Author: Mark A. Ashwill

Chi phí của sự tăng trưởng không giới hạn

Mark A. Ashwill Articles, Commentary ,

This is a Vietnamese translation of my 8.9.22 article entitled You can't eat money: the cost of unlimited growth that originally appeared in VNExpress International and was subsequently reprinted by CounterPunch. Translation by Nhã Uyên. (Cảm ơn đồng chí!) Shalom (שלום), MAA Ca-na-đa, một trong những quốc gia giàu có nhất, hoạt động trên một nền kinh … Continue reading Chi phí của sự tăng trưởng không giới hạn

US Student Visa Update for FY2022: That’s a Wrap!

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , , ,

This is a continuation of a post from 8 August 2022 that includes information for the entire fiscal year, i.e., from 10-1-21 to 9-30-22. The good news is that the Vietnam market for US-bound students is making a strong recovery in the new normal era. Student visa issuances are inching up to pre-pandemic levels. This … Continue reading US Student Visa Update for FY2022: That’s a Wrap!

Vietnamese Enrollments in the US Holding Steady

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary, Updates , , ,

Here are the latest Vietnam-related stats from the September 2022 SEVIS update. (You can also access these data for Vietnam and other countries using this interactive map.) There was a modest 4% decrease from May to the new school/academic year, which is to be expected as a short-term legacy of the pandemic. The good news is that … Continue reading Vietnamese Enrollments in the US Holding Steady

“Graffiti is visual pollution, an eyesore Vietnam can do without”

Mark A. Ashwill Articles, Commentary , , , , ,

Here's my latest essay for VNExpress International. Below is the unabridged version. Shalom (שלום), MAA Graffiti as Visual Pollution Graffiti vandalism as seen on walls of buildings in HCMC's District 1. Photo by MAA In addition to the usual types of pollution afflicting Vietnam and affecting our quality of life, including air, water, and noise (e.g., … Continue reading “Graffiti is visual pollution, an eyesore Vietnam can do without”

Không gì là không thể lại không thể nhắc đến sự thật về Việt Nam

Mark A. Ashwill Articles, Books, Commentary , , ,

This is a Vietnamese translation of my 29 April 2022 article entitled “Nothing is Impossible” Finds It Impossible to Tell the Truth About Vietnam that originally appeared in CounterPunch. Translation by Nhã Uyên. (Cảm ơn đồng chí!) Shalom (שלום), MAA Ngay trước Tết Nguyên đán, tôi cuối cùng đã nhận được bản đánh giá của mình … Continue reading Không gì là không thể lại không thể nhắc đến sự thật về Việt Nam

Family Ties to New England

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary , , , ,

Rockport, Maine During an early summer trip to the US, we spent a few days visiting friends in Maine via Boston. Knowing my interest in genealogy, one friend joked about my settler-colonizer ancestors resting eternally in the cemetery near his house. After doing some research, his comment turned out to be half-in-jest. Some distant cousins … Continue reading Family Ties to New England

From the Fire Into the Frying Pan US: “We are here because you are (were) there”

Mark A. Ashwill Articles, Commentary , , , , , ,

I couldn't find an image with the reverse scenario so you'll just have to use your imagination. I shared my August 2022 essay They Hate US ‘Cause They Ain’t US! with a number of colleagues with a request for their reaction to my favorite reader comment to date (see below). I wanted to know if … Continue reading From the Fire Into the Frying Pan US: “We are here because you are (were) there”

Finland Named World’s Happiest Country for Fifth Consecutive Year

Mark A. Ashwill Commentary, Reports, Survey , , , , ,

It makes me happy to see the results of this annual report on happiness. The description sums it up: "The Experts say social support, honesty and generosity key to wellbeing." How much social support, honesty, and generosity is there in your country? For the uninitiated, this survey uses a variety of criteria to generate a … Continue reading Finland Named World’s Happiest Country for Fifth Consecutive Year