Michael Bublé

Michael Steven Bublé (born 9 September 1975 in Burnaby, British Columbia) is a Canadian singer and actor. He has won several awards, including three Grammy Awards and multiple Juno Awards. His first album reached the top ten in the United Kingdom and his home country of Canada. He found worldwide commercial success with his 2005 album It’s Time, and his 2007 album Call Me Irresponsible was an even bigger success, reaching number one on the Canadian Albums Chart, the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, the Australian ARIA Albums Chart and the European charts. Bublé’s fifth studio album, Christmas, was released on October 24, 2011 in the United Kingdom] and October 25, 2011 in the United States. The Cold December Night Songfacts states it was produced by David Foster, Bob Rock and Humberto Gatica. The album was recorded primarily at Capitol Recording Studios in Hollywood and The Warehouse Studios in Vancouver during July.

Stiff Back

Arm side stretch
The AARP suggests doing arm stretches if you have a stiff back. To do them, stand with legs about shoulder-length apart. Face forward with the knees straight and loose. Keep the arms at your sides with the palms facing inward. Slowly raise your right arm as you bend to the left, keeping the palm pointed at the floor. As you bend, slide your left palm down the side of your leg. Face forward, keeping the head aligned with the spine. Hold this stretch for approximately five to 30 seconds. Repeat stretch on the other side. 

Knee to chest
According to the Mayo Clinic, knee-to-chest stretches can help rid the back of stiffness and pain. Start by lying on the back with the knees bent upward. With both hands, pull one knee up into your chest. Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Return the leg slowly to the floor and repeat with the opposite leg. Hold for the appropriate time and then return this leg to the floor. Finally, grasp both knees and gently pull both legs into the chest simultaneously.

Cross-legged stretch
To do the cross-legged stretch, the AARP suggests lying on your back with your arms resting at your sides. Gently raise the left arm as you cross the left leg over the right leg, meeting at the knees. Stretch your head to the left slightly. Hold this position for about 5 to 30 seconds. Repeat the stretch on the right side. 

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living

Deepavali

Spiritual significance

While Diwali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning behind it is "the awareness of the inner light". Central to Hindu philosophy (primarily the Yoga, Vedanta, and Samkhya schools of Hindu philosophy) is the belief that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal, called the Atman. The celebration of Diwali as the "victory of good over evil", refers to the light of higher knowledge dispelling all ignorance, the ignorance that masks one's true nature, not as the body, but as the unchanging, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality. With this awakening comes compassion and the awareness of the oneness of all things (higher knowledge). This brings ananda (joy or peace). Just as we celebrate the birth of our physical being, Diwali is the celebration of this Inner Light.

While the story behind Diwali and the manner of celebration varies from region to region (festive fireworks, worship, lights, sharing of sweets), the essence is the same – to rejoice in the Inner Light (Atman) or the underlying Reality of all things (Brahman).

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

Uses for used tea bags

1. Soothe tired eyes. 

Just place a chilled used tea bag over your closed eyes until the puffiness subsides. You can also use warm, wet teabags as a compress to soothe the pain of pinkeye. Bonus tip: Place teabags on your eyes for 15 minutes and reduce under eye circles.

2. Make canker sores feel better. 

Chill a used tea bag in the freezer. Once it’s cold, place it on your canker sore. The cold plus the tea’s healing properties will help your sore feel better faster.

3. Heal sunburned skin. 

Throw used tea bags in a bath and soak in it after a long day in the sun. The cooling and calming effects of the tea will provide relief.

4. Stop a minor nick from bleeding. 

When a kitchen injury strikes while slicing and dicing, staunch the blood flow fast by saturating a black tea bag with hot water, then holding it against the injury for 30 seconds. The tannins in the tea will quickly clot the blood so you can cover the cut with a bandage and get back to whipping up your delicious dinner.

5. Put a soaked tea bag on a bruise to heal it faster. 

Ruptured capillaries, the smallest blood vessels in the body, create bruises. The tannins will constrict blood vessels which will stop the blood flow that causes bruising.

6. Clean the house. 

Re-steep your used tea bags in cold water to make a weak tea. Use this mixture to scrub linoleum or countertops. Additionally, use the teabags to rub furniture and floor scratches to make them disappear.

7. Fertilize your plants. 

Used tea bags make a great addition to any compost pile! Don't have a compost pile? Used tea bags can be nestled in your potted plants to help protect them from drying out between waterings.

8. Kill dust mites. 

Carefully spray diluted black tea on the carpet to kill dust mites. Color-test the tea first in an inconspicuous spot.

9. Tenderize a tough cut of meat. 

The secret to tender, juicy skirt and flank steaks: Steep four or five black tea bags in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes, then combine with an equal amount o of double-strength beef stock (homemade or store-bought) and marinate the meat in the mixture for 20 minutes. The teas tannins will break down fiber that make the beef tough.

10. Rust-proof your cast-iron cookware. 

Guarantee your trusty skillet stays rust-free by wiping it with a damp. used black tea bag after every cooking session. The tea's tannins will coat the pan with an invisible protective layer that prevents rust-causing oxidation.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com

Elephants and Feng Shui

Nine ways the elephant can be used in a home:
1. Bringing good luck into the home — Place a statue of an elephant, or a pair of elephants, at the front door facing inward to signal good luck and blessings entering the home.
2. Protection— Place an elephant or pair of elephants facing outward to protect the home and to prevent the loss of chi from the home.
3. Promote love and fidelity – Display an elephant or a pair of elephants in the bedroom to promote love and faithfulness between a couple..
4. Bonding between mother and child – Place a statue of a mother elephant and her baby, a symbol of the love and bonding between a mother and her children, in your Family or Children section to strengthen the bond.
5. Fertility – Place an elephant statue beside the bed or place a pair, one on either side of the bedroom door, to welcome in “infant” energy.
6. Knowledge and academic success – Place a statue in your child’s bedroom, on his or her desk, or wherever s/he does homework.  The elephant is a symbol of knowledge and academic success.
7. Energize the Career area – Place an elephant near the door or the Career area to symbolize wisdom and power.
8. Work success – Place an elephant near the front door or the door of the office to attract power and to protect the person from bad energy in the office.
9. Good management – Place an elephant on your work desk facing out to symbolize intelligent leadership, poise under pressure, and cautiousness.
 –Gabriele Amersbach, Lucky Path Feng Shui

http://luckypath-fengshui.com

Facts about soaps

Many different oils, fats and butters are used in the manufacture of soap. These “fats” have different beneficial fatty acids that contribute to the properties of the soap. For example; olive oil contains mainly oleic acid that produces small, mild and creamy bubbles, coconut oil contains nearly 50% lauric acid which makes big, fat, open, fluffy bubbles and sunflower oil contains mainly linoleic acid which produces big, open conditioning bubbles. So the skill of the soapmaker comes into practice with the combining of various oils and fats in the correct proportions that will produce the best lather possible but keep the soap gentle and mild while leaving a nice soothing after-feel on the skin [not the squeaky clean, feeling tight and rough as some soaps do].

Soap removes grease and dirt from the skin because some of its components are surfactants (surface-active agents). Surfactants have a molecular structure that acts as a connecting link between water and the dirt. This loosens the particles of dirt, stale make-up, grease etc. from the skin. One end of the molecule is hydrophilic (attracted to water), and the other is hydrophobic (attracted to substances that are not water soluble).

So, soap is a very effective cleanser, but it is much more! Some ingredients that you see on many popular soaps do not have any beneficial effects for the skin, in fact, they can cause problems such as allergies for many users e.g. perfume - you will see this on most soap ingredients listing. This is a man-made chemical fragrance, simply an aroma that has no therapeutic qualities and can be toxic and irritating for many skin types. In fact, over 70% of women claim to suffer from sensitive skin at some time in their life for various reasons. Therefore the most important thing about our soaps is that they contain NO artificial, chemical fragrances, only aromatherapy quality essential oils that do have beneficial therapeutic properties for the skin. In fact, all essential oils are gently antiseptic in their action and many are corrective for different skin problems, especially when there is an imbalance i.e. overly dry or overly greasy. We use a generous amount of essential oils in all our products that not only smell delicious but have a positive effect for the skin.

http://www.gswoa.com/index.php/pages/goodsoapworks-facts-about-soap.html 

Health benefits of okra

1) Colon Cancer: -

By cleaning out the intestinal tract, Lady Finger is able to improve colon health by allowing the organ to work at a higher rate of efficiency and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

2) Diabetes: -

The presence of Eugenol helps fight against diabetes. The fiber also helps stabilize blood sugar level by delaying sugar absorption from the intestines.

3) Constipation: -

Okra or lady finger is one of the best vegetable sources of dietary fiber essential for the digestive system. Dietary fibers in okra help prevent and relieve constipation problem. The soluble fiber in okra absorbs water and adds bulk to the stool thus preventing constipation.

4) Prevents Anemia: -

The iron content of lady finger forms hemoglobin in the blood and prevents anemia. Vitamin K helps in blood coagulation.

5) Weight Loss: -

The dietary fibers contained in this lady finger vegetable are best for people who are in their weight loss diet programs. Ladies finger contains no calories, hence are great for weight loss.

6) Heart Disease: -

Soluble fiber in lady finger or okra helps to lower serum cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease. Eating okra is the effective control of the body’s high cholesterol level. Okra is also high in pectin that helps in lowering high blood cholesterol by altering the production of bile in the intestines.

7) Hair Problems: -

Okra or lady finger can also help bring your hair back to its original state, free from dandruffs. For bouncy hair, boil water with horizontally cut okra, strain on cooling, squeeze half a lemon and use as a hair rinse. Experts say that it can even rid of lice also.

8) Improve Immune System: -

The high Vitamin C content in Ladies finger helps fight cold and cough by improving healthy immune system. The Vitamin C and many essential minerals like magnesium, manganese, calcium and iron in Lady Finger fights against harmful free radicals and promotes healthy immune system.

9) Improve Eyesight: -

Vitamin A and beta carotene found in lady finger are essential nutrients for maintaining good eyesight. In addition, these essential nutrients also help prevents eye related diseases such as cataracts. The Vitamin A promotes health of the eyes and protects against age related eye disorders.

10) Fetus Development: -

The high amount of folate contained in the lady finger or okra is beneficial for the fetus during pregnancy. Folate is an essential nutrient which improves the development of the fetus brain. The high amount of folic acid in lady finger or okra plays an important role in the neural tube formation of the fetus throughout fourth to twelve weeks of pregnancy.

http://www.mediherbsolution.com/

 

How to get rid of rats

Health benefits of Pineapple

Health benefits of Pineapple fruit

• Fresh pineapple is low in calories. Nonetheless, ii is a storehouse of several unique health promoting compounds, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.
• 100 g fruit provides just about 50 calories equivalent to that of apples. Its flesh contains no saturated fats or cholesterol; however, it is rich source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber like pectin.
  
• Pineapple fruit contains a proteolytic enzyme bromelain that digests food by breaking down protein. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting and anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that consumption of pineapple regularly helps fight against arthritis, indigestion and worm infestation.
  
• Fresh pineapple is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin; vitamin C. 100 g fruit contains 47.8 or 80% of this vitamin. Vitamin C is required for the collagen synthesis in the body. Collagen is the main structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones. Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body protect from scurvy; develop resistance against infectious agents (boosts immunity) and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.
  
• It also contains small amount Vitamin A (provides 58 IU per 100 g) and beta-carotene levels. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A is also required maintaining healthy mucus membranes, skin and essential for vision. Studies have suggested that consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps the human body to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
  
• In addition, this fruit is rich in B-complex group of vitamins like folates, thiamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin and minerals like copper, manganese and potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Copper is a helpful cofactor for red blood cell synthesis. Manganese is a co-factor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is a very powerful free radical scavenger.
  
  
  http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pineapple.html

Fasting

Fasting

During the month of Ramadan leading up to Hari Raya, it is mandatory for Muslims to fast. All Muslims except the young, old or infirm must fast. They do not eat or drink anything from dawn until dusk. Fasting is meant to teach the person patience, sacrifice and humility. Ramadan is a time to fast for the sake of their God, Allah, and to offer more prayer than usual. During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds.

In Malaysia, ‘Ramadan bazaars‘ are held in many areas around the country, where all sorts of food and kuih — traditional Malay delicacies — are sold for breaking fast or buka puasa. Many hotels and restaurants offer exorbitant Ramadan buffets during this time.

http://explorer.justenglish.com

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a painful condition that causes the fingers or thumb to catch or lock when bent. In the thumb its called trigger thumb.
Trigger finger happens when tendons in the finger or thumb become inflamed. Tendons are tough bands of tissue that connect muscles and bones. Together, the tendons and muscles in the hands and arms bend and straighten the fingers and thumbs.
A tendon usually glides easily through the tissue that covers it (called a sheath) because of a lubricating membrane surrounding the joint called the synovium. Sometimes a tendon may become inflamed and swollen. When this happens, bending the finger or thumb can pull the inflamed tendon through a narrowed tendon sheath, making it snap or pop.

What Causes Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger can be caused by a repeated movement or forceful use of the finger or thumb. Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and diabetes also can cause trigger finger. So can grasping something, such as a power tool, with a firm grip for a long time.

Who Gets Trigger Finger?

Farmers, industrial workers, and musicians often get trigger finger since they repeat finger and thumb movements a lot. Even smokers can get trigger thumb from repeated use of a lighter, for example. Trigger finger is more common in women than men and tends to happen most often in people who are 40 to 60 years old.

http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/trigger-finger

Camera Critters

@ Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World, Auckland, NZ

Mount Cook

 awesome view from up above the sky

31 May 2013

Aoraki / Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand, reaching 3,754 metres (12,316 ft). It lies in the Southern Alps, the mountain range which runs the length of the South Island. A popular tourist destination, it is also a favourite challenge for mountain climbers. Aoraki / Mount Cook consists of three summits lying slightly south and east of the main divide, the Low Peak, Middle Peak and High Peak, with the Tasman Glacier to the east and the Hooker Glacier to the west.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki

Souvenir

Noun	1.	souvenir - something of sentimental value       keepsake, relic, token object, physical object - a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow; "it was full of rackets, balls and other objects" love-token - keepsake given as a token of love party favor, party favour, favour, favor - souvenir consisting of a small gift given to a guest at a party
	2.	souvenir - a reminder of past events             memento reminder - an experience that causes you to remember something

my NZ souvenir

Conscientious

If someone is conscientious, that person strives to do what's right and to carry out his duties. Conscientious people show care and put in a big effort.

Being conscientious has to do with being careful, thoughtful, and decent. A conscientious doctor will do everything possible to help a patient. A conscientious teacher will spend extra time with students, just to make sure they're learning. A boss wishes every worker could be conscientious: it's a rare and wonderful trait. To be conscientious, you have to be willing to do the right thing even when it's difficult. Unfortunately, many people aren't conscientious.

https://www.vocabulary.com/

Amethyst crystals

Amethyst crystals emit a strong field of vibrational healing energy... so they are marvelous tools for self healing.
This is one of the Amethyst facts that is immediately apparent when you stand in front of one of them, and experience the feeling that resonates from them, as the field of light that they emit is so strong.
If you have addictive habits such as smoking, drinking or drug addictions you may be assisted by using an Amethyst stone... along with other violet flame crystals.
An easy way is help yourself if you have any of these problems... to put an Amethyst tumblestone or other piece of this lovely stone in your pocket.
You can combine them with any of the stones mentioned above to help you to beat addictions. Ensure that those crystals that are on you every day, are regularly cleansed. Quartz crystals may be cleaned easily, but if you are cleansing other varieties of crystals or large geodes use one of the other methods of cleansing your crystals.

Award

Thanks Hayley for this lovely award.

This is what I need to do:

• Click the above award image, save it and use it in your acceptance post
• List 3 things you love about motherhood
• Nominate other deserving mamas; you may choose as many as you like (And let them know of the nomination!)

1. I love to care for my kids from young till now even though they are quite grown.
2. I love to make sure that my kids feel good about themselves wihout pressuring them with high expectations.
3. I love my kids as they know how to treat me with respect and care for each other.

Well, I usually don't do tag and I feel that all mothers are perfect as beautiful mama.

Happy Mother's Day!

Workers leave jobs because of relationship with boss

A BAD boss - rather than a dislike for the job - is the main reason people quit, a new book says.

Workplace management expert Tony Wilson said bosses should look at themselves when staff resign, rather than blaming factors such as salary and workplace environment.

He pointed to a survey by global research organisation Gallup that found the calibre of the boss was the primary reason people stayed - but also the main reason people left.

He said research from Indiana University also found that a worker's relationship with their boss was nearly as important as their relationship with their spouse.

Wilson, who wrote Jack and the Team that Couldn't See, claims most managers spend too much time on operations, systems, strategy, products and services rather than people.

"While these are important pieces in the performance puzzle, they spend relatively little time developing their people - their greatest competitive advantage,"he said.

Mr Wilson said among the important areas bosses need to concentrate on were providing clarity on their expectations of staff, constant feedback and open and honest communication.

Social intelligence was also important to learn how to properly relate to staff.

"Every day this aspect of leadership becomes more crucial, yet time and time again I see managers who cannot relate to their staff or whose irregular moods bring everyone down," he said.

"A manager must develop trust and respect through their treatment of people."

http://www.news.com.au

Mother's Day

To Make her Feel Special

Mothers do just about everything for their families. Right from cooking, cleaning to inculcating good values to her children, mothers do all that is required to impart warmth and comfort to their loved ones. They take care of nourishing both the body and the soul.

A mom does all the hard work willingly and what’s more, she does them without pay. In many homes, the mother gets the day off on Mother’s Day and the husband and kids do all the household chores. This is one way people can show moms that they know what she is doing, and love her for it. By giving back, you not only give mom a helping hand but you also show respect for her. It is a wonderful way to express our gratitude and appreciation for all the selfless love she bestows on us.

To Show Appreciation

Mothers become nurses when any family member gets sick. They are there to offer advice, be it on relationships, trouble at school or work. For working moms, they also have to balance their career with the chores at home. One more reason why we celebrate Mother’s Day is to show her how much we appreciate all the work she is putting in for the sake of the family.

Spending Quality Time Together

Mother’s Day is also family day. Too often, children are preoccupied with school and playmates and the husband is usually preoccupied with work. This day allows everyone to just spend time together. It is a good chance to bond with the other members of the family. We could bake cakes, watch  movies or go to the park. Everyone could get together and share a meal. No matter how you spend the day, it usually means the same thing – spending quality time with each other. In today’s fast paced lifestyle, this is something that is no longer experienced often. You can take advantage of this day to just be with the family, with the emphasis on making it special for mom.

Mom Needs to Have Fun Too

Another reason why we celebrate Mother’s Day is so that our mothers get some much deserved time to relax. On Mother’s Day they can just go shopping with friends or go to a spa. The family can take her  to the movies or go for dinner at a fancy restaurant.
Daddy and the kids can plan and buy mom a nice present or if she’s into sports, take her to a ballgame. Of course, you do not have to go out to make this day memorable. If she prefers, mom can just spend the whole day in bed, watching TV or reading her favorite novels. This is her day, so she can spend it in any manner she likes.

A Time to Display Affection

People celebrate this day to show their affection. As anyone with a mom will tell you, one never ceases to be a mother. It doesn’t matter if her offspring is 3 years old or 30. The love and affection they show will never change. On this day, children and husbands can show her they feel the same way.
There are many reasons why we celebrate Mother’s Day. But the essence of the day is  to show love and admiration for mothers everywhere.

http://www.whyguides.com/why-do-we-celebrate-mothers-day.html

New Zealand

New Zealand (/njuːˈzilənd/ new-ZEE-lənd, Māori: Aotearoa) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses ‒ that of the North and South Islands ‒ and numerous smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometres (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans.

The meteora

The Metéora (Greek: Μετέωρα, “suspended rocks”, “suspended in the air” or “in the heavens above”) is one of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodoxmonasteries in Greece, second only to Mount Athos.The six monasteries are built on natural sandstone rock pillars, at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and Pindus Mountains, in central Greece. The nearest town is Kalambaka. The Metéora is included on the UNESCOWorld Heritage List. The Theopetra caves 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) south of Meteora had inhabitants fifty millennia ago. The cave of Theopetra, Kalambaka, radiocarbon evidence for 50,000 years of human presence, Radiocarbon 43(2B): 1029-1048. In the 9th century, an ascetic group of hermit monks moved up to the ancient pinnacles. They were the first people to inhabit Metéora. They lived in hollows and fissures in the rock towers, some of which reach 1800 ft (550m) above the plain. This great height, combined with the sheerness of the cliff walls, kept away all but the most determined visitors

http://www.thetourexpert.eu

Kolizeras Restaurant

One of the most Historical & Archaeological places in the world. In Ancient Mycenae - where the legendary Trojan War began - abide by the traditional Greek hospitality the vision of our "Kolizeras Restaurant" was created.

The "Kolizeras" was built in the late 1950's by the legendary George Kolizeras assisted by his wife Katina Kolizeras, who were pioneers of Greek tourism. Present at its grand opening were various dignitaries, including the legendary Jackie Kennedy.

In the 1980's the management of its operations was handed down to his daughters Diana & Paki. The two daughters have successfully continued the tradition of quality and service their father endowed upon them.

Since its inception continued renovation have taken place to keep, at with technological innovation and give its present luxury and opulence appearance.

http://www.kolizeras.gr

Acropolis of Athens

1 March 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world. In the second half of the fifth century bc, Athens, following the victory against the Persians and the establishment of democracy, took a leading position amongst the other city-states of the ancient world. In the age that followed, as thought and art flourished, an exceptional group of artists put into effect the ambitious plans of Athenian statesman Pericles and, under the inspired guidance of the sculptor Pheidias, transformed the rocky hill into a unique monument of thought and the arts. The most important monuments were built during that time: the Parthenon, built by Ictinus, the Erechtheon, the Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the Acropolis, designed by Mnesicles and the small temple Athena Nike.

http://whc.unesco.org

Athens, Greece

Once known for smog, traffic and tacky architecture, Athens is a city reformed thanks to fortunes brought by the 2004 Summer Olympics. Spotless parks and streets, an ultra-modern metro, new motorways, an accessible airport and all signs in perfect English make the city easily negotiable. Meriting more than a stopover en route to the islands, sophisticated Athens sites include many pillars of Western history, from the Acropolis to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, as well as treasures in the National Archaeological Museum. 

http://www.tripadvisor.com.my

Valentine's Poem

Words Are Not Enough

© Denese H. Boyett

No words could ever tell you,
No action could express
The way I feel about you,
With you, my life is blessed.

You're the light in my tunnel.
You are my pot of gold.
You are the strength that gets me through
When despair has taken hold.

You're my once in a lifetime.
You make my life complete.
You are my blue ribbon
In the shadow of defeat.

There's nothing I could ever say,
And nothing I could do
To let you know just how much
Love is in my heart for you.

  http://www.familyfriendpoems.com

First Ang Pow

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. 

When ang pows are given
The practice of giving ang pow may be centuries old, but it is still as popular as ever. During Chinese New Year, they are given by married to small children, teenagers and unmarried adults - these are the lucky ones those who will continue
to receive ang pow until they get hitched.

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

Year of the Snake

EAST MEETS WEST

ARIES SNAKE
This combination brings forth bravery and motivation. Snakes like to make money and are more apt to do so when trying to accomplish a reward. They are fairly open-minded with their money and make great stay-at-home parents.
TAUREAN SNAKE
These Snakes remember everything for they have quite a vivid memory. Don’t underestimate the capabilities of this Snake, for he will forge on until he gets what he wants.
GEMINI SNAKE
These Snakes can talk their way out of anything, so a confrontation with them is a lost cause. They are well-educated and a bit amenable, making them quite intriguing.
CANCERIAN SNAKE
These Snake love to be recognized for their efforts. For them, working hard to provide for their family is first priority.
LEONINE SNAKE
Confident and proud, the Leonine Snake hates to come in second place. They fuel on kudos from others, but will become a bit obnoxious if it goes to their heads.
VIRGO SNAKE
These Snakes love to tell others what to do. They enjoy using their energies to run a successful organization and use their intelligence to improve their title and rank at work.
LIBRAN SNAKE
One of the most beautiful breeds of the Snake, Libran Snakes are graceful and kind. They are always being pursued by someone interested in them and fall deeply in love with the right partner.
SCORPIO SNAKE
These individuals have hidden emotions and feelings that rarely ever surface. They are quite guarded with their thoughts and opinions and do not upset easily.
SAGITTARIAN SNAKE
Born with great taste in everything, these Snakes are the classy and sophisticated of the breed. They enjoy cultural things and will find a partner who will share the same ideals.
CAPRICORN SNAKE
These Snakes build their bank accounts through organization and motivation. They can be seen as snobby, when in reality they are simply the quiet types.
AQUARIAN SNAKE
Intelligent and open-minded, Aquarian Snakes like to have a partner to depend on. However, they hate to be tied down and need to have space.
PISCEAN SNAKE
These Snakes are compassionate and sensitive to the needs of others. They take everything quite emotionally and when they fall in love, they are committed comopletely.


http://www.usbridalguide.com

Health benefit of mushrooms

Increase your vitamin D

Yes, vitamin D! Mushrooms are the only fruit or vegetable source of this critical vitamin. Like humans, mushrooms produce vitamin D when in sunlight. Exposing them to high levels of ultraviolet B just before going to market converts more of the plant sterol ergosterol into the so-called sunshine vitamin. In the U.S., portobellos fortified with vitamin D are already being sold, with a three-ounce (85-gram) serving providing about 400 IU of vitamin D (Osteoporosis Canada recommends that adults under 50 get 400 to 1,000 IU daily). William Stevens, CEO of the trade organization Mushrooms Canada, says, “A couple of Canadian producers are already testing this procedure.” He adds that “high D” or “sunshine” mushrooms should be in stores here in about six months or so.

http://www.besthealthmag.ca/