Happy Chinese New Year

Happy Chinese New Year

The first day of the Chinese New Year February 10, 2013 is the most important of Chinese holidays, celebrated by over 1.3 billion people in China and by millions of ethnic Chinese around the world. It’s a celebration that lasts for 15 days, culminating with the Lantern Festival.


Year of Snake 2013
1953,1965,1977,1989,2001,2013
People born in these years are usually wise and gentle. They are often good-looking, but can also be vain.  They have plenty of patience, and like to do things well and will keep working at a job until it’s done.  Because of this they often end up rich.

Every New Year in China  is named after one of twelve animals in turn.  Animal signs are used for festivals and ceremonies, birthdays and working out horoscopes.  There are many stories about how the cycle of the years came about and this is just one of them.

It all started with the animals having an argument. They argued about which of them was the strongest, the fastest, the cleverest and the best. To settle the argument once and for all the emperor decided that there must be a race. The race must take the animals through vast areas of forest, mountain, desert and river.

The monkey gained a lot of advantage over the other animals in the forest swinging at ease through the trees, the ram was at home in the mountains and his sure feet won him the lead, snake excelled in the desert and sped along whilst others got stuck in the soft sand.  It was ox however who took the lead in the river and his strength kept him on a straight course going through the rapids. All of the other animals struggled on behind except for rat  who had crept unnoticed onto ox’s back. Just before Ox reached the finishing line on the opposite bank, rat leapt off and was the first to cross the line and win the race.

The emperor had watched all the animals compete and had observed their different gifts, strengths, talents, wisdom and endurance gaining them advantages in forest, mountain, desert and stream.  He decided that the fairest way to settle their arguments was to make each of them special during one year in the order in which they crossed the finishing line. And because there were twelve of them, so the twelfth animal preceded the first and the cycle continued  all special and all honoured.  Just as all of the animals have strengths and weaknesses so too we ourselves, born during the year of the:-

1. Rat, may have a hot temper but a  lot of charm and always finish what we set out to do;

2. Ox, may be quiet and calm and keep a secret but like doing things on our own;

3. Tiger, may be brave and have a strong will, but also get angry;

4. Rabbit, may be patient and shy and also a bit moody sometimes;

5. Dragon, may be sensitive and a good leader, but also ask a bit too  much of other people:

6. Snake, may be wise and attractive but sometimes boastful and mean;

7. Horse, may be clever and cheerful but also very independent;

8. Ram, may be artistic calm and caring but can’t always make up your mind;

9. Monkey, may be creative and  successful but can also be troublesome;

10. Rooster, may be clever and hardworking, but not always very modest;

11. Dog, may be hardworking and loyal but have a strong will;

12. Pig, may be kind and honest, but  only learn about the things that interest you.

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Top 10 Reasons Not to Diet

Top 10 Reasons Not to Diet

Are you carrying a little extra weight around the middle?  Maybe you’ve got more than just a little weight problem maybe it’s a rather large one and you need to get rid of the fat for health reasons.  Rest assured that you’re not alone! 
When you are overweight, it’s a serious issue.  Carrying extra weight can make you more susceptible to heart problems, diabetes, stroke, and various types of cancer.  It can also affect your body image as well thus causing problems with your self-esteem. 

1.  Diets don’t work. Dieters don’t lose weight in a lasting way. 
Dieting causes short-term weight loss, continuing no more than six months, followed by weight regain. Often more weight is gained than was lost. (Studies show people who diet are more likely to become overweight than those who eat normally.)

2.  Dieting can cause lasting injury and death. 
Sudden death from heart arrhythmia or electrolyte imbalance is a real risk. Each year dieting is related to severe health damage and deaths in the United States.

3.  Dieting disrupts normal body processes.
Rapid weight loss puts the body into a stressful, defensive state. The body tries to protect itself against weight loss by lowering metabolism, heart rate, temperature and sexual function. In addition, there is a drop in intellectual, emotional and social activity.

4.  Dieting causes weight cycling (yo-yoing up and down). 
Research shows higher death rates are associated with weight cycling.

5.  Dieters often feel tired, lightheaded, and have difficulty concentrating. 
They may lack essential nutrients, including high quality iron, zinc, protein and sufficient calories.

6.  Dieting leads to binge eating, disordered and chaotic eating. 
Dieting disrupts normal eating. Dieters override inner signals of hunger and satiety, so they may no longer know when they are hungry or when they are full, and eat accordingly.

7.  Dieting is the primary precursor to eating disorders. 
Many experts believe the increasingly high rate of eating disorders in the U.S. is due, at least in part, to the high percentage of people who are dieting and restricting food.

8.  Dieting causes food preoccupation. 
People who diet spend more time thinking about food and eating. This “drive to eat” when food is limited is believed to be a natural survival trait defending against starvation.

9.  Dieting diminishes women, and increasingly men and children. 
Dieting focuses attention on appearance, rather than self-worth, talent and personal fulfillment. And unfortunately, dieting mothers become role models for dieting children.

10. Dieters put their lives on hold, “waiting to be thin.” 
Instead of playing the anticipation game, accept yourself and others. You’re okay, just as you are. Move on to healthy living live actively, eat well, feel good about yourself  and let weight come off as a result, or not. You deserve the best, right now.

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Most Popular Dogs In The U.S. 2013

Most Popular Dogs In The U.S. 2013

Major (L), a Golden Retriever; Max (C), a Beagle and Munch (R), a Bulldog at an American Kennel Club press conference January 30, 2013 in New York where the most popular dogs in the US were announced. The top five are Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Beagle and Bulldog according to AKC registration statistics. (Photo by Stan Honda/AFP Photo)

A bulldog named Dominique attends a news conference at the American Kennel Club in New York, Wednesday, January 30, 2013. The club announced their list of the most popular dog breeds in 2012 where bulldog takes the 5th spot from the Yorkshire terrier. (Photo by Seth Wenig/AP Photo)

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Uses And Benefits Of Glycerine

Uses And Benefits Of Glycerine

1. A chemical with a molecular formula HOCH2-CHOH- CH2OH is known as glycerol or glycerine. It is one of the versatile chemicals and one of the safest in the planet. It is an organic compound containing three hydroxyl groups which gives it the name as a trihydric alcohol. This thick liquid has a sweet taste but has no odor and no color. It is found in core molecules of fats and oils. Carl Wilhelm Scheele discovered the compound in 1779 after heating a mixture of olive oil and lead oxide. This time, the main source of the compound is soap production, which releases glycerol as a by-product.

2. Glycerol or glycerine is not toxic. That is why it is safely used in extensive purposes from personal care products to medications to food. Since it is derived from oil or fat, it may have acquired some similar properties, but this compound has its unique set of characteristics that allows it to be used in applications when oil fails to do so. The viscous substance is used to make cough syrups and medicines for ear infection. It is also used in creams and lotions. In vanilla extracts and food flavorings the substance acts as an additive. When added to ice cream, for instance, it provides natural sweetness reducing the amount of sugar needed and at the same time improving its texture. In toothpastes, it creates a characteristic shine and smooth texture of the semi-solid paste. Skin moisturizing and conditioning lotions also contain the organic compound to promote skin hydration thereby keeping the skin soft and relieves chapping or scaling. Hair shampoos contain this compound to improve texture and maintain their colloidal characteristics.

3. In food, the chemical acts as a humectant. Raisins dipped in glycerol remain soft and moist in cereals. The same thing also applies with food wrapping papers and meat casings which remain damp and flexible. The chemical is also used to treat tobacco leaves to effect similar results, not to mention the sweetness of the tobacco when chewed is due to its presence.

4. You might be wondering how soaps become transparent. The chemical is added in soap mixture or allowed to remain in the mixture during the making to produce a sleek and transparent finished product. The making of different hard foam products rely on the chemical because of its trihydric alcohol molecular structure. These hard foams are useful in building constructions. They are also found in appliances like dish washers and refrigerators. Moreover, the biotechnological production of vinegar from ethanol requires the trihydric alcohol as a catalyst.

5. Oil is an excellent lubricant. But there are instances when oil cannot be used for this purpose. In automobile engines, oil cannot be used in pumps and bearings to transfer gasoline and other hydrocarbons, which dissolve in oil-based lubricants. Cork caskets, when exposed to oil grease, are kept by glycerol tough and flexible. The textile industry sees the chemical in various operations mainly as a lubricant. It is also mixed with sugar to produce non-drying oil.

6. The solid form of glycerin melts at 18 degrees Celsius. But the liquid form does not freeze at that temperature and must be brought to extremely low temperatures for freezing to occur. This physical property promotes lowering of the freezing point of liquids it is mixed with. Thus, it has antifreezing advantage. In fact, like ethylene glycol, which is known as an automobile antifreeze, glycerol is also known as a cryoprotectant. Explaining further, the chemical has been used to preserve human blood and sperm, such that it can be added to these life-consisting liquid mixtures. Small amounts of the chemical can allow red blood cells to be frozen for three years. A cryoprotectant such as the chemical under discussion inhibits crystal formation
of water upon freezing. It is this expansion and crystal lattice formation in water molecules that destroys membranes of cells causing rupturing during freezing.

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Some Appetizing Drinks

Some Appetizing Drinks

General Tips for Serving Drinks
1. Stemware - Anything seems more appetizing in a cocktail glass
2. Garnish - Add a slice of lemon or sugar to the rim of a glass to add some style
3. Finish - Serve with a seasonal napkin or an appetizer for even more appeal


A). Cranberry Sparkle
Garnishing this drink with a mint leaf will, without a doubt, attract repeat business!
Ingredients:
1/3 cup 100% cranberry juice Sugar
1/4 cup passion fruit juice
1/4 cup soda water
Squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice
Mint leaf (optional)

Directions:
1.Pour 1/3 cup cranberry juice into pitcher
2.Sweeten lightly with sugar (to taste)
3.Add 1/4 cup passion fruit juice and 1/4 cup soda water
4.Squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice
5.Place a halved slice of lemon or lime on the rim of the glass and insert a mint leaf into the slice.

B).Shirley Temple
The Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii, claims to have invented the Shirley Temple (also known as a Grenadine Lemonade) cocktail in the 1930s. It was named for the famous child actress Shirley Temple, who often visited the hotel.

Ingredients:
Crushed ice
3/4 cup ginger ale
1 1/2 teaspoons grenadine
Orange slice
Maraschino cherry

Directions:
1.Pour ginger ale over crushed ice
2.Top with grenadine
3.Garnish with an orange slice and cherry
For a Roy Rogers (another classic non-alcoholic drink), substitute caffeine-free pop for the ginger ale.

C). Virgin Mary
A non-alcoholic version of the Bloody Mary, also known as a Bloody Shame in England and Australia.
Ingredients:
1/3 cup tomato juice
1/3 cup cranberry juice
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco
1 teaspoon lime juice
Ground pepper
Celery stick

Directions:
1.Pour all ingredients over crushed ice
2.Stir to combine flavours
3.Garnish with a celery stick
Substitute a cilantro sprig, lime wedge or pickle for the celery stick.

D). Winter Warmer
The cinnamon stick in this cocktail is a friendly reminder of the holiday season.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup pear nectar
1/4 cup cranberry juice
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Lemon
Cinnamon stick

Directions:
1.Pour the pear nectar, cranberry juice, and lemon juice over crushed ice
2.Empty into a glass
3.Place a lemon slice on a cinnamon stick and add to the glass.

E). Virgin Margarita
A great way to cool o!in the summer!
Ingredients:
1/3 cup sweet and sour mix
1/8 cup lime juice
1/8 cup orange juice

Directions:
1.Combine ingredients and pour over crushed ice.

F). Soda Shop Cola
Soda Shop Cola is a delicious cherry flavoured cola drink.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup cola
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 teaspoon cherry juice
Lemon

Directions:
1.Fill glass with ice
2.Add cherry juice and vanilla extract
3.Top with cola and lemon slice.

G). Coco Colada
A Coco Colada (or virgin Pina Colada) is a non-alcoholic version of the Frozen Piña Colada. This refreshing blended mocktail is perfect for summer afternoons.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup piña colada mix
Orange

Directions:
1.In a blender, add 1/2 cup ice, pineapple juice
and piña colada mix
2.Blend until slushy and pour in to glass
3.Top with an orange wheel

H). Cardinal Punch 
Ingredients:
1/4 cup cranberry juice
1/4 cup ginger ale
1/8 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Orange and lemon

Directions:
1.Add all juices into a glass half filled with ice and ginger ale
2.Add a slice of orange and lemon to decorate

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Many uses of jackfruit

Many uses of jackfruit

The jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a species of tree in the Artocarpus genus of the mulberry family (Moraceae). Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, reaching 80 pounds in weight and up to 36 inches long and 20 inches in diameter. 

Jack fruit has many uses. Mature jack fruit can be prepared as a vegetable by boiling or cooking. Ripe jack fruit is a very popular fruit.  Both young jack fruit, as well as jack fruit seeds are prepared as a vegetable, while jack fruit seeds are also cooked to produce a delicious traditionaldish. Its many uses have been summarized below.
1. As a nutritious food – Mature jack fruit, young jack fruit and the jack fruit seeds provide high nutrition value food sources.
2. Fruit – ripe jack fruit is a popular fruit.
3. Value added processed food – dehydrated jack fruit, canned/bottled jack fruit, chips and other snacks based on jack fruit.
4. Timber – Jack fruit tree provides an excellent medium hardwood timber that shows termite resistance. This timber is widely used for making furniture, doors, windows & musical instruments.
5. Firewood – branches are used as firewood
6. Ecological and environmental use – Provides perennial cover, reducing the impact of rain drops and provides shade and serves as a wind break.
7. Medicinal value - various parts of the tree and the fruit are used in traditional medicine in many south east Asian countries.
8. Cultural value - Chips of heartwood when boiled yield yellow dye, used to color the robes of Buddhist monks. People of Hindu communities use leaves to decorate temples and other places of worship.

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Rules for a Better Sleep

Rules for a Better Sleep

1. Sleeping well is a habit that you can learn! Small changes can have big effects. Start today by following these rules:

2. Take care of your body

3. Do not drink caffeine: no tea, coffee, or coca-cola after 4 o’clock

4. Do not eat a big or spicy meal late in the evening

5. Do not go to bed hungry

6. Avoid alcohol as it interferes with sleep

7. Physical exercise, such as a brisk walk, in the late afternoon can help to make your body tired and help you to sleep. Try to do some exercise every day.

8. Sleep only at night time and do not have day time naps, no matter how tired you feel.

9. Naps keep the problem going by making it harder for you to get to sleep the next night.

10. Having a regular bedtime routine teaches your body when it’s time to go to sleep.

11. Have a soothing drink like camomile tea or a milky drink

12. Have a bath, or a routine of washing your face and brushing your teeth

13. Go to bed at same time each night

14. When in bed think of nice things (e.g. think of 5 nice things that happened that day they might be big or small, such as a nice conversation, seeing the sunshine, or hearing nice music on the radio).

15. Do a relaxed breathing exercise (one hand on stomach the other on your chest, deliberately slow your breathing, breathe deeply in your stomach instead of high in your chest).

16.  Try and wake up the same time every day, even if this is tiring to begin with.
Coping with bad dreams can be difficult. Some people don’t like relaxation before going to sleep, or are scared of letting go. If that is you, try these preparation techniques instead.

17. Prepare yourself in case you have bad dreams by thinking of a bad dream then think of a different ending for it. Practice this new ending many times before going to sleep.

18. Before going to sleep prepare to re-orient yourself when you wake from a bad dream.

19. Remind yourself that you are at home, that you are safe. Imagine your street, buses, local shops.

20. Put a damp towel or a bowl of water by the bed to splash your face, place a special object by the bed, such as a photograph, or a small soft toy.

21. Practice imagining yourself waking up from a bad dream and reorienting yourself to the present, to safety by splashing your face, touching special object, having a bottle of rose or lavender essential oil to sniff, going to window to see surroundings.

22. When you wake up from a bad dream-move your body if you can and reorient yourself immediately (touching object, wetting face, going to the window, talk to yourself in a reassuring way).
23. Make your bedroom a pleasant place to be

24. Get a nightlight

25. Keep it clean and tidy

26. Introduce pleasant smells such as a drop of lavender oil onto the pillow

27. Get extra pillows

28. Make sure that your home is safe e.g. doors locked, windows closed.
REMEMBER: Bed is for sleeping,so if you cannot sleep after 30 minutes, get up and do another activity elsewhere such as reading or listening to music (try and avoid TV as it can wake you up). After 15 minutes return to bed and try to sleep again. If you still can’t sleep after 30 minutes get up again. Repeat this routine as many times as necessary and only use your bed for sleeping in.

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