Year 2011 Overview

The Chinese New Year is coming and everyone is waiting to usher in the Year of the Rabbit!

For those who believe in Chinese Astrology, read this:

Chinese Astrology is based on the Lunar Calendar. That means

that the Chinese New Year does not fall on the same day each

year. In fact, it can vary by as much as three weeks.

Consequently, for babies born in late January to early

February you must consult the charts to determine the

correct birth sign.

People who were born in the Chinese Year of the Rabbit are

sweet, sensitive, compassionate, sentimental and protective

of those they love. This causes the Rabbit to be very

popular, and they usually have a wide circle of friends and

family and a stable home life. Rabbits love to entertain

others in their homes and their homes are usually

comfortable and well-furnished. They are clean, neat and

quiet "nesters," and make great hosts or hostesses, or even

diplomats.

Their sentimentality sometimes leads them to be overly

idealistic in love, but because of their stability they will

usually listen to their friends and move back to the

balance. But if a Rabbit person is for some reason deprived

of the stability and supportive relationships that he or she

needs, they may be often emotionally upset, even to the

point of developing physical illnesses brought on by the

emotions.

This is especially true if the Rabbit is trapped in

conflict. A Rabbit person will usually try to avoid conflict

and if forced into it, will try to be peacemakers, and they

sometimes can be easily manipulated by a stronger

personality. Some rabbits are insecure and tend to

pessimism, but a strong group of friends and/or the right

love interest can encourage them back to their normally

kind, gentle and happy selves.

They may seem to more assertive personalities to be avoiding

their problems rather than dealing with them, but the Rabbit

simply moves at his or her own pace and it does little good

to push them. They are generally fairly satisfied with the

status quo and may feel threatened when challenged.

With an unselfish, principled partner, the Rabbit usually

makes a fantastically loving and protective friend, partner,

or family member. And with a good supportive family or

circle of friends they can develop the sense of self-worth they need to be happy and successful in life.

Romantically, the most compatible match for a Rabbit is a Pig or a Goat.

http://petcaretips.net/chinese-year-rabbit.html

For the rest of us who have a thing for horoscopes and some beliefs in astrology,

do go to http://www.astrology.com/2011-yearly-overview-intro/2-d-d

-291386 for an overview

of the stars and the ups and downs as predicted for the rest of the year.

Of course, this was before we were told that there is a thirteenth star and that we have now got to change signs! But seeing is believing so do visit : http://www.startribune.com/newsgraphics/113661579.html for a look at the new star line-up.

Enjoy!

It's the holiday mood again.. CNY 2011

Seems like only yesterday, we were celebrating Christmas! Giving gifts and receiving gifts in return. As usual, we took a few days off to spend time with family and loved ones. Of course, it was another year without dad, but we still have mum. She is our binding factor. It was also a time for taking snapshots and sharing delicious food. At the end of the week, yours truly had packed in a few extra pounds. Then it was the New Year. Out with the resolutions of the old, in with the new. It's time to make promises we cannot keep yet again...

Now, its five more days to Chinese New Year. Already, some of my colleagues have taken off for their holidays and balik kampung, for yet another long break. For me, this year, mum is here in KL so that's where we will all be. So for me, my break will begin on the 1st February and that will be enough for me. the 2nd will be our reunion dinner, so everyone will be looking forward to it. As it is, I have to watch out especially when there is a great possibility that packing on a few pounds is just so easy at this

time, when everyone is just eating and celebrating...not to say the occasional cards an

d gin rummy sessions, he he. wish me luck! yes, it's the holiday season again and to all family and friends celebrating CNY..here's to a great prosperous Year of the Rabbit. To read about your horoscope for those born in the year of the rabbit, visit this website:

http://www.usbridalguide.com/special/chinesehoroscopes/Rabbit.htm

Gong Xi Fa Chai.

Xin Nien Kwai Ler.

Enjoy yourselves............

Empty nest syndrome...

Empty nest syndrome is a general feeling of loneliness that parents or guardians may feel when one or more of their children leave home; it is more common in women. The marriage of a child can lead to similar feelings, with the role and influence of the parents often becoming less important compared to the new spouse.

A strong maternal or paternal bond between the parent and child can make the condition worse. The role of the parent while the child is still living with them is more hands-on and immediate than is possible when they have moved out, particularly if the distance means that visits are difficult.

wikipedia.

I am sure some of you mums out there are feeling the blues or the empty-nest syndrome. Me...feeling some of the heat...my son, Jon will soon be leaving home to start his university life. He will be 19 soon and leaving home for the first time. Wow...though its kind of hard to let go, my hub and I feel it will also be good for him. Though he had progressed from school to college, he was still staying at home and studying in KL. Now he will leave the comforts of home and venture out on his own. No more nagging from mum, no more mum calling to check where the son is or what time he's coming home, at least while he's away. He will be experiencing his own kind of freedom and independence. Guess, it would be hard to let go but I think its best for all. I think in the long run, it would make him stronger, more independent, and more responsible.

To my son, work hard son, stay healthy and well, most of all, enjoy your varsity days, make the most of your life there and here's wishing you 4 happy years, taking the path less trodden by and that has made the most difference! Good luck son...and I am sure the road you choose to take will be the best decision you have ever made. We will definitely be visiting so don't worry...you might feel home sick for a while but I am sure you will make friends soon enough. My eldest girll Jen left home two years ago and we all miss her. However, she has always been away on TV assignments when young and has visited many places, even war torn Irag and as far as Paris and Rio de Janeiro! Guess we feel it more now that our two kids have flown the nest...but we are comforted, we still have baby Jo at home...not so really, she's in her last year at school, before college, so soon I will have that feeling again...

Which parent doesn't feel the loneliness of kids in the house, the dinners together, the outings...but this is life. So I am comforted again that new technologies have made it possible for us to be close to one another amidst the distance. Yes, we can sms and talk oin the phone and we can get online and skype. Thank God for that.

To Jon,

Warm wishes and love always.

Mum and dad

Jen and Jo

Honey Bird nesting- burung kelicap madu

Yes...we had two bird nestings last year...and this year..the lovey dovey birds are back for more. It was a surprise and a delight to watch the birds build a nest, then the female lay two eggs, then the birds hatching and then learning to fly..it was amazing, I tell you. the whole family was completely enthralled. We followed the nesting till the birds got bigger enough to leave the nest and it was fantastic watching them fly off among the trees. It didn't happen once, but twice..and everyone said wah..such good luck. Well I don't know about that, but I guess as long as everyone is healthy and safe..that's all the luck we need. Now the pair of birds are tweeting again in my little garden and it has set our hearts tingling again. So we are hoping for a third nesting and as they say, third time lucky...so to read more more about honey birds go to this website: http://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burung_Kelicap_Bukit

Knee osteoarthritis anyone?

Definition

Author Info:

Michele R. Webb, The Gale Group Inc., Gale, Detroit, 200

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive disorder of the joints caused by gradual loss of cartilage that may result in the development of bony spurs and cysts at the margins of the joints. The name osteoarthritis comes from three Greek words meaning bone, joint, and inflammation.

Description

OA is one of the most common causes of disability due to limitations of joint movement, particularly in people over the age of 50. It is estimated that 2% of the United States population under the age of 45 also suffers from osteoarthritis; this figure rises to 30% in persons between the ages of 45 and 64, and 63–80% in those over age 70. Approximately 90% of the American population will have some features of OA in their weight-bearing joints by age 40. Men tend to develop OA at earlier ages than women.

OA typically develops gradually, over a period of years. Patients with OA may have joint pain on only one side of the body. It primarily affects the knees, hands, hips, feet, and spine.

Causes and symptoms

Osteoarthritis results from deterioration or destruction of the cartilage that normally acts as a protective cushion between bones, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. As the cartilage is worn away, the bones may form spurs, areas of abnormal hardening, and fluid-filled pockets in the marrow. These are known as subchondral cysts. As the disorder progresses, pain results from deformation of the bones and fluid accumulation in the joints. Pain may be relieved by rest, but worsened by placing weight on, or moving, the joint. In the early stages of OA, the pain is minor and may take the form of mild stiffness in the morning. In the later stages of OA, inflammation develops; the patient may experience pain even when the joint is not being used; and he or she may suffer permanent loss of the normal range of motion in that joint.

Osteoarthritis typically has been considered by laypeople as an inevitable part ofaging caused by simple wear and tear on the joints. This view has been replaced by recent research into cartilage formation and preservation. Osteoarthritis is now considered to be the end result of several different factors that can contribute to cartilage damage, and is classified as either primary or secondary.

Yes folks..I have knee osteoarthritis. I discovered that in 2007. After a morning run, I felt great discomfort in my right knee. Then before I knew it, it became swollen and I was not able to walk overnight. Imagine that, it was really frightening. I ended up sitting in a wheelchair and going to see the orthopedic doctor in Subang Medical center. When the doc told me about my condition I didn't quite know what to say but I was afraid. Anyway after a few weeks of physiotherapy and taking anti-inflammatory pills and painkillers, I recovered. From time to time I would have some pains but usually I would be able to stand the pain and discomfort. It was then I started religiously taking my glucosomin and it has been a few years. The past month or so I have been plagued with pains in my right knee and nothing seems to work..I even tried some light exercises. Guess the problem will not just go away and by the looks of it..may even get worse as I age.

So for those of you who have the same problem, I will get some articles for you to read. Guess to the young ones, you need to prevent it happening to your knees, please take care. We only live once and if our legs fail us when once we were sporty...wow it's another story.

Of nyonyas and babas

Adrian's and serene's wedding ....

My great grandmother was a peranakan, a nyonya and since then...the heritage has somewhat been watered down quietly. Even though the cultural practices of the peranakan has somewhat slowed down in our family, the different dishes of food (my mum is a great nyonya cook, so were my aunties...) and occasional dress of the nyonya and babas appear at our weddings and celebrations. One dress that has remained with all the ladies and men in the family is the sarong. Anyway, dressing up is still enjoyable and fun when the clan gets together. My kids do anyway...

Here is what wikipedia has to say:

Peranakan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Baba House Museum in Malacca, Malaysia, an area where many "Peranakan" Straits-Chinese lived.

Peranakan and Baba-Nyonya (Chinese: 峇峇娘惹; pinyin: Bābā Niángrě; Hokkien: Bā-bā Niû-liá)

are terms used for the descendants of late 15th and 16th-century Chinese immigrants to the Nusantara

region during the Colonial era. Members of this community in Melaka address themselves as "Nyonya Baba"

instead of "Baba-Nyonya". Nyonya is the term for the ladies and Baba for the gentlemen. It applies especially

to the ethnic Chinese populations of the British Straits Settlements of Malaya and the Dutch-controlled island of Java and other locations, who have adopted partially or in full Nusantara customs to be somewhat assimilated into the local communities. They are the elites of Singapore, more loyal to the British than to China. Most have lived for generations along the straits of Malacca and not all intermarried with the localMalays. They are usually traders, the middleman of the British and the Chinese, or the Chinese and Malays, or vice versa. They almost always have the ability to speak two or more languages. In later generations, some lost the ability to speak Chinese as they became assimilated to theMalay Peninsula's culture and started to speak Malay fluently as a first or second language.

While the term Peranakan is most commonly used among the ethnic Chinese for those of Chinese descent also known as Straits Chinese (土生華人; named after the Straits Settlements), there are also other, comparatively small Peranakan communities, such as Indian Hindu Peranakans (Chitty), Indian Muslim Peranakans (Jawi Pekan) (Jawi being the Javanised Arabic script,^[1] Pekan a colloquial contraction ofPeranakan^[1]) and Eurasian Peranakans (Kristang^[1]) (Kristang = Christians).^[1][2] The group has parallels to the Cambodian Hokkien, who are descendents of Hoklo Chinese. They maintained their culture partially despite their native language gradually disappearing a few generations after settlement.^[3]

Shanghai world expo 2010

What is a trip to Shanghai last year without a visit to the world Expo.

Expo 2010 Shanghai China was a great event to explore the full potential of urban life in the 21st century and a significant period in urban evolution. Fifty-five percent of the world population is expected to live in cities by the year 2010. The prospect of future urban life, a subject of global interest, concerns all nations, developed or less developed, and their people. Being the first World Exposition on the theme of city, Exposition 2010 will attract governments and people from across the world, focusing on the theme "Better City, Better Life." For 184 days, participants displayed urban civilisation to the full extent, exchanged their experiences of urban development, disseminated advanced notions on cities and explored new approaches to human habitat, lifestyle and working conditions in the new century. They learnt how to create an eco-friendly society and maintain the sustainable development of human beings.

Expo 2010 Shanghai China centred on innovation and interaction. Innovation is the soul, while cultural interaction is an important mission of the World Expositions. In the new era, Expo 2010 Shanghai China has contributed to human-centred development, scientific and technological innovation, cultural diversity and win-win cooperation for a better future, thus composing a melody with the key notes of highlighting innovation and interaction in the new century.

http://www.2010shanghaiworldexpo.org/expo_overview.htm

Recognise the pavillions?

Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai.

The Oriental Pearl Tower (Chinese: 东方明珠塔; pinyin: Dōngfāng Míngzhūtǎ, official name: 东方明珠电视塔) is a TV tower in Shanghai,China. The Oriental Pearl Tower is located at the tip of Lujiazui in the Pudong district, by the side of Huangpu River, opposite of The Bund.

It was designed by the Shanghai Modern Architectural Design Co. Ltd. Principal designers are Jiang Huan Chen, Lin Benlin and Zhang Xiulin. Construction began in 1990 and the tower was completed in 1994. At 468 m (1,535 feet) high, it was the tallest structure in China from 1994–2007, when it was surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center. The Oriental Pearl Tower belongs to the World Federation of Great Towers. (wikipedia)

The hand of Buddha

Fantastically small sized me...in comparison with this Giant Hand of Buddha at Wuxi.

Lingshan Grand Buddha

Jiangsu.NET Score Location: Wuxi Address: Lingshan Road, Hubing District, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214091, P.R.China Fee: 50 Yuan/ticket Operation: 6:30 – 18:00 Route: Bus No. 88 or 91 (at Wuxi Railway Station) Taxi: all taxi drivers know it. Phone: 86-510-8568 6166 or 510-8568 2 Email: lingshan@lingshan.com.cn Website: http://www.lingshan.org

Located in the Maji Mountain area, the Lingshan Grand Buddha is one of the most renowned tourist attractions in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, together with the nearby historic Xiangfu Temple, a thousand-year old Buddhism temple. With more than 80 meters high, the Grand Buddha is a bronze Sakyamuni standing Buddha and was built at the end of 1996. Lingshan Grand Buddha lies in the Small Lingshan named by the famous Great Monk Xuanzang in Tang Dynasty. The Buddhas are made of tin, bronze, created, and completed according to the record of the Buddhist Scriptures Tathagata 32 Images. Standing solemnly at the site of famous Tang Dynasty Xiangfu Temple, the Grand Buddha is pleasing to tourists, widely looking at all the living creatures. The left and right hands have hand print with "wish", wishing the world happy and welfare and the character on the Buddha's front chest represents solemnity and virtue. With the nearby Lake Taihu and a beautiful range of hills, the Lingshan Buddha is a symbol of Wuxi and attracts visitors nationally and internationally. During Spring Festival, travelers from around the world come to Xiangfu Temple to listen to the tolling of the bell, believed to bring good luck. The bell, at 3.5 metres in hight and weighing in 12 tons, is the biggest in South China.

Comments

Highly recommended national 4-AAAA tourist attraction. Known as the city's symbol. The tallest copper standing Buddha Statue draws nearly two millions visitors each year.

Chinese English 2

Here's another one: Please washing away after using.

What it means: Please flush after you are done!

Chinese English...

If you have visited any of the toilets in China, this may look familiar: Be careful of landslide.

what it actually means is: Be careful, its slippery!

What goes round comes round…

Subject: Amazing but true
This is a true story that had happened in 1892 at Stanford University .
Its moral is still relevant today.

A young, 18-year-old student was struggling to pay his fees.
He was an orphan, and not know­ing where to turn for money, he came up with a bright idea.
A friend and he decided to host a musical concert on campus to raise money for their education.
They reached out to the great pianist Ignacy J. Paderewski.
His manager demanded a guaranteed fee of $2000 for the piano recital.
A deal was struck. And the boys began to work to make the concert a success.
The big day arrived. Paderewski performed at Stanford. But unfortunately,
they had not managed to sell enough tickets. The total collection was only $1600.
Disappointed, they went to Paderewski and explained their plight.
They gave him the entire $1600, plus a cheque for the balance $400.
They promised to honour the cheque soonest possible.
"No." said Paderewski. "This is not acceptable." He tore up the cheque,
returned the $1600 and told the two boys, "Here's the $1600.
Please deduct whatever expenses you have incurred. Keep the money you need for your fees. And just give me whatever is left" The boys were surprised, and thanked him profusely.
It was a small act of kindness. But it clearly marked out Paderewski as a great human being.
Why should he help two people he did not even know? We all come across situations like these in our lives.
And most of us only think "If I help them, what would happen to me?"
The truly great people think, "If I don't help them, what will happen to them?"

They don't do it expecting something in return. They do it because they feel it's the right thing to do.

Paderewski later went on to become the Prime Minister of Poland. He was a great leader,
but unfortunately when the World War began, Poland was ravaged. There were over 1.5 million people
starving in his country, and no money to feed them. Paderewski did not know where to turn for help.
He reached out to the US Food and Relief Administration for help.

The head there was a man called Herbert Hoover - who later went on to become the US President.
Hoover agreed to help and quickly shipped tons of food grains to feed the starving Polish people.
A calamity was averted.
Paderewski was relieved. He decided to go across to meet Hoover and personally thank him. When Paderewski began to thank Hoover for his noble gesture, Hoover quickly interjected and said,
"You shouldn't be thanking me Mr. Prime Minister. You may not remember this, but several years ago,
you helped two young students go through college in the US. I was one of them."

The world is a wonderful place. What goes around usually comes around.