Friday, January 30, 2009

Friday Frolics - What Kind of Pancakes Are You?

Hey there, everyone! It is good to be back blogging again. Hope you did not miss me too much. ;) I had a blast, thank you very much. Hope you too are enjoying yourself welcoming in the Year of the Ox.

Food features prominently in the Chinese New Year celebration. It has been one meaty meal after another so it was quite a relief to be eating pizza for a change at a girlfriend's home yesterday.

I am not much of a flour person actually, but pizzas are good for a change. Pancakes are good too once in a while. Just as well as this week's quiz is about pancakes. Can you imagine yourself being a pancake? LOL?




HappySurfer Is Buckwheat Pancakes



You prefer healthy, foods made with whole ingredients.

You shy away from anything refined, high fat, or with too many scary ingredients.



It's not likely someone would find high fructose corn syrup or trans fats in your kitchen.

Instead, someone might find a huge, interesting salad or stir fry being prepared.


Other Personality Quizzes

Friday, January 23, 2009

Friday Frolics - What Asian Country Should You Visit?

I have a couple of friends who make it a point to spend a big part of Chinese New Year celebration yearly overseas. They normally start their trip a few days before the first day and come back after two weeks or so. I wonder where they are headed to this year.

I was told that during the Chinese New Year period, it is best not to visit any place where Chinese New Year is celebrated on a large scale, meaning that the place is predominantly Chinese. This is because you may have difficulty finding decent food. I wonder if this is true.

I have always been fascinated by China and her history but the thought of a visit to China used to turn me off after hearing about having to bring an umbrella to the toilet if one were to be in a rural area. You heard that too? I am sure the scenario is different these days after China hosted the recent summer Olympics, which is just as well as this quiz prompted that I should visit China based on what I look for in a travel. Check out which Asian city you should visit if you are planning a visit.



You Should Travel to China



China can satisfy your craving for many travel opportunities in one trip.

You can hang out in modern Shanghai, walk along the great wall, or visit sacred mountains.


Check out more Quizzes

Book - Yes Man

This looks like an interesting book. Found this write-up in The Star. Has anyone read this?

Yes Man tells the story of Danny, recently single, falling into loneliness and isolation and who was advised by a stranger on a bus to say 'yes' more. He did just that for a year and his life was totally transformed.

I suppose life is like that. If we look at things in a more positive light and accept what the universe has to offer, new opportunites will present themselves. Indeed, a little willingness can take anyone to the most wonderful of places.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

How to Start A Fight..

No, I don't mean to get you to start a fight or anything like that, but honestly, it takes very little to start a fight.

I got this a few times, not sure why I didn't post it. Thought I'd better do it now to do some justice to humour. Enjoy but don't use these as models! Ever!


My wife sat down on the couch next to me as I was flipping channels.

She asked, 'What's on TV?'

I said, 'Dust.'

And then the fight started...


My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary. She said, 'I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 150 in about 3 seconds.'

I bought her a scale.

And then the fight started...


When I got home last night, my wife demanded that I take her some place expensive... so, I took her to a gas station.

And then the fight started...


After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security. The woman behind the counter asked me for my driver's license to verify my age. I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later.

The woman said, 'Unbutton your shirt'. So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair. She said, 'That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me' and she processed my Social Security application.

When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office.

She said, 'You should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability, too.'

And then the fight started...


My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table.

My wife asked, 'Do you know her?'

'Yes,' I sighed, 'She's my old girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn't been sober since.'

'My God!' says my wife, 'who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?'

And then the fight started...


I took my wife to a restaurant. The waiter, for some reason, took my order first.

"I'll have the strip steak, medium rare, please."

He said, "Aren't you worried about the mad cow?""

Nah, she can order for herself."

And then the fight started...


A woman is standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror. She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband, 'I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment.'

The husband replies, 'Your eyesight's damn near perfect.'

And then the fight started.....


I tried to talk my wife into buying a case of Miller Light for $14.95.

Instead, she bought a jar of cold cream for $7.95.

I told her the beer would make her look better at night than the cold cream.

And then the fight started....


My wife asked me if a certain dress made her butt look big. I told her not as much as the dress she wore yesterday.

and then the fight started.....


A man and a woman were asleep like two innocent babies.

Suddenly, at 3 o'clock in the morning, a loud noise came from outside.

The woman, bewildered, jumped up from the bed and yelled at the man, 'Holy crap. That must be my husband!'

So the man jumped out of the bed; scared and naked jumped out the window. He smashed himself on the ground, ran through a thorn bush and to his car as fast as he could go.

A few minutes later he returned and went up to the bedroom and screamed at the woman, 'I AM your husband!'

The woman yelled back, 'Yeah, then why were you running?'

And then the fight started.....



I asked my wife, "Where do you want to go for our anniversary? "

It warmed my heart to see her face melt in sweet appreciation.
"Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!" she said.

So I suggested, "How about the kitchen?"

And that's when the fight started....


My wife and I are watching Who Wants To Be A Millionaire while we were in bed. I turned to her and said, "Do you want to have sex?"

"No," she answered.

I then said, "Is that your final answer?"

She didn't even look at me this time, simply saying "Yes."

So I said, "Then I'd like to phone a friend."

And that's when the fight started....


When our lawn mower broke and wouldn't run, my wife kept hinting to me that I should get it fixed. But, somehow I always had something else to take care of first: the truck, the car, e-mail, fishing, always something more important to me.

Finally she thought of a clever way to make her point.

When I arrived home one day, I found her seated in the tall grass,busily snipping away with a tiny pair of sewing scissors.

I watched silently for a short time and then went into the house. I was gone only a few minutes. When I came out again I handed her a toothbrush.

'When you finish cutting the grass,' I said, 'you might as well sweep the driveway.'

and then the fight started...


Source unknown

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

2009 Chinese Zodiac/Chinese Astrology

Every year around this time, just before the Lunar or Chinese new year begins, fortune-tellers, feng shui masters and people in this field would come up with a forecast of the year ahead particularly in relation to your animal sign in the Chinese Zodiac.

We all know that our life and fortunes vary from year to year and being curious in nature, we would want to know what the new year holds for us, even just for reading pleasure. Wouldn't you? But before we go into the actual forecast, first, a little tale to go with the Chinese Zodiac or Chinese Astrology. This is from a forwarded email, so the actual source is unknown, but if you do know, please drop me a comment so source can be creditted.

There is a famous legend behind the Chinese Astrology that says once upon a time the Jade Emperor arranged an animal swimming race to measure time. The first twelve animals that completed the race were Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram (or Goat), Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. As a prize, they all got a year each named after them.


According to another legend, Buddha once invited all the animals in the world for a New Year celebration, but only twelve animals turned up. Buddha then rewarded them by naming a year each after them. Moreover, these years follow in the order the animals arrived for the New Year celebration.

Yet, another popular legend is, Buddha before he passed on, summoned all the animals to his side. The twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac were the first twelve to arrive and he named each year in their honour, in the order the animals arrived. This is the one I am more familiar with.

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


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 favorable for socialising .

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!


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.


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.


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 focused 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.


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 criticized 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 minimized. 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.


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!


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 inspected in August and October for all Goats.


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.


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.


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.


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.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Malls come alive for Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is just a week away. Everywhere in town, it is crowded as people of Chinese descent go about their shopping in preparation for the celebration. The exodus back to the home-town has started. The Puduraya bus depot is bustling with activity.

Malls and shops are packed with shoppers. There are new clothes, shoes and other personal items to be bought as the Chinese believe that the new year should come with it new things, down to undergarments. Red is the colour for Chinese New Year, so expect to see a lot of red during this time of the year though these days, parents are not so particular about it and black is part of the new year wardrobe.

Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions and gatherings and too a meeting of friends and their families. Homes will be open and nicely decorated with New Year paraphernalia like scrolls depicting blessings and good words, red lanterns put up as well as other decorations. Lime or kumquat plants are a significant part of the home decoration so are longevity bamboos and pussy-willows, all decked with little ornaments of wealth and prosperity.

Shopping complexes or malls too make it a point to be decked up for this auspicious occasion which marks the first fifteen days of the new Lunar year. I have not gone around to the malls but let me share with you some mall decorations - images courtesy of The Star.

Let me take this opportunity to wish Chinese readers and everyone else, a Happy, Healthful and Prosperous New Year of the Ox which promises to be a good year generally.

GONG XI FA CAI!!

Unique: Pavilion Kuala Lumpur invites the public to touch its Golden Bull for luck at its Bintang Entrance.


Festive sight: Sungei Wang Plaza’s theme for the Ox-Picious Spring Festival.


Colourful: Chinese New Year decorations at Bangsar Shopping Centre.


Simple: Suria KLCC decorations use traditional Chinese red lanterns to symbolise the New Year.


HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Friday Frolics - Brain Games


For this week's Friday Frolics, let's do something different. Let's play some games instead.

Not insinuating that you are losing your memory, of course, but these memory-boosting games which I stumbled upon, are rather fun and addictive.

I should know, once I got started, it was a challenge trying to get off them. I especially like the one on Language, the first one. Have fun..

Click Brain Games

US Airways Plane Crash in New York's Hudson River

Today is yet another sunny day in Kuala Lumpur but reading the story of the US Airways plane-crash on the Hudson river in New York drives chills down my spine. Fortunately, all 155 passengers are safe and none serously injured.


150 passengers and five crew, were aboard the US Airways flight 1549, Airbus A320, bound for Charlotte, North Carolina from New York's LaGuardia Airport. The pilot made an emergency landing in the river just minutes after take off. A collision with a flock of birds apparently knocked out both engines. Rescue efforts were swift. Rescuers pulled all 155 people on board into boats as the plane sank.

More stories and pictures below:

All 155 survive plane crash in NY's Hudson River, The Star
All 155 Escape Jet’s Plunge Into Hudson, New York Times

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Suggesting a Link-name or Link-term

Have you ever received a request from a fellow-blogger asking to exchange links? If you have and have been asked as to the link-name or link-term you would like used, was it easy for you to suggest it?

If your blog has a niche subject, then you would have no problem suggesting a link-name or link-term, but if your blog is like mine, a general blog of a myriad of topics, that task would somehow be rather challenging, wouldn't you say?

A tip here, you might want to start figuring that out just in case you get a request for a link-exchange.

While we are at names and terms for a link, how many of you have used the expression "ew" or "eww" or even "ewwwwwwwwww". You might be happy to note that "ew" made it to the Oxford English Dictionary in December, so it is now a valid English word. More words here on the Oxford English Dictionary site.

And yes, "Eww!!" when you have flower pots being knocked down and broken and you have to clean up the mess and replanting the plants. This time of the year sees strong winds blowing. This is s sure sign of the impending Lunar New Year which falls on Jan 26 (I think).

I am avoiding Chinatown at this time of the year, especially in the evenings/nights as you can be caught in really heavy traffic in that part of Kuala Lumpur though for tourists, it is a great time to see Chinatown with its bustling activity and extra goodies on sale, i.e., the paraphernalia associated with the Lunar New Year.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

The 66th Golden Globe Awards

In case you are interested in yesterday's 66th Golden Globe Awards, here are some highlights.

The big winners were “Slumdog Millionaire,” Kate Winslet, HBO and its “John Adams” mini-series and NBC’s comedy juggernaut, “30 Rock,”


Danny Boyle, third from right, won the award for best director for "Slumdog Millionaire," which also won best drama.

“Slumdog Millionaire” won best dramatic picture, best directing, best screenplay and score. Best comedy was Woody Allen’s “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.”



Ms. Winslet won not only best actress in a drama for “Revolutionary Road,” a film directed by her husband, Sam Mendes, but also best supporting actress for “The Reader,” only the third time in Globes history that a person has won two acting awards in the same year.

Other winners include Mickey Rourke for best actor in a drama for “The Wrestler”, Bruce Springsteen won for best original song for his theme song to “The Wrestler.”

Heath Ledger, who died last January at 28, was named best supporting actor in a film for his role as the Joker in “The Dark Knight,” the year’s biggest success at the box office. The film’s director, Christopher Nolan, accepted the award on Ledger’s behalf as the audience rose in a standing ovation.

NBC’s “30 Rock” was named best comedy, and its star and creator, Tina Fey, was named best actress in a comedy, while her co-star, Alec Baldwin, won for best actor.

For more, read A Big Night for ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and Winslet ..NY Times

What's going on at the Red Carpet has always been fascinating to all, especially the media, as in who's wearing what or who. Here are a few. Check out more on Red Carpet fashion

On the Red Carpet From left: Glenn Close; Christina Applegate; Jennifer Lopez; Rachel Griffiths. - NY Times

More Glam Slam and photos here from Yahoo!













Related stories:

Heath Ledger's Mom: Globe Trophy Will Go to Matilda







Luxe Spotted: $1,495 Heels at Golden Globes

Monday, January 12, 2009

Of Facebook and Google


This is clearly a case of nothing is good or bad, it is the usage that makes it so, or something like that.

Facebook used for cyber-bullying? Yikes!!

School suspends 29 pupils for insulting teacher on Facebook
- A leading London girls' school has suspended 29 pupils for posting malicious comments about a teacher on Facebook.


Since we are on the subject of Internet application, here is something interesting too.

IF you want to help save the planet from carbon carnage, cut your Google searches, scientists say. Performing two Google searches from a desktop computer can generate about the same amount of carbon dioxide as boiling a kettle for a cup of tea, according to new research.

I suppose it applies to other search engines too, for that matter.

Continue reading Google searches are costly to the environment, experts say

Sunday, January 11, 2009

The Perigee Moon on Jan 10

I was looking forward last night to seeing the perigee moon in all its splendour but no such luck. It was a dark cloudy night and the moon was pale and intermittently obscured by the dark clouds floating by making it less than its perfect round shape.

Due to the dark cloudy sky, sighting the moon rise was not possible and when it was sighted, it was already overhead. Below are the shots I managed to take.












Jonathan Sabin of Florida noticed how dark the shadows were, so he took a picture of his own shadow instead.



Elsewhere around the world, the moon was beautiful. Check these out from Spaceweather.com.

The full Moon rising above the snow covered California Sierra Nevada Mountains



From Colorado



From Chennai, India, with a clear blue sky and a lake nearby



From Algeria



From the Alps, France - Note the plane crossing in front of the Moon



This one is beautiful taken in Southern Germany on a very cold wintry yesterday morning of -17 °C/+1.4 °F



Ice-skating in Netherlands with the perigee moon above



This is from Hungary



And this is one of two submissions from Malaysia, from Martin Carvalho of Malacca. Martin had this to say:

It was a quaint coincidence that the Full Moon was up during the launching of the ceremony to light up traditional Chinese lanterns along Malacca's Jonker Street, the city's 18th Century Dutch era quarter. The moon in the cloudless sky seem to blend well the red Chinese lanterns..



For more pictures, visit spaceweather.com

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Get a Free Suze Orman Book - 2009 Action Plan


To me, one of the best reasons for being on Twitter is to have access to new and up-to-date information. A new tweet from John Chow this morning informs about Suze Orman's book, "2009 Action Plan - Keeping Your Money Safe & Sound". Suze Orman is a financial expert. On her tv show, she gives advice to questions on personal finance.

At Amazon, this 227-page book goes for US$10. In it, you will find information on credit, retirement investing, spending, savings, paying for college, real estate, and ways to protect your family, financially. Even though the book may be written for US readers, the rest of us may benefit from the general financial information.

From now until Jan 15, the book is available on Oprah.com for free. If you are interested, click here for a copy of Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan.

Tonight, Biggest Full Moon of the Year

If you are someone who likes to watch the sky and gaze at the stars and the moon, you might be interested to know that the moon this weekend will be the biggest full moon of the year. It is what is known as a "perigee Moon".

What's a perigee moon? Science-Nasa explains it well: The Moon's orbit around Earth is not a circle; it is an ellipse, with one side 50,000 km closer to Earth than the other. Astronomers call the point of closest approach "perigee," and that is where the Moon will be this weekend, in fact, tonight, Jan 10.

Perigee full moons come along once or twice a year. 2008 ended with one in Dec (biggest full moon in 2008) and now 2009 is beginning with another. So, grab your camera and snap the biggest moon of the year tonight wherever you may be.

The picture below from Science.NASA, was taken in Dec 2008 by photographer Eric Ingmundson of Sparta, Wisconsin. The perigee moon was over a neighbour's farm. Look how big the moon was. Perigee moons can be 14% wider and 30% brighter than lesser Moons we see other times of the year.


Here is a picture from Spaceweather.com, taken last night on the Kolyskia peninsula in Russia, a blast of moonlight pierced the clouds and produced a 22deg ice halo. Ice halos are formed when tiny ice crystals in the atmosphere refract and reflect light.


Take some pictures of the perigee moon tonight and share the beauty on your blog. Better yet, drop me a comment here so that I can put together a collection and share the beauty of the perigee moon from around the world. How's that, eh? Your site will be linked back.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Friday Frolics - What Color Orange Are You?

Of late, the color orange fascinates me though I have no piece of clothing that is orange. No, wait, I do too. I have an orange shirt that I like to wear with a mini-skirt.

You may not like orange but try this quiz anyway for a reading into your personality. I don't know about me being soft and sweet, but I'm definitely unconventional and shocking at times. I know people who know me would agree.

Okay, your turn..




You are Apricot



Soft and sweet, you let your provocative nature shine through.

You have a true love for all people. You try to build a bridge between differences.

You are definitely unconventional, but you don't broadcast it. You are good at getting along.

You offer people a fresh perspective on life - so fresh that it can be shocking!


Check Out Other Quizzes