IAICS call for paper

 The 23rd International Conference of the International

Association for Intercultural Communication Studies

(IAICS)

Call for Papers

Conference Time: June 6-8, 2017

Conference Venue & Host: Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macao

Conference Theme: “Languages and Cultures in a Globalizing World:

Diversity, Interculturality, Hybridity”

In today's world, globalization erases boundaries and leads to increased contact among various languages and cultures. While human contact and migration have always been present throughout history, e.g., on the Silk Road, today's media and transport capacities facilitate contact and communication to an exponentially greater extent than ever before. As a consequence, the phenomena of diversity, interculturality and hybridity are intensified. Juxtaposed to increased contact ensuing from globalization are both the positive and negative aspects of the protectionist efforts of localism. The theme of this conference seeks to examine the context of these problems within the spheres of education, language, culture, and society.

Conference Goals:

l To provide scholars, educators and practitioners from different cultural communities with opportunities to interact, network and benefit from each other’s research and expertise related to intercultural communication issues;

l To synthesize research perspectives and foster interdisciplinary scholarly dialoguesfor developing integrated approaches to complex problems of communication across cultures;

l To advance the methodology for intercultural communication research and disseminate practical findings to facilitate understanding across cultures;

l To foster global intercultural sensitivity and involve educators, business professionals, students and other stakeholders worldwide in the discourse about diversity and transcultural communication issues.

 Topic areas are broadly defined as, but not limited to, the following:

Cosmopolitanismin culture	Intercultural communication and cosmopolitanism
Cosmopolitanismin literature	Time and space in culture / literature
Language and culture	Intercultural communication and nationality
Language and identity	Comparative culture
Cultural identity Cultural hybridity Interculturality in literature	Intercultural communication and interculturality Diversity studies Language Teaching as Intercultural Communication
Media and interculture	Internet intercultural communication
Multi cultures and interculturality	Intercultural communication competence
Culture and travel writing	Intercultural education
Crosscultural encounters	Interculture and human resource management
Comparative poetics	Interculture and public policy
Comparative literature	Transnational enterprises and intercultural communication
Imagology	Cultural study theories
Literature and religion	Culture and diplomacy
Literature and film	Language planning and policy
Translation studies	Intercultural pragmatics

Guidelines for Submissions

l Abstract, 100-150words in English, including positions, affiliations, email addresses and mailing addresses for all authors.Times New Roman 12 pt font size, single spaced.

l Panel proposals reflecting the conference theme may be submitted. Panel proposals should includea 100-150 word abstract of each panelist's paper(as above) and panelists must each individually complete the registration process(as below).

l The submissions will be evaluated by peer-review.There is a cap of 300 participants in the joint conference (see "Joint Conference" and registration information below).

Deadline: Please submit abstractsand panel proposals by 28thFebruary, 2017.

Conference Working Language:English

Joint Conference: The 23rd IAICS Conference is held in conjunction with the 6th International Conference onEnglish, Discourse, and Intercultural Communication(EDIC), PartI (Macao), June 6th-8th, 2017,followed by 6th EDIC Part II (Xinjiang), June 9th-11th, 2017. For information on EDIC Part II (Xinjiang),please contact the Xinjiang conference organizers.

Submission to:For correct registration, please follow this two-step procedure:

1) register and submit abstract online at http://edic.ipm.edu.mo,  then

2) forward the computer-generated email you receive from the online registration with your registration number to ics@stu.edu.cn 

Registration Fee: Waived.However, participants should arrange their own accommodation.

Online Information:http://www.uri.edu/iaics/, http://edic.ipm.edu.mo/

Sample Abstract

The Development and Validation of the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale

Guo-Ming CHEN, Ph.D.

Department of Communication Studies

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI 02881, USA

Email:gmchen@uri.edu

The present study developed and assessed reliability and validity of a new instrument, the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS). Based on a review of the literature, 44 items thought to be important for intercultural sensitivity were generated for the purpose of analyses in this study. A sample of 414 college students rated these items and generated a 24-item final version of the instrument which contains five factors. An assessment of concurrent validity from 162 participants indicated that the ISS was significantly correlated with other related scales, including interaction attentiveness, impression rewarding, self-esteem, self-monitoring, and perspective taking. In addition, the predicted validity test from 174 participants showed that individuals with high ISS scores also scored high in intercultural effectiveness and intercultural communication attitude scales.

Female Leadership in Chinese Societies across Sectors Call for Submissions

Female Leadership in Chinese Societies across Sectors
Call for Submissions
This special section of China Media Research invites scholars from diverse perspectives and
approaches to submit manuscripts on the theme of “Female Leadership in Chinese Societies across
Sectors.” Female political and economic status has been promoted because of the equal rights efforts
and education. Most notions of women’s empowerment presume a democratic system of
participatory deliberation. Feminist and women’s studies should continue to explore the possibilities
and roles of women in political systems, economic arenas, and academic fields. These areas are
influenced both by modernist (and even postmodern) notions of political, economic, and academic
engagement and deeply embedded in folk culture and philosophical prescriptions. This special
section aims to present such an opportunity and explore the ways in which women leaders both resist
and accommodate traditional expectations of leadership and power.
This special section is especially interested in the studies that address, but are not limited to, the
following topics:
 Female leadership and communication styles in the decision-making or/and conflict
management process;
 The impact of cultural values on female leadership;
 The unique challenges and opportunities female leaders confront;
 Female leaders’ rise to power;
 The possibilities for women’s leadership in a single-party system;
 The possibilities for women’s empowerment when a paternal central government is the
expectation;
 The impact of digital and interactive media technologies on female leadership;
 Various theoretical models developed for the studies of female leadership;
 Comparative studies of female leadership;
 Female leadership in non-profit organizations;
 Female leadership in academe
The preference is given to studies on Chinese settings, but studies in all countries are welcome
especially for cross cultural comparative studies. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are
welcome in this submission.
Submissions must not have been previously published nor be under consideration by another
publication. An extended abstract (up to 1,000 words) or a complete paper at the first stage of the
reviewing process will be accepted. All the submissions must be received by March 31, 2017. If the
extended abstract is accepted, the complete manuscript must be received by May 31, 2017.
Manuscripts should be prepared in accordance with APA publication manual (6th edition) and should
not exceed 8,000 words including tables and references. All manuscripts will be peer reviewed and
the authors will be notified of the final acceptance/rejection decision. Please visit
http:www.chinamediaresearch.net for more information about the quarterly journal of China
Media Research, which publishes both print and online versions.
Please direct questions and submissions to the CMR special section guest editor, Dr. Joy Chao, at
joychao100@hotmail.com

MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIR GUS BICKFORD NAMED TO DNC TRANSITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIR GUS BICKFORD NAMED TO DNC TRANSITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

BOSTON – This afternoon, the Democratic National Committee announced that Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford was named to the Party’s Transition Advisory Committee. 

"I look forward to collaborating with Chairman Perez and Deputy Chair Ellison as we work to move our Party forward, give voice to the millions of Americans marginalized by the current Presidential Administration, and combat the dangerous Republican agenda,” said Chair Bickford. “Now is the time for us all to come together as a Party and advance the Democratic values and the programs working families rely on to get ahead."

The Advisory Committee is made up of a wide group of leaders, activists, and organizers who represent various parts of the Democratic Party. The team is charged with providing concrete suggestions and advice on building a Party that reaches into and represents every corner of the nation. 

“Our Democratic turnaround will be a success because everyone has a seat at the table,” said DNC Chair Tom Perez. “So I’m honored to have such a talented and diverse group of leaders guiding our transition process. Together we’ll right the ship and get the Democratic Party in a position to take the fight to Donald Trump and the Republican Party and win.”

This announcement comes on the heels of last week’s rollout of the Democratic Turnaround Tour, which will take Chair Perez and DNC Deputy Chair Representative Keith Ellison to Michigan, Texas, Virginia, and New Jersey to share their vision for turning around the Democratic Party from the ground up by prioritizing sustained local organizing through state parties. 

Boston City Councilor Matt O’Malley to host the Irish Flag Raising

Boston City Councilor Matt O’Malley and Consul-General Fionnuala Quinlan will host the Irish Flag Raising at Boston City Hall. The reception will be in the Curley Room followed by the raising of the Irish flag on City Hall Plaza. The event will include performances by Boston Latin School’s Treble Choir and Mary Heavey Quinn’s Irish Step Dancers.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Statement on Federal Stay on Travel Ban

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Statement on Federal Stay on Travel Ban

Washington, DC—Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the statement below after U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson in Honolulu issued a nationwide stay temporarily preventing the Trump Administration’s travel ban from going into effect:

“Hawaiʻi is a place where people with different ideas, backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities feel welcomed and respected. It's only right that our Attorney General Doug Chin represent those values in working to stop this blanket travel ban from going into effect. This travel ban is bad policy, plain and simple.”

Governor Baker Makes Two Judicial Nominations

Governor Baker Makes Two Judicial Nominations

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Joseph M. Ditkoff as an Associate Justice of the Appeals Court, and Kelli Ryan DiLisio as an Associate Justice of the Juvenile Court. Ditkoff brings extensive knowledge of the law and appellate procedure as well as years of experience in the District Court. DiLisio has spent two decades working with the Juvenile Court as well as trial work in both the Hampden County District and Superior Courts.

“The decades of experience in public service that Joseph Ditkoff and Kelli DiLisio will bring to the respective courts and the people of the Commonwealth make them exceptional candidates,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Both are smart and thoughtful individuals and I look forward to the Governor’s Council’s consideration of their nominations for these important appointments.”

Ditkoff is nominated for the seat vacated by The Honorable Cynthia J. Cohen on the Appeals Court, and DiLisio for the seat vacated by The Honorable Daniel J. Swords on the Juvenile Court.

“I am pleased with the nomination of these two distinguished attorneys who have a deep respect for the rule of law and the role of the judiciary along with the temperament and character to serve the courts exceptionally well should they be confirmed,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I am confident that their skills and knowledge will allow them to serve all those who will appear before them with fairness and justice.”

The Appeals Court is the intermediate appellate court to which most appeals from the Massachusetts Trial Courts and a number of administrative bodies are made.  The Court has one Chief and 24 Associate Justices. Last year, Governor Baker nominated the Honorable Scott L. Kafker to serve as Chief Justice of the Appeals Court.

For more information about the Massachusetts Appeals Court, visit http://www.mass.gov/courts/court-info/appealscourt/.

The Juvenile Court Department is a statewide court with jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters including delinquencies, youthful offender cases, care and protections and children requiring assistance cases. The Juvenile Court has 41 judges, including the Chief Justice, in over 40 locations.

For more information about the Juvenile Court, please visit: http://www.mass.gov/courts/court-info/trial-court/juv/

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February, 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April, 2015.

About Joseph M. Ditkoff

For the last three years, Joseph Ditkoff has served as General Counsel of the District Court advising the Chief Justice, Justices, and Clerks on complex legal and ethical issues, legal developments, legislation, and opioid and other substance use disorder issues. Prior to that, Ditkoff worked in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office as Deputy Legal Counsel to the District Attorney and as an Assistant District Attorney. He began his career as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Jerry E. Smith of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in Houston, Texas and then from 1998 to 1999 as Litigation Chairman in the Office of Independent Counsel in Washington, DC. Ditkoff is an Editor and Case Summary Contributor for the Massachusetts Law Review and an elected town meeting member in Brookline. He graduated from Yale College cum laude in 1993 and magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1996.

About Kelli Ryan DiLisio

Kelli DiLisio currently serves as First Assistant Clerk-Magistrate for the Franklin/Hampshire Juvenile Court assisting in the management of the court that serves two counties and four sites. From 1997 to 2013 she served as Assistant Clerk-Magistrate it that court. DiLisio began her career serving as an Assistant District Attorney in the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office in Springfield, MA then as Supervising Trial Attorney in the District Court, and Supervisor of the Grand Jury and Intake and Screening Unit from 1986 to 1997. She is a member of the Juvenile Court Mass Courts Committee and the Child Welfare Rules Committee. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1983 and Western New England College School of Law in 1986.

Boston Public Schools to unveil culturally proficient maps in several classrooms

Boston Public Schools to unveil culturally proficient maps in several classrooms

Launch event showcases Peters Projection maps

BOSTON  - Tomorrow, Thursday, March 16, Boston Public Schools (BPS) will showcase Peters Projection maps that are intended to counter a biased view of the world found in traditional maps through an interactive event featuring a 20-foot EarthView Globe - created by Bridgewater State University - that visitors can walk through. The event represents the launch of Peters Projections maps in all second, seventh, and eleventh grade BPS classrooms that teach social studies. These maps offer a more culturally proficient view of the world than the traditional Mercator Projection maps, which distorts North America and Europe by representing a greater land area relative to their South American and African counterparts. The Mercator Projection maps were originally intended for navigation purposes. The Peters Projection Map will be distributed as part of a resource set to enrich global learning. In addition to the physical map, BPS is providing teachers with digital resources, including articles, images, and lesson plans, which can be utilized to spark student dialogue and reflection.   At the launch event, participants will be able to debate the merits of moving away from traditional Mercator Projection maps to Peters Projection maps. In addition, those who walk through the EarthView Globe will see the world from the inside out and view tectonic plates and landform structures. And, a five-foot of Boston's historic neighborhoods, provided by the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center, will offer a glimpse of Boston's geography from 250 years ago.

新南向跨大步 僑委會助東南亞僑台商攬才

立法院副院長蔡其昌（左）、僑委會委員長吳新興（右）致贈紅包

予逢甲大學擎鼓社演出團員。

 僑務委員會14日在台中逢甲大學舉行「2017年僑委會東南亞僑台商攬才博覽會」，首次透過產、官、學界攜手媒合東南亞台商與僑生。僑委會委員長吳新興於開幕時致詞表示，博覽會將串連起台灣與東南亞的關係網絡，為落實新政府的新南向政策踏出重要且具歷史意義的第一步。

立法院副院長蔡其昌表示，透過這次博覽會，讓台灣第一次有了東南亞僑生與台商媒合的場域，亦能藉此使在地產業、台商與僑務等相關組織獲得良好的交流機會，「新南向政策不是說說而已」，他期待這樣有意義的活動能夠持續辦理。

立法院副院長蔡其昌（左）和僑委會委員長吳新興（右），參展公司

交流意見。

吳新興指出，博覽會目的有二，一是強化台灣與東南亞的人才鏈結、交流與合作，二是協助東南亞的僑台商找到合適人才。我國至今已有超過12萬名僑生，其中馬來西亞的僑生高達6萬人，不論是政治、經濟、文化等各方面人才，若能為台商所用，將成為台灣與東南亞重要的關係網絡。

   逢甲大學董事長高承恕表示，希望能給年輕人更多機會、更寬闊的世界，也希望東南亞的台商能招攬到好人才，這是一個好事。會中，逢甲大學擎鼓社打擊表演，以馬來西亞24節令鼓為基礎的表演藝術鑼鼓喧天、響徹雲霄，象徵博覽會人聲鼎沸、生生不息，演出結束後蔡其昌、吳新興、高承恕等人致贈紅包予演出團員。

   「到東南亞的台商公司工作也不錯」成功大學心理系四年級的韓國僑生譚安杰說，博覽會釋出許多不同種類的職缺，讓他也想試試看。而成功大學會計系四年級的新加坡僑生黃柏勳表示，他希望能藉此找到台商在母國提供的就業機會，畢業後返鄉工作。中山醫學大學三年級的馬來西亞僑生鄭詩溫也說，他喜歡人力資源相關的工作，現場企業有許多類似的職缺，他都很有興趣多了解。

   參加攬才的協大公司副總經理張保欽表示，公司在大陸、越南、印尼都有設廠，在台讀書的東南亞僑生通常有印、越、中及英語能力，對公司內部管理及客戶開發都有幫助，希望從鞋廠開發到生產線人員都能找到適當人才。另外，時代瓷磚公司代表呂紹安說，公司希望找到中、英語能力並重的人才，來台就讀的東南亞僑生教育水準相當不錯。

   2017年僑委會東南亞僑台商攬才博覽會除了14日中區場次在台中逢甲大學登場外，北區場次將在4月15日於台北火車站舉行，2場次共有近2百家廠商參與，提供超過1800餘個職缺。

Boston Public Schools to unveil culturally proficient maps in several classrooms

Boston Public Schools to unveil culturally proficient maps in several classrooms

Launch event showcases Peters Projection maps

BOSTON - Wednesday, March 16, 2017 - Tomorrow, Thursday, March 16, Boston Public Schools (BPS) will showcase Peters Projection maps that are intended to counter a biased view of the world found in traditional maps through an interactive event featuring a 20-foot EarthView Globe - created by Bridgewater State University - that visitors can walk through. The event represents the launch of Peters Projections maps in all second, seventh, and eleventh grade BPS classrooms that teach social studies. These maps offer a more culturally proficient view of the world than the traditional Mercator Projection maps, which distorts North America and Europe by representing a greater land area relative to their South American and African counterparts. The Mercator Projection maps were originally intended for navigation purposes. The Peters Projection Map will be distributed as part of a resource set to enrich global learning. In addition to the physical map, BPS is providing teachers with digital resources, including articles, images, and lesson plans, which can be utilized to spark student dialogue and reflection.   At the launch event, participants will be able to debate the merits of moving away from traditional Mercator Projection maps to Peters Projection maps. In addition, those who walk through the EarthView Globe will see the world from the inside out and view tectonic plates and landform structures. And, a five-foot of Boston's historic neighborhoods, provided by the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center, will offer a glimpse of Boston's geography from 250 years ago.

P12地段發展 3/21在昆士小學開公聽會

Aging homeowners drive growth in remodeling

CAMBRIDGE, MA – Homeowner spending on remodeling is expected to see healthy growth through 2025, according toDemographic Change and the Remodeling Outlook, the latest biennial report in the Improving America’s Housing series released today by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. Demographically based projections suggest that older owners will account for the majority of spending gains over the coming years as they adapt their homes to changing accessibility needs. Although slower to move into homeownership than previous generations, millennials are poised to enter the remodeling market in greater force, buying up older, more affordable homes in need of renovations.

The residential remodeling market includes spending on improvements and repairs by both homeowners and rental property owners, and reached an all-time high of $340 billion in 2015, surpassing the prior peak in 2007. [See Interactive Infographic below.] Spending by owners on improvements is expected to increase 2.0 percent per year on average through 2025 after adjusting for inflation, just below the pace of growth posted over the past two decades, and about on par with expected growth in the broader economy.

The large baby boom generation has led home improvement spending for the past twenty years, and its influence shows no signs of waning. Older homeowners will continue to dominate the remodeling market, as they make investments to age in place safely and comfortably. Expenditures by homeowners age 55 and over are expected to grow by nearly 33 percent by 2025, accounting for more than three-quarters of total gains over the decade. The share of market spending by homeowners age 55 and over is projected to reach 56 percent by 2025, up from only 31 percent in 2005.

Gen-Xers are now in their prime remodeling years, and while some are still recovering from home equity losses after the housing crash, many in this generation will undertake discretionary projects deferred during the downturn. And as younger households move into homeownership, they will supplement the already thriving improvement market.

“With national house prices rising sufficiently to help owners rebuild home equity lost during the downturn, and with both household incomes and existing home sales on the rise, we expect to see continued growth in the home improvement market,” says Kermit Baker, director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies.  

Even though increasing house prices are encouraging homeowners to reinvest in their homes, they also are raising housing affordability concerns among younger buyers. Climbing mortgage interest rates and rising house prices not only make homeownership more difficult for younger households, but leave those who are able to buy with fewer resources to make improvements and repairs. And while high rents may provide an incentive to buy homes, they also make it difficult for first-time buyers to save for a downpayment. 

Some demographic trends are also presenting challenges to a healthier remodeling market outlook. A disproportionate share of growth over the coming decade will be among older owners, minority owners, and households without young children; groups that traditionally spend less on home improvements. 

“Despite these challenges, the remodeling industry should see numerous growth opportunities over the next decade,” says Chris Herbert, managing director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies. “Strong demand for rental housing has opened up that segment to a new wave of capital investment, and the shortage of affordable housing in much of the country makes the stock of older homes an attractive option for buyers willing to in invest in upgrades.”

Finally, as a new generation of homeowners enters the remodeling market, specialty niches focused on energy-efficiency, environmental sustainability, and healthy homes are likely to see significant growth. Home automation—encompassing everything from entertainment systems to home energy management, lighting, appliance control, and security—is also emerging as a strong growth market, particularly among younger households.

Looking ahead, there are several opportunities for further growth in the remodeling industry. The retiring baby boom generation is already boosting demand for accessibility improvements that will enable owners to remain safely in their homes as they age. Additionally, growing environmental awareness holds out promise that sustainable home improvements and energy-efficienct upgrades will continue to be among the fastest growing market segments.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES PREPARATIONS, SNOW EMERGENCY, SCHOOL CLOSURES FOR WINTER STORM

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES PREPARATIONS, SNOW EMERGENCY, SCHOOL CLOSURES FOR WINTER STORM

BOSTON - Monday, March 13, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced preparations for tomorrow's winter storm, which is anticipated to bring up to 12 inches of snow to Boston. Snow will be heavy, and tomorrow will bring poor visibility and winds up to 20-30 miles per hour, with gusts up to 60 miles per hour. Boston's Emergency Operations Center will activate at 7am tomorrow and will monitor the storm over the course of its duration. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning, in effect from 5 a.m. tomorrow morning until 5 p.m. "We are encouraging residents to stay off the roads during the storm, to assist older residents and those with disabilities, and to keep up with the shoveling of their property throughout the storm tomorrow," said Mayor Walsh. "The City offers a number of resources geared towards keeping residents safe and aware of current conditions. I ask each and every single Boston resident to remain vigilant, stay safe and look after their neighbors."   Closures: Boston Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday in anticipation of the storm. Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) stand-alone community centers will be open, with school-based sites closed. Boston Public Libraries will be closed. For City of Boston employees, only public safety, emergency management and snow operations personnel are required to report to work tomorrow. Parking: The City of Boston is putting into effect a Snow Emergency and Parking Ban on main roads beginning at 7 a.m. tomorrow. Discounted parking will be available in City garages. Locations and pricing information can be found at: Boston.gov/snow. Residents are encouraged to stay off the roads, and take public transportation if needed. Preparations: The Public Works Department (PWD) will begin pre-treating roadways prior to dawn. PWD will have over 700 pieces of equipment treating roads and plowing snow during the height of the storm. PWD will have over 30,000 tons of salt available. Trash and recycling collection will begin at 5 a.m. for Tuesday pickups. Street-sweeping is cancelled both Monday night and Tuesday day. Rules on Clearing Snow: Property owners must clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight. Failure to comply can result in a fine issued by PWD's Code Enforcement Division. Removal of snow, ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited and can result in a fine issued by PWD's Code Enforcement Division. Do not throw snow onto the street. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can be found here. Safety Tips Shoveling snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention to symptoms. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheaded, nauseous/vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly when you stop exertion. Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for walkers and drivers, please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility. Pedestrians should use caution as visibility will be diminished due to blowing and drifting of the snow caused by high winds. Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should be sure to use their home heating systems wisely and safety, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes of snow. For example, gas exhaust from heating system or dryer. Remember to keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear.  For a map of catch basins and fire hydrants, visit http://www.bwsc.org/ Please check on neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled. Have a contractor check the roof to see if snow needs to be removed. If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow-rake, do so with caution. Avoid working from ladders and be mindful of slippery surfaces.  Helping the Homeless: If you see homeless individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the cold, please call 911. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) coordinates a city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies and first responders to assist those in need of shelter. Emergency shelters are open 24 hours and will accept any person in need. Men can access shelters through 112 Southampton Street, and women should go to the Woods-Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City are working closely with shelter providers to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold. Emergency shelters are open 24 hours and will accept any person in need. During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets in the evening and throughout the day. Find more information  here.   Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston and utilize the 311 call center for non-emergency related issues. Please follow @CityofBoston and visit boston.gov/snow for the latest updates

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: CBO Confirms AHCA Is Bad Deal for American People

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: CBO Confirms AHCA Is Bad Deal for American People

Washington, DC—Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the following statement after the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its analysis on the American Health Care Act (AHCA):

“The CBO released the AHCA cost estimate today, confirming what many have been saying—the AHCA is really a handout to insurance and pharmaceutical companies that will further exacerbate the burden on American families. While corporations rake in over $600 billion in tax breaks, our seniors will see their costs rise and low-income Americans will see their coverage drop completely. The proposed AHCA would slash funding for Medicaid by $880 billion over the next decade, threatening the health of millions of vulnerable Americans, and shifting costs to state and local governments that already face tight budgets. Seniors could see their premiums increase up to five times under new age-rating rules that do nothing except continue lining the pockets of insurance companies.

“While I have long called for serious improvements to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), it is imperative that any reforms to our healthcare system actually serve the health and wellbeing of people. This bill does the opposite—it will have a negative impact on the people of Hawaiʻi and our country. I strongly oppose this harmful legislation, and will continue working for true healthcare reform that puts people above the profits of corporations.”

Background: The AHCA is opposed by AARP, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Hospital Association, the American Nurses Association, the AFL-CIO, and others.

麻州因應暴風雪 多市鎮實施停車禁令 波市公校停課

      (Boston Orange 周菊子報導) 大波士頓今晚(3月13日) 起，估計將降雪高達18吋。麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)6點多宣佈，州府非緊急工作人員，週二(3月14日)不用上班。波士頓市，昆士市，摩頓市，牛頓市等多個市鎮也都宣佈了暴風雪停車禁令。

      國家氣象局指出，歷年來的波士頓三月份降雪量，最高一次是1956年時的13.2吋。這回估計在12到18吋之間，有些地區甚至會積雪高達兩呎。平均降雪量很可能打破記錄了。

由於週二風雪來襲時，可能風速高達每小時70英哩，能見度陡降為零，積雪快到每小時2到4吋，氣象局，麻州長等都呼籲民眾格外小心。

      麻州州長查理貝克今晚下令，州府非緊急工作人員，3月14日不用上班。他也勸一般民眾，沒必要別出門，能夠遠程上班，就在家工作，以保持道路暢通，也避免遭遇強風，淹水等造成的各種安全威脅。

      麻州政府將和緊急管理局，國家氣象局，麻州交通署，麻州警察等機構保持緊密聯繫，隨時為州民提供最新消息。

      波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)今日下午已宣佈，明早(3月14日)7點起，實施暴風雪停車禁令。波士頓公校也已決定週二停課。

      馬丁華殊表示，波市公校今年以來已放了共4天下雪假，週三(3月15日)除非必要，公校不再停課。至於市府今年的2300萬元鏟雪預算，現在還剩下550萬元，應該足以應付。

      昆士市市長柯奇(Tom Koch)已宣佈，從3月14日的早上6點起，直至3月15日，實施暴風雪緊急停車禁令。居民必須把車輛停在非緊急鄰里的偶數邊街道。所有的緊急幹道禁止停車。查詢詳情可上網https://www.quincyma.gov for a complete list of emergency arteries。

      摩頓市長葛帝生(Gary Christenson)也已宣佈，今晚9點起實施暴風雪停車禁令，主要幹道都禁止停車。居民有7個地方可從今晚6點起免費停車，包括早期學習中心(

Early Learning Center), Beebe, Forestdale, Ferryway, Linden and Salemwood 等學校，還有市中心的CBD停車場。車輛可在這些地方免費停放到禁令取消為止。居民須勤查311，以及時知道何時該把車輛取回。

      牛頓市宣佈，從3月14日的早上5點起至3月15日的下午2點止，實施暴風雪停車禁令。

Governor Baker Announces State Office Closures for Non-Emergency State Employees

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker announced this evening that state offices will be closed Tuesday, March 14th, for non-emergency, executive branch employees and urged the public to stay off the roads, avoid unnecessary travel and take public transit if you must, and work from home if possible due to a winter storm expected to impact much of the Commonwealth tomorrow. Forecasts are calling for 12 to 18 inches of snow falling across Massachusetts at extremely fast rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour, complicating efforts to keep roadways clear and creating hazardous white out driving conditions and potential for high winds and minor to moderate coastal flooding.

"State offices will be closed tomorrow for non-emergency, executive branch state employees as crews work to keep our roadways clear,” said Governor Charlie Baker.“The extremely fast snowfall rates expected tomorrow will create hazardous driving conditions across the Commonwealth, and we urge everyone to stay off the roads, take public transit if absolutely necessary to travel and work from home if possible.”

The Baker-Polito Administration remains in close contact with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), National Weather Service (NWS), Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and State Police (MSP) to monitor the forecast and will work to alert the public with important updates or notifications. 

State Office Closures: State offices will be closed for all non-emergency, executive branch state employees on Tuesday, March 14, 2017.

Highway Travel: MassDOT highway crews and contractors will be treating roadways throughout the evening and morning, and will be activated for snow clearing deployments as conditions warrant. HOV lanes will not be opened for Tuesday’s morning or evening commutes. Tandem trucks and specially permitted vehicles (propane) will be restricted from travelling the Turnpike as of 7:00 AM Tuesday morning.

​MBTA: The MBTA is planning to operate a normal weekday schedule, with the exception of ferry and Mattapan Line service. Tuesday ferry service is suspended and the Mattapan Line will be replaced by bus shuttles. Commuters are encouraged to be patient, allow plenty of time for travel and plan ahead by checking MBTA.com/winter or @MBTA on Twitter for real-time updates.

Commuter Rail: The Commuter Rail will be operating a severe weather or “blue level” schedule. Commuters are encouraged to visit http://www.mbta.com/winter/commuter_rail_advisory/ for schedule information.

Massport/Airport: Cancellations are expected tomorrow and travelers are encouraged to check with their airline carriers for additional information about their flights.

Public Safety: Please keep home and auto exhaust vents clear to prevent carbon monoxide exposure and any avoid downed utility wires. Also, please assist in keeping sidewalks, and fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood clear. If you should lose power during the storm, please visit www.mass.gov/dfs for safety tips from the Department of Fire Services on home generators, carbon monoxide and candle safety tips.

The State Emergency Operations Center at MEMA Headquarters in Framingham is closely monitoring the storm and forecast to provide situational awareness updates.

MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATEMENT ON BAKER'S CAMPAIGN TO CUT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATEMENT ON BAKER'S CAMPAIGN TO CUT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

BOSTON - Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford released the following statement in response to the Baker Administration's proposal to cut weekend commuter rail service and services offered through The Ride:

“Governor Baker’s campaign of cuts at the T hit a new low today with his administration’s plan to eliminate all weekend commuter rail service, and to cut service for disabled passengers to the bare minimum.. Thousands of riders depend on weekend commuter rail and the Ride to get to work, visit friends and family, or see their doctor.

“The Baker administration has already awarded the commuter rail operator, Keolis, millions of dollars in special giveaways, without demanding any improvements in service or reliability. Now they’re trying to punish riders for the Governor’s mismanagement of the commuter rail contract. We should be investing in our public transportation infrastructure, not cutting service for the people who rely on it to get around.”