Aged — but still in the habit of caring

Came across this news this morning and can't help admiring how modest these nuns are.

Wednesday July 29, 2009

By JADE CHAN

PETALING JAYA: Most of them are old themselves. But their vocation is to serve people and God as long as they are able to care for themselves and others.

So, even after retirement, the nuns of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) care for those who are very sick and weak at the Assunta Convent in PJ Old Town which has been modified to serve as a retirement home for the sick and the FMM sisters in Malaysia.

The FMM sisters have the option of retiring in the place they are posted to or going back to their home country to spend their final days, said Datin Paduka Sister Enda Ryan, 81.

Sister Enda, the former headmistress of Assunta Secondary School, still helps out at the home apart from being actively involved in education and mission work.

She said that of the 14 sisters staying in the Assunta Convent, 12 were above 60.

“The FMM is an international order headquartered in Rome. The FMM missionary sisters are attached to the main order founded by St Francis, and we live by our patron saint’s values of joy, simplicity, hospitality and preference for the poor by reaching out to the marginalised.

“The FMM sisters in Malay-sia are attached to various schools and pre-schools, while others handle pastoral care at Assunta Hospital, manage the Assunta Chil-dren’s Society or help out with various church services,” said Sister Enda.

A family of sisters: Sister Enda (right) having a chat with Sister Lucia Tchou, 85, at the Assunta Convent, which serves as home to the retired and sick FMM sisters in Malaysia.

Sister Enda, who is also the school’s founder, is presently chairman of its Board of Governors.

She said the retired nuns who hail from South Korea, Vietnam, China and Malaysia kept busy by helping out with the day-to-day running of Assunta Convent or focus on their religious and spiritual work.

“We also get volunteers coming to the home to helps us,” said Sister Enda, who noted that the home is quite crowded and that they are short of beds, as there are more retired nuns, some of whom are afflicted with brain tumour, cancer and heart ailments, staying at the home.

Asked to comment on the Starprobe report on the growing number of old folk being dumped at hospitals and on the streets, Sister Enda said it was saddening to see such acts as Asian values place emphasis on caring for family.

“We must understand their circumstances before judging them as individuals. Surely they could have taken various initiatives before resorting to dumping the old folks,” she said.

Places to go- Africa

Recently, i have been staying at home and watching television very often. One thing about me, i like to watch television and my favourite channel has always been ASTRO 707 Travel & Living. I think travelling is really a great experience for one to experience other countries' culture, foods, beliefs and the way different people live their life everyday. I just watched one of my fav show now on 707- "Places to go with Jennifer Adams."

Jennifer is a travel journalist and this show is really interesting as compared to the others because it does not only show the foods of that country but of the journey that she went through and the people that she meet along her journey. She describes not only of their culture but of her experience through the whole journey.

The show is great and very very interesting. The show i watched just now is about her journey in Africa. She went to places like Kenya and Tanzania. She went up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania- a trip that cost her 5 days. Really a tiring journey. Before that journey, the guide taught Jennifer and her boyfriend, Clint to adopt their culture of "poli poli" which means slowly, slowly in Swahili. (Swahili is a Bantu language that serves as an alternative first language to various groups traditionally inhabiting about 1,500 miles of the Southeast African (Swahili has no true native speakers as it is a language not affiliated to an ethnicity). And eventually with that in mind, they took their time in climbing the mountain and made it to the peak. I like this saying because it really encourages one to experience the journey rather than just hoping to reach the peak instantly. It also helps one to have faith and courage to face things one step at a time because life is really too short and we should take it slowly and enjoy what we have right now. Right?



And of course, how can you go to Africa without experiencing and witnessing the animal kingdom. It's one of the most natural , free and untouched environment that one can witness the cycle of life itself. It is really amazing and by showing that, i really would like to say Africa will definitely be in my list of places to go once i can afford it. I like watching shows from this channel and will never get bored of it. It's the only medium that can take me to places without having me to even take one step out of the house. It also definitely because i want to travel around one day, one day..hopefully it will come soon.

Fast and Furious 4

The plot.

Vin Diesel and Paul Walker team up again for Fast & Furious 4, the ultimate chapter of the franchise built on speed- Fast And Furious. Dominic Toretto ( Vin Diesel) spent the last eight years with his girlfriend Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) in the Dominican Republic, out of reach of the US police. But as his pursuers close in on him, it not only threatens his own safety, but also that of his gang. In order to protect Lettie, Dom goes away secretly, leaving Letty and his comrades behind. But soon after Dom learns from his sister Mia (Jordana Brewster) that Letty has been killed in Los Angeles. Dom enters the United States unnoticed by the authorities and watches the funeral from afar and the police observe Mia after Letty’s death. At the crash site Dom finds clues to her murderer and keeps track of him.

LAPD cop Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker), who let Dom escape eight years ago, is on Dom’s heels again. Brian also wants to arrest drug baron Antonio Braga, who smuggles vast quantities of heroin over the border with the help of top drivers. A competition flares up between Brian and Dom, for Braga’s commander Campos (John Ortiz) is looking for one driver only. Both men try to win the race through Downtown L.A. to be admitted to Braga’s team and get at the boss.

Debunking beauty myths- Oprah.com

5 myths

Lie: Eighty percent of your lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18.

Truth: "This statistic had become almost a mantra among dermatologists," says Katie Rodan, MD, adjunct assistant professor of dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine. "But now we're very happy to be proved wrong." A recent study revealed that we actually get only 23 percent of our total UV exposure by age 18. At 40 it reaches about 46 percent; by 59, 74 percent. "No one can say anymore, 'I've already blown it,'" says Rodan. "You can still prevent sun-induced aging by getting serious about sunscreen."


Lie: Sleep deprivation causes dark undereye circles.

Truth: Sleep deprivation can lead to many things—memory lapses and weight gain among them. But you can thank your folks for the shadows under your eyes. "Dark undereye circles are the result of a concentration of veins beneath the very thin skin in that area," says David J. Leffell, MD, professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. "They're determined by genetics and won't change with more or less sleep." Frequent late nights may cause fluid retention under your eyes, however, and that puffiness can draw attention to existing darkness there.

Lie: Greasy food and chocolate cause breakouts.

Truth: Have you ever heard this one debunked before? Then why do you still believe it? The truth is that sushi and shellfish are the only foods that may exacerbate acne, because of their high iodine content, says Diane Berson, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Weil Medical College of Cornell University.


Lie: Drinking lots of water hydrates the skin.

Truth: The moisture level in your skin is affected by environment (low humidity or harsh winds) and age (oil production slows over time), but not by how many trips you make to the watercooler. "You can hydrate the skin only from the outside, with moisturizer," says Rodan. "Skin isn't like a plant that wilts and then perks up with a drink of water." If you became extremely dehydrated (usually as a result of illness), your skin could begin to look sallow. (You'd also probably start to feel weak and dizzy.) "But as long as you respond to your thirst, your body will be maximally hydrated," says Dennis Gross, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center.



Lie: Crossing your legs causes varicose veins.

Truth: Genetics, pregnancy, and spending long periods of time on your feet cause varicose veins. "Crossing your legs does put some pressure on your veins, but you would have to keep them crossed 12 hours a day for months at a time to see an effect on the formation of varicose veins," says Berson.


Do you believe in these ?? Me? im not sure about the dehydration part though. You?

Oprah says

Oprah believes this story can be a teaching moment for every teen and parent. "Love doesn't hurt," she says. "And if a man hits you once, he will hit you again."

This is what Oprah commented after the Rihanna -Chris Brown incident and dedicated a whole week of her show to discussing domestic violence issue.

It's the story that has brought dating violence into the national spotlight. On February 8, 2009, police responded to a 911 call alleging domestic violence between singers Chris Brown and Rihanna.

Later that day, both pulled out of planned appearances at the Grammy Awards, and Chris turned himself into police. He was arrested on the suspicion of making criminal threats and was released on bail.

Weeks later, rumors of their reconciliation were reported.

On March 5, 2009, Chris appeared in court, charged with two counts of felony assault. His arraignment has been postponed until April 2009 while he remains free on bail.

Statistics say about one in three high school students have been—or will be—involved in an abusive relationship. "The message this story sends to teen girls and boys everywhere is disturbing, and it is also dangerous," Oprah says. "We need to try to evolve from this moment … use this as a moment to allow our society to begin to grow."

But do you believe that if a man hit you again, he will definitely do it again? I definitely do because i think a man, however angry, sad, depressed he is, he should and never hit the woman that he love. No matter what, it is really not right even if some people would say that "Oh, she deserves it". Well, hear me out, nobody deserves to get punch and hit like that, NOBODY!

Slumdog with mickey

I think this is a great photo of the Slumdog family!

Slumdog wins 8 Oscars

India celebrates Slumdog Millionaire's eight-Oscar victory

After weeks of controversy over the film's depiction of life in Mumbai's slums and the paycheques of its child stars, the subcontinent has embraced Danny Boyle's crowdpleaser

• Randeep Ramesh in Delhi
• guardian.co.uk, Monday 23 February 2009 07.06 GMT

Embraced ... Danny Boyle with Rubina Ali, one of the child stars of Slumdog Millionaire, and one of the film's eight Oscars. Photograph: Chris Carlson/AP

India finally laid claim to Slumdog Millionaire – after weeks of controversy the country basked in the glory of the film's eight Oscars, the most of any movie this year, including the top prize of

News channels broadcasting live commentary of the Hollywood event called the presentation of the best film award – when Slumdog's vast cast and crew took to the dais – a "victory for India". Shown repeatedly was the clip of the movie's producer Christian Colson speaking of the "shared love of the extraordinary city of Mumbai".

Cameras shot celebrations erupting in the family homes of AR Rahman, the composer who took home two golden statuettes, and Resul Pookutty, the Bollywood sound engineer who was part of the winning sound mixing team.

The star for India was definitely Rahman, known as the Mozart of Madras, who picked up the Oscar for best original score before scooping the best song award moments later.

He thrilled the home audience by speaking in his native Tamil, closing his second acceptance speech with the evocation: "God is great." His sister, Rehana, told Indian television that "we won't lose Rahman to Hollywood … he belongs to everyone but he's Indian".

The film's use of Indian actors and the country's landscape produced a welter of stories in the national press, ranging from fascination with the rapid ascent of Mumbai model Freida Pinto to the pages of Vogue; the controversy over whether child actors from the slums had been paid enough; and even the bad Hindi spoken by British Asian actor Dev Patel.

There was almost universal praise for Slumdog Millionaire's director Danny Boyle for choosing to capture, in the words of Bollywood lyricist Gulzar, "the spirit of Mumbai". "I am thrilled and happy ... Danny and Rahman helped to capture the spirit of this city," said the songwriter who penned the lyrics of Slumdog's winning song, Jai Ho.

A debate raged before the awards about whether the film could be described as authentically Indian. Film-maker Boyle, who won for best director and was previously best known for the frenetically bleak Trainspotting, is British. So is Simon Beaufoy, who won an Oscar for adapting the novel Q&A by Indian writer and diplomat Vikas Swarup.

But Mahesh Manjrekar, an actor who plays a gangster in the movie, told Indian television after the awards that "[Slumdog] is beautifully shot and it's an understanding film. Actually it's a Hindi movie shot in the English language. Danny is an Indian guy disguised as a Britisher."

The euphoria saw tributes flood in from India's most prominent actors and film-makers. Anurag Kashyap, the current enfant terrible of Bollywood, told Times Now that it was time for "all of India to celebrate". The country's president and prime minister also congratulated the "Indian winners" at the Academy Awards.

The movie, a fairytale of a boy from the slums who wins both love and money on a TV game show, was criticised by some in India for purveying "poverty porn". Shilpa Shetty, a Bollywood actor who became a star in Britain after winning Celebrity Big Brother, told newspapers that she felt "that internationally recognised films focus more on our slums and poverty".

However, such sentiments appear to have disappeared in the dawn chorus of congratulation. Reengo, a film-maker from Kolkata, told NDTV that "the success will energise producers, actors and directors all over India. I loved the movie and all of Indian cinema will be celebrating".

India has actually provided the inspiration for two of this year's Oscar winners. US film-maker Megan Mylan won the best documentary short Oscar for Smile Pinki, which is in Hindi and focuses on the work of Dr Subodh Kumar Singh in north India, whose surgery treats poor children born with a cleft lip. The main character who provides the title of the film is Pinki Sonkar. The eight-year-old attended the Oscars ceremony, along with the child actors of Slumdog Millionaire.

Slumdog Millionaire

So i watched "Slumdog Millionaire" last night. I really wanted to watch this award winning movie but as i enter the theatre, there was only about 20 people in there and so i wonder "what's wrong?". I have confidence that it is a great movie but it doesn't seem like it for other Malaysians. And you know what, the movie was great, probably one of the few among the best that i have watched. It was really great, the selection of the actor and actresses, the child stars and most importantly, the plot. The story line was great and it takes place in India. It shows the culture and the way people live there. Well, here i mean they show the life of the poor people. It really touched me of the way they live and how a child grow up in that place without proper food, education and shelter. I really pitied the way they live and this is the kind of culture that i want to see when i visit a country. Overall, i would really want to watch the movie again. It is really great and i highly recommend that you get yourself to the nearest cinema and watch. It is great and please be reminded that it does not mean that you have to be indian to be related to this movie. It is a really amazing movie and the people of india should be very proud of this movie
.


This is one of the summary taken online.
The story of Jamal Malik, an 18 year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, who is about to experience the biggest day of his life. With the whole nation watching, he is just one question away from winning a staggering 20 million rupees on India's "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" But when the show breaks for the night, police arrest him on suspicion of cheating; how could a street kid know so much? Desperate to prove his innocence, Jamal tells the story of his life in the slum where he and his brother grew up, of their adventures together on the road, of vicious encounters with local gangs, and of Latika, the girl he loved and lost. Each chapter of his story reveals the key to the answer to one of the game show's questions. Each chapter of Jamal's increasingly layered story reveals where he learned the answers to the show's seemingly impossible quizzes. But one question remains a mystery: what is this young man with no apparent desire for riches really doing on the game show? When the new day dawns and Jamal returns to answer the final question, the Inspector and sixty million viewers are about to find out. At the heart of its storytelling lies the question of how anyone comes to know the things they know about life and love. Written by Fox Searchlight Pictures



Thanks for reading

Dead and gone

This song is my favourite now. It's new and meaningful. Sang by Justin Timberlake ft TI :) Love it.
Read the lyrics and understand the meaning of this song. Enjoy!

[Chorus - Justin Timberlake]:
Ohh I've been travelin on this road too long
Just trying to find my way back home
The old me is dead and gone, dead and gone
Ohh I've been travelin on this road too long
Just trying to find my way back home
The old me is dead and gone, dead and gone

[Verse 1 - T.I.]:
Ever had one of dem days you wish woulda stayed home
Run into a group of niggas getting they hate on
You walk by they get wrong you reply then shit get blown
Way outta proportion way past discussion
Just you against them, pick one then rush em
Figure you get your hair? that next
They dont wanna stop there now they buzzin
Now you gushin, ambulance rushin you to the hospital with a bad concussion
Plus ya hit 4 times plus it hit ya spine paralyzed waist down now ya wheel chair bound
Never mind that now you lucky to be alive, Just think it all started you fussin with 3 guys
Now ya pride in the way but ya pride is the way you could fuck around get shot die anyday
Niggas die every day all over bull shit dope money dice game ordinary hood shit
Could this be cuz of hip hop music or did the ones with the good sense not use it
Usually niggas don't know what to do when their back against the wall so they just start shootin
For red or for blue or for blow I guess, from Bankhead or from your projects
No more stress, now I'm straight, now I get it now I take
Time to think, before I make mistakes just for my family's sake
That part of me left yesterday the heart of me is strong today
No regrets I'm blessed to say the old me dead and gone away

[Chorus - Justin Timberlake]:
Ohh I've been travelin on this road too long
Just trying to find my way back home
The old me is dead and gone, dead and gone
Ohh I've been travelin on this road too long
Just trying to find my way back home
The old me is dead and gone, dead and gone

[Verse 2 - T.I.]:
I ain't never been scared, I lived through tragedy
Situation coulda been dead lookin back at it
Most of that shit didn't even have to happen
But you don't think about it when you out there trappin
In apartments hangin smokin and rappin
Niggas start shit didn't next thing ya know we cappin
Get locked up then didn't even get mad
Now think about damn what a life I had
Most of that shit look back just laugh
Some shit still look back just sad
Maybe my homeboy still be around
Had I not hit the nigga in the mouth that time
I won that fight, I lost that war
I can still see my nigga walkin out that door
Who'da thought I'd never see Philant no more
Got enough dead homies I don't want no more
Cost a nigga his job, cost me more
I'da took that ass-whoopin now for sure
Now think before I risk my life
Take them chances to get my stripes
A nigga put his hands on me alright
Otherwise stand there talk shit all night
Cuz I hit you, you sue me,
I shoot you, get locked up, who me?
No more stress, now I'm straight, now I get it now I take
Time to think before I make mistakes just for my family's sake
That part of me left yesterday the heart of me is strong today
No regrets I'm blessed to say the old me dead and gone away.

[Chorus - Justin Timberlake]:
Ohh I've been travelin on this road too long
Just trying to find my way back home
The old me is dead and gone, dead and gone
Ohh I've been travelin on this road too long
Just trying to find my way back home
The old me is dead and gone, dead and gone

[Justin Timberlake]:
I turn my head to the east I dont see nobody by my side
I turn my head to the west still nobody in sight
So I turn my head to the north, swallow that pill that they call pride
The old me is dead and gone, the new me will be alright
I turn my head to the east I dont see nobody by my side
I turn my head to the west still nobody in sight
So I turn my head to the north, swallow that pill that they call pride
The old me is dead and gone, the new me will be alright

[Chorus - Justin Timberlake]:
Ohh I've been travelin on this road too long
Just trying to find my way back home
The old me is dead and gone, dead and gone
Ohh I've been travelin on this road too long
Just trying to find my way back home
The old me is dead and gone, dead and gone

Your zodiac

Rat	1900	1912	1924	1936	1948	1960	1972	1984	1996
Ox	1901	1913	1925	1937	1949	1961	1973	1985	1997
Tiger	1902	1914	1926	1938	1950	1962	1974	1986	1998
Rabbit	1903	1915	1927	1939	1951	1963	1975	1987	1999
Dragon	1904	1916	1928	1940	1952	1964	1976	1988	2000
Snake	1905	1917	1929	1941	1953	1965	1977	1989	2001
Horse	1906	1918	1930	1942	1954	1966	1978	1990	2002
Goat	1907	1919	1931	1943	1955	1967	1979	1991	2003
Monkey	1908	1920	1932	1944	1956	1968	1980	1992	2004
Rooster	1909	1921	1933	1945	1957	1969	1981	1993	2005
Dog	1910	1922	1934	1946	1958	1970	1982	1994	2006
Pig	1911	1923	1935	1947	1959	1971	1983	1995	2007

History of 12 zodiac

The 12 zodiac is very interesting.It is said that Buddha invited all of the animals in the world to join him for the New Year celebrations, but only 12 animals bothered to turn up. As a great reward, Buddha named a year after each one of them and they actually run in the order that the animals arrived to celebrate with Buddha, starting with the rat and ending with the last guest, the pig.

It is believed that those born during a year of a particular animal would inherit some of the good and bad personality traits of that animal.

Also, each year is influenced by whatever animal it falls in. The Year of The Ox begins on January 26th 2009. Effort, commitment and duty will be the keywords for 2009. Creatively and artistically, the Year of the Ox could see influential and exciting new works and creations being announced. Environmental and green issues will also dominate the world stage with countries establishing tighter controls and regulations.

Let’s take a look at each animal, their major personality traits and what the prospects are for 2009, the Year of the Ox.

The Rat

Rats are charming, elegant and clever. They can be a bit gossipy and prone to being distracted. They’re also thrifty and very good with handling money. Family and close friends are exceptionally important to them. The Rat is charming beyond words and throughout his undoubtedly long life he will always be popular and will have many friends.

Forecast for 2009 2009 will be an encouraging and positive year but the Rat will need to keep his eye on the world around him in order to avoid unnecessary pressures. Training and learning new skills in their careers will ensure financial security over the coming months and increased self-confidence. On the home front, this will be an excellent year for the Rat with at least one happy family occasion and if they can manage it, an enjoyable family holiday. Romantically, this is the year to make great progress whether to meet someone new or take things to a new level with a special partner. May to September will be very favourable for socialising with September to December being important career-wise.

Interesting Rat Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Garnet
Special Flower: Narcissus
Best Hours: 11 pm -1 am
Season: Winter
Horoscope Colors: Black, White, Purple

The Ox

Sturdy, earthy, no-nonsense – that’s the Ox. Affectionate and easy-going, the Ox can show a fierce temper when agitated. He is neat, tidy, quiet and studious, with a great love of his home. Music can be a great love. Family life and a loving partner are high on the Ox’s priorities. A wonderful loyal friend.

Forecast for 2009 The Ox sees overall improvements in his situation during his own year in 2009. The main area of enjoyment will be the interaction with others, either with friends and family or on a more romantic level. A key phrase to bear in mind this year is ‘hold fast’. There may be setbacks and delays in the general run of life, but keep calm and persist and all will be well. There will be an opportunity to study and learn (in common with other signs this year) which should appeal to the Ox and there will be a huge sense of pride with what is achieved. Between May and July there are significant developments on the work front, in particular important talks with a boss or superior, while September to November sees very interesting and delightful romantic encounters!

Interesting Ox Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Aquamarine
Special Flower: Carnation
Best Hours: 1-3 am
Season: Winter
Horoscope Colors: Green, Yellow, Black

The Tiger

Magnetic, passionate and grand! When the Tiger does anything, it’s noticed! Indecisiveness and stubbornness can mar the sparkle of the Tiger personality. On the one hand generous, on the other hand a little mean, it’s sometimes hard to know where one stands with the Tiger. Flexible, honest and truly entertaining, one has a friend for life with a Tiger.

Forecast for 2009 2009 will be a challenging year for the Tiger, but it definitely lays the foundation for 2010 which is his own year. Discipline, concentration and focus will be of paramount importance to the Tiger this year. Keeping their eye on the end goal and dreams will stand to them throughout the year. Financial issues must be addressed seriously and spending should be done wisely. Romantically February to July could be very exciting but discretion must be used! The end of the year, November and December, will present excellent career opportunities for those Tigers ready to move up the job ladder.

Interesting Tiger Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Sapphire
Special Flower: Violet
Best Hours: 3-5 am
Season: Winter
Horoscope Colors: Green, Blue, Yellow

The Rabbit

Cuddly, warm and affectionate are the attributes of the Rabbit. Mysterious and a great party-giver and host, the Rabbit enjoys being the centre of attention once in a while. The Rabbit is occasionally over cautious and can be a bit boring. He is also one of the luckiest signs in the Chinese Astrology chart.

Forecast for 2009 Slow and steady – this is how 2009 will progress for most Rabbits. Travel will also feature prominently in between a busy social life and an increased workload at their job. Friends and family mean the world to the Rabbit and their support and love this year will be especially important. Single Rabbits will likely meet a potential partner in a social situation and all will find that August and September sparkle romantically! Careerwise, November is the best month to put themselves forward for a well-earned promotion or payrise. Artistic Rabbits could be approached regarding an exciting new project.

Interesting Rabbit Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Pearl
Special Flower: Jonquil
Best Hours: 5-7 am
Season: Spring
Horoscope Colors: Grey, White

The Dragon

Assertive, energetic and talented are all words to describe the Dragon personality. On the other hand, the Dragon has a tendency to be condescending and tactless without realising it. They generally enjoy robust health and tend to be very successful in anything they turn their hand to.

Forecast for 2009 Most Dragons will have an increase in income during 2009 which will be very welcome. They will be strong and focussed in pursuing their objectives for the year. Dragons should take their time and appreciate any valuable advice they are given. Time should be made to enjoy hobbies and fun activities. Gossip could feature strongly during the year and all Dragons should take care not to indulge in idle chit chat lest in backfires on them! Socially, May to August will be a fun time with many Dragons taking their romances more seriously. March and April will bring intriguing job offers for those seeking a change in direction.

Interesting Dragon Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Amethyst
Special Flower: Sweet Pea
Best Hours: 7-9 am
Season: Spring
Horoscope Colors: Black, Gold

The Snake

Intelligent and highly intuitive are two of the Snake’s many fine qualities. He makes an amusing and romantic friend with a definite flirtatious streak. When challenged or criticised he can be a sore loser. The Snake is very lucky with money and is fond of the odd bet or two. He is quick-witted and enjoys reading, music and occasionally the paranormal side of life.

Forecast for 2009 For the Snake, 2009 will be quite fast-paced and demanding and they will need to remain flexible and positive to enjoy it. Romance features strongly and for the single Snake, this could be the year to start a serious relationship. Financially, impulse buys should be kept under control and risks should be minimised. 2009 will be an excellent year for self-discovery and reviewing recreational interests and hobbies. April to June will present great social opportunities and new friendships. October and November will shine on the work front.

Interesting Snake Facts
Zodiac Stone: Opal
Special Flower: Passionflower
Best Hours: 9-11 am
Season: Spring
Horoscope Colors: Brown Gold, Green

The Horse

Fun, charming and attractive sums up the Horse’s traits perfectly. They love parties and crowds and being the centre of attention. They can also be egotistical, hotheaded and impatient. The Horse is a considerate and protective friend and partner and when in his company, there will always be excitement around the next corner.

Forecast for 2009 2009 will see the Horse making excellent progress in whatever area of his life he chooses. Finances will feature in a positive way as well with a possible increase in income. They should take care, however, to manage their money wisely and make plans. Balance needs to be maintained between work time and leisurely pursuits in order to stay healthy and centered. The Horse will have a tendency to overdo things this year. January to March will be fortuitous for changing jobs while April and December will favor romantic pursuits – for those attached, these months could bring news of an engagement!

Interesting Horse Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Golden Topaz
Special Flower: Rose
Best Hours: 11am-1pm
Season: Summer
Horoscope Colors: Orange, White, Yellow

The Goat

Graceful and optimistic, kind and easy going, would describe a Goat personality. They can also be petulant and discontented, likely to throw the towel in at the beginning of a problem. They can be charming without revealing their true feelings. The Goat is very talented and imaginative and can turn his hand to most creative pursuits.

Forecast for 2009 The Goat need not feel on his own in 2009 as there will be much support and friendship to help him in this busy year. With so much going on in all areas of his life, the Goat would do well to plan ahead and take his time in making decisions. Money-wise, the Goat needs to curb his enthusiasm for spending and exercise some self-discipline or problems may arise later! July to September will present many social events and possibilities for love and romance. Short trips and travel are well aspected in August and October for all Goats.

Interesting Goat Facts
Zodiac Stone: Emerald
Special Flower: Larkspur
Best Hours: 1-3 pm
Season: Summer
Horoscope Colors: Green, Blue

The Monkey

The Monkey is playful, lively, fun and a quick thinker. They get bored very easily and find it hard to settle down to doing any one thing. The Monkey can also be vain and offhand. They are ambitious and usually very good with investing money. With their quick wit and wonderful sense of humour, they are a great party guest. The Monkey’s life will never be dull and predictable!

Forecast for 2009 The Monkey’s fine creative streak can be put to excellent use in 2009 if he concentrates on one task at a time rather than attempting many projects at once. With keeping so busy, the Monkey needs to watch his own health and allow adequate time for work, rest and fun. On the home front, there may be celebrations and happy family gatherings throughout the year. The Monkey’s love life will shine also with many getting engaged or meeting someone very special. March to July will be particularly busy socially. November will be an excellent time for work-related promotions or recognition.

Interesting Monkey Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Peridot
Special Flower: Gladiola
Best Hours: 3-5 pm
Season: Summer
Horoscope Colors: White, Violet, Green

The Rooster

The Rooster is always popular, extravagant and creative. They can be brutally honest and generally like being showered with attention. They are wonderfully loyal friends and also give advice freely – whether they are asked for it or not! Family means the world to the Rooster and they are fiercely loyal to those they care about.

Forecast for 2009 2009 will run along the themes of enthusiasm, planning and determination, all of which suit the Rooster perfectly! At home and with family, life will run much smoother and will be a source of happiness and security for all Roosters. Money matters are well starred also this year with either a pay rise, a surprise bonus or both! Hobbies and travelling look prominent as well, with pleasant pursuits greatly enjoyed during the year. July to September will favor career moves and travel is highlighted towards October.

Interesting Rooster Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Citrine
Special Flower: Aster
Best Hours: 5-7 pm
Season: Autumn
Horoscope Colors: Orange, Green

The Dog

The Dog is wonderfully hard worker, a perfectionist and someone who loves the small details. He is also a bit anti-social, pessimistic and stubborn. They are one of the most honest and loyal signs of the Chinese zodiac and will always go to bat for a worthy cause. The Dog is a fantastic listener and his advice is usually very intuitive.

Forecast for 2009 The Dog will find a busier social life and more friends during 2009. This will be a challenging year on the work front, but Dogs should take a deep breath, be patient and remain steadfast. Solid foundations are being built for the very favorable Year of the Tiger in 2010. Travel will be particularly enjoyable and home life will be very special in 2009. October to December will be very interesting regarding new job opportunities. May and November will see romance beautifully highlighted with many happy social get-togethers.

Interesting Dog Facts:
Zodiac Stone: Diamond
Special Flower: Marigold
Best Hours of the day 7-9 pm
Season: Autumn
Horoscope Colors: Silver and Red

The Pig

The Pig is an innocent, sweet and lovable personality. They can also be quite melancholy and over-sensitive. The Pig loves the company of others, and adores parties, gossip and chit chat. They are highly intelligent, but prefer to keep this side of their nature under wraps. The Pig does not care that much for money, but is one of the zodiac signs that is very lucky.

Forecast for 2009 2009 should prove to be a lucky and encouraging year for all Pigs. Interesting offers and chance meetings can occur at any time of the year and the Pig needs to be alert and aware for any lucky breaks. With such a hectic year, it’s important for the Pig to make time for fun and relaxation and travel may be one way to do this. It’s also an excellent year to review his diet and fitness regime, as he needs to be in top form for such an active schedule. April to July will bring happy times for love and relationships, while August and September bring interesting offers on the work front, particularly in relation to publishing and writing.

Interesting Pig Facts
Zodiac Stone: Ruby
Special Flower: Chrysanthemum
Best Hours: 9-11 pm
Season: Autumn
Horoscope Colors: Purple, Red, White

These facts are all very interesting. However, it is not proven to be right 100%. Have fun guys and girls!

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Xin Nian Kuai Le!

Fashion blog

I've always love fashion. Fashion that you see on magazines like Vogue, In Stlye and fashion designers such as Christian Louboutin, Dior, Versace, Giuseppe Zanotti, Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera and many more are featured. Over the years, i have to say that i have the eye for fashion and therefore develop a fashion blog due to one of my assignment in University addressed at http://www.feelfabulous.wordpress.com please feel free to visit my other site for more fashion news and latest fashion.

I would say, i quite like fashion myself but am not in the state of investing on designers' goods as that would be impossible for a student like me. I would have to make more money to buy them i guess but in the meantime, i would just have to spend on what i can afford isn't it? So, this blog does not only feature famous designer's wear but also what you can find with just a drive away.

Would obviously want to own a camera because im quite into photography now and that will help me to take photos of fashion here. But still have much to learn about the art of photography. Hmm..maybe one day ill take the time and learn about professional photography. One day, one day.

thanks for reading.

2009

New year.New Resolutions?Well, to tell you the truth. i have no new resolutions yet. maybe ill set some for the Chinese New Year calender. Then, ill have my new year resolution by Sunday at least. Anyways, it's really a different phase for me this year. I know i will no longer be in the student category, ill be a working people category. In the meantime, i'm still in the job hunting season. Funny, when i said this, it always reminds me of open season. Weird. So far so good. My industrial training company has offered me jobs and today i just got a call from what i called a "quite famous" advertising agency for interview. I'm thrilled, happy and scared at the same time. I really don't know what to expect and what they will expect out of me. I just hope that it will suit me.
Anyways, just here to activate my account again.
Happy Chinese New Year! Xin Nian Kuai Le!