A Child Is Given

Isaiah 9:6-7

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,

Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,

To order it and establish it with judgment and justice  
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Many of you may have read this verse or heard it spoken; especially at Christmastime.

The “Child”, is none other than Jesus Christ. What you may not have realized is that this passage of scripture was written approximately 739-690 B.C.; that is about 700 years “BEFORE” Jesus was even born! God foretold of a child to come that would change the world. Not only would this child be a “world-changer, but look at the titles He is given:  Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace! These are divine titles, belonging only to God alone!

This was no ordinary child to be born, but God come to earth and to mankind in human flesh. Could this have been someone other than Jesus? What else was prophesied about the Messiah to come?

1. GOD WOULD COME TO EARTH

John 1:1-3, 14 [1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was with God in the beginning. [3] Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  [14] The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

2. BORN OF A VIRGIN

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.  700 B.C.

Mattthew 1:20-23 [20] But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.   [21] She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."  [22] All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: [23] "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" --which means, "God with us."

3. FROM THE HOUSE OF JUDAH

Isaiah 37:31 Once more a remnant of the house of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above.  700 B.C.

Matthew 1:1-2, 16 [1] A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son [descendant] of David, the son of Abraham: [2] Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, [16] and [a later] Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

4. FROM THE HOUSE OF DAVID

Isaiah 16:5 In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it--one from the house of David--one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness.  700 B.C.

Matthew 1:1-2A, 6, 16 [1] A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: [2] Abraham was the father of Isaac, ... [6] and Jesse the father of King David. [16] and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

5. BORN IN BETHLEHEM EPHRATHAH

Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.  700 B.C.

Matthew 2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem

Over the years there have been a number of "Bethlehems" in Israel.  At the time of Jesus' birth, Bethlehem Ephrathah, referred to in Matthew as "Bethlehem in Judea", was a village about five miles south of Jerusalem, and there also was a town named Bethlehem about seven miles northwest of Nazareth.  (Per footnote Matthew 2:1 of the Zondervan NIV Study Bible, 10th Anniversary Edition, (c) 1995)

6. BE FROM NAZARETH OF GALILEE

Isaiah 9:1-2 [1] Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan -- [2] The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.  700 B.C.

Matthew 4:13-16 [13] Leaving Nazareth, he [Jesus] went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali-- [14] to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:  [15] "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles -- [16] the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."

7. HIS BIRTH WOULD TRIGGER A MASSACRE OF INFANT BOYS

Jeremiah 31:15 This is what the LORD says: "A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more."  625 B.C.

Matthew 2:16-18 [16] When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. [17] Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: [18] "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."

8. COME OUT OF EGYPT

Hosea 11:1  When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.  725 B.C.

Matthew 2:14-15  [14] So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, [15] where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."

9. MISSION WOULD INCLUDE THE GENTILES

Isaiah 49:6 he [the Lord] says: "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." 700 B.C.

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6 [1] "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. [2] He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.  [3] A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.  In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; [4] he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope." [6] "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand.  I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,  700 B.C.

Matthew 12:14-21 [14] But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. [15] Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, [16] warning them not to tell who he was. [17] This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: [18] "Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. [19] He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. [20] A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. [21] In his name the nations will put their hope."

Note that in Biblical usage the Gentiles are often referred to as "the nations."

10. MINISTRY WOULD INCLUDE MIRACULOUS HEALINGS

Isaiah 29:18 In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.  700 B.C.

Isaiah 35:5-6a [5] Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.  [6a] Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.  700 B.C.

Luke 7:20-22 [20] When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, `Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?' " [21] At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. [22] So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."

11. MINISTRY WOULD DELIVER SPIRITUAL CAPTIVES

Isaiah 61:1-2 [1] The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, [2] to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,  700 B.C.

Luke 4:16-21 [16] He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. [17] The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: [18] "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, [19] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."  [20] Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, [21] and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Not too shabby, considering it was His first sermon!

12. DESPISED AND REJECTED BY MEN

Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  700 B.C.

The Crucifixion narratives in all four Gospels show this prophecy fulfilled.

13. HATED WITHOUT CAUSE

Psalm 69:4 Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal.  1000 B.C.

Isaiah 49:7 This is what the LORD says-- the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel-- to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: "Kings will see you and rise up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."  700 B.C.

John 7:48-49 "Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? [49] No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law--there is a curse on them."

John 15:24-25 [24] If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father.  [25] But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: `They hated me without reason.'

14. REJECTED BY RULERS

Psalm 118:22 The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone [cornerstone of a building]; [23] the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.  before 400 B.C.

Matthew 21:42 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures:" `The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes' ?

John 7:48-49 Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? [49] No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law--there is a curse on them.

15. REJECTED BY HIS OWN BROTHERS

Psalms 69:8 I am a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother's sons  1000 B.C.

(Side note: this pretty much kills the Catholic Church's claim that when the Gospels name Jesus' brothers they are talking about His cousins.)

Mark 3:20-21 [20] Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. [21] When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."

John 7:1-5 [1] After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. [2] But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, [3] Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. [4] No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." [5] For even his own brothers did not believe in him.

16. BETRAYED FOR 30 PIECES OF SILVER

Zechariah 11:12 I told them, "If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it." So they paid me thirty pieces of silver.  500 B.C.

Matthew 26:14-15 [14] Then one of the Twelve--the one called Judas Iscariot--went to the chief priests [15] and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.

17. SILVER RETURNED
SILVER USED TO BUY POTTER'S FIELD

Zechariah 11:12-13 [12] I told them, "If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it." So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. [13] And the LORD said to me, "Throw it to the potter"--the handsome price at which they priced me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD to the potter.  500 B.C.

Matthew 27:3-10 [3] When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. [4] "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility." [5] So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. [6] The chief priests picked up the coins and said, "It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money." [7] So they decided to use the money to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners. [8] That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. [9] Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "They took the thirty silver coins, the price set on him by the people of Israel, [10] and they used them to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me."

 18. DISCIPLES WOULD SCATTER

Zechariah 13:7 "Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!" declares the LORD Almighty. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones."  500 B.C.

Matthew 26:31 Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: " `I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'"

ONLY Jesus accomplished this and it was foretold 700-1000 years before His birth and death. These are just a mere “sample” of prophecies written about the Messiah and fulfilled by Jesus!

So what’s the point? Jesus was more than a man, but God AND Man! God’s Word is true and accurate from 1000 years out to your prayer you uttered last night! He is real and YOU are His child! He will do what He says and has the Power to accomplish it! TRUST HIM!

This holiday season, remember WHO Jesus is, WHY He came to live and die, WHAT He accomplished for you and can do for you, WHERE you are ultimately going, HOW your life can be changed!

Have a blessed Christmas, because you ARE Blessed! No matter what you may be facing, if you are God’s Child, Saved by Jesus’ Blood, everything will be alright. This life is temporary and there will come a day when ALL your wrongs will be righted!

And if you are Not…YOU CAN BE! Just turn away from your past sins and accept the Savior born to save you!

God Bless You

Love Brother Edward

Wise Men From The East

Matthew 2:1-2

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

This is part of the opening account of the birth of Jesus Christ. At Christmas, many nativity scenes are displayed throughout the world. We see the baby Jesus surrounded by Mary and Joseph, his earthly parents. Usually barnyard animals accompany the scene, but none can escape the wise men gathered around with gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh in hand.

Who were these men from the "East"? We have little information to go on, but the Bible says they traveled from the East, from distant lands to Jerusalem to worship the newly born King of Kings. The phrase "from the East" leaves a wide door to possible travelers. To the east of Jerusalem was any country past the Euphrates.River. 

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Could it be that some of these wise men from Asia? I believe the possibility is there. In the distant east lay the Parthian Empire, little known today, but it rivaled the Roman Empire for hegemony of the world at the time. Parthia included all the conquered lands of Babylon, Persia, Bactria, and many other countries on the east side of the Euphrates River. It was to these lands that the Assyrians had exiled some of the ancient house of Israel, and many of their descendants had remained in the region.

There are many theories and speculations of the origin of not only who where these wise men, but also, how many wise men there were. Scripture never actually says there were only 3 wise men, but simple; "wise men from the East". It is quite possible that these men could have been a conglomerate of nationalities, given the significance of the event. Most importantly, it would not be beyond reason to assume the Far East of Asia was among the representatives.

In recent tradition the Magi have been portrayed as three kings, or noble men, of different origin. One from Western Europe (usually Celtic-like from the British Isles or France), another of African Origin (usually Abyssinian, Ethiopian), the last from Asia either from the Arabian Peninsula (e.g. Yemen or Oman) or the Far East (usually China). The European is often portrayed with the gold as the other two gifts were native to Africa and Asia so the myrrh and frankincense vary between "King".


There was a tradition that the Central Asian Naimans and their Christian Kerait relatives were descended from the Biblical Magi. This heritage passed to the Mongol dynasty of Genghis Khan when Sorghaghtani, niece of the Kerait ruler Toghrul, married Tolui the youngest son of Genghis and became the mother of Möngke Khan and his younger brother and successor, Kublai Khan. Toghrul became identified with the legendary Central Asian Christian king, Prester John, whose Mongol descendants were sought as allies against the Muslims by contemporary European monarchs and popes

In any event, I believe that China also has a prominent role at Jesus' birth!

Chinese Art

Chinese art, like Chinese literature, goes back many centuries. Early themes were developed from religious and supernatural beliefs or from the natural environment and landscape. One of the oldest and most basic forms of Chinese art is calligraphy, the painting of the Chinese characters with a brush. Calligraphy has developed as a pure art form with its own standards of excellence. Building on the tradition of calligraphy, Chinese painting developed a distinctive style that differs greatly from Western painting. It is more efficient in terms of brushstrokes and appears more abstract. Landscapes have always been a popular theme, and sometimes these appear bizarre to the Western eye. To the Chinese painter, they may represent a figurative view painted with a few swift strokes of the artist's brush. 

With their stress on simplicity and economy, Chinese calligraphy, painting, and poetry are closely related. In all of them, the artist seeks to express both inner harmony and harmony with the natural surroundings. Chinese poets and painters often have sought inspiration by withdrawing to isolated, mountainous areas, and these landscapes have become conventional themes of Chinese art. Similarly, Chinese architecture has traditionally aimed to convey harmony with society and nature. 

The magnificent life-size terra-cotta statues of men and horses, discovered in the early 1970s in the tomb of an emperor who died in 210 BC, provide some indication of the long history of Chinese sculpture. After the introduction of Buddhism into China, Buddhist subjects became dominant themes of the sculptor's art. Perhaps best known (and most copied) in the West, however, are the works of Chinese decorative artists, such as pottery, bronzes, lacquer ware, and exquisitely detailed jade and ivory carvings.

 

My love for Chinese artwork rus deep from the first time I was blessed to view it. I have collected a few pieces for my own personal collection. The Chinese are very skilled at their craft and it is truly a gift to the world as a whole.

The art goes well beyond paintings and include; sculpture, buddhist art, pottery, porcelain,  silk and Chinese folk art. I would urge anyone who has an eye for great artwork to check out the works of our friends to the East.

Thanks For The Tea

 Thanks For The Tea

The Chinese have consumed tea for thousands of years. People of the Han Dynasty used tea as medicine (though the first use of tea as a stimulant is unknown). China is considered to have the earliest records of tea consumption, with records dating back to the 10th century BC.

When the Chinese began to ship tea around the world, it became available for the world to enjoy. Many places, as in America, there are "tea houses", where lovers of the leaves go to relax and sip. Tea now is enjoyed in all kinds of varieties and flavors.

 

As of late, medicial properties of tea has caused a resurgance in sales. From green to ginseng  to chamomile to black tea, many are looking to tea as a healing and preventative agent in personal health.

It's been said that there is nothing like the origional and the origonal is Chinese. Not only is the flavor traditional, almost ancient, it comes with tradition in the ceromonial aspect. It just "feels" right to desire to drink tea in China.

Just one more thing to love about China!

PRAY FOR NEWTOWN

Kung Fu Madness

I remember when I was a kid, about 10 or so. On Saturday mornings, I would meet up with my cousins and we would all take the train downtowm. Our destination? The movie theatre to catch the latest Kung Fu flick.

Our obsession with Kung Fu began when we saw our very first Bruce Lee appearance in the Batman episodes where he played at Kato, the sidekick to the character, the Green Hornet.

We had never seen fighting styles like that before and he made it look so easy! We immediately fell in love with Bruce Lee and Kung Fu. Apparently, all of America had the same love, for soon a steady stream of Kung Fu movies started to flow starring Bruce Lee. It was easy to tell whenever a new movie was released, because you would see hundreds of young boys running down the street badly immitating Kung Fu moves.

Bruce Lee, single handedly put Kung Fu on the map in America. Not only was the film industry cranking out movie after movie, but Kung Fu Studio's popped up everywhere to teach eager new students. It also opened up a new appreciation and interest in China. Chinese related products began to sell like crazy.

After many blockbuster movies, Bruce Lee mysteriously and suddenlt died. His death is still shrouded in mystery and conspiracy. He was mourned by America as well as China and his funeral was "rock star" status. He is still "THE" standard to imitate in the martial arts world.

Since his pasing, Kung Fu lived on as it always has since ancient Chinese culture. To this day, Kung Fu movies still have a great following as they bcome more dramatic with modern day special effects. The classes still supply an endless amount of young wanna-bes willing to learn. 

More importantly, Bruce Lee opened the door, not only to Kung Fu, but many other forms of martial arts, from Judo to Jujitsu and Taekwondo to Karate and more. It has caused an explosion of appearances not only on Asian themed films, but US and internation action films, kid movies, television shows, video games, MMA competitions and even music. 

The world owes a great debt to Brue Lee for what he managed to cultivate and Brue Lee owes everything to China. We applaude them both and love them dearly.

The Rising Sun

China has long been one of the major players in modern technology.  Email Marketing Software and Help Desk Software are hot. It seems almost 50% of imports into the US are made in China. 

The Chinese are hard working and intelligent and add much value to the world and their economies. More and more Chinese are taking advantage of their new status on the world stage and becoming the worlds fastest growing economy.

As an American, I must admire the work ethic and ingenuity. I personally have worked hard at the things I do and am always looking for new profitable opportunities. I believe many here in the US can take valuable lessons from the Chinese.

Strong work bahts and drive, combined with capitalism, fuels people to rise up in their station in life, and thus, lifts up the society as a whole around them. In this global recession, I believe this is just what is called for. New ideas, new vision and skilled workers. 

As we learn to think "outside the box", we will find new ways of doing old things better and we will find these to be profitable for all. No longer do we have to be slaves to our circumstance. Our minds hold a vast amount of potential; we just have to exercise it's deepest riches. 

I believe in the future. There are lessons to be learned from the Chinese to make both countries better.

US ships to track N Korea launch

7 December 2012 Last updated at 02:28 ET North Korea launched a rocket in April but it failed after only a few minutes The US is moving navy ships into position to track a North Korean rocket due to launch later this month.
The warships were moved to achieve "the best situational awareness", the US military chief in the region said.
Japan's government, meanwhile, has formally issued an order to its military to shoot down any rocket debris that infringes on its territory.
North Korea plans to launch its rocket between 10 and 22 December, saying it will put a satellite into space.
The US and other nations say the launch constitutes a test of long-range missile technology banned under UN resolutions.
North Korea conducted a similar launch in April 2012, but the rocket flew only for a short time before crashing into waters off the Korean peninsula.
This launch window includes two key dates - 17 December marks the first anniversary of the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il and 19 December is when South Korea's presidential election takes place.
Missile interceptors
South Korea's Yonhap news agency - citing unidentified sources - reports that all three stages of the rocket are now in place at the launch site and that fuel is being injected into a storage tank, after which the rocket will be fuelled.
But a US think-tank says preparations may not be this far advanced, citing satellite images of the launch site.
Snow had forced a temporary halt to work on 4 December, the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University said on its 38 North website, but the North Koreans still had time to complete preparations on schedule.
Based on co-ordinates provided by Pyongyang, the rocket is expected to fly south - with stages dropping into the sea west of the Korean peninsula and then east of the Philippines.
Admiral Samuel Locklear, head of US forces in the Asia-Pacific region, said preparations for the launch were being watched "very closely".
On the warships, he said it "should seem logical that we'll move them around so we have the best situational awareness".
"To the degree that those [navy] ships are capable of participating in ballistic missile defense, then we will position them to be able to do that," he said.
The rocket's flight plan also takes it close to parts of Japan's Okinawa prefecture. The Japanese government has pledged to shoot down any debris that falls over its territory.
It is deploying three warships equipped with missile interceptors and is also positioning PAC-3 missile interceptors on the ground at four locations in Okinawa prefecture, Kyodo news agency said.
All Nippon Airways, meanwhile, says it is adjusting flight plans to avoid the area off the Philippines where the second stage of the rocket may fall.
Similar preparations by the US and Japanese militaries were seen ahead of the failed launch in April. But the 30m (100ft) Unha-3 rocket is thought to have flown for only minutes before breaking up.
North Korea has not yet successfully launched a three-stage rocket, despite four attempts since 1998. It is believed to be working on the development of a long-range missile capable of reaching the west coast of the US mainland.
The US and its allies say the rocket launches represent banned tests of ballistic missile technology because the basic technology is the same.

View the original article here

Oh, The Food!

Here in America, we enjoy a melting pot of all kids of peoples and cultures. From time to time this can lead to misunderstandings as we try to learn one another's ways and customs. There is one thing we do celebrate in this multi-ethnic culture; Food!

In any city, one can find cuisines from all over the globe and I must say, Americans are loving the Chinese food! The exotic names and the sensuous aromas practically fill your belly even before the first bite.

From Fried Wontons to Crab Rangoon; Kung Pao Chicken to Roast Pork Lo Mien; from Moo Goo Gai Pan to Vegetable Egg Foo Young, here in the US, we cannot get enough of the flavors from the East. Many a Chinese immigrant have carved out their stake of the American Dream by owning and operating a Chinese restaurant in their new community. 

 

The food and the people who preparing, not only feed our appetites,  but also perk our interest in China itself. It's only natural to want more of what is so good. I what we experience of China here in America is just a portion of the authentic; I want to see, touch, smell and taste the original.

I salute the Chinese people for bringing such beautiful culture into the world. As an American, I appreciate all that is called Chinese. Thank you.

Year Of The Snake

2013 is the year of the snake. Ancient Chinese wisdom says a Snake in the house is a good omen because it means that your family will not starve.  People born in the Year of the Snake are keen and cunning, quite intelligent and wise.  They are great mediators and good at doing business.  Therefore, you should have good luck if you were born in the  Year of the Snake.

 

This is a great thing and I guess a great year for all my "snake-like" friends. Snakes are known to have those stealth, nija qualities. They slither in unaware and startle any unsuspecting passerby.

 

In this crippled economy, we need those with great business skills as well as high intelligence. I had hoped 2013 would be a more prosperous year, unfortunately, I am not a snake. I am looking forward to surrounding myself with those of these great attributes.

There are many in the US that consider "snake" a bad term. With the reputation of being cunning, wise and stealth, snakes have also gained a reputation of being untrustworthy and sneaky. Here, it is not a good to hold the title of a snake. I believe the snake crowd can use all of it's attributes in good ways.

 

My hat goes off to snakes everywhere. May it be a very good year.

USA Pennyboard Fever

Pennyboards are HOT in the US! These Australasian made skateboards are smaller and sleeker than traditional boards. The Penny Skateboard craze is in full effect and why wouldn’t it be?  These things are super fun to ride and just cruise around on, plus they are basically indestructible.

 From the grom skater kid to the cool dad that remembers riding the little banana boards with metal wheels back in the day, these things have been selling off the shelves at every core surf shop! If you’re looking for a cruiser to get from point A to point B or a little carver board to get you from one spot to the next.  They are durable and long lasting, from the plastic deck to the metal trucks, these things can with stand the abuse from any crazy grom!

Much like vintage typewriters, LP records and hot-rods, plastic skateboards are artifacts with roots in an earlier era. Though slight, they seem to promise patrons a soulful, if fleeting, return to a simpler time. The willfully anachronistic, easily transportable boards can satisfy one's lo-fi, retro, old-school, vintage craving. To ride one is to temporarily forget a duty to sponsors, to get back to the basics of pushing and more pushing and then pushing some more.

 The Penny Hoverboard

The one that seems to be HOTTEST right now is the Blue 2012 Penny this has a bright blue deck, white trucks and red wheels

 

 All in all, the Penny is a hugely enjoyable ride that has you itching to have one more run, take one more tight turn and hurtle past onlookers whilst effortlessly leaning into the next carve

I Love The Chinese

I have always had a fascination with China and the Chinese people and culture. Most of my exposure had been from what I learned in school and the movies, sad to say. I wished and still do long to visit one day and take in the sights and sounds of this great nation.

It came much to my surprise to learn that Chinese were just as curious about the United States as I was about China. I've decided to create a small bridge; a window if it were for those curious about the US and I hope in my journey, I will learn more about the China and her people.

Here in the US, I am a married 45yr old with 4 kids; 3 girls and 1 boy; two in the universities and two at home. We live in  a nice house and in a nice neighborhood. I work as a manager in a store and my wife has a job as customer service representative. Life is good; I'm thankful.

I grew up in Boston, Massachusetts and have since moved. I remember my many visits to the downtown section of the city. Just a short walk away from the rows of department store and shops was Boston's Chinatown. Here is one could get authentic Chinese food and hear the language spoken and experience true Chinese culture from those who have staked out a living here.

I hope I will find more fond memories as I delve deeper with this blog.