Happy New Year from Bonnie & Clyde!

Please check out the video above. It is my first duet with my dear Japanese friend Michiko-chan. More than two years ago, I promised to Michiko that one day I will sing together with her. This is that day! ^_^

I'm not a good singer (actually not a singer at all), but a man must keep his word. So here we go! I am innocent. She forced me to do this... Hahaha! :D

The video is made by Michiko-chan. Seriously, I am grateful and proud for this collaboration, because that was nice, unique and fun. Hontou ni arigatou, Bonnie-chan! ^_^

Thank you all for being here, and Happy New Year to everyone from 'Bonnie & Clyde' aka Michiko & Teisuka with this video!┗(^o^)┐ヘ( ^.^)ノ

Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth!

I wish a very Merry Christmas and

a Happy New Year 2013
to all my friends worldwide!  ＼（＾ ＾）／

 

An old Finnish Christmas card.

Since Christmas is the birthday of Jesus Christ, I'll post here the Nativity Story of Jesus (Christmas Gospel) according to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2:

"Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child. And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.

And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child. And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them."

♥♫♪♥♪♫♥♫♪♥♪♫♥♫♪♥♪♫♥♫♪♥♪♫♥♫♪♥♪♫♥♪♫♥♪♫♥

P.S. Please check out my favorite Christmas song. It's an English traditional Christmas carol originally published in 1833, except that this is a modern heavy metal version sung by Ronnie James Dio (1942-2010). So strong stuff, both the lyrics and the music! :)

The lyrics:

God rest ye merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day,
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray:
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came,
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same,
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name:
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

God rest ye merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day,
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray:
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

God rest you,
God take you,
God make you,
merry, gentlemen!

A Winter Night Atmosphere

I'm staying up through the night.

The town is silent, it's snowing,

and the darkness is escaping.

As the snow covers everything,

thinking of you fills my heart

with the brightest of lights.

And my lantern burns

until the morning comes.

A poem by Teisuka 12/12/12

My YouTube Channel is in Danger Now!

Lately, I've got two copyright strikes on YouTube, regarding these videos: Gao Sheng Mei - Ai shang bu hui jia de ren and Teresa Teng - Ji duo chou (Sorrows). Both these videos are removed now. According the YouTube rules, "YouTube takes copyright infringement very seriously. If you receive three copyright strikes, your account and all videos uploaded to that account will be removed."
(http://www.youtube.com/t/copyright_strike)

This actually means that my channel is in big danger now and can be terminated anytime. Next copyright strike can come today or tomorrow... and then my channel will be history! Yes, this is a situation now, and I am very worried. [Sigh...] (･_･ ) YouTube is really too harsh these days. Actually, we can not legally upload anything else but our own images/videos or our own compositions and speeches. These are the rules...

If you want to save some of my YouTube videos, you can copy them on your own PC by using some program or free online web service.

P.S. The comment sections on my blog are available again. 

Update: On December 8, 2012, I removed 27 (!) videos from my old YouTube channel. I did it to save my place. On that same day, I created a new account named http://www.youtube.com/user/TeisukasNewPlace. It is my second channel and "backup store" where I'm going to re-load my old "risky" videos little by little. Please, visit my new channel and subscribe it, if you want to get my old videos back. Thank you very much for your support. I really appreciate that! ~Teisuka (11th of December, 2012)

 
My idol: "wannabe samurai" called Kikuchiyo (Toshiro Mifune)
in the movie 'Seven Samurai' (Japan, 1954). When I'm sad,
I often watch this movie - like tonight... 

Blog Under Spam Attack!

ATTENTION! Since my blog is under heavy spamming at the moment, comments are disabled for a while. I will open my comment sections later again. The "spam attack" comes from the United States. Dozens of messages in a day... Right now 39 spamming tries at the same time. Whoa!

LATER ADDITION:  The cyber attack is still going on... I have to keep my comment sections closed so far. People, please be very careful on the web! Earlier this week, one of my friend lost her YouTube channel. Someone hacked into her channel through her gmail account and caused the damages, and that's why YouTube terminated her channel very soon! Once again: be careful on the web - this is war!

 

Spammers: Stop lurking around and get out of my blog!

God Speaks in a Dream

This time, I want to tell about the little miracle that happened to me earlier this week.

One night, when I had just fallen asleep, I saw a strange little dream. I was alone in the hotel room and someone said to me: "Open the drawer. Take the Bible from there, and read the Psalm 37:5." That's all. Then I woke up right away. I was slept only few seconds, hardly at all.

Now, when I was awake again, I opened my Bible and I found that verse, Psalm 37:5. It says, "Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." I had read this passage before in my life, I know that, but I didn't remember the chapter or verse.

"...and He shall bring it to pass." What is IT? Only I know that. Because just before my dream, I was thinking about one problem or question in my life. Now I can trust that God will bring "it" to pass, when I commit my way to Him. Right? Regarding "it", the Bible itself confirms my idea: a previous verse (4) in the Psalm 37 says, "And He shall give you the desires of your heart."

This was the second time when I got a clear Bible verse in my dream. The first time was on the 4th of July in 2005. At that time, the passage was also from the Book of Psalms. For one whole year, that Bible verse was like my "motto", and it became a reality in my life. It was a marvelous year!

Sometimes God can speak to us in a dream. Not always of course, but sometimes. The Bible declares, "For in one way God may speak, and in a second, but one does not notice it. In a dream, a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men; while they slumber on the bed, then He opens the ear of men and seals their instruction." (The Book of Job 33:14-16)

Sometimes even angel appears in a dream. The Bible tells how an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream (The Gospel of Matthew, chapters 1 and 2). The faith is another dimension of reality, and it really works when I surrender my life to God's plan. In the Bible God says, "They shall come with weeping, and I will lead them with prayers." (The Book of Jeremiah 31:9)

Was my dream a miracle from God? Time will show that when it will become clear, will "it" come true or not...

 

An Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph

(the husband of the Virgin Mary) in a dream.

My Collected Poems, Vol. 1

From time to time, I've published my poems here on my blog, but few days ago, I removed them. I wanted to put them all to one article. So these are my previous poems, plus two unreleased. The last poem is brand new. I wrote it yesterday.

A Finnish Waka Poem

Kuin koira

mies katsoo naista

suoraan silmiin

odottaen rakkautta,

ja nainen heltyy.

The English translation:

Like a dog

a man looks at a woman

straight in the eyes

waiting for love,

and the woman relents.

(2008) 

A Lonely Flower

A lonely flower

in the moonlight,

sleepless all the night.

Owl on the branch

in his dream

turns to right.

(24th of October, 2011)

To the Girl Whom I Love

Her heart is a garden where

most beautiful flowers grow.

More lovely than that - there

in the world isn't known.

(19th of January, 2012)

A Russian Poem About Yearning

Я скучаю по ней ужасно,

как нет никакой надежды в мире.

День, когда она придет,

она делает мир улыбкой.

The English translation:

I miss her terribly,
like there is no hope in the world.
A day when she comes,
it makes the world smile.

(7th of August 2012)

For the Eyes Which I Love

All beauty I see in this world reminds me of her:

funny clouds in the sky, lovely flowers in the garden,

little birds and bugs, snowflakes, and everything.

Because she taught me to see that all through her eyes.

Her shiny, beautiful eyes - may they be blessed forever.

(9th of August 2012)

Dream of the Moonlight Night

Tonight, we are far from each other

looking at the Moon up in the sky,

like a yearning in our hearts

it's the same, common to us.

Tonight, along the Moonbeam

we'll meet in a joint dream

and fly at the speed of light -

just me and my angel girl.

(28th of September, 2012)

A Finnish Wintry Poem

Sinua kohti, sinua, rakkaani

olen kääntänyt sydämeni,

kaiken hellän ja lämpimän

mitä minusta löytyy.

Sinua kohti, sinua, enkelini

minä lennän unissani

yksin talvisessa yössä,

kunnes kotisi löytyy.

The English translation:

Towards you, you my love

I have turned my heart,

all gentle and warm

what can be found about me.

Towards you, you my angel

I'm flying in my dreams

alone in the wintry night,

until your home will be found.

(26th of October, 2012)

Drop By Drop

The angel has landed, laughter with her.

Bright is the night, a world with no shadows.

Love is a smile on the face of the time.

"Tick tock", it says and means:
"Wait, wait, drop by drop
happiness is raining down."

(7th of November, 2012)

Teresa Teng Soon "Blocked Worldwide" on YouTube?

The Teresa Teng fans around the world have a big problem with YouTube! What is going on? Please, read this very important message!

In December 2008, Warner Music Group ordered YouTube to remove all music videos by its artists from the popular online video-sharing site after the contract negotiations broke down. The order affected hundreds of thousands of video clips, as it covered Warner Music's recorded artists as well as the rights for songs published by its Warner/Chappell unit, which includes many artists not signed to Warner Music record labels.

This is what happened four years ago. Now, we have a new version of YouTube, which tries to be more like an official TV channel. It probably means the death of fan culture and the so called fan-made music videos on YouTube. Many record labels have their own official channel now. That's why the unofficial "fan-made videos" are removed. Only official videos remain.

This happens all the time. For example: Earlier this year, hundreds of Masako Mori videos suddenly disappeared during a few weeks' time. Many Masako Mori channels in Japan were shut down by The YouTube Team. Overall, thousands of videos have disappeared from YouTube!

Personally, I have trouble with my uploaded videos all the time. I have only 45 uploads on my YouTube channel, but about 30 of them have a copyright notice. In addition to that, I've got one warning... Three warnings or copyright strikes mean that The YouTube Team will suspend the channel. Sounds bad, right? So it goes.

Especially, I’m very worried about my Teresa Teng music videos. I've received a copyright notice regarding ALL of my TT videos, and many of those videos are blocked in Germany. In that country, there seems to be the most powerful censorship in the free world. It is sad, because for people living in Germany, it is very hard to be a fan of Teresa Teng, since one cannot see her videos at all!

However, it is possible to go round this "block"! It is as simple as this: If you live in Germany, change the country of your residency in your settings. For example, The United States works well. Most videos are available there. South Pole is a good choice as well. Haha. After that, you can hide the country setting on your page, so that no one can see it. Got it? ;)

This is a common notice sent by YouTube regarding my TT videos:

"Your video may include the following copyrighted content:
...sound recording administered by: UMG
What does this mean?
Your video is blocked in these locations:
Germany
In some cases ads may appear next to your video. Please note that the video's status can change, if the policies chosen by the content owners change. Learn more about copyright on YouTube.
This claim does not affect your account status."

I think that UMG owns the copyrights to all TT songs now. UMG (Universal Music Group) is a major global music company. It owns Universal Music Publishing Group, which is the second largest music publishing company in the world.

It seems that UMG does not accept our fan-made music videos anymore. The worst case scenario is that one day YouTube will remove all of the thousands of Teresa Teng music videos. After that, there will be Only One Channel (official UMG channel) that has the rights to share TT music videos!

Yes, it is possible. I really hope this will not happen... Maybe I'm just too pessimistic in this regard (hope so). However, personally, I cannot stand the "fascism" of the big corporations. They are ruining our fan culture! It makes me really sick. Back in the good old days, YouTube was still YOUtube. Now it has become more like a TV channel of the big (bad) official corporations.

Please see this article too:
Teresa Teng - The Angel Came Down to Earth

 

 Click this picture and see the one copyright notice

which I received from YouTube. 

A Hurricane Approaching New York

A huge hurricane Sandy approaching  New York City. A situation seems alarming. The whole world is watching news and sharing the same concern. Me too, I'm watching live broadcast from the web, for example these webcams located in New York (click the blue words).

My friend Mr. Bao who lives in the city, wrote me few hours ago:

"Here in New York City, everybody is preparing for the coming of hurricane Sandy, which is expected to cause lots of damage. People have been rushing to stores to buy food and other daily necessities. I didn't do much in this regard because I don't think the storm will cause so much damage that people will be confined to their houses for a long time. But I will still pray that everything will turn out to be fine.
The city has taken a lot of precautions in preparation for the coming hurricane. Right now all public transportation, including subways and buses, has suspended its services. Hope everybody will be safe and sound after the storm hits New York City later today."

Please, keep us up to date, Bao. Stay safe and take care of yourself, my friend. We all pray for New York. May God save the City!

(This article is written at 6:52 PM in N.Y. time, Oct. 29. Some of the pictures added later.)

 

Russia and Finland back to better relations

The president of Russia, Vladimir Putin (left), and the president of Finland,
Sauli Niinistö, in June 2012. They are laughing because they have just
agreed to play ice hockey together. Who won? Both of them, because
they played on the same side. This is the right policy! :)

Regarding the relations between Russia and Finland, since yesterday there have been some good signs of recovery. Perhaps the worst "media war" is over now. (See my previous article.) Yesterday, Russian media released three excellent and even-handed articles. I add links here for them who want to know more or check these things by themselves:

Komsomolskaya Pravda

Rosbalt

Third article was released by ITAR-TASS.

In short, some false information has been corrected. Now Russian media knows that Finnish criminologist Johan Bäckman has spread disinformation to them.

Finally, I want to take one great quote from the article written by Sergei Selin (Rosbalt). I can only say "amen" for this and hope the case is closed. I think misunderstanding was the biggest reason for this conflict. Peace! :)

«А вот совсем другой участок — российско-финляндский. В реальной плоскости отношения двух стран выглядят буквально идиллическими. Никаких военных и территориальных споров. Товарооборот близок по величине к российско-французскому или российско-британскому. Именно по выдаваемым финнами шенгенским визам (около миллиона в год) жители российского Северо-Запада в основном и путешествуют в Европу. Сотни тысяч петербуржцев регулярно выезжают в приграничные Лаппеенранту и Иматру, чтобы прошвырнуться по магазинам или сводить детишек в аквапарк.

Но пропагандистская картинка совсем о другом. Она о бедствиях в Финляндии нескольких бывших россиянок, конфликтующих с мужьями или ставших объектами финской ювенальной юстиции. Поставщик и оформитель всех этих историй – финский юрист Йохан Бекман. Он регулярно присылает свои доклады в российские средства информации, и его сообщения приводят в действие всю российскую государственную машину. Негодует детский омбудсмен, возвышает голос протеста министр иностранных дел. Официально выдвигается требование учредить российско-финляндскую комиссию, которая занялась бы разбором конфликтов, происходящих, надо напомнить, в чужом государстве и с людьми, добровольно туда переселившимися.

Вопрос не в том, хороша ли ювенальная юстиция, и во всем ли правдив Бекман. Тут другое впечатляет. Что публичная повестка отношений между двумя странами полностью состоит из сообщений одного человека, каждодневно доводимых российскими властями до сведения всех россиян. Вряд ли реальное сотрудничество с Финляндией и бурное пропагандистское ее обличение смогут мирно сосуществовать до бесконечности. И тут тоже хвост уже виляет собакой.»

The English translation:

"But then a very different area - a Russian-Finnish. To the point where the relationship between the two countries looks just idyllic. No military and territorial disputes. Turnover is close to the Russian-French or Russian-British. It is for a Schengen visa issued by the Finns (about one million per year) residents of Russia's North-West in the ground and travel to Europe. Hundreds of thousands of St. Petersburg regularly travel to the border Lappeenranta and Imatra to tax free shopping or set their kids to the water park.

But the propaganda picture is something else. It is a disaster in Finland several former Russian women in conflict with their husbands or trafficked Finnish juvenile justice. Supplier and designer of all these stories is a Finnish lawyer, Johan Bäckman. He regularly sends his reports to the Russian media, and his messages drive the entire Russian state machine. Resents children's ombudsman, exalt the voice of protest foreign minister. Officially put forward the demand to establish a Russian-Finnish commission that would deal with analysis of conflicts taking place, it must be recalled, are going in a foreign country and among the people who settled there voluntarily.

The question is not whether good or juvenile justice, and is Bäckman truthful in all what he is saying. Instead, it is astonishing that the public agenda of relations between the two countries is completely based on the messages of the one single person who is communicating with all Russians through the Russian authorities. It is unlikely that real cooperation with Finland and its denunciation of violent propaganda can coexist indefinitely. And here, too, the tail is wagging the dog."

 The presidents Putin (left) and Niinistö are playing ice hockey.
Ice hockey is like a "national sport" in both Russia and Finland.

Media war between Russia and Finland very unfortunate

During the last couple of days, there has been a quite serious "media war" between Russia and Finland, and I'm very sorry for that. In my opinion, the words are bigger than the actual things in this case. In short, this case has grown too big. :( What is it all about? I'm talking about the case, in which four children were removed from the custody of their Russian mother in Finland. The story sparked outrage and received extensive media coverage in Russia, and I can understand that. But every story has two sides.

What are the real reasons behind the custody of the Russian woman’s children, we cannot know that. The Russian mother has told her side of the story, but the child protection services of Finland cannot tell their version. Why? Because in Finland, it is legally forbidden to provide any children related information for unauthorized parties, such as the press. Anyway, it is not common for authorities to take children away from their parents. There has to be serious reasons for that, way more serious than just "one small slap". (In Finland, it is illegal to even slap your children. Law is very strict, but also valid in this case. Its purpose is just to protect children.)

But of course authorities make mistakes, too. Finland is not a perfect country. Sometimes the bureaucracy gets too heavy, and so on. Yet, it is not fair to think that Finland's custody services take away your children too easily. No, no, it is not common. Finland is a safe country for foreigners. Russians are the biggest immigration group in Finland. Approximately 55 000 Russians live here (the entire population of Finland being 5.4 million). Usually, our relationships are good. No problems at all. Our cultural differences are small. Russians like to live here.

There are no big differences between Russians and Finns. In most of the cases, Finnish-Russian marriages work very well. Spouses are satisfied with each other. There are even university researches about this topic, for example these two: 'Russians and Russian culture in Finland' by Veronica Shenshin (University of Helsinki, 2008), and new dissertation of Finnish-Russian families by Pirjo Pöllänen (University of Eastern Finland, 2012).

Regarding this current clash, I think there is "much ado about nothing" (много шума из ничего). Media have exaggerated the controversy in Russia and Finland, and some people have overreacted. Especially one Finnish "expert" has spread lots of disinformation (false information) regarding this case. His name is Johan Bäckman, a Finnish political author, legal sociologist and criminologist. He is telling unbelievable things to the Russian media. I know many of them are clear lies.

I only wonder why he is doing that, what is his purpose, why is he tarnishing the reputation of his own country? Now this Finnish man urges Russian people to boycott Finnish products. Huh! Actually, many Finns think that Bäckman is the worst kind of a traitor. In fact, his provocative claims are causing a lot of damage to the good relations between our countries.

Regarding a boycott of Finnish products, this video is sad to see:

Really, this "war" has already gone too far. It has a negative impact on the economy and tourism, etc. No good to anyone. I still want to believe, what Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja say: "The ongoing clash between Finland and Russia over a controversial child custody case won't change practical relations between the two countries."

For my part, I love both Russians and Finns. Peace. Мир! :)

Finally, I add here some good and factual articles about this topic in Russian media:
Newsru
Novaya Gazeta
Rossiyskaya Gazeta

P.S. Thanks to Gilmore for proofreading this article.

Attachment:

Посольство Финляндии: Что должен знать иммигрант из России о защите детей в Суоми

Посольство Финляндии в России опубликовало на своем сайте информацию о том, что должен знать иммигрант из России о законе о защите детей в Финляндии. В форме вопрос-ответ в материале объясняется, почему к гражданам России в Суоми применяют финское законодательство, как происходит процедура изъятия ребенка, почему власти не комментируют отдельные случаи и т.д. Также подчеркивается, что в Финляндии запрещено телесное наказание.

Вопрос: Я считаю, что легкое телесное наказание со временем пойдет ребенку только на пользу – он научится уважать родителей и правильно себя вести. Пусть посторонние не вмешиваются.
Ответ : В соответствии с законодательством Финляндии, любые виды телесного наказания запрещены.

Полный текст на сайте посольства

Source: http://fontanka.fi/articles/7424/

 Usually Finnish-Russian couples are getting along well.

Sweet victory in Chess

Last Friday I beat my friend Mayakovsky in Chess. I played with black pieces, the game took one hour, and I lost only one piece (bishop). My friend lost three pieces: one knight and two pawns. It was a quite high-quality and peaceful game. No stupid moves at all. Finally, I did checkmate with the queen (h1) and knight (d4) and pawn (g3). The white king has no place to escape. (See the photos below.) Ah, that felt good! Hahaha.

Me and my chess opponent Mayakovsky (nickname), we are equally good in Chess. This time it was "my turn" to win. Usually our game takes 70-90 minutes. The battle is never too easy nor relaxing. That's why we don't play so often. Hehe. By the way, I bought this chessboard from Leningrad, Soviet Union (the current name: Saint Petersburg, Russia) in 1989. Chess has been my favorite game since my childhood.

Mooncakes from Hong Kong

Today I got a parcel from Hong Kong. My good friend Wendy sent me a traditional Chinese candies and mooncakes with lotus seed paste and yolks from salted duck eggs... yummy! Taste is really good. This is my second time to eat mooncakes. :)

According the Wikipedia, mooncake (月餅; yue bing) is a Chinese bakery product traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiu). The festival is for lunar worship and Moon watching, when mooncakes are regarded as an indispensable delicacy. Mooncakes are offered between friends or on family gatherings while celebrating the festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the four most important Chinese festivals.

Thank you very much for these cakes and candies, Wendy. You are very kind, and your lovely parcel made me really happy. Be blessed, dear friend! 非常感谢, 孟儀。 保重。 祝你快乐！ （＾—＾）

This beautiful tin box includes four mooncakes.

 

 Chinese mooncake (lotus seed paste and yolks from salted duck eggs).

Some traditional Chinese candies.

The Sea Calls Me

 

MS Isabella. Length: 169.40 m. (Photo from Wikipedia.)

Tomorrow (Thursday) I'm going on a little cruise to the neighbor country Sweden. Name of the ship is MS Isabella (click the name and you'll see the article in Wikipedia). Hopefully the winds will be favorable. I'll be back on Saturday. See you then, my friends. Blessings to everyone. :)

 

Autumnal archipelago between Finland and

Sweden. Photo is taken from my previous

cruise in November 2011.

P.S. Later addition (7th October, 2012): Now you can see the video I filmed from my trip:

Michaelmas (The Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel)

Today is Michaelmas Day in Finland. Michaelmas (Finnish: Mikkelinpäivä, Russian: Михайлов день) is the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel. Angels are important to me, and I really believe in them. So early this morning, I went to the church (Mass) to celebrate the archangel's feast. I also lighted a candle and prayed for my loved ones, friends and relatives, who all have their own battles and troubles.

Regarding the angels, I want to quote the Bible:

"You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day; nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you. For he will give his angels charge over you, to guard you in all your ways." (Psalm 91)

Angels for everyone! :)

One of my icon: Archangel Michael.

This icon (religious work of art) is bought

from Rhodes, the Greek island.

The Power of Words

Life is always a variation of lights and shadows. Yesterday you was happy because someone was very kind to you, and today you feel sad because somebody was so unreasonable and unkind to you. So it goes. Lights and shadows, happiness and sorrows... That's what life is made of. We all have our own battles.

Only few friendly words often means a lot to us. Sometimes they can even save your life! Like The Bible says: "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad" (The Book of Proverbs, chapter 12).

Or just like Gautama Buddha teach in The Dhammapada: "Do not speak harshly to anybody; those who are spoken to will answer thee in the same way. Angry speech is painful, blows for blows will touch thee." And: "Do not cause harm to anyone."

The power of words is amazing, in good as well as in bad. All what we do, all what we say - we will get it back sooner or later. All the great spiritual teachers taught this same truth. So let's try to be kind and fair to everyone, even though it's never so easy.

These thoughts just came into my mind, based on my own experiences yesterday and today. Peace to all creatures on Earth. (Please check out the touching video above.)

P.S. Thanks to 'Texas cowboy' who once sent me that video. Blessings to you, my friend.

Gratitude

Today, I'm grateful for two reasons. My dear friend seems to feel better. I got a message from her, and I was very happy and relieved for that. Because lately I've been truly worried and prayed so much... If you really care about someone and love her, then her sorrow is your sorrow, and her happiness is your happiness - right? So my dear friend's better health is the best news I've heard for a long time!

Today, I also got my book finished. At last, it's completely done. Now I have two good reason to smile and feel relief. My humble thanks to God, who is really exist! To demonstrate my emotions at the moment, I add here one beautiful song. Video contains some wonderful images as well.

 P.S. 'Flower Girl', you can be sure that I will continue to praying for you every day! （＾—＾）

The Word for the Day

Afternoon (1846), a painting by George Inness.

Today I want to share one beautiful chapter from the Bible, to comfort everyone who feels lonely or sad. Please do not despair. See the light in the darkness. The light is there even though it would be hidden. You're not alone, because God is everywhere. This world is often so dark and cruel place, but behind the scenes there is such a thing as "Divine providence" (Russian: «Промысл Божий», Finnish: "Jumalan kaitselmus"). It means God's action and intervention in the world, His care for the world. All is under control, and finally everything will go well...

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."

-Psalm 23

The same chapter in Russian language:

«Господь – Пастырь мой; я ни в чем не буду нуждаться:

Он покоит меня на злачных пажитях и водит меня к водам тихим,

подкрепляет душу мою, направляет меня на стези правды ради имени Своего.

Если я пойду и долиною смертной тени, не убоюсь зла, потому что Ты со мной; Твой жезл и Твой посох – они успокаивают меня.

Ты приготовил предо мною трапезу в виду врагов моих; умастил елеем голову мою; чаша моя преисполнена.

Так, благость и милость да сопровождают меня во все дни жизни моей, и я пребуду в доме Господнем многие дни.»

-Псалом 22

P.S. Finally I add here one peaceful and beautiful Russian Orthodox Christian song named «Господи помилуй», in English: 'Lord, have mercy'. Enjoy and relax. :)

Vladimir Mother of God - the Icon That Saved Moscow

August 26 will be the feast of the Vladimir Mother of God icon, also known as Theotokos of Vladimir (the image above). It is one of the most well-known Orthodox icons, and is presently located in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia. Personally, I am especially interested in this icon and its history.

It is said that 'Vladimir Mother of God' was painted by the Evangelist Luke himself. Anyway, this sacred image is very old (at least one thousand years). In addition, it is so called miracle-working icon. Orthodox Christians in Russia believe that 'Vladimir Mother of God' has saved Moscow many times during the history. The last time was in December 1941, when the Nazis attacked Moscow!

According the OrthodoxWiki, the most solemn celebration of the icon occurs on August 26, the feast established in honor of the Meeting of the Vladimir Icon upon its Transfer from Vladimir to Moscow (in the year 1395).

You can learn more by reading this article (click the blue word). I find these historic true stories very exciting and inspiring. In my forthcoming book will be a chapter named The Mother of God saves Moscow.

Thoughts from the depth of my heart

What I'm thinking today? Especially one person fills my mind and my heart again and again: my dear friend who is ill... I hope that she will be healthy soon. I fervently pray for her every day. I went to the church for her. I wish her quickly recovery and all the best.

My dear, gentle friend: I hope you see these words and they could comfort you somehow. I want you to know, I'm thinking of you tenderly every day, and you mean so much for me. I'm forever thankful to God and you, that you're exist and we are friends.

Because of you, my world is so much more beautiful and rich place. You have taught me a lot about nature, literature, music, religion, the beauty of life... Still you haven't ever been arrogant nor proud, but always so humble and modest person. I really love your pure heart and your endearing attitude.

May I give you these flowers (the photo above). Get well soon, my angel friend! *hugs* ^_^

From Finland with love,

Teisuka

GET WELL SOON, DEAR ANGEL!

One-day trip to Vaasa

Yesterday I made a one-day trip to Vaasa, a city on the west coast of Finland (population: 60,435, founded in 1606). The city was known as Nikolainkaupunki (City of Nikolai) between 1855 and 1917, when Finland was still part of the Russian Empire.

Vaasa is very beautiful and international place, and one of my favorite cities in Finland. There live a lot of foreigners, and my good friend lives there, too. Besides I met my friend, I visited the old Orthodox Christian church, and after that I was swimming in the sea. Such a pleasure for me! ^_^

In the church, I lighted two candles and I prayed for two persons especially: for my dear friend and my big sister... It was really touching and sacred moment. I visited that church last time 30 years ago, when I was still a child.

I also bought a "travel icon" (double icon) from the church.

Pictures tells more than thousand words, so I add here few photos from my little trip.

The Orthodox Christian church of Vaasa, inaugurated in 1866.

 A general view inside of the church.

Me praying in the church.

A sacred "travel icon": the Mother of God and the Son of God.

The beautiful sea shore in Vaasa, the nearby Hietalahti Villa.

Me swimming in the sea (the Gulf of Bothnia aka Pohjanlahti).

Birch alley in Vaasa.

 This Origami (paper crane) is made by my friend from Vaasa.

Teresa Teng - The Angel Came Down to Earth

As all my friends know, Teresa Teng (traditional Chinese: 鄧麗君; pinyin: Dèng Lìjūn) is my favorite singer. But all westerners does not know this great Asian songstress yet, so let me introduce her in brief.

Teresa Teng (January 29, 1953 - May 8, 1995) was a Chinese pop singer from Taiwan, a huge superstar throughout East Asia. Nowadays her musical legacy is well-known around the world. She is often called the 'Asian Diva', which means a celebrated female singer or goddess.

During her long career (1967–1995), Teresa Teng sang more than 1000 songs not only in her native Mandarin but also in Taiwanese, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indonesian, English, and maybe some other languages, too. She recorded over 100 albums. Teresa Teng died in 1995 at the age of 42 due to an asthma attack.
 
Some people are interested to know, was Teresa Teng Christian or Buddhist. She was born in a Buddhist family, so orginally she was a Buddhist. But she was baptised a Christian when she was still child or student. Teresa's first name comes from her Christian name. These facts told my Japanese friend Goemon-san. If you want to know more about Teresa's religion, and how she joined the Catholic Church, please click here.

 

 

Since March 2010 I have made 15 "fan-made music videos" of Teresa's songs and uploaded them on YouTube. By clicking here, you can find all these videos and many other great TT music videos as well (the name of my YouTube channel is Teisuka's New Place).

Open your heart, and listen to her warm and melodic music with deep and wise lyrics. Possibly Teresa's angelic voice echants and mesmerizing you, too. I wish you an enjoyable journey to the beautiful world of Teresa Teng!（＾—＾）

Please see this article too:
Teresa Teng Soon "Blocked Worldwide" on YouTube?