Category Archives: Feature

President Obama Met with Members of His National Security Team on Boston Bombings Investigation

Washington, D.C., April 19, 2013 – The President continues to be briefed on the investigation by his national security team. The most recent briefing, provided in the Oval Office by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa Monaco, concluded shortly after 4 p.m.
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Meeting in the Situation Room of the White House. (Pictured, from left, are: FBI Director Robert Mueller; Lisa Monaco, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism; Attorney General Eric Holder; Deputy National Security Advisor Tony Blinken; and Vice President Joe Biden. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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Pictures from Last Week of 2012-2013 BCTC Winter Tennis League

By David Li, bostonese.com

In the evening of April 5, 2013, 40 players of the BCTC Winter Doubles Tennis League played their 20th week of games for the winter season at Woburn Racquet Club (WRC). Like in the past, some single matches were played from L1 to L10 for the last week. A end-of-season party was held in the club house of the WRC.
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Group picture at the season-end party.
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Angel Dance Company Brings Splendid Colors to Boston’s Spring

By David Li, translated by Shuzhi Zhang, bostonese.com

Weston, Mass. — Angle Dance Company presented a brand new show Colors from the East on March 24 at Regis College. “Am I at Boston Flower and Garden show or at a dance show?” I asked myself at moments. The colorful costumes combined with modern lighting equipment used during the performance brought wonderful visual effect that wowed about 500 people in the audience. Many of them saw a live Chinese traditional dance show for the first time and enjoyed a fabulous evening.
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Beautiful dance moves only matched by the colorful costumes. (all photos by John Tsou)
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Li Yuanchao, New VP of China, Once a Student at Harvard

From cntv.cn

In October 2007, Li was elected a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, as well as appointed as a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee.
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In this file photo taken on Aug. 26, 2011, Li Yuanchao (2nd R) holds a local child up
during a visit in Kashi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua)
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“When There’s a Will, There’s a Way” Speech at Third Annual “Chinese Bridge” University Student Chinese Speech Contest

By Franklin A. Eneh, Clark University, Chinese teacher: Ya-chen Chen
(Franklin A. Eneh is a contestant of the Third Annual “Chinese Bridge” University Student Chinese Speech Contest in New England Area. He gave this speech in Chinese on March 23 at UMass Boston.)

Before studying abroad in China I was full of expectations. Through studying hard in China I gradually raised my Chinese level. I was once very adamant about speaking Chinese every day. My life upon arriving to China was very pleasant. In this environment very different from the U.S., I learned a lot about Chinese culture and also made many friends from different countries to the point where I felt reluctant to leave. It was the first time I ever enjoyed carefree living. In the midst of this wonderful new experience I transitioned from being rather introverted and shy to becoming very open and optimistic.

Franklin recites a Chinese poem at the talent show portion of the contest.
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CACA: Please Sign a Petition Asking the President to Apologize for the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act

CACA (Chinese American Citizens Alliance) Grand President Carolyn H. Chan and Washington, D.C. Lodge President Ted Gong urge your consideration to take action and sign the petition created on the White House website requesting a Presidential statement or proclamation to recognize the harm of the Chinese Exclusion Laws and their impact and significance to Chinese Americans today. Please take action by April 20 to meet the goal of 100,000 signatures.
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A political cartoon from 1882, showing a Chinese man being barred entry to the “Golden Gate of Liberty”. The caption reads, “We must draw the line somewhere, you know.” (from wikipedia.com)
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A Celebration of History and Diversity — Pictures and Video from Dance around the World at Lexington High School

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Hats off to the volunteers!




Lexington, Mass., March 19, 2013, (bostonese.com) — As part of the Lexington 300th Incorporation Weekend activities, the one-of-a-kind Dance around the World was held on March 16, 2013 at Lexington High School from 6:00-10:30 PM. The evening was packed with exciting segments. There were Classical/Folk dance performances where people could learn and practice some new dance moves from around the world. It was then followed by a high energy, DJ led dance party. LHS students led some of the popular dances. There was also a unique fusion dance that highlights how music bridges across cultures. There were cultural booths from local diverse communities, and attendees were able to enjoy delicious ethnic food.

Please check out some pictures from Dance around the world and a video of the fusion dance by Yu Chen below, provided by Dance around the World organizing committee.
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Lang Lang’s BSO Debut Draws Sellout Crowd

By David Li and Beatrice Lee, translated by Na Ma, bostonese.com

Boston, March 8, 2013, — On the evening of March 1, we were invited to the Akiko Shirake Dynner Memorial Concert at Boston Symphony Hall. Guest pianist Lang Lang made his Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) debut by performing Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 with BSO. This was one of Lang Lang debut performances on February 28, March 1 and March 2, each night with many of his fans in the sellout crowd.
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Three Mayors Attended 2013 Wong Family Banquet in Boston Chinatown

By David Li, bostonese.com

Boston, March 11, 2013, — The 2013 Wong Family Banquet was held at Empire Garden restaurant in Boston Chinatown in the evening of March 10. Lisa Wong, mayor of Fitchburg, Mass., attended the banquet with her parents. What surprised me was that Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Menino and mayor of Malden, Mass. Gary Christenson also showed up for the banquet along with close to one thousand members and guests.
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Mayors Menino, Christenson and Wong pose for a picture.
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Gansu Dance Theatre Brings Splendid Silk Road to the Hanover Theatre

By David Li, bostonese.com, photos by John Tsou

Worcester, Mass., March, 8, 2013, — In the evening of March 6, 60 dancers from Gansu Dance Theatre of Gansu province, China presented the award-winning Silk Road dance show at Hanover Theatre in Worcester, Mass. Tens of thousands miles away from home, the dancers performed with such passion and devotion that brought alive the rich and ancient cultures along the Silk Road during Tang Dynasty to the audience.
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As Lexington Turns 300, bostonese.com Celebrates First Anniversary

By David Li, bostonese.com

Lexington, Mass, March 6, 2013 — Today marks the first anniversary of the official launch of bostonese.com on March 6, 2012. With over 900 news reports, feature stories and interviews published online, bostonese.com has covered a wide range of issues and events in both Chinese and English. One of the goals of bostonese.com is to bridge the Chinese American communities in Greater Boston with other communities through firsthand bilingual reports.




Thanks to your help and many contributors, bostonese.com is well on its way to fulfill this goal. Some of the best reports over past year can be found at bostonese.com/best. The following is the first story published on bostonese.com about Weidong Wang’s campaign. On Super Tuesday, Weidong Wang becomes the first town-wide Chinese American candidate in Lexington

Having worked in this town for many years, I have a deep appreciation to the long and prestigious history of Lexington, and the spirit, talent and diversity of its residents. It’s really an honor getting to know many new friends over past year at various events, including the year-long celebration of the 300th Anniversary of town of Lexington, started in September 2013.

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How to Apply Chinese Visa for Children of Chinese Citizens born in the US

(from http://www.nyconsulate.prchina.org/eng/lsyw/lszjx/sbqz/cccbu/ )

If one or two of his/her parents are foreign citizens or have foreign permanent residence right (e.g. U.S. permanent resident card), the child shall apply for a Chinese visa before travelling to China.

If both of his/her parents are Chinese citizens and have no foreign permanent residence right (e.g. U.S. permanent resident card), the child shall apply for a Chinese travel document before travelling to China (Please read Application Requirements for Chinese Travel Document.)

1. Document Required

1) First-Time Applicants for Chinese Visa

A. Passport – Applicant’s passport must be valid for at least another 6 months with at least one blank visa page. Please also bring a photocopy of your passport’s information/photo page.

B. Visa Application Form – You must submit a fully, truthfully completed and duly signed Visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China(V2011A). The parent of a minor child may fill out and sign the form on behalf of the child.

C. Photo – Please affix one color photo on the application form. The photo should be recent, front view, in 48mm x33mm size without head covering.

D. Proof of parents’ visa/Residency Status – The original and a photocopy (of the photo/information page) of passports of both of the child’s parents, proof of permanent residency of both parents (e.g. U.S. permanent resident card).

E. The child’s birth certificate – The original and a photocopy of the child’s birth certificate.

F. Additional documents if deemed necessary by visa officers.

2) Non-First-Time Applicants for Chinese Visa

A. Previous Chinese visa – A photocopy of previous Chinese visa.

B. Other materials required – If a child who was granted Chinese visa before (with Chinese visa record on his/her passport) makes a new application, it’s not required to submit the child’s birth certificate, passports of his/her parents or proof of foreign permanent residency ( e.g. U.S. Permanent resident card).

2. How to Apply

1) One or both of the child applicant’s parents may submit the application in person, or entrust someone else to submit to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General which holds consular jurisdiction over the state in which the child resides. Under usual circumstances, the child does not need to be present for the application. The visa application form signed by one or both of the parents is required.

2) No appointment is required.

3) Mailed applications are not accepted.

3. Processing Time

1) Regular service: Visas can be obtained on the fourth business days.

2) Express service: Visas can be obtained on the second or third business day (approval required).

4. Visa Fees and Payment

1) Visa fees for regular service

Number of Entry

U.S. Citizens

Citizens of Third Countries

Single Entry

$140

$30

Double Entries

$140

$45

Multiple Entries for 6 Months

$140

$60

Multiple Entries for 12 Months or more

$140

$90

Note: Visa fees for certain third countries may vary from the list above based on reciprocal agreements.

2) Express service: An additional fee of $20 per person will be charged.

3) Please pay by money order, cashier’s check, or Credit Card (Visa or Mastercard only). Cash or personal/company check is not accepted. Please make checks or money order payable to “Chinese Consulate”.

5. Other Important Information

1) A parent of the child may fill out and sign the application form on behalf of the child applicant (please read section 6 on the visa application form). Please fill out the visa application form truthfully, completely and clearly. Any false or incomplete statement or failure to write in a clear way may delay the processing of a visa application or result in the refusal of a visa.

2) The applicant may apply for a single-entry or double-entry visa, or multiple-entry visa valid for 6 months, 12 months or 24 months. The duration of each stay is normally 30 days, up to a maximum of 180 days. If one intends to stay in China longer than the duration of stay allowed on the visa, an application should be made to the local public security authorities (the application may or may not be approved).

3)Visa officials are entitled to make decisions on the visa application on a case-by-case basis.

4) The Chinese Embassy reserve the right of interpretation in case of changes to the information above.

“Voice of Boston” and “Meet Your Right One” Add Appeal to 2013 Lunar New Year Gala

By David Li, bostonese.com

In the day-long New England Chinese Professionals 2013 Lunar New Year Gala & Community Enrichment Forum, two new segments attracted many new attendees. Despite of more than 30 inches of snow from Blizzard Nemo in many parts of New England, most participates of “Voice of Boston” and “Meet Your Right One” still showed up on time in the afternoon of Feb. 10, the Chinese New Year day of 2013.
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(Front row L to R)Jie Wang, Sophia Luo, Wanjun Qiao, Ru Zheng, Jian Ni, Jie Zhao with Long Li(fourth from left in second row) and other contestants.
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Best Documentary Winner Lost Years Takes on Diplomatic Mission

By David Li, bostonese.com

Boston, Feb. 20, 2013, — I received the DVD of Lost Years on Feb. 16, the same day when Lost Years won the Best Feature Documentary Award at Asians on Film Festival Premiere in Los Angeles (North Hollywood). It was a wonderful Chinese New Year gift from my friend Canadian director Kenda Gee. The film was also recently nominated for Best Original Music, Canadian Screen Awards in Toronto on Feb. 27.
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Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel presents a copy of Lost Years to Mr. Jiang Kun, Secretary General of the China Literature and Art Foundation in Beijing, January 7, 2013 (Photo: City of Edmonton)
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Song Zuying’s Radio City Music Hall Concert — Picture Perfect




New York City, Feb. 17, 2013 –In the evening of Feb. 16, 2013, “Cultures of China, Festival of Spring” Song Zuying USA Spectacular was held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Despite of a cold windy night, over 6000 fans attended the concert. Together with American Symphony Orchestra and Collegiate Chorale Singers Chorus and two guest performers Tsewang Dorjei and Sha Baoliang, Song Zuying wowed her fans with her beautiful voice and four splendid costumes. One of the costumes was the traditional dress from the Miao ethnicity which Song Zuying is a member of.

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Song Zuying passes flowers to conductor Xia Xiaotang at end of the concert. (photo provided by Metro Images)
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