中華耆英會白禮頓樓 九月慶生會(圖片)

崑科大訪仁人家園實習 辦台灣日宣揚台灣愛心、文化、農產品

台灣日當天執行長拉克與學生共同參與臺灣日活動。

(Boston Orange)崑山科技大學公共關係暨廣告系師生團隊日前在波士頓二手商店(ReStore)舉辦”台灣日”，不但帶來台灣愛心，還展示台灣文化與農業，要讓更多波士頓人愛台灣。

崑科大實習團隊拜會波士頓經文處，和處長徐佑典(右四)，

教育組組長陳幗珍(左一)合影。

今年是崑科大公廣系第六次來到波士頓，執行教育部「學海築夢」海外實習計畫，由呂之蕙帶隊，從7月13起，到仁人家園實習二個月，讓學生們在學校學到的公關、廣告，活動策畫技能發揮出來，為二手商店(ReStore)提出行銷傳播建議，一舉數得的既給學生機會實習所學，開拓國際視野，以國民外交方式促進文化交流，還同時宣傳了台灣的農產品，為台灣建立公益形象。

在二手商店ReStor3舉辦這”台灣日”，崑科大同學結合臺灣的新年儀式與廟宇文化，設計出一套適合外國人的擲筊、抽籤和寫春聯等互動遊戲，還在活動現場準備了中式水餃，珍珠奶茶，讓顧客們品嚐台灣口味，擺出農委會水保局提供的台南在地農產品，包括麻豆特產的柚子和風醬、柚子果醋和大內特產酪梨籽麵等，使得這台灣日活動更加有特色。

崑科大帶隊老師呂之蕙表示：「臺灣日活動既可讓學生與外國人面對面交談，還可利用試吃、互動遊戲，把臺灣的特色農產和文化帶到國外，創造話題，也行銷臺灣」。

實習學生胡博堯也說，「辦公關活動，吸引民眾消費，是行銷做法之一。這次的臺灣日以廟宇及新年文化為主題，就讓許多外國民眾眼睛為之一亮」。范維珍還提出建議，「定期在櫃台張貼海報，更新受惠家庭的故事，讓顧客能知道自己在這家店買東西，就也是在幫助他人」。

              駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長徐佑典，教育組組長陳幗珍在實習團隊拜會駐處時，都特地嘉勉。

徐佑典表示：「臺灣來波士頓旅遊的年輕人很多，但是像崑山科大學生願意這麼遠的飛到波士頓，在仁人家園實習兩個月，在海外幫助他人，非常有意義，也很難得的。它們的故事應該分享給更多人知道，希望將來有更多台灣學生起而效法，加入參與公益的服務行列。

仁人家園是一個非營利組織，接受民眾捐贈物資，整理後在二手商店(ReStore)販售。在2017年間，二手商店總計收到4,595項捐贈物品、累積6,982小時志工時數，並販售超過480噸捐贈物品，增加為低收入家庭建屋的資本，讓這些家庭能擁有屬於自己的房子，完成擁有一個家的夢想。(文稿資料與圖片，波士頓經文處提供)

STEVE PEMBERTON CALLS ON MARKEY, KENNEDY TO RETURN MILLIONS IN PAC MONEY

STEVE PEMBERTON CALLS ON MARKEY, KENNEDY TO RETURN MILLIONS IN PAC MONEY

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Sept. 26, 2019 –  U.S. Senate candidate Steve Pemberton today called upon Senator Ed Markey and Congressman Joe Kennedy III to return the millions of dollars in PAC money that they have received. This follows Markey and Kennedy’s very recent disavowal of such contributions.

“Both Congressman Kennedy and Senator Markey have taken millions of dollars in PAC money. If these statements of theirs aren’t just tired political rhetoric, then they should give all those contributions back tomorrow,” Pemberton said. “People are angry with career Washington politicians who suddenly 'see the light' on special interest money when it suits their immediate political agenda, but the truth remains: they both have millions of dollars in their accounts right now from PACs. I’m challenging them to do the right thing and give it all back."

According to reports, Markey has raised more than $5.3 million in PAC money since 2003 [Center for Responsive Politics, 2019]. Kennedy has raised more than $2.7 million in PAC money since 2012 [CQ Political MoneyLine, accessed September 2019]. Both have raised more than $100,000 in PAC money this year alone. Pemberton foreswore all PAC money the day he announced his candidacy on July 23, 2019. 

2020波士頓馬拉松資格標準公佈 將擴大參賽人數至31,500

2020 Boston Marathon® Qualifier Acceptances Announced
Field size for 2020 Boston Marathon to expand to 31,500 participants

 BOSTON - The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today continued its notification to qualified applicants of their acceptance into the 2020 Boston Marathon®. In preparation for the 2020 Boston Marathon, the B.A.A. implemented the same registration process for qualified runners as used in recent years, allowing the fastest qualifiers to register first. The 124th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 20, 2020 and will mark the 35th consecutive year that John Hancock will serve as principal sponsor.
 Qualifiers who were one minute, 39 seconds (1:39) or faster than the qualifying time for their age group and gender have been accepted into the 2020 Boston Marathon. A total of 24,127 qualified applicants have been accepted to date or are in the process of being accepted, pending verification of their qualifying performance. In total, 27,288 applications were received during the registration period for qualifiers. 
 In cooperation with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the eight cities and towns along the Boston Marathon route, the B.A.A. has also announced an increased field size of 1,500 official entrants for the 2020 Boston Marathon. The expanded field size will allow even more qualified and charity participants to take part in the Boston Marathon. Previously, the Boston Marathon featured a field size of 30,000 participants from 2015 through 2019. 
 Among those accepted into the 2020 Boston Marathon were athletes from 112 countries and all 50 U.S. states. This year the B.A.A. was unable to accept 3,161 qualifiers due to field size limitations. 
 More than 80% of the 2020 Boston Marathon field will be comprised of athletes who have met the qualifying standards. The balance will consist of invitational entrants, including runners participating as part of the Boston Marathon’s Official Charity Program and John Hancock’s Non-Profit Program, as well as invited elite athletes. Participants who ran on behalf of nearly 300 non-profit organizations raised a race-record $38.7 million for charity at the 2019 Boston Marathon.
 “Each year, the Boston Marathon brings together participants from around the world in pursuit of athletic excellence,” said Tom Grilk, B.A.A. Chief Executive Officer. “For many, earning a spot on the starting line in Hopkinton is the pinnacle of their running aspirations. We celebrate those who will be joining us next April, and also recognize and applaud the many runners who displayed interest in being part of the 2020 race. We thank the entire running community, and look forward to a memorable 124th running of the Boston Marathon.” 
 Since 1970, the Boston Marathon has featured qualifying standards as a means of entry. In September of 2018, the B.A.A. updated qualifying standards for the 2020 race; a breakdown of Boston Marathon qualifying standards can be found below.
 Registration for runners who met the B.A.A.’s Qualifying Standards for the 2020 Boston Marathon began on Monday, September 9 using a “rolling admission” schedule and continued through Saturday, September 14. Registration re-opened on Monday, September 16 and application submissions were received through Wednesday, September 18. Registration for the Boston Marathon is not first-come, first-served, but rather allows for a more systematic and orderly application procedure with the fastest qualifiers of those who submitted entries accepted.

• 27,237 applications were received during the registration period for qualifiers. • 24,127 qualified applicants have been accepted to date or are in the process of being accepted, pending verification of their qualifying performance.  • 3,110 applicants were unable to be accepted due to the large number of eligible qualifiers who submitted an application for entry. • This year’s ‘Cut-Off’ time needed to gain entry into the Boston Marathon was one minute, 39 seconds or faster than the qualifying time for each respective age group and gender. 
 During the registration period, the breakdown of accepted Qualifiers was as follows:

• 4,051 Qualifiers met their qualifying time by 20 minutes, 00 seconds or faster. • 6,772 Qualifiers met their qualifying time by 10 minutes, 00 seconds or faster. • 6,948 Qualifiers met their qualifying time by 05 minutes, 00 seconds or faster. • 5,885 Qualifiers met their qualifying time by 1 minute, 39 seconds or faster. • 471 Qualifiers were accepted based on finishing 10 or more consecutive Boston Marathons.
• 290 Qualified Para Athletes have been accepted, or are expected to be accepted, through the conclusion of the Para Athletics Divisions and Adaptive Programs registration period.
 Qualifying performances for the 2020 Boston Marathon must have been run between September 15, 2018 and September 18, 2019. Notices to those accepted will be issued by the B.A.A via e-mail.
 For reference, qualifiers needed to be four minutes, 52 seconds or faster than their age group and gender for the 2019 Boston Marathon; three minutes, 23 seconds or faster for the 2018 Boston Marathon; two minutes, nine seconds or faster for the 2017 Boston Marathon; two minutes, 28 seconds or faster for the 2016 Boston Marathon; one minute, two seconds or faster for the 2015 Boston Marathon; and one minute, 38 seconds or faster for the 2014 Boston Marathon. 
 This year’s one minute, 39 second cut-off is the lowest cut-off time since 2015 (1:02). A history of Boston Marathon qualifying standards and cut-off times can be found here. Notices to those who submitted an application for entry but who were not accepted were also issued today.


2020 BOSTON MARATHON: Men’s Qualifying Standards and Accepted Times*

AGE GROUP QUALIFYING STANDARD QUALIFICATION TIMES ACCEPTED (faster than and including) 18-34 3hrs 00min 00sec 2hrs 58min 21sec 35-39 3hrs 05min 00sec 3hrs 03min 21sec 40-44 3hrs 10min 00sec 3hrs 08min 21sec 45-49 3hrs 20min 00sec 3hrs 18min 21sec 50-54 3hrs 25min 00sec 3hrs 23min 21sec 55-59 3hrs 35min 00sec 3hrs 33min 21sec 60-64 3hrs 50min 00sec 3hrs 48min 21sec 65-69 4hrs 05min 00sec 4hrs 03min 21sec 70-74 4hrs 20min 00sec 4hrs 18min 21sec 75-79 4hrs 35min 00sec 4hrs 33min 21sec 80 and older 4hrs 50min 00sec 4hrs 48min 21sec


2020 BOSTON MARATHON: Women’s Qualifying Standards and Accepted Times*

AGE GROUP QUALIFYING STANDARD QUALIFICATION TIMES ACCEPTED (faster than and including) 18-34  3hrs 30min 00sec  3hrs 28min 21sec 35-39  3hrs 35min 00sec  3hrs 33min 21sec 40-44  3hrs 40min 00sec  3hrs 38min 21sec 45-49  3hrs 50min 00sec  3hrs 48min 21sec 50-54  3hrs 55min 00sec  3hrs 53min 21sec 55-59  4hrs 05min 00sec  4hrs 03min 21sec 60-64  4hrs 20min 00sec  4hrs 18min 21sec 65-69  4hrs 35min 00sec  4hrs 33min 21sec 70-74  4hrs 50min 00sec  4hrs 48min 21sec 75-79  5hrs 05min 00sec  5hrs 03min 21sec 80 and older 5hrs 20min 00sec 5hrs 18min 21sec

* Qualified entrants for the 2020 Boston Marathon must have met the designated time standard that corresponds with their age group and gender in a certified marathon on or after September 15, 2018. Proof of qualification must accompany each athlete's application, and participants are required to be 18 years or older on Boston Marathon race day.

The qualifying window for the 2021 Boston Marathon began on Saturday, September 14, 2019, and will continue through the conclusion of 2021 Boston Marathon registration next fall. Registration dates for the 2021 Boston Marathon will be announced next year. 
 

張競:蔡英文論文疑雲令選戰失焦

作者張競授權轉載，原文刊於香港三策智庫

蔡英文論文疑雲令選戰失焦

時間：2019-09-24 台湾

張競

台灣明年面臨大選，選戰雖有升溫跡象，但整個議題卻有失焦現象。特別是從蔡英文多年前在倫敦政經學院進修學位，但最後卻無法找到其博士學位論文，因此學位真偽受到質疑開始，更是讓選戰主軸被扯到了完全與國計民生無關的議題上，這對台灣民主的品質與聲譽而言，就是負面打擊。

 

整個事件發展延燒至今，可以看出其中充滿各種政治算計，但同時也能看出蔡英文執政團隊面對危機判斷失誤，因應作為更是水準低落。不管是蔡英文本人，還是其公關幕僚，多次對外公布的佐證資料幾乎馬上就會被各界指出漏洞百出，諸多時間節點根本就是牛頭不對馬嘴，所以完全無法獲得社會信服。

（蔡英文在英國求職、應聘政大教職與參與公職的時間。圖片來源：中華民國總統府）

其實蔡英文的學位很早就受到質疑，但之所以會發展成整個社會關注的議題，其實是因為電視政論節目首先投入戰局，專門針對各項跡證深入分析說明，再加上數位學者不惜遠赴英倫，仔細審視整個論文內容，再對比其他可獲資訊，透過抽絲剝繭提出具有學術考證程度的詳細報告，才使火勢愈燒愈烈，讓蔡英文執政團隊不得不加以回應。

 

其中讓整個事件爆發的關鍵，其實是蔡英文向法院提告了對她學歷發出質疑的賀德芬教授，希望透過“以訟止謗”的策略來阻止事件蔓延，但此舉簡直就是提油救火，更讓台灣社會產生負面觀感，所以論文與學位真假事件完全無法斷然平息。而且綠營支持者在網上以極端情緒、負面言辭攻訐評議此事的人，更是壓縮了理性討論空間，讓整個問題變得更加情緒化。

 

不過平心而論，迄今為止台灣社會並沒有任何民調公司膽敢針對蔡英文的論文與學位疑雲進行相關訪談，由此可見官衙絕不好惹而且惡人更是難纏。目前選戰逐漸升溫，媒體對這一社會議題大力報道，已引起風波，但它居然不會被民調單位所關注，就可想而知能夠讓民調業者噤若寒蟬，背後政治施壓力道會是多麼驚人。

 

再從另一個角度來觀察，假若本案對於整個選情發展完全沒有影響，為何蔡英文團隊要如此急迫地回應此事？但若是從最近民調數字顯示，蔡英文雖然是遙遙領先，但藍營造勢集會活動卻是聲勢驚人，反觀蔡英文各項公開活動群眾圍觀相對冷漠。社會實況與民調結果如此相互矛盾，究竟是存在何種邏輯？恐怕民調學者都難以做出合理解釋。

 

坦白說，在台灣社會中，蔡英文學位與論文真偽確實是受到知識菁英極大關注，但是對於普羅大眾與市井小民來說，此事是否那樣重要，其實值得目前聲嘶力竭口誅筆伐之白領階層深入思考。選戰應當考慮與評估的是選誰能夠替選民帶來更好的未來，而不是去清算參選者數十年前可能發生的道德瑕疵。

（蔡英文拿出博士畢業證書，但仍漏洞百出遭質疑。圖片來源：YouTube 截圖）

將選戰主軸拉向歷史清算，卻不去積極檢視執政者的實際政績，嚴格來說根本就是放水，而且糊里糊塗地替當權派保駕護航。目前台灣多位有識之士業已指出，本次選戰根本就缺乏“政治牛肉”，所有選戰策略都是販賣恐懼與亂扣帽子，所以蔡英文政績不佳、政策失當，完全就被其學位與論文八卦訊息所掩蓋。

 

在蔡英文學位與論文疑雲全案未能水落石出前，其實對其最大的影響在於其執政團隊的危機處理能力，反倒不是其論文或學位真假。依據多年前宋楚瑜“興票案”例證，案件曝光初期，其未能當機立斷提出讓人信服的論述，反而找人試圖以其他說法規避說明真相，最後無論怎樣說，就是無法取信於人，最終在選戰中僅以些微票數飲恨收場。

 

所以不論最後蔡英文能否從此案中脫身，其實並非重點；此因其支持者尚未將此事當作決定其投票意向的重點。但是從蔡英文團隊幕僚擠牙膏般，逐次提出各項事證，與質疑者像打乒乓球般你來我往，完全無法讓事態平息。面對多方呼籲直接拿出論文成品，蔡英文拐彎抹角就是端不出來，讓整個爛戲拖棚無法落幕，這會讓其執政團隊露出馬腳，證明完全無法具備處理危機的應變能力，恐怕才是真正選舉票房毒藥所在之處。

 

 

（作者是中華戰略學會研究員)

Governor Charlie Baker Declares Public Health Emergency, Announces Temporary Four-Month Ban on Sale of All Vape Products

Governor Charlie Baker Declares Public Health Emergency, Announces Temporary Four-Month Ban on Sale of All Vape Products

State responds to public health concerns about unexplained vaping-related illness; Prohibits online and retail sale of nicotine, flavored, non-flavored and marijuana vaping products effective immediately

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today declared a public health emergency in response to confirmed and suspected cases of severe lung disease associated with the use of e-cigarettes and marijuana vaping products in the Commonwealth. The Governor called for a temporary four-month statewide ban on the sale of flavored and non-flavored vaping products in both retail stores and online. The sales ban applies to all vaping products and devices, including tobacco and marijuana. The ban takes effect immediately and lasts through January 25, 2020.

    

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are currently investigating a multi-state outbreak of lung disease that has been associated with the use of e-cigarettes or vaping products (devices, liquids, refill pods, and/or cartridges). To date, the CDC has confirmed 530 cases of lung injury across 38 states. While many of the patients reported recent use of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing products, some reported using both THC and nicotine products. No single product has been linked to all cases of lung disease.

    

Earlier this month, the Department of Public Health (DPH) mandated that Massachusetts physicians immediately report any unexplained vaping-associated pulmonary disease to the department. As of today, 61 cases have been reported to DPH. Three confirmed cases and two probable cases of vaping-associated pulmonary disease in the state have already been reported to the CDC. The rest are pending further clinical analysis.

    

“The use of e-cigarettes and marijuana vaping products is exploding and we are seeing reports of serious lung illnesses, particularly in our young people,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The purpose of this public health emergency is to temporarily pause all sales of vaping products so that we can work with our medical experts to identify what is making people sick and how to better regulate these products to protect the health of our residents.”

    

“Vaping products are marketed and sold in nearly 8,000 flavors that make them easier to use and more appealing to youth,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Today’s actions include a ban on flavored products, inclusive of mint and menthol, which we know are widely used by young people. It is important that we continue to educate youth and parents about the dangers of vaping.”

    

Vaping consists of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol (often called vapor) produced by an e-cigarette or similar battery-powered device. E-cigarettes come in many different sizes, types and colors. Some resemble pens, small electronic devices such as USB sticks and other everyday items. The products are often compact and allow for discreet carrying and use – at home, in school hallways and bathrooms and even in classrooms.

    

The U.S. Surgeon General has called teen e-cigarette use an epidemic. According to the CDC, since 2014 e-cigarettes have been the most commonly used tobacco product among both middle and high school students. In Massachusetts, 41 percent of all youth in 2017 reported trying e-cigarettes and 1 in 5 reported using e-cigarettes regularly. Current use of e-cigarettes among high school students is 6 times higher than that for adults (3.3% of adults reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days).

    

Last week, the Administration convened a group of pulmonary doctors and pediatric experts from Massachusetts to share what they have seen in their patients—especially our youth—and their concerns about the trajectory of vaping related lung disease. The experts shared concerning information about the rapid rate of addiction to e-cigarettes, use and overuse of marijuana vaping products and cases of youth becoming hospitalized within two weeks of using vaping related products.

    

During the temporary ban, the Administration will work with medical experts, state and federal officials to better understand vaping illnesses and work on additional steps to address this public health crisis. This could include legislation and regulations. The Administration will also work on providing more resources for a public awareness campaign and smoking cessation programs.

     

“Vaping is a public health crisis and it is imperative that we understand its impact at both the individual and overall health care system level,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “As a result of the public health emergency, the Commonwealth is implementing a statewide standing order for nicotine replacement products, like gum and patches, which will allow people to access these products as a covered benefit through their insurance without requiring an individual prescription, similar to what our Administration did to increase access to naloxone.”

    

Massachusetts has a long history of having a strong tobacco cessation and prevention infrastructure that requires close collaboration between DPH and local health departments which assist with the enforcement of tobacco control policies at the local level. 

     

The Administration will work with these groups to ensure the temporary ban is enforced while also increasing the availability of cessation resources and the capacity of the Massachusetts Smokers’ Helpline. The Helpline is a free and confidential service for individuals who seek help to end their tobacco use. The service includes specialized coaching, including behavioral health counseling and connection to local support groups. Over 9,000 individuals are served annually.

     

The Baker-Polito Administration has strengthened the Helpline’s robust outreach about nicotine replacement therapies so individuals who were previously vaping are not inadvertently steered to traditional cigarettes. Individuals who would like help seeking treatment are encouraged to call the Helpline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit makesmokinghistory.org.

     

Massachusetts has made significant progress over the past two decades in curbing youth and adult tobacco use. In 1996, the youth smoking rate was 36.7%. Today, the youth smoking rate is 6.4%. The adult smoking rate is also low, with just under 14% of adults using combustible tobacco products.

      

“Our priority is protecting the public health,” said Public Health Commissioner Bharel, MD, MPH. “The Governor’s actions today will help prevent more cases of this dangerous lung disease while getting people, especially young people, the help they need to quit.”

      

To further inform the public about the dangers of vaping and e-cigarette use, DPH is relaunching two public awareness campaigns aimed at educating parents and middle and high school-aged youth. “Different Products, Same Danger,” originally launched in April 2019, links the dangers of vaping to cigarette smoking, and was developed with the input and feedback from middle and high school students across the state. “The New Look of Nicotine Addiction,” originally launched in July 2018, seeks to spread the word that these high-tech products are harmful and contain nicotine which can damage a teenager’s developing brain and lead to addiction. More information on both campaigns is available at mass.gov/vaping and getoutraged.org. Materials are also available for download on the Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse website.

     

Over the next four months, the Administration will work closely with the Legislature, public health officials and other stakeholders to consider legislative and/or appropriate regulatory reforms.

    

For more information please visit: mass.gov/vapingemergency

Click here to read a copy of the declaration.

“105 Days of Resistance: Democracy for Hong Kong March”

“105 Days of Resistance: Democracy for Hong Kong March”

Today, more than 400 people joined forces at the Boston City Hall Plaza to show support for the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act and the heroic protesters in Hong Kong. Among us were a diverse crowd of local Bostonians, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Hongkongers from all walks of life. The event started out with a statement from Congressman Jim McGovern, one from Senator Ed Markey delivered by Claire Teylouni, the Regional Director of his office, and speeches from speakers including Anthony Wong, a Hong Kong frontline protester who wore a helmet and a pair of goggles when talking about his experience. 

In Congressman Jim McGovern's statement, he promised to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act this week. Besides, the “Protect Hong Kong Act”, which would prohibit the export of U.S. police equipment to Hong Kong, will move forward and be brought up at the House of Representatives this week.

Claire Teylouni also delivered a statement on behalf of Senator Ed Markey. He stated that Hong Kong’s autonomy is being stripped away by authoritarian suppression, and Hong Kong protesters, who are leaderless yet showing leadership, reminding the world “democratic aspirations are crucial.” In the statement, he also urges Hong Kong police to stop their misconduct and reassures that he will continue to push the bill in Congress.

With traffic shut down, the crowd made their way through Tremont Street, Boylston Street, passing by Downtown Crossing on Washington Street before returning to the City Hall. Participants chanted “Stand with Hong Kong, Fight for Freedom,” “Reclaim Hong Kong, Revolution of our Time,” and “No Tyranny, We Want Democracy” along their way, drawing massive public attention to the crisis in Hong Kong.