Confucius Moment: February 27, 2016

I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there.

In my opinion, this quote from the Analects is representative that for an individual to be of the highest standard he or she should learn from history and its many precedents. In addition, self-cultivation is a lifelong concept, much as we here in America see lifelong learning as genuinely beneficial and necessary. Confucius sets a high standard in learning and gaining knowledge. It is important to combine studying with thinking 

Be sure to tune-in next week for another Confucius Moment. 

The weekly Confucius Moment is a regular feature of the Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim show on AM 1490 WGCH Radio broadcasting from Greenwich, Connecticut USA and online to everyone at WGCH.com. 

PATHS TO THE PAST: The Waterwheel and the Iron Plow.

The Chinese were the first to invent the waterwheel to harness water in A.D. 31— 1,200 years before the Europeans. 

China was also the first country in the world to use an iron plow. Europe didn’t begin using the iron plow until the seventeenth century. 

Guest Announcement: H. Allen Larsen of the Flying Tigers on February 27, 2016 Broadcast

Please tune in this coming Saturday, February 27 to Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim on NewsTalk AM 1490 WGCH radio. 





I will be welcoming H. Allen Larsen, one of the last of the renowned Flying Tigers in World War II. Allen and his family lived in Cos Cob for two years after the war. 




He will be speaking to us about his experiences and the book he co-authored with William Dibble, 'China in the Eyes of Flying Tigers 1944-1945.'

Happy Lantern Festival 2016!

• 笑口常開 
• xiào kǒu cháng kāi!
• Be happy and carry laughter all the time!

We'd like to call your attention to this article in the February 20, 2016 edition of the International Herald Tribune. We received this from a friend of this show in the U.S. State of Hawaii. It features some detailed information on the holiday and how it is celebrated here, there, and everywhere. 

E-News: February 23, 2016

On NewsTalk AM 1490 WGCH Radio and WGCH.COM

Saturday Mornings 10:30 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (USA)

Welcome to the official newsletter of the Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim Show that airs weekly on NewsTalk AM 1490 WGCH Radio in Greenwich, Connecticut USA. 

HAPPY LANTERN FESTIVAL! 

Celebrated on the 15th day of the first Chinese lunar month, I am told that taboos are no longer in effect -which means all those colorful, vibrant decoration we've come to know and love must come down. This festival has been around for 2000 years! Celebrations include enjoying the lanterns, solving lantern riddles, eating colorful ball dumplings in soup, lion dances and dragon dances. Oh, yes, family reunion dinners are held filled with good food and oceans of smiles!

WHAT'S NEW

The show is now listed on the station's web site: www.wgch.com. Our third show aired on Saturday morning, February 20. We remind our readers and listeners that the shows are archived as podcasts. These can be heard and downloaded for free from the station web site. 

​

Just go to the station web address at www.wgch.com, click Shows & Hosts, scroll down and find the show's title, and click the broadcast you want to hear. The most recent show is added by the station on Monday or Tuesday. 

Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim has a dedicated email address MarvelsofChina@gmail.com and a blog site at marvelsofchina.blogspot.com. Please write to me! I am always looking for interesting ideas for shows and for fascinating guests. For those of you not able to access the blog site, this newsletter will feature stories from the blog and from shows. 

WE ARE ON FACEBOOK!

 

The show now has a Facebook page all its own! Please go online to https://www.facebook.com/marvelsofchina/ and like the show's page. Encourage your friends and family members to do the same.  In the near future a social media publication about the show will be created and developed on a Chinese online platform.

CONFUCIUS MOMENT

"Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes." 

Isn't it true that experience is our best teacher? Whether in business or life in general, we make mistakes often. 

Why? 

Very often we are in a state of hope that circumstances will change. What I derive from this wise saying is that we should take chances and be courageous. 

Hopefully, no matter what or how things turn out you'll look back, learn and have a good laugh. 

Be sure to tune-in next week for another Confucius Moment on AM 1490 WGCH and at WGCH.COM everywhere. 

CONVERSATIONS

Conversations is a regular segment of the show in which we hear from important and interesting people on Chinese culture, the arts, business, and more. 

My guest on the February 20 show was Major General William Chen. This Vietnam veteran is the first Chinese American to attain the rank of Major General, U.S. Army. He spoke to the listening audience about his late-father, Moon Chen, a World War II veteran of the renowned Flying Tigers and a successful aerospace executive. Maj. Gen. Chen is also the chairman of the board of the Chennault Foundation. He also talked to me about his original ancestor in America who in the 19th century worked on the Transcontinental Railroad. This successful family epitomizes the "American Dream." Tune in to the February 20 archived podcast version of the show on www.wgch.com/ 

To learn more about Major General Chen visit this web site: http://newwestminstercollege.ca/major-general-william-s-chen-senior-fellow-of-new-westminster-college/

PATHS TO THE PAST

On this segment of Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim we learned that a civil servant named Su Song built the first mechanical clock some time between A.D. 1088 and A.D. 1092. It could tell the time of day and also track the constellations so that accurate horoscopes could be determined. 

During the broadcast my show engineer Tony Savino and I learned about an important 20th century American politician and his wife who spoke Chinese. 

When Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover were newlyweds they left the USA for a two-year residency in China. Before his term as President of the United States of America, Hoover was a mining engineer and executive in Tianjin. Mrs. Hoover became fluent in Chinese. Her husband? Not so much. 

In later years they would speak to each other in Chinese when they did not want people around them to understand what they were saying. 

THANK YOU, BEIJING AMBRIDGE!

Beijing AmBridge International Culture Development Ltd is the title-sponsor of this radio show. AmBridge is synonymous with the pursuit of long-lasting cross-cultural relationships with an eye for excellence. 

AmBridge’s commitment to developing intercultural and international relationships  makes it a leader in bringing people and ideas together. 

Based in the Chinese capitol, AmBridge is an international public relations and communications firm whose mission is to help engage diverse communities, shape trusting relationships through friendship, constructive collaboration while investing its talents and energies in the success of every client and every enterprise. 

In an increasingly globalized world with China playing an increasingly prominent role means you need a communications and public relations firm that you can trust. AmBridge focuses on delivering customized services connecting and nurturing American and Chinese leaders and organizations in education, media, civic affairs and business. 

You are invited to explore how an alliance with AmBridge can help your company or organization grow and prosper. 

Call AmBridge’s main office in Beijing at 86-10-80775517 or email  ambridge01@163.com.

THANK YOU, CEO OFFICES!

Are you looking for an affordable partner for success? Look no further than Corporate Executive Offices in Greenwich. Locally owned and managed since 1989, CEO provides world-class offices in a prominent, modern building with contemporary services, advanced technology and amenities that will help you focus on productivity while keeping your monthly costs under control.

Enjoy the benefit of a prestigious Greenwich, Connecticut address. You’ll enjoy a full range of office support services. CEO allows you to present a professional image to your clients, regardless of your location. Don’t just visualize your potential; CEO will partner with you to see it realized.

Whether your business requires one professionally appointed executive office, a suite of offices, a large team room, collaborative office space or a virtual office, CEO can provide the solution. 

The best thing about CEO is that they treat you like family -only better! Visit them online at www.ceooffices.com or call 203-622-1300 today. 

COMING UP SOON ON MARVELS OF CHINA: PATHWAYS TO THE PACIFIC RIM

Want to learn some Chinese? The language has been around for thousands of years, so why not? This past week I met with two of the business and teaching staff of the Chinese Language School of Connecticut. I have invited representatives of this school -the only accredited Chinese language school in Connecticut- to be guests on the show. Go to the following web site to learn more about this remarkable school: http://www.chineselanguageschool.org/ 

Thanks to my guest Major General Chen, I look forward to welcoming as my guest Ms. Nell Calloway, the president and CEO of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum. Her grandfather was Claire Chennault of the renowned Flying Tigers in World War II. We met briefly in Beijing in early September, 2015 when we and many others were guests of the Chinese government. The occasion was the 70th Year Victory Day celebrations on September 3 marking the end of World War II. 

I received the following message from her:

Jeffery thank you for promoting world peace by reminding people of this time in our history. I have been to the Pacific [Aviation] Museum and it is outstanding.  l was invited to be there for the exhibit but unfortunately I could not arrange it in my schedule. I have been asked to participate in a Smithsonian Living History day next September which I have on my calendar. 

The event in Beijing was truly amazing and I wish our country placed more importance on this time in our history. The Chinese do a much better job remembering their history and I can only hope that we can inspire our youth to do the same thing. 

We are so proud to have General Chen as the Chairman of our Foundation and thank you for giving him the time to let your audience know about the Foundation and the work that we are doing here at the Museum. 

I look forward to hearing from you. 

Nell Calloway, CEO/President 

Chennault Aviation and Military Museum 

Go to this link to learn more about the museum: http://www.chennaultmuseum.org

The exhibit Ms. Calloway refers to is National Memories: China-USA World War II Collaboration: http://travelrocksmyworld.blogspot.com/2015/06/national-memories-china-usa-world-war.html

You can learn more about the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii here: http://www.pacificaviationmuseum.org

I am also looking forward to welcoming H. Allen Larsen. He and William L. Dibble authored the book China in the Eyes of Flying Tigers 1944-1945. We enjoyed the pleasure to meeting each other in Beijing during the September 3 Victory Day 70th Year Commemorations in 2015. I was amazed to learn what a small world we live in when Allen mentioned that he and his family lived in Greenwich, Connecticut for two years -and in a 19th century home built by one of my ancestors. What an honor it was for me to meet and shake hands with one of the legendary Flying Tigers! Go to this link for more information on Mr. Larsen's book: http://www.amazon.com/China-Eyes-Flying-Tigers-1944-1945/dp/7807407670

REMEMBER TO TUNE IN

Be sure to tune-in every Saturday morning 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Eastern USA Time on NewsTalk AM 1490 WGCH Radio in Greenwich, Connecticut USA and everywhere on wgch.com. 

Xie xie! Thank you!

Jeffrey Bingham Mead,

Your Host

Confucius Moment: February 20, 2016

"Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes." 

Isn't it true that experience is our best teacher? Whether in business or life in general, we make mistakes often. 

Why? 

Very often we are in a state of hope that circumstances will change. What I derive from this wise saying is that we should take chances and be courageous. 

Hopefully, no matter what or how things turn out you'll look back, learn and have a good laugh. Be sure to tune-in next week for another Confucius Moment. 

The weekly Confucius Moment is a regular feature of the Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim show on AM 1490 WGCH Radio broadcasting from Greenwich, Connecticut USA and online to everyone at WGCH.com. 

PATHS TO THE PAST: Su Song's Mechanical Clock

A civil servant named Su Song built the first mechanical clock between A.D 1088 and 1092. It could tell the time of day and also track the constellations so that accurate horoscopes could be determined. 

Here is an interesting link to a lecture on this invention by John H. Lienhard of the University of Houston. It is one in a series of lectures made available online by the College of Engineering, "about the machines that make our civilization run, and the people whose ingenuity created them."

Guest Major General William Chen on Saturday Morning, February 20, 2016

Please tune in to my show Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim this coming Saturday 10:30: a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on AM 1490 WGCH AM Radio - Greenwich, CT. 

My special guest will be Major General William Chen. He is the first Chinese American to wear rank of Major General, U.S. Army. 

He will be speaking to the listening audience about his late-father, Moon Chen, a World War II veteran of the renowned Flying Tigers. He is the chairman of the Chennault Foundation. 

If you like history you'll love our Saturday show. Go online and listen at www.wgch.com as well. 

The Chinese Language School of Connecticut

This afternoon I met with staff of the Chinese Language School of Connecticut. It was a fun and very constructive meeting. I am looking forward to working with this school. It's doing some amazing things. 

I've invited them to appear on my Saturday morning show, Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim on AM 1490 WGCH.

Come to Ordos, Inner Mongolia! Let Beijing AmBridge Bring You There.

In Inner Mongolia, there's a legendary group of people called the Torghut, or Guardsmen. 

They have been guarding the tomb of Genghis Khan for 800 years. His majestic mausoleum is made up of six halls and corridors. The five-meter tall (16-foot tall) statue of Genghis Khan stands proud at the entrance. 

Together with the Kubuqi Desert, they are all part of the legend that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world to Ordos, which is one of the twelve major subdivisions of Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China. It lies within the Ordos Loop of the Yellow River. 

Although mainly rural, Ordos is administered as a prefecture-level city, with a population of over half a million people.

There is a wealth of one-of-a-kind journeys in this world. Let Beijing AmBridge bring you to Ordos. 

Friends wishing to visit Ordos are welcome to contact our show's title sponsor - Beijing AmBridge at ambridge01@163.com. 

Thank You, Beijing AmBridge International Culture Development Ltd

We were visited by Ms. Dong Quixin (front, right), the vice-president of Beijing AmBridge International Culture Development Ltd. Also featured are Jeffrey Bingham Mead (front left); Debbie Nigro of The Debbie Nigro Show (front center); Mr. Liming Guan of The China Press (rear left); Mr. James Forte, WGCH AM 1490 (second from left); Dr. Yiping Wan of Manhattanville College (third from left), and Mr. Bob Small, Station Manager of AM 1490 WGCH (rear, right). 

Beijing AmBridge International Culture Development Ltd. is synonymous with the pursuit of long-lasting cross-cultural relationships with an eye for excellence. 

We are delighted that Beijing AmBridge agreed to be the title-sponsor of the Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim radio show. 

AmBridge’s commitment to developing intercultural and international relationships  makes it a leader in bringing people and ideas together. 

Based in the Chinese capitol, AmBridge is an international public relations and communications firm whose mission is to help engage diverse communities, shape trusting relationships through friendship, constructive collaboration while investing its talents and energies in the success of every client and every enterprise. 

In an increasingly globalized world with China playing an increasingly prominent role means you need a communications and public relations firm that you can trust. 

AmBridge focuses on delivering customized services connecting and nurturing American and Chinese leaders and organizations in education, media, civic affairs and business. 

You are invited to explore how an alliance with AmBridge can help your company or organization grow and prosper. 

Call AmBridge’s main office in Beijing at 86-10-80775517 or email  ambridge01@163.com.

Thank you, Corporate Executive Offices in Greenwich, Connecticut USA

Are you looking for an affordable partner for success? Look no further than Corporate Executive Offices in Greenwich. Locally owned and managed since 1989, CEO provides world-class offices in a prominent, modern building with contemporary services, advanced technology and amenities that will help you focus on productivity while keeping your monthly costs under control.

Enjoy the benefit of a prestigious Greenwich, Connecticut address. You’ll enjoy a full range of office support services. CEO allows you to present a professional image to your clients, regardless of your location. Don’t just visualize your potential; CEO will partner with you to see it realized.

Whether your business requires one professionally appointed executive office, a suite of offices, a large team room, collaborative office space or a virtual office, CEO can provide the solution. 

The best thing about CEO is that they treat you like family -only better! Visit them online at www.ceooffices.com or call 203-622-1300 today. 

PATHS TO THE PAST: 70th Anniversary of the First Peacetime Holiday in Postwar China.

During this segment of the February 13 broadcast of Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim I mentioned to the listening audience that this Lunar New Year marked the 70th anniversary of the first peacetime holiday in postwar China. My late-father was in China for the festivities with the 1st U.S. Marine Division stationed in Tianjin. 

In Beijing, Henry Lieberman of the New York Times reported that the city “sounded like a city under siege as its inhabitants observed their first peacetime Chinese New Year with a firecracker cannonade theoretically designed to scare away the devils and to summon friendly spirits and attract prosperity.”

“The Chinese here made up for it this year with sputtering petards and huge cannon crackers that made sleep virtually impossible,” Mr. Lieberman reported. “Most ricksha boys, who work in all weather throughout the year, have taken the day off and only a few can be seen on the streets.” Shopkeepers and households pasted red paper strips outside their doors with the symbols of the “Five Happiness’s”: Felicity, Honor, Longevity, Joy and Riches. 

Today, people around the world like you and me celebrate the Lunar New Year with hope and anticipation of new beginnings and better times ahead. 

Remember your history. Remember our Greatest Generation. Remember those who sacrificed for the peace and celebrations we enjoy today.

En Genbei

PATHS TO THE PAST : Cold Weather, Marco Polo and Burning Coal

On this segment of the February 13, 2016 show Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim both WGCH engineer Tony Savino and I reflected on the brisk cold weather our region of the USA was experiencing -and an interesting observation by Italian explorer Marco Polo. 

By the end of the 11th century coal was in substantial use in China. This was mostly due to deforestation in northern China. 

The sight of these “black stones ... which they dig out and burn like firewood” was something else that amazed Marco Polo: It is a fact that all over the country of Cathay there is a kind of black stones existing in beds in the mountains, which they dig out and burn like firewood. If you supply the fire with them at night, and see that they are well kindled, you will find them still alight in the morning; and they make such capital fuel that no other is used throughout the country. It is true that they have plenty of wood also, but they do not burn it, because those stones burn better and cost less. Moreover with that vast number of people, and the number of hot baths that they maintain — for every one has such a bath at least three times a week, and in winter if possible every day, whilst every nobleman and man of wealth has a private bath for his own use — the wood would not suffice for the purpose.

Confucius Moment: February 13, 2016

Confucius Moment #1:

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do." 

Confucius was a high influential Chinese philosopher, teacher and political figure. 

His beliefs were based on the tenets of self-discipline. It was and is essential for leaders, Confucius said, to exercise self-discipline in order to remain humble and behave with compassion towards followers. This was leadership by example. Leaders should also persuade and inspire followers to be virtuous and teaching them proper conduct and to live with integrity. 

In America, Confucius is most famous for his Analects, a collection of his teachings. The Analects focus on creating honest and conscientious standards family and public interaction as well as educational paradigms. 

The weekly Confucius Moment is a regular feature of the Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim show on AM 1490 WGCH Radio broadcasting from Greenwich, Connecticut USA and online to everyone at WGCH.com. 

Dr. Dave Wang, The U. S .Founders and China 美国开国元勋与中国, On Saturday, February 13

Here in the USA Presidents Day arrives on Monday, February 15. It's a federal holiday throughout the country with most schools and government offices closed for the three-day holiday.

On Saturday, February 13, my featured guest is Dr. Dave Wang. Here I am in 2014 pictured with Dr. Wang outside the entrance of the China Institute in America in New York City. 

Born and raised in Northeastern China, he is an adjunct professor at St. John's University, New York, branch manager of the Laurelton Library in Queens, New York and the scholar, lecturer and writer on the subject of the influences of Chinese civilization on the U.S. Founders and the founding of the United States of America in 1776.

Click here for his history blog site. 

With our President's Day holiday soon upon us -and Chinese New Year in full-swing- you won't want to miss this one. 

Tune in 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time for the live broadcast on AM 1490 WGCH in Greenwich, Connecticut USA. 

Introducing Marvels of China on The Debbie Nigro Show: February 2, 2016 WGCH Radio

It is a fun ride indeed! That's what you get when you listen to The Debbie Nigro Show on AM 1490 WGCH in Greenwich, Connecticut USA. 

Debbie Nigro invited everyone associated with starting the Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim show. We were delighted that Ms. Dong Quixin of Beijing AmBridge -our title sponsor- flew in from China for her first trip to the United States. That's courage! 

                           

See? We had loads of fun on the Debbie Nigro Show. 

Would you like to hear the February 2 broadcast? 

Here's all you have to do:

- Go to the station web site at WGCH.com. 

- Click Show & Hosts.

- Scroll to The Debbie Nigro Show. 

- Look for the image above and click 02/02/16. 

-Click the bar at the bottom and start listening!