Asia Society Marks Its 60th Anniversary

Today marks the exciting 60th anniversary of Asia Society’s incorporation as a non-profit!  

It has thus been 60 years since the vision of its founder, John D. Rockefeller 3rd, became a reality: to build bridges of mutual understanding between the East and West, and ensure that Asia had a voice at the tables of power and influence around the world.

Congratulations! 

Congratulations! Dr. Dave Wang Published in the Virginia Review of Asian Studies

We send our congratulations to Dr. Dave Wang, professor at St. John's University in New York and the historian behind The U.S. Founders and China blog site. 

Word reached us that two essays by Dr. Wang have been published in the Virginia Review of Asian Studies (Volume 18, 2016):

-Ideas from the East: American Founders and Chinese Wisdom.

-The Capacity to Accept Other Cultures Makes Better Diplomacy: Dr. Wilton Dillon's Support of My Research on the U.S. Founders and China. 

The Virginia Review of Asian Studies (VRAS) is an annual online publication of the Virginia Consortium of Asian Studies (VCAS) and the Department of Asian Studies at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia. 

Coming Up Next: The Mississippi Delta Chinese, American Story, with E. Samantha Cheng and Dr. Gwendolyn Gong

Tune in this coming Saturday, July 2, 2016 for a show like no other on Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim. 

We'll be celebrating America's July 4 Independence Day and introducing you to E. Samantha Cheng and Dr. Gwendolyn Gong, executive producers of Honor & Duty: The Mississippi Delta Chinese. I was privileged to attend the recent New York screening at this documentary at the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) in Chinatown. 

This three-part documentary series tells the story of an almost forgotten community of Chinese in America's Deep South. It is an American story like no other anywhere. 

The story of Chinese immigration and integration into the Mississippi Delta region begins just after the American Civil War with the introduction of 16 Chinese men. How did this community evolve and proper within the segregated South? What lessons does this story provide for immigrants today?

Honor and Duty: The Mississippi Delta Chinese documentary series focuses on people who built an enduring kinship through small town markets and grocery stores drawing in part on the memories of the patriotic Chinese World War II veterans who lived in this area and stepped forward to serve. 

Simultaneously, E. Samantha Cheng will be speaking from Washington, D.C., USA, and Dr. Gwendolyn Gong will be with us from Hong Kong, China. 

Be sure to tune in this coming Saturday morning, July 2, 2016 starting at 10:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time/ 10:30 p.m. China Time on AM1490 WGCH and everywhere at WGCH.com.

Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim's broadcasts are from AM1490 WGCH and everywhere on WGCH.com in Greenwich, Connecticut USA. 

This show is title-sponsored by Beijing AmBridge International Culture Development Ltd. You are invited to explore how an alliance with Beijing AmBridge can help your company or organization grow and prosper. Call Beijing AmBridge's office in Beijing at 86-10-80775517 or email ambridge01@163.com. 

Corporate Executive Offices (CEO) in Greenwich, Connecticut USA is a supporting sponsor of this show. Since 1989, CEO has been a provider of 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. The best thing about CEO is that they treat you like family -only better! Visit them online at www.ceooffices.com or call 203-622-1300today. 

Southeast Asian cuisine has never been more popular, and if you want the best visit Penang Grill. A supporting sponsor of this show, Penang Grill is conveniently located at 55 Lewis Street in downtown Greenwich, Connecticut USA. Penang Grills repertoire of fine culinary selections, tranquil, Asian-themed surroundings, courteous service and great prices will leave you satisfied. Call 203-861-1988. You'll be glad you did. 

Coming Up Next: Dr. Ren Youqun, Ph.D., East China Normal University

It is my pleasure to announce that my next guest on Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim is Dr. Ren Youqun, Ph.D. 

He is the Vice-President of East China Normal University (ECNU), Vice-Chaiman of ECNU's University Council and a professor of Education Science. 

Dr. Ren's research interests are focused on Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Technology, Teacher Education and Learning Sciences. He has published two books and more than 80 academic papers. Dr. Ren has also translated ten English books in these fields into Chinese.

With a passion for teaching known internationally, Dr. Ren has been lecturing on information and communication technology (ICT) since 2003, focusing on its integration with curriculum and teacher education for Chinese graduate students. 

He'll be discussing all this, ECNU's internationalization efforts and how information and communication technology is being utilized to improve the efficiency of education management, governance and administration. 

Be sure to tune in this coming Saturday morning, June 25, 2016 starting at 10:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time/ 10:30 p.m. China Time on AM1490 WGCH and everywhere at WGCH.com.

Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim's broadcasts are from AM1490 WGCH and everywhere on WGCH.com in Greenwich, Connecticut USA. 

This show is title-sponsored by Beijing AmBridge International Culture Development Ltd. You are invited to explore how an alliance with Beijing AmBridge can help your company or organization grow and prosper. Call Beijing AmBridge's office in Beijing at 86-10-80775517 or email ambridge01@163.com. 

Corporate Executive Offices (CEO) in Greenwich, Connecticut USA is a supporting sponsor of this show. Since 1989, CEO has been a provider of 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. The best thing about CEO is that they treat you like family -only better! Visit them online at www.ceooffices.com or call 203-622-1300today. 

Southeast Asian cuisine has never been more popular, and if you want the best visit Penang Grill. A supporting sponsor of this show, Penang Grill is conveniently located at 55 Lewis Street in downtown Greenwich, Connecticut USA. Penang Grills repertoire of fine culinary selections, tranquil, Asian-themed surroundings, courteous service and great prices will leave you satisfied. Call 203-861-1988. You'll be glad you did. 

Night at the Museums: China Institute in America

On Tuesday evening, June 21, China Institute in America New York City was among the institutions hosting Night at the Museums. 

I had a fantastic time! How about this? Here's my Spicy Peking Duck jian bing dinner made fresh by one of the crew of Mr. Bing Beijing Street Crepes. Click here. 

Enjoy some of the sights of the Night at the Museum event:

Meet Hei Ming, Renowned Photographer and Storyteller from China

The other day I enjoyed the privilege of meeting and interviewing one of China's renowned photographers, Hei Ming. 

Some use colour, light and the composition in their images to create an abstract world, sometimes as intangible as fantasy. 

Hei Ming is one of those intrepid photographers who documents society around them and the real lives they see. 

We met in midtown Manhattan at Chef Yu on 8th Avenue. Translation was provided by Liming Guan of The China Press. 

Hei Ming will be on an upcoming broadcast of my radio show Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim on AM1490 WGCH and WGCH.com.

Past Broadcasts Online: Afaa Michael Weaver (June 4, 2016)

On the June 4, 2016 broadcast of Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim I had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Afaa Micheal Weaver to the show.

Did you miss that broadcast? We've uploaded a recording of the broadcast on the show's podcasting site. Click this link to listen:

http://www.podcasts.com/marvels-of-china-pathways-to-the-pacific-rim-ec77abf8d/episode/Show-18-June-4-2016-83bf

This remarkable American poet, educator, story teller, writer and editor is the author of numerous poetry collections. His honors include a Fulbright Scholarship, fellowships from the National Endowments of the Arts (NEA), the Pew Foundation, and he is the recipient of the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award and a Pushcart Prize, among others. Weaver is the director of the Writing Intensive at The Frost Place. 

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In 2015 his work City of Eternal Spring won the Phillis Wheatley Award for excellence in poetry at the Harlem Book Fair. This work was the final book in Weaver's Plum Flower Trilogy. 

Weaver's other works include Timber and Prayer: The Indian Pond Poems; My Father's Geography; The Plum Flower Dance: Poems 1985 to 2005; and The Government of Nature, and more. 

Nigerian playwright Tess Onwueme gave him the Ibo name, Afaa, meaning "oracle." Weaver teaches at Simmons College in Massachusetts and is the chairman of the Simmons International Chinese Poetry Conference and director of the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Center. 

Of Afaa Michael Weaver, Henry Louis Gates has observed that "Weaver of one of the most significant poets writing today. With its blend of Chinese spiritualism and American roundedness, his poetry presents the reader (and the listener, for his body of work is meant to be read aloud) with challenging questions about identity, about how physicality and spirit act together or counteract each other to shape who we are in the world. His attention to the way language works is rare, and the effects of that attention on his poetry are distinctive and expansive."

Referring to Weaver's work, The Government of Nature, Ching-Hsi Perng, President of the Taipei Chinese Club has said, "In these nuanced, sobering, and beautifully cadenced poems, the poet tries to deal with haunting, mysterious vines of the past, present, and future-whether of fear, anxiety, joy, love, or hope. Reconciling East and West, he achieves harmony and tranquility. A marvelous work." 

Weaver was given the Chinese name "Wei Yafeng." 

In 2005 he received the Gold Friendship Medal from the Beijing Writers Association for his work with Chinese poets. 

We heard from Weaver about many things, such as his early life, his work with Chinese poets, how his works are insightful and special for Chinese as well as Americans, his lifelong interest in Chinese culture and much more. 

Go to this Amazon.com link to purchase is work The Government of Nature and others: https://www.amazon.com/Government-Nature-Pitt-Poetry/dp/0822962314

Please check out his official web site at http://afaaweaver.net/

Past Broadcasts Online: Ms. Meixu Huang of East China Normal University in Shanghai (May 28, 2016)

On Saturday, May 28 I enjoyed the opportunity to introduce the audience to Ms. Meixu Huang of East China Normal University in Shanghai. 

Did you miss that broadcast? We've uploaded a recording of the broadcast on the show's podcasting site. Click this link to listen:

http://www.podcasts.com/marvels-of-china-pathways-to-the-pacific-rim-ec77abf8d/episode/Show-17-May-28-2016-5a48

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Ms. Huang is the director of the Global Education Center's International Student Office at East China Normal University (ECNU) in Shanghai.

Speaking to us by phone from the campus in Shanghai, Ms. Huang commented on ECNU's process of internationalizing its academic programs, the establishment of global strategic cooperative partnerships, and summarized the benefits of internationalization. ECNU is a leading institution in cultivating people-to-people relationships between Chinese, Americans and other nationalities. 

'Wisdom from the East: The American Founding and its Founders’ Efforts to Draw Intelligence from Chinese Civilization' with Dr. Dave Wang

Word reached me that Dr. Dave Wang, one of our previous guests on Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim, was a featured speaker at the Translation and Transmission in the Early Americas: The Fourth Early Americanist Summit held at the University of Maryland on June 5, 2016. 

Dr. Wang is internationally famous for his research, publications and lectures worldwide on the influence of Chinese civilization on the American Founders in the eighteenth century. Go to his blog to learn more. 

The title of the session Dr. Wang (above, left) participated in was Translating Asia in the Early Americas and the Early Modern Atlantic World. It was organized by Ralph Bauer of chaired by Eyda Merediz, both of the University of Maryland. 

Dr. Wang was my guest on the February 13, 2016 broadcast. Go to this link to the show's podcasting site where archives of previous shows are available. 

Coming Up Next: Qian Yi, "China's Reigning Opera Princess"

My next guest on Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim is a delight! 

Qian Yi, "China's reigning opera princess" will be my special guest on the June 18, 2016 broadcast. 

She is the star of Paradise Interrupted which the Wall Street Journal calls "a mesmerizing new work that is part opera, part dynamic art installation."

This chamber opera is part of Lincoln Center Festival 2016 in New York City. It is being performed July 13-16. 

Go to this link to the Paradise Interrupted Facebook page. 

Be sure to go to this link to the Asia Society's Inside Look section for a discussion with some of its key artists, including Qian Yi. 

Go to this link for more information and to purchase tickets. 

Qian Yi will share stories and memories of her roles in past productions such as The Peony Pavilion, Amy Tan's The Bonesetter's Daughter, The Butterfly Dream and more. We'll hear Qian Yi's early career, about the challenges behind blending Western and Chinese elements of opera into production, and so much more. 

Remember to tune in to the show starting on Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Eastern USA Time on AM1490 WGCH and everywhere on WGCH.com. 

Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim's broadcasts are from AM1490 WGCH and everywhere on WGCH.com in Greenwich, Connecticut USA. 

This show is title-sponsored by Beijing AmBridge International Culture Development Ltd. You are invited to explore how an alliance with Beijing AmBridge can help your company or organization grow and prosper. Call Beijing AmBridge's office in Beijing at 86-10-80775517 or email ambridge01@163.com. 

Corporate Executive Offices (CEO) in Greenwich, Connecticut USA is a supporting sponsor of this show. Since 1989, CEO has been a provider of 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. 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. 

Southeast Asian cuisine has never been more popular, and if you want the best visit Penang Grill. A supporting sponsor of this show, Penang Grill is conveniently located at 55 Lewis Street in downtown Greenwich, Connecticut USA. Penang Grills repertoire of fine culinary selections, tranquil, Asian-themed surroundings, courteous service and great prices will leave you satisfied. Call 203-861-1988. You'll be glad you did. 

News from Greenwich: Asia Society Grant of US$13,080 for Confucius Classroom

We learned that on the June 13, 2016 agenda of the Representative Town Meeting of Greenwich, Connecticut is the following resolution is to be considered: 

2. To consider and act upon the following resolution, requested by the Superintendent of Schools and approved by the Board of Education.
   
   RESOLVED, that the Town of Greenwich/Board of Education accept a grant for $13,080 from the Asia Society for “Confucius Classroom” which provides assistance in identifying and developing a partnership with a school in China organized by the Asia of Society. Said amount be and hereby appropriated to the following:
   
   F6071641- 53100 $12,080 - Teaching Supplies
   F6071641 - 52100 $ 1,000 - Travel Expenses 
   

It's Dragon Boat Festival Time!

The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional and important celebration in China. 

While it always falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, on the Gregorian calendar this year the festival day is June 9, 2016.

On this 2,000 year old holiday dragon boat racing is the most important activity. Wooden boats shaped and decorated in the form of Chinese dragons are filled with paddlers and a drummer in the spirit of competition.

You like dumplings, don't you? Sticky rice dumplings (zongzi) wrapped in bamboo leaves are consumed. 

Did I forget to mention that once upon a time I, your host, was a paddler in a dragon boat festival competition in Hawaii? It's true. See above from 16 years ago. 

You'll learn about that and much more on the next broadcast of Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim.


Remember to tune in to the show starting on Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Eastern USA Time on AM1490 WGCH and everywhere on WGCH.com. 
Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim's broadcasts are from AM1490 WGCH and everywhere on WGCH.com in Greenwich, Connecticut USA. 

This show is title-sponsored by Beijing AmBridge International Culture Development Ltd. You are invited to explore how an alliance with Beijing AmBridge can help your company or organization grow and prosper. Call Beijing AmBridge's office in Beijing at 86-10-80775517 or email ambridge01@163.com. 

Corporate Executive Offices (CEO) in Greenwich, Connecticut USA is a supporting sponsor of this show. Since 1989, CEO has been a provider of 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. 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. 

Southeast Asian cuisine has never been more popular, and if you want the best visit Penang Grill. A supporting sponsor of this show, Penang Grill is conveniently located at 55 Lewis Street in downtown Greenwich, Connecticut USA. Penang Grills repertoire of fine culinary selections, tranquil, Asian-themed surroundings, courteous service and great prices will leave you satisfied. Call 203-861-1988. You'll be glad you did. 

Visions of Chinatown: The Streets of Manhattan, New York City USA

Coming Up Next: President James Heimowitz, The China Institute in America in New York City

The Saturday, June 11 Conversations segment of Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim will feature Mr. James Heimowitz, president of the China Institute in America.

I had the pleasure of lecturing on my late-father and the post-World War II American China Marines at the China Institute's former location in Lenox Hill, Manhattan in November, 2014 as reported by The China Press. 

Founded 90 years ago in 1926, the Institute was founded by a group of distinguished American and Chinese educators. They included John Dewey, Hu Shih, Paul Monroe and Dr. Kuo Ping-wen. It is the oldest bicultural organization in America that is devoted exclusively to China. 

In 1944, the China Institute in America was chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York as a school of continuing education. The Institute's language and cultural school is the oldest educational center of its kind in the USA. 

Newly located in Lower Manhattan off Washington Street -and near  Wall Street- the China Institute in America "advances a deeper understanding of China through programs in education, culture, business and art in the belief that cross-cultural understanding strengthens our global community."  

My conversation with James Heimowitz will cover a range of topics from the Institute's new location, its variety of cultural programs and activities, how the Institute addresses the needs of the business community, what's in store for the future, and how people like you can join the Institute and support its mission.  

Remember to tune in to the show starting on Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Eastern USA Time on AM1490 WGCH and everywhere on WGCH.com. 

Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim's broadcasts are from AM1490 WGCH and everywhere on WGCH.com in Greenwich, Connecticut USA. 

This show is title-sponsored by Beijing AmBridge International Culture Development Ltd. You are invited to explore how an alliance with Beijing AmBridge can help your company or organization grow and prosper. Call Beijing AmBridge's office in Beijing at 86-10-80775517 or email ambridge01@163.com. 

Corporate Executive Offices (CEO) in Greenwich, Connecticut USA is a supporting sponsor of this show. Since 1989, CEO has been a provider of 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. 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. 

Southeast Asian cuisine has never been more popular, and if you want the best visit Penang Grill. A supporting sponsor of this show, Penang Grill is conveniently located at 55 Lewis Street in downtown Greenwich, Connecticut USA. Penang Grills repertoire of fine culinary selections, tranquil, Asian-themed surroundings, courteous service and great prices will leave you satisfied. Call 203-861-1988. You'll be glad you did.