Asian-Heritage-Awards-2012-Looking-forward-to-the-future

Looking to the future

Photo by Tom Kurtz

Message from the Publishers Asian Heritage Awards a platform for support The Asian Heritage Awards has always been a platform for the family, the community and friends to appreciate achievement, work, and dedication.

Therefore, it was wonderful to see so many from the Japanese community come out in support of Akiko Bourland to share in her honor in art and literature. They came not only to show love and respect but to show their appreciation of her work in keeping the legacy of the art and beauty of Japan alive.

In true community spirit, the Thai community, represented by the Thai American Association and Wat putachat of Escondido, along with the Thai government, led by the Thai consul general who came from Los Angeles - all came to to support the work of Thanom Sterritt, who has preserved the art of her native country.

Then there was the UCSD community who came out to support Dr. Robert Gish and Dr. Grace Kuo. That’s what the Ninth Annual Asian Heritage Awards gala was all about – support.

As we always say, these Asian Heritage Awards belongs to the community. Leaders from every Asian community in San Diego were represented as guests, as well as on our planning committee.

We want to especially thank Gwen Coronado, reservations chair-

person, Dr. Binh Tran, nominations chairperson, event coordinator Rosanna Harrison, De Le for his work of organizing the volunteers, our gala co-chairs Sally Wong-Avery and Larry Bock, planning committee chairwoman Julia Cheng, sponsorship chair Julio deGuzman and our entire planning committee, who made this a true family night.

Our friend Gwen was paerticularly struck by scholarship recipient Sarah Nguyen, in this country from Vietnam for only two years.

“She spoke with poise and confidence as she delivered an inspiring message so perfectly in English,” said Gwen of Sarah.

And there was this from Sarah’s principal, Jonathan of Montgomery Middle School: “The kids made a huge impact on the audience, so your idea and Roz’s to include a segment for future events to showcase students’ talents is truly fantastic.”

With this behind us, we look forward to our tenth anniversary next year. For now, if you were not there, enjoy the event vicariously through the story and photos on these pages.

- Rosalynn Carmen and Len Novarro Publishers ASIA, The Journal of Culture & Commerce

Rosalynn Carmen and Len Novarro with scholarship recipients Sarah Nguyen and Hieu Hoang.

Photos by Tom Kurtz Asian Heritage Awards Planning Committee members, l-r: Jaye Van Kirk, Stephanie Chang, Carole Caparros (front), Tarun Bhatia, behind her; Sarina DahlanDann, Dr. Robert Gish, Dr. Binh Tran, Sally Wong-Avery, Dr. Estela Matriano, Larry Bock, Rosalynn Carmen, Len Novarro, Gwen Coronado, Dr. Lilly Cheng, Capt. Elizabeth Gracia (behind her), LT. Cmdr. Anthony Tran, Julia Cheng, Julio deGuzman, Rosanna Harrison, Eddy Taengkaew.

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Published by Asia Media America /619-6837822/ editorial@asiamediainc.com Associate Editors: Sorasak Mudpongtua, Jane Dann/ Correspondents: Gloria Tierney, Binh Tran

TABLE OF CONTENTS Vol. 11, Issue No. 9 - October 1 to October 31, 2012

ASIAN HERITAGE AWARDS: In what Congressman

and San Diego Mayoral candidate Bob Filner called the “biggest and the most glamorous event for the Asian community in San Diego,” almost 500 guests came together to honor California Controller John Chiang, UCSD hepatitis pioneer Dr. Robert Gish and 14 others. Pages 4-9

Community Forum of Education: Debunking myths

was at the heart of the first ever community forum on preparing youngsters for global and technological change, held Sept. 16 at the San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina. Page 10

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BOOST: Business: For many small business owners, a com mon question these days is “What can I do to minimize my business’ impact on the environment?” Page 24 BOOST: Opportunity: College grads these days prefer being down to earth - literally. Page 26

BOOST: Organization: There’s a shift these days in how we view immigrants; it’s a lot more positive.

Page 27 BOOST: Technology: America’s first female astronaut leaves a challenge that must be answered if we are to regain our status as world leader. Page 21

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Jason Alderman: Disastrous weddings have been a staple of many comedies, but should we be wary financially? Page 32 Feng Shui: Your home should guard against electromagnetic invasion. Page 34

Family Matters: Ray Wong has a setback, but discovers dignity in disappointment. Page 39

Wayne’s World: Stealing jokes is an occupational hazard. Page 38

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The best and the brightest celebrate the Asian Heritage Awards In what Congressman and San Diego Mayoral candidate Bob Filner called the “biggest and the most glamorous event for the Asian community in San Diego,” almost 500 guests came together to honor California Controller John Chiang, UCSD hepatitis pioneer Dr. Robert Gish and 14 others for their individual achievements during the Ninth Annual Asian Heritage Awards on Sept. 15.

The gala ceremony was held at the San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina on Harbor Drive, which also played host the next morning for the first ever community forum to help young people prepare for important technological and global changes that lie ahead.

The evening event sparkled with enthusiasm and some new touches. During the reception, students from Montgomery Middle School demonstrated their science projects while noted calligrapher Zhou Bin demonstrated his craft. During the ceremony, with Dr. Lilly Cheng of the Confucius Institute emceeing, Zhou produced three messages on silk entitled “Harmony,” “Prosperity” and “Energy.” All were auctioned off. Guests were also treated to performances by the Kealohilani Dance Group, the One Dream Choir and the XingJian Dance Studio.

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Photos by Tom Kurtz

Emcees were Marcella Lee of Channel 8 and author Manna Ko. Dr. Binh Tran summed it up best when she said, “I have never seen such an outpouring of thoughts and feelings for community involvement and global change. Together, we have planted the seeds for a successful year ahead.”

(For full photo coverage, go to www.asiamediainc.com.)

Rosalynn Carmen, president of the Asian Heritage Society, emphasized how the gala ceremony and the community forum the next day were a perfect example of a community working together on several levels.

In addition to a strong planning committee of community leaders, including past Asian Heritage Awards honorees, the awards and breakfast forum had the support of the government in the U.S. Navy, business leaders such as SDG&E, Time Warner Cable and Barona Resort and Casino, academic leaders in Alliant International University, Cal State San Marcos and UCSD, and officials from both sides of the political spectrum, including Congressional Representatives Democrats Bob Filner and Susan Davis, and

Republicans Duncan Hunter, Darrell Issa and Brian Bilbray.

During the evening awards ceremony, keynote speaker Navy Rear Admiral Peter Gumataotao told guests: “We must build a path for the generation that is following us. We must inspire them. We, as leaders, must continue to inspire with actions, not just words.”

Indeed, all recipients of this year’s awards had no problem inspiring a special selection committee from choosing them as 2012 Honorees.

Winners included TiE South Coast, business enterprise; Wendy Urushima-Conn, president of the Asian Business Association of San Diego, entrepreneurship; Michael Vu, assistant registrar of voters for San Diego County, government; Dr. Helen Chen, vice president of Ambryx Biotechnology, innovation and technology; Edward Park, principal of Barnard Elementary School, education; attorney Audie deCastro, legal affairs; Dr. Grace Kuo, associate dean UCSD School of Pharmacy, health and medicine; Michael Chen, Channel 10, media and film; Akiko Bourland, president of the Ohara Ikebana Society, art and literature; Thanom Sterritt, cultural preservation; Seema Sueko (who was not present), performing arts; Air Force Colonel

Mylene Huynh, military service; the Tzu Chi Foundation, humanitarian outreach; and the Taiwanese American Foundation of San Diego, community service.

In addition, California Controller John Chiang was honored as this year’s Special Recognition recipient. Chiang had been the keynote speaker at the Second Annual Asian Heritage Award in 2005.

In presenting the award to Chiang, Tom Hom, former San Diego Councilman and California Assemblyman, called him “the most respected elected official in Sacramento today, regardless of party affiliation.

His vigilant efforts in bringing to light fraud, bribes and criminally misleading record keeping by a number of California cities has made him the most effective state controller in California history.”

Noted hepatologist Dr. Robert Gish received the Society’s Diversity Pioneer Award, presented for the second time, for his work in raising awareness about hepatitis B. In announcing the award, Presidential Medal of Science winner Dr. Shu Chien said Dr. Gish “has long been recognized in Southeast Asia as the pioneer who created the road map to define and deter the advance of this dread disease.” >>>>>>>>>>>>>

In his remarks Gumataotao also emphasized “the critical need” for the Navy to partner with organizations like the Asian Heritage Society to ensure the next generation of sailors and officers are prepared for future technological challenges.”

To that end, the Society also hosted a breakfast gathering the next morning on the future of education and how to best serve this generation of young people through programs emphasizing STEM (science, technology, engineering and math.) Some 100 students, teachers and parents attended the gathering, also at the San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina.

“If children are not engaged by middle school in STEM education, by high school their chances of joining (the Navy) decrease because the Navy is actively seeking STEM professionals,” said Capt. Elizabeth Gracia. “They aren’t prepared to pursue a technical career, and they subsequently are not prepared for a Navy career.”

Gracia was joined by a distinguished panel who explored a wide range of topics, including the importance of understanding differences between cultures and whether corporations should provide input in developing lower school curricula. A full report of the event in video format will be available.

Other panelists were Congressman Filner, Pedro Villegas of SDG&E, Susan Yonezawa of the UCSD Center for Research in Educational Equity; Larry Bock, creator of the USA Science and Engineering Festival; Navy Capt. Cynthia Macri, Dr. Tarun Bhatia, vice president of Alliant International University, Dr. Estela Matriano, Alliant professor of education; Dr. Lilly Cheng, founder of the Confucius Institute; Sarah Villareal, associate dean of Cal State San Marcos, and Bernie Rhinerson, chief of staff for the San Diego Unified School District.

How to prepare our children for future was also at the heart of a special audiovisual presentation and brief address the night before

by Rosalynn Carmen, president of the Asian Heritage Society and co-founder of the Asian Heritage Awards.

Above: Sarah Nguyen explains her school project to Dr. Grace Kuo. Caroline Winn of SDG&E, left, presented the Innovation and Technology award to Dr. Helen Chen.

Below: Cady Mariano leads the XingJian dancers while Julio deGuzman presents City Council proclamation to Co-chairs Sally Wong-Avery and Larry Bock and Roz Carmen and Len Novarro.

“Like me, you might be wondering with things changing so fast, how do we keep up and how are our children going to keep up,”said Carmen, who shared the basis for the Society’s BOOSTSTEM program designed to prepare young Asian and Hispanic underserved females for careers and advancement in the fields of business, science and technology. “I would make it as simple as ABC,” said Carmen. “But instead of starting with A, I would start with B – Business. More than making money, I would teach them the essence of business, the attitude of risk-taking, self-reliance, being a self-starter, leadership, being strategic and knowing the value of teamwork.” Carmen went on to amplify the other components of the BOOST program – Opportunity, Organized Global Education, Science and Technology.

Afterwards, Asian Heritage Society co-founder Leonard Novarro awarded the first scholarships to students who distinguished themselves during the BOOST-STEM program that was launched in June at Montgomery Middle School. The scholarships, in the name of Dennis Avery, a longtime supporter of the Asian Heritage Awards, was awarded to middle school students Sarah Nguyen and Hieu Hoang. Montgomery principal Jonathan Ton also accepted an honorary stipend to be shared by four other students from the program.

The BOOST-STEM program will host a series of workshops next year with academic partners Alliant International University and Cal State San Marcos, supported by the U.S. Navy, SDG&E, Time Warner Cable and Barona Resort and Casino.

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Time Warner Cable’s Pam Pantua, right, presented the Community Service Award to Ted Fann and Carol Ou-Lin of the Taiwanese American Foundation of San Diego, above.

Clockwise: Emcee Manna Ko, Julia Cheng presenting the Entrepreneurship Award to Wendy UrushimaConn; Education winner Edward Park and presenter/sponsor Dana Sass of Barona Resort and Casino; Dr. Lilly Cheng explaining the work of caligrapher Zhou Bin, right; Government Honoree Michael Vu; presenters Tom and Loretta Hom, Business Enterprise winers Preeti Purohit and Patrick Berry, representing TiE South Coast, and presenter Dr. Taruna Bhatia of Alliant International University.

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Clockwise: Michael Chen, with emcee Marcella Lee, accepts Media and Film Award from presenter Peter Chou of the Taipei Trade Office; Capt. Elizabeth Gracia presents Humanitarian Outreach Award to Tzu Chi Foundation’s, left-right, Tenshang Joh, Peichuan Joh and Hue Wang; Special Recognition Honoree California Controller John Chiang; Diversity Pioneer Honoree Dr. Robert Gish explains his work; Cultural Preservation Honoree Thanom Sterritt, with plaque, and left-right, Montana Quebedeaux, James Sterritt and Lalita Arya; Navy guests, including Rear Admiral Peter Gummataotao (hidden from view) and presenter Capt. Elizabeth Gracia, fourth from right, with Planning Committee members Len Novarro, Roz Carmen, Jantima Danford, Julia Cheng and Stephanie Chang; Thai Consul Torsak Janpian presents Health and Medicine Award to Dr. Grace Kuo; presenter Dr. and Mrs. Shu Chien; Congressman Bob Filner welcomes Ninth Annual Asian Heritage Awards guests; Art and Literature Winner Akiko Bourland.

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Clockwise: Motgomery’s Jon Ton accepts student scholarships; Gwen Coronado accepting for Seema Sueko, Sarah Villareal presenting Legal Affairs Award to Audie deCastro; Navy guests toast fallen service men and women, Jantima Danford pins flower on lapel of Estela Matriano; Military Service Winner Col. Mylene Huynh; guests Board of Equalization’s Betty Yee and Judy Ki and Miramar’s Patricia Hsieh, Julia Cheng, Stephanie Chang and Dr. Binh Tran.

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For consideration, please send resume to: Community Health Group, Human Resources Department, 740 Bay Boulevard, Chula Vista, CA 91910; e-mail to hr@chgsd.com; fax to (619) 476-3819.

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Community forum on education creates direction for middle school students Debunking myths was at the heart of the first ever community forum on preparing youngsters for global and technological change, held Sept. 16 at the San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina on Harbor Drive.

The two-and-a-half hour event featured a distinguished panel of experts from government, the military, academia and business giving advice and answering questions from a roomful of close to 100 students, parents and educators.

Titled “BOOST-ing Readiness for Global Change” was held as an addendum to the Ninth Annual Asian Heritage Awards gala the night before, also at the Marriott. Pedro Villegas, director of community relations for San Diego Gas and Electric Co., welcomes guests and opened the discussion.

The community breakfast forum was sponsored by SDG&E and the U.S. Navy.

One myth, offered Dr. Lilly Cheng, SDSU professor and founder of the Confucius Institute, is that Chinese is a difficult language to learn. “The other myth is that math is difficult, even more difficult than Mandarin and Chinese,” added Cheng. Math, said Cheng, is used not only to solve difficult equations but to help in performing simple tasks such as distinguishing the cost of items in a grocery store.

“We have to plant the seeds early – that the beauty of listening to multiple languages is a wonderful thing,” and “that math is beautiful,” added Cheng.

Knowing and appreciating math is one thing; but teaching it is another, said Bernie Rhinerson, chief of staff of the San Diego Unified School District. Right now, said Rhinerson, the bottom 20 percent of college graduates enter public school teaching. In Finland, it’s the top 20 percent. “We need to elevate teachers to train students to become those engineers.”

Rhinerson also debunked what he called another myth – that public schools are failing. As for San Diego Unified, standard achievement scores have gone up seven years in a row. “We’re doing a pretty good job, but we can do better,” he said.

Navy Capts. Elizabeth Gracia and Cynthia Macri outlined their own experiences in discussing opportunities available, including a fully paid college education, in exchange for five years of military service. “There’s a huge broad range of scholarships,” explained Macri.

The importance of math was stressed by Gracia. “You have to take these classes early. You have to do well,” if, for example, you want to qualify for military service, Gracia said.

“You need to be in algebra; competition is fierce.”

Grappling with math can be painful for some. However, said Macri, “it is the foundation for problem solving. It’s critical thinking . If you don’t challenge yourself and haven’t figured out how to solve those problems abd participate in critical thinking, it makes your college career difficult.”

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Panelists, from left: Bob Filner, Susan Yonezawa, Larry Bock, Capt. Elizabeth Gracia, Lucretia Hallaway, Tarun Bhatia, Estela Matriano, Lilly Cheng, Sarah Villareal, Bernie Rhinerson.

Preparing this generation of elementary and middle school students should not be restricted to a typical school day, according to panelist Congressman and San Diego mayoral candidate Bob Filner.

“What happens before and after school, when kids are prone to get into trouble – that’s where the whole community needs to be involved,” said Filner, adding that, as mayor, he would organize seniors and community leaders to serve as mentors and use city resources, such as its museums and parks, as laboratories of learning.

“Learning in school has to have some relationship to the world outside school,” said Filner.

And that world includes the world, according to Dr. Estela Matriano, professor of education at Aliant International University and its vice president, Dr. Tarun Bhatia.

Students today have to adapt to change, said Bhatia and “make use of opportunity in the global sphere.”

Educators need to expose today’s students to those opportunities as early as elementary school. And expose them to critical thinking and allow them make choices – even if

Pedro Villegas

they are wrong ones.

As a society, we need to do a better job of retaining females, according to Susan Yonezawa, associate director of the UCSD Center for Research in Educational Equity. Half the female students that enter college in any of the STEM (science, technology, engineering ad math) fields drop out by their second year. “We have to retain more women and students across the board,” she said.

One way, added Larry Bock, creator of the USA Science and Engineering Festival, is to create the same kind of aura society creates around rock artists and sports figures. “We celebrate Brittany Spears and Lindsey Lohan, but we don’t celebrate scientists and engineers.”

ASIAN HERITAGE AWARDS 2012

A Celebration of Achievement SAN DIEGO, CA SEPTEMBER 15, 2012 It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Ninth Annual Asian Heritage Awards, celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander achievement. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for this honor to your gracious hosts, Rosalynn Carmen and Leonard Novarro, and also my congratulations to California State Controller John Chiang, the recipient of this year’s Special Recognition Award.

As a science teacher, I am very pleased to see that the Asian Heritage Society’s leadership and mentorship program BOOST-STEM would be the focus of this evening’s awards celebration. This partnership has the ambitious and commendable goal of increasing the number of underserved female students in STEM subjects.

STEM education plays an absolutely critical role in the future of our young people and in future of California. It is a key component of what my Blueprint for Great schools calls 21st Century Learning, which means changing where children learn, what they learn, and the tools we use to teach them. Our state has fallen to 45th in the nation in the number of recent bachelor degrees awarded in science and engineering as a proportion of our workforce. And keep in mind that 15 of the 20 fastest-growing jobs are in the STEM fields.

We’re making STEM a key focus at the Department of Education, where I have created a new STEM Curriculum and Coordination Office and formed a new STEM Integrated Action Team to coordinate all STEM activities across the department.

Your concern and interest in such an essential mission is enthusiastically welcomed. I applaud your efforts. This is an important mission if we want our students – both male and female – to succeed, and not just to succeed, but to lead the way again.

That’s a future we have to believe in, even in this time of economic crisis.

Sincerely,

Tom Torlakson

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Leadership, by example.

connected to success We applaud the Asian Heritage Society for celebrating the achievements of the distinguished honorees who have inspired and motivated so many people. As an active sponsor or personal and professional achievement, we believe in the power of leadership. And we proudly support those organizations who share our vision.

Connect at sdge.com ©2012 San Diego Gas & Electric Company. All copyright and trademark rights reserved. 0812

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DREAM INSPIRE ACHIEVE

Help Time Warner Cable inspire the next generation of problem solvers by connecting young people to the wonders of science, technology, engineering and math.

Visit www.connectamillionminds.com to learn more.

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The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and the California Department of Insurance investigate and prosecute workers’ compensation fraud. The above anti-fraud posters are available, free of charge, to you to post in your work place. Help us deter workers’ compensation fraud.

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OFFICE OF

JESUS RODRIGUEZ

THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY

ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY

COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO

330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 531-4040 http://www.sandiegoda.com

BONNIE M. DUMANIS DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Public Safety Topics for Community Presentations and Media Interviews – 2012 1. District Attorney’s Office Mission & Responsibilities 2. Juvenile Justice & Criminal Court System 3. Anti-Bullying in Schools & Cyber-Bullying 4. Child Abduction & Child Abuse Prevention 5. Internet Crimes Against Children & Adolescents 6. Public Integrity Unit 7. Domestic Violence & Sex Crimes 8. Hate Crimes 9. Gang Prevention & Enforcement 10. Narcotics Prevention & Enforcement 11. Driving Under the Influence & Consequences 12. Social Host Law 13. Victim Assistance Program 14. Auto Insurance Fraud 15. Check Enforcement Program & Embezzlement 16. Identity Theft & Consumer Protection 17. Real Estate, Immigration & General Fraud 18. Worker’s Compensation, Employer & Employee Fraud The above presentations can be given to community groups or special events with some of them done in collaboration with your local law enforcement agency. For further details and to schedule a presentation or interview, please contact:

Jesse Navarro, Community Relations (619) 531-3053 Jesse.Navarro@sdcda.org

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SDG&E Energy Efficiency Programs| OVERVIEW

About SDG&E

Sample Programs

Energy Efficiency During the Holidays

About Energy Efficiency Programs

FOCUSC

SDG&E is committed to offering San Diego households and businesses a wide range of programs and services to save energy and money, while also helping the environment.

Ranging from incentive programs, recommending energy-qualified products for rebates, or practical tips on how to save energy throughout the year, the community can take advantage of the many rewards and short- or long-term energy savings.

WEBSITE www.sdge.com www.sdge.com/saveenergy

SDG&E understands that the holiday season can be expensive, and wants to offer practical steps which homeowners and businesses can take now that will save energy and money on their bills.

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Saving energy and money is a practice that can be implemented throughout the year, but the holiday season is the perfect time to be more aware of saving so that the new year will start off on a good note, and hopefully with a lower energy bill.

Energy Efficiency Programs include but are not limited to: • Rebates on products such as: attic and home insulation, efficient electric storage water heater, Energy Star-Qualified clothes washer, air conditioner, and dishwasher • Incentives for switching to more energy-efficient appliances and recycling • Energy- and money-saving practical tips

Saving money on your energy bill can be as easy as following a few practical steps

SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.5 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and more than 850,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The utility’s area spans 4,100 square miles. SDG&E is committed to creating ways to help our customers save energy and money every day. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.

Connect with us on Twitter!

Twitter.com/sdge @SDGE

For more information about SDG&E’s Energy Efficiency Programs, please contact: Tomas Urtasun 619-233-7778

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BUSINESS

Environmental concern plays key role for many startups

From Earth Talk For many small business owners, a com mon question these days is “What can I do to minimize my business’ impact on the environment?”

There are many ways to green up any business, large or small—and an added

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benefit might just be saving money. Just like individuals, businesses can measure their carbon footprints to get a sense of where they are starting from and to get some initial ideas of areas to focus on to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a free “Simplified

GHG [greenhouse gas] Emissions Calculator” to help small businesses get started.

Another option is to enroll in TerraPass’s “Carbon Balanced Business” program, which helps commercial entities measure and then offset the greenhouse gas emissions they are responsible for generating.

Beyond carbon footprints, there are many other things businesses can do to minimize their environmental impacts. The non-profit Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) reports that, first and foremost, businesses should shift the paper paradigm. The average office tosses out about 350 pounds of paper per year per employee.

“Reducing your waste and purchasing paper with post-consumer recycled content can help save trees and nudge the pulp and paper industry, one of the most environmentally destructive industries in the world, toward a less damaging path,” NRDC reports. Some easy ways to do this include: setting printers to use both sides of a page (or designating a “draft tray” filled with paper that’s blank on one side); buying copy paper with a 30 percent or more post-consumer recycled content; collecting used paper separately for recycling; and stocking bathrooms with

post-consumer recycled tissue products.

Getting more energy efficient is another way to save the Earth while saving money. NRDC recommends taking advantage of the fact that most utilities offer free or inexpensive energy audits, whereby an engineer examines operations and provides a report about how to save on energy costs. Turning off lights and electronics at the end of the work day can also save bundles of energy.

“Plug all your appliances into a power strip and you’ll only have to flip one switch at the end of the day,” suggests NRDC. Also, setting computers to “sleep” or “hibernate” when inactive will further reduce a business’s footprint. And NRDC says to lose the screensavers: “Flying toasters and slideshows can use up about $50 of electricity in a year.”

Lastly, when shopping for new office appliances, look for the EnergyStar label

which means that the federal government has rated the particular unit highly in terms of energy efficiency.

Cutting water waste will also make a business run greener. The group says to install faucet aerators and low-flow toilets, check for and fix leaks, landscape with water efficiency in mind and recycle gray water where applicable for nonpotable uses such as watering gardens.

The NRDC suggests creating a greener work environment, given that “employees are on the front lines of any sustainability initiatives” a business chooses to make—perhaps by creating a green team “with members from all divisions of the organization to help implement plans and bring new ideas to the table.” Those looking to take their businesses down a green path should consult any of the free “Greening Your Business” guides on NRDC’s website.

Corporate innovation means strengthening people-to-people connections A recent conference in Seattle, convened by business and non-profit leaders from America and Japan, highlighted one of the key issues inevitable for businesses to survive – collaboration, and on many fronts.

Keynote speakers at the Conference discussed innovative solutions to today’s economic challenges and new opportunities for collaboration that will deepen ties between the U.S. and Japan.

Acting U.S. Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank, who leads the department’s efforts to create an environment that strengthens U.S. innovation and competitiveness, said a close partnership between the U.S. and Japan is vital to advance business opportunities in both countries and the Asia Pacific region.

“The U.S.-Japan friendship has taken on deeper meaning over the past five years as both countries have worked together to confront challenges and overcome adversity,” said Blank.

“Together, we are moving forward to strengthen our economic relationship, to foster more entrepreneurship and innovation, and to tighten the already close bonds between our people.”

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray L. Conner also highlighted collaboration, highlighting the company’s 60-year relationship with Japan and recalled the heroic efforts of one company, IHI, to return to full production after the devastating March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami.

“At the end of the day, the Boeing-Japan story is about people and the trust and respect that binds them,” Conner said.

“We and our Japanese customers and industry partners have helped each other to build the most advanced airplanes in the world, and we see a future of opportunities to continue collaborating and innovating together.”

The 2012 U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference provided a platform for discussion about business, entrepreneurship, new technologies and the more specific topic of managing the 1.5 million tons of tsunami debris washing ashore in the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Alaska and California. A panel at the conference featuring officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Japanese government and U.S. non-profit sector found that many public agencies and local governments facing budget challenges are still finding innovative ways to provide resources. National and local NGOs are doing their part by pursuing active citizen engagement and volunteer efforts to raise awareness and keep beaches clean and safe.

This was the first time the U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference was held in Seattle, recognizing the vital and historic relationship between Japan and the Pacific Northwest. The conference also celebrated the vibrant Japanese and Japanese American communities in Seattle.

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OPPORTUNITY The new worker: Down to earth

College grads enjoying outdoor jobs that leave technology behind

By Jonah Most, New America Media

MUIR BEACH, Calif. — At 7 a.m., Cyrina King often starts her workday taking the temperature of the compost pile. A recent graduate from Bard College, King is working as a summer counselor at Slide Ranch, a Marin-based organization that teaches farm skills and environmental science to children.

The pay may be minimal, but the position comes with perks that staff say far exceed those offered in corporate offices, including tent lodging, unlimited goat cheese, great views and a fantastic community.

Choosing to pursue work outdoors, some young adults today in Northern California are defying expectations of a generation thought to be too obsessed with technology to have interest in the great outdoors. The average adolescent spends 7.5 hours a day consuming entertainment media, leaving little time for much else. Youth obesity rates are at record highs and attendance levels at US national forests and state parks have been declining for several decades. But, while addiction to screens keeps many indoors, some young adults are rejecting this trend and are declining to spend their time tuned-in, logged-on or otherwise zoned out.

Employment is one area where young adults’ interest in the outdoors is most visible. For recent graduates, choosing a career is often the most important decision they have ever made and some are rejecting the notion that a college degree is a license to sit in front of a computer 8 hours per day. King said that she believes this is characteristic of her generation’s unique position as the last to grow up before the proliferation of portable electronic devises. Personally witnessing the rise of electronic media, she said she feels she has a responsibility to sustain interest in the outdoors.

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This sentiment is reflective of Richard Louv’s book The Last Child In the Woods, published in 2005, in which Louv writes about psychological and behavioral problems associated with diminished time spent outdoors in childhood.

“I was encouraged to find that many people now of college age — those who belong to the first generation to grow up in a largely de-natured environment — have tasted just enough nature to intuitively understand what they have missed,” Louv writes in the introduction of his book.

“This yearning is a source of power.

These young people resist the rapid slide from the real to the virtual, from the mountains to the Matrix. They do not intend to be the last children in the woods,” he writes.

Various staff members at Slide Ranch say that working in an office setting simply does not appeal to them. King said that she has instead found learning farm skills empowering. Other opportunities for recent graduates, such as working for a large established company, “are really limited and really fake,” she said. Maya Havusha, who works with King, said that spending long hours indoors conducting research for her thesis convinced her to pursue a career that involved working outdoors. Her job at the ranch involves working with children, milking goats and attending to a variety of other farm chores.

Havusha said she was also motivated to work at the ranch because she feels responsible for teaching future generations about the environment. She said that teaching is one way she feels that she can make a real impact.

“Our kids probably won’t know anyone who doesn’t know what the Internet is,” she said. What we’re teaching the kids is just the bare minimum. “It’s basic level stuff, this is a goat, not a cow.”

At UC Berkeley, the student career office has seen a growing interest in the environmental field in recent years. The career office has begun offering a specialized green career jobs fair, which showcases opportunities in industry, sciences and community non-profits, including opportunities that would bring students outdoors.

“I think there are a number of students for whom the idea of working 9-5 at a desk sounds very limiting and a little dreary,” said Suzanne Helbig, Assistant Director of the Career Center at UC Berkeley in a phone interview. “It’s not something they’re used to. Especially being college students, they’re out walking about from building to building, from topic to topic so a lot of this desire comes from wanting variety in their jobs,” she said.

While there are enticing opportunities for those seeking work outdoors, there is also stiff competition. The East Bay Regional Park District, which offers paid student internships in natural sciences and environmental education, receives typically 200 applications for just 10-12 internship positions. Among applicants, about 60 percent indicate that they would prefer a position outdoors as opposed to a desk job.

“People have grown up going to our parks and to hear that there is actually a paid internship available at the park district is almost unbelievable,” said Sonja Stanchina, a human resources officer for the agency, characterizing the response of applicants.

ORGANIZATION

Turning the brain drain into a gain Hillary Clinton sees diaspora contributing to U.S. success

By Anthony Advincula, New America Media

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently recognized the crucial role of diaspora communities in national and global development efforts, emphasizing their potential to solve problems in their home countries and spur U.S. economic growth.

“By tapping into the experiences, the energy, the expertise of diaspora communities, we can reverse the so-called ‘brain drain’ that slows progress in so many countries around the world, and instead offer the benefits of the ‘brain gain,’” she said at the opening ceremony of the second annual Global Diaspora Forum.

Speaking to about 500 diaspora community leaders, advocates and senior U.S. officials, Clinton cited the support of Syrian Americans and organizations as an example of how the Syrian diaspora serves as a link between the international community and opposition activists to address the ongoing civil uprising in Syria.

“I want to recognize the work of Syrian diaspora organizations to shine a light on what is happening in Syria and to carry the concerns of the Syrian people not only onto the pages of American newspapers, but also into the halls of Congress,” she said. “They’re helping to collect funds and humanitarian assistance for Syrians who are suffering because of this terrible violence.”

This year’s forum, titled “Moving Forward by Giving Back,” focused on how to foster partnerships between diaspora communities and the U.S. government to address global challenges. The two-day event also drew members of the ethnic press— including Asian, Ethiopian, Filipino, Haitian, Latino and African-American news outlets—from the nation’s capital to Virginia, Maryland and New York.

Speaking about her recent trip to Asia, Clinton told the story of a Vietnamese-American entrepreneur who brings famous American brands into the Vietnamese market, generating thousands of jobs and in the process bringing Vietnam and the United States closer together.

“That’s one way the diaspora has and continues to make a difference, but it’s certainly not the only way,” Clinton said. She added that the International Diaspora Engagement Alliance (IDEA)— a

network of private sector, nonprofit and government agencies that she launched last year— has also expanded its initiatives. One of these is a collaboration between Canadian, U.K. and U.S. governments to finance innovative business proposals from the Caribbean diaspora in order to generate employment and increase economic growth in the Caribbean.

Similar efforts by the communities are taking place in Liberia, Tunisia and in Latin America. Thomas Debass, director for global partnerships for the State Department’s Global Partnership Initiative, was hopeful about the direction of the International Diaspora Engagement Alliance.

“Through IDEA, we’re evolving and recognizing diversity, utilizing that asset and our American diplomatic relations around the world,” he said. “We’re creating a footprint and certainly taking the diaspora’s commitment into action to benefit both their home countries and the United States.”

Debass admitted that the initiative is a work in progress, but said he was confident that the alliance would continue to carry out its goals around diplomacy, innovation and economic development.

“We’re not at the promised land yet, but we know that we are on the right track to advance causes that we care about,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the home front, Clinton praised the ways immigrant communities have revitalized American cities like Baltimore, Md., which may be losing its economic luster due to dwindling populations. When cities struggle, she noted, the presence of immigrants replenishes their strength and vitality.

“The fact is that the United States has always benefited from the influx of talent and dynamism that diasporas of all kinds bring to our shores. And so they are reaching out and inviting— opening the doors of that venerable American city to immigrants from everywhere,” she said. “We are well aware that our diversity is one of our greatest assets in the 21st century.”

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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

FLOWING UP: Evidence that fracking can contaminate groundwater is rising

By Sean Paul Kelly For years, oil and gas drillers have insisted that it would be physically impossible for fracking chemicals to travel upwards from deep shale layers to shallow aquifers because of the thick layers of solid rock that separate the two. A new peer-reviewed study offers contradictory evidence. The study, sponsored by environmental advocates and published in the journal Ground Water, found that fracking can indeed cause chemicals to migrate upwards through cracks and fissures and contaminate groundwater in the Marcellus shale.

Using computer modeling, Tom Myers, the author of the study, used data from the Marcellus shale and concluded that the pressures created by fracking can persist for up to six years and can speed up natural processes that slowly drive fluids towards the surface. “If contaminants reach natural fractures under pressure, the upward flow has the potential to be enhanced greatly,” Myers, the study’s author, told Bloomberg. “It can flow upward if there’s a pathway and unless it’s completely impermeable, there’s always a pathway.

It’s just a question of how long it takes.”

Natural gas industry advocates say that the thousands of vertical feet of rock between shale formations and aquifers create a barrier that makes it impossible for toxic chemicals to migrate into groundwater supplies. But the evidence that fracking can contaminate groundwater supplies has been rising. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concluded as early as 1987 that fracking fluids have indeed migrated from drilled wells into aquifers.

One of the biggest problems for researchers has been that the oil and gas industry often reaches sealed settlements with people whose drinking water was rendered undrinkable, so documentation is under wraps, the EPA pointed out at the time. The result is that the public, including scientists and regulators, are prevented from knowing about cases where groundwater has been contaminated.

During fracking, drillers inject millions of gallons of sand, water and chemicals under high pressures to shatter the shale rock layer and free trapped natural gas. The fractures created during this process can extend long distances, sometimes nearly half a mile, in ways that engineers say can be complex and difficult to predict.

Not only are there natural fractures and those created during fracking, but drilling is often done near abandoned natural gas wells, which The Times found are poorly monitored in many states.

Improperly capped abandoned wells may serve as paths for fracking

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fluids to move upwards towards aquifers. Much of the political debate about fracking has centered on the ability of fluids to migrate below ground, in part because industry advocates have repeatedly claimed that there has not been a single case of groundwater contamination resulting directly from fracking, as opposed to other parts of the extraction process like drilling or disposing of wastewater, and therefore fracking should be left unregulated by the federal government. But there are countless documented cases of water pollution from the overall oil and gas drilling process. This contamination more often than not is from above-ground spills.

Natural gas can also leak from poorly cased gas wells and ending up in peoples’ water supplies. The disposal of billions of gallons of drilling waste is a huge and growing threat to drinking water as well. And increasingly, the industry’s claim that fracking is not responsible has been called into question by scientific evidence.

The new study, which was paid for by Catskill Mountainkeeper and the Park Foundation, two upstate New York organizations that have opposed gas drilling and fracking in the Marcellus, is important because it adds research to an area that has been woefully lacking in scientific study. Some regulators predict that in the next decade or so there will be more than 100,000 new oil or gas wells fracked. But there has been a relative dearth of rigorous research on what actually happens underground when thousands of pounds of pressure are applied to millions of gallons of chemicals and water to release the fossil fuels trapped in shale formations.

The study in Ground Water does not describe instances where pollution from fracking has occurred in the real world, but instead uses modeling to show that it is theoretically possible—and that it can happen relatively soon after a well is fracked. There is also briny water, laced with corrosive salts and carrying naturally occurring radioactive materials. The researchers concluded that fracking will dramatically speed up the movement of this material.

INNOVATION

Radiant heat catching on as an alternative

By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss Underfloor radiant heating involves under laying the floor with a hot element or tubing that transfers heat into the room via infrared radiation and convection, obviating the need for forced or blowing air.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Savers website, radiant heating has a number of advantages over other forms of heat distribution: “It is more efficient than baseboard heating and usually more efficient than forced-air heating because no energy is lost through ducts.” It is also flexible as it can run off of a variety of energy sources: Gas, oil, wood, solar and other sources or combinations thereof can feed radiant systems. And radiant heating is a good choice for those with severe allergies as no potentially irritating particles get blown around the room.

Several aspects of radiant heating make it more energy efficient. For starters, the uniform heat distribution over the entire surface of a floor heats the lower half of the room, enveloping inhabitants in warmth at a lower overall temperature—in some cases up to five degrees Fahrenheit cooler—than a conventional heating system. “Radiators and other forms of ‘point’ heating circulate

heat inefficiently and hence need to run for longer periods to obtain comfort levels,” reports the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNet). “They draw cold air across the floor and send warm air up to the ceiling, where it then falls, heating the room from the top down, creating drafts and circulating dust and allergens.” RESNet adds that radiant systems transmit heat on average some 15 percent more efficiently than conventional radiators.

The efficiency gains can be magnified significantly with good insulation and a well-designed system. While tearing out old heating systems and/or replacing decent existing flooring might be overkill for the sake of moving to radiant heat, those embarking on new building projects or contemplating major renovations should certainly consider it. According to TLC Network’s Green Living Guide, there are two main types of radiant heating, electric and hydronic. In the former, heated wires installed in the floor radiate heat upward.

This type of radiant heat is most commonly used to retrofit a single room—especially a bathroom or kitchen—in an older house or building. Meanwhile, hydronic radiant heating, whereby heated water is forced

through tubes under the floor, is more often designed into a new structure from the getgo, and is more energy efficient overall.

TLC points out that while radiant heat is definitely more efficient in smaller, snug homes with lower roofs, it might not always be the greenest solution in homes with bigger rooms: “In some scenarios it can be less energy efficient than forced-air heating.” TLC recommends consulting with a reputable heating contractor to see if radiant heating is a sensible way to go.

Of course, pairing a radiant heating system with an energy efficient EnergySTARapproved programmable thermostat can indeed save households hundreds of dollars a year on home heating bills while keeping inhabitants warmer all year long. Many states offer financial incentives to upgrade home and commercial heating systems in ways that boost energy efficiency. Check out the free Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) to find out what kinds of tax rebates or other incentives might be available in your neck of the woods. ( For more information on the subject, go to www.energysavers.gov)

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ASIA 31

Should you buy

wedding insurance?

Disastrous wedding mishaps have long been a comedy staple, probably because so many of us can relate. What bride- or groom-to-be hasn’t had nightmares about hurricaneforce winds blowing over the reception tent or a drunken cousin falling into the wedding cake?

Besides the potential for embarrassing memories, there’s a lot of money at stake: The average wedding in 2012 will cost nearly $27,000, not including the honeymoon – about what you’d pay for a well-appointed new car.

Just as you wouldn’t drive off the lot without car insurance, so you might want to consider buying wedding insurance. It usually costs only a few hundred dollars but could save you tens of thousands if horrendous weather, sudden illness or a bankrupt vendor ruins your day.

Many insurance companies now offer wedding insurance.

Typically, policies will reimburse you for deposits and charges you’ve paid to wedding vendors, as well as travel costs and other expenses incurred, if you need to cancel or postpone the wedding for a covered reason.

Coverage options, costs and limitations vary widely, so read the fine print carefully. When comparing policies, pay attention to deductibles, maximum coverage limits, exclusions and deadlines for purchasing various options.

Probably the most important coverage is personal liability insurance. Many venues require liability insurance and either include it in the rental cost or require you to submit a certificate of insurance from your own policy.

Before buying additional liability coverage, check how much coverage your homeowner’s insurance provides and whether it applies to wedding events – you may need a special rider or want to buy additional coverage through an umbrella policy.

Make sure all major wedding suppliers maintain their own liability insurance. In addition, any venue providing alcoholic beverages should carry liquor liability insurance. To be safe, you may want to buy your own host liquor liability coverage as well.

Other common options include:

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Your Money Matters

by Jason Alderman

• Extreme weather. If wedding party members or the majority of guests cannot reach the wedding because of severe weather conditions (snowstorm, earthquake, hurricane), rescheduling costs will be covered. Note: Gloomy skies or drizzle don’t qualify.

• If a member of the wedding party or immediate family is seriously injured, becomes too ill to attend or dies suddenly, rescheduling costs will be covered. However, illness or injury caused by preexisting conditions may be excluded.

• If an essential vendor goes out of business or doesn’t show up, you’re covered for deposits paid and possibly for the complete cost to reschedule the event.

• Some policies will pay to restage the wedding (including travel costs, cake and flowers, etc.) with the principal participants and immediate family members if the photographer fails to appear, botches the shots, or the negatives are lost, stolen or damaged; others may only pay an allowance toward reshoots.

• Gift coverage pays to repair or replace lost, stolen or damaged non-monetary gifts.

• Wedding attire coverage will pay to repair or replace the bridal gown and other special attire bought or rented for the bride, groom or attendants, when lost, stolen or damaged.

And finally, some insurers now provide “change of heart” coverage in case the bride or groom gets cold feet. If that’s a real possibility, you should probably invest in premarital counseling before looking at cakes and bridesmaid dresses. ________________________________________ Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To participate in a free, online Financial Literacy and Education Summit on April 23, 2012, go to www.practicalmoneyskills.com/sum-

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by Betty Guy-Wills

A little skin sense goes a long way Your skin is a vital organ and your largest. It keeps out infections, chemical toxins, and dirt. Skin keeps in vital body fluids and proteins, and is crucial to the normal control of body temperature, and has the capacity for renewal throughout our entire life!

Did you know that sun exposure is the primary preventable cause of premature aging, according to dermatologists? Fortunately, it’s never too late or too early to become Sun Savvy.

Regardless of our age or sunning history, we can deter further damage, lines, wrinkles, sagging, discolorations, and even skin cancer. Sun exposure stimulates the production of a pigment called melanin that gives our skin its color-a beautiful tan. Desert and Beach residents stimulate melanin by their every day routines and normal activities.

The primary sun offenders are ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays.

UVA rays, the ones that age us, are equally intense at any time the sun is out, summer or winter, anywhere on earth. These rays penetrate the lower layers of skin and destroy collagen and elastin, interfering with their production. UVB rays, the burning ones, are at their strongest at midday. Their damage, usually a burn shows up on the epidermis or top layers of skin. As the earths’ozone layer thins, and it’s doing so, rapidly, more and more rays enter the atmosphere.

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, reflects the amount of protection your sunscreen provides against UVB radiation.

According to Plastic Surgeon Dr. Alexander Rivkin, founder of Westside Aesthetics in Los Angeles, California believes that sunscreen with SPF’s of 35 and over provide the best UVA and UVB protection. For optimum protection liberally apply one ounce of sunscreen or sun block all over the exposed parts of the body, and over skin care treatments at least 30 minutes before going out side every day. Another factor to remember is that photosensitivity to certain foods, products, and medication can accentuate the sun’s reaction.

Examples: Fragrances, medicated and deodorant soaps, citrus fruits, Retin-A, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, diuretics, tranquilizers, and antihistamines. But, you can sport a beautiful tan with the wonderful self-tanning products on the market. They safeguard your skin while maintaining a lovely tan. Their job is oxidizing protein on the skin’s surface that imitates the tanning colors. With these products, look for ones that contain vitamins and moisturizers. Dr. Rivkin also states that any procedure that may leave a scar, right after a procedure, should not be exposed to the sun at any time for at least 12 weeks and of course, applying the SPF. This includes, breast augmentations, tummy tucks, chemical peels, etc. The skin needs the time to regenerate, and the sun will cause a scar, if any, to darken. The Botox and Restylane injections do not make the skin any more sensitive than normal so the SPF application is the best.

Antioxidants can defend your skin cells by quenching free radicals from the sun before they penetrate your pores. Free radicals also include pollution, pesticides, household chemicals, stress, processed foods, saturated fats, cigarette smoke, and alcohol. Antioxidants are not blocks or sunscreens, but they boost the effectiveness of the product. They also inhibit the oxidation of melanin, which is the culprit that produces those horrid brown spots that appear on our face and bodies at any age .I have heard that some scientists speculate that the antioxidant, Vitamin C, may ward off wrinkles, and prevent collagen destruction. Beta Carotene and Vitamin E are antioxidants that reduce inflammation in the skin. Cosmetic chemists are also using plants for aid in fighting sun-induced free radicals. Note that plants absorb

enormous amounts of sun without being destroyed because of their anti-oxidant properties that may subdue the signs of aging. So, look for the sun products, and skin care products that contain botanicals and herbs.

Sun skin. care is vital, especially during the summer months. In summary: 1.Avoid sun exposure between 10AM and 3PM 2.Apply sun block alone and over skin care treatments before going out doors.

3.Wear a sun hat or protective head covering and light weight clothing.

4.Drink plenty of water (carry your bottle with you) 5.Wear 100% UV filtered sunglasses Your skin reflects the inner you, making it imperative to create a healthy beautiful complexion.

If we get too little sun we become prone to a wide range of serious diseases like arthritis, bursitis and other inflammatory illnesses. One of the most important effects is to absorb vitamin D with only about 15 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week. Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium, build strong bones, and it can protect us from heart disease.

The National Institute of Health can send you further information on Vitamin D. The head of Cancer Prevention at the University of New Mexico, M.Berwick, feels the low levels of sun exposure needed to make Vitamin D won’t hurt any of us. She tells us to catch the A.M or late afternoon sun and to avoid the rays at high noon, and, of course, NOT TO SUNBURN! The most pleasant effect the sunlight has to offer us is its ability to cheer us up and make us happier, less depressed and certainly more alert!

(You may write Betty Guy-Wills at P.O. Box 10713 Beverly Hills, CA 90213. Please include a stamped/self-addressed envelope. She is a columnist/author on travel, fashion, health and beauty and a motivational speaker on anti-aging and age subtracting.)

ASIA 33

Stay Clear of Electromagnetic Fields Feng Shui

by Alice Inoue

Is your cellphone charging nearby when you sleep? Is your electrical or digital clock close to your bed? Is the location of your bedroom near your wireless router, or is your computer in your bedroom and on 24/7?

If so, no matter how optimally your bed and furniture are placed, or how elementally balanced your feng shui is, you have not considered an important environmental factor that can adversely affect you – EMF’s, or electromagnetic fields.

EMF’s are physical fields produced by moving electrically charged particles.

EMF’s are a combination of electrical fields and magnetic fields. You will find these fields in your house wiring, televisions, radios, cell phones, hair dryers, microwaves, and even digital or electric clocks.

Due to the proliferation of electronics in recent years, EMF’s of various frequencies fill our homes, workplaces and public spaces. They are considered by many to be harmful to our bodies and almost every new invention adds to the electromagnetic pollution that already exists.

For over 40 years, electrobiologists have studied the effects of EMF exposure on the human body. Although we are electrical beings, and our bodies are made up of various electromagnetic frequencies, the external EMF’s are far from being harmonious with the frequencies in our bodies.

Although earth’s electromagnetic field is beneficial to our body and supports optimal functioning, most of us do not get outdoors enough to counter balance the constant exposure we have to other electromagnetic frequencies.

Virtually all scientists agree that 2.5 Mg (milligauss) is the generally accepted limit of EMF exposure. To give you an idea of what that means, an electric clock generates an electromagnetic field of about 5-10 Mg, and the average hair dryer or vacuum cleaner generates 300Mg or more. If you have ever experienced fatigue after a long session on the computer or had a sensation of heat or buzzing in your ear after using your cell phone, you may have experienced strong EMF exposure.

Our bodies are sensitive to high external EMF emissions. Our skin, DNA, blood vessels, vital organs, and even our cell membranes are affected. Plus, the effect of exposure is cumulative, so the sooner you can reduce your exposure the better.

Here are some tips to reduce exposure.

• If a television, refrigerator, computer or

other office equipment is on the other side of the bedroom wall behind your head, consider moving your bed, as EMF’s penetrate all building materials.

• Place electrical equipment as far away from your bed as possible, especially cell phones and computers. The further away you are from the electrical item, the less impact it has on your body.

• Switch to a wind up clock or use a battery operated one.

• Turn you television on manually, instead of with the remote.

• Replace your wireless with a corded home phone, or at the very least, use the speakerphone function when using the cordless phone.

• Avoid prolonged fluorescent light exposure. (Yes, that is one of the reasons why you feel drained after a long day under fluorescent lighting.)

• If you are not ready to get rid of your microwave, move far away from it when it is on.

• Turn off your wireless routers at night, especially if your home office is near your bedroom.

EMF’s were not an issue even fifty years ago, but today addressing them is an essential component of feng shui practice.

Although you cannot fully control your exposure to EMF’s while you are away from home, you can control your family’s exposure while you are at home, especially at night when the body is regenerating and needs its rest.

Reduce your exposure at home and see if you don’t sleep better. What do you have to lose, except perhaps some wrinkles and stress?

(For more, visit www.aliceinspired.com)

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ASIA 37

T

It’s No Fun When Someone Steals Your Funny

Wayne’s World

by Wayne Chan

here are two kinds of people in this world. There are those who are the life of the party, who seem completely at ease in social situations and seem to have an exhaustive stream of spontaneously witty things to say on whatever topic is being discussed. My wife is a perfect example of this group. She’s never at a loss for words.

She thinks of interesting things to say on topics she has no knowledge of or interest in. She is a part of this group.

And then there are people like me.

I’m in the group that gets tongue tied and has a hard time coming up with anything remotely interesting to say regardless of whatever topic is on hand. I’m not only a member of this group but I’m president and a charter member.

You might think that being a writer - in fact, being the humor writer than I am, that not having anything interesting to say would be kind of an occupational hazard.

The truth is, I actually do have interesting things to say, but the reason I’m a writer is that I can take all day to come up with whatever it is I find that’s interesting.

Here’s how it typically works.

I’ll be at a party or other social situation, and we typically start talking about something topical, like the high price of gas. Immediately, one person will start talking about a new app they use to find the cheapest gas stations. Another person will talk about a pattern they see in how the price of gas fluctuates with the presidential elections. Still another will have a funny story of how they started to take the bus to save gas and got completely lost.

As I listen, I immediately go into “funny story” mode. I start thinking something funny...about gas. What can I say that would contribute something interesting to this discussion about the high price of gas? Hmm...what has happened in my life, in the context of gasoline that might be of interest to these people?

Think. How has gasoline triggered a funny anecdote that I could share with these people? I’ve got nothing. No, there must be something. Think. Think! Wait, I’ve got it! I’ve got a funny story about gas!

“Well, you know what happened to me

38 ASIA

the other day at the gas station?”

Silence. At this point, the group is now talking about their latest stock picks.

Back in “funny story” mode. OK... when was the last time I bought a stock.

Think!

I think you know the rest of this goes.

One of the things I do so as not to be completely without the ability to speak in social situations is to come up with a few anecdotes on various topics that I can memorize and then bring them out at a moment’s notice if the topic of discussion happens to swing into one of these areas of discussion.

In fact, a perfect opportunity presented itself just the other day.

We were at a party a few nights ago when the subject of our triplets came up.

In the past, I usually have a few standard jokes I tell when the topic comes up.

The one I use most of the time goes something like this: “Once, when a lady found out we had triplets, she asked whether we had boys or girls. I said, ‘Well, two boys...’ and she immediately said, ‘... and?’’.

Looking a little annoyed, I said, ‘Well, what do you think? Two boys and an orangutan? Two boys and another boy?’

So, at the party, we get the question again, and as I was about to retell this sure fire joke.... my wife stepped in and told the joke instead! She said it word for word!

And she got big laughs.

For the last 15 minutes, I was thinking...she stole my joke! Those laughs belonged to me!

As a charter member of the socially awkward group, all I can say is that the last thing our group needs is for one of the members of the social butterfly group to start stealing the few jokes our group has!

Also, wasn’t there something in our wedding vows 20 years ago that specifically addressed the stealing of your spouse’s tried and true jokes? I could swear I remember something about that.

If she’s going to keep doing this, it’ll force me to come up with some new jokes about the kids I have or have more kids just to up the chance that one of them does something funny.

 At the London Olympics, Jordyn Wieber, the

it’s important to get it out into the world. Over the past fifteen years, I have been revising the book, submitting it reigning U.S. all-around world champion in women’s to agents and publishers, or researching markets. When gymnastics, put her hands to her face and burst into I found a publisher willing to take a chance on a writer tears. She had just placed third in the prelims for the without a long publishing history, I was overjoyed beU.S. by .233 of a single point, and though she scored cause the story would get an opportunity to reach people, higher than 20 of the 24 women in the qualifying and that’s what I want my writing to do. round, only the top two from each country compete I have a hard time trusting people. It’s not how I’m in the individual finals.

Her dream of winning Olympic gold in the Family Matters wired. However, when I put pencil to paper, it’s my way of connecting with others, a way to let people in. individual event was shattered. It’s a dream she has

by Ray Wong I did that with Quyen. I shared my writing with her devoted her life to, one she has spent countless hours while we dated, and I continue to do so in our marriage—the joys training for, a dream she will not realize this year, and perhaps not ever. Her reaction, recorded in front of a world audience, spoke for and disappointments, the good and the bad. I have suffered heartbreak and disappointments with writing just as I endured disapher—she was devastated.

I understand Wieber’s disappointment. I’m a writer, and a mem- pointments and heartbreak with women before meeting Quyen.

And when I found Quyen, I knew. The wait was worth it. The oir I started in 1996 was accepted for publication by a small literrejections were worth it. The heartbreaks were worth it. ary press in July, 2011. They planned to release the book in 2013.

So this disappointment with my memoir is another step on the Apart from marrying my wife and having children, I have never road to getting the story to the right publisher. It’s a setback, but experienced the kind of euphoria I felt upon getting the acceptance. the book needs to get out into the world. Of that I’m certain. I can’t A couple weeks ago, I received an e-mail that hit me like the tell you when or where, but the memoir will find its place. splintered shank of a broken baseball bat come hurling out of Jordyn Wieber overcame her disappointment about not making nowhere. The owner of the company was suffering from a serious it to the individual finals and helped the United States win a gold health problem and needed to close her company to concentrate on medal in the team competition. Then she watched from the stands healing. They were not going to publish my memoir.

I sat at the computer staring at the e-mail for a long time. Then I as her teammates, Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman, competed for the individual title. After the floor exercise, Gabby Douglas gathered my wife, Quyen, and my kids, Kevin and Kristie, around me on the floor of the family room and broke the news to them. All waited tense minutes to find out if she had won a gold medal in the individuals.

Quyen could say was, “Oh, honey …” and her expression conWhen the TV showed Douglas’s reaction to winning gold, veyed the disappointment I felt. My children remained silent, their the camera caught the look on Wieber’s face, a beaming smile of serious faces showing they somehow understood the magnitude of unadulterated joy for her teammate, an expression of knowing how my distress. much work and training and blood and sweat and, yes, tears had The memoir was my story, the story of a man who had spent gone into the making of an Olympic champion. his life running from his culture, his family, himself. It’s also the Jordyn Wieber was genuinely happy for her teammate and journey of a mother and son, two people, always at odds, afraid to friend.

And that, more than anything, tells you what kind of person look each other in the eye because unbearable truths could emerge.

Jordyn Wieber is.

Until that trip to Hong Kong in 1996, I hadn’t been back to the I admire Gabby Douglas’s dedication and talent that earned her teeming city I left at the age of five. I had not seen my father since a gold medal in the individual competition of the London Olymmy departure. I didn’t know him or his family. The trip introduced pics.

I honor the devotion of all five members of the U.S. women’s me to my father and the people and culture of the country where I gymnastics team for bringing home the first gold medal in the was born.

Olympic team competition since 1996. And I respect the strength When I returned to San Diego, I picked up a pencil and began and artistry of all the people who compete for their countries in the to write, and the words poured out of me for over a year, the first Olympic Games. time I had written anything longer than a short story. By the time I I salute Jordyn Wieber’s class in overcoming disappointment finished, I had written over 200 pages of text. I went to work revisand heartbreak to help her team. Most of all, I feel honored to have ing the entire book—each chapter, each paragraph, each sentence, seen Wieber’s grace and dignity under a most difficult circumeach single word, again and again, probably twenty times—beginstance. ning to end.

And that’s something I will remember as I go forth past the In the process, I discovered a father, came to know my mother, Olympics, beyond the disappointment of a near miss in getting my and developed an appreciation for Quyen, a woman who would memoir published, to my writing, in my parenting, my work, and become my wife. the way I live my life.

The memoir is my family’s story and mine, and this is why

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exhibitionsPREVIEW TWO NEW EXHIBITIONS FEATURING CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE ART WILL BE ON VIEW STARTING JUNE 2, 2012 UNTIL JANUARY 19, 2013 In June, Mingei will premiere paired exhibitions that celebrate the private collections of two important San Diego-based collectors. Both shows will feature objects of use from different eras, regions and artists of Japan.

This exhibition explores the evolution of contemporary Japanese ceramics through the work of many artists and a variety of forms, from tea bowls and noodle cups to stunning vases and robust platters. Strong and sculptural, these ceramic pieces also reveal an earthy beauty through abstract forms, soft colors and pools of glaze.

These organic objects come from kilns throughout the regions of Japan, and their clear connection to nature will be enhanced with large scale photographs of Japanese landscapes and natural elements.

This exhibition features prints by two Japanese artists: Yoshitoshi Mori (1898-1992) and Masaaki Tanaka (b.

1947). Both graphic and figurative, they depict cultural festivals, scenes from daily life and archetypal characters such as warriors and actors. Created with stencils, woodblocks and silk screens, the prints will be displayed alongside a selection of beautiful mingei – objects of use – from the Museum’s permanent collection, including a diverse range of historical and contemporary objects: pottery, kimono and other textiles, lacquer, metal, baskets and toys.

ROBERT YELLIN LECTURE SERIES Also in June, join us for two lectures, in conjunction with Nature, Tradition and Innovation, with Japanese pottery specialist Robert Yellin. A resident of Japan, Yellin writes regularly on twentieth century and contemporary Japanese ceramics.

MEDIA CONTACTS JESSICA HANSON YORK

JOHANNA SARETZKI

(619) 704-7510

(619) 704-7506

jyork@mingei.org

jsaretzki@mingei.org

ABOUT MINGEI INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM Located in San Diego’s Balboa Park, Mingei International Museum collects, preserves and exhibits folk art, craft and design from all eras and cultures of the world. A non-profit in-stitution funded by admission, individuals, and community support, the Museum offers in-spiring exhibitions and diverse educational programs to more Bottom left, Masaaki Tanaka, Hand-carrying Fireworks Festival, 1981, silkscreen print. Collection of Maurice Kawashima. Top right, Shugo Takauichi, Oribe Ware Tray, 20th century, stoneware. Collection of Gordon Brodfuehrer. Photos by Ken Kondo.

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than 100,000 visitors a year. Institutional support for Mingei International Museum is provided by the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture. www.mingei.org

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