Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim on AM 1490 WGCH and Anywhere on WGCH.com: 2016

Friday, December 30, 2016

Coming Up Next: Luc Bendza Returns as We Ring in Year 2017!

Our final Year 2016 broadcast is one we think will bring a smile.

The Saturday, December 31 show will feature an encore interview rom our October 15 broadcast with the one and only Mr. Luc Bendza.

He comes from a large family in the Gabonese Republic in Central Africa. As a teenager Luc Bendza dreamed of becoming a master of Kung Fu, of disarming his adversaries and enemies with lightning speed and skill, of flying through the air like Chinese martial artists have been doing for untold centuries.

In 1996 Luc Bendza earned a Master's degree specializing in Wushu from Beijing Sports Univesity after earning a Bachelors in physical education. He was a student at the internationally famous Saholin Temple, Shaolin Traditional Wushu School. Bendza is the founder and since 1992 the president of the Gabon Wushu Association. He is the vice-chairman of the Traditional Committee of the International Wushu Federation. In 2010 he was cultural ambassador of the United African Pavilion at the World Expo in Shanghai. He's been a successful actor in numerous films and television shows such as Twelve Dragons, Yongchun Zodiac and others.

From his home in Beijing of over 30 years, we are going to hear again about Luc Bendza's early life, about the Chinese marital art known as Wushu and its core styles, the benefits of Wushu training and practice, the characteristics of a successful Wushu athlete, and how he turned his mastery of Wushu into a successful movie and film career in China.

Don't forget to set your alarm clocks on Saturday, December 31, 2016 for the next broadcast of Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim. The show airs live starting at 10:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time on 1490 WGCH and anywhere on WGCH.com in Greenwich, Connecticut USA.

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.

The Pacific Learning Consortium, based in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a supporting sponsor of the weekly Confucius Moment. Educational solutions. Global connections. Practical results. Advancement for all. Learning reimagined. Learn more online at www.pacificlearningconsortium.org.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Coming up Next: Douglas Chong, president of the Hawaii Chinese History Center in Honolulu's Chinatown.

On the December 24 broadcast of Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim I will be welcoming back Douglas Chong and broadcasting from Hawaii.

Chong is the president of the Hawaii Chinese History Center in Honolulu's Chinatown. He is a noted Chinese community leader and cultural historian in Hawaii. A fifth-generation Chinese American, Douglas grew up steeped in Chinese tradition with his family who is been in Hawaii for nine generations. His publications are products of living and oral history balanced with academic research and his rich knowledge of the Chinese language and history.

We will be learning from him about the Zhongshan people of Guangdong province in southern China – which is where most Chinese Americans in Hawaii trace their roots.

We will have our Treasures of China and Confucius Moment segments, too.

Tune in this coming Saturday, December 24 at 10:30 AM Eastern USA Time. You can listen live online through streaming audio at WWW.WGCH.com. If you miss the show, not to worry. All our shows are archived at Podcasts.com.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Coming Up Next: Corey Tong, producer of a new documentary film 'Forever, Chinatown'

My next guest on the December 17 broadcast is Mr. Corey Tong of San Francisco and Honolulu.

Tong is a producer of a new documentary film Forever, Chinatown. His films have screened on PBS and other international broadcasters or theatrical venues in over 20 countries.

In addition to being a film and media producer, Corey Tong is a public relations and programming acquisitions consultant, guest lecturer and producers representative. He also has a professional background in architecture and design.

Tong is the former director of the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival and former IFFCON director of Special Projects (co-production, development market).

Forever, Chinatown is the story of unknown, self taught 81-year-old artist Frank Wong. He has spent the past four decades re-creating is fading memories by building romantic, extraordinarily detailed miniature models of the San Francisco Chinatown rooms of his youth.

This film takes the journey of one individual and maps it to a rapidly changing urban neighborhood from the 1940s to the present day. A meditation on memory, community, and preserving one's own legacy, Wong’s three-dimensional miniature dioramas become rare portals into a historic neighborhood and a window to the artist’s filtered, romanticized memories and emotional struggles.

Watch the trailer here

Forever, Chinatown is co-production of Good Medicine Picture Company and Independent Television Service (ITVS) presented in association with the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM), with funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 17, 2016. Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim is broadcast from AM1490 WGCH in Greenwich, Connecticut USA and anywhere from WGCH.com 10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Eastern USA Time/ 9:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. China Time.

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

Confucius Moment: December 17, 2016

It's time for this week's Confucius Moment.
(Click here to listen)

The Sage Confucius is the epitome of Chinese classical civilization. Confucius is legendary for teaching his disciples the cultivation of personal virtue, veneration for one's parents, love of learning. loyalty to one's superiors, kindness to one's subordinates and a high regard for civility.

Here is today's lesson:
"A man is worthy of being a teacher who gets to know what is new by keeping fresh in his mind what he is already familiar with."

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Confucius Moment: December 10, 2016

Here is today's lesson:
"At fifteen I set my heart on learning; at thirty I took my stand; at forty I was never of two minds; at fifty I understood the Decree of Heaven; at sixty my ear was attuned; at seventy I followed my heart's desire without overstepping the line."

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Congratulations, Frank McBrearity!

From the very beginning of the Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim broadcast, Corporate Executive Offices (CEO) has been a supporting sponsor of this show.

So it is with great pleasure that I extend my congratulations to Frank McBrearity -owner of CEO- on being elected Chairman of the Board of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce in Connecticut.

Corporate Executive Offices offers sophisticated office suites in a prominent, modern building in Greenwich. All offices are fully secured and accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Clients of CEO have access to one of four conference rooms and have the flexibility to conduct meetings as needed.

I have my East Coast office here -and yes it is true that Frank and his staff treat me and the other tenants like family.

Established in 1917, the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit business organization, has been instrumental in fostering the success of the town’s nearly 4,000 businesses.

The Chamber is an advocate for the interests of the business community, as well as for maintaining the town’s quality of life and its residential integrity. Its informative and educational programs and networking opportunities are open to all businesses and residents.

Congratulations, Frank!

Coming Up Next: Professor Xu Xin of Nanjing University Returns: Ho Feng Shan, The 'Chinese Schindler' Who Saved Thousands of Jews

My next guest on the Conversations segment of Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim is China’s most renowned Judaic scholar in the modern era, Professor Xu Xin of Nanjing University.

Professor Xu is returning to the show by request to enlighten the audience about Ho Feng-Shan, a Chinese diplomat in Vienna. He risked his own life and career during World War II to save thousands of European Jews fleeing the Holocaust.

Professor Xu is the founder and director of the Diane and Guilford Glazer Institute for Jewish and Israel Studies at Nanjing University. He has been a scholar of Judaism, Jewish culture and the history of Chinese Jews since 1986.

Among his many accomplishments, Xu led a team of scholars on an abridged Chinese translation of the Encyclopedia Judaica and served as its editor -a book that was used by Chinese diplomats when China and Israel opened diplomatic relations in 1992. The Chinese edition of the Encyclopedia Judaica won an award of Excellent Book by Bureau of Press and Publication of Shanghai and East China in 1994, and an award of Excellent Reference Book by General Administration of Press and Publication of the People's Republic of China in 1995.

He has also edited Legends of the Chinese Jews of Kaifeng (with Beverly Friend); Anti-Semitism: How and Why; A History of Jewish Culture, and more. Xu has also written numerous articles on Judaic topics.

Xu was also the first Chinese scholar to introduce modern Hebrew literature to Chinese readers. he has also created Masters and doctoral programs on Jewish history and culture.

Xu has served as a visiting professor and taught at Chicago State University; Florida Community College and Montclair State University. He was a guest speaker at Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1988) and at Tel Aviv University (1993 and 1998). In 1995 he was a fellow at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and a visiting scholar at Harvard University’s Center for Jewish Studies (1996 and 1998).

Professor Xu has delivered over 500 lectures in the USA, Israel, Canada and the United Kingdom at such institutions of higher learning as Harvard University, Yeshiva University, Yale University, University of Chicago, Boston University, Princeton University, UCLA, USC, Brown University, City University of New York, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Bar-Ilan University, Tel Aviv University, Haifa University, Ben-Gurion University, University of Toronto, McMaster University, University of Montreal, York University and various other universities, organizations and institutions.

In 2011 Professor Xu appeared at the Asia Society in New York City, where he reflected on the Jewish communities in Kaifeng, Harbin and Shanghai.

Xu launched 12 Nanjing testimonies at the University of Southern California (USC) Shoah Foundation which is dedicated to making audio-visual interviews with survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust and other genocides.

His three-week summer seminars for Chinese scholars and graduate students from departments of history and western civilization at other universities enable them to incorporate material on Judaism into their classes.

His activities have been widely reported by such newspapers and magazines as Chicago Tribune, Jerusalem Post, New York Times, Harvard University Gazette, The Jerusalem Report, The Jewish Week, The Forward, China's Talents, Xinhua Daily, Modern Express, and China Daily.

In 1996, Professor Xu was awarded a Special Government Allowance by the State Council of the People's Republic of China.

Xu's essay on Modern Hebrew Literature won a Second Place of Excellent essays on Social Sciences by the Bureau of Higher Education of Jiangsu province in 1994.

His book, A History of Western Culture, was named as National Planned Textbook in 2006 for Chinese colleges. Xu has won five titles of Excellent Teacher Award since 1994.

In 1995, he was honored with the James Friend Memorial Award. In 2002, Bar-Ilan University's Board of Trustees and the Senate of Israel awarded him the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Honoris Causa in recognition of the important research he has done on Jewish people in China.

He is a member of a number of academic organizations in China, such as Jiangsu Writers' Association, the Association of All-China Comparative Literature, the Association of Translators of Jiangsu, and the Society of World History Studies of China. Currently he serves as President of the China Judaic Studies Association and vice-president of China Association for Middle East Studies.

Professor Xu Xin will be joining the broadcast live by phone from Nanjing University, China.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 10, 2016. Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim is broadcast from AM1490 WGCH in Greenwich, Connecticut USA and anywhere from WGCH.com10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Eastern USA Time/ 9:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. China Time.

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

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Treasures of China: Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum

(Click this link to listen)

Treasures of China is a celebration of dramatic contrasts, a unique blend of cultural journeys and far-flung destinations where a world of adventure awaits.

When you are in Shenyang -the provincial capitol of Liaoning Province in Northeastern China- your imagination will soar at the Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum.

Early construction began in 1625. It was the former imperial palace of the Manchu-led Qing dynasty. After the Qing replaced the Ming dynasty in 1644 -and the imperial court moved to Beijing’s Forbidden City- this palace became a regional one.

Located in the center of this city of 8 million, this UNESCO World Heritage Site impresses visitors year round with its exquisite representations of classical Chinese and various regional architectural styles.

But that’s just part of what makes this place one of China’s treasures.

The permanent exhibits of this palace museum are divided into two parts. There’s one that displays historic artifacts of the imperial court. Another shows visitors Qing-dynasty arts and crafts.

Delve into the rich displays of ancient Chinese weapons, musical instruments, palace accouterments, ceramics, carvings, textiles and embroideries, lacquerware and amber.

As if that’s not enough, the palace complex is subdivided into three parts: the Eastern Way, the Central Way and the Western Way. A cornucopia of wondrous, immaculate pavilions, halls and towers dazzle the eyes of visitors from all over the world.

See the Emperor’s throne in Dazheng Hall, used for grand ceremonies. The Phoenix Tower rests on an elevated platform of black bricks.

The Fuling and Zhaling tombs, Dabei Pavilion, the Red Gate and a hundred other masterpieces of Manchu, Han, Mongolian and Tibetan architectural styles all provide opportunities to transport yourself back in time where you can encounter up close and personally this enduring treasure of Chinese culture and history.

When you are going places in China be sure to go to Shenyang’s Imperial Palace Museum.

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Coming Up Next: Meet Mr. Ling of Antique Shanghai Pop Music of the 1930s and 1940s

“…antique Shanghai pop music has the appeal to a certain sentimentality that is not only understood through the context of history; it can be thought as a discontinued school of aesthetics, a lost craft.”

Shanghai was a city like no other in China -or the rest of the world- in the 1930s and 1940s. On the December 3 broadcast I will be welcoming Mr. Ling of Antique Shanghai Pop Music, a fascinating podcast featuring the music of that era with his commentary.

We will feature weekly words of wisdom on the Confucius Moment, and take you to another exciting destination on Treasures of China: the Shenyang Palace Museum.

Remember to tune in this coming Saturday, December 3 to AM 1490 WGCH and anywhere on WGCH.com 10:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time/ 9:30 p.m. China Time. Our previous broadcasts are archived on podcasts.com and the Shows & Hosts section of WGCH.com. Register for news and to be on our email list at MarvelsofChina@gmail.com, and “like” us on Facebook. Stay abreast of our broadcasts at MarvelsofChina.blogspot.com.

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

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.

The Pacific Learning Consortium, based in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a supporting sponsor of the weekly Confucius Moment. Educational solutions. Global connections. Practical results. Advancement for all. Learning reimagined. Learn more online at www.pacificlearningconsortium.org.

Confucius Moment: November 26, 2016

Here is today's lesson:
"It is not the failure of others to appreciate your abilities that should trouble you, but rather your failure to appreciate theirs."

Treasures of China: The Hall of Supreme Harmony, Beijing

Our journey today takes us to the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing’s magnificent Forbidden City. It is located in a powerful and influential position on the north-south main axis. The Hall was first built in 1420.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony was used to hold grand ceremonies by the 24 emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties, such as the enthronement of the emperor, his wedding and so on. The emperor would hold a large feast for officials on his birthday, New Year's Day, or Winter Solstice Festival. The imperial exams for new scholars were held here during the early years of the Qing Dynasty.

No building in Beijing was allowed to be higher than it during the Ming and Qing Dynasties -because of its symbol of imperial power.

The throne was placed on a two-meter high white jade dais in the center. It wa adorned with gilt and engraved with patterns of clouds and nine dragons. The grand throne was surrounded by the six huge golden pillars, engraved with dragons representing the supreme dignities and power of the Emperor.

Behind the throne is a carved gilt screen. On either side there are incense burners in the shape of the mythical unicorn, signifying the obedience of all other kingdoms.

The gilded ceiling high above the throne features a sculpture of a twisting dragon playing with a huge pearl. In front of the hall is a huge white marble sculpture called Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl. The pearl is a symbol of good luck.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony is not to be missed when you visit Beijing. You cannot appreciate its sheer size until you see it for yourself. Beautiful and majestic, this is truly one of the great Treasures of China.

Monday, November 21, 2016

ANNOUNCEMENT: Sino-American Cultural Exchange Scholarship Program

In order to promote the mutual understanding, cooperation and exchanges in various fields between China and the USA, the Chinese government has set up the Sino-American Cultural Exchange Scholarship Program to sponsor American students to study and conduct research in Chinese universities.

Now, dozens of designated Chinese universities offer a wide variety of academic programs in Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Medicine, Economics, Legal Studies, Management, Education, History, Literature, Philosophy, and Fine Arts for scholarship recipients at all levels.

The Sino-American Cultural Exchange Scholarship Program sponsors American students to undertake credit course and degree studies -Bachelor, Master and PhD- in institutions of higher education in China.

This new scholarship was announced on the November 19 broadcast of Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim by host Jeffrey Bingham Mead on 1490 WGCH Greenwich, Connecticut USA and anywhere on WGCH.com.

The Admission Network of Chinese Universities and Colleges (ANCUC) is a professional online network that links international students with Chinese universities and colleges. It established a strategic partnership with Beijing AmBridge International Culture Development, Ltd., and The Pacific Learning Consortium, Inc.

The Sino-American Cultural Exchange Scholarship Program covers:

-Tuition funds will be comprehensively used by the host university. It may cover scholarship students’ education, administration costs and expenditures to support student activities.

-Free university dormitory or accommodation subsidy.

-Comprehensive medical insurance.

-Stipend:

Undergraduate students: CNY 2,500 per month;
Master’s students: CNY 3,000 per month;
Doctoral students: CNY 3,500 per month;
Credit-course students: refer to above.

NOTE: International travel expenditure is self-financed.

“ANCUC believes that young people own the future, and in the coming future, China needs more than ever to prove herself to the world,” commented Mr. Harrison Ho from Beijing. He was Mead’s guest on the November 19 broadcast.“Our aim to help all the international students find an ideal program in an ideal Chinese university in an ideal city, and to help the universities find ideal students. ANCUC serves to link the future world with China.”

Since 2014, The Admission Network of Chinese Universities and Colleges has established wide connections with the best universities in China. It is able to offer over 50,000 programs provided by around 400 universities and colleges. Through ANCUC students have access to the best Chinese and English Medium programs (including but not restricted to Medicine, Engineering, International Trade, Chinese Language, etc.) in Chinese universities.

“This is a golden opportunity for qualifying American students,” said Jeffrey Bingham Mead. “China stirs the imagination. With100,000 scholarships available, the Sino-American Cultural Exchange Scholarship Program is a winning choice at a time when college education in the USA is very expensive. This exciting partnership offers global, transformative experiences for American students that will last a lifetime for themselves and their families.”

Get all the facts. Start now. Learn more by going to www.ancuc.com, or contact The Pacific Learning Consortium at pacificlearningconsortium@gmail.com (PacificLearningConsortium.org), or MarvelsofChina@gmail.com

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Coming Up Next: Traditional Chinese Medicinal Practices with Dr. Li Bo, Xinyuan Hospital and the Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences

On our November 26, Thanksgiving Saturday broadcast I will be welcoming Dr. Li Bo of Xinyuan Hospital and the Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences.

Dr. Li will be educating us about traditional Chinese medicine and medical practices -including his time in the African nation of Tanzania at Muhimibili National Hospital.

We will feature of weekly words of wisdom on the Confucius Moment, and take you to another exciting destination on Treasures of China: the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing's Forbidden City.

Remember to tune in this coming Saturday, November 26 to AM 1490 WGCH and anywhere on WGCH.com 10:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time/ 9:30 p.m. China Time. Our previous broadcasts are archived on podcasts.com and the Shows & Hosts section of WGCH.com. Register for news and to be on our email list atMarvelsofChina@gmail.com, and “like” us on Facebook. Stay abreast of our broadcasts at MarvelsofChina.blogspot.com.

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