Asia Trend Magazine - Oct 2005

B u s i n e s s • C o n n e c t i o n • C u l t u r e • L i f e s t y l e

OCT 2005

亞 洲 風 行 Preview

CG Movie -

Final Fantasy VII

Guide you to the ancient capital of China—

Xi-an

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What can entrance of your house do to your Feng Shui?

Hurricane Relief Effort from Vietnamese Community Boba Milk Tea – a fad or a trend?

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Give away $200 China Garden Food Certificates to readers

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Orlando

Florida

Get the house you’ve al

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Call Elli Nguyen

407-839-8848

資 深 地 產 代 理 • 貸 款 利 息 最 低 • 擁 有 專 業 知 識 • 精 通 中 越 英 語

October Contents F e a t u r e s

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The Craze of Final Fantasy

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Limited edition DVD Boxset market price has jumped up to $700

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www.asiatrendmagazine.com

8The ancient capital of China—

Asia Trend Magazine Publisher

Global Media LLC

Xi-an

Marketing Executives

Ada Wong

The culture history Terra Cotta Warriors

adawong@AsiaTrendMagazine.com

Shally Wong

shallywong@AsiaTrendMagazine.com Creative Director

Gary Lau

•7 Tea Tasting is an enjoyment • 11 Profile of Canton Fair—Investing in China • 14 Dress you up, baby! • 15 A Short History of Chinese Percussion • 16 South Florida Dragon Boat Festival • 17 Why You Need A Web Site • 18 Tet Trung Thu—Vasa UCF • 20 Moon Festival Celebration in Orlando • 21 Asia Trend in Mobile • 24 Skin Care 101 • 25 Hurricane Katrina Fund Raise Dinner • 27 We Love Badminton Playing Badminton Feng Shui Concept • 29 in Orlando Professional Advice • 30 Reader’s Email

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Staff Writers

Ada Wong Shally Wong

Ada Wong

Contributing Writers

Bill Donegan, CFA John Feng Tom Hoisington, CLU, ChFC, FICF Michael LaVoe Eric Lanigan Ricky Ly Anne Tsoi Jun Zhu

Shally Wong

Thank you for contributing articles and photos from overseas

Mingolo, Hong Kong Annie Lin, Hong Kong Lee Chin Aik, Maylasia Yuko, Japan Eddie Chan, China Leo Tsui, Macau

Gary Lau

Asia Trend Magazine is published the 15th of every month By Global Media LLC.

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If you have information you would like us to talk about or something you want to share with us, please Email to info@AsiaTrendMagazine.com or send your information to PO Box 5352, Winter Park, FL 32793-5352 Fax 407-292-9099 Copyright 2005. Asia Trend Magaizne. All rights reserved.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of Global Media LLC. Neither the publishers nor the advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. The publishers will have no liability for the statement made by advertisers or writers.

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ur mission is to bring our reader the trendy news and products in Asia which will fit in to our daily life here in Orlando. As Asia was being predicted to be our global major focus for the Member of next 10 years, this magazine is designed not only for our growing local Asian Community, but also well educated, Asia culture appreciated, health conscious professionals or entrepreneur, who eaYour point of contact for gerly to understand other’s culture and improve self Asian American opportunities inspiration by appreciation and learning. www.asianamericanchamber.org

The rest of them are made available in the Asian Town Areas and various professional offices, Asian American Chamber of Commerce and different Asian Organizations.

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The magazine is free and distributed thru Florida Distribution to 100 locations throughout Greater Orlando Area.

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The Craze of Final Fantasy Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children– a fantasy or a mania?

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Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, the sequel to Square’s top selling game Final Fantasy VII, became the most valuable and hottest animation DVD Box Set in Japan. Instead of a game, it is actually a CG (computer generated) movie, which is only released on DVD and UMD(for Sony PSP). This DVD box set, includes an additional DVD that features an original FFVII anime short, titled “Last Order: Final Fantasy VII, a cap, T-shirt, special numbered keychain, Cloud + Fenrir (motorbike) figure set, costs 29500 yen (US$275). However, the actual market price has jumped up to US$450-US$700 because they are sold out in Japan. E-bay currently has 22 bidders on this item. For animation fans in US, you will need to wait a while, as the English version has not been released.

Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children was developed by Square-Erix, with Visual works, and features a total of 20 characters. According to a fan in Hong Kong, who already watched the movie, he stated “This will be the best among all of the Final Fantasy series, as 80% of it is action, which will be welcomed by most of the US audiences.

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Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Square Enix brings two of Japan’s best-selling franchises - FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 60 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide - under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

Kingdom Hearts is the Playstation 2 game released in 2002 from publisher and developer Squaresoft (now Square-Enix). Kingdom Hearts was one of the most unusual and original game concepts of all time. The idea was to merge the world of Squaresoft (i.e. Final Fantasy) with its sword fighting, magic, immense and imaginative worlds and Disney with its many colorful characters, stories, and humor.

Kingdom Hearts turned out to be a bestselling game. Kingdom Hearts was just another addition to their great hits. The game features a unique fighting system, great musical scores, awesome voice acting, and a deep adventure, making it one of the many greatest hits of the Playstation 2 and of all time.

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The first massively multiplayer online role-playing game FINAL FANTASY®XI - the first FINAL FANTASY massively multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG) where thousands unite to venture through a living, breathing, persistent world. Establish bonds with gamers in the U.S. and Japan, while they play using their PlayStation 2 system of PC (personal computer) for a true cross-platform experience.

This package includes the internal hard disk drive (40GB) (for PlayStation®2) (also referred to as the “HDD”). $78.99 (2004)

Panasonic used FFVI character Cloud to promote their new video cell phone

DVD FFVII: Advent Children priced and detailed items featured in the limited edition is listed below.

1. Cloud model figure with Fenrir motorcycle 2. Special DVD that includes the following four content —Original Video Anime (OVA) “Last Order Final Fantasy VII” —Making of documentary —Feature: Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (Venice International Film Festival version) —Advent Children trailers 3. Reproduction of Advent Children script 4. cap 5. T-shirt 6. Keychain with serial number 7. PlayStation “Final Fantasy VII: International” with special-edition label O C T 2 0 0 5

Square Enix’s anticipated CG movie to hit Japan at a standard DVD price; limited edition include an original anime featurette, PS game.

TOKYO—Square Enix has released additional product details on the DVD version of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children in Japan.

To begin with, the game-inspired, computeranimated film’s running time will be 97 minutes, and it will sport Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.

Aside from the movie, the Advent Children DVD also features a 30-minute documentary that outlines the original FFVII PlayStation game. In addition, it includes various trailers related to Final Fantasy, such as a 10-minute promotional video of the “Compilation of Final Fantasy VII.” The regular DVD edition of Advent Children priced at 4,800 yen ($45), and the first shipment of the DVD will come in a specially designed package. A limited-edition DVD cost a hefty 29,500 yen ($275). The limited edition includes a toy figure of Cloud and his motorbike Fenrir, as well as an additional DVD that features an original FFVII anime short, titled “Last Order: Final Fantasy VII,” and a special edition of the Final Fantasy VII PlayStation game. Both the normal and limited edition released on September 14. The full list of bonus

Pick up your next issue of Asia Trend Magazine from one of the following locations: 1st Oriental Supermarket 5132 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando

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Bargain Car & Truck Rental 7700 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando Barnies Tea & Coffee & AmSouth Bank at Veranda Park 1701 Park Center Dr. Orlando – Metro West Best Asian Restaurant 1224 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando Century 21, Capital Realty Group World Finance Mortgage 138 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando China Garden Restaurant 118 S. Semoran Blvd. Winter Park Consumer Debt Counselors, Inc. 222 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Suite 100, Winter Park Dunkin Donuts / Baskin Robbins 7707 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando (by Goldenrod Rd.) 6627 University Blvd,Winter Park (by Forsyth Rd.) 2265 ALoma Ave. Winter Park (by Lakemont Ave.) 2603 Edgewater Dr. Orlando

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I got my free copy of your magazine from the First Oriental Supermarket at West Colonial Drive. Orlando, Fl. last Sunday, Sept. 1st.

Your premier issue is picturesque, both covers & inside pages. Reporting is according to standards of literary writing & content. Advertisements are concise & informative. It is a pleasure to read it from cover to cover.

Pearl J. Aguirre—Ocoee, Florida.

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We read the first copy of “Asian Trend Magazine” last week and found it very enjoyable and informative. We liked the articles and they are very interesting and well written. Because of “Asian Trend” we are gaining quite a bit of knowledge about Asian culture and customs.We also found the advertisements and layout to be beautifully and artistically done. We are sure that they will be helpful to the Asian and American Community at large, in finding what they might be in need of in goods and services. We will continue to read every issue to learn more about what’s going on. Keep up the good work and good luck in the future.

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From the Sept Issue Hong Kong Disney, being the 5th Disney Park in the world, finally opened on September 12, 2005 with a totally of 16,000 visitors at the grand opening day. The one day sales reached HK$20 million (US$ 2.5 million). Despite couple negative feedbacks about over-crowded and long waiting time, there were still many Disney fans coming from US, England and Taiwan who camped outside the Hong Kong Disney for the opening. Among them, Derrick Johnson – 46-year-old from Placentia, California was so elated when he beat thousands of people to become the second person to enter Hong Kong Disneyland. According to Hong Kong Tourist Department, there is 50% increase of visitors from Mainland China during the popular Chinese National Holiday in Oct 1 weekend – so called “Eleven Golden Week”. It seems that the Disney trend in Hong Kong will prevail for a long time.

Shally Wong

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Your feedback is very important to us. Please send your comments to info@AsiaTrendMagazine.com and you will have a chance to win a *$10.00 Gift Certificate from China Garden Restaurant, Winter Park. Remember to include your name, address and phone number in your E-mail so that we can contact you accordingly.

CONGRATULATIONS ! As an Indonesian-Chinese living in Orlando (unfortunately there are not too many Indonesian families living in the greater Orlando area). I am extremely happy to know that at last someone has taken the great initiative and fill in the necessary vacuum by creating an Asian magazine for the greater Orlando area.

With “ten of thousands” citizens of Asian origin from various Asian countries (the Philippine community alone consist of more than 10,000 persons who are considered to have “the highest Family income” of all Asians/ Immigrants in the Metro Orlando area with an average annual Family income of US$ 65,000.--/up) now living, working and having their businesses in the Metro Orlando area, I am convinced that -with a good marketing!-, your magazine will definitely have a tremendous success.

Last but not least, I sincerely hope that in one of your next coming issues you can improve the quality of the paper and the printing of your Magazine, of course if this is financially workable for you.

With all my very best wishes for a great success of your new magazine, L. John—Orlando, Florida.

Re a d e r ’ s E mai l

READERS RESPOND TO SEPTEMBER ISSUE

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The ancient capital of China—

Xi-an

Travel was always my first choice when I was working and living in Hong Kong. Since it is such a crowded city, in order to escape from the busy life, traveling is my priority.

I was visiting the city of Xi-An in 2004 and it was such a memorable trip that I would like to share it with all of the readers of Asia Trend Magazine.

Qin’s Terracotta Warriors and Horses, I dare say most people definitely have heard about it, or even have paid it a visit. The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at the site, which is around 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi

(Terra Cotta Warriors)

Huang’s Mausoleum, Shaanxi Province. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China.

The museum covers an area of 16,300 square meters, divided into three sections : No. 1 pit, No. 2 pit and No. 3 pit respectively. Altogether over 7,000 prices of pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been

unearthed from these pits. Most of them have been restored to their former grandeur.

Qin Shi Huangdi (259BC – 210BC), the first emperor of China, ascended the throne at the age of 13, when construction of his tomb began. On completion of his many conquests, he ordered 720,000 conscript laborers to hurry up and finish building his royal tomb. It was finished just in time for his use in 210BC. His

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son, the second Qin Emperor saw to his entombment.

Due to the fact that the Terra-cotta Warriors are so famous, people could have neglected the yet unexcavated mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi. Actually, the Museum of Terracotta Warriors forms only part of the tomb. Greater things are yet to come.

In size, the mausoleum is larger than the Great Pyramid of Egypt. Seen from afar, it is a hill overgrown with vegetation. It is believed that the tomb consists of an interior city and an exterior city. The exterior of the mausoleum is a low earth pyramid with a wide base.

According to historical records, the mausoleum was a notorious crime scene. Many laborers died of hardship during its construction, and all the workmen were entombed along with the emperor in order to keep their mouths shut. Also all the barren royal

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concubines accompanied the emperor on his last journey.

Should you have time to travel to China, please make sure you pay a visit to Xi-an, due to its historical background. It is well worth a visit.

Research and Story by Ada Wong

Movie: Hero

This movie’s background was the Qin Dynasty Xi-an.

Xian souvenir

A set of Antiques Terracotta Warriors&Horses.

They’re all made of pottery in the Xi’an Province of China.

Material: terracotta.

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Asia Trend in Cooking Tips A s

DIY Chinese Cuisine

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— by Anne Tsoi, owner of China Garden, Winter Park.

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Eggplant in Garlic Sauce 漁香茄子

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This recipe uses thin Chinese/Japanese eggplant and ground pork. For vegetarian, leave out the pork and add more eggplant.

The tender flesh of the eggplant absorbs flavors of the sauce. The ginger and garlic must be chopped very finely, and cooked longer than you may expect.

Serves: 4 - 6 Ingredients:

1 lb. medium eggplant ¼ lb. ground pork 1 tsp chopped fresh garlic (about 2 cloves) 1 tsp chopped fresh ginger 2 spring onions (green onions, scallions, gibbons), finely chopped 1 tsp dark soy sauce 1 Tbsp bean sauce

Sauce:

Dark soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, cornstarch and chicken broth

Directions:

1. Combine the ground pork with the salt, sugar, and cornstarch. Marinate the pork for 15 minutes.

2. Peel the eggplant and leave half of the skin on if you like the texture and trim off the ends. Cut the eggplant into pieces about the size and length of 2 fingers side by side.

Heat the wok and add 2 Tbsp of oil. When the oil is hot, add the eggplant. Stir-fry the eggplant until it is softened (about 5 minutes). Remove and drain.

3. Add 2 Tbsp oil to the wok. When the oil is hot, add the garlic, ginger and bean sauce.

Stir-fry until aromatic. Add the ground pork. Stir-fry until it changes color, using

cooking chopsticks or a wooden spoon to separate the individual pieces.

4. Move the cooked pork on the side and add the sauce in the middle and bring to a boil, stirring quickly to thicken. Add the eggplant slices, spring onions and the chile paste. Mix the pork with them and cook for a few more minutes and serve hot.

Hope you will enjoy this famous Szechuan dish. Please send your request to info@asiatrendmagazine.com so that I can prepare your favorite dish here next time.

Please visit www.asiatrendmagazine.com for more recipes.

Writer’s Profile Anne Tsoi, a housewife and a Chinese restaurant owner for 20 years in Winter Park, Orlando, shares her cooking experience which she learned from her mom who cooked for more than 60 years. Her recipe is designed for ordinary people who require little skill.

Dishes you find in the restaurant may not be feasible for home cooking. Chinese dishes emphasize a balance which enhances a healthy diet.

₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪ ₪

Asian Cooking Ingredients 101

— by Shally Wong

Thai Basil

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There are more than twelve varieties of basil that are cultivated for culinary use. For those of you who enjoy the slightly strong, yet sweet lingering flavor of anise, you must try this fresh herb which plays an important role in Thai and Vietnamese cuisines.

Thai sweet basil has deep green leaves with purplish flower and carries an aromatic anise fragrance and lemon flavor and slightly spicy touch.

In Thailand, it is most commonly used in salads or added to stir-fried dishes. Another place you must see this when you order Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup) in any of the Vietnamese Restaurants in town. Simply pluck the leaves from the whole trimmed bunches and drop them into the hot broth. Of course, don’t forget your lime, bean sprouts and the chili pepper that can make a perfect combination with the soup.

Thai sweet basil is always available in most Southeast Asian markets and can be

grown easily in Orlando Always buy what you can consumer as it is best when used fresh. If you really need to store them, place the stem ends in a glass of water, cover with a plastic bag and refrigerate.

H e a l t h

Once again, we talk about tea since Chinese tea is our Culture.

We Chinese have a traditional saying: “Firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar and tea are the seven necessities to begin a day”.

Even though tea is the last to be mentioned on the list, we still can see the importance of tea in daily life.

Another traditional saying : “Cu Cha Dan Fan” which translates into coarse tea and bland dinner. Even a simple meal is finished off with tea so its importance is obvious.

For the Chinese, tea drinking and tea tasting are not the same. Tea drinking is for refreshment and the health effect.

Tea tasting has cultural meaning. Tea and tea wares should match surrounding elements such as breeze, bright moon, pines, bamboo, plums and snow. All these show the ultimate goal of Chinese culture: the harmonious unity of human beings with nature.

Tea is compared to personal character. The fragrance of tea is not aggressive; it is pleasant, low-keyed and lasting. A friendship between gentlemen is also like a cup of tea. With a cup of tea in hand, enjoying the green leaves in a white porcelain cup, you will feel peace.

Fame, wealth and other earthly concerns are far away. Tea is the symbol of elegance.

Tea is regarded as the most Zen-like drink.

As early as the Tang Dynasty, a reputed Zen Master answered three monks of different status with “Go and have your cup of tea!” This same answer was meant to clear up the perceived inequality among monks. After all, we

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Tea Tasting is an enjoyment

Fujian and Guangdong.

Notably, Yum Cha (tea drinking) is very popular in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province. Though dim sum, the true highlight of Yum Cha, is what attracts gourmets, tea is an essential part of the meal.

—by Ada Wong

Chinese Tea Set is available at Do A Imports 706 N. Mills Ave, Orlando.

Tel: 407-894-6062

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are all born equal.

Tea is a mysterious, but harmonious combination; it is spiritual as well as material, and invigorating as well as pacifying. Its character is flexible in different environments. For example, as tea goes in a different direction, a different tea culture is formed. In Japan, the rigorous tea ceremony reflects the nation’s character of making full use of every resource, while tea also represents peace of mind. In the West, tea with sugar and milk may be served with desserts to create a leisurely and romantic atmosphere.

Similarly, tea-drinking habits vary in different parts of China. Roughly, scented tea is popular in Northern China; green tea is preferred in Eastern China, and black tea is optimum for people in

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Asian B u si ness

Have you ever visited a Chinese bakery?

There’s a wide variety of items to choose from. In fact, it can be a little overwhelming at first.

1st Oriental Market with their home style bakery will keep you coming back for more. Hong Kong, Taiwan and European style baked goods are their specialty. They make, bake and design customized birthday and wedding cakes for all occasions.

[Smart Shopping Tips]

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hopping there around 9-10am will give you the first selection of fresh bakery goods.

Most of the daily baked items will be sold out by 7pm during weekdays and much earlier during weekends.

Ordering a Birthday Cake? It is best to give them 24 hours notice. If you are unable to do that, they do have 2 freshly made birthday cakes each day for short notice ordering. However, first come first served.

For a wedding cake, please give them 7 days notice.

By the way, the market is offering a discount of up to 20% off for large quantity orders. Please ask for the manager on duty and he or she will assist you.

Order your Cake?

Please call 407-292-3668

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1st Oriental Supermarket 5132 W. Colonial Drive Orlando, FL Phone: 407-292-3668 Fax: 407-293-9600

www.firstorientalmarket.com

Braised Shark’s Fin 紅燒大鮑翅

Should you be visiting any high-end Cantonese restaurant and you’ll find on the menu a section devoted to traditional Chinese delicacies : Shark’s Fin, abalone, bird’s nest and sea cucumber etc.

Best Asian Restaurant which located at 1224 E Colonial Dr just happened to serve most of these dainty food : Abalone is one of the most prized sea deli-

cacies worldwide. Farming of abalone began in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s in Japan and China. A very rapid development of abalone cultivation has taken place in the 1990s and it is now widespread in many countries including USA, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, Japan and China.

Abalone is very expensive, and that is why most Chinese only eat it at New Year time(at some restaurant, it can cost up to US $130 per head).

When abalone is cooked, it is usually very chewy and tough, and the oyster sauce really helps add the flavor to the abalone, and it makes this dish a truly appetizing one.

Asian Bussiness

Out of the Ordinary Chinese Cuisine

Abalone with Oyster Sauce 蠔皇鮑

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Abalone served at Best Asian Restaurant : Price : $48 - $68 Sea Cucumber Special : $ 7.95 / per head Shark Fin Soup : Special : $7.95 / per head Braised Shark Fin : Special : $7.95 / per head All these delicacies are served daily without calling ahead!!!

Location : 1224 E Colonial Dr. (Next to Saigon Supermarket) Tel : 407-897-6688

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Asia Trend in Business Business Forum

Profile of Canton Fair

—Investing in China

Chinese Export Commodities Fair, also called Canton Fair, is held twice a year in Spring and Autumn since it was inaugurated in the Spring of 1957. It is China’s largest trade fair of the highest level, with the most variety.

It also has the largest attendance, with deals made during the fair. Preserving its tradition, the Fair is a comprehensive and multi-functional event of international importance.

Thousands of exhibitors representing Chinese international trade companies and manufacturers will be present. They will exhibit over 100,000 kinds of goods. These goods are of high quality, competitive prices and are often specialties from the various regions in China. They bring new meaning to the phrase “Made in China.”

The fair will be held in a complex with an exhibition space of 160,000 square meters.

There will be more than five thousand 3-by-3 square meter booths, all in accordance to international standards. There are six main exhibition halls. The details are as follows: 1. Food, Native Produce and Animal By-products: It features products like food, native products, carpet, tobacco, tea, gardening goods, fur and leather, etc 2. Metals, Minerals and Chemicals : Includes chemical products, stone carving, machinery, industrial mineral and metal products, agriculture implements, building materials and minerals & metallurgical products(including construction pottery, porcelain as well as sanitary equipment).

3. Light industrial Products, Arts and Crafts : Includes ceramics & porcelain, toys, straw and willow plaited products, pearl, gem & jewelry, bone carving and jade carving,

special arts and crafts, drawn work and embroideries, footwear and headwear, stationery and sporting goods, clocks, watches and optical, suitcases & bags, household utensils, furniture, merchandise.

4. Textiles and garments : This section includes textile, silk fabrics, clothes, garments and gray silk. Cotton, wool, bast fiber, silk, knitting, dyeing & printing, chemical fiber.

5. Machinery and Electrical Products : Includes electronics and household appliance, information products and apparatus, giant machinery equipment, bicycles, motorcycles, automobile and fittings, vehicle and engineering & farm machinery.

6. Pharmaceutical and Health Products : Includes herbs, medicine, health products, medical apparatus and instruments (including huge, complex types.)

7. Internet, computer products : The show is expected to attract more than 100,000 merchants from 170 countries around the world. Most will place orders on site.

2005 Oct-Nov Trade Show Highlights in Asia Source: tradeshow.globalsources.com Events

Venue

Highlight

Chinese Export Commodities Fair (Liu Hua) Complex, Guangzhou, China

Oct 25-30

(Pazhou) Complex, Haizhu,Guangzhou

Merchandise China 2005

Oct 17-20

Shanghai Exhibition Center

Decorative accessories, fashion accessories, general merchandise, giftware, toys & games, novelties

Giftionary Taipei

Oct 27-30

Taipei World Trade Center

A wide variety of gift & stationery products manufactured by Taiwan’s most experienced suppliers

Asia Fashion Week 2005

Nov 8-10

Singapore Expo

Fashion for brand/ label owners only (desinger brand owners, own brand manufacturers, brand owners) apparel, accessories, footwear

Wine for Asia 2005

Nov 10-12

Singapore Expo

Grape-based wines, non-grape based wines, spirits, wine accessories, wine publications, wine services

5th Vietnam Int’l Knitting & Garment Industry Exhibition

Nov 16-19

Ho Chi Minh Int’l Exhibition & Convention Centre

Chemical fiber machinery, preparatory machinery, weaving machinery, knitting machinery, dyeing & bleaching machinery, CAD/CAM & testing machinery, sewing & embroidery machinery

The 98th Canton Fair 2005

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Date

Oct 15-20

Largest Fair in China to feature new services, product zones

Asia Trend in Business

The United States and the European Union kept most of their quota restrictions on competitive textile products from developing countries to the last minute, which led to the rapid growth of Chinese textile exports immediately after the global quotas were canceled, he said.

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government must treat their enterprises fairly, he added.

This decision was announced in the wake of EU decision to impose quotas on imports of Chinese textiles, as well as US decision to reimpose restrictions on seven kinds of Chinese textile and clothing imports recently.

On Jan 1, 2005, when the global textile quotas were eliminated, China voluntarily imposed export tariffs on some textile goods so as to limit its export growth. On May 20, China again decided to raise the export tariffs on 74 categories of textile products, with a 400-percent hike for most of the products.

The United States and the European Union disregarding these voluntary measures taken

by China however, still imposed strict restrictive measures on textile import from China since the beginning of this year.

“If developed countries had eliminated their textile quota restrictions step by step, the surge of Chinese textile exports to their markets this year would be avoided,” said Bo Xilai.

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China announced it would no longer impose export tariffs on 81 categories of textile products as of June 1, 2005.

A previous decision to quintuple the export tariffs on 74 textile categories, on which export tariffs were imposed from Jan 1 this year, was revoked, according to sources from the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council, China’s cabinet The export tariff on flax yarn will also be abolished, the commission said.

“If some countries have imposed restrictive measures upon China’s textile goods, then China needs to revoke export tariffs on these goods, because the country cannot make its textile exporters shoulder double pressures,” said Chinese Minister of Commerce at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office.

Since the United States and European Union (EU) have imposed quantitative restrictions on China-originated textile goods, how can the Chinese government continue to impose export tariffs?” Bo said. The Chinese

Business Forum

Dress you up, baby!

15

A Short History of Chinese Percussion Instruments Heritage & Culture

By Michael A. LaVoe Professional Musician, Percussionist and Drum Instructor Percussion instruments invented and used by Chinese musicians date back to the Shang Dynasty BC1652-1066. The character of ‘drum’ was first found inscribed on bones and tortoise shells. More than 50% of the instruments were percussion. The sounds of these instruments were made by striking their surfaces. The materials used to make these percussive instruments were gold, rock, wood and bamboo. The percussion section was the most important section in Chinese opera, particularly in ‘martial’ scenes known as wuchang, because of the richness in the sound and variety. The large gong can produce a stately atmosphere as well as dramatic effects and is widely used today in both concert band and symphony orchestra repertoire in western

16 OCT 2005

music.

Percussion instruments were easy to learn to play. They can produce different sound effects and are used in harvest, joyful occasions, marriage, and dragon boat as well as memorial ceremonies. The more popular of these instruments are the Luo, Gu and Bianzhong. Other instruments include the Bangu ( single-headed frame drum), the Bo (bronze cymbals), Tanggu (medium size barrel drum), and the muyu, otherwise known as the woodblock or slit drum originally used for Buddhist chants. It dates back to the Ming dynasty (1645-1911). Of course we can not leave out the popular and ornately painted and decorated Lion Drum. There are two types. The Lion Drum painted red is from the north and the black is from the south). It is a single headed drum and has a thick durable goat skin head, and the booming sound that it makes is sure to demand a lot of attention when it’s played.

One of my teachers was Michael Bookspan who was the head of the percussion section in the Philadelphia Orchestra. He was with the Orchestra when it was invited to tour and perform in China. The Chinese government presented him with several Gongs and cymbals of different sizes. When I visited Michael

at his home after the tour I had the privilege of playing some of these instruments. Quite a few of these gongs and percussion instruments are presently being used by the Orchestra and other musical organizations when they are called for in western music.

I feel there is a lot of valuable knowledge and history to be learned in the study of Asian percussion instruments and my hope is that I have successfully passed along some of this information to the Asian community. In future articles I will present more detailed information on Chinese musicial instruments.

GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM best way to bond them together for a better and a more cohesive community.

“Saigon Moi” Magazine is published the first and the fifteen of every month and can be picked up at most of the Vietnamese businesses, restaurants and supermarkets.

by Shally Wong

Saigon Moi Magazine was founded in 1992 Michael Tran and Christine Nguyen

For more information, please visit www.saigoncommunications.com.

3rd Annual South Florida Dragon Boat Festival

Source: MiamiDragonBoat.com

October 15 & 16, 2005 Saturday & Sunday (9 a.m.— 6 p.m.)

Haulover Park & Marina 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154 A 2000-year-old traditional sport event comes alive in a spectacular and exciting Dragon Boat Racing

Other fun activities: Stage Cultural Performance, Egg Roll Eating Contest, Martial Arts Performance, Kids’ Kite Contest, Lion & Dragon Dance, Authentic Asian Food, Face Painting, Bounce House, Health Booth, etc.

United Chinese Association of Florida South Florida Dragon Boat Festival 2005 P O Box 669086, Miami, FL 33166 305-345-8489 / 305-262-0766 Fax information@MiamiDragonBoat.com

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reflected his patriotism and sadness . In 278 B.C., Qu Yuan learned depressingly that his homeland had been occupied by enemies. He then drowned himself in the Milo River.

The villagers tried to salvage Qu Yuan but failed. To prevent fishes from eating his body, they paddled boats with clamorous drumbeats, and threw rice dumplings wrapped with leaves (now known as the traditional food “Zong Zi”) into the river, supplicating to preserve the kindhearted poet.

Today, the commemoration of this ancient legend is continued. Majestic dragon decorations have been installed on the boats, which is a symbol to help people drive out diseases and pestilence. Besides as a team sport, dragon boat racing also symbolically brings health and vibrancy to everybody.

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The Legend of the Dragon Boat Race The tradition of dragon boat racing comes from the legend of a tragic Chinese poet, Qu Yuan (340-278 B.C.). Qu Yuan was the prime minister of empire “Chu”. His nobility caused him to advocate peace to the other states during that tangled epoch. Remorseless, combative Huai, the King of Chu was offended by Qu’s admonishment and finally banished him from the state.

Disheartened Qu Yuan left his homeland, and during his vagrancy, he composed one of the greatest Chinese poems “Li Sao”, which

Community Links

The Vietnamese Community has become the largest and most prominent Asian American group in Central Florida with a population of more than 37,000 according to Census 2000. More Vietnamese like to settle in Florida, especially in Orlando and Tampa/St. Petersburg, because the semitropical climate here is very similar to their homeland. In addition, Vietnamese tend to adapt to the American culture and values much faster than other Asian groups. It gives them a better sense of belonging here.

According to Michael Tran, the owner of “Saigon Moi” Magazine in Florida, established in 1992, he is proud to be a Vietnamese American. He is willing to devote his time to this magazine, which can bring their people a medium in which to communicate with each other, to express their opinions and to enrich their lives here. Michael’s wife, Christine also owns different businesses like Mortgage and Realty in Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Pensacola. They believe having a magazine in their own language is the

17

Asia Trend in Business Operating Tips Low Cost Utilizing the internet for your business is very inexpensive. Unlimited connection accounts are generally available for less than $20 / month and include internet access and e-mail. You can start off with just using electronic mail as a way to communicate with existing and new customers.

E-Mail Communicate anywhere in the world with customers and employees and pay no long distance telephone charges. And while you’re at it, you can “attach” other documents to your e-mail. For example, you can send an updated proposal to your representative across the country – quickly and at no cost.

Why You Need A Web Site Every small or home-based business should consider a website. There are certainly some businesses where a website offers nothing of value, but for the vast majority a website can be a very effective sales channel and marketing tool. I’ve listed just a few reasons why a website can be such a powerful tool, but before you continue – and just to underscore how valuable the internet can be – consider these statistics: • Two billion orders were placed over the internet in 2001 • E-commerce revenue exceeded $1 Trillion by 2002 • Holiday purchases have increased from $141 million in 1995 and are expected to be over $9.5 billion this year

18 OCT 2005

Global Reach The internet is being used on a regular basis by millions worldwide with more “connect-

ing” every day. Many of the new users come from countries around the world. The want to buy the “latest and the greatest” products since they have money. With the internet they can become your customer.

Customer Support Provide personalized support for your customers with answers to common questions, assistance on specific products or service, provide a variety of ways in which you can be contacted. Do all this without answering a phone or hiring additional staff.

Be Open for Business 24 hours a day With e-mail, people can contact you anytime it is convenient for them. You can respond anytime that’s convenient for you. Of course, we suggest “timely – response” just as if someone called you. When you have a website, potential customers can find out about your products and services 24 hours a day.

– By Gary Lau

Asia Trend in Professional Advice

New Zealand has the most business-friendly regulation in the world, as measured by the Doing Business indicators based on the following 10 factors. They are starting a business, dealing with licenses, hiring and firing, registering property, getting credit, protecting investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, and closing a business.

Singapore is the runner-up. The United States is third. Five other East Asian Countries-Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and Korea-are among the top 30.

Top 10 economies on the ease of doing business 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

New Zealand Singapore United States Canada Norway Australia Hong Kong Denmark United Kingdom

Doing Business - Corporations

By Eric Lanigan

(Continued from page 31)

tions, LLC owners are not required to be US citizens. This benefit allows resident aliens an opportunity to take full advantage of business and tax advantages otherwise available only to US business owners.

Although there are always exceptions, LLC’s generally work best for owner-operator businesses, small start-up companies, anyone considering an “S” corporation, existing partnerships, and businesses planning to hold property that will appreciate, such as real estate. LLC’s generally do not work well for existing “S” or “C” corporations as the accounting and tax costs of such a conversion can be significant. The up-front costs of creating an LLC are generally comparable to the formation of a corporation, while the ongoing costs of maintaining an LLC should be significantly less because of the elimination of the need to draw up annual shareholders and directors minutes. All things considered, the LLC is usually the far better choice in almost every circumstance.

BUYING THAT ALL-IMPORTANT FIRST HOME

By Tom Hoisington, CLU, ChFC, FICF

(Continued from page 31)

• DOCUMENT STAMPS that are, in essence, a tax for filing documents with governmental agencies; • PRIVATE MORTGAGE INSURANCE is an insurance policy that protects the lender against loss if the borrower fails to make the loan payments. PMI is required if the buyer makes a down payment of less than 20% of the purchase price; • HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE protects you against loss or damage due to fire, theft, liability, and many other perils. The homeowner’s insurance policy must be effect on the day your loan closes and you take possession of the house.

Buying that first home is a major decision and should not be undertaken lightly. But, it carries with it the pride of ownership and the opportunity to enjoy appreciating property values as well as the current deductibility of home mortgage interest from one’s income when filing an IRS tax return.

Professional Advice

Doing Business in 2006: the easiest place to do business

10. Japan

Source: Doing Business database, World Bank and the International Finance Corporation

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19

Orlando Asian News

Karen led the students to sing US National Anthem

“Neu Biet Truoc” Dance by 4 Seasons Jennifer Luu, Moonlight Lover

MCs: Kim Tran and Chris Decarlo

UF Chinese American Student Association showed their supports

VASA Executives, Ricky Ly (Senior Consultant), Karen Nguyen (Advisor) and the attendees

Tahitian Dance

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Vietnamese American Student Association (VASA) established in 1982. Our vision and goals are to create and stimulate awareness of the transforming Vietnamese-American cultural identity at UCF and the Central Florida community. VASA aspires to educate and empower our community through programs that create conscious awareness.

Our program of focus includes: Tet Trung Thu – Mid Autumn Moon Festival every fall and Tet Lunar New Year Festival every spring.

Along with these events is a new addition of a Black April commemoration ceremony to learn about Vietnam’s past, recognize our heroes and celebrate our present. In order to foster a culture of understanding and commit a dialogue among all students and people to bring about social change for the better; we need the support and sponsorship of our community.

To find out more about us, please visit: http://vasa.ucf.edu Charity Trang Thach, the president of VASA

Alton Terri

Maglalatik Traditional Filipino Dance – by FSA

Chang Kui Tang Beatbox Showcase

Traditional Filipino Dance - by Filipino Student Association

Another Hip-Hop Dance by FSA, UCF

“Sukiyaki” Dance – by The Shining Stars

月圓人團圓 Moon Festival Celebration 2005, Live in Orlando

Orlando Asian News

中秋慶團圓

Fire Crackers and Lion Dance Qing Palace Dance by Chinese American Association of Central Florida

Dragon Dance by Wah Lum Temple

Tai Chi Demonstration Traditional Chinese Instruments – Gu Cheng (left) and Erhu (right)

Chinese Acrobatics

4 Seasons performing “Ghe Ben Saigon”

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Chinese Drum Performance

21

We Love Badminton Orlando Asian News

The world fastest racquet sport: a shuttlecock can leave the racket at a speed of almost 200 mph.

Nobody can imagine how excited we were when my friend Ander told me he found a place where we can play badminton. Over there, I met Krishna Balwalli who formed a badminton club there three years ago. Then, I decided to interview Krishna and share his vision.

S: How did you come up with this idea?

K. For quite some time before that we had no place to play and there were some attempts to get Badminton going. We were initially playing in a warehouse with concrete floors and no a/c in 90 degrees heat. But at some point the warehouse owner was going away on vacation and so we decided to find another place. We located this facility and luckily the owner happened to be from the Philippines and he knew what the real Badminton was all about. We started playing regularly at this location and so the Orlando Badminton Club was born.

S: Who can join the club?

K: It is not a formal Badminton club, so we do not require signups for Badminton players.

But the location where we play requires either membership, or a guest fee to play. So just about anyone is welcome to play. Our only restriction is that we have two courts, so if a lot of players turn up then there is some waiting. But we have racket ball courts where we do Badminton drills or practice on the sides. So for anyone to get a real workout, either on or off the court, is no problem.

S: What is the most valuable thing you got from playing badminton?

K. I am glad that I am getting an opportunity

to play my favorite sport Badminton and I hope others can do that too. Our group is composed of players from all over the world. We really enjoy our games and tournaments. Badminton not only offers great exercise but also relaxes me both mentally and physically. It is a great way to relieve stress.

Krishna has been playing Badminton for the last 15 years. He told me that he missed Badminton a lot when he came to the US because it is not as popular here as it is in Europe and Asia, or his home country India. But it did not bother him a bit, since he then won

a silver metal in men’s singles open in 2005 Florida Sunshine State Games. He also was the winner of the University of Florida Gator Smash men’s singles open in 2004. He is now ranked 3rd in the USA 35+ category for men’s singles.

They have approximately 30 members now and they play each Sunday (12:30 4pm), Wednesday (6:30-10pm) and Friday (6:30-9pm) at the Lee Road location. There is a yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/OrlandoBadminton where you can meet a lot of badminton fans and the club is also listed on the Southern Badminton Website (http://www.sbabadminton.org).

If anyone is interested, please contact Krishna Balwalli at 407-361-4735 or email him at kbalwalli@hotmail.com.

—by Shally Wong Krishna Balwalli (Chairman) & Tony Li (Core Member)

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OCT 2005 23

Asia Mobile A s i a

Panasonic VS2 Cell Phone

—Fancy Pink Lady Look

M o b i l e

The selling point of this Panasonic VS2 Cell Phone is the bright screen with a sharp 16 million TFT color display; supporting both MP3 and M4A audio files; slim clamshell as 2.2 inch design; 1.3-megapixel camera; and push-button opening mechanism. The outstanding pink color one will definitely becomes lady’s favorite compared to the traditional black and silver.

The SEGA sonic mouse included This is the first time SEGA Sonic mouse game entered in the cellular phone market.

“SEGA’s Sonic The Hedgehog” is included in VS2’s game selection, Besides the game, there are several Sega related features such as three sets of ring tones, two groups of theme and Sega wallpaper. It will definitely attract some fans of Sega Games to buy.

VS2 Specifications General Network: GSM 900/1800/1900 Size Dimensions: 96 × 46 × 18.2 mm Weight: 98 g Display: Type TFT, 256K colors Size: 176 x 220 pixels Camera: 2.2 MP, 16 millions color TFT/240×320 pixels Talk time Up to 6 h Stand-by Up to 370 h Body Color: Pink, Dark Brown, White Price: approximate US$320 (imported)

512MB MS PRO the Duo memory card, may store into approximately 150 MP3.

3.5mm plug-in adapter, come with a very good earphone.

The Art Deco inspired design of the — Nokia 7260 The Art Deco inspired design of the Nokia 7260 comes with a coordinated carrying pouch and strap, revealing Nokia’s intention to make this phone a fashion item. It is a beautiful phone to look at, with its curved edges, high gloss finish and contrasting silvery highlights, and practical too, although the keypad suffers a little in usability.

The 65k colour display is bright and clear, although small, but good enough. The camera is VGA standard (640 x 480 pixels), and again is average. The integrated video recorder and

FM radio are welcome additions, but all things considered there is nothing special in the functionality of this phone. It does enough, and looks stylish at the same time!

Overall, a good mid-range phone, packaged in an unusual and distinctive design, that is slim, lightweight and practical. This phone will appeal to those wanting something a little different and exclusive - not because of particularly high cost, but because it is different.

Nokia 7260 Specifications Price: Available in Tien Hung Wireless Please call 407-481-8144 Or visit

www.tienhungwireless.com

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General Network: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Size Dimensions: 105 x 45 x 18 mm Weight: 92 g Display: 65,536 colors – size 128 x 128 pixels High-resolution, active matrix display Camera: Integrated VGA Camera (640x480 pixels) Video recording and playing - Night mode - Video player - Java™ Technology - Preinstalled games Talk time Up to 3 h Stand-by Up to 14 days

Asia Trend in Beautiful Tips

Job Opportunities

China Garden Restaurant

at Winter Park is seeking a full time server. Interested, please call Anne at 407-718-6972 or E-mail to annetsoi629@yahoo.com

Jade Security Printing

Bubble Tea – a fad or a trend?

Bubble Tea 珍珠奶茶 (also known as boba milk tea) is a very popular beverage in South East Asia. In Hong Kong and Taiwan, you will see several boba t e a

(Continued on page 26)

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shops within a two-block radius. Bubble Tea is originated in Taiwan in the early 1980’s at a small tea stand and later on especially popular in Hong Kong, South Korea, Philippines and China as well as Europe, Canada and the United States.

Bubble Tea consists of a mixture of iced tea and milk with black gummy balls made of tapioca, called “pearls” or “bubbles”. The consistency of tapioca pearls are somewhere between jell-o and chewing gum. They are the size of a little marble. They are sucked through a wide straw along with the drink, providing something to chew on between sips. For the first time consumer, please drink slowly to avoid choking. Once you have a good one, you cannot stop having another one.

“Everybody is talking about natural and health food. Well, tea is a natural plant and it’s proven to lower health risks,” said Jimmy Huang, who envisions opening between 50 and 100 tea shops in the United States over the next 10 years. His family already operates more than 100 tea shops in Japan, China,

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is looking for part-time graphic artist working from Thursday to Sunday. Interested, please call Ester at 407-363-4500 or E-mail your resume to evazquez@jadesecurityprinting.com

Source: http://www.beautytipsonline.com

T i p s

• Keep it clean.

• Avoid laying on your face. Try getting used to sleeping on your back.

• Drink eight glasses of water every day to hydrate your skin.

• Use an alcohol-free toner to clean out pores.

• Don’t tug and pull the skin around your eyes. Be Gentle.

• Don’t take steaming hot baths or showers because it has an immediate drying affect.

Keep it short.

• After bathing, pat dry your skin and apply a body lotion to seal in the moisture.

• Save heavier moisturizers for nighttime.

Use light ones under make-up.

• Exercise will increase your circulation and give your skin a healthy glow.

• For bags underneath your eyes, throw a couple of spoons in the freezer for about 10 minutes. Relax and apply to your eyes to reduce swelling. Read more tips for bags and under-eye circles here.

•Exfoliate your skin once a week including

B e a u t y

your neck.

• Rinse your face in cool water to close your pores. This will help reduce their size.

• After showering, apply lotion to your elbows, knees and feet.

• Beauty rest is no myth. Your skin will be rejuvenated with a good night’s sleep.

Skin Care 101

25

(Continued from page 31) Community Links

Taiwan, Malaysia, Canada and Australia.

No wonder one may think it is a national drink as you can see it everywhere.

Bruno Loriot, owner of Natura Café, says “Boba is not a fad, or a temporary trend, it is here to stay. Boba is a natural evolution in the way we serve tea and other cold beverages. The tapioca balls add a new fun dimension to drinks, and makes drinks more tasteful and longer lasting. Look for new and exiting Boba drinks in the future as well as new creative ways to use Tapioca Balls in drinks.”

Ander Chow at RZ Motoring at Orlando said he and his co-workers go out for boba about four times a week.

“It’s something you crave when you’re thirsty.”

Want to try one? You may visit Qcup at 5086 W. Colonial Dr, next to 1st Oriental Supermarket or Natura Café at 12078 Collegiate Way by UCF.

Asian American Heritage Council 636 N Thornton Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803 Tel: 407-491-8291

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26

Annual Asian American Student Achiever Awards Ceremony at University of Central Florida November 6, 2005 Sunday 2pm – 5pm Sponsorship Available Please contact Karen Nguyen, AAHC Student Achiever Awards Chair 407-422-6221(during the day) or 407-491-9291 (after work) www.AAHC-CFL.org

Please join AACC serving as group liaison with Walt Disney World for Full Marathon Race day on Sunday, January 8th of the 2006 WALT DISNEY WORLD® Marathon and Half Marathon, benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Please apply online to register at

https://www.signmeupsports.com/events/ index_disney.asp?eventid=34100&orig in=e Your time and commitment is greatly appreciated Rina Brothers

President of Asian American Chamber of Commerce

321-239-3525

www.asianamericanchamber.org For more information, please call Rina Brothers at 321-239-3525 or email to rbrothers@bellsouth.net

Total

was rais ed !

Orlando Asian News

US$38 of ,000

Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort —

by Vietnamese Association of Central Florida

Town Restaurant that night while we were having the fund raising dinner.

They were interviewed on the stage to share their miserable experience.

After all, I need to thank you, Richard Nguyen from Kingston Construction, for inviting me to the dinner, and translating the process for me as Vietnamese is being used throughout the dinner.

President of Vietnamese Association of Central Florida

—Shally Wong

Organizers collected cash from the diners

Richard Nguyen, Kingston Construction

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On September 10, six days after the deadly Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, there were hundreds of Vietnamese gathering at Viet Nam Town at Asian Town, Orlando to raise money for Hurricane victims. They raised a total of US$ 38,000 at that night. The money came from hundreds of Vietnamese business owners, doctors, professionals, Vietnamese churches, and Vietnamese temples.

What most impressed to me is the $188 raised from all the servers working at Viet Nam Town. It reminded me when Channel 9 Chris Egert reported our Tsunami Fund Raise in January. He recorded one of our Chinese sayings, which is translated as “give what you can; even it is not much” (多多益善, 小小無拘).

This event showed the unity of the Vietnamese Community and also their generosity.

There was a little surprise that night. One group of Vietnamese family victims evacuated from New Orleans arrived at Viet Nam

27

Hurricane Victims from New Orleans Orlando Asian News

Tan-Hair + Video News presenting a check of US $11,000

Association also presented some cash to victim for immediate relief

Everyone was pleased with the result

Dr. Ton That Liem, Vietnam’s Hue Association of Florida

Mr Luu V Tuoi, Vista Realty and Funding

Mr Ngo Dinh Hieu

Vincent Thuy Nguyen, MC

Thy Hong, Thuy Duong Entertainment

My Thien, Attorney Hotline

Tuong Vy, Anh Duong Band

Michael Tran, Attorney Hotline invited his friends to join the fund raise

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Asia Trend in Feng Shui

h u i

When plants are healthy and beautiful, they are superb Chi boosters in your home. While

S

Plants at your home

g

The front entrance is the place where you and your visitors form first and lasting impressions about your home. In Feng Shui, the front entrance is called the “mouth of Chi” as it’s also the primary place where Chi enters your home.

Roll out the welcome mat and make your front entrance “entrancing” symbolizing your desire to invite goodness into your home Place symbols of welcome around your front entrance to symbolize your willingness to receive life’s blessings. Include a wide, meandering path to your front door, separate from the driveway, which encourages people to slow down and enjoy the special touches as they approach your door.

Always keep the front entrance of your home well lit and in good repair. Paint or spruce it up as soon as it shows signs of wear and tear.

Keep the front path and threshold area clear of shoes, toys, overgrown plants, and other potential hazards.

n

Front Entrance

e

Home and your Life

improving air quality, plants can also be used to camouflage arrowlike corners on furniture, conceal angles projecting into rooms, and fill in corners. Be sure to meet their light and water requirements, as unhealthy plants deplete the Chi in your home. Consider using silk plants in areas that are too dark or difficult to reach. When they look vibrantly alive, silk plants offer a good alternative to living plants.

When choosing plants, look for those that look “friendly”, with wide, rounded leaves, flowers or a generally soft, graceful appearance. Plants with an “unfriendly” or spiky appearance are best located away from people.

F

Fundamental Feng Shui concept:

Should you need more consulting on Home Decoration based on Feng Shui Concept, Please call : John Feng

Chinese Zodiac - The Legend Rabbit. Born under this sign, you would make an excellent businessman, activist, teacher, or secret agent. You would make an excellent businessman, activist, teacher, or secret agent.

Pig The story of Chinese Zodiac. Check the first issue at our websist www.AsiaTrendMagazine.com

Dog

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People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people’s confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. Dog people make good leaders. They are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and

People born in the Year of the Pig are chivalrous and gallant. Whatever they do, they do with all their strength. For Boar Year people, there is no left or right and there is no retreat.

They have tremendous fortitude and great honesty. They don’t make many friends but they make them for life, and anyone having a Boar Year friend is fortunate for they are extremely loyal. They don’t talk much but have a great thirst for knowledge. They study a great deal and are generally well informed. Boar people are quick tempered, yet they hate arguments and quarreling. They are kind to their loved ones. No matter how bad problems seem to be, Boar people try to work them out, honestly if sometimes impulsively. They are most compatible with Rabbits and Sheep. The Pig would be best in the arts as an entertainer, or possible a lawyer.

For the rest of the zodiac, please visit www.asiatrendmagazine.com

29

This Page is made available to you by Jun Zhu, New York Life (407) 421-8961 Professional Advice

Empowered Wealth What does the meaningful wealth mean to you? We may paint different pictures from who we were to who we are to who we want to be. But there are four types of assets that are presented in common regardless what situations you were, are or will be. In Lee Brower’s concept of The Empowered Wealth, there are four quadrants of True Wealth:

Human Asset

Financial Asset

Intellectual Asset

Civic

Asset

HUMAN ASSETS

CIVIC ASSETS

The Northwest Quadrant is your Human Assets. These assets, when fully considered, are of greater worth than your Financial Assets. Included here are the members of your family, health, happiness, heritage, values and many more similar assets.

The Southeast Quadrant represents your Civic Assets. The government defines Civic Assets as those assets we must put back into society to do good. They call them taxes. We define Civic Assets as all contributions, of any kind whether Financial, Human, or Intellectual, that employ our assets in the most efficient manner for the benefit of society.

INTELLECTUAL ASSETS Intellectual Assets are in the Northeast Quadrant. Most people when they think of Intellectual Assets immediately think of education. Other Intellectual Assets are life’s experiences – both good and bad, reputation, strategic alliances, traditions, etc.

FINANCIAL ASSETS Financial Assets are identified with the Southwest Quadrant, which represents what most people think of when they hear the word “assets”, in other words, things such as money,

BUYING THAT ALL-IMPORTANT FIRST HOME

By Tom Hoisington, CLU, ChFC, FICF

I

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30

t’s called the American Dream. For many people, it is one of the first investments they make; and, as such, it is often the biggest investment they make, too. It’s the dream of homeownership, a place of your own to call home. That all-important first home purchase is also a scary event for most people that raises, in some cases, more questions than it answers. Before taking the plunge, here are a few questions to ask yourself and some points to consider when answering them.

WHERE AM I GOING TO GET THE MONEY TO BUY A HOUSE? – Obviously, few people have sufficient cash lying about to purchase the house outright. You’ll want to find a reputable mortgage lender. Your bank or credit union may loan money for home purchases. There are mortgage brokers who represent many different lenders and there are mortgage companies that are known as “direct lenders”; they lend their own money rather than someone else’s. Seek guidance from a trusted financial advisor as to whom you might want to talk with; your real estate agent, your banker, a financial services professional, such

as an insurance agent or financial counselor, who knows other professionals in the financial world. The quality of the buyer’s credit report and credit score will play a major role in obtaining a mortgage with favorable terms so it behooves the borrower to make certain that the credit report is accurate and that debts have been paid in a timely manner.

CAN I AFFORD THE MONTHLY PAYMENTS? – You’ll want to carefully review your monthly budget to answer this question. In some cases, the monthly mortgage payment may be comparable in size to the rent currently being paid; but, it is important to

investments, businesses, property, etc.

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HOW MUCH WILL I NEED FOR A DOWN PAYMENT? – The simple answer is “more is better”. The less money you have to borrow, the lower your monthly payment will be and the less interest you will pay over the life of the loan. Your down payment can determine if you will need Private Mortgage Insurance. Your mortgage lender can tell you

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he Limited Liability Company, called an LLC, is a relatively new type of business organization in this country, although it has existed for years in other areas of the world. The LLC became extremely popular after a 1998 IRS ruling decided that LLC’s could be taxed like a partnership while still providing corporation-style protection for all of its members. As a result, the LLC has become an extremely attractive and popular form of doing business. In Florida, the LLC has far surpassed the traditional corporation as the preferred method of operating a business.

With the exception of a traditional corporation, the LLC is the only form of legal entity that insulates all of its owners from business debts and other legal liabilities, such as court judgments obtained against the business. In other words, an investor in an LLC normally has only his or her share of capital paid into the business at risk. However, keep in mind that no matter how a small business is organized (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.) its owners will be personally liable for any business loans or other agreements that they cosign. When you co-sign a loan, you promise to voluntarily assume personal liability if your business fails to pay back the loan. No form of

business ownership can insulate owners from personal liability they voluntarily assume.

If an LLC provided no benefit other than limited liability there would be little reason not to merely form a traditional corporation.

There must be more. In the case of an LLC the “more” is partnership tax status. By electing partnership tax status the members of an LLC are not taxed twice as in a traditional corporation. Instead, the profits are passed through to the owners who simply report the profits on their personal tax returns. In some cases the members of an LLC may decide that traditional corporation tax status better suits their needs. If so, the law allows them to continue to operate as an LLC, while being taxed like a regular corporation. The LLC also provides significant flexibility in the distribution of profits. It allows you to decide what share of the company profits and losses each owner will receive. Instead of being restricted to dividing up profits proportionate to stock ownership as in a corporation, an LLC is relatively free to split up profits and losses as the owners wish.

Another significant LLC benefit is flexibility of management. For example, an LLC may be formed with individual members and with members that may be other LLC’s, cor-

your options and how the size of your down payment can affect your monthly payment.

IF I DON’T HAVE A LOT OF MONEY FOR A DOWN PAYMENT, WILL I BE ABLE TO BUY A HOUSE? – Very possibly, yes!

There are many programs available to help first-time homebuyers in this area. Typically, they are based on financial need and will have income tests. But, if you qualify, you may be eligible for funds that have been set aside by

your down payment, you will need to pay for …

• A TITLE SEARCH that assures the lender that there are no liens against the property you want to buy which could prevent you from having a “clear title”;

(Continued on page 19) Eric Lanigan is an attorney who has been practicing business law over 25 years. His office is located at 222 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789, tel.

407-740-7379.

He is available for legal counsel and representation.

(Continued on page 19)

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Consumer Debt Counselors is a licensed, bonded, and accredited non-profit credit counseling agency that specializes in working with clients burdened by unsecured debt on credit cards, department store cards, medical bills, and similar debts that can arise as a result of unexpected emergencies or job loss. Our Debt Management Programs can help stop collection calls, prevent bankruptcy, lower interest rates, and consolidate debt repayment into one, easy to manage, monthly payment.

For answers to questions or guidance regarding your credit situation, call Consumer Debt Counselors at 407-599-0057 or 800-820-9232

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local, county, and state government agencies for down payment assistance programs. Again, your mortgage lender can guide you and knowledge of such programs might be a consideration when selecting a lender if you believe you might qualify for such assistance.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER EXPENSES THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY WHEN I BUY A HOUSE? – Yes! Besides

porations or partnerships. It is also very easy for LLC owners to agree that the day-to-day management will be controlled by all of the members or only a designated small number of the members might have management power.

Regardless of the management style chosen, the necessity for annual meetings, such as corporate stockholder and directors meetings, is also eliminated. While such meetings may be beneficial in businesses owned by several different people, they are generally an annoying waste of time for the typical small business owned by one or two individuals.

Finally, LLC’s provide a significant benefit to non-US citizens. Unlike “S” corpora-

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Doing Business - Corporations

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