Coming Up Next: World Renowned Violinist Gao Can

Go to This Link and Listen to the Show

World renowned pianist Lang Lang has called my next guest “an experienced and versatile violinist who possesses outstanding technique and profound musical taste."

Professor Lin Yaoji  of the Lin Yao Ji Music Foundation of China says of my guest, “He is a genius the likes of which are few and far between. His performance is often imbued with enriched color, impeccable technical command, and immaculate interpretation. He will be able to make enormous contributions to the violin scene of both China and the world.”

Widely recognized as one of the most talented violinists of his generation, Mr. Gao Can enjoys an international following, appearing with major orchestras, prestigious venues and festivals around the world.

In 2014 Gao Can was appointed the ambassador of the prestigious Verbier Festival held annually in Switzerland, the only Chinese national to be appointed. 

In 2015, Gao Can performed in front of 17 national leaders and thousands of political and business leaders at the closing ceremony at the Boao Forum for Asia. On that occasion he played the 1727 Stardivarius violin ex-General Dupont, the first to be owned by a Chinese collector. 

He has performed at the Houston Symphony Orchestra, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra in South Africa, the Teatro di San Carlo Orchestra in Italy, the China National Symphony, and numerous music festivals throughout Europe, Asia and North America.

Gao Can holds over 45 violin concerts annually, touring on five continents gaining international acclaim from Critics and audiences alike. He also dedicates his time to mentoring the next generation of violinists through teaching, lecturing and masterclasses. He has been appointed as the music director of the Poly WeDo Education Project by the Poly Cultural Group. 

We’ll bring you the Confucius Moment, Weekly Almanac, Treasures of China and more. 

Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time/ 11:30 p.m. Beijing Time. Listen live in the local listening area on 1490 WGCH. Our global audience can listen live via streaming audio on WGCH.com. 

Happy Thanksgiving! Gan'en Jie Kuaile!

Thursday, November 23 marks the annual American Thanksgiving holiday in the USA and for Americans around the world. 

I've been told that "Happy Thanksgiving" is expressed in Chinese by the words "Gan'en Jie Kuaile." 

Expressions of gratitude are one way of embracing the fullness of the Thanksgiving tradition. May this season of hope, friendship, laughter and great food warm your hearts and your homes with joy wherever you may be. 

Happy times and happy moments are sentiments I wish for you to enjoy with loved ones near and far. 

From my heart and home to yours, I pause to reflect on the many blessings bestowed on me thanks to you and the Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim Show. 

Our journey together into China's tantalizing 5000-plus years of culture and history has brought together people of all backgrounds, and further solidified friendships between the American and Chinese peoples -and others, too. The work is far from done. Our best days lay ahead. 

There is no time more fitting to say thank you for your trust, confidence and support.  Happy Thanksgiving!

​In peace, with thanks and gratitude​

,

Jeffrey Bingham Mead

Host, Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim

AM1490 WGCH and WGCH.com, Greenwich, Connecticut USA

Coming Up Next: Ruthanne Lum McCunn, Author of Chinese Yankee

Go to this Link to Listen to the Show

In 1985 my next guest was hailed by the Dallas Times as “an American-Chinese author of remarkable talent.” 

Ruthanne Lum McCunn’s publications have been translated into thirteen languages, published in twenty-two countries, and adapted for the stage and film. 

Her latest work, Chinese Yankee, will be the subject of her appearance on the November 25 Conversations segment of the Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim Show. 

Chinese Yankee recounts the true story of Hong Kong born Thomas Sylvanus (Ah Yee Way), who as an orphan arrived in the USA for schooling -but found himself enslaved in the city of Baltimore. Aged sixteen at the outbreak of the American Civil Way, he escaped, ran north and joined the Freedom Army. 

But there’s more -including other Chinese who fought in the American Civil War 1861-1865. You’ll hear from McCunn about them, too. 

In 2014 Stuart Heaver of the South China Morning Post called McCunn’s book, “an extraordinary story that still resonates 150 years later. With her empathy for the central character and her engaging and accessible prose, McCunn is ideally suited to tell the tale.”

Carol Shively, editor of Asians and Pacific Islanders and the Civil War called McCunn’s book, “Riveting. Couldn’t put it down! Couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. It’s one thing to see a faded black and white picture, quite another to read it in living color, flesh and bone, joy and sorrow.”

Learn more about Ruthanne Lum McCunn, her work and how you can order copies by going on the web to McCunn.com. 

Since we like to say here that "everything Chinese is all the rage these days," you'll get your dose of wisdom on the Confucius Moment, explore another of the Treasures of China, learn about events and exhibits on the Weekly Almanac, and so much more.

Mark your calendar for this coming Saturday, November 25, 2017. We broadcast live in the local listening area starting 10:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time on AM 1490 WGCH.

Listen live by online streaming audio from the web site at WGCH.com anywhere around the world, near and far. For our listeners in Eastern Asia and the Pacific Rim tune in online at 11:30 p.m. Beijing Time. 

You can listen to our most recent broadcasts in the Shows and Hosts section of WGCH.com or in the archives found on Podcasts.com. 

Xie xie! Thank you for tuning in to Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim. My weekly news blasts, emails and blog site are here to connect you to my show on NewsTalk AM 1490 WGCH Radio, China and the other cultures of East Asia and the Pacific Rim. 

Subscribe by email to MarvelsofChina@gmail.com. If you prefer not to receive messages please respond with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject-box of your email. 

Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim's broadcasts are from AM1490 WGCH and anywhere 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. 

When you visit San Francisco be sure to make the Grant Plaza Hotel your choice for quality accommodations. This impressive boutique hotel is has all the advantages: great location, easy access to ground transportation, clean, safe and easy on your budget. Staff are cheerful. professional and helpful. The Grant Plaza is one block up from Dragon's Gate and within walking distance of Union Square and Market Street, even Nob Hill. Restaurants and theaters are nearby. Located at 465 Grant Avenue, San Francisco, California 94108-3208. Call (415) 434-3883. 

The Pacific Learning Consortium in Honolulu, Hawaii and Greenwich, Connecticut sponsors of the weekly Confucius Moment. Now collaborating with the Admissions Network of Chinese Universities and Colleges by offering the Sino-American Cultural Exchange Scholarship Program. Now qualified Americans can study on full scholarships for their Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees at Chinese universities. Get started today by contacting PacificLearningConsortium@gmail.com.  Learn more online at www.pacificlearningconsortium.org. 

Host Jeffrey Bingham Mead Speaks at the United Nations November 16, 2017

On November 16 I was invited to address the leaders of Shanghai-based Yinuo Art Exchange (YinuoVIP.com) and the Yinuo Art Foundation and guests for the launch of both its global art trading platform and its traveling One-Belt-One-Road New York City Exhibition and 'Art for Peace' initiative in developing countries.

There were representatives of various non-government organizations, UNESCO, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), the United Nations Department of Public Information, The China Press and Xinhua News Agency, and others.

After the ceremonies and a tour and the exhibition we visited the UN Bookstore and ended the day with a special celebration at UN Plaza Grill located in the Trump World Tower across the street. 

The food, friendships and smiles made for a memorable day -and for future partnerships.

Here is the text of my speech:

Hello! Ni Hao! I’m Jeffrey Bingham Mead, an educator, historian, adventurer and host of Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim on 1490 WGCH in Greenwich, Connecticut USA.

Congratulations to Yinuo Art Exchange on your global launch today. Aiming to be the largest guaranteed artwork trading platform in the world is very ambitious and bold. I wish you success and prosperity. May your dreams come true.

For centuries China seemed to people around the world a place that was remote, ancient, mysterious and inward looking.

Not anymore!

Now, we are witnessing a cultural and business renaissance like the world has never seen before. China demands increasing attention and respect -and deservedly so.

China is rapidly opening up at the speed of light -and the world has found itself in a rush to get in on the action.

China is shaking the world like no one has ever before. Your cultural revival is inspiring people to appreciate your 5000-plus years of history and technological inventiveness. People are paying attention. That’s worthy of celebration.

On a personal note, some of you may be aware that my own father fought against a militarized, imperialistic Japan, and that he was stationed in Beijing and Tianjin after witnessing the surrender in 1945. 

As I was growing up I was treated to fantastic stories about China, its splendors and especially its people. Out of that catastrophic time look at where you are now! 

Always remember: you are second-to-none.

With one foot in your ancient history and the other running fast towards the future, China continues to dazzle the world -and I think your best days lay ahead.

I sincerely express my appreciation to Beijing AmBridge International Culture Development, Ltd and WGCH Radio for having the foresight and wisdom to make this show happen. I am also appreciative to the Chinese Consulate General’s Cultural Affairs Office with Cultural Consul Li Liyan, the Chinese Ministry of Culture and the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. 

A few of you know that I have another home, that being the U.S. State of Hawaii. We have a saying: E Komo Mai, which means “Welcome to my house,” where all people are welcomed in the Sprit of Aloha we are world-known for. We have another expression: E Pili Mai, which means “Coming together as one.” 

Together, we are blazing new relationships, taking our worldwide listeners on a journey of discovery about all-things Chinese. As we say, “Everything Chinese is all the rage these days!” So true!

I saw that for myself two years ago when, as a guest of the Chinese government, I visited China for the first time to commemorate the 70th year celebrations of the end of World War II. Every place I went -the Forbidden City or Palace Museum, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the streets of Beijing -everywhere- I felt nothing but affection from all the Chinese. 

Today, Greenwich, Connecticut and Hangzhou, China have embarked on a sister city relationship. New ties of friendship are being started and nurtured daily. The possibilities are endless!

I hope you will listen to my radio show and, together as one, we march forward into a bold, new future. Please join with me on this journey. It’s for everyone, everywhere!

Xiexie! Thank you! 

Coming Up Next: Mr. Dong Yaohui, Vice-Chairman of the China Great Wall Society

Go to this link to listen to the show. 

Who has never heard of the Great Wall of China? 

Join me on Saturday, November 18 when I welcome China's most celebrated expert on the iconic and magnificent Great Wall. 

Mr. Dong Yaohui is the vice-chairman of the China Great Wall Society. Founded in 1987, the Society is a premier non-government organization (NGO) focused on the study, publicizing, protecting and exploration of the Great Wall. It's goal is to educate the world and preserve the Great Wall for future generations. 

My guest recently completed a multivolume compendium of local histories of the Great Wall. 

Dong Yaohui was also among a group of three men who -in the 1980s- were the first Chinese in recorded history to walk the Great Wall of China's entire length from east to west. 

Learn more by going to www.chinagreatwallfoundation.org, a secondary foundation to the China Culture Relics Protection Foundation. 

Translating Mr. Dong Yaohui's remarks will be Mr. Larry Liu of the Charles R. Weber Company, Inc., shipbrokers and marine consultants since 1940 here in Greenwich, Connecticut USA. Xiexie! 

We'll feature our regular segments -the Confucius Moment, Treasures of China, the Weekly Almanac and more. 

Tune in to 1490 WGCH and WGCH.com anywhere via audio streaming this coming Saturday, November 18 at 10:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time and at 11:30 p.m. Beijing Time. Our most recent shows are on the Shows and Hosts section of WGCH.com. All archived shows are available freely at Podcasts.com. 

Xie xie! Thank you for tuning in to Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim. My weekly news blasts, emails and blog site are here to connect you to my show on NewsTalk AM 1490 WGCH Radio, China and the other cultures of East Asia and the Pacific Rim. 

Subscribe by email to MarvelsofChina@gmail.com. If you prefer not to receive messages please respond with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject-box of your email. 

Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim's broadcasts are from AM1490 WGCH and anywhere 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. 

When you visit San Francisco be sure to make the Grant Plaza Hotel your choice for quality accommodations. This impressive boutique hotel is has all the advantages: great location, easy access to ground transportation, clean, safe and easy on your budget. Staff are cheerful. professional and helpful. The Grant Plaza is one block up from Dragon's Gate and within walking distance of Union Square and Market Street, even Nob Hill. Restaurants and theaters are nearby. Located at 465 Grant Avenue, San Francisco, California 94108-3208. Call (415) 434-3883. 

The Pacific Learning Consortium in Honolulu, Hawaii and Greenwich, Connecticut sponsors of the weekly Confucius Moment. Now collaborating with the Admissions Network of Chinese Universities and Colleges by offering the Sino-American Cultural Exchange Scholarship Program. Now qualified Americans can study on full scholarships for their Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees at Chinese universities. Get started today by contacting PacificLearningConsortium@gmail.com.  Learn more online at www.pacificlearningconsortium.org. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Committee of 100 Urges Passage of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act

(New York, NY, October 6, 2017) — The Committee of 100 (C100), an organization of leading Chinese Americans, urges the 115th United States Congress to pass the Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act (H.R. 2358/S.1050), and award the Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the Chinese American Veterans of World War II in recognition of their dedicated service during the war.

Introduced in the House and Senate on May 4, 2017, the Chinese American WWII Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act has received bi-partisan sponsorship (Representatives Ed Royce (R-CA) and Ted Lieu (D-CA) were the original lead co-sponsors in the House (H.R.2358), and Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Thad Cochran (R-MS) were the lead co-sponsors in the Senate (S.1050)), and is awaiting additional Congressional sponsors.

C100 commends Representatives Royce and Lieu, and Senators Duckworth and Cochran, along with other Members of Congress who have subsequently signed on as co-sponsors, for their leadership in recognizing the military contributions of Chinese American servicemen and women who volunteered or were drafted at a time when the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was still in effect. Despite ongoing anti-Chinese sentiment at that time, more than 13,000 Chinese Americans served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II and sacrificed for their country in the face of discrimination and injustice.

During this time, Chinese Americans served in the U.S. Armed Forces in all theaters of war, including at Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Guadalcanal, and Solomon Islands in the Pacific Theater, and on all fronts of the European and African Theaters. The 14th Air Service Group, an all-Chinese American unit assigned to the 14th Air Force (Flying Tigers) under the command of General Claire Chennault in the China-Burma-India Theater helped provide transportation, supplies and and communications support at a critical time during the war. Chinese American women also demonstrated skills, loyalty and patriotism in the Women’s Army Corps, the Army Air Force, and the U.S. Naval Reserve Women’s Reserve. Altogether, Chinese Americans were crucial to the success of the war effort.

“As an organization committed to the full inclusion of Chinese Americans in American society, it is important for us to acknowledge and salute the role that previous generations of Chinese Americans have played,” says Frank H. Wu, Chairman of C100. “Despite discrimination and rejection, the unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and patriotism shown by the WWII Chinese American veterans helped pave the way for today’s Chinese Americans, including many of our members, to be integrated into mainstream America after World War II.”

The Committee of 100 also urges all Chinese Americans to contact their Congressional representatives to co-sign and the support the House (H.R. 2358) and Senate (S.1050) bills, both of which require two-thirds support of Congress in order to be considered. The Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress, has been awarded in recent years to other World War II units that have been overlooked, including Native American code talkers, the Monuments Men, and Filipino WWII Vets.

After the 115th Session of Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal will no longer be awarded to groups. “There is urgency on the part of all stakeholders to encourage this Congress to act expeditiously,” Wu continues. “Many of the Chinese American veterans of World War II have already passed away, and many of the surviving veterans are in their nineties. We owe our veterans a great debt that is difficult to repay. The least we can do is to recognize and honor their achievements and sacrifices.”

The Committee of 100 is an international, non-partisan leadership organization of prominent Chinese Americans in business, government, academia, and the arts. For over 25 years, the Committee has been committed to a dual mission of promoting the full participation of Chinese Americans in all fields of American life, and encouraging constructive relations between the peoples of the United States and Greater China. www.committee100.org. 

Coming Up Next: Veterans Day with Roswell Curtis of the Flying Tigers

Listen to the Show Here.

Across the USA November 11 marks the annual Veterans Day holiday. Join me this coming Saturday as a welcome a very special guest to Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim.

Mr. Roswell Curtis lives here in Greenwich, Connecticut USA -and he isn't just any American veteran. 

This neighbor is one of the legendary and renowned Flying Tigers, heroes of Americans and Chinese alike during the coldest days of the Second World War. He'll share his memories of a time when a militarized Japanese Empire sought to conquer China. In a time of defeats it was the Flying Tigers who cast a bold light, boosting morale for all on the path to victory in 1945. 

Don't forget to tune-in for your weekly dose of wisdom on the Confucius Moment, savor another amazing destination on Treasures of China, learn what's happening on the Weekly Almanac and more. 

On our new Spotlight on C-Pop your heart will smile and sing to the Chinese version of 'Falling in Love' by the mixed South Korean and Chinese group UNIQ.

Everything Chinese is all the rage these days! Everyone's welcomed to be part of our continuous journey into the world's oldest culture as it blossoms, dazzles and excites the world like never before. 

Tune-in on Saturday morning 10:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time on 1490 WGCH ands anywhere via audio streaming on WGCH.com. 

Xie xie! Thank you for tuning in to Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim. My weekly news blasts, emails and blog site are here to connect you to my show on NewsTalk AM 1490 WGCH Radio, China and the other cultures of East Asia and the Pacific Rim. 

Subscribe by email to MarvelsofChina@gmail.com. If you prefer not to receive messages please respond with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject-box of your email. 

Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim's broadcasts are from AM1490 WGCH and anywhere 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. 

When you visit San Francisco be sure to make the Grant Plaza Hotel your choice for quality accommodations. This impressive boutique hotel is has all the advantages: great location, easy access to ground transportation, clean, safe and easy on your budget. Staff are cheerful. professional and helpful. The Grant Plaza is one block up from Dragon's Gate and within walking distance of Union Square and Market Street, even Nob Hill. Restaurants and theaters are nearby. Located at 465 Grant Avenue, San Francisco, California 94108-3208. Call (415) 434-3883. 

The Pacific Learning Consortium in Honolulu, Hawaii and Greenwich, Connecticut sponsors of the weekly Confucius Moment. Now collaborating with the Admissions Network of Chinese Universities and Colleges by offering the Sino-American Cultural Exchange Scholarship Program. Now qualified Americans can study on full scholarships for their Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees at Chinese universities. Get started today by contacting PacificLearningConsortium@gmail.com.  Learn more online at www.pacificlearningconsortium.org. 

Coming Up Next: Saluting a Master, Kenneth Hsien-yung Pai

Listen to the Show Here. 

Imagine my delight in being invited to meet a living legend from China! Such was the case recently at the China Institute in America where I met Professor Kenneth Hsien-yung Pai. The occasion was the screening of Multiflorate Splendor, a documentary of Professor Pai's extraordinary life and career:

A living legend and visionary of modern Chinese culture, Kenneth Hsien-yung Pai (白先勇) is generally considered among the greatest living stylists of Chinese fiction and prose. This October Professor Pai will visit China Institute for the rare and exclusive opportunity to hear him speak about his life’s work. On Friday, October 27, we will screen the documentary Multiflorate Splendor, which explores Professor Pai’s artistic accomplishments, followed by a discussion. On Saturday, October 28, Professor Pai will return for a dialogue about the classic novel Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦), of which he is considered one of the world’s preeminent authorities. Ben Wang, Senior Lecturer of Language and Humanities at China Institute, will join him in conversation at both events.

Brilliant, gregarious, insightful and kind, I felt I had known Professor Pai as an old friend. This was as fun a conversation as they come. What an honor it was! 

Tune-in to 1490 WGCH and WGCH.com anywhere this coming Saturday, November 4 at 10:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time and 10:30 p.m. Beijing Time. 

You'll hear our featured segments -Confucius Moment, Treasures of China, the Weekly Almanac -and a new, modern musical excursion into China's sizzling modern music scene! 

Xie xie! Thank you for tuning in to Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim. My weekly news blasts, emails and blog site are here to connect you to my show on NewsTalk AM 1490 WGCH Radio, China and the other cultures of East Asia and the Pacific Rim. 

Subscribe by email to MarvelsofChina@gmail.com. If you prefer not to receive messages please respond with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject-box of your email. 

Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim's broadcasts are from AM1490 WGCH and anywhere 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. 

When you visit San Francisco be sure to make the Grant Plaza Hotel your choice for quality accommodations. This impressive boutique hotel is has all the advantages: great location, easy access to ground transportation, clean, safe and easy on your budget. Staff are cheerful. professional and helpful. The Grant Plaza is one block up from Dragon's Gate and within walking distance of Union Square and Market Street, even Nob Hill. Restaurants and theaters are nearby. Located at 465 Grant Avenue, San Francisco, California 94108-3208. Call (415) 434-3883. 

The Pacific Learning Consortium in Honolulu, Hawaii and Greenwich, Connecticut sponsors of the weekly Confucius Moment. Now collaborating with the Admissions Network of Chinese Universities and Colleges by offering the Sino-American Cultural Exchange Scholarship Program. Now qualified Americans can study on full scholarships for their Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees at Chinese universities. Get started today by contacting PacificLearningConsortium@gmail.com.  Learn more online at www.pacificlearningconsortium.org.