www.gasiantimes.com Jan15-31,2012Vol9.No1Covering The Multicultural Asian American Community in Georgia

Happy Lunar

New Year of

Dragon

Publisher: Li WongAccount Manager: Adrian WestContributors: Andrian Putra, May Lee, Mark Ho Photographer: Ben Hioe, Minh Doan, Rendy Tendean

Tel: (678) 971.9388Advertising: gat@gasiantimes.comEditorial: info@gasiantimes.comURL: www.gasiantimes.com

Mailing Address:P.O. Box 922348Norcross, GA 30010-2348

Copyright Georgia Asian Times 2004-2012

All Rights Reserved: including those to repro-duce this printing or parts thereof in any form without permission in writing from Georgia Asian Times. Established in 2004, the Georgia Asian Times is published by Asiamax Inc.

All facts, opinions, and statements appearing within this publication are those of writers and editors themseleves, and are in no way to be construed as statements, positions, endorse-ments by Georgia Asian Times or its officers.

Georgia Asian Times assumes no responsi-bility for damages from the use of information contained in this publication or the reply to any advertisement. The Publisher will not be liable for any error in advertising to greater extent than the cost of space occupied by the error and will only be made for a single publication date.

The Publisher reserves the right to reject any ad or articles submitted for publication that may not be in good taste for a free publication.

GAT Calendar of Events(For latest & updated events, visit www.gasiantimes.com)

GAT welcome submission of announcement pertaining to community related events. Please email event, date, venue, and time to gat@gasiantimes.com.

GAT does not guarantee insertion of event announcement and has the right to deny any posting.

Chinese New Year FestivalDate: Jan 21-22, 2012Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pmVenue: Cultural Center of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office5377 New Peachtree Road, ChambleeAdmission: $5 per person

TET Lunar New Year of Dragon FestivalOrganized by Vietnamese American Community of GeorgiaDate: Sunday, Jan 22, 2012Time: 11:00 am - 9:00 pmVenue: Grand Ballroom, Live Oak Plaza, 6100 Live Oak ParkwayAdmission: $5 per person, free for children under 36”For more info: Le Doan 770-722-8486, Tim Le 770-912-9684

Lunar New Year of Dragon Date: Monday, Jan 23

NACA Chinese Lunar New Year BanquetDate: Saturday, Jan 28Time: 6:00 pm

Venue: Canton House, 4825 Buford HwyAdmission: $40 member, $80 non-mem-ber; Groups Table availableSeating limited & RSVP necessaryFor more info: 770-936-9030

2012 Special PACCGA Networking SessionOrganized by Philippines American Cham-ber of Commerce GeorgiaDate: Tuesday, Jan 31Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmVenue: UPS Auditorium, 55 Glenlake PkwyAdmission: $15 per person; Hors d’oeuvre and refreshment includedRSVP: Sarah Hawk @ sarah.hawk@ogle-treedeakins.com by Jan 23, 2012.

America Korea Friendship Society Annual DinnerDate: Saturday Feb 4, 2012Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pmVenue: Georgian ClubFor more info: Joshua Lee, jlee@kameri-can.com

Page 4 January 15-31, 2012 Georgia Asian Times

Georgia Asian Times January 15-31, 2012 Page 5

METRO ASIAN NEWS

Duluth, January 7 — Chinese Business Association Atlanta (CBAA) organized its annual dinner meeting at a restaurant in conjunction with the new year.

Jian Ni, President of CBAA delivered the welcome and opening remarks for the group’s annual dinner meeting.

Hon. Sonny Perdue, former Governor of Georgia, gave an insightful keynote on his administration’s accomplishments during his term in office.

Perdue. who served as a two term Repub-lican Governor from 2003-2010, was proud of his administration’s effort in improving leadership in public sector, improving state government’s customer service to the pub-lic, and instilling productivity measurement in his administration.

“Our motto of ‘Faster, Friendlier, Easier’ service have improved the quality of life in Georgia,” said Gov. Perdue.

“Georgia have always been a friendly and welcoming state for immigrants. I am a bit saddened with the recent changes towards immigrants,” said Perdue.

Georgia was ranked behind California and Texas in new immigrants arrivals, ac-cording to Gov. Perdue.

Since leaving office, he founded Perdue Partners LLC, a company specializing in commodity trading and logistics services.

CBAA presented Gov. Perdue an award and a gift memento for his leadership and support of the Chinese community.

Former Gov. Sonny Perdue Keynote CBAA Annual Dinner Meeting

Sitan “Stan” Chen is not your ordinary high school student. The 16-year old earned the unique distinction of being the first student in the country to win the prestigious Siemens Competition for Math, Science, and Technology two years in a row.

Stan won $40,000 prize for his math-ematics project, On the Rank Number of Grid Graphs, which would result in a new method of solving complex graphing problem.

He also won $20,000 in 2010 when his team entry won on simulating a math-ematical processes in solving the Collatz Conjecture by using computer programs.

“Some of my friends inspired me to enter the competition. It is fun to conduct research at regional and national level competitions,” said the 16-year old senior at Northview High School in Johns Creek.

His passion for mathematics competition grew when he first entered “MathCounts,” a competition for middle school students.

“I really enjoy the creativity involved in solving complex math problems. It allows the power of a single idea to change the way we look at the world around us,” adds Stan with a smile.

His interest is not limited to math and science. Stan is an accomplished pianist and violinist who has been invited to perform at the Carnegie Hall six times. His latest performance at Carnegie Hall was in late November.

He is also a member of his school fencing team and regularly compete at high school tournaments.

Both of Stan’s parents, Guanghua “James” Chen and Jinghong Ye, are immi-grants from Anhui Province, China. James Chen operates the Alltop School, a tutor academy located at Johns Creek.

With his strong academic achievements, Stan has applied to numerous science schools including MIT, Georgia Tech and Harvard University.

“I just got accepted into Harvard. How-ever, I have not made up my mind yet,” declares Stan with a smile.

“My final decision will be based on the culture of the campus and one with strong math and science research environment.”

Stan may eventually pursue both of his passions with a dual degree in mathematics and music.

He has hope to become a university pro-fessor upon graduating from college.

2010 Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology$20,000 Winner: Sitan Chen, Tianqi WuCellular Automata to More Efficient Com-pute the Collatz Map - MathematicsMentor: Guanghua Chen, Harland Clarke Senior Software Engineer

2011 Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology$40,000 Winner: Sitan ChenOn the Rank Number of Grid Graphs - MathematicsMentor: Jesse Geneson, MIT Mathematics Department

Math Genius Wins National Competition 2nd Year in Row

Atlanta, Dec 29 - A string of home inva-sions and robberies targeting South Asian families in metro Atlanta in the past week.

Roswell Police confirmed arrests of eight men involved with the home invasions in Roswell and Mableton in Cobb County.

The suspects have hired attorneys and aren’t cooperating with police, according to Roswell Police spokesman Lt. James McGee.

Investigators said valuables such as jew-elry and golds that are kept at home.

Sales of home security monitoring have doubled in the past year due to increased vigilant by Indian families, according to an Ackerman Security sales personnel.

Five men entered the home of Dhiraj Sharma in Roswell on Wednesday evening. The home invaders wielded guns and tied him with electrical cord. His wife and two children just arrived home during the rob-bery. Both of them were unharmed.

Four robbers with ski masks and guns invaded a Mableton home owned by Keval Patel last Tuesday evening. He along with his dad and mother were held at gun point. The robbers managed to escaped after tak-ing cash and jewelry valuables.

Earlier this month, over 500 people at-tended a public safety forum organized by Eye on Crim, a community safety group at Sai Murali in Alpharetta. Representatives from North Fulton police departments told neighbors that they have increased patrols in the area.

Home Invasions Targeting South Asian Families in Metro Atlanta

Page 6 January 15-31, 2012 Georgia Asian Times

METRO ASIAN NEWS

Norcross, December 22 – The Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) Atlanta chapter hosted an annual Christ-mas Party in conjunction with the official announcement of its newly elected officials.

AREAA was founded in 2003 and is dedicated to promoting sustainable home ownership opportunities in Asian American communities. It also aim to be a national voice for housing and real estate profes-sionals who serve in the real estate market.

AREAA’s 12,000 members nationwide represent a broad array of real estate, mortgage, and housing related profession-als targeting Asian American community. As a national organization, AREAA has 20 chapters in the U.S. and an international chapter in Canada.

Dao Malaythong of Atlanta Maxim Realty is elected as the President of the AREAA Atlanta Chapter for 2012-2013.

A new Board of Directors and officers are officially introduced at the dinner party. Lam Ngo, Atlanta Maxim Realty Inter-national is elected Vice President; Kelly Nguyen of Atlanta Maxim Realty Interna-tional is serving as Treasurer; and Tim Hur of Point Honors & Associates serving as Secretary.

“As a leading national real estate organi-zation serving the Asian American commu-nity, we aim to educate and be a resource to the community in the fast evolving real estate market. We also hope to partner with other organizations such as NAMAR and NAHREP to accomplish those goals,” said Dao Malaythong.

AREAA Atlanta chapter plans to host several real estate educational seminars along with a major conference in conjunc-tion with the Asian American Heritage Month Celebration in May 2012.

“We also plan to assist more overseas buyers looking at investing in real estate market within the metro Atlanta and Geor-gia,” adds Malaythong.

AREAA National have organized several international trade missions including Chi-na and South Korea in 2011. It has recently completed a trade mission to Vietnam in November.

“With the rapid globalization of Atlanta’s businesses and growing Asian American community in Georgia, I hope AREAA At-lanta can serve as a conduit for real estate investors,” said Malaythong.

AREAA key events in 2012:

- AREAA National to host its first Global Real Estate Summit at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, April 1-3, 2012

- 3 AREAA Real Estate Summits in Bei-jing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou in mid-April 2012

- 2012 AREAA National Convention – Bellagio, Las Vegas, Sept 23-25, 2012

- AREAA Atlanta Convention, May 2012- International trade mission to Laos,

October 2012

Asian Real Estate Association Atlanta chapter elects new President

Doraville, January 6 - The recent eco-nomic downturn took a toll on many low income Asian families and individuals in metro Atlanta. Families have lost homes due to foreclosures; some are evicted from their apartments due to scrupulous landlord; and many who have lost jobs due the strict state immigration law that takes effect beginning of the new year.

Many are taking temporary refuge with friends and co-workers. When option runs out, they would resort to living in their cars or shelters when spaces are available.

Being homeless is made even more difficult by racial conflicts. Fights often occurred between African Americans and Whites at the homeless shelter. Many Asians preferred to stay away from shelter due to safety and security issues.

“We are seeing more individuals seeking help here after losing their jobs starting the new year. Many employers didn’t want to break the law,” said Tony Chung, Director of Housing Counseling at Center for Pan Asian Community Services, Inc (CPACS).

CPACS provides housing counseling and foreclosure prevention advise to minority and Asian individuals who need assistance. The center, which is HUD certified trained, have provided assistance to diverse Asian groups including Korean, Vietnamese, Chi-nese, and Latinos. CPACS assisted over 630 families with housing counseling in 2011.

“Our funding and grants for helping the homeless have suffered budget cuts recently. Nevertheless, we are helping more people in needs even with our limited resources,” adds Chung.

Many Asian families lost their homes to foreclosures due to lack of understanding of the law and housing regulations. In many cases, the foreclosures are preventable if the homeowners seek help early in the process, according to Chung.

“The troubled home owners often didn’t understand the law due to language barri-ers or they don’t even read the letters sent by their banks.”

As a result, CPACS have focused on edu-cation and foreclosure prevention advisory to the affected individuals and families. “We are informing the community that help is available. They should not be shy or inti-mated to come in before their homes are in jeopardy of foreclosures,” adds Chung.

Long Tran and his family have been homeless for the past four months. He had tried to modified his mortgage through an agent who collected advance payment from him. Tran spent his entire savings of $5000 to the agent in hoping to save his home.

Being unfamiliar with the law and lan-guage, Tran was counting on his agent to help. After receiving several warning letters from his banks, Tran tried to reach his agent. Unfortunately, his agent is nowhere to be found and has disappeared with his money.

Tran is a typical victim of a loan modi-fication fraud. Cases of such nature are rising in numbers especially in minority community.

Tran, his wife, and two young girls have been living in a shelter in Gwinnett county sponsored by non-profit organizations.

“It has become a nightmare. My dream to own a home have caused us to become homeless and have caused great suffering for my family,” said Tran with tears in his eyes.

For more information on CPACS, visit www.icpacs.org

Homeless Asians in metro Atlanta- invincible and unaccounted

L-R: CPACS Home Counseling staff: Stephen Lee and Tony Chung

Georgia Asian Times January 15-31, 2012 Page 7

FOCUS

SINGAPORE, January 4, 2012 (AFP) – Singapore will slash its leaders’ unpopular multi-million-dollar sala-ries by at least a third, new guidelines showed Wednesday, but they will re-main the world’s best-paid politicians.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who promised the salary review to ease public anger that surfaced in landmark 2011 elections, will take a 36 percent reduction in basic pay to Sg$2.2 mil-lion ($1.69 million).

That is still the highest salary of any elected head of government in the world — more than four times as much as Barack Obama who earns $400,000 a year as president of the United States.

It is also more than 45 times the $36,200 annual salary, including al-lowances, that Manmohan Singh is paid as prime minister of India, a na-tion of 1.2 billion people.

The People’s Action Party (PAP), which has ruled Singapore since in-dependence in 1965, has been on the defensive since its share of votes in the 2011 election fell to 60 percent, an all-time low.

Among the hottest issues facing the PAP was ministers’ high pay, which the government has justified as necessary to attract talent from the private sector and to deter the corruption that afflicts other Asian countries.

Under the new scale the city-state’s largely ceremonial president will see his pay reduced by 51 percent to Sg$1.54 million, while entry-level

cabinet members will receive half the premier’s salary.

That still puts them well ahead of government leaders in the world’s ma-jor economies.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who heads Europe’s biggest economy, earns a gross salary of about 189,216 euros ($246,750) a year, less than France’s President Nicolas Sarkozy who earns just over 230,000 euros.

Hong Kong chief executive Donald Tsang earns roughly $543,500 annu-ally and the Japanese prime minister gets about $513,000 a year.

Singapore has the world’s highest concentration of millionaire house-holds, with 15.5 percent boasting at least $1 million in investable assets according to the Boston Consulting Group, but it also has one of the widest income gaps among developed econo-mies.

Critics immediately swamped online forums to slam the new system, which was recommended by an independent committee whose proposals Lee has agreed to implement.

“Ordinary minister’s salary still higher than US President! Still too high! Pure Nonsense!” wrote a reader who signed off as Lim Lao Pe on the Yahoo! Singapore portal.

Gerard Ee, a charity leader who headed the seven-month salary review, said the cuts showed political service should involve “sacrifice” but that pay should remain attractive enough to at-tract quality candidates.

Cabinet salaries had previously been pegged to two-thirds of the income of the top four earners in six fields: banking, accountancy, engineering, law, manufacturing and multinational corporations.

That meant min-isters’ pay could still rise despite economic reces-sions.

Under the benchmarks un-veiled Wednesday, the salary of an entry-level cabinet minister is set at 60 percent of the median income of the 1,000 highest-earning Singapor-ean citizens, which

works out at Sg$1.1 million.

Popular local satirist Mr Brown wrote on Twitter: “Why must ministe-rial salaries be pegged to the Top 1000 earners of Singapore? Why not the lowest 1000? You help the poorest, you make more.”

The cuts will be retroactive to the start of the current government’s five-year term on May 21, 2011.

Despite the reductions, all cabinet members will be entitled to a “National Bonus” of up to three months’ pay if targets are met on economic growth, employment and improvement in Sin-gaporeans’ incomes.

Bonuses were already part of the previous scheme, which permitted a maximum of eight months’ extra pay if economic growth exceeded 10 percent but none if growth dipped below 2.0 percent.

Political analyst Seah Chiang Nee said the salary cuts indicate a “serious effort to address people’s concerns” but that the government should be more transparent about bonuses, allowances and other perks.

Singapore cuts PM pay but still world’s best paid

Singapore’s cabinet ministers.

2012 Lunar New Year of Dragon

The Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world by the many cultures that observe the lunar calendar. Festivities begin on the first new moon of spring (in the northern hemisphere) or autumn (in the southern hemisphere), and end 15 days later as the full moon rises in the sky.

Greet people with Happy New Year to bring good fortune and prosperity:

Kung Hei Fatt Choy – CantoneseGong Xi Fa Cai – MandarinSae Hae Bok Manee Badusaeyo – KoreanChúc Mung Năm Moi – Vietnamese

The Dragon is one of the most powerful and lucky signs in the Chinese zodiac, with many believing there is a balance between heaven and earth in the lives of people born in the Year of the Dragon. As well as being blessed with good fortune, Dragons are innovative, flexible, self-assured and passionate, making good artists, diplomats and politicians. However, Dragons can also be stubborn, intense and quick tempered. 2012 is the Year of the Water Dragon, with water having a calming influence on Dragons’ fearless temperament, and also making them more perceptive of others.

Lunar Chinese New Year’s Day 2012: 23 January

Dragon lucky gemstone: Opal, sapphire and amber

Dragon lucky colors: Gold and black

Most compatible signs for Dragons: Rat, Snake, Monkey and Rooster

Most incompatible signs for Dragons: Dog

People born in the Year of the Dragon include: Gough Whitlam, Al Pacino, Bruce Lee, Casey Donovan, Emily Browning, Fats Domino, Elle Macpherson, Sigmund Freud, Gregory Peck, John Lennon, Grace Cossington Smith, Ken Done, Martin Sheen, Reese Witherspoon, Russell Crowe, Salvador Dali, Sandra Bullock, Melissa George, James Blundell, John Bell and Shirley Temple.

2012 Lunar New Year of Dragon Georgia Asian Times

2012 Year of The Dragon ~ ZodiacChinese Astrology is a sixty-year

cycle that combines the energy of five elements and twelve animal signs. This system is tied to the Lunar calendar. 2012 is called the Year of the Water Dragon. It begins January 23, 2012 and ends February 9, 2013.

Dragons are powerful and magical creatures. Dragon years are times of destiny and decision. The beneficial influence of Water encourages cooper-ation, sensitivity to others, and mutual understanding in pursuit of important goals. Water Dragon requires tough choices and a willingness to surrender what is no longer necessary. Although this may seem daunting, the proper use of Dragon energy attracts good fortune.

The Year of the Water Dragon is a leap year, or longer than average. This makes it an especially lucky year to marry. If you have been waiting to take a relationship to a deeper level, it’s an auspicious time to make the leap!

Dragons go where others fear to tread. You can cope with stress and face challenges with a more hopeful attitude. It will be easier to do what is necessary to make progress toward specific goals. Dragon encourages pa-tience and perseverance.

But building a foundation for the fu-ture takes time. Between February and April, work to resolve anything that creates disharmony in the family or community. In July the energy begins to shift. Many will face unexpected and challenging choices.

August and September brings trans-forming events (possibly connected with finance, war, or weather) that may grab the world’s attention. Water Dragon encourages a courageous and even relaxed attitude. There is noth-ing coming that you will not find a way through.

Each animal sign is ruled by one Fixed Element: Metal, Water, Wood, or Fire. To make the best of Water Dragon energy, find your sign’s Fixed Element below.

MetalIf ruled by Metal (Rooster, Monkey,

Dog), better communication and sen-sitivity toward others will support your need to get things done. You will find it easier to be empathetic to the feelings and needs of others. Teamwork is easy and supports your best interests.

WaterThose of you ruled by Water (Pig,

Rat, Ox) are in your element! In a time when others are struggling you can be a pillar of wisdom and encouragement. Your ability to sense when to speak or act will help you take the lead. You can spot opportunities others might miss.

WoodThose ruled by Wood (Tiger, Rabbit,

Dragon) will be powerfully energized. It’s time for action guided by intuition. Friendly optimism and good humor support your community and fam-ily in important ways. You’ll discover resources where others see dead ends. Dragons in particular will attract achievement and recognition.

FireFor those ruled by Fire (Snake,

Horse, Goat) can be extremely persua-sive in any area of interest. Sharing your dreams will help others move in similar directions. While Dragon en-courages good communication, Water leads you to go with the flow more than you should. This is no time to sit back and allow others to save the day.

Georgia Asian Times 2012 Lunar New Year of Dragon

2012 HoroscopeDragon (2000 1988 1976 1964 1952 1940 1928 1916 1904)

Dragons are difficult to ignore, especially during their year! In the Year of the Water Dragon - you are even stronger, more dramatic, and courageous. Even in challenging times, you will set and pursue ambitious goals.

Trust your intuition. Water will help you be extra diplomatic and compas-sionate when dealing with people. You can easily take the lead in your com-munity. Those facing difficulties will benefit from your ideas and confidence.

Pick your battles, especially in October when things may be particularly stressful. The flowing nature of Water asks you to accept that some things are simply not to be.

Snake (2001 1989 1977 1965 1953 1941 1929 1917 1905)

Snake natives can expect continuing challenges, but overall success in the Year of the Water Dragon. Collaborative efforts will bring you the best luck. Identify your friends and then work closely with them.

The element Water emphasizes the importance of going with the flow. You will have a kind of sixth sense about when to make a move. With little effort and no obvious agenda, you can be extremely convincing and win others to see your point of view. The self-confidence that Dragon brings encourages you to follow your natural curiosity into new and amazing places.

Horse (2002 1990 1978 1966 1954 1942 1930 1918 1906)The Year of the Water Dragon can help you make dreams come true. Dragon

energy encourages you to be extra ambitious and determined to succeed. Teamwork helps you develop practical plans in any area of interest. You can do more cooperatively than you can alone.

The flowing nature of Water encourages good communication and extra sensitivity to the unspoken needs of others. Remember - all it takes to unleash your natural good luck is to be true to yourself. Don’t compromise your per-sonal integrity by taking the easy way out, especially in the month of June.

Goat (2003 1991 1979 1967 1955 1943 1931 1919 1907)The Year of the Water Dragon can help you make dreams come true. Dragon

energy encourages you to be extra ambitious and determined to succeed. Teamwork helps you develop practical plans in any area of interest. You can do more cooperatively than you can alone.

The flowing nature of Water encourages good communication and extra sensitivity to the unspoken needs of others. Remember - all it takes to unleash your natural good luck is to be true to yourself. Don’t compromise your per-sonal integrity by taking the easy way out, especially in the month of June.

Monkey (2004 1992 1980 1968 1956 1944 1932 1920 1908)In the Year of the Water Dragon, monkeys are blessed with extra good luck!

Because you love a challenge, even a year that could bring sudden changes of fortune will not get you down.

Water makes team projects more effective and satisfying. This is a power-ful time for building relationships with helpful people and groups supporting your best interests.

You’ll find it easier to be more sensitive to the feelings of those around you. Expect to be quite popular. Dragon’s confidence allows you to express your original style in a way that guarantees positive attention.

Rooster (2005 1993 1981 1969 1957 1945 1933 1921 1909)Self-confident Roosters can expect a mixed bag of energies in the Year of

the Water Dragon. With powerful Dragon influencing you there is little you cannot achieve. However, the potential for overspending, overdoing, or over-reaching lurks in the background of every decision.

The good news is the Water element makes you more sensitive to the flow of events. Keep your pride in check. You will be able to think clearly and be ex-tremely practical, perhaps brilliant, no matter what challenges lie ahead. Your willingness to listen and be a team player is your greatest resource.

Dog (2006 1994 1982 1970 1958 1946 1934 1922 1910)The Year of the Water Dragon can bring powerful challenges to step out of

your comfort zone. Influential people who may be somewhat irritating can prove to be valuable mentors who push you beyond what you thought was reasonable or possible.

Water helps ease some of the stress. It supports teamwork and a greater willingness to cooperate. You have the courage to speak your mind. A Dog who stands firm against the forces that undermine his or her community can be a powerful force for good. Unwavering personal integrity can make you a hero of sorts.

Pig (2007 1995 1983 1971 1959 1947 1935 1923 1911)The Year of the Water Dragon brings confidence and determination to you.

You are tough, and can move through periods of great stress and transforma-tion with an unusual degree of stability.

Water encourages you to go with the flow. Be sure this does not mean un-necessary compromise or sacrifice of important principles.

Throughout the year, you’ll have more opportunities to take action to better your life and be of service to others. An opportunity is a choice. Without ac-tion opportunity evaporates into good intentions. To make it powerful, jump in with both feet when something comes your way.

Rat (2008 1996 1984 1972 1960 1948 1936 1924 1912)The Year of the Water Dragon encourages a greater sense of optimism. Even

in challenging times, remain clear and confident about the future you intend to create. You’ll attract powerful resources in support of your dreams.

Do your best to go with the flow. The easiest path to happiness and success demands a willingness to be accommodating to others as you make a sincere effort to understand their perspective. Events that seem small or insignificant will become much more important later in the year. Trust your intuition about when to make course corrections.

Ox (2009 1997 1985 1973 1961 1949 1937 1925 1913)The Year of the Water Dragon can be a mixed bag for down-to-earth Ox

natives. On one hand, you are at home in the Water element. Your ability to wait patiently for useful opportunities is a key to your success. Expect to be recognized as a good team player.

Dragon demands action and will challenge you to be more assertive if you hope to bring your plans for greater stability into reality. Demand more of yourself than others. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and speak up for what you know is right.

Tiger (1998 1986 1974 1962 1950 1938 1926 1914)In the Year of the Water Dragon expect to be a more controlled and diplo-

matic Tiger. This gives you an edge in times of powerful change and uncertain outcomes. You will still be enthusiastic, competitive, and energetic.

You will also find it easier to compromise and bide your time to get what you want. The Water element encourages you to be less demanding. Be open to change your thinking in order to change your life. Dreams can come true! With Dragon whispering in your ear, challenging situations will only give you more resolve to succeed.

Rabbit (1999 1987 1975 1963 1951 1939 1927 1915 1903)The Year of the Water Dragon brings powerful forces demanding confidence

and flexibility. Your ability to sense other’s feelings and intentions is strong.A growing network of friends and family stand by you through times of

trouble and times of joy. The courage of Dragon and intuition of Water will help you resolve issues from the past.

Rabbits who are under stress can be moody. You might create unnecessary emotional bar-riers. Give yourself permission to enjoy more creature comforts and regular downtime. You can speak in a way others hear and discover diplomatic solutions for complex problems.

2012 Lunar New Year of Dragon Georgia Asian Times

FOOD & TRADITIONS

On Lunar New Year’s Eve it is customary to visit relatives and par-ticipate in a large reunion dinner of specific foods. Traditionally families will partake of eight or nine dishes because those are lucky numbers which represents prosperity, long-lasting, and good luck.

Lunar New Year is the time of year to celebrate and honor the Kitchen God and it symbolic meaning. But for now let’s take a look at some of the foods and the symbolism represented that typically will be served at the dinner feast.

•

An appetizer featuring lettuce - Sym-bolizes growing good fortunes.

• Spring rolls – Shape is suggestive of ancient Chinese money which repre-sents wealth in the coming year.

• Clams or scallops – For their shaped like ancient Chinese coins.

• Lobster – Signifies life and energy.

• Rice – Reminiscent of well-being and good fortune.

•

Dumplings – Resembles ancient Chi-nese coins and many families cook this dish late at night through the midnight hour to symbolize bringing luck and prosperity into the new year.

• A whole chicken with head and feet – This tradition symbolizes a proper beginning and ending to the year.

• A entire Fish including head and tail – Is symbolic of several things. Fish represent a wish. Also two swim-ming fish represents marital bliss. It is usually served last and some is left to be eaten the following New Year’s Day. Again, symbolizing the family bringing prosperity of the previous year into the new year.

Banh Chung/Banh Tet- Square Cake Banh Chung (steamed square cake) and its Southern variety called Banh Tet - is unique to Vietnam’s Tet holiday. Banh Chung is a food made from glutinous rice, mung bean and pork, added with many other ingredients. Banh Chung is covered by green leaves (usually banana leaves) and symbolizes the Earth, in-vented by the prince Lang Lieu from Hung King dynasty. Besides traditional reason, Banh Chung is chosen as the main food for

Tet holiday because of it can last long for days in the severe weather of Vietnam (Banh Chung can survive at room temperature for nearly 1 month).

Vietnamese SausageGio Cha (Vietnamese ham/sausage) is another traditional food in Tet holiday, and usually served with Xoi (sticky rice) and Banh Chung. Gio is different from Cha since Gio is boiled and Cha is deep-fried. Vietnamese people make Gio from lean meat, Essential Foods for Tet holidays

Following are the most typical food found in Vietnamese’ Tet holiday:

added fish sauce and covered by leaves then boiled for hours. Cha is also made of lean pork and ingredients, but Cha is not wrapped by leaves and boiled but deep-fried in oil. Cha just survive for some days when Gio can last for month due to its covers. There are many kind of Gio, categorized by its origins: Gio Lua (made from pork), Gio Ga (made from chicken), Gio Bo (made from beef). All these types are used not only in Tet holidays but also over the year.

Sticky Rice - XoiXoi (Sticky rice) is also a very important part of Tet holiday in Vietnam, since the meals to worship the ancestors can not missing this dish. Moreover, along with Banh Chung, xoi is the main staple foods for Tet holiday. Xoi in Tet holidays can be seen in many forms: Xoi Lac (sticky rice with peanuts), Xoi Do Xanh (sticky rice with mung bean), Xoi Gac (sticky rice with special “gac” fruit). Among these types, xoi gac is favorite the most by people because of its special red color – symbolizes the luck and new achievement for the New Year. Xoi is usually served with Gio Cha or boiled chicken in Tet meals. Sometimes it can be served with Che (sweet soup) like a dessert.

Steamed Chicken - Thit GaThit ga (boiled or steamed chicken) plays an important role in Tet holiday cuisine because all the tribute meals to the ances-tors must contain a boiled chicken, whole or chopped. Chicken meat in Tet meals are various in forms: usually chicken are boiled and sliced, but sometimes people can place the whole chicken in a plate, or nowadays some families use roasted or fired chicken to replace the original boiled ones. Chicken

meat is served with Xoi (sticky rice) and Banh Chung, and become one of the most popular main dishes in Tet holidays. Boiled chicken are always go with sliced lemon leaves and salt-and-pepper sauce, as a tradition. Chicken (especially bones, legs and heads) can be used to prepare the broths for other soups.

Mut - Candied FruitsMut Tet (Tet jam) is not a food to serve in a meal during Tet holiday, but more like a snack to welcome guests in this special period. Mut is always kept in beautiful boxes and placed at the table in the living room, and it is the main food for the owners and guests to taste when they’re talking, enjoyed over a cup of tea. Unlike Western jam, which is usu-ally in liquid form and served with bread, “Vietnamese jam” is mainly in dry form, usually dried fruits and some kind of

seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, watermelon seeds). This once-in-year mix of snack is very large in variety, with so many tastes: ginger, carrot, coconut, pineapple, pumpkin, lotus seed, star fruit, sweet potato. Nowadays, cake and sweet are slowly replacing jam in Tet period, but many people still love the taste this unique food – an angle of Vietnamese culture.

Essential Foods for Tet holidaysFollowing are the most typical food found in Vietnamese’ Tet holiday:

Georgia Asian Times 2012 Lunar New Year of Dragon

Atlanta 4360 Chamblee Dunwoody RoadAtlanta, GA 30341 | 770.454.4755

One Paces West, 2727 Paces Ferry RoadSuite 150, Atlanta, GA 30339 | 770.432.1000

3490 Shallowford Road,Atlanta, GA 30341 | 770.455.1772

Duluth 2540 Pleasant Hill RoadDuluth, GA 30096 | 678.417.7572

Norcross 3280 Holcomb Bridge Road, NWNorcross, GA 30092 | 770.582.0705

Happy Chinese New Year

from East West Bank!

May the year of the Dragon

bring you success and

prosperity in 2012.

2012 Lunar New Year of Dragon Georgia Asian Times

TABOOS & SUPERSTITIONS

The Lunar New Year has its own symbolisms, traditions, and supersti-tions as with other holidays like the calendar New Year, Valentine’s Day, or Easter. There is symbolism for ushering out the old and bringing in the new. Some of these symbolisms may be done from cultural aspects, for feng shui reasons, or just to represent change.

Many have become modernized and may not believe in all the do’s and don’ts, however many of these tradi-tions and customs are still performed out of respect for their elders and also provide continuity with the past. As one will see there are numerous rituals that must be performed in or before the Lunar New Year’s Eve. Here are a few of the symbolisms, traditions, and superstitions that are usually per-formed and or adhered to:

Spring Cleaning

Spring-cleaning is held before New Year’s Day, to sweep away all the mis-fortune. This way, the New Year is wel-comed with a clean start. On the other hand, to sweep on the First New Year’s Day to the Sixth New Year’s Day, is to sweep away good fortune. Hence, dust must be swept inwards from the out-side, and everything must look new or

clean for fortune to smile on the family. Decorations are also put up, such as the character fu (chinese for fortune) hung upside down, so that it will form “fu dao”(fortune upside down), a pun for “fu dao” fortune arrives).

Red Packets “Hong Bao”

The best part of Lunar New Year for the children is to receive traditional gifts of money, wrapped up in a red packet called “hong bao”, from their

parents and elderly married persons. The amount in the packet should be an even number, to be lucky and auspi-cious. Children are expected to accept red packets graciously, with customary good wishes. It is bad manners to open red packets in the presence of others.

According to ancient belief, the first day of the new year was the birthday of chickens; the second day, dogs; the third day, pigs; the fourth day, sheep; the fifth day, cows; the sixth day, horses; the seventh day, humans; and the eighth day, grains. It them became customary for Chinese to celebrate an additional birthday: the seventh day of the new year, called “ren ri”.

Personal Cleanliness

There are several superstitions or traditions that are performed to one’s personal appearance. Washing one’s hair on New Year’s Day is believed to wash away the good luck of the New Year. One should not wear black or white clothing because they are traditionally colors for mourning; this should be a day to wear the color red to add an extra boost of energy. And ladies you will like this symbolism – wearing new clothes represents the newness that you want to bring into your life.

Decorations and Symbols

Oranges are excellent symbols of gold. So in many homes there will be a big bowl of 8,9, or 10 (the numbers of prosperity) oranges in the living room or centrally located in the house next to dishes of nuts or candies to symbol-ize an abundant, fruitful home. Place a new plant in the East sector of your house to symbolize a good health and family relationships for the New Year. It is bad feng shui to have an empty refrigerator and pantry during this time so be sure to stock up the kitchen and pantry.

Finance and Wealth

Do not go into the Lunar New Year with an empty wallet. If you can fill you wallet with money for this celebra-tory occasion. One should perhaps set

aside this time of year to purchase a new wallet or purse to start new energy for new beginnings. All debt should be paid and no lending or borrowing should be done on this day. Anyone who does may find themselves lending or borrowing all year long.

Words can Hurt You

Other superstitions entail “words” – It is unlucky to greet anyone in their bedroom so on this day even the sick get dressed and sit in the living room. The first person you meet and the first words heard are significantly impor-tant as to what the fortunes will be for the entire year. Also the participants in these New Year rituals believe that ev-eryone should refrain from using foul language, bad or unlucky words, and no quarreling during this time period. Death and ghost stories are a big taboo as well.

Georgia Asian Times 2012 Lunar New Year of Dragon

Page 14 January 15-31, 2012 Georgia Asian Times

Misc Asia

TAIPEI, January 14, 2012 (AFP) – Tai-wan’s Beijing-friendly leader Ma Ying-jeou secured a second four-year term as presi-dent Saturday, promising better ties with China after an election watched intently by the United States.

“We’ve won,” a jubilant Ma, 61, told crowds of supporters gathered at his cam-paign headquarters in downtown Taipei after vote counting showed him securing 51.6 of the vote with 90 percent of ballots tallied.

“In the next four years, ties with China will be more harmonious and there will be more mutual trust and the chance of conflict is slimmer.

“I will ensure a sustainable environment for peace for Taiwan,” added Ma, who in his first term oversaw the most dramatic thaw in the island’s ties with China since the two sides split over 60 years ago.

His main challenger Tsai Ing-wen, a 55-year-old China-sceptic, conceded defeat after her disappointing showing and an-nounced she would step down as chair-woman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

“We accept the Taiwan people’s decision and congratulate President Ma,” she told her party faithful. “We want to give our deepest apology to our supporters for our defeat.”

Tsai, who had been vying to become the island’s first female leader, took 45.7 percent of the vote, according to unofficial tallies.

George Tsai, a political scientist at the Chinese Culture University in Taipei, said the result was a vote of confidence in Ma, who raised exchanges with China to unprecedented levels and introduced a sweeping trade pact.

“The outcome shows that voters gener-ally approve of Ma’s policies promoting ties and reducing tensions with China,” he said.

“He has a new mandate although it’s an open question how fast and how far he can go in his second term.”

By contrast, a win for Tsai could have ushered in a period of uncertainty in ties with China, as her DPP has traditionally favoured distancing the island from the mainland.

“The reason why the Chinese mainland is so concerned about the Taiwan election is because we are worried that the idea of ‘Taiwan independence’ will be further spread by the process, as it was in the past,” the state-controlled Chinese paper Global Times said Friday.

Although China and Taiwan have been governed separately since 1949, Beijing still claims sovereignty over the island, and has vowed to get it back, even if that involves going to war.

Surveys published last week had shown the race would likely be too close to call, with Ma of the Kuomintang (KMT) party leading Tsai by as little as three percentage points.

Taiwan’s Ma wins second term as president

The United States, had also kept a close eye on the election, hoping the outcome would not upset the stability that the strate-gically vital Taiwan Straits area has experi-enced since Ma assumed power in 2008.

A third candidate, former KMT heavy-weight James Soong, 69, never stood any real chance of winning but his support base overlapped with Ma’s and had threatened to steal precious support from the incum-bent.

Officials had expected a heavy turnout, but official figures were not yet available.

Chang Poh-ya, chairwoman of the Cen-tral Election Commission, said Friday she expected about 80 percent of the island’s 18.1 million eligible voters to take part in the election, compared with just over 76 percent in the 2008 vote.

The Ma camp counted on the support of an estimated 200,000 China-based Tai-wanese businesspeople and their relatives who returned home to vote.

“I voted for Ma because I am doing busi-ness with China and I often travel there,” said businesswoman Ane Wei at a polling station in Taipei. “It’d be more convenient for me and good for my business if he remains in office.”

Ruby Yang, an office worker, said she had cast her ballot in favor of Tsai “because I want to see the first female president in Taiwan”.

China air-con tycoon moves into eco-friendly buildingBEIJING, January 11, 2012 (AFP) – The

Chinese tycoon behind a 30-story energy-saving building that went up in just 15 days said Wednesday he intends to dupli-cate the model across the vast and heavily polluted nation.

The prefabricated building, the five-star T30 Hotel at Dongting Lake, Hunan prov-ince, that opens on January 18, became an Internet sensation after time-lapse video posted online showed it being constructed by 200 builders in just 360 hours (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hdpf-MQM-9vY).

Zhang Yue, the billionaire chief execu-tive of the Broad Group air conditioning company, said the speed with which his buildings go up reduces waste of materials and energy.

He said the buildings, which feature quadruple-glazed windows and only use energy-saving lighting, would become his biggest business in 2013.

“We need to speed up our environmen-tal thinking. We need buildings like this all over China,” Zhang said of the pre-fabs, which he claims are six times greener than most European buildings.

“In 2013 we will build 20 buildings

a month and by 2014, we’ll be up to 50 buildings a month. And that’s just from one factory,” he said by telephone.

“China is 20-40 times more polluted than Europe and that’s hurting our health and will offset the economic benefits of our growth,” added Zhang, who won a UN Environment Program “Champions of the Earth” award last year.

China’s cities are among the world’s most polluted, after three decades of rapid urbanization.

Zhang founded Broad in 1988 with his brother, Zhang Jian, who studied thermo dynamics. Together they revived an old energy-saving technology for non-electric air conditioning, which they have now sold in 75 countries around the world.

The hotel’s prefabricated parts were made at a factory owned by the Broad Group in Hunan that employs 10,000 people, using steel, glass and insulation sourced inside China, Zhang said.

The group has three such factories in China, and plans to expand that num-ber to 40 to promote its patented Broad Sustainable Building model at home and abroad.

Words of WisdomTwo may become enemies, when their ideas are the same.Burmese Proverb

Seek wisdom like a beggar. (Be humble)Burmese Proverb

Don’t take rich people as examples.Cambodian Proverb

Hearing a thousand times does not equal seeing once.Cambodian Proverb

It is better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books.Chinese Proverb

Those who are contented with what they have are often happy. Chinese Proverb

He who answers is inferior to the one who asks the question.Indian Proverb

Poverty destroys all virtues.Indian Proverb

A clear conscience is far more valuable than money.Filipino Proverb

If you plant, you harvest.Filipino Proverb

As soon as a man leaves his house he has seven enemies.Japanese Proverb

Boasting begins where wisdom stops.Japanese Proverb

Anyone who goes hungry for three days will be inclined to steal.Korean Proverb

The bull that is used to the sun shivers by the light of the moon.Korean Proverb

Feasting is the physician’s harvest.Malay Proverb

If you plant grass, you won’t get rice.Malay Proverb

Easier to love a dead hero than a live king.Mongolian Proverb

If you are sick, think about your life; if you are better, think about your gold. Mongolian Proverb

Confusion is a chicken with shattered eyes.Thai Proverb

Before the nut is cooked, a sesame is burnt.Thai Proverb

Knowing just one word of wisdom is like knowing a hundred ordinary words.Tibetan Proverb The thousand brilliant accomplishments of the past cannot serve today’s purpose.Tibetan Proverb

Familiarity breeds contempt.Vietnamese Proverb

The fat buffalo will attract the lean buffalo.Vietnamese Proverb

Misc AsiaGeorgia Asian Times January 15-31, 2012 Page 15

Philadelphia, Dec 23 - A gifted young Taiwanese violin student faced the music after leaving a rare violin worth more than $170,000 on a bus.

Jessica Muchen Hsieh, a student at the New England Conservatory of Music, real-ized the violin was missing sometime after getting off a Megabus in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

On Friday, police said the out-of-tune 18-year-old’s precious instrument had been recovered. “Located the lost violin,” Detective Joseph Murray announced on his Twitter feed.

Made in Naples, Italy in 1835, the violin still bears the label of its maker, Vincenco Jorio. It was on loan to Muchen from the Chi Mei Culture Foundation in Taiwan.

Earlier, the distraught student had ap-pealed on television for help.

“I’m a violin major so I really hope that the person that took it can give it back to me so I can continue my studies because right now, I can’t do anything,” Hsieh told local station KYW-TV.

Oops: student leaves $170,000 violin on bus

HANOI, January 6, 2012 (AFP) – A Vietnamese man was in a stable condi-tion in hospital Friday after doctors removed a giant tumor from his right leg that weighed more than the rest of his body, hospital officials said.

Nguyen Duy Hai’s massive 90 kilograms (198 pounds) tumor was cut away by a team of doctors in a risky operation that lasted 12 hours on Thursday, the France-Vietnam (FV) hospital in Ho Chi Minh City said in a statement.

The patient was still sedated but in a stable condition in the intensive care unit, it said.

In a video released by the hospital af-ter the procedure, five medical workers in scrubs are seen heaving the blood-stained tumor into a yellow medical waste container, which nearly tips over under the weight of it.

Hai, 31, who suffers from a rare ge-netic disorder, had been living with the tumor since he was four years old.

He had part of his leg amputated when he was 17, but the growth, which was not cancerous, continued to expand, making it difficult for Hai to walk and sleep.

The tumor is thought to be the larg-est ever recorded in Vietnam, accord-ing to state media.

Hai had been determined to pro-ceed with the removal even though the surgery only had a 50 percent success rate, the hospital said.

The operation was led by American doctor McKay McKinnon, who suc-cessfully removed a tumor weighing 80 kilograms from a Romanian woman in 2004.

McKinnon waived his fee for Hai’s surgery, and FV hospital said the remaining costs, estimated to come to 250 million dong (around $12,000), will be covered by donations.

Vietnamese man ‘stable’ after giant tumor removed

Page 16 Janaury 15-31, 2012 Georgia Asian Times

CULTURE

HONG KONG, January 2, 2012 (AFP) - Squatting at a makeshift shrine with joss sticks burning beside her, Granny Leung starts bashing a manlike paper cut-out with a pair of sandals.

“I beat you little people, I’m send-ing you away!” chants the 76-year-old woman, one of the last practitioners in Hong Kong of the ancient Chinese ritual of “da siu yan”, or “beating the petty little people”.

Granny Leung performs her mys-terious incantations in the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay. And business is booming.

For as little as HK$50 ($6), Leung claims she can curse her customers’ enemies and reverse their bad luck by burning paper offerings and hitting paper figures with shoes.

Believers say the ritual can help to drive away evil spirits in general, or a specific nemesis such as a hated neighbor, a business competitor or a love rival.

Ada Mak, a 50-year-old business-woman, travels from the outskirts of Hong Kong to see Leung every weekend. She believes the ritual can protect her from negative gossip, law-suits and financial loss.

“I always feel at ease after I see Granny Leung,” says Mak, adding that she usually asks the old woman to curse a general villain rather than a specific target.

“If you curse someone specifically, you’re only targeting that certain per-son. Cursing generally can help you beat whoever is trying to harm you, including those that you might not be aware of, in the whole Asia region.

“This is better and this is more ef-fective,” she explains.

Leung says a steady stream of visi-tors seek her service every day.

“I have been doing this for the past eight years,” she says on a recent Sat-urday afternoon, sitting on a plastic stool and burning some paper offer-ings in a red metal canister.

She is among a small group of elder-ly women who work near the gloomy “Goose Neck Bridge” in Causeway Bay. The women congregate there because they say evil spirits linger in dark places.

“I just beat the petty person in general for my clients’ peace of mind. I don’t curse or beat someone specifi-cally. If I do that, there will be no end to this cursing and retaliation,” she says.

Leung, who used to collect card-board for a living, attributes her pow-ers to a “gift” from God.

Half a dozen people line up and wait patiently for hours for Leung’s ser-vices. Among them are four Taiwan-ese tourists, a foreign domestic helper and an eight-year-old girl.

“My daughter complains she has been bullied by her friends in school, she’s very upset,” says the girl’s mother Mandy Wong.

“It’s our first time here, she asked me to take her here. She said she’ll feel better after the ritual,” Wong adds, as her bespectacled daughter sits on a stool quietly watching Leung.

“I hope she’s happy after this. There is no harm to take her here if it helps to make her feel better,” the mother says, in between praises for Leung’s feisty beating of the “petty people” -- her daughter’s schoolmates.

Each bout takes about 30 minutes, depending on how tough the villains are and how many times Leung needs to beat them until they are gone.

Another stage of the ritual involves feeding pig lard to paper tigers, which represent malignant beings, so they are full and will not bother people.

“I don’t think this is superstition,” says Hong Kong Heritage Museum curator Chau Hing-wah, who reckons the popularity of rituals like “da siu yan” is growing.

“In Western countries people may choose to go to church. In Hong Kong, they go to da siu yan. It’s just a way of letting go of stress, which is fun and interesting at the same time.

“It’s not dying, actually it’s getting more popular.”

Ancient villain-hitting ritual thrives in Hong Kong

WASHINGTON, December 5, 2011 - Women of childbearing age can reduce their risk of heart problems by regularly eating fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids, said a Danish study out Monday.

The study is the first to examine younger women, age 15-49, and determine whether fish in their diet has a real impact on their current likelihood of heart problems, in-stead of their longevity.

For instance, “those who rarely or never ate fish had 50 percent more cardiovascular problems over eight years than those who ate fish regularly,” the research said.

Women who rarely or never ate fish faced a 90 percent higher risk of heart problems than those who ate fish weekly.

When researchers looked at hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease in

three different assessments over a 30 week period, they found it was three times higher among women who did not eat fish.

The findings, published in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Associa-tion, are based on a Danish study of 49,000 women with a median age of 30 that spanned eight years.

Women were interviewed by phone about their family history, lifestyle and fish con-sumption, and were tracked over the next eight years.

“We saw a strong association with cardiovascular disease in the women who were still in their late 30s,” said Marin Strom, lead researcher and post doctoral fellow at the Centre for Fetal Programming at Statens Serum Institut in Copenhagen, Denmark.

“The biggest challenge in getting health messages like this across to younger popu-lations is that usually the benefits may not be evident for 30 or 40 years, but our study shows this is not the case.”

Women most commonly reported eating cod, salmon, herring, and mackerel, all of which are high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, believed to protect against heart and vascular disease.

The study focused exclusively on dietary intake of fish, not supplements with fish oil.

“Women who eat fish should find the results encouraging, but it is important to emphasize that to obtain the greatest ben-efit from fish and fish oils, women should follow the dietary recommendations to eat fish as a main meal at least twice a week,” said Strom.

HEALTH

WASHINGTON, December 20, 2011 - People who took blood pressure medicine during a 1980s clinical trial showed longer life expectancy two decades later than people who took a placebo, a US study said on Tuesday.

The randomized trial included 4,736 patients aged 60 and over who had high blood pressure. Some were given a drug called chlorthalidone and others were given a sugar pill for a 4.5 year period beginning in 1985.

At the end of the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program (SHEP) trial, all participants were advised to begin follow-ing the drug regimen.

Recently, researchers in New Jersey de-cided to go back over the data, in consulta-tion with the National Death Index, to see if the therapy had any impact on long-term life expectancy.

Indeed, they found that those who had taken chlorthalidone lived several months longer than those who had taken the pla-cebo, according to the findings published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Those who took the drug lived 158 days longer before dying of cardiovascular causes than people who had taken the pla-cebo, and 105 days longer when it came to dying of any cause.

“The gain in life expectancy free from cardiovascular death corresponds with one day (0.89 days) gained per month of treat-ment,” said the study.

“For all-cause mortality, the gain in life expectancy from one month of antihyper-tensive drug treatment was estimated at a half day (0.59 days).”

The study, led by John Kostis of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, should send a “strong message” to patients and doctors about the benefits of anti-hypertensive therapy, it concluded.

Left uncontrolled, high blood pressure -- defined as 140/90 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) or above most of the time -- can lead to heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease.

About one in three US adults has hy-pertension, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The research was funded by the Na-tional Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the National Institute on Aging, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Blood pressure meds extend long-term life expectancy

Eating fish boosts heart health in young women

WASHINGTON, January 3, 2012 - People who eat too much of a high-calorie, low-protein diet tend to gain more body fat than people who overeat high amounts of protein, US researchers said Tuesday.

A study published in the January 4 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association included 25 people in Loui-siana who agreed to live as in-patients in a weight-gain experiment for a 56-day period.

Over the course of about two months, they were overfed by about 1,000 calories per day.

Some were fed a diet that was five per-cent protein, some ate 15 percent protein -- considered a normal level -- and others ate 25 percent protein, or a high amount.

The researchers’ aim was to uncover how different levels of protein might affect overall weight gain, body fat and energy expenditure.

They found that people on the low-pro-tein diet gained less weight overall, but that more of their extra energy was stored as fat than people on the mid-level and high-protein diets.

Low-protein eaters gained about half as much as the others -- putting on an average of 3.16 kilograms (seven pounds) during the study compared to 6.05 kg in the normal protein group and 6.51 kg in the high-protein group.

But a lot of that extra weight was in the form of lean body mass, which people on the mid- and high-level protein diets gained while those on the low-protein regime lost.

Ninety percent of the extra energy con-sumed by people on the low-protein diet was stored as fat, compared to about 50 percent in the other two groups.

“The key finding of this study is that calories are more important than pro-tein while consuming excess amounts of energy with respect to increases in body fat,” said the research, led by George Bray of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Calories, not protein, boost body fat: study

Georgia Asian Times January 15-31, 2012 Page 17

Page 18 January 15-31, 2012 Georgia Asian Times

IN PERSON

BASICSName: Jacqueline (Jacqui) TengAge: 17Current location: Fort Mill, SCBirthday: April 9th, 1994Birthplace: Taichung, TaiwanEthnicity: TaiwaneseMeasurements: 34D, 24, 39Height: 5’ 5Weight: 121Eyes: dark brownHair color: blackShoe size: 7.5Natural or modified (boobs): natural hahaCurrent automobile: none, my par

ents wouldn’t lemme drive.

PREFERENCESDream car: red Ram 3500 with super high

wheelsColor: burgundyDrink: green teaFood: fajita bowlMovie: TransformersTV show: 90210, Vampire DiariesMusic: J. ColeActor/Actress: taylor lautnerDaytime or nighttime: nighttime DUHSummer or winter: summerLace or satin: satin HAVE YOU EVERHad an imaginary friend: nahh Told a guy/girl you had a crush on them:

yeaTraveled outside the country: yeaBeen hurt emotionally: who hasn’t?Kept a secret from everyone: yeaWanted another woman’s boyfriend: haha

Slept with someone famous: i wish lolDrank juice from the carton: nahh im ocdBroke someone’s heart: yupPlayed with toys in the bedroom: toys as

in...?Been in love: yeaaDone something you regretted: everyone

has

STYLEWear to sleep: my white tee with pantiesStilettos or platforms: stilettosLong or short nails: my natural lengthNatural hair color or highlights: natural

with one teeny strand of redPerfume: DKNY Be DeliciousSkin tone: mediumWax or shave: shaveHave tattoos: nahh thinkin about gettin one thoHave body piercing: ears only lol

DO YOU BELIEVE INYourself: most of the time yeaGhosts: yeaGod: yeaSanta Claus: hell noUFOs: yeaKissing on the first date: it’s whatever tomeSex on the first date: nahhLove at first sight: nope

WHICH IS BETTERCoke or Pepsi: neitherSprite or 7up: neither (not a fan of soft drinks)Girls or guys: guysScruffy or clean cut: depends

Georgia Asian Times January 15-31, 2012 Page 19

IN PERSON

Felt romantic: a whiiile agoShopped: the day before yesterdayReceived flowers: ha i don’t remember

(smh at guys nowadays)Said I Love You: yesterdayYou instant messaged: my friendWas mad at: my momHad your heart broken: a while ago

LIFE:Fallen for a best friend: nahhMade out with JUST a friend: yea lolKissed two different people on the same

day: secret :PBeen rejected: nahhBeen in lust: yeaBeen in love: yeaUsed someone: kiiinda...Been used: yeaCheated on someone: actually haven’tBeen cheated on: unfortunatelyWho makes you laugh the most: my

friendsAlways can make you smile: secret :P

FINISH THE SENTENCELet’s eat: ben & jerry’s!Let’s walk in the: rainLet’s look at: my zodiac sign lolWhat a nice: sleepWhen will they: see what i seeSilly: meTell me: if i’ll be successfulHide: nothing!Love me: for who i amI hate: cocky, ignorant peopleMy mom thinks you are: not worth it

IN THE LAST 24 HOURSCried: nopeFelt depressed: yeaCooked: nahhWorn a thong/g-string: yeaaHeels: nopeMet someone new: yeaDrank alcohol: nahhPlayed one song over and over: nahTalked to someone you cared about: yuppKissed someone: nahSaid I love you: yeaThink this interview is too damn long:

definitelyWear to sleep: my white tee with pantiesStilettos or platforms: stilettosLong or short nails: my natural lengthNatural hair color or highlights: natural

with one teeny strand of redPerfume: DKNY Be DeliciousSkin tone: mediumWax or shave: shaveHave tattoos: nahh thinkin about gettin

one thoHave body piercing: ears only lol

DO YOU BELIEVE INYourself: most of the time yeaGhosts: yeaGod: yeaSanta Claus: hell noUFOs: yeaKissing on the first date: it’s whatever to

meSex on the first date: nahhLove at first sight: nope

Photographer: Minh Doan Shoot Location: Minh’s Studio

Money or power: both hahaThong or g-string: thongBitchy or slutty: bitchyFriendly or cool: bothContacts or glasses: contactsHeels or tennis shoes: heelsSkirts or shorts: shorts

MEN THAT IMPRESS YOUEducation or muscles: both, but education

matters moreMoney or sense of humor: sense of humorGood looking or personality: bothA nice car or a nice house: both

Bad boys or nerds: bad boysShort or long hair: ...... depends lolWhat do you notice first: eyesDo you have a boyfriend/girlfriend: nopeWhat’s the worst question a guy could ask:

would you lemme hit it?

WHO/WHEN WAS THE LAST TIMEHugged someone: just nowIntimately kissed: secret ;)Slow danced with: uhh don’t think i’ve

ever done thatShowered: last night