Knowledge

Mount Fuji

2012-03-02T00:00:00.003+08:00

Mount Fuji (Fujisan) is with 3776 meters Japan's highest mountain. It is not surprising that the nearly perfectly shaped volcano has been worshipped as a sacred mountain and experienced big popularity among artists and common people.

Mount Fuji is a dormant volcano, which most recently erupted in 1708. It stands on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures and can be seen from Tokyo and Yokohama on clear days.

The easiest way to view Mount Fuji is from the train on a trip along the Tokaido Line between Tokyo and Osaka. If you take the shinkansen from Tokyo in direction of Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka, the best view of Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from around Shin-Fuji Station on the right hand side of the train, about 40 to 45 minutes after leaving Tokyo.

http://www.japan-guide.com

Oshino Hakkai

2012-03-01T00:02:00.000+08:00

Oshino Hakkai is a touristy set of eight ponds in Oshino, a small village in the Fuji Five Lake region, located between Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako on the site of a former sixth lake that dried out several hundred years ago. The eight ponds are fed by snow melt from the slopes of nearby Mount Fuji that filters down the mountain through porous layers of lava for over 80 years, resulting in very clear water that is revered by the locals.

Next to one pond visitors can drink the cool water straight from the source. The ponds are quite deep and have interesting freshwater plant life and large fish that make a visit to the ponds almost like visiting an aquarium. Although the ponds have been developed into tourist attractions and can become quite crowded with visitors, they have a pleasant atmosphere as long as you do not expect untouched nature.

http://www.japan-guide.com

Kanazawa

2012-02-27T23:11:00.000+08:00

Kanazawa is the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture. It is located about 180 miles northwest of Tokyo, about 140 miles northeast of Osaka, and about 90 miles north of Nagoya-city, facing the Sea of Japan. It is one of the most well-known castle towns in Japan.

Toshiie Maeda, the lord of Kaga province, entered into Kanazawa Castle in 1583, and Kanazawa flourished as a castle town for nearly 300 years during Edo period. Many historical districts remain in the city. Kanazawa-city holds Kanazawa Hyakumangoku festival every year to commemorates the entry of Toshiie Maeda into Kanazawa Castle.

http://gojapan.about.com

Nagoya

2012-02-24T09:59:00.000+08:00

Nagoya (名古屋市 Nagoya-shi^?) is the third-largest incorporated city and the fourth most populous urban area in Japan.

Located on the Pacific coast in the Chūbu region on central Honshu, it is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and is one of Japan's major ports along with those of Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Yokohama, Chiba, and Moji. It is also the center of Japan's third largest metropolitan region, known as the Chūkyō Metropolitan Area. As of 2000, Chūkyō Metropolitan Area has 8.74 million people, of which 2.17 million live in the city of Nagoya.

The city's name was historically written as 那古野 or 名護屋 (both read as Nagoya). One possible etymology for the city's name is the adjective なごやか (nagoyaka), meaning 'peaceful'.

The name Chūkyō (中京) is also used (chū (middle) + kyō (capital)), since it is the main city of the central Chūbu region. Various things are named after Chūkyō, for example the Chūkyō Industrial Area, Chūkyō Metropolitan Area, Chūkyō Television Broadcasting, Chukyo University and the Chukyo Racecourse.

Valentine's Day Story

2012-02-14T10:34:00.002+08:00

"The story of Valentine's Day begins in the third century with an oppressive Roman emperor and a humble Christian Martyr. The emperor was Claudius II. The Christian was Valentinus.

Claudius had ordered all Romans to worship twelve gods, and had made it a crime punishable by death to associate with Christians. But Valentinus was dedicated to the ideals of Christ; not even the threat of death could keep him from practicing his beliefs. He was arrested and imprisoned.

During the last weeks of Valentinus's life a remarkable thing happened. Seeing that he was a man of learning, the jailer asked whether his daughter, Julia, might be brought to Valentinus for lessons. She had been blind since birth. Julia was a pretty young girl with a quick mind. Valentinus read stories of Rome's history to her. He described the world of nature to her. He taught her arithmetic and told her about God. She saw the world through his eyes, trusted his wisdom, and found comfort in his quiet strength.

"Valentinus, does God really hear our prayers?" Julia asked one day.

"Yes, my child, He hears each one."

"Do you know what I pray for every morning and every night? I pray that I might see. I want so much to see everything you've told me about!"

"God does what is best for us if we will only believe in Him," Valentinus said.

"Oh, Valentinus, I do believe! I do!" She knelt and grasped his hand.

They sat quietly together, each praying. Suddenly there was a brilliant light in the prison cell. Radiant, Julia screamed, "Valentinus, I can see! I can see!"

"Praise be to God!" Valentinus exclaimed, and he knelt in prayer.

On the eve of his death Valentinus wrote a last note to Julia, urging her to stay close to God. He signed it, "From your Valentine." His sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 270 A.D., near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini in his memory. He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome. It is said that Julia planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship. On each February 14, Saint Valentine's Day, messages of affection, love, and devotion are exchanged around the world."

www.olrl.org/lives/

Love You Like A Love Song

2012-02-12T13:45:00.001+08:00

Love You Like A Love Song lyrics

[Verse 1]
It's been said and done
Every beautiful thought's been already sung
And I guess right now here's another one
So your melody will play on and on, with the best of 'em
You are beautiful, like a dream come alive, incredible
A centerfold miracle, lyrical
You've saved my life again
And I want you to know baby

[Chorus]
I, I love you like a love song, baby
I, I love you like a love song, baby
I, I love you like a love song, baby

And I keep hitting re-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat

I, I love you like a love song, baby
I, I love you like a love song, baby
I, I love you like a love song, baby

And I keep hitting re-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat

[Verse 2]
Constantly, boy you played through my mind like a symphony
There's no way to describe what you do to me
You just do to me, what you do
And it feels like I've been rescued
I've been set free
I am hypnotized by your destiny
You are magical, lyrical, beautiful
You are... And I want you to know baby

[Chorus]
I, I love you like a love song, baby
I, I love you like a love song, baby
I, I love you like a love song, baby

And I keep hitting re-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat

I, I love you like a love song, baby
I, I love you like a love song, baby
I, I love you like a love song, baby

And I keep hitting re-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat

[Bridge]
No one compares
You stand alone, to every record I own
Music to my heart that's what you are
A song that goes on and on

[Chorus]
I, I love you like a love song, baby
I, I love you like a love song, baby
I, I love you like a love song, baby

And I keep hitting re-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat-peat

I, I love you like a love song, baby
I, I love you like a love song, baby
I, I love you like a love song, baby

I love you...like a love song...

Chap Goh Mei

2012-02-05T08:10:00.000+08:00

Chap Goh Mei is generally the last day of the Chinese New Year Festival, and the fifteenth day of the first month in the Lunar Calendar. It is also known as Yuan Xiao in the Hokkien dialect. Some people also refer to the festival as the Lantern Festival. In various region and countries, this festival is also regarded as the Chinese version of Valentine’s Day.

Chap Goh Mei is celebrated by eating grand meals with families and relatives. Prayers are conducted and offerings are made in conjunction with the festival. If you go to temples, you can see many devotees performing prayers, asking the God of Prosperity to bless them with success and wealth in the coming year. Most families give offerings to the deities in the form of candles and joss sticks, which flicker in the wind. Houses are decorated with red lanterns.

According to Chinese tradition, at the start of a new year, when there is a bright full moon shining at night, there should be thousands of colourful lanterns hung out for people to appreciate. Children will go out at night to temples carrying paper lanterns, and solving riddles posted on them. The Chinese will also enjoy a nice family reunion and eat Yuanxiao (glutinous rice ball), a dish associated with Chap Goh Mei. There would also be many festive activities such as lion dance and other unique cultural performances.

http://www.nst.com.my/channels/niexter/chap-goh-mei-1.34193#ixzz1lSfPdwLC

Abalone

2012-01-27T09:02:00.000+08:00

We had this abalone during the cny eve

Abalone (ⁱ/ˈæbəloʊniː/ or /ˌæbəˈloʊniː/; from Spanish abulón), from (Rumsen) aulón, are small to very large-sized edible sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs in the family Haliotidae and the genus Haliotis. Common names for abalones also include ear-shells, sea ears, as well as muttonfish or muttonshells in Australia, ormer in Great Britain, perlemoen and venus's-ears in South Africa and pāua in New Zealand.^[3]

The family Haliotidae contains only one genus, Haliotis. That genus contains about four to seven subgenera. The number of species recognized worldwide is about 100.

The shells of abalones have a low and open spiral structure, and are characterized by several open respiratory pores in a row near the shell's outer edge. The thick inner layer of the shell is composed of nacre or mother-of-pearl, which in many species is highly iridescent, giving rise to a range of strong and changeable colors, which make the shells attractive to humans as decorative objects, and as a source of colorful mother-of-pearl.

The flesh of abalones is widely considered to be a desirable food, and is consumed raw or cooked in a variety of different dishes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abalone

Meaning of the ingredients in yue sang

2012-01-25T23:41:00.000+08:00

When putting the yu sheng on the table offers New Year greetings. 恭喜发财　Gong Xi Fa Cai meaning “Congratulations for your wealth” 万事如意 Wan Shi Ru Yi meaning “May all your wishes be fulfilled” The raw fish is added, symbolising abundance and excess through the year. 年年有余　Nian Nian You Yu meaning “Abundance through the year” The pomelo or lime is added to the fish, adding luck and auspicious value. 大吉大利　Da Ji Da Li meaning “Good luck and smooth sailing” Pepper is then dashed over in the hope of attracting more money and valuables. 招财进宝 Zhao Cai Jin Bao meaning “Attract wealth and treasures” Then oil is poured out, circling the ingredients and encouraging money to flow in from all directions. 一本万利 Yi Ben Wan Li meaning “Make 10,000 times of profit with your capital” 财源广进 Cai Yuan Guang Jin meaning “Numerous sources of wealth” Carrots are added indicating blessings of good luck. 鸿运当头 Hong Yun Dang Tou meaning “Good luck is approaching”. Carrot (红萝卜) is used as the first character 鸿 also sound like the Chinese character for red. Then the shredded green radish is placed symbolising eternal youth. 青春常驻 Qing Chun Chang Zhu meaning “Forever young”. Green radish is used as the first character 青 also sound like the Chinese character for green. After which the shredded white radish is added - prosperity in business and promotion at work. 风生水起Feng Sheng Shui Qi meaning “Progress at a fast pace” 步步高升 Bu Bu Gao Sheng meaning “Reaching higher level with each step” The condiments are finally added. First, peanut crumbs are dusted on the dish symbolising a household filled with gold and silver. 金银满屋 Jin Yin Man Wu meaning “Household filled with gold and silver” Sesame seeds quickly follow symbolising a flourishing business. 生意兴隆 Sheng Yi Xing Long meaning “Prosperity for the business” Deep-fried flour crisps in the shape of golden pillows is then added with wishes that literally the whole floor would be filled with gold. 满地黄金 Man Di Huang Jin meaning “Floor full of gold”

Why Is the Dragon the Fifth Animal in the Chinese Zodiac?

2012-01-20T23:04:00.003+08:00

Once upon a time, the Jade Emperor prepared to select twelve animals to be recognized as the zodiac (生肖shēngxiāo) signs. In accordance with the decree, the first twelve animals to arrive on the appointed day would be selected as the animals of the zodiac. The cat asked the mouse to help it sign up, but the mouse forgot and the cat wasn’t chosen. Ever since, the cat and mouse have been enemies. Other animals wanted to choose the ox for the first place. When the ox walked into the hall, the mouse rode upon his back and was seen first. So then, the mouse took the first place in the zodiac. The tiger and dragon didn’t accept the decision, but were granted as kings of the mountain and sea in retribution. Next, the rabbit didn’t accept the other positions and ran a race with the dragon to take the fourth spot. That’s how the dragon became the Fifth Animal in the Chinese Zodiac.

http://www.echineselearning.com/chinese-new-year-2009.html

Dragon year 2012

2012-01-18T23:58:00.000+08:00

The dragon is a symbol of power.

Therefore in Chinese astrology the dragon person born under this Chinese Zodiac sign tends to be a "doer" – they do things and achieve power by getting things done.

A dragon can breathe out fire so the person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon can be a hothead. Watch out if you make them angry!

However, the dragon has a soft underbelly and so in Chinese astrology the dragon person born in this Chinese Zodiac year has a "soft spot" to them. They may get angry at someone who annoys them but they also show great compassion to people in need.

A dragon has a long tongue which is often seen.

So in Chinese astrology the dragon person born in this Chinese Zodiac year has a sharp tongue – they will say things that can be quite sarcastic and biting.

The person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon can be quite a confronting person but if you can reach their "soft heart" they are worthwhile allies.

2012 is the Chinese year of the dragon. So what does 2012 hold for a person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon?

Such people such double their efforts in whatever they do - work, education and other projects. Their natural talent and abilities should stand out with great results.
However, watch out for that temper! Keep it in check and do not spoil your good work.

http://www.about-sichuan-china.com/year-of-the-dragon.html

story of ang pow

2012-01-13T23:58:00.000+08:00

The first ang pow ever given
The story of ang pow dates back to the Sung
Dynasty in China. A village called Chang-Chieu was
at the time terrorised by a huge dragon-like
demon. No one dared to defeat it, not even
warriors or statesmen.

However, a young orphan, armed with a super
sabre inherited from his ancestors, fought the evil
dragon and eventually destroyed it. The villagers
were overjoyed and the elders presented the
brave young lad an ang pow filled with money for
his courage in saving them.

Since then, the ang pow has become a part of
traditional Chinese customs.

http://www.penang-vacations.com/ang-pow.html

Hero

2012-01-05T09:52:00.000+08:00

In the end it does not really matter,

If you're a roaring

success or a failure,

To those who love you

well and true,

You'll always be their

one and only hero.

-Lillian Too

Top 10 New Year's Resolutions

2011-12-28T09:52:00.000+08:00

1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends

2. Fit in Fitness

3. Tame the Bulge

4. Quit Smoking

5. Enjoy Life More

6. Quit Drinking

7. Get Out of Debt

8. Learn Something New

9. Help Others

10. Get Organized

http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/holidays/tp/resolutions.htm

Honey

2011-12-15T23:35:00.000+08:00

Is Honey Allowed in Diabetic Diet?

The diabetic diet is strictly controlled in terms of sugar and mineral compounds intake. Hence it's not surprising that "whether honey is allowed for diabetic patients" is a frequently asked question for Benefits of Honey.

Diabetes is a deficiency of the pancreas, whereby insulin is not produced sufficiently or utilised properly. It’s basically a disorder of metabolism, primarily that of carbohydrates. The ingested sugars and starches cannot be deployed, and hence are eliminated in the urine. Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, extreme thirst or hunger, weight loss, fatigue, numbness, and infections. There are 2 types of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn't produce any insulin, whereas, people with type 2 diabetes either don't produce enough insulin or their cells resist the insulin, and they tend to be overweight, because the high insulin levels, unable to channel glucose into muscle cells, convert glucose into fat and cholesterol instead. This results not only in obesity, but also very often heart disease, poor blood circulation in the legs and eye diseases. While type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin injections, which help glucose get into the body cells and maintain blood glucose control, type 2 diabetics commonly use glucose-lowering drugs. Most diabetics are type 2 and are usually in their 40s.

With appropriate control, many diabetics and pre-diabetes (people with blood glucose levels higher than normal person but not high enough to be considered diabetic) are still able to safely enjoy natural honey. Before incorporating honey into their meal planning, find out how much of the sweet liquid can be consumed on a daily basis. Each diabetic is different and should learn how his or her body reacts to different foods containing carbohydrates. Bear in mind that the total amount of starches or carbohydrates in a food is the key consideration, not the amount of sugar. Honey is a carb food as well, just like rice, potatoes, thus just keep in mind that 1 tablespoon of honey has approximately 17 grams of carbohydrate, and taking that into account when counting your total daily intake of carbohydrates, diabetics can work it out just like any other sweetener or carbohydrates. To monitor response to honey, blood sugar levels could be noted before consumption and again two hours later. Also, when purchasing commercial honey for diabetic patients, be sure that it is pure and not adulterated by glucose, starch, cane sugar, and even malt, which is to better to be avoided in a diabetic diet.

http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/diabetic-diet.html

Quality Family Time

2011-12-04T22:18:00.001+08:00

If your nightly refrain is how tired you and the kids are, perhaps your family is struggling with how to balance work, school, and activities. Here are some quick tips for juggling the various schedules and spend some quality time together:

Create a family night. The solution is simple and can create memories to last a lifetime. Whether it's movie night, take-out night (think pizza or Chinese, for example), game night, or a family walk night, the key is that a night each week is designated for together time. Relax...and talk with each other! You might be surprised the things you learn from your kids on your special night.
Enjoy and interact with your child's friends. Yes, really! Letting kids "hang out" at your place gives you valuable insight into what interests and motivates your own child as well as understanding the "crowd" he or she is associating with. For younger kids, an hour or two with a friend can teach sharing, responsibility, taking turns, and other traits through actual learning and experiences. And don't forget that many child experts indicate that free time for play and social interaction can be better for a child's development than too many organized or structured activities.
Let your child choose his/her interests, and not you. Too many well-meaning parents sign their kids up for activities they're truly not at all interested in or good at, then face conflicts and power struggles as a result. It's another issue all-together if your child constantly begs to sign up for activities and then wants to quit, but kids at even a young age develop certain interests and dreams that they want to pursue. And, they most likely won't be the same dreams you had either! Be careful to choose your battles and accommodate activity requests where practical.
Consider the commitment when making decisions. More and more activities are emphasizing additional practices and time requirements in today's competitive world. You as the parent have to decide if a particular activity is appropriate for your child. Options for time-pressed families is to sign kids up for a recreation league vs. a select season; for pee wee-cheerleading instead of a year-round squad, for example.
Determine your child's commitment as well. If your kid says an activity "might" be fun, avoid committing to a full season or year. Not only could it present a problem for your child if he/she doesn't like it, but will infringe on the other players/members participating in the activity. Many teams rely on a certain number of players or kids to form a group, and a last-minute pull-out could cause an impact on everyone else. If you're not sure, consider signing your child up for a mini-camp or week-long or short session instead. If your kid loves it, then you can always seek something more in the future.
Assign family responsibilities. If everyone in the family is participating in some type of activity, then general household chores may be harder to get accomplished due to lack of time. Have a family meeting and explain that in order to do these enrichment activities/sports/music, everyone will have to pitch in to make sure the clothes still get washes, dishes done, and table cleared. If you set expectations up front, any grumbling will be minimized. Even small kids can help set the table, clear dishes, or take out the trash cans to the curb.
Watch for signs of being overextended and adjust schedules as needed. If your kid's grades starting plummeting or you get a note that says Emma often falls asleep after mid-morning snack, you may be asking too much of them. Keep in mind a child's age, personality, and true interest in making decisions.
Encourage the "all for one and one for all" concept. A family who plays together, stays together is the message and encourage your kids to support each other's activities and endeavors.
Above all, keep family first! Keeping your priorities straight will ensure a happier, better-adjusted family.

http://childcare.about.com/od/generaladvice/qt/Familytime.htm

Walt Disney World

2011-11-25T09:45:00.000+08:00

Walt Disney World

Courtesy of the Walt Disney World - Gene Duncan

It’s the happiest place on earth, and come Christmastime, it might just be the brightest place on earth, to boot! The Orlando area’s Walt Disney World Resort makes a business of holiday lights magic, with its coup de grâce event, “The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights,” unfolding at Hollywood Studios. The theme park is blanketed by a staggering 5 million bulbs that sync up with animated displays for choreographed interpretations of holiday tunes – not to mention the artificial snow flurries, 3-D effects, and colorful decorations that crop up around every bend.

The exhibit – which began as an Arkansas family’s home Christmas light display that had spiraled into a statewide attraction – was transported to the park in 1995 and Disneyfied to an almost unfathomable scale (now–January 7, closed December 8; standard park admission applies, $85 ages 10 and up, $79 ages 3 to 9, taxes additional). Tack on a visit to the Magic Kingdom, as well, where “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” delights with live entertainment, a jolly holiday parade anchored by Santa himself, snowfall on Main Street, a holiday-themed light show on the Cinderella Castle (which is already draped with some 100,000 snow-white lights), and a fireworks finale (select nights from now–December 18; day-of event admission ticket is $62.95 ages 10 and up, $57.95 ages 3 to 9, taxes additional).

One thing’s for certain: The old "'twas the night before Christmas" poem certainly doesn't apply here, because with all of these lights, it'd be impossible for a mouse (in this case, Mickey and Minnie both!) – or anybody else, for that matter – not to stir.

5 food for glowing skin

2011-11-18T23:47:00.000+08:00

What you eat is important for your health, yes, but did you realize that what you put in your mouth can have an effect on your beauty, too? Here, we identified five foods to include in your diet for glowing skin.

Sweet Potatoes

Keep your skin silky smooth by including sweet potatoes in your diet. They are rich in beta-carotene and, when ingested, are converted into vitamin A, a prime factor in keeping skin touchably soft, says Lisa Drayer, MA, RD, and nutritionist. Not a potato person? Carrots will do the trick, too.

Kiwi

Kiwi.

Any food with lots of vitamin C, like kiwi, oranges, and grapefruit, is a big skin saver, according to Drayer. Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis and protects against wrinkles. In a study done by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women who had a diet high in vitamin C foods had noticeably less dryness and fewer wrinkles.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate.

This has to be too good to be true, right? Wrong! Drayer says enjoying a small piece of dark chocolate will provide high levels of cocoa flavanols, which have been associated with softer, more hydrated skin. Notice we said small. Eating a jumbo Hershey's bar probably won't make you look or feel very good after the fact.

Yogurt

Yogurt.

Yogurt makes your skin and nails glow, according to Paula Simpson, international nutritionist and beauty expert. It's a good source of protein and has been found in clinical studies to help stimulate fat metabolism and whittle your waistline. An added bonus: Drayer says thanks to the biotin found in yogurt, it helps increase nail strength.

Nuts and seeds.

Nuts and Seeds

Snack on some almonds or sunflower seeds, says Robyn Flipse, MS, RD. They contain anti-inflammatory and immunity-enhancing nutrients, including vitamin E, that help reduce skin flare-ups.

http://shine.yahoo.com/beauty/5-foods-glowing-skin-153400356.html

What is your motivation?

2011-11-03T23:34:00.000+08:00

What is your motivation?

While desire is an important factor in starting your own business, keep in mind that you will also need to have a certain skill set. In other words, just because you may think owning a certain type of business would be "fun" that doesn't necessarily mean that it is the right type of business, for you to own. You should have at least a medium amount of skills that will take to run the business. This means that if you have never set foot in a kitchen, then a catering business may not be the right choice. In addition, you should have some skills that will be necessary, just for running your business such as: bookkeeping, marketing, management and even purchasing. You should also understand that this is a time consuming process. Few businesses achieve overnight success and take a considerable amount of time and patience, before they begin to pay off.

source

Online Shopping

2011-10-27T23:30:00.000+08:00

Online shopping is the process whereby consumers directly buy goods or services from a seller in real-time, without an intermediary service, over the Internet. It is a form of electronic commerce. An online shop, eshop, e-store, internet shop, webshop, webstore, online store, or virtual store evokes the physical analogy of buying products or services at a bricks-and-mortar retailer or in a shopping centre. The process is called Business-to-Consumer (B2C) online shopping. When a business buys from another business it is called Business-to-Business (B2B) online shopping.

source

Fitline Basics Junior

2011-10-15T00:25:00.000+08:00

Solid base for more fitness, well-being and beauty.

The FitLine product range is distinguished by a Nutrient Transport Concept (NTC®) for more cell energy, which supplies the body with exactly the right vital elements that contribute to our well-being and good looks. The immune system heart and circulatory functions are lastingly supported. There are even immediately noticeable effects, such as an increase of physical strength and concentration, accompanied by visible signs, such as better skin, hair and nails. This turns FitLine into an essential base of a successful anti-aging strategy. And as such into a solid base for a successful business that offers convincing arguments and noticeable benefits.

http://pm-international.com

Birds and the Bees

2011-10-09T23:36:00.000+08:00

How would you explain to your young kids about the birds and the bees?

CNN tribute to Steve Jobs

2011-10-07T22:15:00.000+08:00

Rest In Peace, Steve Jobs..

Awareness Ribbons

2011-10-04T00:03:00.000+08:00

Pink Ribbon :
Meaning: Most commonly associated with breast cancer awareness, this ribbon is also a symbol for birth parents, and childhood cancer awareness (alternative color: light blue)

Yellow Ribbon :
Meaning: We've all seen this symbol used to support our troops, but it is also a symbol for MIA/POW, suicide prevention, adoptive parents, amber alerts, bladder cancer, spina bifida, endometriosis, and a general symbol for hope. A yellow ribbon with a heart is used to represent the survivors left behind after a suicide.

Pale Yellow Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of spina bifida

Red Ribbon :
Meaning: Most commonly associated with the fight against AIDS and HIV, this ribbon also is a symbol for heart disease, stroke, substance abuse, MADD, DARE, Epidermolysis Bullosa, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

Burgundy Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of brain aneurysm, Cesarean section (worn upside down), headaches, hemangioma, vascular malformation, hospice care, multiple myeloma, William's syndrome, Thrombophilia, Antiphospholid Antibody Syndrome, and adults with disabilities

Purple Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of pancreatic cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, domestic violence, ADD, alzheimer's, religious tolerance, animal abuse, the victims of 9/11 including the police and firefighters, Crohn's disease and colitis, cystic fibrosis, lupus, leimyosarcoma, and fibromyalgia

Lavender Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol for general cancer awareness. It can also be a symbol for epilepsy, and rett syndrome

Periwinkle Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of eating disorders and pulmonary hypertension

Blue Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of drunk driving, child abuse, Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), the victims of hurricane Katrina, dystonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), alopecia, Education, Epstein-Barr Virus, Save the Music, colon cancer (alternative ribbon color: brown), colorectal cancer (alternative ribbon color: brown), and anti-tobacco - particularly anti-second hand smoke (in Canada; alternative ribbon color: brown), I Love Clean Air/ILCA Campaign (Japan)

Dark Blue Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of arthritis, child abuse prevention, victim's rights, free speech, water quality, and water safety

Light Blue Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of childhood cancer (alternative color: pink), prostate cancer, Trisomy 18, and scleroderma

Teal Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol for ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers as well as sexual assault, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and tsunami victims

Green Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of childhood depression, missing children, open records for adoptees, environmental concerns, kidney cancer, tissue/organ donation, homeopathy, and worker and driving safety

Orange Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of leukemia, hunger, cultural diversity, humane treatment of animals, and self-injury awareness

White Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of innocence, victims of terrorism, violence against women, peace, right to life, bone cancer, adoptees, and retinal blastoma

Pearl Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol for emphysema, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and multiple sclerosis

Black Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of mourning, melanoma, and gang prevention

Brown Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is an anti-tobacco symbol as well as a symbol of colon cancer (alternative ribbon color: blue), colorectal cancer (alternative ribbon color: blue)

Grey Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol of diabetes, asthma, and brain cancer

Silver Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol for children with disabilities, Parkinson's disease, and mental illnesses such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders.

Gold Ribbon :
Meaning: This color is a symbol for childhood cancer

Jigsaw Puzzle Ribbon:
Meaning: This style of ribbon is a symbol for autism

Lace Ribbon:
Meaning: This style of ribbon is a symbol for osteoporosis

Pink and Blue Ribbon:
Meaning: This style of ribbon is a symbol for miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death due to SIDS or other causes

Flag Ribbon:
Meaning: This style of ribbon is a symbol for both the victims and heros of the 9/11 attacks. It is also a symbol of patriotism and support of our troops. In addition, it is a symbol of fireworks safety.

Rainbow Ribbon:
Meaning: This style of ribbon is a symbol of gay pride and support for the GLBT community and their quest for equal rights.

http://www.trinitylondon.com/awareness-ribbon-meanings.asp

Heathrow Airport

2011-09-29T22:45:00.000+08:00

Heathrow Airport is used by over 90 airlines flying to 170 destinations worldwide. The airport is the primary hub of BMI and British Airways, and is a base for Virgin Atlantic Airways.

Concorde G-BOAB in storage at Heathrow

Of Heathrow's 67 million annual passengers, 11% are bound for UK destinations, 43% are short-haul international travellers and 46% are long-haul. The busiest single destination in terms of passenger numbers is New York, with over 3.7 million passengers travelling between Heathrow and JFK / Newark airports in 2008 and 3.5 million in 2009. The airport has five passenger terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) and a cargo terminal.

True Love

2011-09-28T09:13:00.000+08:00

Do I love you because you're beautiful,
Or are you beautiful because I love you?
~Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, Cinderella

Straits Quay, Penang

2011-09-18T20:44:00.000+08:00

The Straits Quay marina has 40 pontoon berths that can accommodate boats from ten to 25m in length, with the approach channel and marina basin dredged to three metres below chart datum. All berths have water and electricity supplied via pedestals. A Boater's Centre is located within the Marina Management Office with information office, Wi-Fi access and shower rooms. Prior booking of berths is highly recommended and they will only be allocated subject to availability.

http://www.straitsquay.com/

Michael Jackson - Remember The Time

2011-09-16T00:28:00.000+08:00

My favorite..

On June 25, 2009, Jackson died while in his bed at his rented mansion at 100 North Carolwood Drive in the Holmby Hills district of Los Angeles. Attempts at resuscitating him by Conrad Murray, his personal physician, were unsuccessful. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics received a 911 call at 12:22 (PDT, 19:22 UTC), arriving three minutes later at Jackson's location. He was reportedly not breathing and CPR was performed. Resuscitation efforts continued en route to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, and for an hour after arriving there at 1:13 (20:13 UTC). He was pronounced dead at 2:26 local time (21:26 UTC). Jackson's death triggered a global outpouring of grief.

The guards at Buckingham Palace

2011-09-13T00:49:00.000+08:00

The Queen's Guard and Queen's Life Guard are the names given to contingents of infantry and cavalry soldiers charged with guarding the official royal residences in London. The British Army had regiments of both Horse Guards and Foot Guards predating the English Restoration (1660), and since the reign of King Charles II these have been responsible for guarding the Sovereign's palaces.

London

2011-09-08T23:32:00.001+08:00

A view to admire..

The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament or Westminster Palace, is the meeting place of the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom—the House of Lords and the House of Commons. It lies on the north bank of the River Thames^{[note 1]} in the heart of the London borough of the City of Westminster, close to the historic Westminster Abbey and the government buildings of Whitehall and Downing Street. The name may refer to either of two structures: the Old Palace, a medieval building complex most of which was destroyed in 1834, and its replacement New Palace that stands today; it has retained its original style and status as a royal residence for ceremonial purposes.

Methodist Central Hall Westminster

2011-09-04T09:05:00.000+08:00

Methodist Central Hall Westminster was erected to mark the centenary of John Wesley’s death, the founder of Methodism in 1791. After years of fundraising and the purchase of a central London site, Methodist Central Hall finally opened in 1912 as a gift from the Methodist people, from across Britain and the World.

source

River Thames

2011-08-31T23:50:00.001+08:00

With a total length of 346 km (215 miles), the Thames is the longest river entirely in England and the second longest river in the United Kingdom. It rises at Thames Head in Gloucestershire, and flows into the North Sea at the Thames Estuary. It has a special significance in flowing through London, the capital of the United Kingdom, although London only includes a short part of its course. The river is tidal in London with a rise and fall of 7 metres (23 ft); tides reaching up to Teddington Lock. The catchment area covers a large part of South Eastern and Western England and the river is fed by over 20 tributaries. The river contains over 80 islands, and having both seawater and freshwater stretches, it supports a variety of wildlife.

What's this?

2011-08-28T00:27:00.000+08:00

When I was in London, I viewed the Tower Bridge from here..

Wonder what is this..

London

2011-08-24T11:14:00.000+08:00

London contains four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London; Kew Gardens; the site comprising the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and St Margaret's Church; and the historic settlement of Greenwich (in which the Royal Observatory marks the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) and GMT).Other famous landmarks include Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, 30 St Mary Axe ("The Gherkin"), St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square and Wembley Stadium. London is home to numerous museums, galleries, libraries, sporting events and other cultural institutions including the British Museum, National Gallery, British Library, Wimbledon and 40 theatres.London's Chinatown is the largest in Europe.The London Underground network is the oldest underground railway network in the world and the most extensive after the Shanghai Metro.

Handicapped-friendly bathroom

2011-08-23T00:17:00.000+08:00

I noticed that Hotel H10 London Waterloo has handicapped friendly bathroom..

An individual accessible toilet for wheelchair users with proper emergency call bell, toilet roll dispenser, flip-up grab bar, vertical and horizontal bar.

bath area

A Friendly toilet is a necessary provision that should be included as part of the facilities in buildings and developments. It is important to place them discreetly but yet easily identifiable and accessible.

Eurostar Priority Seats

2011-08-21T23:04:00.000+08:00

Priority seats for the handicapped, the deaf, the blind, the elderly and even the pregnant mum.

Manneken Pis

2011-08-20T23:13:00.000+08:00

There are several legends behind this statue, but the most famous is the one about Duke Godfrey III of Leuven. In 1142, the troops of this two-year-old lord were battling against the troops of the Berthouts, the lords of Grimbergen, in Ransbeke (now Neder-over-Heembeek). The troops put the infant lord in a basket and hung the basket in a tree to encourage them. From there, the boy urinated on the troops of the Berthouts, who eventually lost the battle.

Belgium

2011-08-18T09:54:00.001+08:00

Belgium is a small, highly developed and densely populated country (10 million of inhabitants) at the cross-roads of Western Europe. Belgium is one of the founding members of the European Community, and its capital, Brussels, is also the capital of the European Union. It is a federal state, with 3 relatively autonomous regions: Flanders in the north, where the language is Dutch ("Flemish"), Wallonia in the south, where the language is French, and the centrally located Brussels, which is officially bilingual. Belgium's rich history has left impressive churches, town halls, castles and works of art, dating back to the early Middle Ages, spread around the cities and country-side.

Rotterdam

2011-08-16T00:15:00.000+08:00

Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and the largest port in Europe. Starting as a dam on the Rotte river, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. Its strategic location at the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta on the North sea and at the heart of a massive rail, road, air and inland waterway distribution system extending throughout Europe means that Rotterdam is often called the Gateway to Europe.

sky watch

2011-08-12T09:58:00.000+08:00

The smock mill is a later development of the tower mill where the tower is replaced by a wooden framework, called the "smock." The smock is commonly of octagonal plan, though examples with more, or fewer, sides exist. The smock is thatched, boarded or covered by other materials like slate, sheet metal or tar paper. The lighter construction in comparison to tower mills make smock mills practical as drainage mills as these often had to be built in areas with unstable subsoil. Having originated as a drainage mill, smock mills are also used for a variety of purposes. When used in a built-up area it is often placed on a masonry base to raise it above the surrounding buildings.

source

Watery Wednesday

2011-08-10T09:51:00.000+08:00

This shot was taken at Volendam..

One year old blog

2011-08-08T23:30:00.003+08:00

After I had celebrated one year for my first blog, Experiences, I started another blog, Knowledge. Today 'Knowledge' is one year old.

I am glad that I'm still keeping it active. So it shall go on..

Heidelberg

2011-08-05T00:00:00.000+08:00

Heidelberg is also a popular tourist destination due to its romantic and picturesque cityscape's character, including the Heidelberg Castle and the baroque style Old Town. The US Army has had a military base in Heidelberg since 1951.

love the uniqueness of the buildings and the sky too

Decorative cows

2011-07-31T23:52:00.000+08:00

In Titisee, one could see many decorative cows. They are beautifully decorated and colorful too.

cuckoo clocks in modern culture

2011-07-28T23:50:00.001+08:00

This cuckoo clock looks so unique..

Long before their appearance in movies and television, cuckoo clocks were popularized by the poet William Wordsworth. In his 19th century work, “Poems chiefly of Early and Late Years,” Wordsworth included a poem called “The Cuckoo Clock.” Famous Canadian poet Robert Service also wrote a poem by the same name.

One thing popular culture often gets wrong about cuckoo clocks is their country of origin. Many people incorrectly believe the clocks originated in Switzerland, when in fact most cuckoo clocks were first made in the Black Forest area of Germany.

source

The Rhine

2011-07-26T23:31:00.000+08:00

view near the Rhine Fall

The Rhine is one of the longest and most important river in Europe. It runs for over 1,232 km (766 mi) from its source in the in the Swiss Alps (in Switzerland), issuing from the Rheinwaldhorn Glacier 3,353m above sea level.

The Rhine flows through six countries -Switzerland, Principality of Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands before flowing into the North Sea at Rotterdam.

source

Swiss Cows

2011-07-26T00:10:00.000+08:00

Cows are the most decorative souvenir in Switzerland.

Mount Titlis Glacier

2011-07-23T23:47:00.002+08:00

View from Mt Titlis..

This unique glacier paradise offers snow and ice even in summer! The highest glacier excursion in the Lake Lucerne region is conveniently located, just a short distance from Lucerne. The highlights of the trip has to be riding on the world’s first revolving cable car; a visit to the Titlis Glacier Cave with all its secrets; an «Ice Flyer» chairlift trip over open glacier crevasses; the breathtaking panorama, as well as the unique Titlis Glacier Park, where you can try out various snowtoys for sliding downhill, such as balancers, snow-scoots, snow tubes etc. If you like scenic beauty combined with lots of fun, then a Titlis trip will be just right for you!

source

Lion Monument

2011-07-21T23:55:00.001+08:00

Das Löwendenkmal, a.k.a. The Lion Monument or "Lion of Lucerne," is a masterpiece created in the early part of the 19th century. Awe-inspiring and mournful, it is dedicated to the memory of the heroic fight and final defeat of the Swiss Guards in 1792 in Paris. The fateful day of August 10th marked the beginning of the bloody days of the French Revolution. When the Bourbon King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, together with their children, were brought back to the Tuileries Palace in Paris after a failed attempt to escape the French Revolution. Working-class Parisians stormed the royal palace - the Tuileries - and the Swiss regiment of the Guards were forced to lay down their arms by the order of Louis XVI, which resulted in their massacre.

source

In front of the old swiss house

2011-07-21T00:08:00.000+08:00

I was wondering why is this placed in front of the old swiss house. Could it be due to feng shui?

Bucherer Spoon

2011-07-20T00:11:00.000+08:00

Rolex SA is a Swiss manufacturer of high-quality, luxury wristwatches. Rolex watches are popularly regarded as status symbol and BusinessWeek magazine ranks Rolex No.71 on its 2007 annual list of the 100 most valuable global brands. Rolex is also the largest single luxury watch brand, producing about 2,000 watches per day, with estimated revenues of around US$3 billion (£1.75) (3.02 CHF billion) (2003 figures)

Omega Lifetime

2011-07-19T00:09:00.000+08:00

The Lifetime Magazine Shop

The Lifetime Magazine Shop has been created to give readers the opportunity to subscribe to Lifetime, OMEGA’s biannual lifestyle magazine. Limited quantities of previous issues are also available from the shop.

Hotel Astoria

2011-07-15T23:33:00.000+08:00

3 of us in a room..

The Hotel Astoria is located in the heart of Lucerne, only a 5-minute walk from the Culture and Convention Centre, the lakeside promenade, the famous Chapel Bridge and the train station.

Macarons

2011-07-14T00:39:00.000+08:00

I had these two macarons for the very first time..

A macaron (French pronunciation: [makaˈʁɔ̃]) is a sweet confectionery made with egg whites, icing sugar, granulated sugar, almond powder or ground almond, and food coloring. The macaron is commonly filled with buttercream or jam filling sandwiched between two cookies. Its name is derived from an Italian word "maccarone" or "maccherone". This word is itself derived from ammaccare, meaning crush or beat, used here in reference to the almond paste which is the principal ingredient. It is meringue-based: made from a mixture of egg whites, almond flour, and both granulated and confectionery sugar.

The confectionery is characterized by its smooth, domed top, ruffled circumference (referred to as the "foot"), and flat base. It is mildly moist and easily melts in the mouth.

Macarons can be found in a wide variety of flavors that range from the traditional (raspberry, chocolate) to the new (truffle, green matcha tea). The fillings can range from jams, ganache, or buttercream.

Paris bridges

2011-07-12T10:37:00.003+08:00

Sous les Ponts de Paris

Sous les ponts de Paris, lorsque descend la nuit,
Tout's sort's de gueux se faufil'nt en cachette
Et sont heureux de trouver une couchette,
Hôtel du courant d'air, où l'on ne paie pas cher,
L'parfum et l'eau c'est pour rien mon marquis
Sous les ponts de Paris. 2x
Quel rendez-vous !

My darling why I sing this song
Is easy to explain.
It tells what happens all along
The bridges of the Seine.

The vagabonds go there at night
To sleep all their troubles away,
But when the moon is shining bright
My heart wants to sing it this way.

How would you like to be
Down by the Seine with me
Oh what I'd give for a moment or two
Under the bridges of Paris with you

Darling I'd hold you tight
Far from the eyes of night
Under the bridges of Paris with you
I'd make your dreams come true

Oh chérie, je veux apporter mes bras
Je veux apporter mon cœur
Je veux apporter all my love

Sous les ponts de Paris
Lorsque descends la nuit
Under the bridges of Paris with you
I'd make your dreams come true.

Mercure

2011-07-11T23:39:00.000+08:00

Almost 700 Mercure hotels expecting us all around the world.

At Chez Edouard

2011-07-10T22:36:00.001+08:00

Friendly waiter at Chez Edouard. He could even a little mandarin.

Large salads:

All Salmon Salad
(Mesclun mixed leaves, smoked salmon, salmon in marinade,
fresh salmon, salmon rillettes and citrus fruits)

Gourmet Salad
(Mesclun mixed leaves, morsels of preserved duck,
shavings of foie gras, hard-boiled egg and tomato)

Edouard Salad
(Mesclun mixed leaves, marinated salmon, prawns in cocktail sauce,
avocado, hard-boiled egg and tomato)

Countryside Salad
(Mesclun mixed leaves, cured ham, fresh goat’s cheese,
beetroot, hard-boiled egg and tomato)

Dishes on slate :
Ripened cheeses (A.O.C. guaranteed regional origin),
4 pieces, mesclun mixed leaves and a glass of wine
Day’s selection of fine charcuterie, mesclun mixed leaves and a glass of wine
Mixed selection cheese and charcuterie, mesclun mixed leaves
and a glass of wine

Our pasta dishes:
Large serving of pasta with foie gras
Large serving of pasta with fresh and smoked salmon

source

Eiffel Tower fun facts

2011-07-08T00:01:00.001+08:00

The Eiffel Tower has 2,500,000 rivets in it.
The Eiffel tower is 320 meters high and weights 7000 tons. It has 1710 steps. The first floor is at 57 meters and 360 steps from the ground, the second at 115 meters and 1060 steps from the ground. The third floor at 274 meters from the ground is only reachable by lift.
The Eiffel tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel (1832-1923), a French engineer specialized in metallic buildings. Completed in 1889 for the Paris world exhibition, it was built in two years by 132 workers and 50 engineers.
The Eiffel tower was very nearly demolished in 1909. It was saved by its use as a telecommunication tower. The Eiffel tower is now one of the most famous buildings in the world and welcomes 5.5 millions visitors each year.
The Eiffel Tower shrinks 6 inches in winter
The Eiffel Tower was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1889.
The Eiffel Tower was built for the World's Fair to demonstrate that iron could be as strong as stone while being infinitely lighter.
This is how you say Eiffel Tower in Spanish. Torre de Eiffel
Did you know that the Eiffel Towers restaurant seats 200 people? The restaurant gets its name from it being 95 meters above sea level. By the way the name of the restaurant is Altitude 95.
It took a team of 25 painters to paint the Eiffel Tower.
It took a year and a month just to build the Eiffel Tower. (From April 1888 - May 1889).
Protecting the Eiffel Tower from rust requires the application of 50 tons of paint every seven years.
In 1925, a con artist sold the Eiffel Tower for scrap - twice!
Solar heating can causes the Eiffel Tower to expand up to 3.25 in.
source

Paris

2011-07-06T00:57:00.000+08:00

Can you spot the Eiffel tower?

The Place de la Concorde (French pronunciation: [plas də la kɔ̃kɔʁd], is one of the major public squares in Paris, France. In fact, in terms of area, its 8.64 hectares (21.35 acres) make it the largest square in the French capital. It is located in the city's eighth arrondissement, at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées.

At Charles de Gaulle Airport

2011-07-02T21:56:00.001+08:00

What's this?

I simply love this crystal-clear globe.

My camera during my Europe trip

2011-07-02T01:47:00.000+08:00

My girl gave this camera to me as a gift. It would come in handy as my own camera is down..

Canon power shot A3100

It is image stabilizer. 4x optical zoom.12.1 mega pixels

Thanks, girl..

Wow, this camera is awesome. I took plenty of pictures in Europe.

Lucerne

2011-06-14T09:21:00.000+08:00

Situated in the very heart of Switzerland, the weather in Lucerne is typically Swiss, with few climate extremes and plenty of fine days to suit lovers of the great outdoors. In general, the winter climate in Lucerne can feel quite cold, although the city's proximity to the Alps does offer some protection.

However, mild weather soon returns in the spring, from the end of March onwards, when temperatures begin to once again rise above 10°C / 50°F. By May, daytime temperatures in Lucerne are soon touching 20°C / 68°F, rising even higher during the hottest months of July and August.

source

Facebook

2011-06-11T23:58:00.000+08:00

Facebook asked Over 45 million people have connected with the Facebook Page. What makes you want to follow a Page?
Your friends have liked it

To follow a celebrity

The keep up on current events

To explore common interests

about an hour ago · 217 · Follow · Ask Friends

The Menu List

2011-06-09T22:44:00.000+08:00

How to set your wedding menu..

Time of the Wedding Reception Decide on the time of day and season of the year. Will you have a summer meal at 2 PM or an elegant winter dinner at 8 PM? This is perhaps the most important decision you will make, and will be dependent on the availability of your venue.
Cost Consult your wedding budget. If you're cost-cutting, filet mignon will not be an option. The more options you offer guests, generally the more your expenses will build. If your budget is tight, you might consider a cocktail reception, afternoon tea, or dessert reception.
Caterer Recommendations Talk to your caterer. Are there particular dishes that they're known for, or that they recommend? If you're catering your own wedding, what recipes are always a crowd-pleaser? Make sure they're aware of the budget you've set.
Offer variety Choose both stationery and passed hors d'oeuvres, as well as both hot and cold ones. Your guests will always be able to go to a station rather than chasing waiters around, but guests engrossed in conversation will still have a chance to nibble.
Special Touches Ask your caterer if they can incorporate an old family recipe. Your guests will enjoy this personal touch.
Personal Preferences Make sure you include foods that you love. Enjoying your wedding day is a priority, and it will help to make your menu personal.
Heritage Incorporate foods from your families' heritages. Relatives and guests will bond over shared experiences. If your heritages are distinctly different cultures, consider featuring one during the cocktail hour and another during the meal.
Change Things Up Think about going outside of a traditional menu. For example, some couples these days are opting for a dessert reception, rather than a traditional sit-down menu. This is not only a budget saver, but can be a great personal touch for the couple with a sweet-touth.
Try It Out Ask to go for a tasting. You'll have a chance to sample the foods and find out what the standouts are. Although many caterers will give a complimentary tasting to the bride and groom, consider asking what it will cost for your parents or honor attendants to attend, to give you other opinions.
Be a Considerate Host Ask your caterer what dietary options are available. Generally today's couples will want to offer non-red-meat fare, as well as a vegetarian option. If your caterer says "We have a nice veggie sides plate" make sure you taste it. I've been to far too many weddings where the vegetarian option is bland vegetables heaped unattractively on a plate.
Double Check Finally, write your proposed menu down and consider if anything is missing, or out of place. Show it to trusted friends to see if they have any suggestions. Make sure to settle your menu with your caterer by their deadlines so you don't needlessly stress them, or add to costs.

source

Tea Ceremony

2011-06-07T23:47:00.000+08:00

The bride will stand to the right of the groom. The male elder being served will sit facing the bride. The female elder will sit facing the groom. The bride and groom will bow to the elders and greet them by their formal title in the family while serving them tea.

source

Feng Shui Calendar

2011-06-03T23:07:00.000+08:00

This year, July has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays. This happens once every 823 years. This is called money bags.

This year we're going to experience four unusual dates.

1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, 11/11/11 and that's not all...

Take the last two digits of the year in which you were born - now add
the age you will be this year,

The results will be 111 for everyone in whole world. This is the year of
the Money!!!

Top 10 Healthy Foods

2011-05-31T23:05:00.001+08:00

1. Yes to Yogurt

For a thicker, creamier texture, choose low-fat, unsweetened Greek yogurt. Loaded with protein, calcium, and natural probiotics, it makes for a tasty snack any time. Enjoy it with fresh or dried fruit, blend it into smoothies, or add a delicious dollop onto a baked sweet potato.

Budget-friendly Tip: Buy larger containers for even more savings.

2. Bonkers for Bananas

If you crave a sweet, creamy snack, this potassium-packed fruit is the perfect choice! Full of fiber and B6, bananas are the perfect addition to whole grain cereals and yogurt.

Budget-friendly Tip: Store bananas at room temperature away from heat and sunlight. And did you know bananas last longer when you separate them from each other in the fruit bowl?

3. Health Gains with Whole Grain Pasta

Full of fiber, whole grain pasta has a nutty, chewy texture that quickly fills you up--this means fewer bites, good news for your waistline. More magnesium and zinc make it a healthier choice than white pasta. Enjoy it hot or cold with sautéed greens and garlic.

Budget-friendly Tip: Look for "100% whole grain" on the package when choosing your favorite brand. If you make more than you can eat in one sitting, no need to waste: cooked pasta without sauce can be frozen for up to three months.

4. Quinoa: The Supergrain

This ancient grain packs a protein punch, containing all nine essential amino acids--a perfect vegan option. Loaded with iron, magnesium, manganese, tryptophan, copper, and phosphorous, quinoa is a nutritious gem! Start your day with a warming bowl of cooked quinoa mixed with dried cranberries and walnuts, or add some beans and greens for a simple, healthy lunch.

Budget-friendly Tip: Buy quinoa in bulk to get more bang for your buck!

5. Nuts About Almonds!

Nuts can be budget friendly, especially if you purchase them in bulk. Chock full of the antioxidant vitamin E, protein, and heart-healthy mono-unsaturated fat, almonds have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol. Enjoy a handful as a crunchy snack or toss into your favorite salad.

Budget-friendly Tip: Store nuts in the freezer to prevent rancidity and extend shelf life. Nuts in their shell are also more cost-effective.

6. Eggtastic!

This incredible, edible food can be enjoyed at any meal. New studies reveal that egg yolks are 64% higher in vitamin D and 14% lower in cholesterol than previously thought. An excellent protein source, it also contains lutein. This naturally occurring carotenoid protects the eye from oxidative stress. Enjoy eggs as a breakfast scramble or mix with your favorite veggies for a fun frittata.

Budget-friendly Tip: Store eggs in their carton to prevent them from absorbing surrounding odors. Hard boil a few extra for an inexpensive satisfying grab-and-go snack.

7. Outstanding Oats

A heart-healthy breakfast choice, oatmeal has been shown to lower cholesterol with its high beta-glucan fiber content. Oats are also rich in selenium, manganese, and B1. Sprinkle some berries and flaxseed powder into your next morning bowl.

Budget-friendly Tip: Purchase oats in larger containers instead of individual packets to save more. Leave the packaged oats that contain salt and sugar on the store shelf.

8. Bountiful Beans

Whether you pine for pinto beans or chirp for chickpeas, beans are an affordable, healthy food. Full of protein, fiber, and low in fat, they can be enjoyed pureed, steeped in soups, or tossed in salads.

Budget-friendly Tip: Dried beans in bulk will save you more than the canned variety, but both are pocket-friendly. Always look for low sodium on the front panel when buying canned beans.

9. Broccoli by the Bowlful

Bursting with vitamin C and antioxidants, broccoli is a low-calorie cruciferous rock star! One cup of steamed broccoli provides you with about 25% of the daily folate value and 45% of vitamin A. Steam, roast, or quickly sauté these green crucifers for a crunchy, heart-healthy side dish.

Budget-friendly Tip: Keep and cook the flavorful stalks to get more for your money. Too tough? Try dicing into a smaller size or simmer in soup.

10. Scrumptious Sweet Potatoes

You don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to enjoy this versatile vegetable! Bake or roast this fiber-packed tuber and get a delicious dose of antioxidant beta-carotene and vitamin C!

Budget-friendly Tip: Do not refrigerate sweet potatoes. They last longer if you store them in a cool, dry area for up to 7 days.

http://health.yahoo.net

Talk About It Later

2011-05-29T23:21:00.000+08:00

This little phrase helps most of the guys end an argument or potential squabble. In most cases, they really don't want to actually "talk about it later." They never want to talk about it. Putting off the possibility of a blow up gives them some time to emphasize the uselessness of arguing over something so minute. Although it's a potent tool in a man's arsenal, they need to make sure not to use it too often, or else the underlying motives will become apparent.

http://www.ivillage.com

Activize

2011-05-26T22:51:00.001+08:00

FitLine Activize Oxyplus supplies exactly those active substances which our body needs to produce energy. Activize also supports the body in providing the body cells with additional (vital substances) vitamins.

supports energy gain from food
(carbohydrate combustion)
supplies the body with all B-vitamins for concentration and achievement levels
contains maritime algae powder (brown algae)
NTC: the target nutrient absorption is as high as possible
stimulates, invigorates, refreshes
patented twice

http://fitline.com/

Create options

2011-05-24T23:49:00.000+08:00

But employers are beginning to create options to help employees. "A happy spouse makes a happy and productive employee," stresses Balan K, an HR advisor. In keeping with the larger objective of more productivity, Accenture has created flexi-curity - a job that comes with flexibility and security. This would include a provision to work from home, going to office on alternate days, granting adequate time to settle family and health issues and even giving time-out for adoption issues, says Accenture's Pawar.

An IBM employee who requested anonymity said he recently encountered a serious family crisis, wherein he had to spend quality time at home to work out a solution. "My HR realized the gravity of the situation and granted me a flexi working option. So even as I took my wife out for a vacation, I stayed connected to the office and worked. The beauty is that she didn't even realize that I was killing two birds with one stone as I multitasked and sent mails to clients," he said.

source

We Are Family

2011-05-22T22:59:00.000+08:00

This event marks the inaugural family day for Pantai Putri and also launches its new philosophy 'We Are Family'. The Chairman of Pantai Holdings Berhad, Tan Sri Dato Muhamed Khatib bin Abdul Hamid lauched and unveiled the 'We Are Family' logo.

CEO of Pantai Putri, Dr. Dilshaad Ali explains that the philosophy of inculcating strong family values in our service will be the main drive of this paradigm shift that we hope to achieve once the campaign is fully implemented. It begins with the staff embracing the idea and living the ideals in their day to day dealings at their workplace, this will eventually translate into a culture at the hospital, transcending into our interactions with our patients and their loved ones.

'We Are Family' was adopted as the way forward for Hospital Pantai Putri realising the strong interpersonal relationship that becomes the hallmark of Ipoh's traditional values, binding communities together. The uniqueness of the strong family values amongst the people of this city is something we want to emulate when we take care of them at Hospital Pantai Putri. We beleive these values can have a strong influence on the healing process. An important element in realizing this concept revolves around the 'Boundary-less' approach of work which reduces red-tape and also deems to provide a seamless, continuous, patient centric mode of service in the hospital.

Hospital Pantai Putri also adopted 56 children from Rumah Anak-anak Yayasan Amanah An-Nur Maisarah in Chemor and Precious Gift Home in Ipoh as our first commitment towards the new philosophy and our continuous Corporate Social Responsibility programme

source

Edelweiss

2011-05-22T00:13:00.000+08:00

Swiss National Flower

Edelweiss

Edelweiss enjoys the status of being the Swiss national flower, though unofficial. Edelweiss flowers are woolly with white hairs, with characteristic bloom consisting of five to six small yellow flower heads surrounded by leaflets in the form of a star. Scientific Name of Edelweiss is which means "lion's paw". Edelweiss is generally found in high altitudes. Edelweiss Air, an international airline based in Switzerland, is named after the flower.

source

Amsterdam cycling city

2011-05-19T23:47:00.000+08:00

The Netherlands is cycling country. Bikes are also extremely popular in Amsterdam. There isn’t a city in the world where people cycle as much. About forty percent of all movements from one location to the next take place on a bicycle in Amsterdam! This makes sense, as there is no other method of transportation that allows you to travel through the city with so much ease.

Foreign tourists may find it hard to believe, but for the true Amsterdam resident, cycling is the most logical method to travel from A to B. The 17th century city centre isn’t really suitable for cars.

The small streets and canals are most equipped for pedestrians, and cyclists. And if you add up all the cycling paths - with a total length of 400 kilometres - it's obvious that Amsterdam is a real cycling city.

source

What is Dim Sum?

2011-05-17T23:31:00.000+08:00

Dim sum is an integral part of Chinese cuisine, closely associated with the tradition of yum cha, or taking tea. Dim sum means "small heart", suggestive of a small snack that touches the heart. Dim sum can be found all over China and in many parts of the West, where dim sum is a popular meal. Dim sum is usually served in the late morning through the early afternoon, although some dim sum establishments are open later. It is a meal that should be lingered over, in multiple courses that traditionally have a set order.

Dim sum is an umbrella category for small Chinese dishes. Typical examples of dim sum are small dumplings, wrapped foods such as won tons and egg rolls, and other more exotic foods. In general, individual portions of dim sum are small, so that numerous dishes can be ordered and sampled by the table. Most dim sum falls under the category of a savory pastry, although these foods can be prepared in a variety of ways. Dim sum can be steamed, fried, boiled, baked, or broiled, and this wide range of options makes for a lively and varied meal.

source

Visit my food blog, Scrumptious for Dim Sum..

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

2011-05-15T22:12:00.002+08:00

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

There are three key factors when thinking about how to recycle – The 3 R’s:

Recycling Different Materials

Plastic Bottles
Batteries
Glass Bottles
Mobile Phones

You can find out how to recycle different materials such as Glass, Batteries and Mobile Phones by simply using our list on the right hand side.

Recycling Etiquette

Recycling can sometimes be confusing and it can be difficult to know whether you are following all the right rules. Improve your recycling efforts by learning some recycling etiquette rules and check out which type of collection is best and why different areas recycle and collect in different ways.

What’s in your Rubbish Bin?

A large percentage of UK household’s still do not recycle enough and throw everything that they consider ‘rubbish’ into their ordinary bin.
Much of this waste can be recycled and should be disposed of separately to general household waste. Look inside this rubbish bin to see how much of the contents should actually have been recycled. Check our list on the right to see how to recycle different materials.

Wordless

2011-05-11T23:53:00.000+08:00

Here's where I will be soon!

The truth about dating, love and just being friends

2011-05-09T08:47:00.000+08:00

I thought this book would be interesting so I request for it but it took three and a half months to reach me..Anyway, thanks to BookSneeze. I would browse through and then pass it to my sister who is still single.

Trade Paper

By Chad Eastham

Chad Eastham, with his typical wit and wisdom for teens, brings much sought after advice on girls’ favorite topics including dating, love, friendship, and other important stuff.

Chad shines some much-needed light on these major issues for teens. Rather than let their feelings navigate them blindly through their tumultuous adolescence, Chad offers clarity, some surprising revelations, and answers to some of their biggest questions: How do I know who to date? When should I start dating? How should I start dating? Is this really love? And, Why do guys I like just want to be friends?

Packed with humor that adds to the sound advice, this book will help teens make better decisions, have healthier relationships, and be more prepared for their futures. Just a few things girls will learn include: Five things you need to know about love; Eight dumb dating things even smart people do; Ten reasons why teens are unhappy; and Ten things happy teens do.

Any teen can live a happier, healthier life: they just need to hear The Truth.

How to make your mum happy

2011-05-08T00:08:00.001+08:00

Take your mum for a holiday! She would definitely love it.

All mums love to be pampered. So make your effort to show your care for them.

They don't need to be showered with gifts. Just be there for them. As they get older, they want more companionship. So spend as much time as you can to shower them with love and care..

Cook Porridge with a rice cooker

2011-05-06T00:45:00.000+08:00

Do you know we can cook porridge with a rice cooker?

This morning, I tried cooking it with my Panasonic rice cooker.

Just a cup of rice with the level of water at 5.

When it's cooked, it looked great!

Packed for my husband who loves porridge..

Playground activity vs kids' self-esteem

2011-05-01T23:00:00.001+08:00

The relationship between playground activity and the promotion of children’s self-esteem.

There is a general consensus that physical activity reduces the risk of psychological problems in children and fosters their self-esteem.

This consensus is reflected in the Chief Medical Officer’s report (Department of Health, 2004), which stated that a review of available research suggests that the health benefits of physical activity in children are predominantly seen in the amelioration of risk factors for disease, avoidance of weight gain, achieving a peak bone mass and mental well-being.

How might playgrounds reduce the risk of psychological problems in children and promote self-esteem?

Evidence suggests that children who participate in physical activity improve their self-esteem. Indeed, Ekeland, Heian and Hagan (2005) and Gruber (as cited in Biddle and Mutrie, 2001, p186) found that exercise programmes had a significant positive effect on children's self-esteem.

source

The playground at the Ipoh Polo Ground

Are you left-brained or right-brained?

2011-04-28T23:55:00.000+08:00

Ruby Tuesday

2011-04-25T23:48:00.000+08:00

The ang pow matches so well with the red cloth..

A very auspicious color for the Chinese.

Alto Saxophone

2011-04-24T00:00:00.000+08:00

The alto saxophone is a member of the saxophone family of woodwind instruments invented by Belgian instrument designer Adolphe Sax in 1841. It is smaller than the tenor but larger than the soprano, and is the type most used in classical compositions. The alto and tenor are the most common types of saxophone.

Mnemonic

2011-04-22T00:04:00.000+08:00

Mnemonics are devices to help us remember.

Where there is something to remember, mnemonics can be put to use. You will find them in every discipline from music, medicine, biology, and electronics to spelling, physics, geography, and remembering telephone numbers!

There are mnemonic methods that can dramatically improve your memory. Do you find you forget people's names? Would you like to remember telephone numbers better? Or perhaps you simply want to remember more of what you read?

htt p://www.fun-with-words.com/mnemonics.html

Noodles

2011-04-19T23:57:00.000+08:00

My home-cooked noodles

Although the Chinese, Arabs, and Italians have all claimed to have been the first to create noodles, the first written account of noodles dates from the Chinese East Han Dynasty, between AD 25 and 220. During the Chinese Song Dynasty (960–1279) noodle shops were very popular in the cities, and remained open all night.

Koala Bear

2011-04-17T23:21:00.000+08:00

Koala is the only mammal, other than the Greater Glider and Ringtail Possum, which can survive on a diet of eucalyptus leaves.

Koala seldom drinks water obtaining it from the eucalyptus leaves, which are 50% consisting of water. Although, they can drink water if due to drought the leaves water content is reduced.

Koalas consume eucalyptus leaves and bark from 12 different eucalyptus tree species. They also consume mistletoe and box leaves.

Koala in Victoria would have different diet from koala in Queensland as different species of eucalypts grow in different parts of Australia.

Sometimes koalas eat leaves from other trees such as wattle tree, tea tree, paperbark tree.

Each koala eats approximately 200 to 500 grams of leaves per day.

Koalas have a slow metabolic rate due to their high-fiber, low nutrient diet. Because they store little or no fat, koalas must adopt strategies that conserve energy. Sleeping is one of them.

Koalas sleep for up to 16 hours per day in order to conserve energy.

A very slow metabolic rate optimizes its energy requirements and allows koalas to retain food within their digestive system for a relatively long period of time, maximizing the amount of extracted energy.

http://www.giftlog.com/

Reflection of the mosque

2011-04-15T23:12:00.003+08:00

A mosque is a place of worship for followers of Islam. A common feature in mosques is the minaret, the tall, slender tower that usually is situated at one of the corners of the mosque structure. The top of the minaret is always the highest point in mosques that have one, and often the highest point in the immediate area.

Sky

2011-04-15T00:15:00.002+08:00

I visited Sam Poh Tong last Nov and the sky was so cloudy.

Malaysia

2011-04-13T00:04:00.001+08:00

At Suria KLCC

Purple flower

2011-04-10T23:19:00.000+08:00

Spotted these flowers when I was in Hong Kong.

Weekend Reflection

2011-04-08T23:18:00.000+08:00

I took this view from my hotel room.
The two lamps from my room were reflected on the glass window.

Lettering

2011-04-06T23:48:00.000+08:00

See how a simple string could form a word.

Can you guess the word on this key chain?

Red Luggage

2011-04-04T23:59:00.002+08:00

Is there such a word ‘luggages’, or is it just ‘luggage’ even if we have more than one piece of it?

‘Luggage’ is a collective noun that refers to all the stuff you’re carrying with you on your trip. So, be it one bag or a few, it’s all called ‘luggage’.

And yes there is such a word as ‘luggages’, even though it might seem redundant. Imagine that there are two groups of tourists in the hotel lobby waiting for their buses to the airport. You’d presumably have two separate areas where their luggages (that belong to either group) are all ready to be loaded onto the buses.

Source

At Kinabalu Park

2011-04-02T09:56:00.001+08:00

Look above and I saw this gorgeous tree!

Kota Kinabalu Sky

2011-03-31T23:51:00.003+08:00

The blue sky is always full of clouds..

Flower at Poring

2011-03-29T00:00:00.000+08:00

Spotted this tiny red flower while we were on our way down from the Poring Canopy Walk.

Fishermen Village, KK

2011-03-27T09:00:00.000+08:00

The Fishermen Village Restaurant can be divided into four sections. The main restaurant, which seats 200 persons, is an open air restaurant with a traditional Malay roof, and serves selected seafood as well as steamboat set. Free of charge nightly cultural dances are performed from 7:45pm to 9 pm at the centre stage to the delight of tourists and locals alike.

http://www.beautifulkk.com

Green Poring Canopy Walkway

2011-03-24T23:12:00.003+08:00

Take the canopy walk for a better appreciation of the tropical rainforest. The graded trail is quite steep and the walk is 40 to 50 minutes altogether.
http://www.infosabah.com.my

Jesselton Point, KK

2011-03-23T12:30:00.000+08:00

Jesselton Point Waterfront, formerly known as the Kota Kinabalu Ferry Terminal, is a waterfront mixed-development area in Kota Kinabalu. This is the jetty from which to take the ferry to Labuan. It is also the main boay quay for boats to the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.

Unique Flower

2011-03-20T20:27:00.001+08:00

Spotted these unique flowers at Poring, Kota Kinabalu.

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Knowledge

Mount Fuji

Oshino Hakkai

Kanazawa

Nagoya

Valentine's Day Story

Love You Like A Love Song

Chap Goh Mei

Abalone

Meaning of the ingredients in yue sang

Why Is the Dragon the Fifth Animal in the Chinese Zodiac?

Dragon year 2012

story of ang pow

Hero

Top 10 New Year's Resolutions

1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends

2. Fit in Fitness

3. Tame the Bulge

4. Quit Smoking

5. Enjoy Life More

6. Quit Drinking

7. Get Out of Debt

8. Learn Something New

9. Help Others

10. Get Organized

http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/holidays/tp/resolutions.htm

Honey

Is Honey Allowed in Diabetic Diet?

Quality Family Time

Walt Disney World

5 food for glowing skin

What is your motivation?

Online Shopping

Fitline Basics Junior

Birds and the Bees

CNN tribute to Steve Jobs

Awareness Ribbons

Heathrow Airport

True Love

Straits Quay, Penang

Michael Jackson - Remember The Time

The guards at Buckingham Palace

London

Methodist Central Hall Westminster

River Thames

What's this?

London

Handicapped-friendly bathroom

Eurostar Priority Seats

Manneken Pis

Belgium

Rotterdam

sky watch

Watery Wednesday

One year old blog

Heidelberg

Decorative cows

cuckoo clocks in modern culture

The Rhine

Swiss Cows

Mount Titlis Glacier

Lion Monument

In front of the old swiss house

Bucherer Spoon

Omega Lifetime

Hotel Astoria

Macarons

Paris bridges

Mercure

At Chez Edouard

Eiffel Tower fun facts

Paris

At Charles de Gaulle Airport

My camera during my Europe trip

Lucerne

Facebook

Facebook asked Over 45 million people have connected with the Facebook Page. What makes you want to follow a Page?

The Menu List

Tea Ceremony

Feng Shui Calendar

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