Author: Mark A. Ashwill

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

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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

Guest Post: “Waste Is Our Greatest Resource”

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This is an issue to which I've given a great deal of thought in recent years. Most of what we throw out can be used in so many ways. Think of it as the global version of the idiom "One man's trash is another man's treasure." The vision of a circular economy can become a … Continue reading Guest Post: “Waste Is Our Greatest Resource”

“And where there is sadness, joy” by Kent Nerburn

Mark A. Ashwill Books, Commentary , ,

The image is linked to the book on Amazon.com This is a story written by US writer Kent Nerburn that went viral as The Last Cab Ride. Originally entitled The Cab Ride I'll Never Forget, it appeared in his 1999 book, Make Me An Instrument of Your Peace. I reprint it here because I want … Continue reading “And where there is sadness, joy” by Kent Nerburn