Tag Archives: China

Zheng He’s First Voyage

Posted on July 11, 2016 by swabby429

I venture to guess that most people in the United States don’t know who Zheng He was.  Due to our country’s dominant Eurocentric culture, we are usually only taught about the exploration of the world as it happened by explorers … Continue reading →

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Something About Chrysanthemums

Posted on November 11, 2015 by swabby429

Japanese culture considers the chrysanthemum a symbol of the Sun.  They see the unfolding petals as representatives of perfection.  Some claim a petal at the bottom of a wine glass encourages a long life.  Confucius used them as subjects of … Continue reading →

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Learn From Lei Feng Day

Posted on March 5, 2014 by swabby429

For many years, one of my fascinations has been propaganda.  Whether it’s in the form of commercial advertising, news reports, or outright government communiques and visual art.  Some of the most blatant and striking has been generated by the various … Continue reading →

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Dalai Lama Escapes

Posted on March 17, 2013 by swabby429

During the past 53 years, there has been a glimmer of hope among the people of Tibet. That is Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama will be able to safely return to his homeland. For a longer time than His … Continue reading →

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Tibetan Independence Day

Posted on February 13, 2013 by swabby429

One of my Tibetan friends commented that the number 13 will be very auspicious for Tibetan people this year.  I asked him to clarify his opinion. Tenzin noted that 100 years ago, today, February 13, 1913, the Proclamation of Tibetan Independence was … Continue reading →

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What Were They Thinking?

Posted on November 8, 2011 by swabby429

Do you often mentally ask questions about the screwy things we read in the various sources such as news stories, emails, etc.? Many of the items and events seemingly could have been avoided if a little more brain time and … Continue reading →

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Regal Dragons

Posted on October 10, 2011 by swabby429

According to traditional Chinese astrological reckoning, my nature and being are allied with the Dragon. This idea could be the root of a major ego trip, so I need to be careful to watch for this predilection. Maybe you’re a … Continue reading →

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