A recently released report by Taiwan’s Defense Ministry stating that China has increased the number of missiles targeted at the island demonstrates that despite unprecedented warming relations, the potential for war between the long-time rivals still very much exists. - Cindy Sui

The Reverend Sun Myung Moon, nearing 90, has been meeting movers and shakers in the rarified heights of Washington to promote his autobiography, illustrating the political power and influence both in the United States and abroad of his World Unification Church. Moon’s sons are now being groomed for the difficult task of making the church appear less idiosyncratic and more acceptable to the public.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il’s sprightly appearance in a spate of public appearances since he reportedly suffered a stroke, including meetings with China’s Premier Wen Jiabao and former United States president Bill Clinton, has re-ignited rumors there is a troupe of look-alike Dear Leader actors. - Donald Kirk

The ruling by the European Union Commissioner for Competition that Dutch bank ING Groep should sell its insurance unit and US banking arm demonstrates that the Europeans, unlike their US counterparts, are taking the right route regarding stewardship of the global financial system.

When she steps down in eight months, ending her constitutional immunity, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo could face charges ranging from corruption and electoral fraud to arranging extra-judicial killings and forced disappearances. Arroyo would, though, dodge any bullets by winning a seat in congress. - Al Labita

Microsoft has maintained its reputation for delivering fierce headaches along with its new software offerings. Many would-be users of Windows 7 are discovering that the company’s new operating system fails to install satisfactorily and their computers then refuse to restore the old system. Martin J Young surveys the week’s developments in computing, science, gaming and gizmos.

Washington D.C. — Congressman Michael Honda (D-CA), chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, introduced the bi-partisan Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer Control and Prevention Act of 2009, to address a national Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C epidemic impacting America. The bill incorporates the monitoring, testing and research and education provisions contained in the Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C bills from the 110th Congress.   Rep Honda’s bi-partisan legislation was drafted in strong partnership with Congressmen Charles Dent (R-PA), Edolphus Towns (D-NY), William Cassidy (R-LA), David Wu (D-OR) and Anh “Joseph” Cao (R-LA). They are joined as original co-sponsors by Congressman Todd Platts (D-PA), Delegate Donna M. Christensen (D-VI), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Congressman Bobby Rush (D-IL).
Rep Honda, chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, said, “Chronic Hepatitis B and C are silent killers, poised to strike millions of Americans and it is time for Congress to act in a concerted effort to educate particularly vulnerable communities as well as the general public. For example, due to a number of factors, Asian American & Pacific Islanders have a much higher prevalence rate of hepatitis B and develop liver cancer at a much higher rate than other ethnic groups. However, few in the AAPI community are aware of their risk factors or about how to manage or treat the disease. This bipartisan bill judiciously invests federal money in a balanced, comprehensive approach to viral hepatitis education, prevention, treatment, and management and I look forward to working to pass this legislation.”

The Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer Control and Prevention Act of 2009 brings together the common concerns of the diverse viral hepatitis community to create a surveillance system to track chronic Hepatitis B and C infections; support activities to promote early detection and education, particularly in vulnerable populations, and incorporate them into existing clinical programs at the state, federal, and tribal level; and conduct research on improved treatments and vaccines; and meet other needs of the Hepatitis community as identified by advocacy groups.
Both Representatives Wu and Cao issued the following statements in support:
Rep Wu:  “This bill establishes a comprehensive, coordinated strategy for hepatitis prevention, education, research, and medical management programs by federal agencies in order to bring the full horse-power of the government to bear on this important public health issue. Hepatitis infections disproportionately affect Asians and Pacific Islanders, African Americans, and Hispanic populations in the United States. For example, although they represent only four percent of the U.S. population, Asian and Pacific Islanders account for over half of the 1.4 million chronic hepatitis B cases. It is vital that minority populations received the care they need in an appropriate and effective manner, and this legislation will help make sure that happens.”

Rep Cao: “Unfortunately, Chronic Viral Hepatitis disproportionately affects certain populations, such as lower income, Asian-Pacific, and African American populations.  As a Vietnamese-American and the representative of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, I have seen the faces and know the names behind these statistics of high incidence and mortality rates in the demographics I represent, especially given limited access to and availability of resources.  Fortunately, Chronic Viral Hepatitis is treatable when detected early and properly managed, and I am glad this bill is comprehensive in its approach to educating about, detecting, and treating Chronic Viral Hepatitis.”
About Chronic Viral Hepatitis
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are highly contagious blood borne viruses that cause liver disease, liver cancer, and premature death. Chronic hepatitis B is treatable when detected early and properly managed. In about 50% of the cases, chronic hepatitis C can be cured.
It is estimated that 2,000,000,000 people worldwide have been infected with the hepatitis B virus, 400 million chronically. Approximately 170 million people worldwide are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus. An estimated 5.3 million people living in the United States are infected with either hepatitis B or hepatitis C; tragically more than half are unaware of their status.

About the Bill
The Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer Control Act would amend the Public Health Service Act to establish, promote, and support a comprehensive prevention, research, and medical management referral program for chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C virus infection. The bill, with a price tag of 90 million in 2011 will increase the ability of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support state health departments in their prevention, immunization and surveillance efforts. The CDC’s Division of Viral Hepatitis has been underfunded in comparison with other CDC programs within the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. The following numbers show the dramatic difference in funding levels.
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Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE) to partner with Warriors to host Filipino Heritage Night on November 6. Special Appearance By Arnel Pineda, lead singer of Journey.
Oakland, Ca - On November 6, 2009 for the second year in a row, the Golden State Warriors will be hosting their Filipino Heritage Night at Oakland’s Oracle Arena as they face conference rivals Los Angeles Clippers.  In partnership with the Filipino American Arts Exposition, and other organizations such as the Filipina Women’s Network, Manilatown Heritage Foundation, ClubWorks and the Arnel Pineda Foundation, the franchise will celebrate Philippine culture by showcasing outstanding Filipino performing artists such as the Pinay Divas, Kawayan Folk Arts and Likha Pilipino Folk Ensemble. Fans can also connect with Filipino culture by viewing historical artifacts and photographs from a special Filipino heritage display and even learn how to write their name in Baybayin, the ancient Filipino script.
“Our mission is to broaden awareness and deepen understanding of Filipino culture. Through events like the Warriors Filipino Heritage Game, we aim to share our rich cultural heritage and inspire our community to learn more,” said Al Perez, president of the Filipino American Arts Exposition. “This event also provides an opportunity for the Filipino community to come out and enjoy a professional basketball game with their family and friends, and be more engaged and active participants in American culture.”
Also in attendance for the night’s festivities is Filipino singer and performing artist Arnel Pineda.  As an international singing sensation, Arnel has toured with the band “Journey” bringing inspiration and exposure to the Filipino community around the world.  Through a special post-game Q&A, Pineda will discuss his “rags to riches” story from obscurity to a world-wide youtube rock star Icon.
With a history of honoring the Filipino Bay Area Community, the Warriors will also be distributing commemorative Warriors Filipino Heritage Night T-shirts to fans who purchased the Filipino Heritage Night ticket package. “This much anticipated event is expected to sell out so we are encouraging everyone to buy their tickets ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss out on this exclusive event,” said Perez.
While the event will be a great time for everyone to celebrate the unique culture and spirit of the Filipino community, the night will also be focused on raising funds for an extremely important cause. Last month the Philippines was hit hard by a typhoon that caused major city flooding, devastation, population displacement and fatalities. The Golden State Warriors will donate a portion of the proceeds from the Warriors Filipino Heritage Night ticket sales to help with the Philippine Typhoon relief efforts.
Tickets cost $28, $34, and $75.  Pre-game performances begin at 6:30 pm, and the game starts at 7:30 pm.  Special tickets can be purchased by visiting www.warriors.com/specialevents or by contacting Warriors’ Group Sales Account Executive Kristin Cantlin at 510-986-5403 or via email at kscantlin@gs-warriors.com.
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NTT DoCoMo said its fiscal second-quarter group net profit sank 20% on a continued slump in phone call revenue and a falloff in sales of mobile handsets.

Doubts are growing that emerging markets’ spectacular ascent will continue. After muscular performances from the Chinese, Indian and Brazilian exchanges, they have suffered downdrafts lately.