friendship Society - New American Hero Awards Oct 28, 2016
Georgia Asian Times November 1-15, 2016
EVENTS
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November 1-15, 2016
Georgia Asian Times
TECH
Dutch inventors unveil giant vacuum to filter dirty air Amsterdam, Oct 27, 2016 -- Dutch inventors Tuesday unveiled what they called the world’s first giant outside air vacuum cleaner - a large purifying system intended to filter out toxic tiny particles from the atmosphere surrounding the machine. “It’s a large industrial filter about eight metres (yards) long, made of steel... placed basically on top of buildings and it works like a big vacuum cleaner,” said Henk Boersen, a spokesman for the Envinity Group which unveiled the system in Amsterdam. The system is said to be able to suck in air from a 300-metre radius - and from up to seven kilometres (over four miles) upwards. It can treat some 800,000 cubic metres of air an hour, filtering out 100 per cent of fine particles and 95 per cent percent of ultra-fine particles, the company said, referring to tests carried out by the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) on its prototype. “A large column of air will pass through the filter and come out clear,” said Boersen speaking on the sidelines of a major two-day offshore energy conference in Amsterdam. Fine particles are caused by emissions from burning wood and other fuels as well as industrial combustion,
and have “adverse effects on health,” according to the European Environment Agency. About 90 per cent of EU residents are exposed to levels of such particles - which can be carcinogenic - above those recommended by the World Health Organisation. As for ultra-fine particles, they are released by emissions from vehicles as well as aeroplanes, according to Envinity, and can “damage the nervous system, including brain cells, and also cause infections.” Governments, businesses and airports are already interested in the project, Boersen said. Another air-purifying system called the “Smog Free Tower” was installed in Beijing last month and launched by the Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde. Using patented ozone-free ion technology, it can clean up to 30,000 cubic metres of air an hour as it blows past the tower, collecting more than 75 per cent of the harmful particles, Studio Roosegaarde said in a statement.
2017 internet users: 75pc will be from mobile, predicts Zenith New York, Oct 29, 2016 — Seventy-five per cent of internet use will be mobile in 2017, up slightly from this year, as a growing number of consumers around the world access the web on smartphones and tablets, media buying agency Zenith forecast this week. Zenith previously estimated that 71 per cent of internet consumption would be mobile in 2016. Sixty per cent of global internet advertising dollars will come from mobile advertising in 2018, Zenith said, following the release of its “Mobile Advertising Forecasts” report on Thursday. Mobile advertising expenditure in 2018 will total US$134 billion, which “is more than will be spent on newspaper, magazine, cinema and outdoor advertising put together,” it said. Zenith, a unit of French ad agency Publicis Groupe SA , had estimated global mobile advertising expenditure in 2016 to be US$71 billion. As more ad dollars shift to the digital realm from television, brands are rushing to Facebook Inc, Snapchat and Google where they can market to viewers.
“In four years, you’ve gone from 40 per cent to 70 per cent (of total internet use) in mobile,” said Scott Singer, a digital media executive and managing director of innovation consultancy firm DDG Inc. This trend is driving a shift in ad dollars to mobile and stoking deals in the media, entertainment and communications businesses, he added. The rise of mobile data consumption, including video, is pushing telecommunications companies to marry content and digital distribution. They are betting that they can lure viewers to online video and other content that are relayed over their internet and wireless networks, while also attracting advertisers to grow ad revenue. AT&T Inc today said it plans to buy media company Time Warner Inc for US$85.4 billion to diversify into content distribution. Verizon Communications Inc has proposed to buy internet company Yahoo Inc. Both want to leverage user data to help marketers deliver targeted ads.
Georgia Asian Times November 1-15, 2016
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SPORTS
ship match, then Murray will become the number one as long as the British star wins the title. The 29-year-old Briton took a step closer to the top spot on Sunday by winning the Vienna ATP title. “Andy is playing maybe the best tennis he’s ever played. He definitely deserves to be in the position to finish up the year as number one. Whether or not that’s going to happen, it doesn’t depend only on him. It depends on me as well,” said Djokovic.
Djokovic ‘rejuvenated’ by Murray top-spot battle Paris, Oct 31, 2016 — Novak Djokovic admits that Andy Murray’s dramatic last-gasp assault on his world number one ranking has rejuvenated a season which was limping into mediocrity for the 12-time major winner. Djokovic has suffered a worrying dip in form since winning his first French Open and completing the career Grand Slam in June. He had a shock early loss at Wimbledon followed by a first-round exit at the Olympics and a runners-up spot at the US Open. But as the 29-year-old prepares to
defend the Paris Masters title he has won for the past three years, he insists Murray’s charge for the top has provided the fresh impetus he needs. “It makes me want to go on court and fight for every point because there is something to win at the end,” Djokovic said, adding he felt “rejuvenated and regenerated.” If Djokovic reaches next Sunday’s final in Paris he will retain the world number one ranking that he has held for 122 weeks straight, no matter what Murray does in the French capital. But if he fails to make the champion-
“I just try to work on my game these days and I know if I’m on the level I desire, I can challenge anybody or beat anybody.”
‘New ambition’ Djokovic, who has admitted “private issues” contributed to his summer slump — he has not said what those were — believes Paris is the perfect place to revive his fortunes on his return to the French capital. “Winning Roland Garros this year gave me a lot of joy but it required a lot of energy. I felt a little exhausted after and I was a little less motivated,” said the Serb, who hasn’t played since a semi-final defeat to Roberto Bautista Agut in the Shanghai Masters in mid-October. “I took a little time to think about all
these things, to find a new motivation and a new ambition. It’s in place. I feel good. I’m happy to come back here to Paris. I hope to have a good week.” Djokovic has a bye in the first round at the Paris Masters before facing either Nicolas Almagro or Gilles Muller. In Vienna, Murray swept past Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) to earn his seventh title of the year and ramp up the pressure on Djokovic. The Olympic and Wimbledon champion took his recent run to 15 straight victories, in which he has picked up the China Open and Shanghai Masters titles as well. He now has 42 career titles and a second in Vienna, after also winning in 2014. “I think I played my best tennis of the tournament today,” said Murray. Like Djokovic, Murray too has a firstround bye in Paris and will face either Fernando Verdasco or Robin Haase in his opening match.
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November 1-15, 2016 Georgia Asian Times
SPORTS
Hamilton beats Rosberg in Mexico, keeps F1 title bid alive Mexico City, Oct 31, 2016 — Defending champion Lewis Hamilton kept alive his title defence with a controlled and controversial victory ahead of championship leader and Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg in a stormy and dramatic Mexican Grand Prix. The 31-year-old Briton came home comfortably ahead of the German to trim his advantage to 19 points with two races remaining after a fiery finish to the 71-lap race. This saw four-time champion Sebastian Vettel lose his temper during a tempestuous exchange following a clash with teenager Max Verstappen of Red Bull. The conflict was settled by the stewards who swiftly handed the Dutchman a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage when he went off the track at Turn One. Verstappen, who had finished third, had already taken his place in the pre-podium room with the two Mercedes drivers before the stewards’ de-
cision was taken — while Vettel fumed and gave vent to a stream of profanities — but made a hasty retreat when the German came to the room. But the final fury that followed the battle for third place taken by Vettel could not overshadow a near-flawless drive by Hamilton to his second win in succession, his eighth of the season and the 51st of his career. “It’s my first win in Mexico and for that I am very happy,” said Hamilton. “Nico is doing a great job and I just aim to keep winning. It’s all I can do.” Hamilton also went off-circuit at Turn One on the opening lap, but without being penalised — in much the same way that Verstappen was to in the closing laps — before he settled and drove with his customary elan. Rosberg said: “It’s been a good day. I haven’t been too fast this weekend so I have to accept second. I got shunted at the start and had a battle with Max Verstappen late on, so second is ok.”
Vettel was still fuming on the podium.
raucous atmosphere before the lights went out for the start.
“He (Verstappen) left the track and didn’t move and so you can understand why I was annoyed. I was really disappointed when I crossed the line, but then I was told to come here (to the podium).”
Hamilton, after a sluggish first phase to his launch from his 10th pole position of the season, pulled clear to lead the 900-metres run down to Turn one where he locked up heavily, creating a flat spot on a tyre, and ran off circuit.
An equally angry Australian Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull finished fourth ahead of the relegated Verstappen, Kimi Raikkonen in the second Ferrari and Nico Hulkenberg who was seventh for Force India.
Lucky for the Englishman, there were no kerbs as he speared across an asphalt run-off area and an area of grass before rejoining ahead of Rosberg who, in turn, had survived a minor clash with Verstappen’s Red Bull and also rejoined after running off.
Valtteri Bottas finished eighth for Williams ahead of his team-mate Felipe Massa and local hero Sergio Perez who claimed the final point in the second Force India. Vettel rants at Verstappen The Mercedes team’s one-two victory was a record 17th for the season and it was Hamilton’s 30th win from pole position. Only seven-time champion Michael Schumacher has more on 40. Hamilton is now level with four-time champion Frenchman Alain Prost on 51 wins. Rosberg can clinch his maiden drivers’ title if he wins the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, a circuit on which Hamilton has never won, on November 13. On a bright and dry afternoon at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, a crowd of around 110,000 generated a
That incident required a stewards inquiry which resulted in no action taken. Verstappen, as so often, was providing much of the entertainment as he hunted down Rosberg. When the German locked up, on lap 49, the teenager passed him at Turn One with a lunge down the inside, but he was unable to control it and ran wide. Vettel then closed to within 2.5 seconds of Verstappen and then, with four laps remaining, pressurised the young Dutchman into an error at Turn One, where he out-braked himself and ran across the grass. “Give the position back, Max,” Red Bull told their man. “He has to let me go,” said Vettel.
Georgia Asian Times November 1-15, 2016
Page 15
HEALTH Burden of cancer deaths from smoking heaviest in U.S. Atlanta, October 25, 2016 — Of all cancer deaths in the U.S., the share that’s related to smoking varies considerably by region, with southern states bearing the heaviest burden, according to a new study. With up to 40 percent of cancer deaths attributable to smoking in some areas and just 8 percent in others, the disparities may come down largely to how aggressively states pursue tobacco control, researchers write in JAMA Internal Medicine, October 24th. “Declines in smoking prevalence have accelerated over the past seven to eight years,” lead author Joannie Lortet-Tieulent of Surveillance and Health Services Research at the American Cancer Society in Atlanta, told Reuters Health by email. “However, the decline could have been accelerated much faster with full implementation of known tobacco interventions throughout the country such as increased excise tax, banning smoking in all public places, and reducing nicotine in cigarettes to non-addictive level,” she said. smokingThe study estimates that at least 28.6 percent of U.S. cancer deaths in 2014 among people over age 35 were linked to smoking, which translates
to 167,133 lives that might have been saved. For the new study, the researchers estimated what proportion of cancer deaths in each state could be attributed to smoking by basing their calculations on past research showing a smoking-associated increased risk for 12 cancers: acute myeloid leukemia; cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx; esophagus; stomach; colorectum; liver; pancreas; larynx; trachea, lung, and bronchus; cervix uteri; kidney and renal pelvis; and urinary bladder. Combining that with state-specific smoking prevalence data, they found that the portion of smoking-related cancer deaths among men in 2014 ranged from a high of 39.5 percent in Arkansas to a low of 21.8 percent in Utah. With the exception of Utah, the proportion was at least 30 percent for men in all states. Among women, 11 percent of cancer deaths in Utah were attributable to cigarette smoking, compared to 29 percent in Kentucky, and the proportion was at least 20 percent in every state except Utah, California and Hawaii. “We knew that some states have higher tobacco control and higher funding for anti-smoking programs
than others, but we did not anticipate that would be a doubling between the state with the lowest fraction and the highest fraction of smoking-attributable cancer death,” Lortet-Tieulent said. More than half of the top-10 ranked states for smoking-related cancer deaths among both men and women were located in the South. For men, the top five states were Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, West Virginia and Kentucky. For women, Kentucky, Arkansas and Tennessee were also in the top five, along with Alaska and Nevada. Southern states generally have more current and former smokers and weaker tobacco control policies, such as lower excise taxes and less comprehensive smoke-free policies, Lortet-Tieulent said. In addition, for middle aged people, current and former smoking is more common for men than women. “Many of the stalled states are in the southeastern United States, where tobacco has traditionally been grown and manufactured, and others are in areas with historically little investment for public health or tobacco control,” Kurt M. Ribisl of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and colleagues write in a related commentary.
After New York City raised the cigarette excise tax from $0.08 to $1.50, banned smoking in bars and restaurants, and offered free nicotine replacement patches in 2002 through 2003, smoking decreased by about 11 percent in the City, equivalent to about 140,000 fewer smokers, they write. About three-quarters of smoking-related cancer deaths are due to lung cancer, Lortet-Tieulent noted. “The risk of lung cancer death gradually reduces after smoking cessation but does not reach to the level among never smokers,” she said. “Nearly all the excess risk of death from lung cancer can be avoided if a smoker quits smoking before the age of 40 years.” “Increasing tobacco control funding, implementing innovative new strategies, and strengthening tobacco control policies and programs all contribute to increase smoking cessation and avoiding smoking initiation,” she said. “For example, California, Hawaii and 145 smaller localities have increased the tobacco sales age to 21 years. Likewise, communities across the U.S. have passed laws that limit or prohibit smoking in multifamily housing.” – Reuters
Do vegetarians have better heart health than meat-eaters? Science says, no Do vegetarians have healthier hearts than carnivores? A study of 12,000 people over three years has concluded that cutting out meat did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in the next decade. This new study by the Rutgers New Jersey School of Medicine in the US city of Newark does not call into question the lower risk of obesity, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome provided by a vegetarian diet. The study indicated that vegetarians are generally younger and female. But it also said that their overall heart risk
is no different from that of meat-eaters. veggie-sandwichThe study was presented at the American College of Gastroenterology annual meeting in Las Vegas. It covered 12,000 adults aged 20 or over, including 263 vegetarians (2.3% of the total), between 2007 and 2010. The researchers examined rates of obesity, average waist circumference, blood pressure, and glucose and cholesterol levels, all of which are factors in increased risk of heart disease.
They also used the Framingham Risk Score, a test which estimates the risk of developing cardiovascular disease over the next 10 years by taking account of factors such as age, gender, cholesterol levels, blood pressure and smoking status. The test indicated that the vegetarians had a cardiovascular risk of 2.7%, compared with 4.5% for the non-vegetarians. The researchers say that this difference is not statistically significant. This study is contrary to the scien-
tifically proven benefits of the Mediterranean diet which is rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains and is recommended by most nutritionists around the world. The scientists have two reservations about their conclusions: the fact that the study covered a relatively short period of time, and that the people self-reported their diet. Studies over a longer timeframe are therefore required.
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November 1-15, 2016 Georgia Asian Times
Misc Asia
Woman at center of South Korea political crisis begs forgiveness Seoul, October 31, 2016b — The woman at the center of a South Korean political scandal begged forgiveness on Monday as she arrived to meet prosecutors investigating allegations she used her friendship with President Park Geun-hye to influence state affairs and gain benefits. Choi Soon-sil, wearing a hat and scarf and covering her face with her hand, pushed her way through a scrum of journalists and protesters demanding her arrest and Park’s resignation, losing a shoe in the melee, to enter the prosecution building in Seoul. “I committed a crime I deserve to die for,” said Choi, according to pool reporters who followed her into the building, using a Korean expression to convey deep remorse. “Please forgive me.” Choi returned to South Korea early on Sunday from Germany, where she had been staying, and was ready to an-
swer prosecutors’ questions, her lawyer said earlier. She had been under intense pressure to return as the political crisis engulfed Park over allegations that she allowed Choi to use her friendship to exert improper influence and reap benefits. Thousands of South Koreans rallied on Saturday seeking Park’s resignation over the scandal. They said Park betrayed public trust and mismanaged the government, and had lost a mandate to lead. Opposition parties have demanded a thorough investigation but have not raised the possibility of impeaching the president. Park is in the fourth year of a fiveyear term and the crisis threatens to complicate policymaking during the lame-duck period that typically sets in toward the end of South Korea’s single-term presidency.
RESIGNATIONS In response to the scandal, eight of Park’s aides including her chief of staff and three advisers who tightly controlled access to her, have stepped down, her office said on Sunday. Choi’s lawyer, asked if she was admitting guilt by asking for forgiveness, said she was just expressing her feelings, not stating a legal position. “It wouldn’t be right to take it as any kind of legal statement,” the lawyer, Lee Kyung-jae, told reporters outside the prosecutors’ office. Park apologized last week for giving her friend access to draft speeches during the first months of her presidency but it did little to deflect demands that the president reveal the full nature of her ties with Choi and whether she enjoyed favors because of her friendship with the president. Park, the daughter of a former president, Park Chung-hee, said she had consulted Choi with good intentions and Choi was someone “who gave me
help when I was going through a difficult time”. Choi, in her first comments after weeks of reports about her ties with Park, told a newspaper last week she did get drafts of Park’s speeches after Park’s election victory but denied she had access to other official material, or that she influenced state affairs or benefited financially. Choi’s lawyer said she was in poor health and may be suffering from a heart condition, which he would discuss with prosecutors. An unidentified man was taken into custody after dumping a container of what appeared to be animal dung at the door of the prosecutors’ office after Choi went in, demanding that prosecutors undertake a proper investigation. (Writing by Jack Kim; Editing by Robert Birsel and Tony Munroe) - Reuters
Georgia Asian Times November 1-15, 2016
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Misc Asia Indonesian woman gets 20 years for poisoned-coffee murder
Thailand ‘making preparations’ for December 1 succession Bangkok, October 31, 2016 — Thailand is making preparations for Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to ascend the throne on Dec. 1, two senior military sources with knowledge of the matter said. The death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Oct. 13 at the age of 88 has plunged the Southeast Asian nation of 67 million people into a year of mourning. News of the December timeframe follows the prince’s departure for Germany at the weekend where he had personal business to attend to, one senior military source told Reuters, adding that the prince would return in November. “We are making preparations. Everything is being prepared for Dec. 1,” said another senior military source who declined to be identified. “But this timeframe also depends on His Royal Highness.” Prime Minister Prayuth Chanocha had said the prince’s formal ascension could be within seven to 15 days of the king’s death, or later. Speaking on behalf of the prince hours after King Bhumibol’s death, Prayuth said the prince wanted to
grieve with the people and leave the formal succession until later, when parliament will invite him to ascend the throne. His formal coronation, however, cannot take place until after the king’s cremation in a year’s time. FACE OF ESTABLISHMENT Prem Tinsulanonda, 96, who was head of the powerful Privy Council and is known as the face of Thailand’s traditional establishment, is acting as regent until the new king is named. Thailand’s strict lese-majeste laws have left little room for public discussion about the succession. The laws have also severely curbed public discussion about the prince, who does not enjoy the same level of public support as his father. Thailand has weathered more than a decade of political upheaval that has pitted the royalist-military establishment against populist political forces. The latest chapter was a May 2014 military coup which removed the government of prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and which the
Jakarta, Oct 27, 2016 — An Indonesian court jailed a woman for 20 years today for murdering her college friend by poisoning her coffee, ending a dramatic case that gripped the country for months. Jessica Kumala Wongso, 27, an Indonesian citizen and permanent resident of Australia, remained expressionless while hearing the verdict and sentence. “The defendant has been proven guilty of premeditated murder,” presiding judge Kisworo said to applause from a packed courtroom without suggesting a motive. “…The murder was vile and sadistic because the defendant did it to her own friend.” Wongso told the three-judge panel she thought the verdict was “unfair and one-sided”. Defense lawyers said she would appeal.
military said it carried out to end Thailand’s cycle of political instability. Kan Yuenyong, executive director of the Siam Intelligence Unit thinktank, said he did not foresee any political violence over the next year but added that political divisions would resurface if the succession did not go smoothly. “Political tensions might warm up again and struggles could follow,” he said.
The two women had been meeting at a cafe in a central Jakarta mall when victim Wayan Mirna Salihin took a sip of a cyanide-laced drink, collapsed on the floor and went into convulsions, according to prosecutors. She died by the time she arrived at hospital. Dozens of police were positioned around the Central Jakarta courtroom as crowds scrambled to get in to hear the verdict. The trial had heard testimony from a string of forensic and psychological experts and the case has generated headlines since Wongso was arrested earlier this year. President Joko Widodo’s administration waded into the case, saying Wongso would not be executed if she got the death penalty, according to media. The deal was made with Australia in order for Australian police to assist in the investigation. Australia does not have the death sentence and opposes its use in other countries. — Reuters
Thailand’s baht has slid 0.9 percent throughout October amid concern the king’s death may increase political uncertainties and hurt economic activity in the near term. (Reporting by Amy Sawitta Lefevre; Editing by Bill Tarrant, Robert Birsel)
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November 1-15, 2016 Georgia Asian Times
TRAVEL
Six best destinations for nature lovers in 2017 New York, Oct 31, 2016 — Take a break from the daily grind and reconnect with nature with a trip to one of these six must-visit countries from Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel” 2017 selection.
jungled mountains were once home to the Tayrona civilisation, who inhabited the now ruined city of Teyuna before the Spanish conquest.
Canada Visit the natural wonders of Alberta The province of Alberta, in the west of Canada, is home to natural sites of stunning beauty and with breathtaking views. Banff is the oldest of the country’s National Parks, with a superb landscape. Visitors can take pictures of scenic glaciers or dip a toe in emerald-green waters, all set against a backdrop of dense pine forests. Don’t miss the enchanting turquoise waters of Lake Louise.
Bermuda
A dip in the hot springs
Explore underwater shipwrecks
Visitors have plenty of reasons to visit this Caribbean island, nestled between Guadeloupe and Martinique, and not just for its diving. Travellers shouldn’t miss the island’s hot springs and natural mud baths. Dominica is notably home to the second biggest hot lake in the world, called Boiling Lake. It should only be admired from afar, however, as water temperatures can reach 180 degrees F! Nepal Trekking in the Himalayas
Colombia Finland In search of the Lost City Enjoy the Northern Lights Colombia is making headlines at the moment after the country’s President was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Travellers keen to explore the county can head to the Lost City, high in the Sierra Nevada mountains, in a trek starting out from Santa Marta. The
Dominica
In Lapland, in northern Finland, the igloos and hotel rooms are specially designed for taking in the stunning spectacle of the Aurora Borealis. More adventurous travellers can try a trip in a husky sled or skiing.
After being struck by a devastating earthquake last year, Nepal is slowly rebuilding from the tragedy. Its place in the Lonely Planet “Best in Travel” selection confirms that, in spite of recent events, the country is still a dream destination for tourists, particularly trekkers. Routes taking in Annapurna, the Mount Everest base camp and the surrounding valleys are a must.
Many ships and airplanes have disappeared in the region of the famous Bermuda Triangle under mysterious circumstances, or so legend has it. This makes the archipelago a popular destination for divers keen to explore sunken wreckages. More than 300 relics from the past are hidden under the waters surrounding the island. It’s little wonder Bermuda was once known as the “Isle of Devils.”