Another YOOGE WIN For President Trump, USA!

 

Trump In Asia: Historic Peace, Trade Deals!

In yet another bold display of strength and unmatched dealmaking ability, President Donald J. Trump kicked off his historic Asia tour with a powerhouse visit to Malaysia — brokering historic peace accords, slashing trade barriers, and locking in game-changing critical minerals deals.

Peace Deals President Trump brokered the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords. Thanks to the decisive leadership and pursuit of peace by the Trump Administration, the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand joined President Trump in signing an historic peace agreement to end the military conflict between the two countries — saving millions of lives. Trade Deals President Trump signed historic trade deals with Malaysia and Cambodia. Under the two agreements, tariffs will be eliminated or significantly reduced across a massive swath of U.S. exports, non-tariff barriers will be addressed, and market access will be expanded for U.S. products.   President Trump inked reciprocal trade frameworks with Thailand and Vietnam. Under the two frameworks, the two countries will address tariff barriers on a range of U.S. goods and provide preferential market access for U.S. industrial and agricultural exports. Critical Minerals Deals President Trump signed transformative deals with Malaysia. In addition to securing groundbreaking investments worth billions, the two countries reached a critical minerals deal that will expand trade and investment, helping diversify global supply chains and enhancing U.S. national security.   President Trump signed a critical minerals deal with Thailand. This will promote partnerships between U.S. and Thai companies, increase global supply chain resilience, and mitigate the negative impact of anti-competitive behavior and unfair trade practices.

 

The Big Question Now: Is Kamala Harris Even Real?

Donald Trump has a habit of raising important issues but doing so in a cumbersome manner, and that's putting it mildly. 

Yesterday was a good example.

To cut to the chase, the actual issue at hand is not so much when Kamala Harris identified as an African-American as it is how real this woman actually is. Because in what Rush Limbaugh used to call Realville, realness is the coin of the realm. And Harris' realness is more than in doubt, it's hanging by a thread.

A lifetime in the public relations business has taught me that no quality is more greatly valued than authenticity and no brand, no product, no public figure can survive very long without it. 

Of course, Harris doesn't have to survive very long. Without a single vote being cast (and having won not a single primary) she's managed to become the standard bearer on a national ticket that hopes to sweep to power in a one-hundred-day charade.

In his own clumsy way, Donald Trump is trying to get through the smoke and mirrors and expose Harris as a chameleon. When it is in her interest to embrace one person, heritage, race or group, she will gladly do that. And it seems that when it is in her interest to drift from that embrace, well -- so be it. Put another way, in her own words Harris will be "what can be, unburdened by what has been." 

So, she ardently believed Jussie Smollett, took up his cause and publicly embraced him as a victim, until, conveniently she scampered away when her own bad judgement was exposed. She cuddled up to California political power broker Willie Brown until she no longer needed him, and then acted like they barely knew one another. She insisted that Joe Biden was at the top of his game right up until the moment when it was time to dump him and suddenly, he was no longer helpful or cogent or capable. BuhhhhBye, Joe! It was nice known' ya!

This is Kamala Harris. She's an amoeba. She was the border czar but she wasn't the border czar. She wants to outlaw fracking but she doesn't want to outlaw fracking. She raised bail for violent rioters and looters in 2020 but she didn't raise bail for them. She's African-American and Asian-Amertican and Indian-American and a Jewish "Mamala" and a "friend" of Israel and your Very Best Pal but . . . watch your back! 

Who is the real Kamala? Is she even real at all? Well, perhaps -- if a fraud can be real.

This Is The Best Analysis Of This So Far . . .

Vivek on Kamala's Heritage:

"Many Indian-Americans in the US are indeed somewhat offended by the way Kamala has suddenly cast aside the Indian-American side of identity... She wore that when it was convenient. She's wearing a different identity now." pic.twitter.com/Si7Pzk7zRJ

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 31, 2024

An 'Indispensable Part' Of Our Nation's Story!

You Won't Find Any Better Than This, Guaranteed!

We don't know about you but really miss old-fashioned Chinese restaurants with honest-to-goodness fresh dishes served up with love and gentle attentiveness in a welcoming atmosphere.

Well, actually such places still DO exists.
If you're looking for the best, freshest Asian/Chinese food in a really fine, comfortable, tranquil atmosphere try Sakura Spring on Route 70 in Cherry Hill. It's wonderful!
We've been going to Sakura Spring for years and have never, ever had a bad meal. It's a family

business where pride in hard work and authentic dishes make all the difference. In fact, the owners are on the premises at all times
The chicken, pork, beef, shrimp and vegetables are so fresh and fragrant that even a simple dish here becomes a total delight. Everything is prepared just right. Nothing is ever overcooked. Every plate is beautifully presented. And the service is friendly and attentive without being intrusive.
The decor at Sakura is also a cut above most Chinese restaurants. There's a real sense of place with lovely tables, chairs and booths and a harmonizing atmosphere that is very soothing.
Sakura also has a bountiful Chinese New Year celebration every year complete with many special dishes and a colorful dancing dragon. And there are special dishes for each season as well as delicious sushi all year round.
BTW: Sakura means "cherry blossom" which is fitting since Cherry Hill is home to some of the most beautiful cherry blossom trees in the area -- and they're in bloom right now!

An Ornate Beauty You Have To See To Believe!

Discover the beauty and cultural significance of phulkari, ornately embroidered textiles from Punjab, a region straddling Pakistan and India at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, now through July 9 only.

In addition to stunning examples from the Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz Collection, this exhibition features traditional phulkaris from the Museum’s collection and high-fashion ensembles by one of India’s leading designers, Manish Malhotra.

Phulkari, meaning “flower work,” is a labor-intensive textile made of vibrant silk embroidery on a plain-woven cotton cloth. Deeply rooted in Punjabi life before the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan (which split the Punjab region), this tradition has become a powerful symbol of Punjabi cultural identity.
Usually worn by women as large shawls on special occasions, phulkaris were also made as blankets or as furniture covers or hangings. Women of many religious groups—Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs (who consider the Punjab their holy land)—stitched phulkaris, with young girls learning needlework from older female relatives and friends. They often created the embroideries for their dowry, which they brought to their new homes when they married.
Some phulkaris depict animals and village scenes, while others display complex geometric patterns in bold colors conveying good fortune and social status. Whether figural or geometric, all are rich in symbolism: after the 1947 Partition, phulkari textiles became an important symbol for the new nation of Pakistan.
Over the past half century, phulkari techniques and patterns have experienced a revival, especially as a commercial art. As an emblem of pre-Partition village life, phulkaris have been celebrated in popular music and videos. More recently, this folk tradition has entered the realm of high fashion through designers such as Manish Malhotra, who recently created a phulkari-based couture collection.

We're happy to share photos (below) from our visit to the exhibition but we strongly urge you to see it for yourself. Nothing can match a real, live viewing of these exotic works of art!

All photos by Dan Cirucci.

US, France, Germany, Japan Top Blog Visits

Week of June 12

Pageviews by Countries Entry Pageviews United States 1682 France 1260 Germany 165 Japan 55 China 44 Bulgaria 38 Ukraine 38 Portugal 34 Slovenia 30 Canada 27

Thank you for more than 3,500 pageviews!

Blending Europe, Asia Spain Endures, Captivates!

Spain is a blend of eastern and western influences.
In fact, for more than eight centuries (up until 1492) Spain was under Islamic rule.
But the Romans were present on the Iberian peninsula for over 600 years. And today, Spain remains a Christian nation.
So, Spain presents the modern visitor with a lively (and often surprising) mix of cultures and artistic and architectural attitudes. The result is nothing less than captivating, from the ornate gilt of a gothic cathedral to the majesty of the Alhambra Palace, Spain mixes Moorish and Roman designs, delighting at every turn with sometimes overwhelming size and scope.
In fact, you'll feel as if you're in Paris one minute and Istanbul the next.
These photos cover the first part of our journey in Spain starting in Seville, then moving on to Marbella, Cordoba and Granada. See how many architectural influences you can identify.
Meanwhile, we'll ready photos from the second part of our journey to show you later.
Enjoy!

Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders For Romney

Mitt Romney has announced his Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders for Romney community.
“Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have wonderful cultures that enrich all of America,” said Mitt Romney. 
“For generations, members of this community have contributed to our country, started new businesses and invented new products, and served with honor and distinction in the fight to protect freedom all around the world. I am honored to have the support of such great Asian Americans, and look forward to working with them to get our country on the right track again.”
“I am honored that Governor Mitt Romney asked me to serve as the national chair of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Romney,” said former Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao. “Having worked in previous presidential administrations, I know Governor Mitt Romney has the experience and the character to tackle the problems that are facing our nation. Americans are suffering, and it will take new leadership to put this country on a path to prosperity and full employment.”
“I am pleased and honored to serve as a national co-chair for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Romney,” said Universal Health Care CEO Akshay Desai.
“As a businessman, I know all too well what it takes to make it in the private sector. When I hear President Obama tell small business people that “somebody else” made their success happen, I know that he is not cut out to turn around our economy. Mitt Romney is the change we so desperately need, and I look forward to having him in the White House.”

National Chair

Elaine L. Chao, 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor (2001-2009)

National Co-Chairs

Congressman Steve Austria (R-OH)
Akshay Desai, CEO of Universal Healthcare
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney General Viet Dinh
Former Congressman Charles Djou, (R-HI)
Former Director of the U.S. Mint Edmund Moy
Former Congresswoman Patricia Saiki, (R-HI)
Ambassador Sichan Siv

More Live Blogging From Chinglish

Silverman says part of the excitement of the show and part of the gamble is contained in the translation component of the show, Chinglish now on Broadway at the Longacre Theater. The show has subtitles and Silverman says many people leave the show actually feeling they can speak Chinese.
She says this is is unlike anything that's ever been done on Broadway.
What with all the interest in China as a world power Hwang says he thinks the timing for the play may be good but he says he writes the play that he likes to write and he doesn't worry too much about timing or similar factors.
Hwang also says he hopes that the play will contribute to greater cultural understanding and this has been an interest of his for a great time. He's delighted that a Asians and non-Asians are enjoying the play together and laughing together.

A Delightful Oriental Pearl!

Over the weekend we found ourselves yearning for Chinese food.
But we're picky when it comes to Chinese food and Chinese restaurants.
We expect the restaurant to have some ambiance. We don't want it to be shabby, noisy, florescent, or cramped. We expect the premises to be well cared for, comfortable, soothing and conducive to good conversation. We also expect the food to be fresh, imaginative, carefully prepared and piping hot when brought to our table.
We're very happy to say that all of our expectations were met amidst the tranquilizing and intimate atmosphere of the Oriental Pearl at 215 Kings Highway East in Haddonfield.
The Oriental Pearl features Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Thai cuisine along with a sushi bar. Here you can get everything from chow mein and egg foo young to phad thai and beef lemon grass sauteed. Tempura and teriyaki dishes are also featured along with a whole range of house specials.
We tried the pan fried noodles (with shrimp, chicken and beef) and the string bean chicken and shrimp. Entrees come with your choice or brown, white or fried rice. The food was delicious.
And here's another lovely touch: Every meal starts off with a fresh pot of tea at your table. When was the last time you saw that at a Chinese restaurant?
Beyond all that, the prices are very appealing. Most of the house special are $11.95 to $13.95 and we're talking shrimp, scallops, beef, etc. Eggs rolls and most soups are nominally priced.
Many lunch specials are available for $.5.95.
And yes, the Oriental Pearl is a BYOB.
So, hurry on over. You won't be disappointed!
To review the menu of the Oriental Pearl, click here.

Who'da Thunk It?

From James Taranto at the Wall Street Journal:

This is a Bicentennial Minute. Eleven Americans, ranging in age from 9 to 50, have come down with swine flu, the Associated Press reports: "All those people either recovered or are recovering; at least two were hospitalized."

In Mexico, however, the toll has been much worse. "About 70 deaths out of roughly 1,000 cases represents a fatality rate of about 7 percent," the AP notes. This is far higher than the 2.5% fatality rate from the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918-19, although the latter was many orders of magnitude more widespread, killing 40 million people world-wide.

"The Mexican rate sounds terrifying," the AP writes. "But it's possible that far more than 1,000 people have been infected with the virus and that many had few if any symptoms." Which is somewhat, though not entirely, reassuring.

The AP dispatch is titled "Swine Flu Worse in Mexico Than US, but Why?" There's no definitive answer, but here's one of the possibilities:

Access to medical care has been an issue in Asia, where a rare bird flu--which does not spread easily from person-to-person--has killed more than 200 over the last several years. Maybe Mexican patients have also had trouble getting medical care or antiviral drugs, some have speculated--even though the government provides health care.

Wouldn't this paragraph make more sense if it ended ". . . because the government provides health care"?

Nearby Asian Fare

Over the weekend we revisited Coconut Bay restaurant in nearby Vorhees to sample Asian fare.
Coconut Bay has an extensive menu featuring Chinese, Japanese and Asian dishes (as well as sushi) and the prices are reasonable.
If you go to Coconut Bay we recommend one of the combination "box" selections. These are served in a Chinese "box" - actually a multi-divided, decorated platter and typically include entree, vegetables, rice, spring roll, salad and sushi. There is more than enough for one person in these boxes so you can share or have some to take home.
We enjoy the jumbo shrimp platters, beef and broccoli, light chicken dishes, seafood combinations and chicken with cashews.
Like most restaurants of its type Coconut Bay is a BYOB.
We wish we could say that the restaurant has worn well since it opened a few years back but, regrettably, it does need a bit of a face lift. The large space is quite bare and little has been done to add to the ambiance. The place seems to do a great business so we'd recommend a little reinvestment in the property.

Best Asian/Chinese

If you're looking for the best, freshest Asian/Chinese food in a really fine, comfortable, tranquil atmosphere try Sakura Spring on Route 70 in Cherry Hill.
I've been going to Sakura Spring for years and have never, ever had a bad meal.
The chicken, pork, beef, shrimp and vegetables are so fresh and fragrant that even a simple dish here becomes a total delight. Everything is prepared just right. Nothing is ever overcooked. Every plate is beautifully presented. And the service is friendly and attentive without being intrusive.
The decor at Sakura is also a cut above most Chinese restaurants. There's a real sense of place with lovely tables, chairs and booths and a harmonizing atmosphere that is very soothing.
Sakura also has a bountiful Chinese New Year celebration every year complete with many special dishes and a colorful dancing dragon. And there are special dishes for each season as well as delicious sushi all year round.
BTW: Sakura means "cherry blossom" which is fitting since Cherry Hill is home to some of the most beautiful cherry blossom trees in the area.