Happy New Year 2011

Counting down to the New Year 2011 is a blessing to everyone in Singapore, unlike those stuck in the icy-cold Airports waiting to go home/travel; unlike those starving & ill in those poor countries. Nevertheless, I wishes everyone on Earth - Peace, Love, Good Health & Joy throughout Year 2011.
Remember... Never Stop Dreaming Your Dreams ! Cheers~

Top heritage sites in the world

#1. The Great Wall of China has total site visitors of 24,200,000 and total revenues of US$2.88 billion (S$3.77 billion), according to Global Heritage's recently released "Saving Our Vanishing Heritage" report. [Photo: A Chinese couple kiss as they visit the Great Wall of China August 20, 2008.]

#2. Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor has total site visitors of 18,000,000 and total revenues of US$1.92 billlion (S$2.5 billion) [Photo: A tourist walks in Beijing's 600-year-old Forbidden City, June 30, 2004. The Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace or Palace Museum, situated in central Beijing, was the power centre of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties from 1420 to 1912

#3. Historic Cairo has total site visitors of 4,000,000 and total revenues of US$576 million (S$752 million). [Photo: Foreign tourists ride camels at the Pyramids in Cairo February 12, 2009.]

#4. Ephesus has total site visitors of 3,500,000 and total revenues of US$572 million (S$747 million). [Photo: People walk in the ancient Ephesus ruins near Turkey's western coastal city of Izmir September 11, 2009.]

#5. Amritsar has total site visitors of 5,500,000 and total revenues of US$460 million (S$601m) [Photo: The holy Sikh shrine of Golden Temple is illuminated on the 343rd birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh in the northern Indian city of Amritsar January 5, 2009. ]

#6. Angkor has total site visitors of 2,500,000 and total revenues of US$436 million (S$569m).

#7. Teotihuacan has total site visitors of 4,200,000 and total revenues of US$432 million (S$564m). [Photo: Hot air balloons float past people watching the sunrise at the Sun pyramids of Teotihuacan outside Mexico City during a festival as part of the spring equinox March 21, 2010.]

#8. Machu Picchu has total site visitors of 2,400,000 and total revenues of US$384 million (S$501m).

#9. Abu Simbel has total site visitors of 2,000,000 and total revenues of US$320 million (S$418m). [Photo: Tourists look at the 3200-year-old Abu Simbel temple during a daily sound and light show, on the eve of the anniversary of pharaoh king Ramses II's coronation, at the upper reaches of the Nile, around 1264 km (785 miles) south of Cairo February 21, 2010.]

#10. Ancient Thebes has total site visitors of 2,000,000 and total revenues of US$320 million (S$418m). [Photo: A visitor walks past a statue of the head of Ramses II, king of Egypt between 1304 and 1237 B.C., at the ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes November 3, 2007.]

#11. Taj Mahal has total site visitors of 2,400,000 and total revenues of US$288 million (S$376m). [Photo: Muslims offer Eid al-Fitr prayers in front of the Taj Mahal in the northern Indian city of Agra September 11, 2010.]

#12. Petra has total site visitors of 1,600,000 and total revenues of US$268 million (S$350m). [Photo: Tourists walk past the Lion Fountain in the ancient city of Petra, Jordan, April 7, 2008.]

#13. Old Havana and its Fortifications has total site visitors of 1,773,986 and total revenues of US$262 million (S$342m). [Photo: A taxi waits for customers at Cuba's Capitol in Havana May 27, 2009.]

#14. The pre-Hispanic city of Chichen-Itza has total site visitors of 2,600,000 and total revenues of US$248 million (S$324m). [Photo: A woman raises her arms to receive energy from the sun at the Mayan pyramid El Castillo (The Castle), in Chichen Itza, in the southern state of Yucatan, Mexico March 21, 2009.]

#15. The city of Cuzco has total site visitors of 1,000,000 and total revenues of US$168 million (S$219m). [Photo: Andean men cross the Qeswachaka hanging bridge across the Apurimac river, at the southern province of Canas in Cuzco, Peru, June 12, 2010. ]

#16. The ancient city of Damascus has total site visitors of 1,000,000 and total revenues of US$168 million (S$219m). [Photo: British painter Sophie Walbeoffe paints the skyline of Old Damascus from the Beit al-Mamlouka hotel, Syria, November 1, 2007.]

Teochew Porridge Buffet "潮州妹"

Situated along Mohamed Sultan Road, 潮州妹 (Literally ‘Teochew Sister’, a play on dialect as Porridge and Sister sounds the same) has a simple, modern décor with seats comfortably spaced out. The buffet is served ala-carte style with dishes available on a rotational basis, one of the best value-for-money buffet in town.
One of the unique dishes is the Steamed Beancurd with Pork Floss. Simple in preparation but very comforting with its silky texture and savoury touch. The Bak Kut Teh, which is only available at night, uses premium ribs that are tender and moist while the soup is nicely peppered with a rich homecooked flavour.

But the two dishes that absolutely stole the show at Teochew Muay got to be the Braised Duck and Large Intestine. Both were outstandingly marinated, with the duck meat being wonderfully tender and the fatty intestine giving a sinful yet high feeling.

And don’t leave without a bowl of their homemade Tau Suan! Unlike your usual hawker ones, this is more watery (not diluted, mind you) with the beans thoroughly blended. Ask for a bowl of freshly roasted You Tiao and you will end off the meal nicely.

Priced at $10.50nett for lunch and $13.80nett for dinner, Teochew Muay is an excellent place to indulge in without burning a hole in the pocket. Fantastic comfort food with enjoyable service, what more can you ask for? I need another visit already!

潮州妹 (Teochew Muay)
No.5 Mohamed Sultan Road

Tel: +65 62350338

我很喜爱的作家写的小说－《大龄宫女》 My Recent Read - a Chinese Novel by my fav.author Xi Juan

前阵子看阅了本我很喜爱的作家写的小说－大龄宫女 ； 这书的故事写得生动有趣，让人有无限的想象空间，也有小地方让人笑中带泪的感动。。。席绢啊，我超爱你写的小说；尤其是这类故事，好棒！期待期待期待你尽快再出版新作品~ ~ ~

朋友，如果你也和我一样喜欢阅读小说，那么我最近的推荐绝对是有趣的《大龄宫女》唷！别错过了！！

大龄宫女 故事内容简介：
没错，在他人生里三分之二的时间都卧病在床时， 
他是曾好奇生命走到尽头之后， 
迎接他金大公子哥儿的会是哪一种境地？ 
天堂？地狱？还是…… 
不管是什么，挂就挂了，他从来也没想过“重生”这档子事！ 
但他竟然就这么重生了——也就是时下流行的穿越时空？ 
重生是吧？穿越是吧？很好！没几个能有这能耐的！ 
更好的是，他竟穿越到一个不知名朝代的不知名皇宫里， 
重生在一名年纪老大不小、即将面临失业的宫女身上—— 
晴天霹雳啊！ 
想他一个事业有成、养尊处优的40岁黄金单身贵公子， 
此刻竟沦落成一个无才无貌无钱财的23岁三无贫乏宫女…… 
这……这老天爷还真会玩他呀！ 
人生至此，他还能祈求什么？ 
看来也只有混吃等死的美丽人生了…… 

• 情节分类 ：穿越时空, 异想天开 
• 时代背景：古代
• 也别放过有关联的书 － 金玉其外美食家 （他双重人格的儿子）

Exotic Wine & Dine with Belly Dance Performance

AMBROSIA, the Mediterranean Restaurant Serving Arabic & Southern European Cuisines  
19, Baghdad Street (Arab Street area), Singapore 199658. Tel: 62756274
In ancient Greek mythology, “Ambrosia” referred to the ‘food or drink of the Gods’ & is said to confer immortality to those who consumed it.
The Mediterranean can be crudely divided into three culinary regions: North African (Morocco), eastern Mediterranean (Egypt, Greece, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, & Turkey), & southern European (Italy, France, Spain). Wines & herbs are central to Southern
European cuisine, while spices intricately & boldly flavour North African foods.
Preparation with Halal ingredients without wines is meant to cater to the needs of the
entire spectrum of populace.

  

The Mediterranean is a complex region with rich history of the interaction of the cultures and peoples of the lands surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. It is the origin of the Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Persian, Phoenician, Jewish, Greek, Roman, Arab & Turkish cultures — and hence is important to understanding the development of Western civilization as we know it today. From the rise of Islam and its dominance in countries like Turkey & Egypt to rise of

The Ambrosia Lounge (25A Baghdad Street, Tel: 62927313) > The Mediterranean lifestyle is about taking the time to relax & enjoying the company of the people you care about. People from countries like Spain & Italy enjoy the best quality of life & one of the highest life expectancies. Wine appreciation of Greece, Italy & France to Egypt, Morocco & Turkey, Ambrosia serves the perfect blend of lifestyles to address the need of work-life balance of the stressful modern life. (Belly dance performance on Saturdays 9pm-11pm)

Developing a Healthy Mind

1. Before last 200 years, comfort came from faith. Now comes from technology. Sensory comfort, not mental comfort though. 2. Mental state can subdue physical discomfort. Physical state cannot subdue mental discomfort. So, mental state is more serious. 3. Mental health cannot be purchased. Drugs = more illusions. It must come from within the mind itself. 4. The mind gets healthy not by faith alone. It comes only from genuine conviction, which comes only from research and investigation.

Training the Mind | The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Training the Mind | The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Family Problems....???

Two men, one American and an Indian were sitting in a bar drinking shot after shot. The Indian man said to the American, 

'You know my parents are forcing me to get married to this so called homely girl from a village whom I haven't even met once.' We call this arranged marriage. I don't want to marry a woman whom I don't love... I told them that openly and now have a hell lot of family problems.'

The American said, talking about love marriages... I'll tell you my story...

'I married a widow whom I deeply loved and dated for 3 years. After a couple of years, my father fell in love with my step-daughter and married her. . . so my father became my son-in-law and I became my father's father-in-law. 

Legally now... my daughter is my mother and my wife my grandmother. 

More problems occurred when I had a son. . . My son is my father's brother and so he is my uncle.
Situations turned worse when my father had a son. . .Now my father's son, my brother is my grandson. Ultimately, I have become my own grand father and I am my own grandson. 

And you say you have Family Problems....?'

Every Woman Should Know...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to... 

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry.. 

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....

a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a feeling of control over her destiny... 

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..

that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..

that her childhood may not have been perfect...but its over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she would and wouldn't do for love or more... 

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..

whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally... 

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table... or a charming inn in the woods... when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she can and can't accomplish in a day... a month...and a year... 

黑色神祕食物

你知道桌上常見的木須炒肉所用的食材黑木耳，具有抗血栓、抗腫瘤、抗發炎等功能？這個傳統市場一把售價十幾、二十元的食材，不但是古人認為具防老的作用，營養專家的研究也證明黑木耳有抗氧化的功能。
不只黑木耳是平價健康食物，常見黑豆可以防動脈硬化、抗癌；黑芝麻強肝；黑棗增強免疫力；黑糯米抗自由基……，日常垂手可得的黑色食物，食用得宜，對身體健康有超值的益處。
早在10年前世界各地就注意到黑色食物特有的營養，1990年代中期不論大陸、台灣的學術機構都有營養研究報告指出，黑木耳、黑豆、黑芝麻、黑棗、黑糯米等黑色食品的抗氧化性，都較同類淡色食品為高。
根據《神農本草經》、《本草綱目》的記載，黑色食品有益肝補腎、活血養顏、治虛弱、延緩衰老等功效。根據台灣大學食品研究所博士班蘇正元的五種黑色食品抗氧化能力的研究指出，這些黑色食品具有清除體內自由基、抗氧化、降血脂、抗腫瘤、美容、提供性功能等多種保健作用。
常見的黑木耳、黑豆、黑芝麻、黑棗與黑糯米等含有大量葉綠素，屬於黃酮或類黃酮化合物的天然色素。這類元素具有廣泛的生物活性，包括抗病毒、抗發炎、抗過敏，以及促進血管擴張等作用，正如同近年來研究證實紅酒中所含的類黃酮，即是增加血清抗氧化能力的重要元素。
黑色食品的營養成分豐富，含有大量蛋白質、脂肪、胺基酸、維生素、礦物質與微量元素，營養價值與其售價常呈反比。
黑色食品更富藏膳食纖維、不飽和脂肪酸、活性多醣、維生素A、C、E、生物鹼等功能性營養。就算經食品加工，也因為穩定性高，容易保留原料的天然色素。
而中醫藥理作用所謂的「延緩衰老」，在營養學的研究就是捕抓自由基或清除自由基等抗氧化作用。

黑木耳

在蘇正元的研究中顯示，這五種黑色食物以黑木耳最易取得，不需花費高價卻能獲得豐富的營養。
根據楊新美所著之《中國實用菌栽培學》，同質量下黑木耳的蛋白質含量相當於肉類，是米、麵、蔬菜所不能相比的。其中維生素B2的含量是米、麵和大白 菜的10倍，比豬、牛、羊肉高3～5倍；鐵質比肉類高100倍；鈣的含量是肉類的30～70倍，而且含有一般植物所缺少的磷質。尤其是磷質，在植物中僅木 耳與紫菜等，少數幾類能供應。
中醫書籍即稱，木耳性平、味甘，用無煙的炭火烘乾或曬乾後備用，能益氣強身，活血、止痛。被應用於治寒濕性疼痛、產後虛弱、外傷引起的疼痛，以及心血管疾病的保健治療。
就生理機能而言，黑木耳具有阻礙血液凝固的物質，因而判斷能減低血液凝塊、緩和冠狀動脈粥狀硬化，防止血栓形成，對心血管的疾病有保健之效。
蘇正元的報告引用大量相關研究指出，黑木耳因含有大量的膳食纖維，有助於降低血脂作用，與香菇、金針菇、西洋蘑菇、冬蟲夏草等，具有降低血液中膽固醇的活性成分雷同。
同時，黑木耳所含的多醣成分，兼具抗腫瘤、抗發炎的作用。木耳的菌絲，更具有降低膽固醇、抑制脂質過氧化的功能；因此在營養學的研究中，被認為具有抗衰老作用。
黑木耳可以廣泛運用在日常飲食中，例如，將泡開或新鮮的黑木耳切絲與各類蔬菜炒食、入湯，極具營養。

黑豆

盛產於台灣南部的黑豆，也是營養專家眼中的「經典食物」。黑豆中富含粗蛋白，有豐富胺基酸，極易為人體吸收，符合美國食品藥物管理局規定高級蛋白質的標準。
除了超過三分之一粗蛋白，黑豆脂肪含量高達18％，其中多為不飽和的亞麻油酸，另有5％的粗纖維含量。黑豆最寶貴的在於所含豐富的礦物質與微量元素，根據研究報告，每100克黑豆含鈣370毫克、磷557毫克、鐵12毫克，並含有鋅、銅、硒等微量元素。

在《本草綱目》中稱，食用烏豆，長肌膚、益顏色、填筋骨、加力氣、補虛能食、延年益壽。民間傳說：「要想長壽，常吃黑豆。」
黑豆所含營養成分與黃豆幾乎相同，富含維生素E、異黃酮類等豐富的抗氧化物質。與黃豆最大不同在於，黑豆種皮還具有豐富的花青素、類胡蘿蔔素，根據 萃取物所做的研究發現，對於抑制動脈粥狀硬化，黑豆比黃豆的效果好，尤其是經烘烤過的黑豆，花青素雖然降低，但是另一種降低血膽固醇的植物性雌激素 （genistein）卻明顯增加。
尤其是黑豆富含的植物性雌激素，已經證實與抗乳癌、攝護腺癌等的用藥作用相同，被認為是防癌的保健食品。
此外，黑豆所含的卵磷酸，被認為可強健腦部發育；更含有延緩老化所需的鈣、磷、鐵、鋅、碘等微量元素。豐富的維生素B群、維生素E等，可養顏美容；粗纖維、寡醣，則有助腸道蠕動，改善便祕等多種功能。
一般超級市場與傳統雜貨店都可以買到黑豆與其加工產品。平日可以當做點心，或可添加在澱粉主食，亦可如日本料理加鹽煮熟食用。甚至可選用黑豆製成的豆醬，用以佐餐。（延伸閱讀：《康健》第11期「揭開黑豆的真面目」）

黑芝麻

芝麻所含豐富芝麻素，具有強肝及抗氧化的功能。與白芝麻最大的差異在於黑芝麻種皮的抗氧化性，根據日本營養學者的研究顯示，黑芝麻種皮水溶性的黑色素物質，含有多酚類及單寧類物質，是主要的抗氧化活性來源，也是黑芝麻更勝一籌的主因。
食用烘焙過發出香氣的黑芝麻，保健效果更佳，因為肝臟吸收較容易的緣故。（延伸閱讀：《康健》第46期「小芝麻，大健康」）

黑棗

黑棗是由新鮮的大棗煮燻而成，又名薰棗、烏棗。主要因鮮果在鍋中煮熟曬乾、燻焙至外皮發皺成烏黑色。若將鮮果曬乾，果實變成紅色，即為紅棗。
黑棗富含碳水化合物、粗纖維、膳食纖維、維生素B1、B6、菸鹼酸、維生素C、鉀、鐵等，又以粗纖維與膳食纖維最多。中醫經常應用黑棗於解熱、活血、理胃、治咳、肺疾；有「多食令人寒熱，瘦者不宜多吃」之說。
在日本的研究中曾經發現，黑棗含有大量的cAMP，從而推測具有增強體內免疫的作用。在台灣有關的研究報告中，也分別顯示黑棗有抑制毒性細胞的抗癌保健效果。但在降低油脂氧化功能上，黑棗的效果則不明顯。

黑糯米

黑糯米即是一般所謂的紫米、黑米，又稱墨米、血糯。民間向來視黑糯米為營養食品，古時更貴為貢品，有貢米之稱。
黑糯米因為種皮含有花青素，呈黑色。所含豐富的澱粉質，又以粗蛋白、粗脂肪、粗纖維、膳食纖維、維生素A、E、B1、B2、B6、C、菸鹼素、鉀、磷、鐵、鋅等，均較一般白米高出許多。《本草綱目》稱其：性溫，脾肺虛寒者宜之。
在蘇正元的研究中指出，近年來有專家成功的從黑米中提取色素，發現對於抑制脂質的過氧化有良好的效果，可以提高血清中高密度膽固醇的濃度，有助抗動脈粥狀硬化的保健。
不論哪一種黑色食物，在日常生活中都極易取得。只要均衡食用，可以節省大量營養補充品的花費，有節度的飲食即是最佳保健之道。

**My Music Player ~~ by Iris

**click on the above title to link to music player

珍惜该珍惜的，舍弃该舍弃的

人生要学会珍惜。   友谊、爱情、荣誉、人格、事业等等，一切真善美的东西都需要珍惜， 甚至不幸的遭遇、平淡的生活、普通的交往当中也孕育着值得珍惜的内 容。   人生有时也要学会舍弃。   舍弃一支残臂，可以保全整个生命； 舍弃暂时的安逸，可以获得一生的幸福； 舍弃一己之私，可以获得天下的大公； 舍弃蝇头小利，可以赢得千秋大义。   一个真正有所为的人，在面对抉择时，总是能够做出正确的选择。 该舍弃的毫不犹豫坚决舍弃，该珍惜的义无反顾永远珍惜...

Toothpaste >> What else can it do for you?

Toothpaste:  it whitens, brightens, deodorizes, removes stains, and restores and protects enamel.
But toothpaste's cleaning capabilities work wonders on many things besides our teeth.
The same ingredients that help polish our pearly whites can also soothe some common ailments, make household items sparkle, and even get rid of stains and pungent smells. 


Try out these fifteen tricks with a white, non-gel toothpaste (unless otherwise noted), and watch that cavity-fighting, breath-freshening tube of wonder work its magic.

1. Relieve irritation from bug bites, sores, and blisters: These skin irritations all tend to weep and, in the case of bug bites, often itch. Apply a drop of toothpaste to a bug bite or insect sting to stop the itching and decrease any swelling. When applied to sores or blisters, it dries them up, thus allowing the wound to heal faster. It's best when used overnight.

2. Soothe a stinging burn:
For minor burns that donot involve an open wound, toothpaste can deliver temporary cooling relief. Apply it delicately to the affected area immediately after a burn develops; it temporarily relieves the sting and prevents the wound from weeping or opening.

3. Decrease the size of a facial blemish:
Want to speed up the healing of a zit? Apply a tiny dot of toothpaste to the affected area at night before bed. Wash it off in the morning.

4. Clean up your fingernails:
Our teeth are made of enamel, and toothpaste is good for them, so it stands to reason that toothpaste would also be good for our fingernails. For cleaner, shinier, and stronger nails, simply scrub the underneath and tops of fingernails with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

5. Keep hair in place:
Gel toothpastes contain the same water-soluble polymers that many hair gels are made of. If you are looking to style and hold an extreme hair creation, try gel toothpaste as your go-to product if you are out of regular hair gel. (This is also a great trick for making baby barrettes stay in place.)

6. Scrub away stinky smells:
Garlic, fish, onion, and other pungent foods can permeate the skin cells on our hands. Scrubbing hands and fingertips briefly with toothpaste removes all traces of smelly odors.

7. Remove stains:
Toothpaste can make tough stains on both clothing and carpets disappear. For clothes, apply toothpaste directly to the stain and rub briskly until the spot is gone, then wash as usual. (Note that using a whitening toothpaste on colors can sometimes bleach the fabric.) For carpet stains, apply toothpaste to the stain and scrub it with an abrasive brush, then rinse immediately.

8. Spruce up dirty shoes:
This tactic works great on running shoes or scuffed-up leather shoes. As with carpet stains, apply toothpaste directly to the dirty or scuffed area, then scrub with a brush and wipe clean.

9. Remove crayon stains on painted walls:
Rub a damp cloth with toothpaste gently on the marked-up wall and watch the Crayola marks disappear.

10. Make silver jewelry and other silver pieces sparkle: Rub toothpaste onto jewelry and leave overnight. Wipe clean with a soft cloth in the morning. Make diamonds shine by giving them a gentle scrub using a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a little water. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of toothpaste. Do not use this method on pearls, as it will damage their finish.

11. Remove scratches on DVDs and CDs.
This remedy has been used with mixed success rates, but it seems to work fairly well on shallow scratches and smudges. Apply a thin coating of toothpaste to the disc and rub gently, then rinse clean.

12. Tidy up piano keys before tickling them:
Piano keys retain oil from the skin, which then attracts dust and dirt. Clean away grime gently with a damp, lint-free cloth and toothpaste; after rubbing in the toothpaste, wipe the keys clean with a second lint-free cloth.

13. Deodorize baby bottles:
If baby bottles develop a sour-milk smell, a good cleaning with some toothpaste and a bottle scrubber will clean away residue and deodorize. Always make sure to rinse well.

14. Remove the burned crust on irons:
For those of you who still use an iron, you may find that after time, the plate of the iron develops a burned crust. The silica in toothpaste gently grinds away this rusty-looking layer.

15. Defog goggles:
Scuba divers, swimmers, and triathletes may already know about this handy little trick: Rub a small spot of toothpaste into each lens of your goggles, then rinse thoroughly, and voila! There'll be no need to ever buy expensive defogger gels again. Avoid rubbing too vigorously, though, as the abrasive ingredients in toothpaste could scratch the lenses.

One year old girl is pregnant!!

In this world we see a lot of things and this yet is one more… 
Shocking event for Chinese medicine, which found that a one year old girl is pregnant, Mengru Kang was taken to hospital after unexplained stomach was swollen much. After ultrasound, the doctors found amazed that the girl has a baby in the womb , the child's twin brother. Doctors say that the embryo was not caught in the womb and has found another place to grow. The little girl will undergo a Cesarean delivery to bring out the baby. This unusual phenomenon, very rarely is numneste " fetus in fetus " and can be met once every 500,000 pregnancies. 

STUNNED doctors have discovered a one-year-old girl is carrying a BABY in her tummy. Little Kang Mengru, from China , left medics baffled after her belly became enlarged. Doctors carried out a CT scan to discover the cause of the growth and found a foetus inside her. They believe the tot is her parasitic twin . She is now waiting for an operation to have the tiny baby removed. 

The Body Language of Liars

When a guy is trying to get away with something, his gestures will betray him. Watch closely and you'll be able to catch him in the act.

Liar Move #1

Liar Move: He wraps his ankle around the leg of a chair.

Busted: "Pulling off a lie is stressful, so when a guy is masking the truth, his body will tense up," says body-language expert Janine Driver. "As a result, he'll take a more rigid stance. This is also a subconscious sign of restraint. It's like he's physically fighting to hold back from telling the whole story."

Liar Move #2

Liar Move: He suddenly puts his hands in his pockets.

Busted: "Showing his palms indicates comfort and openness, so when he's lying, he'll instinctively feel the need to conceal them," says Patti Wood, author of Success Signals: A Guide to Reading Body Language. "He may also hide his hands behind his back or occupy them by fidgeting with an object, like his cell phone."

Liar Move #3

Liar Move: He shrugs one or both shoulders.

Busted: "Watch out if he does this while saying a definitive statement, like 'I didn't sleep with her,'" says Driver. "The shrug is his way of canceling out the untruth, much like crossing his fingers behind his back, except he's unaware of the motion. It's also his subconscious way of not committing to the lie and avoiding guilt."

Liar Move #4

Liar Move: He uses his index finger to rub just underneath his nose.

Busted: "This sign is usually exhibited by men who don't typically lie, so they feel remorse," says Wood. "Immediately after he speaks, he'll touch his face in a way that slightly hides his mouth. It's as though he can't believe what just came out of there."

POINTS ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

Personality:

1. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

2. Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment

3. Don't over do; keep your limits

4. Don't take yourself so seriously; no one else does

5. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip

6. Dream more while you are awake

7. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..

8. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner of his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.

9. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

10. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present

11. No one is in charge of your happiness except you

12. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

13. Smile and laugh more

14. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Community:

15. Call your family often

16. Each day give something good to others

17. Forgive everyone for everything

18. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6

19. Try to make at least three people smile each day

20. What other people think of you is none of your business

21. Your job will not take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

22. Put GOD first in anything and everything that you think, say and do.

23. GOD heals everything

24. Do the right things

25. However good or bad a situation is, it will change

26. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up

27. The best is yet to come

28. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful

29. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it

30. If you know GOD you will always be happy. So, be happy.

While you practice all of the above, share this knowledge with the people you love, people you school with, people you play with, people you work with and people you live with. Not only will it enrich YOUR life, but also that of those around you.

Learn from a Wealthy Wise Man - Tan Sri Robert Kuok Hock Nien

Robert Kuok Hock Nien's notes on the past sixty years (On the occasion of Kuok Group’s 60th Anniversary, April 2009)

(1) My brothers and I owe our upbringing completely to Mother. She was steeped in Ru-Jiao – the teachings of Confucius, Mencius, Laozi and other Chinese sages. Ru-Jiao teaches the correct behaviour for a human being on his life on earth. Mother gently, and sometimes strongly, drummed into the minds of her three boys the values of honesty, of never cheating, lying, stealing or envying other people their material wealth or physical attributes.

(2) Father died on 25 December 1948 night without leaving a will. Following the Japanese surrender, he had re-registered the firm as a sole proprietorship. We went to court to get an appointment as managers, permitting us to continue to manage Tong Seng & Co. The judge said that, as there were two widows, the firm and the estate should be wound up.

(3) We decide to establish Kuok Brothers Limited. In mid-January 1949, five of us met at a small roundtable in our home in Johore Bahru. Present were my MOTHER, cousin number five HOCK CHIN, cousin number twelve HOCK SENG, my brother HOCK KHEE nicknamed Philip (a.k.a. cousin number seventeen), and myself (a.k.a. cousin number twenty). We sat down and Mother said, “Nien, would you like to start?” I said, “Fine, yes I will start.” To cut the long story short, we got started, and commenced business from a little shop house in Johore Bharu on 1 April 1949.

(4) As a young man, I thought there was no substitute for hard work and thinking up good, honest business plans and, without respite, pushing them along. There will always be business on earth. Be humble; be straight; don’t be crooked; don’t take advantage of people. To be a successful businessman, I think you really need to brush all your senses every morning, just as you brush your teeth. I coined the phrase “honing your senses” in business: your vision, hearing, sense of smell, touch and taste. All these senses come in very useful.

(5) Mother was the captain of our ship. She saw and sensed everything, but being a wise person she didn’t interfere. Yet she was the background influence, the glue that bound the Group together. She taught my cousins and my brothers and me never to be greedy, and that in making money one could practise high morality. She stressed that whenever the firm does well it should make donations to the charities operating in our societies. She always kept us focused on the big picture in business. For example: avoid businesses that bring harm, destruction or grief to people. This includes trades like gambling, drugs, arms sales, loan-sharking and prostitution.

(6) We started as little fish swimming in a bathtub. From there we went to a lake and now we are in the open seas. Today our businesses cover many industries and our operations are worldwide but this would not have been possible without the vision of the founding members, the dedicated contributions and loyalty of our colleagues and employees, and very importantly the strong moral principles espoused by my mother.

(7) When I hire staff I look for honest, hardworking, intelligent people. When I look candidates in the eye, they must appear very honest to me. I do not look for MBAs or exceptional students. You may hire a brilliant man, summa cum laude, first-class honours, but if his mind is not a fair one or if he has a warped attitude in life, does brilliance really matter?

(8) Among the first employees were Lau Teo Chin (Ee Wor), Kwok Chin Luang (Ee Luang), Othman Samad (Kadir) and an Indian accountant called Joachim who was a devout Roman Catholic and who travelled in every day from Singapore where he lived.

(9) I would like on this special occasion to pay tribute to them and in particular to those who were with us in the early days; many of whom are no longer here. I have already mentioned Lau Teo Chin (Ee Wor) and Kwok Chin Luang (Ee Luang) and Othman Samad (Kadir), there are others like Lean Chye Huat, who is not here today due to failing eyesight, and Yusuf Sharif who passed away in his home country India about one and a half years ago and the late Lee Siew Wah, and others who all gave solid and unstinting support an d d evotion to the Company. It saddens me that in those early difficult years these pioneers did not enjoy significant and substantial rewards but such is the order of things and a most unfortunate aspect of capitalism. However through our Group and employee Foundations, today we are able to help their descendants whenever there is a need to.

(10) I have learnt that the success of a company must depend on the unity of all its employees. We are all in the same boat rowing against the current and tide and every able person must pull the oars to move the boat forward. Also, we must relentlessly endeavour to maintain and practise the values of integrity and honesty, and eschew and reject greed and arrogance.

(11) A few words of caution to all businessmen and women. I recall the Chinese saying: 失败乃成功之母"shibai nai chenggong zhi mu" (failure is the mother of success). But in the last thirty years of my business life, I have come to the conclusion that the reverse phrase is even truer of today’s world: 成功乃失败之母"chenggong nai shibai zhi mu". Success often breeds failure, because it makes you arrogant, complacent and, therefore, lower your guard.

(12) The way forward for this world is through capitalism. Even China has come to realise it. But it’s equally true that capitalism, if allowed to snowball along unchecked, can in many ways become destructive. Capitalism needs to be inspected under a magnifying glass once a day, a super-magnifying glass once a week, and put through the cleaning machine once a month.

In capitalism, man needs elements of ambition and greed to drive him. But where does ambition end and greed take over? That’s why I say that capitalism, if left to its own devices, will snowball along, roll down the hill and cause a lot of damage. So a sound capitalist system requires very strongly led, enlightened, wise governments. That means politician-statesmen willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of their people. I don’t mean politicians who are there for fame, glory and to line their pockets.

(13) To my mind the two great challenges facing China are the restoration of education in morals and the establishment of a rule of law. You must begin from the root up, imbuing and infusing moral lessons and morality into youth, both at home and from kindergarten and primary school upward through university. Every Chinese needs to accept the principle of rule of law; then you have to train upright judges and lawyers to uphold the legal system.

(14) Wealth should be used for two main purposes. One: for the generation of greater wealth; in other words, you continue to invest, creating prosperity and jobs in the country. Two: part of your wealth should be applied to the betterment of mankind, either by acts of pure philanthropy or by investment in research an d d evelopment along the frontiers of science, space, health care and so forth.

Tan Sri Robert Kuok Hock Nien (born 6 October 1923, in Johor Bahru, Johor), is an influential Malaysian Chinese businessman. According to Forbes his net worth is estimated to be around $10 billion on May 2008, making him the richest person in Southeast Asia . He is media shy and discreet; most of his businesses are privately held by him or his family. Apart from a multitude of enterprises in Malaysia , his companies have investments in many countries throughout Asia . His business interests range from sugarcane plantations (Perlis Plantations Bhd), sugar refinery, flour milling, animal feed, oil and mining to finance, hotels, properties, trading and freight and publishing.

Property Sector - SINGAPORE

Another round of cooling measures on Singapore's property market =

The Singapore Government has on Monday introduced a new round of cooling measures to

ensure property prices remain stable and sustainable. The Seller’s Stamp Duty previously

applicable to property buyers who buy and sell their property within one year, is now extended to property buyers who buy and sell within three years. In addition, for property buyers who already have one or more outstanding housing loans at the time of new housing purchase, are now required to make minimum cash payment of 10%, instead of 5% previously, of the valuation limit, and are only allowed to finance with bank loan up to 70% of their property valuation, compared to 80% previously. The government also said more measures will be introduced should the need arise, including injecting an even larger supply of private housing in 1H2011 GLS Programme, in order to promote a stable and sustainable property market.

Prices likely to trend sideway for rest of the year We believe the above measures will taper off the sentiments of short-term property investors. We see demand from genuine property buyers remain healthy due to stable economy outlook, but expect wait-and-see approach from property buyers in the short term. As a result, sale volume of private residential property is likely to drop, particularly in the mass and mid-market segments.

28th Aug - My Birthday 2010

I had great fun last night's Birthday Party 2010 with my friends till this morning..... Sure hope my birthday wishes I made comes TRUE SOON SOON SOON~~~~~

Thanks to my dear friends (Kelly, Melissa, Serene, Chiawly, and so many others who came...) for the Funky Night! Cheers everybody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Afternoon Hi-Tea places in Singapore

There are many Afternoon Tea places in Singapore, here’s a list of some of the best Singapore Afternoon High tea places:

Cafe L’Espresso

When it comes to English High Tea, one of the places that is frequently mentioned will be the English High Tea Buffet at Cafe L’Espresso, Goodwood Park Hotel. The spread typically include scones, sandwiches, some sweets and savories.

22 Scotts Road GF
Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6730 1743
// Mon – Thu English High Tea Buffet $34++ 2pm – 5.30pm
Fri – Sun English High Tea Buffet $36++ 12 noon – 230pm, 3pm – 5.30pm

Cova Pasticceria

Paragon used to be the only chi-chi place in town, before the opening of Ion Orchard. Whether you are sipping a latte or nibbling a cake in Cova, it doesn’t really matter. The most important thing is – be seen in Cova Pasticceria. They have 3 different high teasets which are available from 3pm – 5pm daily.

The classic tea set ($18++) which has 5 items of finger and open sandwiches. TheImperial tea set ($20++) consists of 7 items of pastries and cakes, and lastly the Royal tea set ($22++) which has 9 items of finger sandwiches, pastries and cakes.

290 Orchard Road #01-20A
Paragon Shopping Centre Singapore
Tel: +65 6733 0777

Halia

Nested within the greens of the Singapore Botanic Garden, Halia is the perfect place if you want to escape from the busy city. For just $19++ per person for their traditionalEnglish High Tea set, enjoy buttery scone with ginger-perfumed fresh cream and home-style apricot and ginger jam, miniature cakes, open-faced sandwiches and flaky puff pastry.

1 Cluny Road Singapore
Botanic Gardens Singapore
Tel: +65 6476 6711
// Monday to Saturday (except public holidays), 3pm to 5pm.

House Dempsey

Barracks Cafe under House, Dempsey has recently launched a new Summer High Tea Buffet. It is only available on Thursday and Friday from 3pm – 5.30pm. The afternoon high tea buffet includes a pot of premium tea and high tea items for $25 nett per person. This is the perfect Dempsey restaurant to spend a leisure afternoon with a group of friends.

8D Dempsey Road #01-01 to 06
Tanglin Village (Dempsey Road) Singapore
Tel: +65 6475 7787

Jewels Artisan Chocolate

I have been wanting to go to Jewels Artisan Chocolate at Orchard Central since I heard about their Teatime indulgence set. Their try-a-little-bit menu sounds good, and at just $14.80++, it’s one of the cheapest afternoon high tea sets around. It includes 1 pc of truffle/praline, 1 pc of macaron, 1 slice of 85% Dark Chocolate Gateau, 1 dollop of ice cream/sorbet and 1 pot of gourmet tea.

181 Orchard Road #02-31/32
Orchard Central Singapore
Tel: +65 6509 8998
// Available from 11am – 6pm daily

Marmalade Pantry

Marmalade Pantry has an Afternoon High Tea set at $20++ each which is available from 3pm to 5pm daily with a minimum of 2 sets per order. The afternoon tea indulgenceincludes Gryphon tea, a selection of egg and cress, beef & horseradish and green land shrimp finger sandwiches, buttermilk scones, and a cupcake.

2 Orchard Turn #03-22
ION Orchard Singapore
Tel: +65 6734 2700

PS Cafe

Even though there isn’t any high tea set available, PS Cafe is still one of the best place to relax and chill over some desserts and tea. Oh boy, I can’t believe I haven’t been to PS Cafe yet. Will somebody please bring me there?

390 Orchard Road #02-09A
Palais Renaissance Singapore
Tel: +65 6887 2207

Rose Veranda

Depending on whether you prefer the international afternoon tea buffet or the English high tea, Rose Veranda offers both choices daily. Personally, I’d go for their English high tea set which comes in the 3 tier dessert stand.

22 Orange Grove Road Mezzanine Level,
Tower Wing Shangri-la Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6213 4486
// English High Tea 34++ (Weekdays), 36++ (Weekends) from 3pm – 6pm
International High Tea Buffet 38++ (Weekdays), 40++ (Weekends) from 11.30pm – 6pm

Tea Lounge @ Regent Hotel

Many friends who have been to the Tea Lounge @ Regent Hotel mentioned that they serve the best high tea in Singapore. On weekdays, they have the traditional English afternoon tea which comes in a 3 tier dessert stand. I always have this fascination with 3 tier dessert stand, they just make every dessert looks so good! For a wider spread, go on weekends for their international highi tea buffet.

1 Cuscaden Road GF
The Regent Singapore Singapore
Tel: +65 6725 3246
// Weekday English Afternoon High Tea $36++ 12 noon – 5pm
Weekend International High Tea Buffet $42++ 1.30pm – 5.30pm

TWG Tea Salon

Located in Republic Plaza and Ion Orchard, TWG Tea Salon offers more than 800 different types of tea – it’s definitely the place to go if you are a tea lover. They have three different high tea sets priced accordingly to different appetite. The 1837 tea set($17++) includes two scones/muffin, 1 pastries/macaron and a pot of tea.

The Chic Tea Set ($25++) has 3 fingers sandwich, 2 scone/muffin, pastries, and a pot of tea. But if you want to try their famous macarons, go for the Celebration Tea Time Set($29++) which consists of the same items as the chic tea set, plus another extra 3 macarons.

2 Orchard Turn #02-21
ION Orchard Singapore
Tel: +65 6735 1837
// TWG high tea is available 3pm – 6pm daily