People

A Life Written in Water, Anita Mui (梅艳芳)

In Memory of Anita Mui 梅艳芳 October 10, 1963 – December 30, 2003 What is a life written in water? Meaningful or empty? If it had a melody, would it sound happy or sad, or something else? Anita Mui sang the evocative “A Life Written in Water” in a 1984 Hong Kong movie called “Homecoming.” Anita was a superstar [...]

What Will This Courageous Boy Do When He Grows Up?

Dr. Grant Stewart, retired trauma surgeon from Vancouver, and Dr. John Ducas, cardiologist from Winnipeg, with Zhen Yi and his dad in 2012 If you’re like me, you’ll cry when you find out. It makes me wonder about making a difference in someone’s life, especially a child’s. Can we ever know the extent of [...]

Dr. Norman Bethune, China’s Canadian Hero, Fate or Destiny? (Part II)

By Ramona McKean Part II Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China If ever a Western foreigner could provide a "bridge" of appreciation and understanding between China and Canada, it is Dr. Norman Bethune. Though he’s been gone for 75 years now, the mention of his name in China can still cause many to stop [...]

Dr. Norman Bethune, China’s Canadian Hero, Fate or Destiny? (Part I)

Part I: Pre-China Endeavors and Accomplishments Dr. Norman Bethune went to China in 1938 to offer support to a peasant army combatting Japanese aggression then died less than two years later. This year marks the 75th anniversary of his death in China. To this day Bethune, Báiqiú’ēn (白求恩), is still viewed a hero in China. Sadly, [...]

Near Death in China, Fate or Destiny?

Including an Introduction to Dr. Norman Bethune On February 10, 2005, during Spring Festival (aka Chinese New Year) in a rural area of China, I almost left this earthly plane. I can’t say I had a “near death experience” as I did not see lights, a tunnel, angels, etc. In fact, I did not even [...]

Tribute to Teresa Teng, Jan. 29, 1953 – May 8, 1995

Teresa Teng, Deng Lijun, 邓丽君 When I arrived in Harbin, China in 2004 to teach English, I wanted to learn at least a little Mandarin. Since music helps me a lot with other languages, I asked my friend Liyi for help. "Who can I listen to who sings Mandarin clearly and also [...]

What Do Space, Social Media and One Very Cool Rock Star All Have in Common?

The Answer: Chris Hadfield Quote of the Day: “Decide in your heart of hearts what really excites and challenges you, and start moving your life in that direction... Look at who you want to be, and start sculpting yourself into that person. You may not get exactly where you thought you'd be, but you will [...]

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