Mike Nally

MIKE NALLY  (”ABU DANIEL”)

Born March 20, 1946 Quebec City, Canada, third child in a family of eleven, educated at Catholic University of America and Niagara University, N.Y.  Graduated cum laude in English and education in 1969.   Taught English and lit at Toledo St. Francis de Sales High where he  also coached cross country and was the moderator of the Ohio State Championship (1970) Wrestling team.

Pursued a degree in theology (M. DIV) at St. Michael’s College, the Toronto School of Theology.  Involved In campus debate and college newspaper.  First article published in Toronto Sun.  In 1976 moved to Southern California, one year in MFA program in professional writing at USC (1977).

Has written for dozens of newspapers and magazines, including articles in OC Register, LA Times, community newspapers in Orange County such as OC News, GG Journal, Westminster Journal, etc. Also has written extensively on the Vietnamese community in Little Saigon and published in their major papers such as Nguoi Viet, Viet Tide, Viet Weekly, Viet Bao, Viet & World Magazine, etc.  Has served on the board of the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce nearly 14 years and as their media director.  Was interviewed By KBS (Seoul, Korea) for his knowledge of Southeast Asia and Vietnam in particular.   Has traveled to Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Burma.  Has worked with various human rights groups, including US International Mission based in Garden Grove (articles appeared in Hmong Times as well).

Also traveled extensively in the Middle East (Jerusalem, Gaza, and West Bank, as well as Cairo, Alexandria, Amman, the Sinai) and for a time in the 80s lived in Beit Hanina with his family.  There he was known by his Arabic name “Abu Daniel.”  Has been working as a staff writer for The Independent Monitor — the National Newspaper for Arab Americans — since 2008.

Married twice, three childen, two stepchildren, one grandchild

Passions:  Ocean swimming, reading history, art, travel.

Influences:  St. Franics de Sales, Ignatius of Loyola, Saladin, Bernini, Rosseau, John Paul II, Ronald Reagan, Marshall McLuhan (”The Medium is the Message”)

Awards/Recognition:  honored for his service to the Vietnamese-American community by Congressman Ed Royce, then O.C. Supervisor Lou Correa, Mayor of Westminster Margie Rice, the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, the Newport Foundation as guest speaker.  Receieved a medallion for particpating in the Jerusalem Marathon run.

Languages: Knowledge of French, Latin, some Vietnamese, some Arabic.

Favorite film: Lawrence of Arabia

Favorite short story: Hemingway’s The Old Man & The Sea  (”Why is it old men wake so early?  Is it only to wait for a longer day?”)

Favorite novel:  Graham Greene’s The Power & The Glory

Favorite quote:  “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”  (Gandhi)

Favorite drink:  Dewar’s Whiskey, of course.