Thu, Sep 6, 2007 -- 6:30 PM

Pacific Time 2007-09-06

Thu, Sep 6, 2007 -- 6:30 PM

Download audio (MP3)

Hostage Release Stirs Debate, Interview: Chinese Hacking Allegations, Asian Influence at Burning Man, Swimming Gaining Legs With Asian

Host: K. Oanh Ha

Hostage Release Stirs Debate

Nineteen South Korean missionaries, captured and held hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan, finally arrived home this week. But they didn't receive a heroes' welcome. The South Korean government has been criticized for negotiating with the Taliban to secure their release. And their ordeal has now stirred up debate over the work of Korean missionaries.

Reporters:

Interview: Chinese Hacking Allegations

The Chinese military hacked into the Pentagon computer system in June of this year, according to a report by the Finanacial Times this week. Beijing has denied the accusation, and the Pentagon has refused to openly point fingers. Host K. Oanh Ha discusses the news with security expert Shawn Carpenter, who worked in the Cyber Threat Analysis Division at the State Department.

Reporters:

Asian Influence at Burning Man

The barren desert of Nevada vibrated to life last week as nearly 50,000 people flocked to Black Rock for the Burning Man festival. It was a week full of art, music and fire. Asian influences were apparent. But curiously, something was missing.

Reporters:

Music Bridge 1

"A Hundred Million Miracles" performed by Miyoshi Umeki from the motion picture "Flower Drum Song" (1961)

Swimming Gaining Legs With Asian Americans

Asian Americans have been slow to join the ranks of little league baseball and Pop Warner football. But now, they're making waves in another sport. In communities with large populations of Asian Americans, a number of immigrant swim coaches are attracting Asian American youth. Why are more and more Asian American youths are diving into the pool?

Reporters:

Music Bridge 2

"Kawano Hotorino Kinoshitade" by Susumu Yokota on "image 1983-1998" (Skintone Records Japan/Leaf Label BAY 9CD)

End Music

"A.I." by Akira Satake on "Cooler Heads Prevail" (Alula Records ALU-1003)