The willingness to create a new vision is a statement of your belief in your potential.

---David McNally

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Carl Schutz told us that, "Ideals are like stars. You will not succeed in touching them with your hands. But like the seafaring man on the desert of waters, you choose them as your guides and following them you will reach your destiny." It is our pleasure to inspire the significance of the idea, "The world of tomorrow belongs to the person who has the vision today," which was stated by Robert Schuller. Having good vision, we will bring it together with us to help promote a peaceful, happy, and healthy community.*1

"Vision seems to be an elusive yet import life principle. Your vision describes the ideal future for you to attain. It provides meaning and direction while forcing you to break through present limitations. Holding a clear picture in your mind of the desired future will mobilize your creative efforts and generate the desire and energy to perform," edited Glenn Ekeren in his book.*2

Vision may develop its power to direct what tommorrow will look like. Vision is having an acute sense of the possible. The thing what others can not see, it can be seen by vision. Something extraordinary will occur when those with similar visions are drawn together. The goal of John F. Kennedy set in 1960 to place a man on the moon by 1970 drew many million people's efforts in achieving the dream. John had the vision. The result is now history with reality.

"John F. Kennedy was a living example of Mitchell Kapor's belief that, 'If you can genuinely present a picture that makes sense to people, that unifies the seemingly disperate elements of their experience, if you can give people something they can resonate with because it's meaningful, then they'll be immensely responsive to it.' JFK presented that picture and America responded." *3

Enthusiasm is important, especially very important to many things in our lives.*4 We need to push our valuable vision through enthusiasm. We are pleased to quote the following three short but meaningful ones:

***** There is nothing greater than enthusiasm. ---Henry Moore
***** If you don't have enthusiasm, you don't have anything. ---Kemmons Wilson, Sr.
***** Nothing good or great can be done in the absence of enthusiasm. ---Tom Peters

It's our pleasure to post a short story from "Speaker's Source Book II" by Glenn Van Ekeren:

The word enthusiasm comes from the Greek roots en and theos and means "God within." It is a fire, a passion within. Real enthusiasm is not something you "put on" and "take off " to fit the occasion. It is a way of life.
Apparently Theodore Roosevelt possessed that kind of passionate lifestyle. In 1883, according to Bernard Levin, writing in Enthusiasms (Crown Publishers), Roosevelt went buffalo hunting in the Badlands of South Dakota with a single companion, Joe Ferris. They nearly died of thirst, and they slept on the ground, saddles their only pillows. One night wolves caused their horses to bolt, and it took some time for the
fleeing beasts to be recaptured. The men went back to sleep; it began to rain heavily and they awoke, finding themselves lying in four inches of water. Shivering between sodden blankets, Ferris heard Teddy Roosevelt exclaim, "By Godfrey, but this is fun!"
Now that's enthusiasm!*5

We are quite inspired by the words of wisdom as said by Alan Loy McGinnis that, "There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being--to help someone succeed." Vision with enthusiasm may bring us with hope to serve our people, community, and country!*6

"It's my great honor to be named by ...," pointed out the Chief Justice of Nevada Supreme Court Bill Maupin. "Please know that I irrevocably stand by my personal commitment to diversity issues in this state and that my sense of patriotism and faith in America stems from its embrace of that diversity." *7

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References

*1. Denton, Mark; Walsh, Jessie; Moss, Cheryl; and Chang, Tiffany. 'Our mutual cooperation and development between the officials and people will bring us a peaceful, happy, and healthy community,' "A search of 'Shelley Berkley, U. S. Congresswoman' on the Yahoo.com," (April 16, 2007), U. S. A.: Yahoo.com.
*2. Glenn Van Ekeren, "Speaker's Source Book II," (Paramus, New Jersey: Prentice Hall Press, 1994,) 378.
*3. Ibid. 130.
*4. Douglas, Michael; Weber, Valerie; Moss, Cheryl; and Chang, Tiffany. 'Brilliant, Yahoo answers our people, community, and world!' "A serarch of 'Jim Gibbons, Governor of Nevada' on the Yahoo.com," (April 14, 2007), U. S. A.: Yahoo.com.
*5. Douglas, Michael; Weber, Valerie; Moss, Cheryl; and Chang, Tiffany. 'Brilliant, Google answers our people, community, and world!' "A serarch of 'Business wbti' on the Google.com," (April 15, 2007), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*6. Michael Douglas, Jessie Walsh, Valerie Weber and PAI of WBTI, 'Dr. Tony Lei enriches the lives of many in our community of Clark County and Nevada,' "A search of 'Business & Administration wbti' on the Communitylink of Reviewjournal.com," (April 16, 2007), Las Vegas, Nevada: LVRJ.
*7. Denton. Ibid.

Strengthened by faith in God and family, we knew in our hearts that with hard work, perseverance, and the help of newly found neighbors and friends, we could indeed achieve the American dream. ---U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao*2

"It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Las Vegas for the 28th Annual Convention of the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America. I hope that, during your time here, you will be able to experience some of the many attractions that our beautiful city has to offer. .....," wrote U. S. Senator John Ensign to Taiwan Benevolent Association of America.*3

The grand opening of the 28th Annual Convention of Taiwan Benevolent Association of America (TBAA) was held by its Chairperson Wendy Yu-ping Wu*4 at the Paris Hotel on July 30, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Concode C Room was full with participants from all around the world. Dr. Fu-Mei Chang, Overseas Chinese Affair Commission of the Republic of China; Ssu-yin Ho, Kuomintang Oversea Director; Mark W. P. Liao, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco; Lagislators of ROC S. C. Ting, Y. Y. Wu, S. H. Chou, W. C. Shieh, J. L Lin, among others presented at the Conference. Justice of the Supreme Court of Nevada Michael Douglas and Nevada Asemblywoman Valerie Weber each dilivered a nice and significant welcome speech. Greeting Letters and Cetificates were presented by Mr. Matthew McBride (for U. S. Senator John Ensign), Ms. Judith Ray (for U. S. Congressman James Gibbons), Ms. Gerri Schroder (for U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley), Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian (for Las Vegas City Mayor and Council), Councilwoman Stephanie S. Smith (for the North Las Vegas City Mayor and Council).

A Welcome Party and Preliminary 28th Board Directors and Advisors Meeting were held on July 29, 2005 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. To pay a special tribute to his great contribution to the 28th Convention and TBAA, Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei was nominated by Chairperson Wendy Wu of TBAA as an Advisor of Taiwan Benevolent Association of America. The nomination was seconded and unanimously voted by all the presented Directors and Advisors. The Declaration of the 28th Conference of TBAA was written by five members. The five members, including Kent Wang, De-yu Lang, Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei, Dr. Wayne J. Horng, and Leo Huang, were all elected by the Board Directors and Advisors. The theme of the Declaration was how to strengthen the unity and harmony of Chinese in America. During the meeting, Miss Sue Phelps was elected as the Vice Chairperson of TBAA.

"It is a pleasure and privilege to welcome the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America and its international convention to Las Vegas and the Paris Hotel. .....Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help make your visit a more pleasant and productive experience. .....," wrote U. S. Congressman James Gibbons to TBAA.*5

The "Fomosa Night" was held at a grand ballroom in Paris Hotel on July 30, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lt. Governor Lorraine Hunt delivered a welcome speech to the crowded attendents in the Hall. She wishes Navada be the great door opened for the international business and trade between the silver state and Asian countries. A Letter of Greeting was granted by her to TBAA.

President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei presented the Certificates of Recognition from Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn and U. S. Congressman Jon Porter and Greeting Letters of U. S. Senator John Ensign and U. S. Congressman James Gibbons to the Chairperson of TBAA Wendy Yu-ping Wu.

"The State of Nevada congratulates you on your extensive assistance to the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America, and commends you for your dedicated service to the citizens of our Silver State," Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn granted a Certificate of Recognition to Wendy Wu dated May 23, 2005.*6

United States Congressman Jon C. Porter granted a Certificate of Recognition to
recognize and honor Wendy Wu, "FOR YOUR DEDICATED SERVICE AND PROFOUND COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO THE TAIWAN BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA."*7

Dr. Lei presented also a Certificate of Recognition from U. S. Congressman Jon Porter to the President of Taiwan Benevolent Association of Las Vegas Sue Phelps. Sixteen original hard copeis of the RC 25 Resolution by Nevada Assembly and Senate were presented by Dr. Tony Lei to each president of the 16 Chapters of TBAA through their Chaiperson Wendy Wu.

Proclamations from the Board Commissioners of Clark County of Nevada and the State of Nevada (through Assemblywoman Valerie Weber) were presented to Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) and Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei by both of the parties on July 30, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada.*8

Ms. Wendy Yu-ping Wu completed successfully her term as the Chairperson of TBAA in the evening of July 30, 2005. The Chairmanship was transfered by her to Mr. I-Ta Liang at the "Fomosa Night" in Las Vegas, Nevda. Mr. Liang is now the 28th Chairman of TBAA. The 揊ormosa Night?featured a delegation of 28 people from Taiwan and a chorus from New York City. It was a great performance with dance troupe of Taiwan Culture Delegation.

One of the earliest attendants of the convention this year was the Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States David Tawei Lee on July 28, 2005.

Mr. Lo-Yu Sun, Board Advisor of Taiwan Benevolent Association of America (TBAA), held and host a farewell lunch party for the 28th Annual Confernce of TBAA at the Harbor Palace Seafood Restaurant on August 1, 2005 in Las Vegas.*9 Jennifer Lin, President of Taiwan Benevolent Association of New Jersey, welcomed everybody and their friends to attend the convention next year held in New jersey. President of Taiwan Benevolent Association of California Amber Sun spoke for the main association to thank Mr. Lo-Yu Sun's generosity for hosting the dinner party.

"In righteousness we shall be established. In this 21th Century new era and society, we need economic growth, but we also need to establish and promote creativity, fairness and Justice, serve and love, educational knowledge, and spirit engineering. We wish that a pure spring may prosper and enrich our splendid and golden country through: the elegant properties of freedom, democracy, entrepreneurship, and justice; the power of public service that based on 'knowledge is the power of righteouness,'; the advancement of technology, innovation, and civilization; and the spirit that 'knowledge calls, ultimately, for a life of service'. We believe that a thing of beauty is a joy forever. With the effort and participation of many intellectuals, leaders, officials, among others through benevolent spirit and brotherly love, the 28th Convention of TBAA is really marvelous," points out President Dr. Tony Lei of Washington Business and Technology Institute.*10

[***Welcome to the section of "Photos & Pictures"! (at http://communitylink.reviewjournal.com/lvrj/wbti)
We offered there with lots of photos and pictures about Taiwan Benevolent Association of America.]

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References

*1. Michael Douglas is a distingueshed Justice of the Supreme Court of Nevada. Valerie Weber is a famous and achieved Assemblywoman of Nevada.
*2. Bush, George; Chao,Elaine; and
The New York Times. 'Elaine Chao believes deeply in the American dream; Section of #U. S. Secretary Elaine Chao on WBTI at 04/26/05,' "A search of 'Chairperson Elaine Chao' on the Google.com," (September 22, 2005), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
3. Ensign, John. 'Greeting from Office of Senator John Ensign,' "The 'Letter of Greeting to Taiwan Benevolent Association of America and Wendy Yu-ping Wu' sent by U. S. Senator John Ensign to President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI)," (May 27, 2005), Las Vegas, Nevada: Office of Senator John Ensign.
*4. Douglas, Michael; Weber, Valerie; Moss, Cheryl; and Chang, Tiffany. 'Wendy Wu has been appointed Assistant Fellow of Public Administration Institution of WBTI,' "A search of 'wendy yu-ping wu' on the Google.com," (August 3, 2005), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*5. Gibbons, James. 'Greeting from Office of Congressman James Gibbons,' "The 'Letter of Greeting to Taiwan Benevolent Association of America and Wendy Yu-ping Wu' sent by U. S. Congressman James Gibbons to President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI)," (July 10, 2005), Washington, D. C.: Office of Congressman James Gibbons.
*6. Guinn, Kenny. 'Certificate of Recognition from Office of the Governor,' "The 'Certificate of Recognition to Wendy Yu-Ping Wu' sent by Nevada Governor Kenny C. Guinn to President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI)," (May 24, 2005), Las Vegas, Nevada: Office of the Governor.
*7. Porter, Jon. 'Certificate of Recognition from Office of Congressman Jon Porter,' "The 'Certificate of Recognition to Taiwan Benevolent Association of America and Wendy Yu-ping Wu' sent by U. S. Congressman Jon C. Porter to President Dr. Tony Tung-tien Lei of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI)," (June 29, 2005), Las Vegas, Nevada: Office of Congressman Jon Porter.
*8. Denton, Mark; Walsh, Jessie; Moss, Cheryl; and Chang, Tiffany. 'Our mutual cooperation and development between the officials and people will bring us a peaceful, happy, and healthy community,' "Newsbrief of WBTI," (February 7, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: WBTI.
*9. PAI of WBTI, 'An invitation e-mail to U. S. Senator John Ensign,' "A search of 'U. S. Senator John Ensign' on Google.com," (August 4, 2005), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*10. Reid, Rory; Denton, Mark; and Glass, Jackie. 'Profiles on a thing of beauty is a joy forever,' "A search of 'business - WBTI' on the Google.com," (August 10, 2005), U. S. A.: Google.com.

The sky is beautiful!

It is not far away from Taipei. Yangmingshan, the Grass Mountain, is a scenic place with a beautiful park.

Grass Mountain (Yangmingshan) Conceived and choreographed by Artistic Director Shih Gee-Tze*1

This, the newest of Acme Physical Dance Theatre抯 National Park series reveals a handful of the mysteries surrounding Yangmingshan or "Grass Mountain". This park is significant for many reasons. The most immediate of these is in its function as a natural sanctuary to the residents of Taipei City. Its close physical proximity acts as a huge garden for city dwellers to escape their busy and stressful lives. Indeed, historically, it has served this function since the beginning of Japanese rule (1895.)

Grass Mountain is also unique in its geological makeup. Volcanoes and fuming crevices steam and fume through a barren tortured landscape, while a stone抯 throw away,butterflies dance among masses of vibrant trees, shrubs and greenery. Owing to this layered nature of Yangmingshan park, choreographer Shih Gee-Tze has chosen to present the multiple aspects of meaning through 4 separate acts: 揃lossoming,� 揜ed Mountain,� 揘ight Scenery,� and 揗ountain Living.� *2
......................................

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References

*1. Google. 'A profile of Grass Mountain,' "A search of 'Grass Mountain - Taipei' on the Google.com," (July 31, 2006), Mountain view, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.