New Chinese-Americans: In "Splendor," The Truth of Falun Gon
Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:56:11 -0800 by NTDTV

"Ricky" Chen could be considered a normal teenager from Mainland China - he's been in the US for only about half a year.Currently studying at a New York high school, Ricky decided to kick off the new year at the Brooklyn Academy of Music with a show celebrating the traditional culture of his homeland.[Ricky Chen, Student]:"I thought that it was really something new... because the New Year shows in Mainland China are often created just for government officials and VIPs. As for a normal person like myself, I feel like this show offered a lot of new, fresh ideas and a chance to understand a bit more. It was more relevant to me, and the meaning was quite deep as well." But in the end, he found that the Chinese New Year Splendor also shed light on one of the most pressing, and controversial events taking place in today's China - the persecution of the spiritual practice Falun Gong. The program portraying this subject, "Heaven Awaits Us Despite Persecution" offers some of the show's most serious, and relevant moments.[Ricky Chen, Student]:"When I was really moved... well, particularly when I saw those Falun Gong practitioners in Mainland China being persecuted. In China we generally see just so much negative, anti-Falun Gong propaganda, yet really these people should be well-regarded; they're practicing spiritual cultivation, simply that, yet they've encountered this kind of persecution... and in the end, to see that these Falun Gong practitioners who've been brutally treated enter heaven and become Buddhas, I was just so moved." For Ricky, the show gave the truth about an issue that the Chinese state-run media he's used to blanket in constant propaganda. But for another of the day's attendees, it hit even closer to home: The show was a chance to see elements of his own story, played-out on the stage for all the world to view.Mr. Cheng, who didn't give his first name for reasons of safety, is a Falun Gong practitioner who's recently come to the US from China after encountering harrassment for his spiritual beliefs.[Mr. Cheng, Chinese Refugee]:"I've now seen this show three times. This time, it's even more astounding. There is this kind of power that penetrates your heart and soul, and I couldn't stop crying. When I went to NTD's oil painting exhibit, I saw a painting and the feeling that I got from that was also very unprecedented. I started practicing Falun Gong in 1997 in mainland China, and I came here due to the persecution... I just came to the US in March." Two Chinese citizens - the youth tired of discriminatory propaganda, and the family man and spiritual believer escaping persecution.For both, it took a journey of thousands of miles to hear the truths that could not be expressed back in China. They saw the Chinese New Year Splendor in New York City, but it was like looking through a window to the country they'd just left.This has been Ryan Mitchell reporting for NTD, New York.

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New York - Brooklyn's Gift - Divine Performing Arts
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:08:55 -0800 by NTDTV

Brooklyn Academy of music is said to be the oldest Performing Arts Center in America. - Founded in 1861, the facility now houses three performance spaces - and a four-screen cinemaBrooklyn Academy of Musics Howard Gilman Opera House hosts this years first New York show as part of the Divine Performing Arts World Tour. The New York shows, entitled Chinese New Year Splendor, will play three theaters in New York. People find it a cultural exchange like never experienced.[Jo Alfina, Economist]Good show. I like very much the dancing. the culture of the Chinese people.[Ken Varga, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce]I thought the show was great. It was very exciting. It was a totally new cultural experience for me. I never really experienced traditional Chinese dancing before.Divine Performing Arts continues the Chinese New Year Splendor with upcoming shows at SUNY Purchase College performing arts center and then its on to the grand stage of Radio City music hall.

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Indonesia Prambanan
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:27:30 -0800 by NTDTV

People are still struggling to rebuild from the earthquake that hit Indonesia in 2006. We travel now to one temple that is still picking up the pieces.The 5.9 Richter scale earthquake in May 2006 caused serious damage to the temples in Indonesias Prambanan temple area, and two and half years later they have not recovered.The three largest temples include the Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu temples. Large pieces of debris, including carvings, are still scattered on the ground.Tourists are anxious to see the restoration of these 1150-year-old temples completed.[Bambang Sumbandono, Prambanan Unit Director]: MALE, 5th Person Interviewed, Using White Cloth, SOUNDBITE IN BAHASABy using print and electronic media, we try to communicate to our visitors that one of this world heritage site, hit by an earthquake, is still in the restoration process. Explaining the situation like that has actually helped increase the number of visitors. We have already counted more than 14,000 visits during the holiday season. Visits on an ordinary day reach 2,000.But many tourists are still disappointed that they cannot have access to the major temple, which is still surrounded by fences.[Yos Handani, Tour Guide]: MALE, 3rd Person Interviewed, Using Glasses, Wearing Yellow-Blue Cloth. SOUNDBITE IN BAHASAThe restoration process takes a long time. It has already been nearly two years. But I think the restoration process still needs 6 or 8 months to be finished. Many tourists that I bring from foreign countries feel disappointed.[Kim Yen, Malaysian Tourist]: MALE, 4th Person Interviewed, Using Red Cloth. SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISHHopefully they can restore everything back in order, so the tourists can have aaccess to everything here and enjoy this beautiful temple. Because if they keep on delaying the process, I think you will find many disappointed tourists here.The restoration process is very complex and the placement of the scattered stones has to be done very carefully so that they match the temple builiding.Internatio nal foundations such as Unesco and many foreign countries have sent researchers and financing to help save this world heritage site.

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Competition Hot at Ice Festival
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:25:53 -0800 by NTDTV

Quite a sight in Russia over the weekend. We go to Russia now for a look at some frozen works of art.Conditions were perfect: the weather was freezing but not too cold to work.Sculpting masterpieces from ice isn't the easiest of arts. But the rewards are plenty.Thousands flock to see your creations and first prize is five-and-a-half thousand dollars.Nikolai Naumchuk is head of the organizing committee of the Ice Festival in the Russian city of Yakaterinburg.[Nikol ai Naumchuk, Head of Organizing Committee]:"Eighteen teams from various cities across Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Poland are taking part. The festival's program is very intensive."Festival organizers introduced a few new rules this year.Only two people could form a team and everyone had to use the same tools.This year's theme was "The East" which created a problem for several competitors.[Sergei Aseev, Sculptor from Karsnoyarsk]:"Everyo ne wanted to build dragons, and some people had very similar ideas for sculptures. So several people had to change their compositions, including myself. "The sculptors spent five days preparing their icy art works. And visitors have until January 7th to view the masterpieces.

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Market Report - Asia Shares Eye '09 Rebound
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:24:49 -0800 by NTDTV

Most Asian share markets began the new trading year with gains, after 2008 performance was among the worst on record.Tokyo Stock Exchange president Atsushi Saito said the outlook for the new yearis brighter because of support measures taken in 2008.[Atsushi Saito, President, Tokyo Stock Exchange]:"After making our way through the fog, I hope the measures undertaken will put a stop to the fall of the market and economy."Still, Japanese businessmen went to a local shrine to pray that 2009 would be an improvement on last year, when the Nikkei lost a record 42 percent.Exporters like Honda, which bore the brunt of much of the 2008 decline, rebounded as the Japanese currency edged lower against the dollar.Ricoh shares rose after the Nikkei newspaper reported it would ally with IBM in a bid to boost sales by $1.1 billion.In Seoul, Daewoo Shipbuilding rose on predictions of almost $9.9 billion in sales this year, while Korean banks gained on hopes for restructuring of embattled borrowers.Energy prices surged after an Iranian military commander reportedly called for an oil boycott over Israel's ground offensive in the Gaza Strip and on growing concerns over the Russian gas supply row.

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U.S. Preps for Obama's Inauguration
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:21:13 -0800 by NTDTV

15 days and counting... that's how long until U.S. President-elect Barack Obama is sworn into office. Well now the nation's soon to be top gun has moved to the nation's capital ahead of his big day.Fresh from their Hawaii vacation, the Obamas have returned to Washington today to stay in the famous Hays-Adam hotel.The family will finally move into the White House on January 20th after Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th president.The construction of the podium where Obama will take the oath of office is already well underway. Two hundred and forty thousand people who have tickets will witness the event up close, but the media is estimating record crowds stretching down the national mall.[Gabriel Turner, Visitor from Tennessee]:"It's going to be insane to see a city of 700,000 play host to three million and what that entails and the diversity and just the sheer beauty of humanity that's going to be right here and that's what I'm excited about."Virtually all 9,500 hotel rooms in the city are booked up?and local residents are making money by renting out rooms in their homes.Security will be tight and whole city blocks will be off limits.

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NTD CULTURE INTRO
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:20:33 -0800 by NTDTV

And today we'd like to introduce a new segment of Asia Brief, where you'll see news stories highlighting the best of Chinese traditional culture, including the Divine Performing Arts show sponsored by NTD. Here it is: New Tang Dynasty Culture.

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Strict Selection of Indonesian Election Commision Members
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:19:20 -0800 by NTDTV

And recently Indonesia held peaceful regional elections. Many believe this success to be a direct result of the strict requirements for selecting the Election Commission Members. Here is a close look at the selection process from our Bali, Indonesia bureau.The selection of election commission members in Indonesia, known as KPU, involves four steps. Candidates must first go through an administrative selection, then pass a written test. The selected few will then pass a psychology test followed by two interviews. Recently, of the thousands of people that passed the administrative selection, only forty six passed the written test. These were mainly ex-activists, reporters, and academics. The head of Balis KPU selection committee, Dewa Gede Ngurah Suasta, says the written test is strictly controlled. It is prepared by a third-party and the test is conducted at exactly the same time all over Indonesia. The written test consists of 100 questions on national law and election management and it is to be completed within two hours.Of the forty six candidates that passed the written test only twenty will be selected. Then after going through two interviews, only five will be the finalists and become members of the election commision.Indonesia will run a presidential election this year.NTD, Bali, Indonesia

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First Snowfall in Indian Himalayas
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:15:15 -0800 by NTDTV

Hundreds of Indian tourists are celebrating with great joy their first snowfall experience in a Himalayan tourist resort. The place is called Patnitop in the Jammu and Kashmir region. Many feel blessed by this heavy snowfall since it will provide much needed water to the lower regions of the Himalayas.

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Renowned Taiwanese Artist Enthusiastic About Divine Performi
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:07:55 -0800 by NTDTV

In Taiwan an award winning artist and photographer is excited about the Divine Performing Arts world tour. He Muhuo shares his excitement about the troupe's tour stops in Taiwan next month.He Muhuo is a highly acclaimed traditional Chinese Painter; he received the xin chuan jiang a Taiwanese traditional arts award - in 1995 and is known for his famous feat of simultaneously writing Chinese calligraphy with his left hand and painting a landscape painting with his right. He also received recognition from Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou for his filial piety or loyalty to his parents a quality Chinese people value deeply.We caught up with Mr He at an exhibition of his work in Taipei. [He Muhuo, Artist]What I express are all mountains and water, expressing big mountains and big rivers, expressing the beauty of Taiwan.Mr He plans to attend the up coming Divine Performing Arts performance in his home city of Taizhong in Febuary, and speaks enthusiastically about the show. [He Muhuo, Artist]After seeing this performance, what is in my paintings will again have a different expression.I have seen footage of the performance, the dancers movements are like floating and very vivid, the feeling these vivid movements give people is very moving.Mr He is one of many in Taiwans art community planning to attend this years Divine Performing Arts performances in Taiwan.This is Ben Hedges NTD Taipei

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Western Hostages Freed in Somalia
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:06:28 -0800 by NTDTV

Two Western journalists have a lot to be thankful today. Two months later they are free men after being abducted in Somalia. Here's their story.British journalist Colin Freeman and Spanish freelance photographer JoseCendon were released by their kidnappers two months after they were abducted in Somalia.Freeman says they were not ill treated.[Colin Freeman, British Journalist]:"We have not been told the background of what went on and even if I did know I probably would not want to discuss it just now but what I can tell you is that we were treated well and we talked to each other a lot during the time when we were kidnapped just to keep our spirits up."The pair were snatched in the northern port of Bosasso.The region's security minister says they were released with the help of local elders and no ransom was paid.[Abdullah Said Samatar, Puntland's Minister of Security]:"We tried all our efforts including to make operation against kidnappers but we consider advice from the government of Britain and Spain and we tried our best to convince our community and elders to make all efforts in order to free them."The ordeal for these two men is over but two freelance journalists, an Australian and a Canadian seized in Mogadishu in August, are still being held.Somalia has been plagued by civil conflict for 17 years and is considered the most dangerous country in the world for reporters.Foreign aid workers have also been targeted in a series of assassinations during the past year.

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Basalt Wall Found in Taiwan Straits
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:06:06 -0800 by NTDTV

A rare find in waters off Taiwans coast. A researcher has found a large basalt rock wall while diving in the Taiwan Strait. Lets take a look. STORY: The huge basalt rock formation resembles a city wall and rivals similar ones found on land.The 200 meter-long and ten meter-high monolith looks like thousands of pillars packed together. It was found by Jeng Ming-hsiou near the Pescadores Archipelago. Jeng is a professor at the state-run Academia Sinica in Taipei. He was diving in an area about 40 kilometers west of Taiwan's main island when he saw the wall. The Giant's Causeway on the coast of Ireland and the Wairere Boulders of New Zealand are two well-known basalt formations. Jeng says the underwater formation was more than likely started by a volcanic eruption as far back as 1,800 years ago.

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Indonesias Kintamani Dog Parade
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:00:37 -0800 by NTDTV

It's a way for the world to recognize Indonesias native dog breed. A record-breaking march supported by over 30 different dog breeds took place in Jakarta. Lets take a look.A record-breaking parade of 729 dogs marches 800 yards along Spring Hill in Jakarta.Their purpose; to gain international recognition for Indonesia's "Kintamani" breed, the native dog of Indonesia.More than 30 different dog breeds participated in the annual two-day event. The "Kintamani" breed has not yet received recognition from the world canine organization. The activity breaks the Indonesian record for the "exhibition with the largest number of dogs". Jerry Hermawan Lo from the Indonesian Boxer Club recieved the award. [Jerry Hermawan Lo, Head, Indonesian Boxer Club]:Many interesting competitions featured during the activity, including a pedigree show, a dog fashion show, a dog trick show, a macho pit-bull contest, and a demonstration of the most agile dog.NTD, Jakarta, Indonesia.

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Recession Top Priority For Japan PM
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:00:28 -0800 by NTDTV

Now that the New Year is underway, Japans prime minister has announced his main focus for 2009. Heres what hes saying.STORY: Prime Minister Aso says the recession will be his top priority for 2009. [Taro Aso, Japanese Prime Minister]: "In terms of our foreign diplomacy, financial issues and international finance are definitely at that the top of my list for this year." In his New Year's speech, Aso repeatedly mentioned that he will do his utmost to pull Japan out of the recession and to improve people's lives. [Taro Aso, Japanese Prime Minister]: "As one of the leading countries in the world, Japan has the responsibility to properly solve this financial problem. We must also create a new rule for international finance because at one point, all anyone talked about was market fundamentalism and this time we clearly saw its flaws."But despite his hopes for 2009, Asos support has fallen below 20 percent according to a media survey.

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Plight of Tokyo's Homeless
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:39:33 -0800 by NTDTV

ANCHOR:And for many Japanese government help can't come soon enough. This New Year around five hundred people called one of Tokyos central parks home. Here are their stories.STORY:Around five hundred people have spent the New Year in Hibiya Park in central Tokyo. Theyve lost their jobs and homes due to the global economic recession.[Tsuguo Kaneko, Jobless and Homeless]:"The toughest part is that we don't have jobs. Everybody is living on the streets and it's hard to get a job. We can stand on our own feet once we get a job." To help out the growing number of homeless people, volunteers have set up a temporary tent village in the park. The two thousand plus volunteers provide the homeless with tents, food and free job counseling.[Shuichir o Sekine, Haken Union Volunteers' Group]:"There've been so many job cuts that a number of people have lost their jobs and their homes at the same time. For those who don't have a place to stay or anything to eat, we wanted to provide to them with an environment where they can live safely during the New Year." Japans Health, Labor and Welfare Minister has also taken notice of the surge of homeless people taking refuge in the capitals park.[Yoichi Masuzoe, Health, Labor and Welfare Minister]:"I understand that there are so many people, about 500, who spent New Year's in the tent village this year. So my ministry also decided to provide support for them."So to help the homeless out, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has opened up part of its buildings to be used as temporary shelters during the New Year holiday season.

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Falun Gong Parade in Melbourne Gathers Support
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:31:32 -0800 by NTDTV

Over the weekend, to remember those who lost their lives in the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong in China, Australian Falun Gong practitioners held a large parade and rally in Melbourne's city streets, making for an event with plenty to see, hear, and learn. Let's take a look.STORY:The unquestionable sound of a marching band approaching, those in town quickly learnt that it was the Celestial Marching Band, guiding Australian supporters of the peaceful meditation practice, Falun Gong, through Melbourne's main city streets. They gathered in Melbourne for their special cause, which is to commemorate the thousands of Falun Gong practitioners in China who have lost their freedom, their dignity and their lives, because of their wish to follow the ancient traditional practice, that is Falun Gong. [Jan Becker, 1964 Olympic Silver Medalist]:"I wish that the people of Australia...really take on board what is happening in China, and what has happened in China. Today the crowds were fantastic, lots of people took interest, and lots of people took information, and I'm sure that they're realizing just how horrific the crimes that the Chinese government has committed against the Chinese people, and I really do support the end of the persecution."Assiste d by the Victoria police, they marched they way through the city, whilst onlookers received the message they were sending, once truly comprehending the extent of the persecution in China, many offered encouragement, and support by signing petitions, which aim to invoke more action from the Australian government, to end the persecution in China, sooner. [Dr. Michael Pearson-Smith, Falun Dafa Spokesperson]:This particular parade was firstly to celebrate the practice, and show people how great it is... I've done it myself for nine and a half years. And secondly, it was to raise awareness about this persecution, that has been going on now again for just over nine and a half years." Other than to expose the horrific persecution Falun Gong practitioners are experiencing, the parade also presented colorful and vivid examples of China's lost traditional culture, wiped out during the regime's Cultural Revolution.And while many held banners, pictures and flags to show their support, some Falun Gong devotees chose to express their support, with a musical performance. From the young... to the younger.In Melbourne, Australia, this is Robert Apicella, reporting for NTDTV.

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Deadly Quake Hits Indonesia
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:13:43 -0800 by NTDTV

A series of powerful earthquakes off the northern coast of West Papua in Indonesia has killed four people, injured several others and flattened buildings. An official at Indonesia's meteorology agency said there were several quakes in the area during the night. STORY:The center of Manokwari on the island of New Guinea bore the brunt of a series of earthquakes off northern Indonesia. At least four people were killed and many others were injured.Rescue teams were soon at work and they managed to pull this boy from the wreckage of his home. The house was one of many which collapsed early on Sunday.Hundreds of the injured gathered at a local football stadium seeking medical help.The quake measured 7.6 on the Richter scale. It triggered a small tsunami which hit the Japanese coast.But there were no reports of damage and a tsunami warning for Indonesia was later lifted. The full scale of the damage may take some time to emerge.The region is popular with tourists interested in its rich wildlife and spectacular scenery. But it's also remote and sparsely populated.

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Brawl in South Korean Parliament
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:11:15 -0800 by NTDTV

It was a hectic scene once again in South Korea's paliament over the weekend. Another scuffle broke out between politicians, which seem to be getting more and more common.South Korean opposition party members clashed on Saturday with parliamentary security guards who tried to end a sit-in protest in the assembly building.More than 200 security guards stormed the rotunda where a large scuffle broke out. Local media said at least 11 protestors were injured during the confrontation.About 100 opposition party members from the Democratic Party and the Democratic Labour Party occupied a hall in the parliament. Their aim was to physically block the path to the main chamber. They want to stop the ruling Grand National Party?or GNP?in its attempt to push through certain parliamentary bills. The main opposition Democratic Party has called conservative President Lee Myung-bak and his GNP's reform bills "evil."

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Tainted Milk Controversy Continues
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:08:41 -0800 by NTDTV

ANCHOR:Its been three months since the Sanlu milk powder scandal first broke out, but the aftermath is far from over. The Chinese communist regime has announced a list of 22 dairy producers who made melamine-contaminate d products. Theyre required to send affected families a check for their pain and suffering. But, there are far more than 22 companies that produced tainted products. And for parents whose kids drank those products theyre being left in the dark. STORY:Mr. Xu and his family live in Chinas coastal province of Guangdong. His infant daughter developed kidney stones after drinking Sheng Yuan baby formula. Now Sheng Yuan isnt one of the 22 companies listed thats required to compensate families affected by their melamine-tainted products. [Mr. Xu, Guangdong Province]: So we are not considered victims. Since my daughter also has kidney stones we should receive the same compensation. When we petitioned, we were seeking justice. [Sheng Yuan] gave us a tiny, one-time payment and that was it. Of course we are upset. It isnt fair! Ms. Wang of Fujian Province echoes similar sentiments. Her son was diagnosed with kidney stones after consuming Hui Shi milk powder. Shes frustrated that media inside China are not voicing parents concerns. [Ms. Wang, Fujian Province]: We have Southeast Express and The Straits newspapers here. I was furious because I thought, Isnt the media supposed to speak for the people? I say that if you [the media] dont have this kind of courage, then why dont you just shut your doors. If they [Hui Shi] keep denying it, well all go to Beijing to protest.On the other hand, Mr. Bai of Shanxi Province feels public protest will not make much of a difference. His daughter developed kidney stones after drinking a tainted Shi En formula. He is now preparing a lawsuit against Shi En.[Mr. Bai, Shanxi Province]: Our child is now weak and sickly. We were paying for slow poison! If the court doesnt accept our case, then where are human rights? For us, its a horrible ordeal, and I think the governments solution is unreasonable, because they never took into account the victims feelings and opinions. They only wanted to protect the corporations interests. Its indeed very irresponsible.Nearly 300-thousand children across China suffered kidney stones and other urinary diseases after drinking the tainted milk powder.

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Fake Pharmaceuticals from China Flood UK Market
Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:40:04 -0800 by NTDTV

Counterfeit versions of popular medications are flooding Britain's National Health Service (NHS). This has people worried about their health?when they can't be sure the blood pressure pills, cancer medication, or anti-depressants they are getting from their local pharmacy are the real thing. British Newspaper The Observer reports that China-based crime syndicates are pumping hundreds of thousands of counterfeit pills into the UK. Figures collected for the first time show that UK border officials seized roughly half a million counterfeit pills in 2008?an amount equal to the total number of fake pills seized in all of Europe in 2005. The fakes are getting through, in part, because they are good fakes and hard to detect. Also, customs officials are only able to physically check about 1% of imports. Legal experts in the UK warn that the problem is so rampant that it could "completely undermine" public faith in the NHS. But it's a multi-million dollar business for the China-based counterfeit rings. The cash-strapped NHS is looking for deals?and this leaves them vulnerable to the counterfeiters, who move their product by offering it at prices way below the market rate.

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