Xing Fu

HELLO KITTY CAR

2012-02-19T01:58:00.000+08:00

In Malaysia, I have seen a few cars that have Hello Kitty designs on them. The owners would send their cars to the accessories shop and get decals or stickers made of the famous cat. However, there is one car maker in China that actually came out with the BYD F0 Hello Kitty Edition car. Needless to say, the car came in the Kawaii colour, pink. Even the seat covers, dash, gear lever, pillows, door trim and even a steering wheel cover are in pink. Definitely a female car.

HELLO KITTY PAU

2012-02-19T01:25:00.000+08:00

LINK

My latest discovery of what new items people can put the image of Hello Kitty - the Chinese Pau or Bun. Whatever will they think of next to put Kitty's mug?

MEOW CAMERA

2012-02-19T01:15:00.001+08:00

I am sure that most visitors of this blog know that I am a big fan of cameras, especially ones that take good pictures. Recently I saw this lightweight Meow Pix Camera on the Internet.

Indeed, it looked really cute with the whimsically winking feline face printed on it. The camera also comes in a cute, reusable pop-top can! Added accessories are that the camera comes with flashing coloured lights, multiple 'meows,' and other sound effects at the press of a button. Hmm ... interesting!

However, cute though it may appear I will not buy such a camera as it does not have the specifications that I want. At best it is just for taking amateurish snaps.
LINK

COLD AND NICE

2012-02-18T08:36:00.000+08:00

After a looong day at work, Kamariah and I like to drive to Lumut and enjoy a bowl of Abu Batu Campur or Shave Ice Delight at the Waterfront. Believe me, it is such a wonderful way to unwind with the breeze blowing gently into our faces and the beautiful scenery surrounding us. It is really relaxing.

FRIED SANDWICHES

2012-02-18T08:31:00.000+08:00

In the above pictures, the sardine sandwiches are being deep fried in a big wok. Once they turn golden brown, the canteen lady will scoop them out and let the oil drip into a pan before placing them on dishes. During recess time, the boys and girls in my college will be able to enjoy the crispy fried sandwiches.

HELLO KITTY BOUQUETS

2012-02-18T01:33:00.015+08:00

I must admit that the animal bouquets have caught my attention and I am eager to try my hands at making one. In the above pictures you see some Hello Kitty Bouquets. I managed to get the instructions and am posting it here.

TUTORIAL ON HOW TO MAKE HELLO KITTY BOUQUET

Supplies:
4 White Carnations
2 Plastic Black Shank Buttons – if you can find an oval shape even better
1 Plastic Yellow Shank Button
1 Sheet of White Craft Foam
Black Card Stock

Straight Pins
Fabric Glue
Tape
Green Floral Tape
Floral Wire
Red Ribbon

Tightly bind 4 carnations together with some floral tape. You want it too look like one giant carnation so try to avoid any gaps.

Wrap wire around the back of all three buttons (refer to picture). The wire tail should be about 2 1/2″.

Place button wires into the flowers to create the face (make sure they’re secure). You might need to trim the wire a little so your buttons sit flat on top of the flowers. I also recommend looking at a Hello Kitty image to get the nose and eye spacing correct.

Tie a traditional red bow and trim off tales. Attach a floral wire to bow. Cut two rounded triangles from the white foam for ears. You’ll want the ears to be slightly bigger opposed to proportionate. Glue one of the ears on the back of the bow. Tape the other ear to the floral wire. The wire should be 6″ in length.

Situate ears at the top of the bouquet. You will need to bend the ears back about 90 degrees. The flowers should cover part of the foam ears (this is why we made them larger). With floral tape, wrap wire and stems to secure in place.

Last are the whiskers. Cut 6 thin strips of black card stock measuring 2″ in length. Pin three strips to each side of the face inside the flowers using straight pins. You now have a Hello Kitty Bouquet. For more color, surround it with other flowers or wrap it in cellophane and tissue paper.

SOURCE:http://stuff.icanhascheezburger.com/2010/05/17/cute-kawaii-stuff-must-make-cute-hello-kitty-bouquet/

CUTE ANIMAL BOUQUETS

2012-02-17T01:32:00.001+08:00

Feast your eyes on the cute animal bouquets that I managed to look up from the Internet. Perhaps you can try attempting to make one.

ALOE VERA TO TREAT SKIN DISEASES

2012-02-17T00:29:00.000+08:00

In the college Herb Garden grows the Aloe Vera plant. Now this plant is helpful in treating skin diseases The gel of aloe vera leaf is good for treating skin rashes, insect bites, herpes simplex, burns, acne, bedsores, ringworm and painful shingles. It is also good for healing wounds and prevents from infection. It increases the strength of collagen which is required in building of damaged tissues. Aloe Vera is also good for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, in the treatment of acid burns, radiation burns and frostbite. If one is affected by sunburn, then one or two cups of fresh aloe juice can be added to the lukewarm water. After taking bath, apply aloe gel to the affected areas.

Reference: http://www.mauritasaloevera.com/What-Aloe-Vera-Good-For.htm

A couple of days ago, one of my students came and ask me for a leaf or two from the Aloe Vera plant. He had some rashes on the skin of his neck and was advised by his friends to use this herbal treatment.

In the pictures below, you can see the rashes on the neck of my student.

In the pictures below you can see the gel from a cut aloe vera leaf.

BIG APPLE DOUGHNUTS

2012-02-17T00:12:00.000+08:00

I enjoy looking at the doughnuts at the Big Apple Outlet in Sitiawan Tesco. The doughnuts look so colourful and attractive. They come in different flavours and have fancy names like Alien, John Lemmon, Mango Tango and Banana Rama.
My godson, Amir loves eating them and he uses gets to go buy them at Tesco with his Papa and Mama. His favourite is Alien; that's the doughnut on the right in the last picture.

PUPPY BOUQUET

2012-02-17T00:08:00.000+08:00

Some people are extra creative. Just look at the Puppy Bouquets above. The florist used Chyrsanthemum flowers to form the shape of the puppy. Wait until I get my hands on some Chrysanthemum flowers. I too will try to fashion a puppy out of them.

READY TO BE FRIED

2012-02-17T00:02:00.000+08:00

Look at the freshly wrapped curry puffs above. They were made by the kitchen helpers in the college cafeteria. The curry puffs are of the same size and the finishing is beautifully done.

BUBUR PULUT HITAM

2012-02-16T01:41:00.000+08:00

The dessert above is called Bubur Pulut Hitam or Black Glutinous Rice Dessert. In the Hokkien Dialect, it is known as Bee Koh Moy. Bubur Pulut Hitam is made of black glutinous rice (black sticky rice), water, sugar, and topped with slightly salted coconut milk when served.
Want to try making this dessert? Here is the recipe.

BUBUR PULUT HITAM

INGREDIENTS

2 cups black glutinous rice
6-8 cups water
2 screwpine (pandan) leaf
3 heaped tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup coconut cream(santan), or fresh milk

METHOD

Soak the rice in water for about 1 hour. The rice will turn black.
Rinse, and pour in a pot along with water, and pandanus leaf.
Let it cook for about 30 minutes. Place the lid over the pot.. Add water as needed. You will be looking out for a porridge-like texture.
Add salt and sugar to taste. Let it cool.
Coconut milk or milk (about 2-3 teaspoonful is added when serving the dessert.
This dessert can be served warm or chilled.

ENHANCING ROMANCE LUCK

2012-02-16T01:10:00.000+08:00

Single? Alone? Looking for a life partner? Well, according to one Feng Shui master you can in fact place 4 flowers without thorns at your romance place as below to enhance your romance luck:-

Rat, Dragon and Monkey - West.
Ox, Snake and Rooster - South.
Tiger, Horse and Dog - East.
Rabbit, Goat and Pig - North.

Reference: http://penangfengshui.blogspot.com/

"The Value of Metal -- Feng Shui's Element of Prosperity and Prestige"

2012-02-16T00:41:00.000+08:00

by Kathryn Weber

In feng shui, metal is the element you don't often hear much discussion about. Most often metal is regarded as a cure for negative energies, especially earth afflictions such as the 5 Yellow and Black 2 that cause both illness and financial difficulties.

But metal is a wonderful element that when activated properly can bring patronage luck - the "who you know" kind of energy that separates truly successful people from those with just average success - heaven energy and power, and the all-important water of wealth.

Let's take a look at the element of metal.

We know from basic grade-school science that metal is a conductor. It conducts energy like electricity and is used to promote the generation of water in feng shui, which in feng shui is shorthand word for wealth and prosperity. Its shape in feng shui is either the arch or circle - both have lots of movement.

Just think of a coin's round shape and how they are spent and move through circulation, or even a wheel. The arches of aqueducts transported water.

Tapping auspicious metal chi will put metal's conductive properties to work for you to move what's stuck in your life, attract heaven energy to you, bring people to your aid, and open the gates to the luck of personal favor. Adding metal in the right locations will stimulate windfall luck and business opportunity -- especially in the center sector in 2012.

Read these tips for putting metal to work in your life and home!

Tap the 1 Star.
The 1 Star in feng shui is the star of business opportunity - and the money associated with it. In short, it's the "generating money" star. Paying it special attention by adding metal wherever it's located will stimulate the 1 Star by making it produce water (read: money) for you. Add metal windchimes, coin trees, and metal bowls wherever the 1 Star is found. In 2012, the 1 Star is in the south. Because it's the star of opportunity and career, ringing a bell in this sector can stimulate more business!

Stimulate the 6 Star.
Ready for more patronage and assistance from people in the position to help you? The 6 Star is the star to activate. It can help stimulate more diversity, too. This is especially helpful for increasing your presence in other countries, bringing energy to your home or office that helps business and life to keep moving and not stagnating. If you have a home that faces the location of the 6 star or an office or bedroom located in the 6 Star sector, you should also wear beautiful jewelry to bring more luck and favor to yourself. Display a clear sparkling faceted crystal ball orfaceted gems to empower the 6 star with crystalline earth energy.

The new black is white.
White is also the color of metal. It is a prestige color. Just think of all the homes with white sofas, white fluffy rugs and sleek Persian cats. Women who wear white are usually very fashionable and attract a lot of attention. White evokes elegance and any color paired with it instantly looks more beautiful. White is a power color especially when paired with striking gold jewelry. Wearing white will attract more help and you will move faster through the day because white is a yang color.

Get unstuck with metal.
One of the most difficult medical problems is poor circulation. When circulation is poor, health declines. That's true in feng shui, too. To create more wealth and prestige "circulation" use Chinese coins to start movement again. A perfect example is to putthree tied Chinese coins in your wallet, checkbook, and bank account books or files.

Attract heaven luck.
The northwest is the sector of the father, patriarch, and it's also the sector of heaven - and the heaven men who can help you get ahead. These are the power-brokers that can make or break careers, make helpful introductions, and help you widen your circle of contacts. It's a prestige position and it benefits by the addition of the Chien trigram. The Chien trigram is made of three solid unbroken lines stacked on top of one another. Display this symbol in the northwest or wherever the 6 Star is located.

Use Chinese coins.
Adding coins under carpets at the entrance to your home helps move prosperity chi into the house. Put the coins in a line of six or eight in an arrow shape. You can use the coins just about anywhere! I even have aChinese coin hanger that I put on my jump drives for my laptop to make my work more auspicious and generate more money.

Carry amulets and protectors.
Amulets are a wonderful way to carry heaven energy anywhere you go. Placed in a purse or pocket, metallic wealth amulets can be carried to attract prosperity energy. These are especially beneficial for anyone who works in the sector of the 1 or 6 Star or whose home faces the direction where the 1 or 6 Star is located.

Carry them in your pocket when you negotiate a mortgage -- or a raise! Amulets can be protective too. A good example is a blessing amulet that protects against nasty gossip or negative feelings. Metal amulets are the best conductors of energy - especially for money and protection.

Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter Feng Shui E-zine and certified feng shui consultant in classical Chinese feng shui. Kathryn helps her readers improve their lives and generate more wealth with feng shui. For more information and to receive her FREE Ebook "The Cash Register at Your Front Door" visit RedLotusLetter.com and learn the fast and fun ways feng shui can make your life more prosperous and abundant!

HERBAL REMEDY FOR OPENING HEART VEINS

2012-02-16T00:11:00.000+08:00

I received this herbal recipe for opening heart veins (I think it should be unblocking the arteries of the heart) in my email and am sharing it with you here. There is no harm trying this concoction as it only contains herbs. Looking at the ingredients used, the least the herbs could do for us is to get rid of the wind from our bodies.

RECIPE FOR HEART VEIN OPENING DRINK

Ingredients For Making Heart Vein Opening Drink Ingredients:
1 cup Lemon juice
1 cup Ginger juice
1 cup Garlic juice
1 cup Apple cider vinegar
Mix all above and simmer in low heat for about 60 minutes or till solution reduces to 3 cups.
Remove solution to cool, then mix 3 cups of natural honey and store it in a jar.
Drink one tablespoon daily before breakfast. Your vein’s blockage will open in most cases.
Enjoy your drink. Taste good too.

GINGER TO EXPEL WIND

2012-02-15T12:31:00.000+08:00

One of my colleagues suffered a miscarriage yesterday and had to go for a D & C Procedure. The D & C is a minor surgical procedure that enlarge (dilate) the cervix (opening of the uterus) so that an instrument can be inserted into the uterus and scrape (curretage) away and remove the lining of the uterus.
To the Chinese (Malays and Indians too), having a miscarriage will be more harmful to a lady's well-being than giving birth. For some cases, after the first miscarriage a woman’s body has become unbalanced and there is a possibility of a second miscarriage. The Chinese physician would say that the energy becomes very low and there is blood deficiency. Furthermore, wind gets trapped in the body.
Now the 'wind' referred to here is very scary. It causes much pain and discomfort to the mother who has given birth or miscarried. If confinement taboos are not followed, then the lady would suffer from weak health later on in life.
Now one food that can help is ginger. Ginger is believed to be able to help the body release "wind" from the body, thus preventing one from having arthritis problem in old age.

PHYSICAL MAP OF THE WORLD SIGNBOARD

2012-02-15T01:06:00.000+08:00

I have been working with Miss Hanum, a graphic designer from Signco Company to create a Physical World Map Sign for the front facade of the library. The first design that she did not get the seal of approval by the college director and so it was back to the drawing board for Hanum. That was about two weeks ago. Yesterday, I went and got the second design from Hanum. This time around, the design was passed and so I can go to the company today to tell them to start work on the signboard. Yeh!

VIEWING COLLEGE BLOG

2012-02-15T00:59:00.000+08:00

After my students completed their comprehension and summary exercises that I had given them, they were given time to log on to the college blog. The college blog , KVSM Dot Com was created by me at the end of 2011 with the purpose of keeping everyone abreast of the goings-on of the Seri Manjung Vocational College.
As the blog is relatively new, the number of viewers per day is not too high.
If you'd like to visit, click this LINK.

47,000 FEET HIGH GLASS SKYWALK IN CHINA

2012-02-15T00:35:00.002+08:00

China’s newest tourist spot is a glass-bottomed walkway around the cliff face of the Tianmen Mountain , 4,000 ft above sea level, at Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province. Brave tourists looking to test their nerves have flocked to China to walk across this dazzling glass bridge suspended from a cliff face. The oriental Sky Walk is situated 4,700ft above sea level. Ahhh ... another tourist attraction in China. When will I get to go?

LINK

HOW ...

2012-02-15T00:10:00.001+08:00

I have been trying to think how one can walk up the stairs on the left above. One can do so when using the one on the right but it might not be easy. However, I have my doubts about the first staircase. Is it just for show or can one really walk up the steps?

FRESH AIR AND SUNSHINE

2012-02-14T01:01:00.002+08:00

The duration of one period for classes in the college that I work in is 60 minutes. If it is a double period then it means that the students and lecturers will be in class for 2 solid hours.
Yesterday morning I had a double period with the students of 5VE2. During the first period we did Reading Comprehension and it was indeed quite taxing for everyone. I noticed that the boys and girls were feeling lethargic and sleepy at the end of the first hour in class. So, I decided to teach my second lesson in a wide open area which was surrounded by plants and greenery. The boys and girls had to do a summary exercise. Believe me, the fresh air and sunshine did them good. The rays from the sun helps to kill germs.

By the way, sun light is Yang Qi and would drive away evil spirits as well.

CAN YOU SEE THE LOVING COUPLE?

2012-02-14T00:58:00.001+08:00

It is Valentine's Day today and most certainly is a day to show love. So, can you see the couple in loving embrace in the picture?

WHAT DO THESE SCARVES REMIND YOU OF?

2012-02-14T00:52:00.000+08:00

Look at the scarves worn by the people above. What do they remind you of? If you said ladies' breasts, then you are spot on. Hmm ... some designers can come up with such ideas and there are also people who'd buy and wear them.
LINK

MALAYSIAN STYLE SPAGHETTI

2012-02-13T21:39:00.003+08:00

My student, Baron's grandma is a good cook. Once in a while, she'd prepare some delicious food for her grandson's teachers. So whoever teaches Baron will get to enjoy Kak Bibi's (Baron's grandma's name) cooking.
Today Kak Bibi cooked Malaysian style spaghetti for Baron's teachers. The main difference is that the sauce is not as thick as the Italian style ones. I did not eat the dish as it had chicken in it.
In the pictures above, you can see Baron scooping the sauce into polystyrene containers for his teachers.

HAD TO LET HER GO

2012-02-13T21:05:00.002+08:00

The Indian lady pictured with me and my neighbour's Indonesian maid above is Sitera. She had worked as a house help for my mum for about 8 months. Unfortunately, I had to let her go as my mum is now in the Home for Senior Citizens and so her services are not required any more. Last Saturday was her last day at work.
Parting is such a sad thing for me. Sitera had helped to look after my mum for a while and was very patient with her. But what to do, employing her and paying for my mum's fees at the Home would be quite a financial drain.

WHAT AM I LOOKING AT?

2012-02-13T21:01:00.001+08:00

One of my students, Syafiq, suffers from premature greying. At seventeen years of age, he already has quite a lot of grey hair. In the first picture, you can see me taking a closer look at the hair on his head. I told him that I too had grey hair but then I was old already and that was natural.

THE WHITE TIGER

2012-02-13T00:54:00.000+08:00

In Korean folklore, the white tiger is regarded by many as the divine spirit that guards the West, therefore they are sacred creatures. Such tigers are also considered sacred in India where they cannot be hunted. To the Chinese, the White Tiger represents the earth, the West and so, the afterlife.

NO STEPPING ON BOOKS!

2012-02-13T00:53:00.000+08:00

The owner of the house with the stairs above must have been trying to save space by placing his books under the stairs and also on both the walls flanking the stairs. Practically it does save space but then to the Chinese it is not advisable to either sit or step on books as it is a form of disrespect for knowledge.

VIDEO ON 2012 FENG SHUI TIPS

2012-02-13T00:44:00.000+08:00

EVOLUTION OF COCA COLA BOTTLES

2012-02-13T00:16:00.000+08:00

A PURPLE SQUIRREL?

2012-02-12T11:52:00.000+08:00

News of a purple squirrel being caught appeared in the news recently. Now this is a real oddity, isn't it? Unfortunately, the family who caught the squirrel and took pictures of it, set it free. So no one knows if it was naturally purple. To read the news article, click this LINK and this LINK.

VERY COLOURFUL STAIRS

2012-02-12T10:53:00.000+08:00

Thank goodness the stairs in my school are just the ordinary type. I don't think my poor eyes could stand the strain if they come in such colourful stripes like the one above.

WHITE TURTLE

2012-02-12T00:49:00.001+08:00

Albino or White coloured animals are quite rare. In many cultures such animals are considered symbols of power and good fortune. In Thailand, the white elephant is sacred. In Feng Shui, the tortoise and turtle are symbols of longevity and good fortune. I am sure that the white ones are even more auspicious.

AWESOME FOOD

2012-02-12T00:48:00.002+08:00

My nephew, Benjamin, rarely eats crabs as he says that it is bothersome to remove the flesh from the shell. However, he made an exception when he had dinner with me at the Ah Pek Lee Kou Fook Seafood Restaurant in Kampung Cina. According to Ben, it was worth his while to eat the crabs that I ordered as they were awesome. Actually, both my nephews kept saying that the food was truly amazing.

NOODLES FRIED TO PERFECTION

2012-02-12T00:32:00.004+08:00

I love ordering the fried mee (noodles) whenever I eat at the Ah Pek Lee Kou Fook Seafood Restaurant in Kampung Cina. One word to describe it is awesome. This type of fried mee tastes rather similar to the one at the FMS Restaurant in Ipoh.

IN THE SPIRIT OF A 5S SYSTEM

2012-02-11T23:55:00.000+08:00

Saturday was a 5S Activity Day for my college. Some of you may be wondering what 5S System is, right?
This system orginated in Japan and is a list of 5 words starting with 'S' in Japanese.
The traslation is:
Separating [Seiri]
Sorting [Seiton]
Shine/Sweeping [Seiso]
Standardise [Seiketsu]
Sustaining [Shitsuke]

Each task should not be isolated from the other. All 5S make for a workplace to be efficient, lean and safe.
By applying the 5S everything has a place, time is not wasted by looking fro items or documents.
If you want to know more about 5S, then click this LINK.

During the 5S Activity on Saturday, the college campus was divided into a few zones and I was the leader of the zone covering the resource centre, the containers and the printing room.

This is the before picture in the storeroom where all the things were haphazardly arranged.

After sorting out the unwanted stuff and throwing them away, the students rearranged the remaining items neatly. See the difference in the picture above.

Two of my helpers and I pose for a picture while taking a short break from our 5S task.

My student, Emelia rearranging the water feature area.

Thanks to Emelia, the water feature area looks much neater and nicer.

Before picture

After picture.

Before picture

Two of my girls sorting out the wanted and unwanted stuff.

TADA - after the sorting, arranging and sweeping.

In feng shui, it is believed that clutter has an effect on our health, our energy levels and the overall quality of our life. Clutter is something that is very scary as it can drain ones energy and dampens our very best intentions. Obviously, a neat, tidy and clean place would have good Feng Shui.

ACTIVATING THE #8 STAR FOR THE YEAR

2012-02-11T06:30:00.001+08:00

This year the Auspicious Number 8 star is in the West. In Feng Shui this is the wealth position for the year.Unfortunately for me, this is where the bathroom is. If the main door of your house is located in the West, you can expect financial gains. You just need to spend a lot of time here to absorb all the good Chi.

How to make this sector even more auspicious? Try placing a fan or clock to circulate the flow of the good qi.

Picture Source

PASIR PANJANG TUA PEK KONG TEMPLE BY NIGHT

2012-02-11T00:49:00.001+08:00

Wednesday was the first time I visited the Tua Pek Kong Temple in Pasir Panjang at night. I was playing tourist guide to my sister and her sons who had come to have dinner with me in Sitiawan.
It was a totally different experience to view the magnificent statues of the deities against the darkness of the night sky. As my nephews put it "Awesome" and "Great Potential".

MOTHER FROM HELL

2012-02-11T00:46:00.000+08:00

Most of the time, we read of the self sacrifices mothers make for their children. After all, it is said that a mother's love knows no bounds. However, I was confronted with an article about a mother in India who forced her daughter to serve men for money. Cheez! This is one mother from Hell.

Here's the article.

Mum forces daughter into prostitution

A 16-year old girl in Mumbai, India, was forced into prostitution - by her own mother.

Poonam Manish Mhatre, 49, used emotional blackmails, including threats to cut or burn herself if the girl did not agree to do her bidding.

She was booked under the Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act for inducing her daughter into prostitution.

Bad mama...Poonam Mhatre was booked under the Immoral Trafficking

The accused had apparently slashed her wrist and even poured kerosene on herself when her daughter refused to entertain customers.

According to the MidDay newspaper, the girl was forced into prostitution as soon as she dropped out of school.

Police said she feared that her mother would harm herself if she did not obey her wishes.

But after nine years of enduring the trauma and the ever-increasing demand to entertain customers, she finally broke her silence and reported the matter to the police.
Source: Agencies
Published Feb 9 2012

Source: http://www.dailychilli.com/news/16597-mum-forces-daughter-into-prostitution

REMEDY AND ACTIVATOR FOR #1 STAR IN SOUTH IN 2012

2012-02-11T00:24:00.001+08:00

In the year of the Dragon, the #1 Star flies to the South. The presence of this star would mean that those spending a lot of time in this study would have luck in their studies, wealth and career. To activate, you can place a Water Feature there. Unfortunately, "Three Killings" 三煞 is also there. To remedy the situation, you can try placing 3 'qi lin' there.

3 Qi Lin LINK

PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES

2012-02-10T00:47:00.001+08:00

The two young men above came to see me yesterday morning with the purpose of obtaining the prickly pear cactus. The boys, Adib and Tso Koon are students at the Sabak Bernam Polytechnic. For their final project, they are researching the feasibility of producing fuel (if I am not mistaken) from this particular species of cactus.
As a matter of fact, Adib had been trying to source for this cactus for sometime and he googled the Li Na Herbs blog that I also maintain. Luckily for the boys, the prickly pear cactus can be found in the cactus garden of the college. Adib contacted me through email and told me that he wanted to buy the cactus from me. I told him that the plant was not for sale but I would gladly give it to him if he were to come to the college.
In the above pictures, you can see Kamariah and Me with the two boys at the Cactus Garden. They were hesitant to take more of the cactus as they were afraid that not much of the plant would be left. I assured them that the more they take, the more will grow back.
I am so glad that the boys managed to get the cactus for their research. They told me that they were even contemplating on importing the Prickly Pear Cactus from China in order to carry out their project. So here is one happy ending!

LOVE LIFE IN RELATIONSHIP TO WEALTH

2012-02-10T00:46:00.002+08:00

"More Sex Equals More Money? How Feng Shui Ties Romance and Wealth Together "

When Napoleon Hill wrote "Think and Grow Rich" he concluded that a very important aspect in the process of gaining wealth was tied to sex. He said that "The emotion of sex contains the secret of creative ability."

This "seat of power" and the ability to create is uniquely tied to feng shui. What's especially interesting about sex and money in feng shui is that the wealth sector is also associated with the number four.

Four is the number associated with romance and sex, academic achievement, sales, and writing. So, you could say that the number four is associated with creation and generation, too.

The problem with sex is that as you age, sexual activity lessens and not just because of lack of interest, although that certainly does happen, but because fatigue, work, stress, child-rearing and household duties get in the way.

Feng shui teaches that energy flows where energy goes. A German study confirms this. In a study of 32,000 couples, many who stopped having sex reported that the trend of little or no sex only became worse. In other words, less sex leads to even less or no sex.

Sex is good -- and we need it

Making love makes us happy and content, relieves physical tension in all parts of the body (not just you-know-where) and is an important part of a committed relationship.

Think about making love with your partner and think about how it feels to have a wad cash. Both make you smile. See the link? Interestingly, some of the times that I have been the most cash-strapped I also had less love, and when the money was good so was the canoodling.

But is all sex good? No.

The committed, loving type is what we're after. This is the basis of good feng shui and good love - and is where the money-making potential resides. Promiscuity never makes you feel better, and it usually makes you feel worse.

What if you're lacking a partner? Rather than going trolling in a trench coat to bars and taking the walk of shame in the morning that makes you feel terrible (and takes your money-making energy with it), make a romantic date with yourself. (No, not that way, but hey, if you wanna, I won't judge you).

Instead, treat yourself to some luxurious lingerie, nice sheets, scented candle, read a romance novel or watch a romantic move with some wine. Just... treat yourself nice. You'll love yourself for it. In short, be a romantic person no matter whether you are single or in a relationship.

If you do have a partner and your love life needs a jump start, follow this checklist to improve your love life and start the creative flow in the bedroom -- and in your pocketbook!

___Schedule sex each week. That's right, put it on the calendar. Rather than lacking spontaneity, scheduling intimate time together means that your love (and your cash) is important. Honor your creative and generating abilities - and your partnership - by making time for sex and romance.

___Have fun. Try a game, go "parking" in the garage, do a strip-tease. Don't do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, but don't hide under the covers either! Fun is good feng shui.

___Seek sensuality. Being sensual and romantic is extremely beneficial for a relationship rather than cheap, nasty, and wham-bam (well, unless that's what you need). Get some great-feeling new sheets for your bed. Buy a soft and nubby throw for the bed or maybe one of those awesome fur throws. Get your skin used to being feeling wonderful textures. Get a body polish (my favorite!) at your local spa and a massage afterwards. Your skin will feel like silk - to you and to your honey.

___Get hormones. OK, girls: let's face it, the angry, witchy wife is nobody's friend and will scare off even the most hard-up husband. If you would rather clean your toenails than have sex, something is wrong. Get to your GYN and get some hormones or some help -- you don't have to retire to a convent because your libido is low.

___Hold your horses. OK, guys: let's face it, you're always ready no matter what. Well, we aren't. If you're a guy and you're reading this, I'm going to tell you what your sweetie won't. No woman likes to show interest and then you go from 0 to 120 MPH in an instant. Slow down, talk to her, touch her and then see what happens.

___Make a date for no sex. Sounds boring, right? Well, make a date for the bedroom and do anything but have sex. I guarantee you won't be able to keep your hands off each other. Works like a charm and gets everybody fired up.

Revitalizing love with feng shui

___Remove pictures of everyone except the couple in the room - especially the kids.
___Remove all work objects (computers, phones, piles of paper)
___Make sure your bed is up to the task and doesn't squeak, creak, or feel like it will break with a little activity
___Place a happy photo of the two of you in the bedroom
___Get rid of any and all plants or flowers - these kill romance
___Have two bedside tables with matching lamps. You need bedroom parity for both partners.
...........................................................................

Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter Feng Shui E-zine and certified feng shui consultant in classical Chinese feng shui. Kathryn helps her readers improve their lives and generate more wealth with feng shui. For more information and to receive her FREE Ebook "The Cash Register at Your Front Door" visit RedLotusLetter.com and learn the fast and fun ways feng shui can make your life more prosperous and abundant!

MANTIS PRAWN COOKED KUNG POE STYLE

2012-02-10T00:31:00.000+08:00

The dish above does not look to aesthetically pleasing but believe me, it tastes heavenly. In Cantonese, we call it Kung Poe Lai Liew Ha or Mantis Shrimp meat fried Kung Poe style.
What the cook does is deep fry the mantis shrimp meat first and then fry it with dried chilli, onions, spring onions and sauce. Yummy ...

FENG SHUI REMEDY FOR #7 STAR IN NEW IN 2012

2012-02-10T00:21:00.000+08:00

In the year of the Dragon, the # 7 Star flies into the North West. The presence of this star may cause arguments and medical compilations. If ones main door is located in the North West, then the danger of burglaries and robberies is even higher. One simple cure would be to place a glass of water in this sector. Make sure that the water is always clean.

CHEERING MY HOUSE UP

2012-02-10T00:07:00.002+08:00

My house in Ipoh could do with some cheering up as everyone has been feeling rather depressed because of my mum's condition. Fortunately, I have placed this vase of sunflowers in the hall to lighten up the atmosphere.

DINNER DATE WITH AMIR

2012-02-09T01:33:00.004+08:00

Last week, I told Amir that I would be giving a dinner treat to him and his dad plus Auntie Lai Yoong on Wednesday. Well, yesterday at around 4.00 p.m. I got a call from Amir. He said,"Auntie Li Na, my Papa is sick but I want to go out for dinner with you. So can you come fetch me from my house?" I told him, of course I'd pick him up from his house.
When Lai Yoong and I reached their house, Amir was already waiting for us. I also managed to persuade his Papa to join us. He did look sick as he had an asthma attack but then I told him that he better have some food and since I was driving it would be okay.
We went to the City Kopitiam for our meal. My young dinner date ordered honeyed prawns, mushroom soup and iced tea. Actually, his dad told me Amir wasn't feeling too well either as he had a bad case of rashes as a result of an allergic reaction. However, he still wanted to go out with Lai Yoong and me. Gosh! I am truly flattered.

A DAY FILLED WITH ACTIVITIES

2012-02-09T01:22:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was a day filled with lots and lots of activities for me. Early in the morning, I had already started taking photographs for the ID cards for my colleagues. Then I had to relief one class. Later, I assisted Daniel during his photography session. As can be seen, he brought along all the gadgets to take better pictures.

I also took time to go with Kama to the book store to look for some books as gifts for the students who had excelled during the final examinations last year. We later went to another book store to buy stationery for the library. In between, I went to the Signboard making company to check on the World Map sign that we have ordered for the library.

Towards the end of the day, Daniel taught me how to enter some data for the photographs that we had taken of our colleagues. Now, that was how jam packed with activities my day was.

ACTIVATOR FOR #9 STAR IN NE IN 2102

2012-02-09T00:23:00.001+08:00

For the Dragon year, the #9 Star is located at the North East. Now this is an auspicious star which means the location for this year is good. Try being in this sector more and you might find a lot of happy events happening in your life, for example, marriage and birth. To activate, place 9 pots of plants in the North East sector.

LINK

FENG SHUI CURE FOR #3 STAR IN SW IN 2012

2012-02-09T00:19:00.001+08:00

For the Dragon Year, the Number 3 Star 三碧 is located at the South West. The presence of this star might cause constant arguments which might lead to legal lawsuits. To subdue the negative energy of the #2 Star, place a Red Carpet, Rug or Mat at the South West.

OIL FROM THE JERANGAU MERAH

2012-02-09T00:01:00.000+08:00

The pedlar, a Sarawak native, in the picture above was selling oil made from extracts from the Jerangau Merah or Red Jerangau plant (Boesenbergia Stenophylla) and also the roots of several types of herbs from the jungles of Sarawak. According to the man, the oil is used to treat headaches, epilepsy, whooping coughs, cramps, dizziness, seasickness, backaches, rheumatism, toothache, stomach ache, insect and animal bites.
Some of the people who were buying the Red Jerangau oil from him had bought it before and found it to be effective. They were stocking up on the oil. I also bought one bottle after I had a chat with one of the ladies who has bought the oil before. She told me that the pedlar would come every few months to sell his oil. He would be going back to Sarawak the next day.

5 DAYS INTO THE DRAGON YEAR ...

2012-02-08T06:38:00.031+08:00

Barely five days into the Dragon year and so much has changed for my family and I. Even before the start of Lup Chun, my mother had a hypo ( hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar). She became dizzy, fell and hit her head. My mum was hospitalised for 3 days and discharged only on Monday. As she was still weak, my sister and I made the decision to send her to a nursing home for senior citizens. We told her that it was temporary until she gets better. Hopefully, she does become better but if she does not then she has to stay there during the weekdays and only go home during the weekends. We cannot risk her having another fall which might be disastrous.

ROYAL BARGE FESTIVAL

2012-02-08T00:06:00.002+08:00

On 6th February, 2012, the Taoistes held a "Wang Kang" or Royal Barge procession through Malacca Town. Now this Wang Kang festival does not take place annually. As a matter of fact, 2012 is the fifth time such a procession took place. The last was in 2001. The procession of the Wang Kang Festival will only come to be if an order is received from the “Ong Yahs” (Chinese deities). The procession of Wang Kang is to commemorate the dead and is not a celebration. The main purpose of the Wang Kang procession is to collect lost souls that are lingering around the town. The aim for the collection is for the souls to rest in peace and reincarnate. The barge which costs RM80,000, is about six metres long and some 2.5 metres in width and height. It is loaded with rice, water, wine, joss paper, herbs, pots and pans, stoves and other supplies for the 'evil spirits' on board. Also, the priest would also seek the “Ong Yahs” blessings and pray for the good of the town and its residents during the Wang Kang Festival. Read an article about the King of Barge Festival below. LINK LINK

Wangkang : Source: AmazingMelaka.com

The Wangkang was paraded in Malacca Town at night

Photo by Bazuki Muhammad/Reuters

The Wangkang was paraded in town and set ablaze before it set

sail to the "unknown world with evil spirits on board.

Photo by Bazuki Muhammad/Reuters

Wangkang sweeps away evil and people off their feet
By ALLISON LAI
allison@thestar.com.my

MALACCA: Thousands gathered here to watch the Wangkang or Royal Barge procession that made its way through the streets in the city's older quarter, symbolically sweeping away all evil forces that threaten to disrupt peace and prosperity.

More than 10,000 devotees and tourists witnessed the procession which began at 7.30am from the Yong Chuan Tian Temple in Banda Hilir in conjunction with Chap Goh Mei yesterday.

The procession, after a lapse of 11 years, saw mediums in a trance parading along decorated carriages while the deity Tee Hoo Ong Yah, the third among five “sworn brothers”, and other deities were carried in their respective sedan chairs.

Lighting up the night: The Wangkang being burnt, accompanied by fireworks, at the Pulau Melaka seafront Monday.

The RM80,000 wooden barge, measuring 5.8m in length, 2.4m in width and 6.1m in height passed through several streets before returning to the temple at about 4pm.

Scores of people also gathered along the roads to catch a glimpse of the barge, with some touching it to ward off bad luck.

The day-long procession caused traffic congestion in Banda Hilir as many holidaymakers also flocked to the tourist area.

In the evening, the barge was dragged from the temple towards the Pulau Melaka seafront and burnt after a prayer ceremony, signifying the sending away of evil spirits.

Yuliya Huang, 32, flew from Indonesia to witness the once-in-a-lifetime event.

“I heard of Wangkang from my Malaysian father, but I have not seen one. So I came here with my parents two days ago,” she said.

For Briton Matt Lewis Haskins, 43, from London, it was the first time he had come across a major event like this.

“The event was colourful and great. I am lucky to have witnessed it,” he said.

SOURCE: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/2/7/nation/10689780&sec=nation

THAIPUSAM PROCESSION IN SITIAWAN

2012-02-08T00:01:00.005+08:00

When I reached Sitiawan last night, I noticed that a few chariots lined up outside the Hindu Temple in town. Of course, I looked for a parking space and went to the temple to check out the happening. The procession had not begun and the people taking part were getting ready.
Meanwhile, prayers were being conducted inside the temple with devotees praying to their Gods for blessings. You can view the photos that I have taken below.

UNIQUE CUSTOM OF MAKING EGGS STAND ON ENDS

2012-02-07T11:28:00.015+08:00

I am sharing another article on Eggs Standing on ends on Lup Chun day below. Hope you get more information about the activity on this special day. And after reading this, perhaps you might be motivated to make eggs stand on the double five festival this year.

Children have fun making eggs stand on special day
By ELWEEN LOKE
elween@thestar.com.my

SPOTTING a group of his friends crowded in front of a house, Khor Yee Ting decided to investigate and was surprised at what he found.

His friends in Kampung Baru Chenderong were able to make the oval-shaped eggs stand vertically on the ground without toppling over.

Yee Ting, 11, only then learned about the unique custom of standing the eggs on the fourth or fifth day of every February.

Fun feat: Yee Ting (second from right) and friends trying to keep the egg upright.

Together with his friend, Gan Lee Siong, nine, both had tried to make the eggs stand but failed.

However, housewife Chan Oi Fun, 48, who was passing by the group, made a successful attempt, much to the delight of the cheering group of children .

Chan said the eggs, especially when placed under the sun, could be made to stand on the ground on lap chun, a special day of the year.

According to Chinese myth, lap chun marked the start of the spring equinox in China and usually falls on the fourth or fifth day of February in the Gregorian calendar.

This happens when the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 315 degrees.

It is widely believed that the eggs were able to stand due to the strengthening of gravitational forces on Earth when the planet’s axis pointed perpendicular to the direction of the sun.

“It was really fun to balance the eggs during such a special day and I remember doing so almost 18 years ago.

“My son was only 10-years-old at that time. We had an exciting time trying to balance the eggs and celebrating after we succeeded,” she said.

Retiree Long Khai Hong, 74, however, saw the practice as a good way to bond with his young grandchildren.

“I would get my grandchildren to try making the eggs stand every year and they find this phenomenon very mysterious,” he said, adding that the egg would stand for about a minute.

Long said many people had used Chinese New Year to determine a baby’s zodiac sign, but this was not the correct method.

“The correct method is by referring to lap chun, which marked the actual start of the Dragon Year.

“Therefore only the babies born after that would be true Dragon babies,” he said.

He said the difference was because Chinese New Year marked the start of the new moon, whereas lap chun marked the changing of the seasons from winter to spring.

Long, who also observed the Chinese Lunar calendar, said the exact time of the change or lap chun this year was at 6.22pm on Feb 4.

Source: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/2/6/metroperak/10683155&sec=metroperak

DATES OF CHINESE FESTIVALS IN 2012

2012-02-07T00:58:00.021+08:00

Chinese Fesitvals	Gregorian date	Lunar date
Chinese New Year 农历新年	23 Jan 2012	1st day of 1st lunar month
Birthday: God of Wealth 财神诞	27 Jan 2012	5th day of the 1st Lunar month
Lantern Festival/CHAP GOH MEH 元宵节	06 Feb 2012	15th day of 1st lunar month
Birthday:Guan Yin观音诞	11 Mar 2012	19th day of 2nd lunar month
Qing Ming Festival 清明节	04 Apr 2012	15th day from the Spring Equinox
Birthday: God of Medicine 保生大帝圣诞	05 Apr 2012	15th day of the 3rd lunar month
Birthday: Goddess of Birth and Childcare 注生娘娘圣诞	10 Apr 2012	20th day of the 3rd lunar month
Birthday of Mazu 妈祖诞	13 Apr 2012	23rd day of 3rd lunar month
Vesak Day 卫塞节	28 Apr 2012	8th day of 4th lunar month China, Hong Kong, Korea
Vesak Day 卫塞节	05 May 2012	15th Day of 4th Lunar Month Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore
Dragon Boat Festival 端午节	23 Jun 2012	5th day of 5th lunar month
Enlightenment day ofGuan Yin 观音诞 See also Birthday andRenunciation dates	6 Aug 2012	19th day of 6th lunar month
Birthday: Guan Gong关圣帝君诞	11 Aug 2012	24th day of 6th lunar month
Hungry Ghosts Festival 中元节	17 aug -15 Sep 2012	7th lunar month
Birthday ofKsitigarbha Bodhisattva 地藏王菩萨诞	15 Sep 2012	30th day of the 7th lunar month
Mid-Autumn Festival中秋节 Birthday: Yue Lao 月老诞	30 Sep 2012	15th day of 8th lunar month
Birthday: Monkey God齐天大圣千秋	01 Oct 2012	16th day of 8th lunar month
Birthday of Confucius 孔子诞	12 Oct 2012	27th day of 8th lunar month
9 Emperor GodsFestival 九皇大帝圣诞	15 Oct - 23 Oct 2012	1st to 9th day of 9th lunar month
Renunciation day ofGuan Yin 观音诞 See also Birthday andEnlightment dates	02 Nov 2012	19th day of 9th lunar month
Winter Solstice 冬至	22 Dec 2012	7th day of the 11th lunar month

SOURCE: http://www.chinatownology.com/chinese_festivals.html

WHEN IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO USE A FENG SHUI CURE

2012-02-07T00:29:00.001+08:00

In the year of the dragon, the 5 Yellow is in the Southeast and the Number 2 Illness star is in the North. The Feng Shui cures recommended to reduce the nasty effects of these two stars are the salt water cure and six Chinese coins tied with red ribbon. If it is in the living room and bedroom, then this cure can be used. As a matter of fact, one can use any metallic object as long as it is not sharp or aggressive looking.

In traditional Feng Shui one does not have to place a feng shui cure for every part of the home. If the number 2 or number 5 star is located in a bathroom, storeroom or any other less important room you, then you do not really need to use a cure.

AFTERMATH OF THE STORM IN FASA 3A

2012-02-07T00:01:00.000+08:00

Last Thursday there was a storm in Seri Manjung. Worst hit was the housing area in Fasa 3A. I went to the area a day after and took pictures of the aftermath. Luckily no one was hurt.

WORK AND PLAY

2012-02-06T23:19:00.000+08:00

All of last week, I was busy taking photographs of my colleagues at the college for their new ID cards. On the last day of the photoshoot, I started to clown around after taking Khairiah's photos. Well, all work and no fun can make us pretty dull, so I make sure that I combine work and play together.

CHINESE VALENTINE'S DAY

2012-02-06T11:23:00.002+08:00

Today is the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. And tonight, quite a number of Chinese, especially the Hokkiens will be celebrating Chap Goh Meh or the 15th night. In Cantonese today is known as Yuen Siew which is considered as the Chinese version of Valentine's Day.

Below I share a newspaper article on Chap Goh Meh.

Chap Goh Mei considered as Chinese Valentine’s Day
By VINCENT TAN and LEW KAI PING metro@thestar.com.my

CHAP Goh Mei, which is Hokkien for “15th night”, symbolises the end of the Chinese New Year. The festival’s origins are uncertain, as there are many legends surrounding it.

Legend has it that a beautiful crane flew down to earth from heaven only to be slaughtered by some villagers.

The crane was the Jade Emperor’s favourite crane, and he was angered by its death. He vowed vengeance against the villagers.

On the 15th lunar day, the Jade Emperor planned to send a storm of fire down. But his daughter, Zhi Nu, took pity on the villagers.

She warned the villagers about their impending doom, and they were troubled as they could not see a way out.

For the lucky one: College students (from left) Tan Zong Ying, Vivien Tan, Chan Leanne and Una Teoh Jia Hui writing their names and phone numbers on oranges to celebrate Chap Goh Mei.

Then, a wise man from another village came up with the suggestion for every family to hang red lanterns around their houses, set up bonfires on the streets and set off firecrackers on the 14th, 15th and 16th lunar days. On the 15th day, the troops descended from heaven with orders to incinerate the village, but saw that it was already “ablaze” and returned to report to the Jade Emperor.

Since then, people celebrated the anniversary of the 15th lunar day every year by carrying lanterns on the street and setting off firecrackers.

To some, Chap Goh Mei is known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day.

This is because a long time ago Chap Goh Mei was the only day that young maidens were allowed to dress up and stroll on the street, albeit having to be accompanied by fierce chaperones.

Young men would then go out, hoping to catch a sight of the rarely-seen maidens.

Trying their luck: (From left) Foo Yuki, Lin Shu Min and Teo You Jia comparing their mandarin oranges.

Young women also went to temples to pray, hoping for the heavens to send them a suitable match.

Matchmakers took the opportunity to strike up marriages between eligible individuals.

Another ancient practice saw young maidens throwing oranges into the lakes. The belief was that the man who picked up their orange would be their future match.

The Mandarin oranges would also symbolise the presence of a maiden of marriageable age. This tradition has survived till present times.

Today, Malaysians tend to congregate around bodies of water at night. Lanterns inscribed with wishes are lit, providing a sparse light source, and some are released into the night.

Eligible bachelorettes inscribe Mandarin oranges with their names and their contact numbers, and then throw them into lakes or ponds. Young men hoping to meet new people will wait with nets to fish out the oranges.

These days, single men and women alike throw inscribed oranges in the spirit of celebrating Chap Goh Mei in a fun way.

Here goes nothing: Even if the odds are low, it’s fun to throw oranges to feel like part of a tradition.
Some people write good wishes on their oranges, while others are just looking to meet new people. Granted, there are some who are looking for that special person, whether or not they believe in the likelihood of it happening through a chance introduction via a mandarin orange!

For some youths, it’s just a quaint tradition, a day to mark the end of celebrating the lunar new year.

College student Yong Zhen Li feels that Chap Goh Mei is pretty much like any other day to him although he admitted that the accompanying festivities help enliven the last day of Chinese New Year for him.

“For me, it’s just a day to mark the end of the 15 days of celebrating Chinese New Year.

“We have had one week of holidays, so this one day to mark an end to a festival period doesn’t mean much to me,” said Yong.

Others joked that after Chap Goh Mei, the “legitimate” period to collectang pow would be over. Yong’s collegemate, Mark Chin, 21, said that although it wasn’t the sum inside the red packets that mattered, it was their last day to obtain more red packets.

“I know it’s just a tradition, but an ang pow is still an ang pow,” he laughed.

The tradition of throwing oranges in the hope of landing a husband has also slowly evolved into a fun activity, rather than a superstitious belief that the man who picks up the girl’s floating Mandarin orange would be her future spouse.

Another college student, Jean Chua highly doubts that throwing a Mandarin orange into a lake was an effective way to meet a life partner.

Nevertheless, Chua said that she and her girlfriends would take advantage of the long weekend to go to one of the Chap Goh Mei parties being held at various waterfront locations in the Klang Valley.

“Just for the fun of it,” she added.

Sales executive Tan Mei Yin said that she had enjoyed participating in 2011’s Chap Goh Mei celebrations, and looked forward to celebrating Chap Goh Mei with her friends again, although she would not be bringing oranges to throw into the water.

“I quite enjoy the atmosphere. Some friends I know get a kick out of throwing the oranges. And it’s even funnier when the guys come with huge fishing nets to fish the oranges out,” said Tan.

She added that she had on previous occasions also written her phone number and e-mail address on her Mandarin oranges, although she met her current boyfriend through more conventional circumstances.
Source: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/2/6/central/10680941&sec=central

GOING UNDER THE KNIFE TO LOOK LIKE AN ANIME CHARACTER

2012-02-06T00:53:00.001+08:00

I just read an article about a fashion designer in Singapore who had work done on her face to look like an anime character. Here is the article.

Woman has 10 surgeries to look like anime girl

Thursday, Feb 02, 2012
Her World
By Jessica

Haven’t we all wished for shapelier boobs, a sharper nose or more deep-set eyes?

Jacqueline Koh wanted much more. She wanted to look like the archetypal anime girl – a heart-shaped face, big sparkling eyes, a small nose and chin, flatter ears, a svelte body and full, ripe breasts.

In her quest, the 29-year-old fashion designer at homegrown fashion boutique The Blog Shop has undergone nine plastic surgery procedures and one correction job.

The cost: $136,000 in total – the most expensive being her $36,000 breast augmentation procedure.

She still isn’t completely satisfied and rates her looks three and a half out of five.

“I’ll be perfect five the day I don’t need to Photoshop my pictures,” she says.

She always touches up her pictures before posting them on her blog at www.jacquelinekoh.com.

She hopes to finally attain “perfection” this March, after she goes for her second correction job with the same Korean surgeon who did her numerous facial operations.

The doctor will making her nose tip even smaller and her chin slightly more V-shaped.

It all started two years ago when she put on 6kg in about a year and a half, even though there was no change in her diet. At 1.6m and 48kg, she says she looked chubby.

She thinks gained weight because “my metabolism was slowing down” and for three months, she ate less and exercised to shed the excess weight.

“I ate one meal a day, worked out on the Stairmas for 15 minutes and did the biceps curl using 1kg dumbbells every day,” she says. But she didn't slim down.

Exasperated, she decided to go all out. She wanted not just to lose weight, but also to revamp her entire look.

Improving her appearance was always on her mind, she says. Her weight gain was simply the catalyst.

Though Jacqueline says she’s “not an anime fan”, she settled on the look of anime girls because she "really likes [their] big eyes and small faces."

She also wrote a list of all the procedures she wanted to go for to get her ideal look.

Her family and friends had always said she looked perfectly all right, but she felt she was “just average-looking”.

She says: “They think I didn’t need to go for my operations in first place, but it’s a personal choice. It will be enough when I think it’s enough.”

Did a former verbally and physically abusive relationship that ended in 2004 – Her World ran a story on it a few years ago – have anything to do with her extreme makeover?

Jacqueline vehemently says no. “I had all the procedures done for myself.”

SOURCE: http://www.yourhealth.com.sg/content/woman-has-10-surgeries-look-anime-girl

Here is the link to Jacqueline's blog: www.jacquelinekoh.com

EGGS STANDING ON ENDS ON LUP CHUN

2012-02-06T00:51:00.000+08:00

The Chinese believe that on Lup Chun day or the beginning of spring, eggs can be made to stand on their ends. Well, there was an activity at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur on February 4 to test out this belief. Read it below.

Eggs do stand on their ends
By CARISMA KAPOOR
KUALA LUMPUR
carismakapoor@nst.com.my

Phenomenon only possible during the spring and autumnal equinox

Taiwanese tourists watching the eggs standing on their ends at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Pic by Nik Hariff Hassan

MANY were excited to discover that eggs could ‘stand’ between 12pm and 1pm yesterday.

According to a theory, this phenomenon is only possible at the exact time and date during the spring and autumnal equinox.

When the sun crosses the equator, making night and day equal on all parts of the earth, an egg can stand due to gravitational forces of the sun being aligned with the earth.

Auspicious to the Chinese, Feb 4 is also known as Lup Chun day which marks the beginning of spring. A standing egg is seen as the symbol of spring and a sign that all of nature is balanced and in harmony.

Nik Hariff Hassan, a photographer, said he had heard about the “egg trick” last year, but failed in his attempt to make them stand on their ends.

This year, Nik Hariff bought a carton of 30 eggs and waited for 12pm before placing each one on the ground at Dataran Merdeka.

“The eggs shook a little, but stood after a couple of seconds,” the 40-year-old said, adding that every single egg was balanced.

“It was like magic. I was shocked every time an egg managed to ‘stand’.”

He said a busload of tourists arrived and started experimenting for themselves.

“There were many tourists from Taiwan who knew about the phenomenon ,” he said.

Nik Hariff added that it was a belief that eggs cooked after being balanced in the sun would bring good health to a person.

“The strength from the sun is absorbed into the egg. So whoever eats the egg will get good ‘chi’,” he said.
Read more: Eggs do stand on their ends - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/local/general/eggs-do-stand-on-their-ends-1.42162#ixzz1labWx8Zf

COMMENT

The fact is eggs can be made to stand on any day but there is a possibility that they do so faster on Lup Chun day and on the double fifth day. Below you can see a picture of me with the eggs I managed to make stand on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month in 2008. Then there is one of my student with the eggs he managed to make stand in the month of August, 2008.

CHINESE NEW YEAR DECORATIONS

2012-02-06T00:35:00.000+08:00

Look at the beautiful decorations put up around the entrance to Sunway City in Ipoh. Very pretty, right? Since today is the 15th day of the first lunar month, the decorations will most probably be taken down soon. So enjoy!

THE MIRACLE DID NOT HAPPEN

2012-02-06T00:19:00.002+08:00

As we enter into the third day of the Dragon year, the miracle that I hoped for did not happen. At around 11 p.m. on the 3rd of February, my mum had a fall and hit her head against the wall. She had to have a few stitches to close the gash and as I am writing this, my mum is still in hospital. The reason she fell was because her sugar level dipped to 2.4. This caused her to feel faint. The doctor is keeping her in the hospital for observation as her sugar level has not stabilized. Hopefully, she will be discharged tomorrow so that I can bring her to the psychiatrist on the advice of her specialist.
The unfortunate thing is that my mum seems to be getting more and more demented after Lup Chun day instead of becoming better. Though it pains the two of us, my sister and I have made the decision to put her in a nursing home for the elderly as we are at our wit's end. My blood pressure has shot to the ceiling and my sister and her family are very depressed. So, Mrs Cheah has to be sent to the 'Senior Citizen's Hostel' for her own good. Like boarders in the hostel, she only gets to go home during the weekends and holidays.

Article on Flying Star Feng Shui for 2012 by Master Henry Fong

2012-02-05T22:16:00.003+08:00

Feng Shui 2012

The 4th of February 2012 marks the 1st day of the Chinese Solar year of "Ren Chen" or the Water Dragon. It is also known as "Arrival of Spring" or "Li Chun" and it is a significant in Feng Shui as it marks the change of energy or "qi" of the Nine Stars.

The Nine Stars is a set of energies each represented by a number from 1 to 9. Each year the energies move about in a pre-determined pattern and affect different sectors of the house or office. The energies can be classified as auspicious or inauspicious and has a specific influence. For example one can influence wealth luck positively while another increases the chances of sickness. I will explain each of these energies in more detail later in this article.

In the New Year, Tai Sui or the Grand Duke moves to the SE1 sector. Houses or offices that face SE1 of have main doors that face SE1 are influenced negatively by the Grand Duke. If your house faces Tai Sui or SE1, you should not carry out any ground breaking or major renovations. The penalties for violating Tai Sui are usually people related problems such as litigation, troublesome people, back stabbing etc. They are always annoying but seldom life threatening. The opposite sector to Tai Sui (NW1) is Sui Poh or Year Breaker. You should avoid renovating this sector as well.

San Sha or Three Killings - Robbery Killing, Disaster Killing and Year Killing - affect houses that sit on SE3, S1, S2, S3 and SW1. The restrictions on construction work for Three Killings are similar to Tai Sui. No building or renovation for houses that sits on Three Killings. For other houses just avoid working at the afflicted sectors. If you must, then start work in an unaffected sector, then carry on in the afflicted sector and finally end the renovation in an unaffected sector. The penalties for violating Three Killings are as the name implies, robbery, injury, disaster, accidents, obstacle and illness.

Do not renovate house if it	And the reason is
Faces SE1	Faces Tai Sui
Sits SE	Sits on 5 Yellow
Sits SE3, S and SW1	Sits on 3 KIllings

Five Yellow occupies the SE sector. If you house sit SE (faces NW) then your house is said to violate the Five Yellow. To be safe you should not carry out ground breaking or major construction work anywhere in the house throughout the year. For other houses, do not renovate the SE sector. If you must, then start work in an unaffected sector, gradually progress into the SE and then end in an unaffected sector. The penalties for violating the Five Yellow could be bodily injuries and financial loss. Of the three – Tai Sui, Three Killings and Five Yellow – it is the most serious. Some practitioners recommend placing metal items in the SE sector to control the Five Yellow. I recommend you take the safe approach by not violating the sector.

Now let us look at the distribution of the nine stars in 2012.

South East 5 Danger	South 1 Achievement & Reputation (3 Killings)	South West 3 Disputes & Litigation
East 4 Study & Relationships	Center 6 Power & Authority	West 8 Wealth & Success
North East 9 Celebration	North 2 Illness	North West 7 Losses & Accidents

The auspicious 9 star occupy the north east sector. This star is associated with opportunities, hopes and happy events such as a child birth or promotion. It is highly auspicious if you main door or places that you occupy is in this sector.

The auspicious 8 star occupy the west sector. This star is associated with wealth and success. It is highly auspicious if you main door or bedroom is in this sector. Try to spend more time in this sector if you can. You can increase your luck by placing a small water feature in this sector.

The auspicious 6 star occupies the center. This star is associated with authority and power. It is good for those in position of power such as managers, politicians, military and police personnel. You can enhance this sector by placing some metal items here.

The auspicious 1 star occupies the south sector. This star is associated with achievement, reputation and recognition. Again it is highly auspicious if your main door, bedroom or study is located in this sector. You can enhance this sector with a jar or vase of water.

The 4 star associated with scholastic achievement and relationship occupies the east sector. Those seeking to enhance their scholastic achievement, seeking life partner to enhancing relationships with love ones should try to occupy this sector. You can enhance this sector with a small water feature or some indoor plants.

The 3 star associated with disputes, misunderstanding, quarrels and litigation occupies the south west sector. If you bedroom is in the south west, try to move to another room. Please remove sharp and dangerous objects from this sector. If you spend a lot of time in this sector, you should make s conscious effort to control your temperament and think carefully before you speak. You can place some earthenware items or red color items e.g. carpet to manage the energy here.

The number 2 or illness star occupies the north sector. This is an inauspicious energy and brings illness, disease and mental stress to the occupants of this sector. Those with weak health, recovering from an ailment and who are pregnant should not sleep in this sector. You can place some metal item e.g. metal vase to manage the energy here.

The highly inauspicious star 7 that is associated with great losses, serious accidents, robbery and violence occupies the northwest sector. You should avoid this sector if possible. Store away any sharp or dangerous objects and exercise caution if you are operating machinery in this sector. Pregnant women should also avoid this sector.

The number 5 star (Five Yellow) is in the south east. Do not activate this sector. Avoid any ground breaking work, renovation works and noisy maintenance work. The negative energy if activated can bring danger to the occupants. If possible do not occupy this room during the entire period of this year. You can place some metal items e.g. wind chime to manage the energy here.

To identify the various sectors in the house, place a compass in the center of the house. The red tip of the compass needle points to north. Opposite is the south sector and so on.

Source: http://www.absolutelyfengshui.com/fengshui/feng-shui-2012.php

WHAT DO THESE GOURDS REMIND YOU OF?

2012-02-05T00:28:00.009+08:00

Take a good look at the gourds above. What do they remind you of? I am sure that most of you would say a lady's breast, right? Well, they are called Boob Gourd and can be found in Vietnam.
Anyone has any idea on where to buy the seeds? I'd like to plant some.

A PHONE BOOTH MADE OF ICE

2012-02-05T00:19:00.000+08:00

LINK

In a Cold Country like Alaska, even the telephone booth is made of real ice.

LION DANCE PERFORMANCE

2012-02-05T00:10:00.000+08:00

During Chinese New Year, Grand openings of shops and other auspicious occasions, the Chinese like to invite Lion Dance performers to their house as it is believed that the lion signifies courage, stability and superiority. The lion’s dance is performed to chase away ghosts and evil spirits. The dance is accompanied by clashing cymbals, a gong and drums as noise is said to scare away demons. The music follows the moves of the lion, the drum follows the lion, the cymbals and the gong follow the drum player. If you look closely, you will find a mirror attached to the head of the lion. The presence of the mirror is to get rid of negative energy, evil and bad spirits, since negative energy would be reflected backwards, evil spirit would be frightened by their own appearance when looking into the mirror and hence would disappear.

ENTER THE DRAGON

2012-02-04T18:22:00.018+08:00

At this very hour and very minute, we enter into the year of the mighty Dragon. Here is wishing everyone great luck for the dragon year, good luck throughout the year, great prosperity luck, good health and may all your wishes come true.

祝大家龍行天下、

全年行大运、
发大财、
身体健康、
万事胜意！

SUBDUING THE CHALLENGING ENERGIES OF THE SOUTHEAST IN 2012

2012-02-04T01:42:00.059+08:00

LINK

Starting from 6.22 p.m. today, the Southeast location of our homes will be afflicted by the Wu Wang (5 Yellow Star) and Tai Sui (Grand Duke Jupiter). Those of you who know a thing or two about Feng Shui would know that when the Wu Wang and Tai Sui are present, the Energy of the area is very harmful.

In Feng Shui, Wu Wang belongs to the Earth element. We must remember to reduce the presence of Fire, Earth and yang Water here as they will activate and enhance the earth energy of Wu Wang. So, what we can do to subdue the negative effect is to use Feng Shui cures/remedies that belong to the Metal element as it exhausts the energy of earth.

Below are some of the ways that we can employ to subdue or weaken the negative energies.

DO NOT CONFRONT TAI SUI

The rule to remember about Tai Sui is to not sit in the direction facing this deity. For 2012, do not sit facing Southeast.

DO NOT PLACE WATER ELEMENT IN THE SOUTHEAST
If possible, try not to have any form of water at the 5 Yellow sector, especially moving water which is Yang in nature. The Yang Water will activate Wu Wang by bringing out its evil energy bring with it great misfortune.

AVOID USING THE FIRE ELEMENT

Do not have anything related to fire energy here as this element is said to boost Wu Wang which is of the Earth element. Avoid using the colour red and fire energy here. Keep the lights in this area dimmed.

SALT WATER CURE
One effective remedy is the Salt Water Cure.

USING METAL ELEMENT
As Wu Wang belongs to the earth element. Metal element cures are used to reduce its earth energy, as metal energy can weaken the earth energy.Place things made of metal in the southeast, example metallic wind chimes, 6 Chinese coins, 6 golden CDs, a metal bell, a metal bowl (better still if it is copper).
It must be pointed out that cure or remedies can only help to reduce the negative impact of the Five Yellow. They only help in reducing or subduing the negative impact and not totally get rid of the negative impact. Make sure to keep all the remedies and cures clean as dirt and dust will decrease their effectiveness. Remember to keep the area clutter free.

If possible, try not to be in this sector for a long duration of time. Also, do not activate this area with loud noise.

SUBDUING THE SICKNESS CARRYING #2 STAR

2012-02-04T00:04:00.000+08:00

LINK

Come tomorrow, the Number 2 sickness star will fly to the North sector for 2012. This sickness bringing star can also cause accidents and lost of wealth. One remedy to contain the negative energies of this star it to use the Salt Water Cure. You can also place metal objects here to subdue the #2 star. Avoid using the fire element here.

WHEN TO PLACE FENG SHUI CURES AND ACTIVATORS FOR 2012

2012-02-04T00:02:00.001+08:00

I am sure that there may be quite a number of you out there who are wondering when exactly to put in the feng shui cures and activators for 2012. The answer is that you should only do the placements for 2012 starting from "Lup Chun" or the start of Spring which falls on 4 Feb 2012. Remember, you should only do the placements for 2012 starting from "Lup Chun" and not on the first day of Lunar New Year which falls on 23 Jan 2012.
In the above picture, you can see the water feature that I had initially placed outside my house which faces east. However, I changed its position immediately after the pictures were taken and placed them in the northeast first. I'll wait until tomorrow morning to place them at the east. In the year of the Dragon, the Flying Star 4 flies to the East making it auspicious. To further activate the positive energy, I will be placing water there.

STORM DAMAGE AT MANJUNG DISTRICT HOSPITAL

2012-02-03T21:13:00.000+08:00

I am sharing with you three pictures I took at the Manjung District Hospital which is right in front of my college. Quite a number of trees were uprooted and there were also a lot of broken branches. I heard that when the storm happened yesterday evening, one of the uprooted trees fell on a car, damaging it.

DAMAGE CAUSED BY STORM

2012-02-03T21:03:00.000+08:00

There was a freak storm around the college area yesterday evening and as a result trees were uprooted, roofs of some houses were blown away and a few vehicles were damaged by falling trees.
Part of the roof of the school cooperative store was also blown away. This caused water to leak into the store causing some of the goods there to be damaged. A few of the flower pots were also broken.

Luckily the teachers, students and staff worked together to repair the damages and clean up the mess caused by the storm.

WELCOMING WEALTH GOD ON LUP CHUN DAY

2012-02-03T20:06:00.004+08:00

According to the astrologers, Lup Chun on 4 February 2012 is a good day to welcome the Wealth God. Remember that Lup Chun begins at 6.22 p.m. and so one has to wait until then to start welcoming this Deity of Auspice.
Below are tables containing the auspicious and inauspicious times for the Chinese Zodiac signs.

NOTE:
Since the Southwest is the direction for the Door of Death as well as the God of Nobility, it is not advisable to welcome the God of Nobility on Lup Chun Day.
For the Taoists they can welcome these Lucky Deities by setting up an altar to offer prayers. Those who are not Taoists can open the auspicious doors of their houses and welcome the auspicious energy at the lucky hours given in the table above.

WHAT'S ON DANIEL'S ROOF?

2012-02-03T00:26:00.000+08:00

My friend, Daniel's house is right behind mine. When I was looking out of the window at the back of my house, I spotted two creatures on his roof.

I tried to make out what the two moving creatures were.

The creatures were furry and had tails.

I went to my back gate to have a better look to confirm my suspicions.

Yes! I was right. There were two monkeys sitting on Daniel's roof.

I gave Daniel a tinker to tell him about the monkeys. He told me that he already knew of their existence and that they had damaged his telephone line. Daniel said that there were 5 monkeys, not only 2. Oh dear!

VISITING OUR FORMER PRINCIPAL

2012-02-03T00:16:00.000+08:00

During our lunch break yesterday afternoon, Khairah, Kamariah and I visited our former principal, Puan Hajah Siti Arfah at her home. It had been some time since we last saw her and so we had a lot of catching up to do. Puan Siti performed her Haj at the end of last year and so she told us about her experiences in Mecca. She was actually very touched that the three of us remembered her and took the time to visit.

ARTICLE ON FENG SHUI AND PROPERTY

2012-02-03T00:04:00.001+08:00

Property and feng shui this dragon year
Posted on 31 January 2012 - 09:24am

Avoid having your home entrance face the south east and spending much time in this portion of your house, says feng shui consultant Henry Fong. The south east is influenced by the five yellow energies this year. "Five yellow is considered one of the worst energies. Houses that face the south east will face problems related to health, money and other problems."

The other negative force also affecting the south east is the 'tai soi' or the 'grand duke', says Fong, which is also in the same position as Jupiter.

"Being such a big planet, the ancient Chinese believed that this planet exerts a certain force on us," says Fong. "Jupiter this year is in the south east, in the first 15 degrees or 'SE1'. Those living in houses facing SE1 will expect more relationship-related problems with family, parents, sibling, spouse, children or friends at work"

Besides changing the position of your door, Fong recommends that you sleep in a spare bedroom if your bedroom is in the south east of the house. If you cannot move your door or room, place metal items, such as gold, sculptures or metal lamps, in these sectors. "The five yellow energy is an earth energy which according to Chinese metaphyscis, produces metal. Placing a metal object in the room will weaken the earth energy."
Avoid renovating homes or offices in their south eastern sectors as well, recommends Sherwin from Joey Yap Consulting Group. "This would activate the negative Qi here."

For auspicious sectors however, think of the west and south. "If your main door is already in the west and south, be prepared for much financial opportunities and meeting the right people," says Sherwin. "The South is especially helpful for those in sales and marketing - to increase chances of meeting the right clients/customers. Activate this sector with an internal water feature. If there is a window here, open it to let the "qi" in."

Feng shui and the property market
The property sector as a whole will fare moderately, believes Sherwin of Joey Yap Consulting Group. "The Earth element of the year (which represents the Property sector) is just average in strength. However, the growth element of the year is good—slow but steady—so we will see improvements from last year. Generally the element of wood, which represents development, growth, and construction is quite stable this year, so we will still see new developments coming up, and even rejuvenation of old existing projects."

Master Kenny Hoo of Good Feng Shui Geomantic Research believes that the property sector will soften in the first two quarters in 2012. "However, this will be a good opportunity for the consumers, as there will be more quality properties that can be acquired at more affordable and reasonable costs."

"Properties located in the northern and southeast areas, such as Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang, especially the Kuantan areas, are expected to be more stagnant or the price will be on the softer side. Properties in Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Miri, Johor and central Kuala Lumpur will continue to perform well and more steadily despite the softening situation."

Within the Klang Valley, matured areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya are expected to have less transactions while prices are expected to be more stagnant or soft. High-rise condominiums and office units are expected to face steep challenges in pricing as there will be more sellers than buyers. Rental rates are also believed to be on the lower side as there will be more businesses ceasing operation, says Hoo.

"Landed properties will still be the better choice for mid-to-long term investment," he continues. "Besides the recession-proof golden triangle area, other areas such as Seri Kembangan, Cheras, Sungai Long, Kajang, Kepong, Melawati, Ulu Yam area are expect to have better returns during this round of challenging times."

Upon approaching the end of the third quarter however, Hoo believes that there will be a great turnaround. Those industries relating to the metal, wood and fire elements, such as fast moving consumer goods, mining, banking and finance, automobiles, timber, security, petroleum-based products and services, are expected to benefit the most upon entering this new era in the Water Dragon year.
SOURCE: http://www.thesundaily.my/news/281005

HOW TO CELEBRATE LUP CHUN DAY

2012-02-02T20:44:00.000+08:00

Chun Bing 春餅 (Spring Biscuits) LINK

The Chinese in Malaysia celebrates the Lunar New Year with gaiety and great fanfare. However, Lup Chun Day would usually pass without as much as a whimper. In actual fact, this day is equally important as it marks the beginning of Spring and also the dawn of the Dragon year. I will have you know that everything begins anew on Lup Chun, new life is breathed into living things and it is said that on this day, the communication link between man and God is extra clear.

In China, people eat chūnbǐng (春餅) and spring rolls on this day. Some Taoists and Buddhists will eat vegetarian food and also release animals like birds and tortoises. The Buddhists will also recite prayers while the Taoists will offer prayers to the deities. Doing charitable acts and making monetary donations to the poor and needy are also some of the activities one can do on this day.

In 2012, Lup Chun falls on 4th February which is the 13th day of the 1st lunar month. According to Feng Shui masters, it is an excellent day to welcome the Wealth God instead of on New Year's day when the inauspicious stars were also present in the same direction. By welcoming and inviting the Wealth God into their homes, the Taoists hope that they will have a blessed and prosperous year.

GRAND CANYON SKYWALK: LIKE SOMETHING OUT OF STAR WARS

2012-02-02T01:48:00.000+08:00

The Grand Canyon in America is a wonder of nature. And what better way to enjoy what the magnificent canyon has to offer than taking in the sight from a skywalk that is built 4,000 feet above the ground. The skywalk is a semi-circular platform made from glass. Now here is one place that I would love to be. Imagine the sensation of being able to "walk on air"

RED PROTECTS AND PROMOTES SUCCESS

2012-02-02T00:52:00.001+08:00

"The Feng Shui Qualities and Protective Power of Red"

From antiquity to today, few colors have the power and influence that the color red has. It's the most likely to make the wearer and the observer do something, such as stop at a stop sign, eat at a restaurant or feel favorably about a company, such as Target and its red bullseye logo. Wearing red imbues the wearer with confidence and power.

In China, the color red has many meanings, but the first is happiness. The bride in a wedding ceremony has always traditionally worn a red veil that was only lifted once the bride and groom were at the ceremony, never seeing each other until the wedding. That tradition continues today even though modern brides now know their intended before the ceremony.

In Chinese tradition, a red-faced man is regarded as a holy person and a god wearing a red robe is the god of wealth. Red colored gemshave also been regarded to hold powers of invincibility, strength and success. Rubies and garnets have long been believed to protect against the evil eye.

The element of fire has been associated with the phoenix and is associated with both of fire's destructive and life-giving and cleansing properties. The phoenix is the bird that promised success and longevity.

In China today, red is still ascribed with the quality of wealth and abundance. And in feng shui, red is the ultimate power color imbuing warmth, success, prosperity and wealth. But it's also a color of protection. Learn more about red and its role in feng shui and protection.

In feng shui

Red is the color of good fortune. Happy times are signified by the color red. It's a color that denotes happiness and the arrival of success. Using a touch of this color in every room brings a spark of life as well as protection.

Red activates. When using feng shui figures and ornaments, it's always advisable to dot the item with red paint, glue a piece of red paper to the bottom or tie them with a red ribbon. Doing so activates the item. For something more decorative, try hanging a red coin hanger or red tassel on a figure to activate it, or tie one to your handbag, luggage, computer case, keys, desk drawers or even thumbdrives for some computer panache.

Red color plays a strong role in fashion. For women, the color red is a color associated with sexiness, assertiveness and strength. For men, power ties are almost exclusively red. Red scarves have long been held as a part of wedding customs and to improve love and fertility. Red has long been associated with strength and fortitude. It's also used as protection against malicious forces and red veils and scarves have been worn as protection.

Red is the color of strength. When you want to be noticed, wear the color red. This is the perfect color for single girls and anyone trying to climb the corporate ladder. That's because red is the color of confidence and self-assuredness. Wear this color when you're ready to get your share of the attention - whether from an admirer or your boss.

For protection

Red protects income. Red handbags and wallets are auspicious for women to carry and energizes their wealth and income. This is especially true in 2012, as women must be careful of their finances from draining expenses (wood drains earth in 2012).Carrying a red wallet helps to energize wealth accumulation and stimulates income. Maybe better still is that you can find a red wallet inside a handbag!

Red ensures vitality. Women enjoy warmth and red creates the kind of energy that feeds a woman's need for fire. In the Year of the Dragon, the wood star visits the sector of big earth, or the sector of the woman. This can have a draining effect on everything from finances to overall health and wellbeing. Wearing a red scarf protects energy and vitality and can give protection against illness and fatigue. Wearing a red bracelet helps lift brain fog and mind-sapping energy as the wrist is the part of the body that represents the mind.

Red creates happiness. Women who wear a red ring on their right hand create a stronger bond and happier relationship than those whose right hands goes bare. Wear a red stoned ring for more love and affection from your spouse. Red high heels and racy lingerie are a favorite of men, but they're good for women, too. Wearing a red bra and panty or red heels will energize you all day long - and are perfect under dark clothing to give it a punch of power.

Red burns through anger. Wood is the element associated with family and with anger. In 2012, women host the 3 Jade star. With its wood attributes, you may find that women are especially touchy or angry. Whenever there is anger, red is the color to reach for. Red candles are helpful during family visits to burn up excess wood and diffuse squabbles. Red pillows and cushions are also a helpful antidote for fussy families.
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Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter Feng Shui E-zine and certified feng shui consultant in classical Chinese feng shui. Kathryn helps her readers improve their lives and generate more wealth with feng shui. For more information and to receive her FREE Ebook "The Cash Register at Your Front Door" visit RedLotusLetter.com and learn the fast and fun ways feng shui can make your life more prosperous and abundant!

HAPPENINGS ON LUP CHUN INDICATE WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR THE YEAR

2012-02-02T00:09:00.000+08:00

Those Chinese and other knowledgeable people who know that the year of the Dragon actually begins on February 4, 2012, will take note of the happenings at 6.40 p.m. or after that. They believe that the happenings at the start of the Dragon year will be a good indication of what would be in store for them for the rest of the year. So if good things happen, then it will be a fantastic year. If not so good things happen, then one may expect it to be a difficult and challenging year ahead.

PHOTOS FOR MATRIC CARD

2012-02-02T00:04:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, Daniel and I were busy taking photographs of our colleagues. The photos will be used to make the Matriculation Cards or ID cards for the lecturers and staff of the school. We will be doing the photography sessions over a period of three days. All the photos need to be taken this week as we need to send them to the company that specialises in making Matric Cards.

FOOTBALL INJURY

2012-02-01T22:55:00.001+08:00

Like my photo above? It was taken by my godson, Amir. He asked his dad to send him to my house as he wanted to visit me for the Chinese New Year. I was told by Amir's dad, Ishak, that the boy had a fall while playing football with his friends. According to Ishak, he noticed that his son was walking with a limp and when he questioned him, only then did he tell about the fall. The worse thing was that Amir and his friends were playing on the road and not the football field and so he had a number of cuts and bruises on his left leg.
As they had come to my house to pay me a visit for the Lunar New Year, I had insisted on treating them to a meal at Shabu Shabu Restaurant but Ishak said that they wanted to eat fried noodles (mee goreng). Aiyoh! I think that he did not want me to spend money. Instead of me giving the treat, Ishak paid for the meal.
Afterwards, I insisted on giving the boy a massage for his leg as I was afraid that if untreated the sprain would become worse. While I gave my little boy a leg massage, his daddy waited outside in his car as he was talking over the phone with his wife. Aha! Put the son with Auntie Li Na so that he can have a lovey dovey chat with the misses. Heh! Heh!

OUCH! THAT HURTS

2012-02-01T22:33:00.000+08:00

My pal, Daniel, sprained the middle finger of his right hand and had been having some discomfort for a few days. Yesterday, I helped to apply some ointment and medicinal plaster for him but then that only helped to relieve the pain for some time. Today, one of our colleagues, Ghazali helped to give him massage therapy. From the look on Daniel's face in the above pictures, the treatment must've been really painful.

THE MAN UNDER THE MONKEY DISGUISE

2012-02-01T18:27:00.003+08:00

Quite a number of my friends' children enjoy watching the Chinese TV series, Journey to the West (2011) which is currently airing over TV8. Apparently, they are attracted to the antics of the actor who plays Sun Wu Kong or the Monkey King. I did watch a few episodes and found them rather entertaining. I also wondered how the actor who played Sun Wu Kong looked like. So I did a search and came up with a name, Wang Yue 吳樾. I googled for images of Wang Yue and came up with pictures of the actor before he put on his monkey make-up. This versatile actor is actually quite a looker.

FRONT OF HOUSE HIGHER THAN THE BACK

2012-02-01T06:10:00.000+08:00

In Feng Shui, if the front of the house is higher than the back, then there might be a possibility that the occupants might living in loneliness and solitude.

REMEMBER TO LIVE LIFE

2012-02-01T01:58:00.000+08:00

MY NGA KU PLANT

2012-02-01T00:44:00.006+08:00

This is how my Nga Ku or Arrowroot plant looks like now. I planted it on the 16th day of the 12th lunar month which was about 3 weeks ago. My elders tell me that the Nga Ku plant grown by me before the start of the new year would be an indication of how well I will be doing in the new year. So, judging by the appearance of my Nga Ku plant, I guess I will be doing pretty well in the year of the Dragon. Yeeessss!!!

ITS ALL IN THE PRESENTATION

2012-02-01T00:39:00.000+08:00

The two drinks above look very appetising. This is because one is a cheerful pink and the other a pleasing apple green. The pink drink is named Pink Lady while the other one is just Apple Juice. Actually both the drinks are okay tasting, nothing spectacular. It is just the red cherry, the slice of apple and the star stirrers that make them more appealing.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

2012-01-31T18:43:00.002+08:00

In the college that I teach in, the Physical Education periods are at the end of the day, i.e. from 4.30 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. In the pictures above, you can see the boys playing a game of football on the field and also me with two of the girls who were waiting for their turn for netball.

LIN NGAU (LOTUS ROOT)

2012-01-31T06:13:00.000+08:00

Before the start of the Chinese New Year, I went a-hunting for lotus roots (lin ngau) at the wet market. They are considered auspicious as the word lin ngau sound like abundance year after year. I managed to buy a pair to be placed on each side of the shrine for the Earth God at home.

OFFERINGS FROM DOUGH

2012-01-31T01:03:00.001+08:00

Here are more creations from dough that are offered to the Deities.

VERY CHEAP CRYSTAL PENDANT AND NECKLACE SET

2012-01-31T00:51:00.001+08:00

Last Friday, I saw these crystal pendants complete with necklace for sale at the Kampung Koh market in Sitiawan. There was already many ladies looking at the items when I got to the place. At RM10 per set, it is indeed cheap. According to the trader, the crystals for the pendants are real and the necklace do not discolour. Hmm ... is it believable? I am sure those people who bought the pendants would not mind. After all it only costs them RM10. I bought one set too. You can see it below.

PICKING THE GREEN

2012-01-31T00:18:00.001+08:00

The highlight of the Lion Dance is the "Cai Qing" or 'Picking the Green'. Green here refers to the green vegetables (usually lettuce or sang choy) which are tied to a piece of red string together with a red packet containing money. The red string is hung above the door of the business, shop (or home), and the lion 'eats' both, the leaves and the red packet. The lion then gives the green to the owner of the premise or house.

Another version would have the lion lying on the floor and eating the leaves to the accompaniment of the drums and gong. The lull is broken as the lion explodes back into activity, spitting out the leaves. This is a symbolic act of blessing by the lion, with the spitting out of the leaves signifying that there will be an abundance of everything in the coming year.
A shop, business (or household) being visited by the performers of the Lion Dance will have good luck in the year to come (keep in mind that a visit normally has to be prepaid) and should a family member or the owner of a business stuck his or her head into the lions’s mouth, the year to come will even be more lucky and prosperous. The performing lions are normally awarded with red packets, oranges and mandarins symbolising wealth and luck.

MINI ROASTED PIG FROM DOUGH

2012-01-31T00:09:00.000+08:00

The mini roasted pigs above are made from dough. They look like the real thing, right? These little piggies will be used as offerings to the Jade Emperor on the ninth day of the lunar new year.

RESUMING WORK ON EIGHTH DAY OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR

2012-01-30T20:55:00.001+08:00

The college reopened today after a one week break. Luckily today which happens to be the eighth day of the new year is an auspicious date to start work. It is important to choose a good day to resume work after taking a break for the lunar new year as an auspicious date will enable us to attract the most positive Qi for the year ahead.
I even bought new clothes to start work. As I am supposed to be wearing purple for good luck this year, I made sure to choose a purplish coloured Baju Kurung. You can also see the Chinese New Year Decoration for the library that I am putting up. It is half done. I need a few more things to complete it.

OFFERINGS FOR JADE EMPEROR ON HIS BIRTHDAY

2012-01-30T20:23:00.001+08:00

Today is the eighth day of the lunar new year and come midnight, the Chinese, especially the Hokkiens, offer prayers to the Jade Emperor of Heaven (天公, Tiāngōng) in the Taoist Pantheon. The ninth day is traditionally the birthday of the Jade Emperor. Offerings will include sugarcane as it was the sugarcane that had protected the Hokkiens from annihilation centuries ago. Joss-sticks, incense paper, tea, fruit, vegetarian food or roast pig serve as offerings.

In the above pictures, you can see some of the prayer items used as offerings for the Jade Emperor at paper paraphernalia shops. There is nothing too grand for the God of Heaven.

DRAGON OR RABBIT BABIES?

2012-01-30T18:03:00.001+08:00

I find it amusing to read newspaper reports of children born on or after the 23rd of January being referred to as Dragons. A similar situation happened to my Aunt Linda (pictured with me above) who was born 30 January, 1936 which falls on the 7th day of the 1st lunar month. She had assumed that she was born in the year of the Rat for 70 years and only realised that she was born in the year of the Pig as her birthdate was before February 4. As far as people who are in Feng Shui and Chinese astrology savvy, the year of the Dragon only begins on February 4, 2012.

Here is another article about this confusion.

Year of the Dragon to only begin on Saturday, claim feng shui experts

NEWBORNS Jamie Kao, Tristan Chen and Louise Tan clinched bragging rights for being the first three Dragon babies born this year. Or did they?

Well, not according to the Wan Nian Li or Ten Thousand Years Calendar. This calendar is an invaluable reference book used by masters, practitioners and students of feng shui, bazi (four pillars of destiny), Chinese zi wei dou shu astrology (Purple Star), yi jing (I Ching) and Date Selection specialists.

The commonly held belief is that babies born on or after the first day of the Chinese New Year – which fell on Jan 23 – take after the zodiac animal of that new year.

But social worker Au Hoi Ting, in a letter to The Sunday Times, sought to shed more light on when a Dragon baby is actually a Dragon baby. Au, 29, said: “The Wan Nian Li says that the new year begins at the start of spring. This year, it falls on Feb 4.”

Other geomancers agreed. John Lok said the Chinese calendar was actually a combination of lunar and solar calendars, based on the 12 seasonal festivals.

Another geomancer, Adelina Pang, said: “In the study of feng shui, baziand astrology, we use the solar calendar. The first day, or li chun, varies each year. This year, the Dragon Year starts only on Feb 4 at 6.24pm.”

When interviewed, most Singaporeans born on Chinese New Year took the information in their stride.

Housewife Mary Tan, 29, born on the second day of Chinese New Year, had always thought she was born in the Year of the Dog.

As revised, she should be a Rooster. “Now that explains why I am an early riser,” the former teacher said, laughing. — The Sunday Times / Asia News Network

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/1/30/asia/10562670&sec=asia

LAI YOONG STYLE

2012-01-30T01:08:00.001+08:00

For Chinese New Year, Lai Yoong bought me the blouse above. When my Aunt Linda saw me wearing it, she immediately commented that it must be from Lai Yoong as this is the standard style of blouses she likes to wear. How right my aunt was!

GIFT OF POMELO AND MANDARINS FROM LION

2012-01-30T00:51:00.003+08:00

There was a lion dance at the Jade Emperor Temple in Tambun yesterday afternoon. Lucky me happened to be there at the right time and got to enjoy the performance.
I am pictured with a symbolic dish of pomelos and mandarin oranges which were presented as a token of prosperity by the lion to the keeper of temple, Sifu Lai. As there were two lions, Sifu Lai received two trays of the auspicious sounding fruits.
I will blog more about the Lion Dance later as I need to get my beauty sleep soon. So, please come again to support my blog.