Links and Writings

My Ongoing Inspirations and Education Journey:

In no particular order of importance, the following represents only some of the resources that have resonated with me, inspired me, educated me, humored me and impacted me as I became an Accidental Historian.

These resources may have impacted me only in a small way, large way, or perhaps in a deeper way. At any rate, they made me think and wonder and occassionally write to share my perspectives.

For me, history is most interesting when we discover the intersections and throughlines.

MY Gallery - PHOTOS ARE REVEALING…AND TELL STORIES

My Roots: The TAO Bros. China. circa 1920s. Dad, eldest bro, on right. Their sister would not survive infancy.

My Roots: The TAO Bros. China. circa 1920s. Dad, eldest bro, on right. Their sister would not survive infancy.

My Roots: 3 KUO sistas. China. Mom (2nd oldest sister), 2nd from left. She also had 2 brothers and 4 other siblings that died during their childhood.

My Roots: 3 KUO sistas. China. Mom (2nd oldest sister), 2nd from left. She also had 2 brothers and 4 other siblings that died during their childhood.

Track Star Dad.

Track Star Dad.

1930s China Record Holder of the Triple Jump (then called the Hop-Skip-Jump). The 1936 Olympic Trials were cancelled due to the Japanese Occupation. Could he have gone to the Berlin Olympics and been in the company with Jessie Owens and Hitler?

1930s China Record Holder of the Triple Jump (then called the Hop-Skip-Jump). The 1936 Olympic Trials were cancelled due to the Japanese Occupation. Could he have gone to the Berlin Olympics and been in the company with Jessie Owens and Hitler?

Who Plays Hockey In China in the 1930s? How did they make an ice rink? Dad, 1st row center. A goalie, no less.....without the invention of the mask!

Who Plays Hockey In China in the 1930s? How did they make an ice rink? Dad, 1st row center. A goalie, no less.....without the invention of the mask!

My father's scrapbook notes (not his photos) when he was stationed in Kunming, China during WWII and his role in the Burma Road and the China-Burma-India Theater, a part of history most people don't know. Though many may know the iconic image of the

My father's scrapbook notes (not his photos) when he was stationed in Kunming, China during WWII and his role in the Burma Road and the China-Burma-India Theater, a part of history most people don't know. Though many may know the iconic image of the Flying Tiger's, Curtis P-40 fighter plane.

Photo of my modern parents being optimistic in a war torn China. 1946. Qingdao is the city my father would be assigned post War. His assignment was to the Qingdao Rubber Works to relieve the duty of the chief engineer, a Japanese civilian who managed

Photo of my modern parents being optimistic in a war torn China. 1946. Qingdao is the city my father would be assigned post War. His assignment was to the Qingdao Rubber Works to relieve the duty of the chief engineer, a Japanese civilian who managed the plant when the Japanese took it over.

The SS Marine Swallow. The is the ship my father would take for his trip to the U.S. It was a 22 day trip. Imagine, being 31 yrs old, never having left China. This C4 class cargo ship was used as a "Troop Ship" during WWII. Ironically, after its mili

The SS Marine Swallow. The is the ship my father would take for his trip to the U.S. It was a 22 day trip. Imagine, being 31 yrs old, never having left China. This C4 class cargo ship was used as a "Troop Ship" during WWII. Ironically, after its military service, it would enter the private world and be renamed "Missouri.." Dad's destination was St. Louis, Missouri.

1947. The Ship Manifest for the S.S. Marine Swallow and Tao Kwang Yeh's arrival to San Francisco. The beginning of the TAO Family in the U.S. He recalled going into Chinatown to get a meal and to see what it was like, then hopped on a train to St. L

1947. The Ship Manifest for the S.S. Marine Swallow and Tao Kwang Yeh's arrival to San Francisco. The beginning of the TAO Family in the U.S. He recalled going into Chinatown to get a meal and to see what it was like, then hopped on a train to St. Louis.

We had not known how my mother (and my infant brother) arrived to the U.S., 1+ Yr later in 1949, until we found this document. Interestingly, in the span from my father's departure, the passenger airplane would become more available than a 22 day tan

We had not known how my mother (and my infant brother) arrived to the U.S., 1+ Yr later in 1949, until we found this document. Interestingly, in the span from my father's departure, the passenger airplane would become more available than a 22 day tanker journey.

Washington University, 1947. Photo courtesy of Washington University Archives. The story on how my parents connected to Washington University in 1946 is a pretty remarkable story of things going right. It includes the parents of the former U.S/ Secre

Washington University, 1947. Photo courtesy of Washington University Archives. The story on how my parents connected to Washington University in 1946 is a pretty remarkable story of things going right. It includes the parents of the former U.S/ Secretary of Energy (under Obama) and a Nobel Prize winner, Steven Chu.

Washington University's Lee Hall (originally Tower Hall, now Umrath Hall) was the residence for foreign students. My father wrote that he could survive on $1.30/day for cold meals. The tennis courts were nearby, which would be his introduction to hi

Washington University's Lee Hall (originally Tower Hall, now Umrath Hall) was the residence for foreign students. My father wrote that he could survive on $1.30/day for cold meals. The tennis courts were nearby, which would be his introduction to his tennis passion. (1960 photo courtesy of Washington University Archives).

The 1947 Washington University Student directory. This directory would allow us to confirm people that my father crossed paths with, including Wing Leong, the brother of Annie Leong (aka Asia Cafe from downtown Chinatown).

The 1947 Washington University Student directory. This directory would allow us to confirm people that my father crossed paths with, including Wing Leong, the brother of Annie Leong (aka Asia Cafe from downtown Chinatown).

Proud moment. First car. Posing in front of Washington University, the university that admitted him and introduced my parents to the U.S. My dad loved American cars.

Proud moment. First car. Posing in front of Washington University, the university that admitted him and introduced my parents to the U.S. My dad loved American cars.

A reference letter for my parent's application for Naturalization. Note my father's salary increases between 1947-1950 was $1,200 to $1,500 to $3,000. The reference writer, Raymond Tucker, would eventually become the 38th Mayor of St. Louis. He was a

A reference letter for my parent's application for Naturalization. Note my father's salary increases between 1947-1950 was $1,200 to $1,500 to $3,000. The reference writer, Raymond Tucker, would eventually become the 38th Mayor of St. Louis. He was a mentor and illustrated to my father how to be welcoming to others, which would carry on through his life.

I have always admired how my father dealt with being the only Asian at the table. He seemed to embrace these situations. This was his first job, 1949 (the year he arrived) at the St. Louis Board of Education. He made $3/hr as an electrical engineer.

I have always admired how my father dealt with being the only Asian at the table. He seemed to embrace these situations. This was his first job, 1949 (the year he arrived) at the St. Louis Board of Education. He made $3/hr as an electrical engineer.

When the Chinese community is small, you find your people and come together for commaraderie, support and of course, a BBQ, an Ameican passtime. I don't know if they used it for BBQs, but my mom recounted going to a kind butcher in the Delmar Loop wh

When the Chinese community is small, you find your people and come together for commaraderie, support and of course, a BBQ, an Ameican passtime. I don't know if they used it for BBQs, but my mom recounted going to a kind butcher in the Delmar Loop who would give her a bag of chicken wings (for free). Chicken wings were considered throw away parts. How far we have come.

In the 1960s, my parent's home would be a welcoming place for the community (mostly younger) to gather; this would continue for decades. This remarkable photo of moslty young students, would be a future (first) Asian American president of a major U.S

In the 1960s, my parent's home would be a welcoming place for the community (mostly younger) to gather; this would continue for decades. This remarkable photo of moslty young students, would be a future (first) Asian American president of a major U.S. university and a Lt. Governor. I always thought it so cool how they opened up their house and generosity.

Growing up within a small, Chinese American community.

Growing up within a small, Chinese American community.

Love this image. Back in the 1960s this Chinese Community, like many around the country, would gather together for commaraderie and celebration. Who says there isn't an Asian Santa somewhere?

Love this image. Back in the 1960s this Chinese Community, like many around the country, would gather together for commaraderie and celebration. Who says there isn't an Asian Santa somewhere?

My Introduction to Community Service and Representing the Chinese Community, at the International Folklore Festival, one of the first International Festivals in STL. 1968.

My Introduction to Community Service and Representing the Chinese Community, at the International Folklore Festival, one of the first International Festivals in STL. 1968.

My first home.

My first home.

My main home growing up. My father bought a lot for $10,000, then designed the house with family friend, architect Chih-chen Jen and built it for $60,000 in 1966.

My main home growing up. My father bought a lot for $10,000, then designed the house with family friend, architect Chih-chen Jen and built it for $60,000 in 1966.

The NHL comes to STL in 1967. I thought I would try. Coach Jimmy Roberts, the 1st player selected by the St. Louis Blues in the expansion draft (pictured). Still clearly not an Asian sport, as the only Asian kid in the camp. For this camp, I was vote

The NHL comes to STL in 1967. I thought I would try. Coach Jimmy Roberts, the 1st player selected by the St. Louis Blues in the expansion draft (pictured). Still clearly not an Asian sport, as the only Asian kid in the camp. For this camp, I was voted the Most Improved Player.....which wasn't an indication of proficiency!

Father-Son Tennis. We probably played tennis together for 50+ years. We were pretty good!!

Father-Son Tennis. We probably played tennis together for 50+ years. We were pretty good!!

Perhaps the largest tennis can collection, with cans from all around the globe. My parents were able to travel the globe through a program, People-to-People Tennis, This program helped introduce them to other cultures and people, many who became clos

Perhaps the largest tennis can collection, with cans from all around the globe. My parents were able to travel the globe through a program, People-to-People Tennis, This program helped introduce them to other cultures and people, many who became close friends......and for my father to collect cans.

2017. A last visit to the Arch, as they prepared to move away to Nashville, to live with eldest son, David. St. Louis is the city they immigrated to from China in 1947, 70 years ago. My father worked on the Arch project.

2017. A last visit to the Arch, as they prepared to move away to Nashville, to live with eldest son, David. St. Louis is the city they immigrated to from China in 1947, 70 years ago. My father worked on the Arch project.

My Midwest side and love of bluegrass music. I even wore cowboy boots, until I realize it was not really me. A cowboy hat too, again, not me.

My Midwest side and love of bluegrass music. I even wore cowboy boots, until I realize it was not really me. A cowboy hat too, again, not me.

Boundary Waters, Canada side. An early, true introdution to the wilderness. On this trip, I was actually asked "what tribe are you from?"

Boundary Waters, Canada side. An early, true introdution to the wilderness. On this trip, I was actually asked "what tribe are you from?"

My Portfolio cover for graduate school. My point of view. Should I have been accepted? No Photoshop back then. Real sketching.

My Portfolio cover for graduate school. My point of view. Should I have been accepted? No Photoshop back then. Real sketching.

Doodling. Journaling your thoughts is important, regardless of profession.

Doodling. Journaling your thoughts is important, regardless of profession.

Doodling. Journaling your thoughts is important, regardless of profession.

Doodling. Journaling your thoughts is important, regardless of profession.

Graduated from Graduate School, 1982. So I want to be an architect? Still slogging away.

Graduated from Graduate School, 1982. So I want to be an architect? Still slogging away.

Food Introduces you to Cultures and People: I ate breakfast at this tiny Upper West Side restaurant nearly every week. Eggs, Cuban Bread Toast, Black Beans and Cafe con Leche.

Food Introduces you to Cultures and People: I ate breakfast at this tiny Upper West Side restaurant nearly every week. Eggs, Cuban Bread Toast, Black Beans and Cafe con Leche.

My sketching phase: Great Wall, 1982. Breathtaking.

My sketching phase: Great Wall, 1982. Breathtaking.

My sketching phase: Cheng De, 1982.

My sketching phase: Cheng De, 1982.

My sketching phase: Cheng De, 1982.

My sketching phase: Cheng De, 1982.

My sketching phase: Summer Palace, 1982.

My sketching phase: Summer Palace, 1982.

My sketching phase: Ming Tombs, 1982

My sketching phase: Ming Tombs, 1982

My sketching phase: Temple of Heaven, 1982.

My sketching phase: Temple of Heaven, 1982.

Young, budding Architect. NYC. I worked over 1000+ hours of overtime one year. I have since learned.

Young, budding Architect. NYC. I worked over 1000+ hours of overtime one year. I have since learned.

The beginning of TAO + LEE. 1986. Helen (Lee) and I met on campus and got married on campus. It was not the best day of my life, because today we are still together.

The beginning of TAO + LEE. 1986. Helen (Lee) and I met on campus and got married on campus. It was not the best day of my life, because today we are still together.

Another era. Cool cats in NYC.

Another era. Cool cats in NYC.

My sketching phase: Villa Rotunda, 1983.

My sketching phase: Villa Rotunda, 1983.

My sketching phase: San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice 1983.

My sketching phase: San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice 1983.

My sketching phase: Duomo, Florence, 1983.

My sketching phase: Duomo, Florence, 1983.

BEING WELCOMING: Standing up for and supporting refugees and immigrants. In the 1950s, my parents had to make the choice to abandon their home country. I was lucky.

BEING WELCOMING: Standing up for and supporting refugees and immigrants. In the 1950s, my parents had to make the choice to abandon their home country. I was lucky.

Being Welcoming. The Nahed Chapman New American Academy, St. Louis, a 2-year transitional school for newcomer refugees and immigrants. Photo by Brian O'Connell. Contacted for help by the principal, I would help organize the community to build and don

Being Welcoming. The Nahed Chapman New American Academy, St. Louis, a 2-year transitional school for newcomer refugees and immigrants. Photo by Brian O'Connell. Contacted for help by the principal, I would help organize the community to build and donate a soccer field (and more) to this school.

2017: The seeds of the Accidental Historian are planted. In researching history for my celebratory introduction for my father's 100th birthday tribute, I discover story telling.

2017: The seeds of the Accidental Historian are planted. In researching history for my celebratory introduction for my father's 100th birthday tribute, I discover story telling.

2018: A pivotal moment in my life. After years of work, our documentary, DAY ONE, debuts at the Newport Beach International Film Festival. We tell the story of the Nahed Chapman New American Academy. www.dayonedocumentary.com

2018: A pivotal moment in my life. After years of work, our documentary, DAY ONE, debuts at the Newport Beach International Film Festival. We tell the story of the Nahed Chapman New American Academy. www.dayonedocumentary.com

Our last Thanksgiving with Mom & Dad, 2019. We almost set mom on fire with the firepit Dad would pass away only weeks later. Mom would pass away after him, only 5 weeks later. This was a tough period of my life.

Our last Thanksgiving with Mom & Dad, 2019. We almost set mom on fire with the firepit Dad would pass away only weeks later. Mom would pass away after him, only 5 weeks later. This was a tough period of my life.

1924. An impactful year. Look it up. Thank you #Hateisavirus and Uprisers for this fashion messaging project.

1924. An impactful year. Look it up. Thank you #Hateisavirus and Uprisers for this fashion messaging project.

TAO + LEE, literally. Being honored as Asian Business of the Year. 2025 will be our 30th Anniversary.

TAO + LEE, literally. Being honored as Asian Business of the Year. 2025 will be our 30th Anniversary.

A historic milestone. May 6, 2023, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of OCA Advocates St. Louis (formerly Organization of Chinese Americans). We discover by coincidence (spiritual?) that this date we selected was also the same date, May 6, 1882, that

A historic milestone. May 6, 2023, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of OCA Advocates St. Louis (formerly Organization of Chinese Americans). We discover by coincidence (spiritual?) that this date we selected was also the same date, May 6, 1882, that the Chinese Exclusion Act was signed.

Family Travel: Returning Home, England, 2015. Rediscovering a moment in our lives.

Family Travel: Returning Home, England, 2015. Rediscovering a moment in our lives.

Family Travel: Morocco, 2019. It became a bittersweet, mental health escape trip. It was days after the passing of my father.

Family Travel: Morocco, 2019. It became a bittersweet, mental health escape trip. It was days after the passing of my father.

Family Travel: Oaxaca, Mexico. A beautiful, indigenous side and history of Mexico.

Family Travel: Oaxaca, Mexico. A beautiful, indigenous side and history of Mexico.

Food Introduces you to Cultures and People: Churros at El Moro in Mexico City. Bliss.

Food Introduces you to Cultures and People: Churros at El Moro in Mexico City. Bliss.

Overcoming fears. Soaring in Colombia, 2023. I already take leaps of faith. This was literal and so worth it. Skydiving is not on the bucket list.

Overcoming fears. Soaring in Colombia, 2023. I already take leaps of faith. This was literal and so worth it. Skydiving is not on the bucket list.

Architecture Love: Poetic, Luis Barragan, Casa Gilardi. Simple.

Architecture Love: Poetic, Luis Barragan, Casa Gilardi. Simple.

Architecture Love: Felix Candela, “Los Manantiales, ” urban ruin, 2021. Candela was a pioneer in thin shell structures.

Architecture Love: Felix Candela, “Los Manantiales, ” urban ruin, 2021. Candela was a pioneer in thin shell structures.

Food Introduces you to Cultures and People: Cold Sesame Noodles. Loved it growing up and even more so when I discovered that every Chinese restaurant sold because everyone in NYC ordered it.

Food Introduces you to Cultures and People: Cold Sesame Noodles. Loved it growing up and even more so when I discovered that every Chinese restaurant sold because everyone in NYC ordered it.

Architecture Love: Shades of Blue, Chefchaouen, Morocco. Aside from the excessive tourist selfies, it is simply cheerful.

Architecture Love: Shades of Blue, Chefchaouen, Morocco. Aside from the excessive tourist selfies, it is simply cheerful.

Architecture Love: My fondness (obsession?) of the Flatiron Building, NYC. A rare vantage point, when the International Toy Center was being built.

Architecture Love: My fondness (obsession?) of the Flatiron Building, NYC. A rare vantage point, when the International Toy Center was being built.

Architecture Love: Louis Sullivan, the Wainwright Building. A St. Louis gem. Sadly, bad urban planning decisions took away surround buildings.

Architecture Love: Louis Sullivan, the Wainwright Building. A St. Louis gem. Sadly, bad urban planning decisions took away surround buildings.

Love Architecture: The Arch, duh. Eero Saarinen.

Love Architecture: The Arch, duh. Eero Saarinen.

Architecture Love + Sadness: This is the site of St. Louis' Lost Chinatown. This building, by Philip Johnson, came 11 years after the remaining Chinatown was leveled...for parking lots.

Architecture Love + Sadness: This is the site of St. Louis' Lost Chinatown. This building, by Philip Johnson, came 11 years after the remaining Chinatown was leveled...for parking lots.

Food Introduces you to Cultures and People: The St. Paul Sandwich: A St. Louis urban legend about this sandwich, a creation by a Chinese restaurant owner seeking to appeal to western liking for sandwiches. The creation? An egg foo young between 2 pie

Food Introduces you to Cultures and People: The St. Paul Sandwich: A St. Louis urban legend about this sandwich, a creation by a Chinese restaurant owner seeking to appeal to western liking for sandwiches. The creation? An egg foo young between 2 pieces of white bread, with pickle, lettuce and mayo...sometimes tomato.....and best with a handprint.

Architecture + Nature Love: Mesa Verde National Park. Breathtaking vision of planning a community and integration with nature.

Architecture + Nature Love: Mesa Verde National Park. Breathtaking vision of planning a community and integration with nature.

Nature Love: A land of forests, Costa Rica 2016. Hiking (and ziplining) in the Rain and Cloud forests reinforces the importance of saving our planet.

Nature Love: A land of forests, Costa Rica 2016. Hiking (and ziplining) in the Rain and Cloud forests reinforces the importance of saving our planet.

Nature Love: Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rock National Monument

Nature Love: Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rock National Monument

Nature Love: Antelope Canyon, Navajo Nation, Arizona. Mother nature at its best.

Nature Love: Antelope Canyon, Navajo Nation, Arizona. Mother nature at its best.

Love Quotes: England, 2015

Love Quotes: England, 2015

Love Quotes + Art: Alejandro Diaz. 2007.

Love Quotes + Art: Alejandro Diaz. 2007.

My 2019 Stanley Cup Shrine. Notice my winnings from a Bawston Bruin fan/friend.

My 2019 Stanley Cup Shrine. Notice my winnings from a Bawston Bruin fan/friend.

Food Introduces you to Cultures and People: Meat in a Bucket: A Workplace Experience you can't teach, about site visit discoveries. This discovery was in a Chinese Restaurant basement. But who cares. We don't eat down there!

Food Introduces you to Cultures and People: Meat in a Bucket: A Workplace Experience you can't teach, about site visit discoveries. This discovery was in a Chinese Restaurant basement. But who cares. We don't eat down there!

The Oscar Lee Orchard, at EarthDance Organic Farm School in Ferguson, MO. A tribute to Helen's father, Oscar Lee, and his love of fruit trees and our own family love of agriculture.

The Oscar Lee Orchard, at EarthDance Organic Farm School in Ferguson, MO. A tribute to Helen's father, Oscar Lee, and his love of fruit trees and our own family love of agriculture.

Oldest Blues Fans at the time? A combined 200 years. They embraced and loved their STL Community, so when the NHL came to STL in the 1960s, they would become 30+ years season ticket holders.

Oldest Blues Fans at the time? A combined 200 years. They embraced and loved their STL Community, so when the NHL came to STL in the 1960s, they would become 30+ years season ticket holders.

Coincidence or a spiritual collison for me to piece together? My parents first office space (early 1950s) would be the final location for Asia Food Products (Asia Cafe) and the On Leong Merchants Association HQ, both rooted back to downtown Chinatown

Coincidence or a spiritual collison for me to piece together? My parents first office space (early 1950s) would be the final location for Asia Food Products (Asia Cafe) and the On Leong Merchants Association HQ, both rooted back to downtown Chinatown.

The wisdom my parents bestowed on health (they lived to age of 102 and 99 years), was to stay physically and socially active. I embrace that, though there will be moments when you have to pivot (3 times for me).

The wisdom my parents bestowed on health (they lived to age of 102 and 99 years), was to stay physically and socially active. I embrace that, though there will be moments when you have to pivot (3 times for me).