Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim on AM 1490 WGCH and Anywhere on WGCH.com: March 2017

Monday, March 27, 2017

Coming Up Next: Tea is Served When I Welcome Chairman Ms. Yin Zhijun of Laoshe Tea House, Beijing

Tea is served this coming Saturday, April 1 when I welcome from Beijing Chairman Ms. Yin Zhijun of the internationally renowned Lao She Tea House in the Chinese capitol.

Also joining us by phone will be Mr. Liming Guan of The China Press in New York City. He will be assisting Chairman Yin with English translation of her comments.

Needles to say, tea is important in Chinese culture and tradition. Tea culture has played an important role in Chinese civilization for untold generations. The Chinese even successfully exported tea to Europe, the USA and elsewhere around the world. Remember that event in the 1700s called the Boston Tea Party? That was all Chinese tea.

Lao She Tea House was founded in 1988 by Chairman Yin's father. You'll learn that Lao She offers much more than tea. This tea house offers its patrons a cornucopia of Chinese cultural performances. These include Kung Fu, acrobatics, crosstalk, dancing, Peking opera and more. For many years audiences from around the world are dazzled. You may not speak or understand Chinese language, but this is a cultural immersion experience that is not to be missed.

We'll hear more words of timeless wisdom on the weekly Confucius Moment, venture off to a new, exciting destination on Treasures of China and more announcements, too.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 1, 2017 for the next show broadcasting on 1490 WGCH and anywhere on WGCH.com starting 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time USA.

Xie xie! Thank you for tuning in to Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim. My weekly newsletter, 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.

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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.

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.

Friday, March 24, 2017

Forever, Chinatown: Dioramas by Frank Wong at the Chinese Historical Society of America in San Francisco, California USA

Chinese Historical Society of America Museum, San Francisco California USA

It’s hard to imagine anyone not being moved by Frank Wong’s fastidiously detailed dioramas. Seeing them was exceptionally high on my list of exhibits to see in San Francisco’s Chinese Historical Society of America Museum in Chinatown.

But I admit that when I gazed at these unique visual representations of Frank Wong’s memories I was astonished.

I first heard about these diorama’s from Corey Tong, producer of Forever, Chinatown who I enjoyed the privilege of welcoming to the December 17 broadcast of Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim on 1490 WGCH Greenwich, Connecticut USA. (Click here to listen)

Chinese Herb Shop, by Frank Wong. Chinese Historical Society of America, San Francisco.

Chinese Herb Shop, by Frank Wong. Chinese Historical Society of America, San Francisco

Frank Wong and his amazing dioramas get center stage in Forever, Chinatown -and deservedly so.

Self-taught -and equipped with a rare gift of patience seemingly lost in our 21st century digital age- Frank has recreated his fading childhood memories by hand-building what have been described as “romantic, extraordinarily detailed miniature models of the San Francisco Chinatown rooms of his youth.”

Single-Room-Occupancy, by Frank Wong. Chinese Historical Society of America, San Francisco

Chinese Laundry/Tailor Shop by Frank Wong. Chinese Historical Society of America, San Francisco

Producer/Director James Q. Chan has commented that Forever, Chinatown “takes the journey of one individual and maps it to a rapidly changing urban neighborhood from 1940s to present day. A meditation on memory, community, and preserving one’s own legacy, Frank’s three-dimensional miniature dioramas become rare portals into a historic neighborhood and a window to the artists’s filters and romanticized memories and emotional struggles.”

Christmas by Frank Wong. Chinese Historical Society of America, San Francisco

Kitchen by Frank Wong. Chinese Historical Society of America, San Francisco

Chinese New Year, by Frank Wong. Chinese Historical Society of America, San Francisco

Shoeshine Stand by Frank Wong. Chinese Historical Society of America, San Francisco

Both the film and the dioramas -now on permanent display at the Chinese Historical Society of America- are a heartwarming tribute to an exceptionally gifted soul and a resilient community that has known storm and sunshine.

I found myself smiling and touched by such uncommon expression of love for Chinatown.

When you are in the "City by the Bay" make it a priority to visit the museum and view Frank Wong’s creations.

You’ll be glad you did.

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.

Monday, March 20, 2017

The Grant Plaza Hotel, Your Choice When Visiting San Francisco

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.

Learn more by going to www.grantplaza.com.

If These Walls Could Talk: Mural Art on the Streets and Alleys of San Francisco's Chinatown

San Francisco's Chinatown is an explorer's paradise, a colorfully textured cornucopia of sights, sounds, aromas that raised the bar on rich history and expression. It was not long after I arrived in this oldest and largest Chinatown in the USA that I was out hitting the pavement just trying to soak it all in.

Below are samples of the mural or wall art that embellishes the walls along Chinatown's streets and alleyways. I hope these images provide your eyes with an unforgettable feast!

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.

Coming Up Next: Mr. Michael Liu, the director of Chinese Community Initiatives, Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts at Flushing Town Hall New York City

http://marvelsofchina.blogspot.com/2017/03/coming-up-next-mr-michael-liu-director.html

Flushing, Queens, New York City is a phenomenal place. Just ask the people in the image above.

When I rode the #7 Subway from Grand Central Terminal to Main Street I never imagine the surprise that awaited me when I emerged for the first time.

I felt as if I took the subway to a destination in Chinese-speaking Asia. When I related my first impressions to good friend and former show guest Dr. Dave Wang he just laughed -and I could not blame him.

After lunch we ventured to historic Flushing Town Hall, headquarters of Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts. This hub of cultural activity features an impressive myriad of fascinating Asian-themed programs serving the community.

Learn more by visiting http://www.flushingtownhall.org and to https://www.nyc-arts.org/organizations/321/flushing-town-hall

My guest on the upcoming March 25 broadcast is Mr. Michael Liu, the director of Chinese Community Initiatives at Flushing Town Hall.

I'm looking forward to introducing you to Michael Liu, to the successful programs he manages and how you can experience and be enriched by everything that the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts has to offer -and how you can join the fun and support its mission.

We'll head off to another amazing Chinese destination on Treasures of China, get our weekly dose of wisdom on the Confucius Moment, hear about exhibits, programs and happens and more!

Mark your calendar! Tune in for Saturday's broadcast starting at 10:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time/ 10:30 p.m. Beijing Time on March 25, 2017 on 1490 WGCH and anywhere via streaming audio on WGCH.com.

Saturday, March 11, 2017

Coming Up Next: 'Sour, Sweet, Bitter, Spicy: Stories of Chinese Food and Identity with Herb Tam, Museum of Chinese in America New York City.

You are invited! Sour, Sweet, Bitter, Spicy: Stories of Chinese Food and Identity in America has been such a huge hit at the Museum of Chinese in America that it's been extended through September 10, 2017.

Consider this: the exhibit "invites the audience into a conversation about the meaning of Chinese food as a platform for experimentation, a test of authenticity, a means of immigrant survival, and a microcosm of Chinese culture."

I had to learn more -so I invited Mr. Herb Tam, Curator and Director of Exhibition of MOCA to the segment on the March 18, 2017 broadcast of Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim.

Go to this link to read what Food & Wine had to say, and Paste Magazine, too.

We'll hear more words of timeless wisdom on the weekly Confucius Moment, venture off to a new, exciting destination on Treasures of China and more announcements, too.

So, mark your calendar for next Saturday, March 18, 2017 for the next show broadcasting on 1490 WGCH and anywhere on WGCH.com starting 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time USA.

Saturday, March 4, 2017

Coming Up Next: Dr. Dave Wang Returns to Discuss Chinese Export Porcelain

Listen to the broadcast here.

Chinese export porcelain was more than a common product or a mere commodity. It was a phenomenon that swept Europe and North America like nothing ever before.

Porcelain from China was coveted by America's founders and many others. Some were so addicted to their cravings for Chinese porcelain that they went into debt -and paid the consequences.

On this past President's Day holiday weekend in the USA you heard me welcome Dr. Dave Wang, a noted international authority originally from China who has researched, lectured and published on the ties between the American Founders and Chinese civilization.

I met Dr. Wang in Chinatown, Flushing Queens in New York City to hear his findings about the impact of Chinese Export Porcelain on Americans and Europeans.

I asked him to share his thoughts on the March 11 show.

Dr. Wang is the managing librarian of the Laurelton Library in Queens, New York City and an adjunct professor at St. John's University.

We'll feature our usual explorations on Treasures of China, immerse ourselves in timeless Chinese wisdom on the Confucius Moment and more!

I'll share some announcements, happenings and events -and my impressions of the Asian food courts in Flushing Queens! I felt like I was back in Asia!

Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 11 at 10:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time/ 11:30 p.m. China Time on 1490 WGCH and anywhere via streaming audio on WGCH.com.

Part 2 on Conversations: March 4 Show, with Author James M. Scott, Target Tokyo: Jimmy Doolittle and The Raid That Avenged Pearl Harbor

My guest on the Saturday, March 4, 2017 broadcast was James M. Scott, author of Target Tokyo: Jimmy Doolittle and The Raid That Avenged Pearl Harbor. This interview is the second and final of two parts:

http://www.podcasts.com/marvels-of-china-pathways-to-the-pacific-rim-ec77abf8d/episode/Show-57-March-4-2017-59cb

It was 75 years ago this coming April 18 that the Doolittle Raid was launched to avenge the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Sixteen U.S. Army bombers under the command of Jimmy Doolittle lifted off the deck of the USS Hornet.

This one-way mission pummeled factories, refineries, dockyards and other targets in the Japanese capitol -then there was the task of escaping to China. While Roosevelt heralded the raid as a propaganda victory it came at a heavy price by the Chinese people who suffered the most -victims of a retaliatory campaign by the Japanese Army that tragically claimed the lives of an estimated 250,000 Chinese lives.

This is one of the most exhaustive and detailed narratives of the Doolittle Raid ever assembled, with author James M. Scott having access to never-before utilized or published international sources.

You'll hear about Jimmy Doolittle, the son of an Alaskan gold prospector, a former boxer and brilliant engineer who earned his doctorate from MIT, Chiang Kai-shek, Lieutenant General Joseph Stilwell, Vice Admiral William "Bull" Halsey, Jr., and the young American pilots, navigators and bombardiers -many little more than teenagers- who volunteered for a mission that few expected to return from.

There are both English and Chinese language editions of this remarkable book. Go to this link to Amazon to purchase a copy:

https://www.amazon.com/Target-Tokyo-Doolittle-Avenged-Harbor/dp/0393352277

Author James M. Scott's official web site is here:

http://jamesmscott.com

We also featured our weekly Confucius Moment, our excursion on Treasures of China, announcements and more.

Tune in again next Saturday, March 11, 2017 to 1490 WGCH and anywhere on WGCH.com starting at 10:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time/ 11:30 P.M. China Time.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Coming Up Next: My Conversation with James M. Scott, Author of 'Target Tokyo: Jimmy Doolittle and The Raid That Avenged Pearl Harbor' Concludes -and More!

On the Saturday, March 4 broadcast of Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim I'll be concluding my conversation with James M. Scott, author of Target Tokyo: Jimmy Doolittle and The Raid That Avenged Pearl Harbor.

It was 75 years ago this coming April 18 that the Doolittle Raid was launched to avenge the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. President Franklin Roosevelt gathered with his senior military counselors to plan an ambitious, risky counterstrike against the heart of the Japanese Empire: Tokyo.

Sixteen U.S. Army bombers under the command of Jimmy Doolittle lifted off the deck of the USS Hornet. This one-way mission pummeled factories, refineries, dockyards and other targets in the Japanese capitol -then there was the task of escaping to China.

While Roosevelt heralded the raid as a propaganda victory it came at a heavy price by the Chinese people who suffered the most -victims of a retaliatory campaign by the Japanese Army that tragically claimed the lives of an estimated 250,000 Chinese lives.

This is one of the most exhaustive and detailed narratives of the Doolittle Raid ever assembled, with author James M. Scott having access to never-before utilized or published international sources.

You'll hear more about Jimmy Doolittle, the son of an Alaskan gold prospector, a former boxer and brilliant engineer who earned his doctorate from MIT, Chiang Kai-shek, Lieutenant General Joseph Stilwell, Vice Admiral William "Bull" Halsey, Jr., and the young American pilots, navigators and bombardiers -many little more than teenagers- who volunteered for a mission that few expected to return from.

There are both English and Chinese language editions of this remarkable book.

https://www.amazon.com/Target-Tokyo-Doolittle-Avenged-Harbor/dp/B00VQTAPEU

You'll also hear more about James M. Scott:

http://jamesmscott.com

We'll also feature our weekly Confucius Moment, our excursion on Treasures of China, announcements and more.

Tune in this coming Saturday, March 4, 2017 to 1490 WGCH and anywhere on WGCH.com starting at 10:30 a.m. Eastern USA Time/ 11:30 P.M. China Time.