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星期四, 6月 29, 2017

ORMER QUINCY MAN INDICTED FOR $1.7 MILLION REAL ESTATE FRAUD SCHEME AND EX-WIFE INDICTED FOR LYING

ORMER QUINCY MAN INDICTED FOR $1.7 MILLION REAL ESTATE
FRAUD SCHEME AND EX-WIFE INDICTED FOR LYING

BOSTON – A man who had been a fugitive for more than 20 years before his arrest in Florida in April 2017, was indicted yesterday in connection with a $1.7 million real estate investment fraud scheme in Quincy, Mass.  His ex-wife was also indicted for lying about the whereabouts of her former spouse prior to his arrest.
Scott J. Wolas, 68, who, according to court documents, also used aliases identified by initials EJD, DD, FA, EA, and CS, was indicted on seven counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. In April 2017, Wolas was arrested in Delray Beach, Fla., and charged in a complaint. He has been detained pending trial. 

Cecily Sturge, 69, of Delray Beach, Fla., was indicted on charges of making a materially false statement to a federal agent about the whereabouts of her ex-husband, Scott J. Wolas. Earlier this month, Sturge was arrested and charged by criminal complaint.

According to court documents, from at least 2009 through 2016, Wolas, using the name Eugene Grathwohl, operated a real estate business known as Increasing Fortune Inc., and worked as a licensed real estate agent for Century 21 in Quincy. From 2014 through 2016, he solicited investments for the development of the Beachcomber Bar property on Quincy Shore Drive and for the construction of a single-family home on the adjacent property. He collected more than $1.7 million from at least 20 investors and promised each of them a significant return on their investments. He allegedly promised to pay out at least 125% of the profits related to the single-family home construction.  The court documents also indicate that the bank account into which Wolas deposited investor funds has been drained, and that Wolas used the money mostly for his personal expenses unrelated to development of the real estate projects.

Wolas was scheduled to close on the Beachcomber property on Sept. 15, 2016. A week before, however, he left Quincy and ceased all contact with his then-girlfriend, his co-workers, and his investors. Law enforcement then discovered that Grathwohl was actually Wolas, a former lawyer who had been a fugitive since 1997 after being charged with fraud and grand larceny in New York. The real EJG resides in Florida and is known to Wolas.

According to court documents, law enforcement officers interviewed Sturge, Wolas’ ex-wife, on Nov. 17, 2016. During the interview, Sturge said that she had not been in contact with her ex-husband for approximately 15 years. Sturge continued to say that this was so, despite evidence of contact between her cell phone and one known to belong to Wolas that demonstrated more recent communication between the two.

After further investigation, Wolas was arrested on April 7, 2017, at a condominium he was renting in Delray Beach, Fla.  Investigators learned that Wolas had first rented the room in the condo from Nov. 12 through Nov. 21, 2016, through an online rental website in the name of Cecily Sturge.  Messages exchanged between the condo owner and Sturge depicted a photo of Sturge and messages claiming that Wolas (using the name Cameron Sturge) was Sturge’s brother and a retired paleontologist in need of a place to stay.  The owner of the condo told authorities that Sturge and Wolas arrived at the condo together in the same car on Nov. 12, 2016, five days before Sturge’s interview with law enforcement.  

            Sturge was divorced from Wolas in 2001 by default judgment in Palm Beach County, Fla.  In February 2017, Sturge filed a petition to modify the judgment in order to obtain the contents of Wolas’ retirement account, which had a balance of approximately $647,000, from the New York law firm where he worked prior to being indicted in 1997 by New York authorities. In pleadings filed in February and March 2017 regarding that matter, Sturge swore that Wolas’ whereabouts were unknown to her, despite telephone records showing frequent contact between the two.  In addition, copies or drafts of documents filed in the Florida proceeding, along with a thumb drive, were found in the room where Wolas was arrested.  The United States has obtained a court order freezing the retirement account until the resolution of the criminal proceedings.

The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a minimum of two years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any term for the wire fraud, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the US sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  

Acting United States Attorney William Weinreb; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Joel P. Garland, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; and Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan,  made the announcement.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra S. Bower of Weinreb’s Criminal Division and David G. Lazarus and Brendan Mockler of Weinreb’s Civil Division are prosecuting the case.

CAPAC Immigration Leaders Condemn Passage of Anti-Immigrant Bills

CAPAC Immigration Leaders Condemn Passage of Anti-Immigrant Bills

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 3003, the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, and H.R. 3004, Kate's Law. These anti-immigrant bills have serious consequences for immigrant communities across the United States, and would both undermine public safety and tear families apart. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“Just four years after there was a bipartisan consensus for comprehensive and humane immigration reform that would have helped families and our economy, Republicans are returning to their strategy of fear and punishment. Their first bill, the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, effectively declares war on American cities, law enforcement, and immigrant communities by making deporting immigrants more of a priority than protecting communities. Police from cities and towns across the country have come out against this bill because they know that doubling as federal immigration officers actually makes their job as local law enforcement officers more difficult. And the consequences to police and cities of losing these grants are serious. All just to make immigrants feel unwelcome.

“The second bill, Kate’s Law, is even worse. This is politically-driven legislation intended to create a fear of immigrants, even though repeated studies have shown immigrants commit fewer crimes. It goes so far that it criminalizes immigrants trying to rejoin their families or refugees fleeing violence. This is shameful. And it doesn’t even accomplish what it sets out to do. Kate Steinle, whose tragic death inspired this law, would not have been saved had this law been in place as her murderer repeatedly crossed the border despite serving 16 years in prison.

“The sum of these two bills is a strategy of fear. Republicans want to tell Americans to be afraid of immigrants and are making immigrants afraid to leave their homes. That’s why police have come out to say that immigrants are too afraid to report even being a victim of sexual assault, and health clinics report that immigrants are too afraid to come in for exams. This chilling effect on millions of Americans and their families – documented or not – cannot be what our country stands for. I hope we can return to the bipartisan consensus around comprehensive immigration reform that improves the pathways to immigrate legally, keeps families together, and grows our economy.”

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), CAPAC Immigration Task Force Chair:

“I am appalled that just one week after World Refugee Day, Republicans are attempting to push through not one, but two bills that run counter to our values. Criminalizing victims of human trafficking, asylum seekers, good Samaritans, and victims of violence under the guise of safety is unacceptable. I reject these fear-mongering bills, and I will continue to fight to welcome the ‘huddled masses, yearning to breathe free,’ even as my Republican colleagues attempt to slam the door in their faces.”

Background

H.R. 3003, which passed by a vote of 228-195, allows the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to withhold crucial law enforcement and terrorism funding from jurisdictions that limit how their police can work with federal immigration agencies. Under H.R. 3003, cities and states  would risk losing federal law enforcement grants, like the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) and the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants, if they do not comply with potentially unconstitutional and illegal DHS requests to detain immigrants.

H.R. 3004, which passed by a vote of 257-167, expands criminal sentences for undocumented immigrants who reenter, or attempt to reenter, the United States. It also expands the population of people who would be subject to criminal prosecution for such crimes, including individuals who seek to apply for asylum and surrender themselves at the border, as well as individuals with no criminal history. 

10州檢察長聯名要求聯邦政府公開移民政策及執行狀況

AG HEALEY ISSUES FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST ABOUT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S IMMIGRATION POLICIES AND ENFORCEMENT
Leads Coalition of 10 Attorneys General in Demanding Documents from Trump Administration

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today led a coalition of 10 attorneys general in demanding that the Trump Administration turn over documents and other information relating to the detention and deportation of immigrants.
The attorneys general issued Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), seeking details regarding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), arrests and/or detentions of individuals at sensitive locations, including courthouses and jobsites, and ICE or CBP detainer requests and databases.
“The Trump Administration has stoked fear across the country through its Executive Orders targeting immigrant communities, and they cannot continue to operate in the dark,” AG Healey said. “Our states, cities, and local law enforcement need real information about how federal immigration policies are being enforced in our communities in order to serve the public and keep people safe.”

In the request, the attorneys general reference local and national media reports of the deportation of individuals approved for DACA, individuals meeting with federal immigration officials to discuss their status, and even U.S. citizens.

The attorneys general are seeking information from federal agencies about the detention and deportation of individuals approved for DACA and immigration enforcement at sensitive locations – which include hospitals, courthouses and school grounds. Some of the specific information the attorneys general have requested include information about the detention or deportation of any individual previously granted approval or extension of DACA, data about detainers requests issued by ICE or CBP, memos related to ICE or CBP-designated sensitive locations, and information about arrests and/or detentions within 100 feet of a courthouse.

Earlier this year, AG Healey issued guidance to health care providers and local public school districtsin Massachusetts following inquiries from health care providers and public school officials about the impact of federal immigration policies and executive orders on patients and students. This guidance followed an advisory the AG’s Office also sent this year reminding local public school districts of their obligation under state and federal law to provide all students with equal access to primary and secondary education, irrespective of citizenship or immigration status.

Led by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, the other members of the coalition seeking this information include the attorneys general of California, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Oregon, Washington and the District of Columbia.

走私人口賣淫 檢方起訴三嫌二華裔


THREE INDICTED ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING, MONEY LAUNDERING CHARGES FOR SELLING WOMEN FOR SEX AT BROTHELS
AG’s Office, FBI Worked with Local Police Departments to Dismantle Sex Trafficking Operation in Boston, Cambridge, North Reading, and Quincy

BOSTON – Three individuals have been indicted on human trafficking and money laundering charges for trafficking women for sex at brothels throughout Greater Boston, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today. The AG’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division previously arrested the individuals after a joint investigation and takedown in May.

A Statewide Grand Jury today indicted Pingxia Fan, age 40, of Boston, Timothy Hayes, age 50, of Gloucester, and Simon Shimao Lin, age 59, of Boston, in connection with trafficking women for sex at brothels in Boston, Cambridge, North Reading, and Quincy.

“Victims of human trafficking are preyed upon by pimps and traffickers who exploit the most vulnerable among us for profit,” said AG Healey. “We allege these defendants ran an extensive criminal operation that took advantage of women and sold them for sex. We thank the FBI and local police departments for their continued partnership in dismantling criminal networks that exploit human beings.”

“Collectively, it’s estimated that Fan and her associates were making millions of dollars, every year, exploiting women,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston Division. “When human beings are treated as commodities and are trafficked for sex, they are not only being abused physically, but emotionally, mentally, and financially. The FBI will continue to surge resources and collaborate with our law enforcement partners to impede, disrupt, and dismantle the criminal networks that are responsible for this illegal activity.”

The defendants were indicted by a Statewide Grand Jury on the following charges:

Timothy Hayes, age 50, of Gloucester
Trafficking Persons for Sexual Servitude (5 counts)
Deriving Support from Prostitution (5 counts)
Keeping House of Ill Fame (5 counts)
Conspiracy to Traffic Persons for Sexual Servitude (5 counts)
Money Laundering (3 counts)

Pingxia Fan, age 40, of Boston
Trafficking Persons for Sexual Servitude (5 counts)
Deriving Support from Prostitution (5 counts)
Keeping House of Ill Fame (5 counts)
Conspiracy to Traffic Persons for Sexual Servitude (5 counts)
Money Laundering (3 counts)

Simon Shimao Lin, age 59, of Boston
Trafficking Persons for Sexual Servitude (2 counts)
Conspiracy to Traffic Persons for Sexual Servitude (2 counts)
Money Laundering (3 counts)

The defendants will be arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court on some charges on July 18. They will be arraigned in Middlesex and Norfolk Superior Courts at later dates.

The defendants were arrested in May after an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Human Trafficking Division.

The AG’s Office began an investigation after a referral from the North Reading Police Department, which did an initial investigation into a brothel in North Reading and offered extensive assistance in this case.
           
The investigation revealed that these defendants ran a sex trafficking and money laundering operation involving multiple brothels—two in Quincy, and single locations in Boston, Cambridge, and North Reading. The defendants allegedly used multiple vehicles to transport sex trafficking victims, money, and supplies.

The defendants allegedly arranged for women to meet with men at the brothel locations to provide commercial sexual services in exchange for cash. Authorities allege the majority of the money from these encounters went to the defendants, which they laundered into the business to perpetuate the daily operations of the criminal enterprise.

These charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

AG Healey has a dedicated Human Trafficking Division that focuses on policy, prevention and prosecution and includes a team of specialized prosecutors, victim advocates and Massachusetts State Police troopers who handle high impact, multi-jurisdictional human trafficking investigations and prosecutions across the state. Through the Human Trafficking Division, the AG’s Office has charged more than 35 individuals in connection with human trafficking since the law was passed.
The FBI Boston Division's Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force is one of 12 DOJ-funded task forces in the country with the mission to combat sex and labor trafficking. Nationally, the FBI participates in over 100 human trafficking task forces and working groups. The FBI believes in a victim-centered approach to human trafficking investigations, where identifying and stabilizing victims of this heinous crime is equally as important as providing resources to help them.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Nancy Rothstein and Jeffrey Bourgeois, both of the AG’s Human Trafficking Division, with assistance from Deputy Chief of the Human Trafficking Division Jennifer Snook, Nikki Antonucci, Chief of the AG’s Victim Services Division and Investigator Jillian Petruzziello of the AG’s Financial Investigations Division. It was investigated by Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Human Trafficking Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force, with assistance from the AG’s Digital Evidence Lab. The Massachusetts State Police and the Boston, Cambridge, Gloucester, Newton, North Reading, Quincy and Revere Police Departments also provided assistance

星期三, 6月 28, 2017

波士頓第36屆海港節訂6/30啟動

CITY OF BOSTON KICKS-OFF 36th ANNUAL HARBORFEST
Opening ceremony to be held at Faneuil Hall Marketplace
BOSTON - Wednesday, June 28, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the City of Boston will kick-off the 36th annual Boston Harborfest at Faneuil Hall Marketplace on Friday, June 30 at 11:00 a.m.

"Boston is the perfect place to celebrate our nation's independence," said Mayor Walsh. "Every year, Harborfest partners give residents and visitors the opportunity to celebrate Boston's unique history and diverse waterfront and harbor with exciting events and activities. I encourage everyone to attend this wonderful, inclusive event."

Boston Harborfest is a multi-day festival with activities celebrating American Independence, honoring the city's colonial roots, and showcasing Boston's vibrant harbor. Mayor Walsh will be joined by Rear Admiral Steven Poulin, First Commander, United States Coast Guard Sector Boston; Commander Robert Gerosa, Captain, USS Constitution; Pat Moscaritolo, President and Chief Executive Officer, Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau; Joe O'Malley, General Manager of Faneuil Hall Marketplace; and Harborfest partners during the celebration to kick-off the festival.

Residents, visitors and businesses are invited to participate in the patriotic opening ceremony, which will feature The 215 Army Band who will lead the crowd in singing the National Anthem, and the ceremonial cutting of the Harborfest cake. Mayor Walsh, Commander Poulin, and Commander Gerosa and special guests will use a cutglass (sword) to cut the cake, provided by Faneuil Hall Marketplace and created by Montilio's. National Park Service Park Rangers and Freedom Trail® Players, dressed in 18th-century costume, will be on hand to offer historical information about Faneuil Hall and other sites along the Freedom Trail.

Held from June 30 through July 4, Harborfest celebrates the colonial and maritime heritage of America's independence in Boston. Over the years, Harborfest has grown from a local event to a national celebration. In 1982 there were 35 activities over the course of three days. Now in its 36th year, Harborfest is considered to be the country's largest Fourth of July festival with hundreds of activities over a 5-day period at Boston's best landmarks.

The family-friendly event includes the annual opening ceremony at Faneuil Hall, historical reenactments, Freedom Trail® tours and historic sites' programs and events, activities along Boston Harbor, live entertainment, and much more. Harborfest will feature highlights at Christopher Columbus Park throughout the holiday weekend. Arts at Harborfest, a curated preview to the September Boston Area Festival, will return on Saturday, July 1 followed by a performance from Sweet Harmony and a screening of Yankee Doodle Dandy. Sunday will reintroduce Chowderfest where attendees may vote on the best creations from local restaurants.  

For more Harborfest information and a list of activities, please call 617-439-7700 or visit  www.Bostonharborfest.com

Governor Baker Nominates Frederick Baran to Chicopee District Court

Governor Baker Nominates Frederick Baran to Chicopee District Court

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Frederick R. Baran, Jr. to the position of Clerk Magistrate of the Chicopee District Court. Baran has served as Acting Clerk Magistrate in the Chicopee District Court since July of 2016 and has served in Holyoke District Court as First Assistant Clerk Magistrate since 1990 and Acting Clerk Magistrate since 1996. In addition, Attorney Baran has served as Acting District Court Region VI Coordinator in Holyoke since 2011.

“Frederick Baran has a long history of serving the people of the Commonwealth as a Clerk Magistrate in various District Courts in Western Massachusetts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am pleased to nominate him for the Governor’s Council’s advice and consent. If confirmed, the Chicopee District Court will benefit greatly from his experience, knowledge and wisdom.”

“I am pleased with the nomination of a skilled and well-respected civil servant that is such an active and rooted member of the Hampden County community,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I am confident that Attorney Baran’s professional skills developed over more than three decades in the legal system will serve the judges, lawyers and litigants who appear in the Chicopee District Court well."

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.

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties; all misdemeanors; and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. In civil matters, District Court judges conduct both jury and jury-waived trials, and determine with finality any matter in which the likelihood of recovery does not exceed $25,000. The District Court also tries small claims involving up to $7,000 (initially tried to a magistrate, with a defense right of appeal either to a judge or to a jury). The District Court's civil jurisdiction also includes many specialized proceedings, including abuse prevention restraining orders and civil motor vehicle infractions (tried initially to a magistrate, with right of appeal to a judge).

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

About Frederick R. Baran, Jr.

Frederick R. Baran, Jr. is the Acting Clerk Magistrate in the Chicopee District Court. Before starting his legal career, Baran was a science teacher at Chestnut Junior High School in Springfield. Practicing eight years as a General Associate for Ducharme, Moriarty & Wilson in Holyoke, Baran was then selected as the First Assistant Clerk Magistrate for the Holyoke District Court in 1990. As the Acting District Court Region VI Coordinator for the District Court since 2011, Baran coordinated assignments for the twelve courts in the region to assure adequate coverage in addition to conducting training and resolving court personnel matters and conflicts. He received his Juris Doctor at Suffolk University Law School in 1982 and his Bachelor of Science in Education from Fitchburg State College in 1977.  He currently resides with his family in Holyoke.

頂大學人講座 談數位人文,營養,地圖


部分出席人員與講者,經文處教育組組長黃薳玉(前右六)合影。(謝開明攝
                             (Boston Orange 周菊子劍橋市綜合報導) 駐波士頓經文處教育組與紐英崙中華專業人員協會合辦的頂大學人講座624日下午在MIT舉辦今年第四場,由訪問學人劉昭麟,專協李小玉醫師,袁尚賢暢論飲食營養,數位人文,古代地圖,從不同角度敲人腦洞。
中華專協會長蔡明機(右)和經文處教育組長黃薳玉(左)頒感謝狀
給講者李小玉(中)。(謝開明攝)
               從哈佛醫學院退休的李小玉醫師談營養,摩登的煩惱。他說人們常在網上讀到很多有關營養的文章,但要判斷資訊的正確性,就很傷腦筋。他建議先查來源,首先是.gov,接著是.edu,其次.org,最不可靠的就是.com,然後要看作者是誰,研究時間多長,是否有統計比較,有沒實驗室證明等等,如果是一般人寫的,當然就不見得可靠。
中華專協會長蔡明機(右)和經文處教育組長黃薳玉(左)頒感謝狀
給講者劉昭麟(中)。(謝開明攝)
             他還談及身體脂肪指數(BMI),升糖指數(Glycemic index),胰島素指數等。他指出,糖分對人體健康有最不好的影響,尤其是果凍豆(jelly bean)會大幅度提高升糖指數,胰島素指數,最好避免食用。網上也有表格列出了各種食物的升糖指數,胰島素指數,大家在選擇食物時可以拿來做參考。
             至於膽固醇,李小玉指出,其實食物中的膽固醇和血液中的膽固醇沒有太大關係。遺傳可能是更重的因素。
               政大資訊系特聘教授劉昭麟目前在哈佛大學做訪問學者,參與包弼德所領導中國歷代人物傳記資料庫項目。他指出,和人文社會學者攜手,應用資訊科技來做研究的跨領域合作,叫做數位人文,是應用電腦技術,從古代文獻中搜尋人名,居住地,官銜,以及量化數據等資料,再藉人工驗證所搜尋資料的正確性,進而建立龐大可靠的資料庫。
中華專協會長蔡明機(右)和經文處教育組長黃薳玉(左)頒感謝狀
給講者袁尚賢(中)。(謝開明攝)
             他介紹了台灣,中國大陸及美國目前的數位人文發展概況。台灣方面,有政府支持的多項數位典藏計畫,台灣的大學圖書館也建有許多數位典藏庫,各自把館內藏書轉換為電子資源,讓這些內容可以有更多元化,更廣泛的應用。
             劉昭麟用分析唐詩,宋詞的最常用字,最常見顏色,比較詩人使用的詞彙等來舉例闡述數位人文可發揮的作用。例如唐詩中使用最多的顏色是白色,宋詞中最常看到是紅色,李白詩中的月,比杜甫詩中的月,蘊含更豐富義像,更有特色等。
             也是在用數位人文研究清朝歷史時,他發現,其實早在清朝年間,中國就有地方選舉了,以及美國人對中國人的稱呼是怎麼從豬仔,變成華工,再成為華人的歷史轉變。
             劉昭麟不諱言,做科學數據和從事人文社會研究的人,由於對彼此專業的不了解,跨領域合作時,的確遭遇過需要溝通認知差距的階段。
             袁尚賢在上海出生,台灣長大,美國拿合成化學博士學位,還曾在麻省理工學院做博士後。由於當年在台大唸過兩年地質學,他對地圖一直有濃厚興趣。有一次在拍賣會上看到John Thornton1703年版本英國駕駛地圖,其中一頁竟然畫的是在廈門和他老家舟山之間的航行方向。他想買,但太貴,於是跑到哈佛大學圖書館,戴上手套慢慢翻閱。
             由於對地圖的愛好,以及其後的收藏,研究,袁尚賢還知道了早年的古董地圖經紀,有些地圖其實是偷回來的。古代的地圖,尤其是中國航海用地圖,更關心水有多深,船怎麼走,遠方可辨識地標等資訊。航道幾乎都很精準,其他內容就有偏頗。
             袁尚賢指出,從1405年起,鄭和曾經七下西洋,但他使用的航海圖,卻很可惜的似乎都找不到了,只在茅元儀之武備志中還找到一點。
             1584年時,歐洲出現第一張中國地圖,北右下方有日本,渤海,福爾摩沙島(Isl Fermosa),右邊還有蒙古包,風帆車這些後來在歐洲地圖中常常畫著有,中國版本卻很少提。
             大約在公元前200年時,AppolodorusSeres 絲縷氏來命名中國,翻成拉丁文是Serica, SinaChinae等等,後來義大利文稱做Cina,法文是Chine,西班牙文China,原本都讀做斯那,到英文就讀成了恰那。

             至於利瑪竇的1569年坤輿萬國圖,給了後代學生綠島(Greenland)比南美還大的錯誤印象。(圖片已於6月25日發表)




星期二, 6月 27, 2017

Governor Baker Statement On The Passing Of Commissioner Mitchell Chester

Governor Baker Statement On The Passing Of Commissioner Mitchell Chester
BOSTON - Today, Governor Charlie Baker released the following statement regarding the passing of Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Mitchell Chester:

“On behalf of the entire administration, Lt. Governor Polito and I extend our deepest condolences to Commissioner Chester’s family, friends and colleagues at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education during this difficult time. Commissioner Chester was a dedicated educator and accomplished public servant. His leadership improved the lives of thousands of the Commonwealth’s students and helped make our public school system a national leader.  He will be terribly missed by all.”

Early Education and Care Commissioner Tom Weber’s Statement on the Passing of Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester


“On behalf of the Department of Early Education and Care, I offer our deepest sympathies, condolences, and prayers to Mitchell’s family, friends, and our colleagues at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.   For nearly a decade as commissioner, Mitchell Chester accomplished a difficult feat: he assumed leadership of a high-performing public education system and helped bring it to even greater, often world-leading heights.   Fundamental to that success – a success that he diligently credited to the Commonwealth’s students and educators – was Mitchell’s unshakeable commitment to student-centered policies and continuous improvement.   Mitchell’s special capacity to attend constantly and without compromise to those important fundamentals has been essential to the Commonwealth’s sustained progress in public education.   We have lost a true friend to public education, but not the example of his leadership, which points the way forward as we endeavor to extend Mitchell’s legacy of improved schools and lives.”

屋斯特亞洲文化日 中文學校秀台灣

波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉()感謝麻州中部中文學校設置攤位
宣傳臺灣,與前校長林大為()合影
【麻州中部亞洲文化日  中文學校行銷臺灣】

麻州中部中文學校於625日中午參與渥斯特市在義大利文化中心舉辦的「亞洲文化日」活動,在校長張偉力、前校長林大為以及多位師生與家長共同努力下,於會場設置臺灣文宣及美食攤位,與其他12個亞洲國家共同展現具各國特色的文化,張偉力也特別感謝僑務委員會多年來的支持與鼓勵。

波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉夫婦(左二、右二)與校長張偉力
(左一)、前校長林大為(右一)在臺灣美食攤位前合影
今年的亞洲文化日活動,除了邀請各國設置具文化特色的攤位外,主辦單位也援例安排連續4小時的表演節目,吸引約3,000人到場參加,氣氛熱鬧,人潮不斷。


波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉夫婦應邀出席這項活動,特別向參與活動的教職員與家長致謝,並鼓勵該校持續融入當地主流社會的活動,協助推展公眾外交,以提升臺灣在國際的知名度與能見度。(圖與文:波士頓僑教中心提供)


渥斯特市在義大利文化中心舉辦的「亞洲文化日」活動,共計13
國家在會場設置具各國文化特色的攤位,並安排4小時的表演節目,
吸引3千人到場參加

中科協長春海外創新創業賽美東斬獲兩個一等獎

孫友順(中)恭喜孫國明(右),顧險峰(左)獲
一等獎。
                     (Boston Orange)中國科協(長春)海外人才創新創業大賽623日在長春香格里拉酒店落幕。從波士頓選出的12個美東賽區優勝團隊,歡喜抱獎,共贏得兩個一等獎,三個二等獎。
                 這次的中國科協海外人才創新創業大賽,分成7組,從全世界分成的五個海外賽區,選送了共60個項目參加長春總決賽,有58個團隊到現場做總決賽答辯,每組各評一個一等獎,二個二等獎,三個三等獎。獲獎團隊如果落戶長春,一等獎可獲獎金150萬元,二等獎120萬元,三等獎100萬元,優勝獎80萬元。
              分三組的21人評審團,由中科協海創聯派出10人,長春派出6人,海外五大賽區各推薦一人組成。
             美東賽區團隊共共贏得兩個一等獎,三個二等獎。其中哈佛大學教授丘成桐參與顧問,由顧險峰代表,基於微分幾何的AR/VR系統項目,獲得信息組一等獎。裘崇婭從加州來的親戚,張葳春所組團隊,以微瓦特電子醫療芯片獲信息組二等獎。孫國明團隊的皮膚在生水凝膠獲得健康組一等獎,胡小明出任CEO,為不孕症患者帶來希望的頂峰基因測序公司,獲健康組二等獎,羅暢安團隊的智能汽車可量產雷達獲裝備組二等獎。
最年長的張葳春(左三)和最年輕團隊合影
              美東賽區團隊在比賽結束後,還由孫友順,方亞雋帶隊。到合肥,寧波參訪,包括寧波余姚市的人才公寓和江豐生物。還聆聽了3315人才計畫申報介紹。國家千人計劃專家暨董事長劉炳憲也陪同他們考察。其中有3個團隊計畫落戶寧波。
             這次美東賽區赴長春參賽團隊的年齡差距幅度頗大,以嶄新科技研擬出新用途的張葳春已高齡76歲,甫從東北大學畢業的Blur科技團隊成員才22歲。美東代表團遠征長春路上,也因此格外有趣。
丘成桐院士在吉林大學演講,座無虛席。
            美東賽區團隊中的丘成桐院士,此行主要是應中科協書記尚勇邀請,參加中科協第19屆年會,並出席624日的開幕式及頒獎典禮。途中,他還應好友兼廣東梅縣老鄉,吉林大學校長李元元之邀演講,623日下午3點,在吉林大學做了一場學術報告會,談現代幾何與三微技術,講數學、物理和人工現實/虛擬現實(AR/VR)等科技的完美結合,鼓勵年輕人要勇敢的攀越學術高峰,把知識應用到現代科技中。200多人的大禮堂,座無虛席,美東賽區代表團也因此更顯威武。
                   美東代表團中獲一等獎,孫國明團隊的皮膚再生水凝膠,是美東38個分賽區7個網路答辯團隊中,唯一獲選到長春參賽的隊伍。在總決賽時,孫國明的答辯獲得評審一致好評,奪得健康組第一名。總決賽獲獎團隊路演時,他們又奪得最佳技術創新獎,在出席欣賞路演的國家副主席李源潮,政協副主席暨科技部部長,中國科協主席萬鋼,吉林省委書記巴音朝魯等領導家賓面前秀了一下。
             這場總決賽還由21名專家評委和29名大評委,在現場投票,選出最佳人氣獎,最佳技術創新獎,最具投資價值獎等獎項。美東的兩個一等獎團隊,張葳春的二鼎獎團隊獲邀參加路演,孫國明的團隊獲得最佳技術創新獎,張葳春的團隊獲得最佳人氣獎。
(所有圖片主辦單位提供,張筱義攝)






台大校友7/15野餐

波士頓台大校友會將於七月十五日(星期六)上午九時半到下午一時舉行夏季野餐,地點在 Andover Recreation Park (147 Abbot Street, Andover),歡迎校友參加。校友會準備了簡單的早餐及豐盛的午餐、飲料及水果,並安排了一些活動。另有小朋友或孫子女的校友也可帶小朋友到兒童專區玩樂。請上校友會網站首頁報名繳費(www.gbaantu.org)詢問請寄gbaantu@gmail.com

波士頓慈濟服務民眾開辦鼓樂舞班

波士頓慈濟鼓樂隊表演。(周菊子攝)
(Boston Orange周菊子牛頓市報導)慈濟波士頓聯絡處624日下午以一場迷你鼓樂演奏助陣,隆重介紹社會教育推廣班的打鼓,舞蹈,吉他等不下5個學習班,鼓勵人利用時間學習,根據各人興趣挑選班別,享受親炙個人所好之樂,同時接近慈濟人,耳濡目染一下慈濟的志業功德。
新英格蘭養生舞協會表演鼓舞。(周菊子攝)
慈濟波士頓聯絡處自從買下牛頓市夏日街會址後,經由會眾悉心修繕,整土,種樹,清理,整體環境煥然一新,會所內更是不但布置雅致,還乾淨得一塵不染。
慈濟波士頓聯絡處社推負責人陳裕逢表示,慈濟希望善用這一場地,讓更多人有機會接近慈濟,認識佛法,為社會奉獻心力,決定開辦興趣學習班。早前推出鼓樂班,頗受歡迎,現在再接再厲,增加不同班別。
西木中文學校鼓樂隊。(周菊子攝)
鼓樂老師陳志新編排的迷你鼓樂演奏會624日下午先由西木獅舞表演團舞獅,接著由慈濟波士頓鼓樂隊的歐陽露等人,演奏龍行虎步,周美桃率領的新英格蘭養生舞協會演奏養生舞男兒當自強兩段鼓樂,西木中文學校鼓樂隊演奏當機立斷,陳志新培訓的水底魚打擊樂團演奏銳不可當飛龍在天節慶鑼鼓,不但鼓聲震人,更讓人發現,大波士頓地區也開始流行鼓樂。
陳志新也為波士頓慈濟開辦鼓樂青少年班,成人班,一期10次,每次10元。青少年班週三,成人班週四的晚上六點半左右開始上課。
水底魚打擊樂團。(周菊子攝)
當天介紹的其他興趣班包括每週六下午一點,由曾獲台灣五度五關獎的黃崇校所開辦的吉他班;每週日下午一點,由專業琴師高宏偉執教的二胡班,78日早上10點至下午2點,由獲有美國舞蹈治療協會註冊舞蹈治療師督導資格的胡俞伶開辦舞向身心幸福體驗課
幾個鼓樂隊合影。左一為陳志新老師。
627日晚上67點起,4次一期的和秀惠跳尼雅(Nia with Showway)”,將由獲有尼雅舞黑帶教師資格的陳秀惠執教。台灣今年4月出版的終身瘦用211全平衡瘦身法,不但有關於尼雅舞的介紹,指尼雅舞是一種非衝擊性的有氧舞蹈,非常適合所有人,尤其是久未運動又想減肥的人的一種新創運動方式,書中還介紹了陳秀惠老師。
陳裕逢透露,他還在籌備一個耆英歌唱班,要找一,二名會彈鍵盤的人助陣,一起玩。
尼雅老師陳秀惠(右二)和她的助教們。謝開明攝
波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉,波士頓僑務委員蔣宗壬,紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊,紐英倫客家鄉親會會長周一男,波士頓地區關懷救助協會會長王志維,大波士頓中國文化協會國樂團團長潘台春,歐陽東美夫婦,麻州元極舞聯誼會會長鄭玉春等,當天下午有許多嘉賓到會,現場近百人,場面十分熱絡。                                                                       波士頓慈濟聯絡處的地址為 15 Summer Street, Newton, MA02464。電話(617) 762-0569。(圖片已於26日發表)
左起,陳家驊,蔣宗壬,歐宏偉,許炳煌,曾秀梅等嘉賓。
右起,鄭玉春,宋玉珍,左起,謝如鍵,林展輝。
大波士頓中華文化協會國樂團團長潘台春,歐陽東美夫婦。(周菊子攝)
新英蘭養生協會,麻州元極舞聯誼會等合影,前排右起,波士頓
僑教中心主任歐宏偉,周美桃,黃周麗桃,紐英崙中華公所陳家驊,
鄭玉春。(周菊子攝)
胡俞伶說明"舞向身心幸福體驗課"。(周菊子攝)

波士頓慈濟社推班負責人陳裕逢。(周菊子攝)