BLOOMING BEAUTY

I had a pleasant surprise from I went to check on the plants in the school Herb Garden.  The Black Turmeric Plant or Kunyit Hitam was bearing flower.  And what an exquisite bloom it was.  We had planted it for more than 5 years and only now it has begun to flower.  This has gotten me so excited that I will spend more time in the Herb Garden tomorrow.  Heh! Heh!

Here is information about the Black Turmeric Plant

Common names:  Black Turmeric, Kunyit Hitam, Kali Haldi (Tamil), Black Zedoary
Scientific name: Curcuma Caesia
Family: zingiberaceae
Genus : Curcuma

Medicinal uses

It is claimed to be able to
1.  treat joint tumour.
2.  treat leprosy
3.  to give longevity to human beings
4.  to treat hemorrhoids
5.  to treat bronchitis and asthma
6. to treat gonorrhoea

References:
http://kelapadara-bioaslidesaku.blogspot.com/2008/04/herba-kunyit-hitam.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Turmeric
http://www.greencover.org/Herbs/Black%20Turmeric.html

LET THERE BE PEACE

We read of the escalated tension between the two Koreas and pray that it would not lead to war.  That would be a very worrisome situation for the world. I noticed that the soldier in the above picture was wearing a religious prayer bead bracelet for protection.  I guess he would most probably have gotten it from one of his family members who would be really worried sick about his wellbeing. 

Let us all pray and hope that the conflict would blow over and let there be peace.

WAITING TO BE EATEN

Look at the delicious Ikan Cencaru Sumbat or Stuffed Cencaru Fish in the tray.  They were all lined in a neat row waiting to be eaten by the customers of the school canteen. Yum! Yum!
Want to know how it is cooked, then visit here.

PUTTING ON THE "THINKING TOWEL"

I am sure that many of you would have heard about putting on the thinking cap to get more ideas but today I saw one of the girls in the class that I was invigilating putting a towel on top of her head when she was answering the Mathematics paper for the Mid-year Examination. Perhaps, she needed to put on her Thinking Towel to be able to answer the questions better.

WORRIED SMILES

My godbrother Kenny, his girlfriend, Mao Fang and I are smiling happily in the above pictures but all three of us are actually very worried about Kenny's mum, my Aunt May.  You can see her in the background. 

She is battling cancer and has undergone radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments in Singapore.   Now all of us are hoping that she will win her battle against the Big C.  At present she is very weak and has lost a lot of weight.  In our hearts, we are hoping that she will be well again in time for Kenny's wedding at the beginning of next year.

31ST MAY, 2010 IS QUIT FACEBOOK DAY

We have World Environment Day, Mother's Day, Parents' Day, World Aids Day and so on.  The latest I have heard of is Quit Facebook Day which happens to be today.  Yup!  You heard me right! 
Find out why below.

 
Monday is Quit Facebook Day

Unhappy Facebook users around the world will deactivate or even delete their accounts on Monday - the Quit Facebook Day.
At least 24,670 people have vowed that they would quit using this widely popular social networking site on www.quitfacebookday.com.
According to quitfacebookday.com, the users were unhappy with the way Facebook is managing its site.
Recently, Facebook made numerous changes to its privacy policy, including enabling its business partners to obtain users' data.
This has upset many users and left some others confused as they felt that Facebook has made it difficult for them to understand.
The web master of quitfacebookday.com wrote: "The cumulative effects of what Facebook does now will not play out well in the future and we care deeply about the future of the web as an open, safe and human place.
"We just can't see Facebook's current direction being aligned with any positive future for the web, so we're leaving."
The web master also suggested several alternatives site to Facebook such as Twitter, Flickr and Akoha.
"At the moment, there aren't a lot of great options for direct replacement but you’re not alone.
"When there's a market need, it's not long before better options appear," wrote the web master.
It is not clear how many people will quit Facebook on Monday but according to a poll conducted by Sophos, an estimated 60 percent of users were considering quitting Facebook.

Source: http://www.dailychilli.com/news/4066-monday-is-quit-facebook-day

Hmmm  ... shall or shan't I?  Let's wait and see. 

IRRESPONSIBLE PARENTS

We have become so dependant and so used to the Internet that many of us sit hours on end seeking entertainment from it.  I for one am guilty of such pleasures.  Today there was this news about an umarried couple being jailed for causing the death of their own baby girl, all because they neglected her to raise a virtual child, Anima, in a Game called Prius.  This is the DARK SIDE OF THE INTERNET. 

This should be a wake-up call for us to not become too immersed in the Internet.

An image of the 3-D fantasy game the couple was playing while their three-month old baby starved to death.

Seoul, South Korea (CNN) -- A couple whose baby starved to death while they raised a virtual child in an online fantasy game was sentenced Friday, their defense attorney said.

Prosecutors at Suwon District Court had sought a five-year sentence for negligent homicide, but the court handed out a two-year sentence.

Sentence was suspended for the female defendant, Kim Yun-jeong, 25, who is expecting the couple's daughter in August. Her partner, Kim Jae-beom, 41, will serve two years.

The unmarried couple's defense attorney said he was satisfied with the sentence.

"This is the first legal case regarding Internet addiction in Korea," said Kim Dong-young, a lawyer with the Korean Legal Aid Corp. "I am pleased that the female defendant's Internet addiction was taken into consideration, and she was bailed."

Three-month-old Kim Sa-rang died of malnutrition in September while her parents were engaged in 12-hour sessions of Prius Online. In the 3-D fantasy game, players nurture an online girl who gains magical powers as she grows.

Kim's mother is a former factory worker while her father is a taxi and truck driver.

During their trial, the court heard that the toddler weighed 6.4 pounds (2.9 kgs) when she was born, but was only 5.5 pounds (2.5 kgs) at the time of her death.

The trial was in March, but sentencing was delayed after the court requested a psychological examination of the mother. Both defendants appeared contrite during the trial, with the mother frequently breaking down in tears.

Internet gaming is hugely popular in South Korea, with some 21,500 'PC Bangs' -- or Internet cafes -- offering ultra-high speed Internet connections nationwide.

The case has highlighted the dark side of the nation's Internet, an industry touted by South Korean officials as cutting edge. A public debate is under way in the nation over online privacy and regulating Internet rumors.

There is particular concern about gaming addiction and its effects on teenagers and those estranged from mainstream society. "Consequently, it comes as no surprise to me that two people who were disconnected from society in general found a common psychological space that kept them physically and socially divorced from reality," said Tom Coyner, Seoul-based author of "Mastering Business in Korea."

Suwon, the satellite town south of Seoul where the tragedy occurred, was named "Intelligent City of the Year" this month by a New York-based think-tank Intelligent Community Forum.

The honor was awarded because of the town's investment in broadband infrastructure and its push to increase connection speeds to 1 gigabyte per second, according to reports.

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/05/28/south.korea.virtual.baby/index.html?section=cnn_latest

OF RED RADISHES, CARROTS AND LETTUCES

The radishes that are normally sold in markets in Malaysia are of the white variety.  There are also radishes that have red skin like the ones above.  They are usually used to make salads in western countries.
I had written in one of my posts about hanging a pair each of garlic bulbs, red radish and also twelve pieces of Chinese leeks on either side of the main door/entrance to a house or shop when first moving in.  This can also be applied to the grand opening of a business. By hanging up these items, it is symbolic of limitless earning power and endless counting of money earned.
One of my visitors who will be starting her business soon wrote in to make enquiries about an alternative item to use in place of the red radish as she couldn't find it at her place. 
I went to the market place in Ipoh to make enquires about the red radish and the hawkers told me that in Chinese the carrot is also known as Hong Lor Pak or Red Radish.  Anyway, I was told that in place of the Hong Lor Pak, the Sang Choy (Chinese lettuce) is a very auspicious item to be hung up as it means Generating a lot of Wealth.  Anyway, I checked the source where I got the information about the red radish from and discovered that it was originally translated from a Chinese article.  So I guess that the author had meant carrots instead of red radishes since we won't get them here in Malaysia. 
So if my visitor wishes, she can use carrots complete with leaves attached at the top.  Otherwise, the Chinese lettuce would be just as auspicious.

Carrots in Chinese are known as Hong Lor Pak or Red radish

Sang Choy (Chinese lettuce)

REAL MONKS AND A BOGUS ONE?

How an almsbowl looks like

A while back I posted a picture of a 'monk' at the Kampung Simee Market.  I suspected that he was a bogus monk as used a gold coloured singing bowl to receive the alms instead of the almsbowl like the ones carried by the two monks in the pictures above.  Also the Bhikkhus or monks would not hold out the bowls to get alms.  In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is the respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk.  What I know is that the real Bhikkus would just stand in one place and wait for those who wish to give them alms.  The alms could be in the form of vegetarian food, fruits and money.

Next time I see a dubious looking monk, I am going to volunteer to send him back to the Buddhist temple that he came from and get the Abbot to verify his identity.  I am all for giving alms to the Bhikkus but would not stand by and do nothing if I find people tarnishing their good image.

I did not have a good feeling about this guy in the monk robes as he was holding a singing bowl to receive the alms.  Note that he was also wearing a singlet inside.  I also recall he was wearing a watch.  Perhaps, I am wrong.  Could anyone who knows more enlighten me on this?

HERBAL MEDICINE TO TREAT HIGH CHOLESTEROL

TAI LUK MEEN 大碌面

When my father was alive, he loved to order Tai Luk Mee (thick Chinese noodles) fried Hokkien style, that is stir fried with black sauce.  Pork and lard are two of the ingredients used for this delicacy.  I wouldn't touch it as I don't eat meat.  I make an exception for seafood and eggs.   It is also known as Hokkien Mee 福建面 in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.  Here in Ipoh, it is mostly referred to as Tai Luk Meen.
However I would eat the Tai Luk Meen if it is cooked halal style, that is without the pork and lard.  There is this hawker stall in Canning Garden which serves halal food and so that means I get to enjoy the Tai Luk Meen cooked with vegetable oil, prawns and fishcakes. What you see above was my dinner for yesterday night.
By the way, big eater me wasn't content with just the plate of noodles, I later bought an egg burger (with double eggs) as well.

SMOKING CESSATION AMBASSADOR

Television viewers in Malaysia and many Southeast and East Asian countries would be familiar with the character of Ah Wong who is portrayed so convincingly by Hong Kong TVB actor Roger Kwok Chun Onn.  Did you know that he was once a chain smoker?  I didn't until today.  It seems that he has now been made an ambassador to encourage smokers to quit.  Interested to learn more, then read the article below.

ROGER KWOK DECIDED TO QUIT SMOKING AFTER HE RAN OUT OF BREATH WHILE FILMING
Roger Kwok, as the "Smoking cessation ambassador" attended an activity in Whampoa yesterday. Roger pointed out that he is the best person to be appointed as "Smoking cessation ambassador" because he is an ex-smoker. He had more than 10 years of "smoking" experience before he eventually gave it up 6 years ago.

Roger revealed "When I entered the entertainment industry, I had so much stress, like working all hours. I had to rely on smoking to get by, it was a bad habit. Once I smoked over 2 packets a day. (Wow, how did you give it up when you were such a heavy smoker?) I found out that my health was getting worse since I smoked. When I sang on stage, I ran out of breath and my heart beat was so fast. I tried to quit once, but was unsuccessful due to the fact that my friends around me were smokers. I couldn't handle that "smoking" temptation. However, I was successful the second time round." Roger was asked what was the driving force behind him the second time round? Roger smiled and said he owed it to Myolie Wu. He explained "In a TV series, Myolie was the passenger and I was the rickshaw driver. After only one round of pulling the rickshaw, I was exhausted, my heart was beating very fast and I was shaking. I had to rest for 5 minutes before the second take. At that moment, I knew I had to do it, so I decided to quit smoking."
Source: http://asianfanatics.net/forum/topic/722737-roger-kwok-decided-to-quit-smoking-after-he-ran-out-of-breath-while-filming/

MAKE TIME

ARTICLE ON USING CHINESE COINS TO BEGET LUCK

Here is another article by Kathryn Weber on using Chinese Coins for Feng Shui purposes.

Your Wealth Has Arrived --

Nine Ways to Stimulate Wealth with Lucky Chinese Coins


Wherever you go in Hong Kong, you see Chinese symbols of wealth and money. The ubiquitous symbol you see most often is the lucky Chinese coin. These coins are round with a square hole in the center. They represent both heaven (the circle) and earth (the square).

In Asia, the really old coins are the most highly regarded and valued. These good fortune coins adorn other symbols as well. You will almost always see a money frog sitting on a pile of coins. The yearly animal will also be shown sitting on a pile of lucky, or good fortune, Chinese Coins.

Good fortune coins come in many varieties. Some have trigrams and animal signs on them. Others will have trigrams and mantras printed on them.

The most common coins are the ones with a dragon and phoenix on one side and Chinese characters on the other side. The coins are often printed with two meanings, either "your wealth has arrived" or "your luck has arrived." I don't know about you, but this sounds pretty great either way!

There are a multitude of ways to use the coins as feng shui wealth enhancers around your home or business. Tie them in groups of three, six, and nine with red ribbon to activate them with a spark of energy. Always place them with the Chinese character side up. Next, use the ideas below to activate your home, office, and business for prosperity.

1. Walk on gold.
Make walking into your home an act of prosperity by placing lucky coins under a welcome mat or carpet inside the entrance to your home. Replacing your carpets? Scatter coins all over the floor under your new carpeting!

2. Talking money.
Place coins under your work phone or tape them to the back of your phone or cell phone.

3. Draw money to your pocketbook.
Carry the three-tied coins in your wallet, checkbook, or purse to activate wealth and draw wealth to you. Make a coin hanger into a purse hanger and add to your purse to charge your handbag with prosperity energy.

4. Energize your investment records and account books.
Magnetize your accounts with wealth-producing chi by taping or placing good fortune coins to your account files.

5. Supercharge your fountains.
If you have a fountain indoors or out, you can supercharge it by placing six lucky Chinese coins under the fountain.

6. Create a foundation of wealth.
Anytime you build an addition or build a home or install a new swimming pool, imbed the walls with as many Chinese coins as you can.

7. Stimulate your cash register.
If you have a business, place coins under your register and on the sides.

8. Give to get.
When you want to receive, sometimes that's when it's the hardest - but almost the most important time - is to give to someone else. Give a gift of coins to someone else when they need to boost their prosperity.

9. Activate your office.
Place coins under your office chair to help you create more money as you work. Tape coins onto your computer if your work is mostly on the computer. Tape coins to your fax machine to bring in more sales and add a string of coins to your office or business door. Buy a coin hanger and hang from your office door, front door of your office or home.

© K Weber Communications LLC 2002-2010
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter Feng Shui E-zine and certified feng shui consultant in classical Chinese feng shui. Kathryn helps her readers improve their lives and generate more wealth with feng shui. For more information and to receive her FREE Ebook "Easy Money - 3 Steps to Building Massive Wealth with Feng Shui" visit www.redlotusletter.com and learn the fast and fun way how feng shui can make your life more prosperous and abundant!

REARING TORTOISES FOR GOOD FENG SHUI

In 2005 when my mum was very ill, I was advised by a Feng Shui master to rear 5 tortoises in the North sector of the home as she told me that the presence of tortoises would generate good feng shui for the home and its occupants.  Many Feng Shui masters believe that tortoises are bringers of great feng shui into the home. They say that keeping a live tortoise or terrapin will ensure the patriarch or the matriach will live a long life. The presence of the tortoise is also said to protect the entire family from negative changes in the surroundings and they are also said to be able to usher in wealth and prosperity.  Some Feng Shui masters say that the tortoise helps to get rid of  bad qi and deflect poison arrows or shar qi.

I followed this advice and built a pond at the North and brought back the 5 tortoises that I had reared in my house in Sitiawan.  Well, my mum's health did get better and she has kept the tortoises.  Once in a while a tortoise or two would die or would have gotten lost, we make sure that we replace them.

Last week, I brought my mum to the pet shop to buy a few more tortoises as she only had three left.  She managed to buy 3 small ones at RM6.00 each.  At present she is keeping them in a small aquarium and will only place them in the pond with the bigger tortoises when they are bigger.

NO NEED TO EXPLAIN TO OTHERS

FOR PROTECTION AND STRENGTH

The Buddhists who go to the temples to pray would usually be given a  monk-blessed string to wear around their wrists as a blessing for protection and strength or for good luck.  The strings are usually yellow or orange in colour.

In Buddhism, wearing bracelets, necklaces or strings are reminders to Buddhists of their faith. The tying of blessed yellow string on the right hand which serves to remind them to observe the 5 precepts of Buddhism. The Five Precepts are commitments to abstain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and intoxication.

The ones that were given by the monks at the Siamese temple serve as protection cords.  The cords or strings are usually worn until they fall off.

TEMPERATURE RISING

It is just another 13 days before the first match of the FIFA World Cup is played.  Already the temperature is rising amongst football fans in Malaysia.  I guess it will reach fever pitch after the second round matches are played.  See I have already bought myself a Football T-shirt from Petronas in anticipation of the event.  Mind you, I paid RM33.90 for it.

RED COLOURED CREPE MYRTLE

I blogged about the Crepe Myrtle in a previous post and published photographs of the plant with pink flowers.  Here are pictures of the red coloured flowers that I found at Sam Poh Tong.

IT'S BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY

Today is Wesak Day. This day commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing of Lord Buddha. Wesak day is a time to honour Buddha, the Dharma (his teachings) and the Sangha (his disciples) and also for Buddhists to rededicate themselves to the teachings of Buddha's teachings and also to practice them.

Buddhists and many Taoists plus Hindus all over the country celebrate this day with religious offerings and rituals which are usually held at Buddhist temples.

The lighting of candles as offerings to Buddha on His birthday.

Me posing next to the statue of Lord Buddha inside the temple.

My Aunt receiving blessings from one of the monks in the temple.

A monk tying a yellow string on my mum's wrist after the blessing ceremony.

Some temples display a small statue of the Buddha in a basin which is decorated with flowers and filled with water. This serves as both a reenactment of the events following the Buddha's birth and as a symbolic personal cleansing of bad karma.  Practitioners pour water over the statue.

Me pouring water over the statue of Lord Buddha.

My mum and Aunt Linda at the Buddhist Temple at Tambun Road.