Commentary

The Old Amidst the New

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Photos by MAA I like these businesses that have been around since before the Đổi Mới (renovation) economic reforms kicked in, which ushered in what's officially known as a socialist-oriented market economy and one of the great success stories in the developing world. This one, located down the street from Capstone's Hanoi office, is a … Continue reading The Old Amidst the New

Twice a Loser, Twice a Traitor

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Protesters seen all over Capitol building where pro-Trump supporters riot and breached the Capitol in Washington, DC on January 6, 2021. Rioters broke windows and breached the Capitol building in an attempt to overthrow the results of the 2020 election. Police used buttons and tear gas grenades to eventually disperse the crowd. Rioters used metal … Continue reading Twice a Loser, Twice a Traitor

“Will Vietnamese student numbers in the US recover post-COVID?”

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This photo is from one of Capstone's fall flex-fairs. This is my latest essay for University World News, uploaded yesterday. The (editor's) title is a rhetorical question that I'm pleased to answer in the affirmative, assuming institutions act accordingly. I address some possible steps to take in the last section entitled A time to rebuild. … Continue reading “Will Vietnamese student numbers in the US recover post-COVID?”

Vietnamese Student Numbers Down Slightly “Down Under”

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Vietnamese enrollments in Australia declined by 6% from January to October 2020, according to the Australian Department of Education, Skills and Employment. Viet Nam ranks fourth among sending countries after China, India, and Nepal. The total number of young Vietnamese at all levels was 23,943, as of October. (The total YOY decrease from 10-19 to … Continue reading Vietnamese Student Numbers Down Slightly “Down Under”

“Things we are grateful for in 2020”

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Leonardo (His smile puts a smile on my face.) I feel compelled to share this message of hope with you. It was written and posted on 31 December 2020 by my friend, Huong, and her husband, Enrico, who live in Singapore. For them, last year was the pinnacle of happiness and the dark depths of … Continue reading “Things we are grateful for in 2020”

Wishing Everyone a Happy, Healthy, & Peaceful Solar New Year!

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As I stated in my holiday message to friends and colleagues, 2020 was certainly a year to remember and, in many respects, one to forget. While there have been some professional silver linings to COVID-19, innovations that we will continue in the post-COVID-19 era, it has been a year of pain and loss for so … Continue reading Wishing Everyone a Happy, Healthy, & Peaceful Solar New Year!

Christmas in Viet Nam

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St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi. Photo by MAA Having lived in Viet Nam for over 15 years, I can say with absolute certainty that I enjoy Christmas here more than in the US. Even though most Vietnamese are not Christian, it is still a special and even magical time. You see children (and adults!) posing for photos … Continue reading Christmas in Viet Nam

“Vietnamese collectivism during challenging time inspires foreigner”

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Photo courtesy of Hanoi Times Follow this link to read some reflections about COVID-19 in an essay I wrote last July at the request of Hanoi Times. Here are two excerpts to whet your appetite for more - or not. One of the traits of the Vietnamese people that inspires me is their optimism during … Continue reading “Vietnamese collectivism during challenging time inspires foreigner”