22 November 7 – 20, 2014
Epoch Times
Health
Beauty
Which Fruit Makes Your Skin
Look Fabulous? By Lisa Kaplan Gordon www.Care2.com
H
omegrown tomatoes don’t just taste like heaven, they make you look and feel
great, too. Tomatoes contain the vitamins A, C and K, and the antioxidant lycopene, which help skin in several ways. Together, they: 1. Boost cell protection against harmful ultra violet rays from the sun, which prevents wrinkling and other signs of premature aging. 2. Aid cell regrowth, improving skin’s look and texture. 3. Help produce collagen, which makes skin glow and look fuller.
Tomatoes are natural skin toners. Reduce pore size by squeezing the juice from a fresh tomato.
So, if your garden has produced tons of tomatoes, use some in salads, but reserve others to help you look and feel your best. Here’s how to use tomatoes to fix the following skin problems:
Treat acne: Vitamin A in tomatoes boosts skin cell turnover and helps treat pimples and acne. You can wash your face with a quartered or pureed tomato. Or, dab pimples with a little tomato juice, let it sit for five minutes, then remove with a clean cloth. Shrink pores: Tomatoes are natural skin toners. Reduce pore size by squeezing the juice from a fresh tomato, and applying it in a circular motion to your face with a cotton ball. Let sit for five minutes and rinse. Dry oily skin: Tomatoes are a natural astringent that combats face oil. Make a mask of crushed tomato and crushed cucumber (cucumber is so refreshing), and apply to clean skin. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse. If you’ve got combination skin, mix tomato with avocado into a mask. Soothe burns: Got a sunburn? Mix a crushed tomato with two tablespoons of plain yogurt. Apply the balm on burned faces, hands and feet. Let sit for 20 minutes, then rinse. Promote gorgeous glow: Mix tomato juice with honey to form a thick paste. Apply the mask to your face and neck, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then wash it off. Your skin will have a fresh, young look.
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Epoch Times
hEALTH & BEAUTY
NOVEMBER 7 – 20, 2014 23
Why Many People Who Start an Exercise Programme Do Not Lose Weight By McMaster University Newswise
I
Using Exercise to Lose Weight: If you are overweight and want to lose weight, pick a sport that you enjoy doing and try to do your sport with other people. Most middle-aged people who start an exercise programme drop out within the first few weeks. The people most likely to continue exercising are those
Using Diet to Lose Weight: Do not think that you will lose weight just because you
are starting an exercise programme. You need to eat less food also. Eat large amounts of fruits and vegetables. Try to restrict the calorie dense foods: • meat, poultry and dairy products • fried foods • all refined carbohydrates: (foods made from flour, s u g a r e d drinks and sugared-added foods). This article was originally published on www.drmirkin.com. Subscribe to their free weekly Fitness & Health newsletter.
fotolia
f you want to use exercise to help you lose weight, you have to spend a large amount of time exercising or you have to eat less food. Researchers reviewed the scientific literature and found that most people who start an exercise programme to help them lose weight do not lose much weight because they do not burn enough calories during exercise, and they often eat even more food after they start exercising. Furthermore, you cannot increase metabolism significantly to burn more calories after you finish exercising unless you do a huge amount of exercise or exercise very intensely.
The people most likely to continue exercising are those who exercise in classes, with a personal trainer or with a spouse or partner.
who exercise in classes, with a personal trainer or with a spouse or partner. A major advantage of exercise classes is that most experienced exercise leaders understand that you have to: • alternate the pace of your hard workouts (pick up the pace for a few seconds, slow down, and then pick up the pace again), and • follow a very hard day with a slower, more relaxed recovery workout day. For example, your hard days may be an aerobic dance or spinning class on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For the rest of the week, do easy recovery days of cycling, walking, swimming or dancing slowly.
Health & Beauty
24 November 7 – 20, 2014
Epoch Times
Designers Go for
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2015 Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
A new-season headdress of flowers for Badgley Mischka at Mercedes-Benz.
Naeem Khan, Sept. 9.
Carolina Herrera, Sept. 8.
The abundance of flower prints was so evocative of spring that it was only tainted by the thought that we haven’t even made it through fall or winter yet.
By Kati Vereshaka Epoch Times Staff
E
ven half way through New York’s Fashion Week there were already two distinct camps among the designers showing their Spring 2015 collections. On one side, the minimalists opted for neutral colours and structure stripped of all embellishments. But then, there were the flower lovers-designers who revelled in naturalistic or stylised plant motifs of all shapes and sizes. And there was lots of lace. The abundance of flower prints was so evocative of spring that it was only tainted by the thought that we haven’t even made it through fall or winter yet.
Badgley Mischka, Sept. 9
The Desigual models set the tone with their head-dresses made up of giant peonies, roses, chrysanthemums, lilies, and other generally large flowers. It was an explosion of colour with some cheeky fun in the mix as the models carried thought bubbles, just like in cartoons. “Looking for boyfriend”, or “I love photographers” read the bubbles. And for once the models were allowed to smile. It was almost as if spring were coming.
Badgley Mischka
In a similar yet much more restrained way, Badgley Mischka muses floated onto the runway like a Botticelli painting come to life, wearing long gowns in sheer fabrics that were flooded
with minuscule spring blossoms. The collection was balanced with ivory and beige dresses and two piece ensembles.
Naeem Khan
Naeem Khan also channelled the spring blossoms. A couple of gowns featured the painterly flowers in an ombre effect. His collection was particularly varied in the graphic styles through which he depicted flowers and plant motifs. The show-stopper was a halter-neck gown with a billowing skirt in a print of giant pansies. Another halter-neck gown in shimmery white fabric had folkart inspired blooms embroidered in pitch black, matte threads— these were flowers with extra drama.
Tadashi Shoji, Sept. 4.
But Khan didn’t stop there. He went as far as covering a mini dress in colourful stylised beaded flowers reminiscent of 1960s textile prints. In between the colours he added black flowers here and there to pull the whole visual feast together.
Carolina Herrera
Carolina Herrera took the flower, synthesised and fragmented it, adding an element of the abstract with a rectangular panel that gave it a 3D quality. In a gown with cap-sleeves she blew up frangipani blooms out of proportion and set them against a black background. The overall effect was overwhelming as the thin model seemed to emerge out of the frangipani flowers. A white stripy tulip became
Health & Beauty
Epoch Times
Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Oscar de la Renta
Lela Rose, Sept. 8.
the graphic print for a beige skirt—just for the love of the negative space in the patterns of its petals.
Tadashi Shoji
Tadashi Shoji took inspiration from Venetian palaces and used plant motifs such as the pomegranate flower that is often depicted on Venetian fabrics. His plant life was incorporated in the structure of lace fabrics, which he used almost exclusively in his spring collection. Not surprisingly, the cut was restrained—A-line dresses and capes of all lengths. The simple cut of the dresses was accented by rectangles of see-through mesh at the waist, cleavage, or just above the knees. “It’s the juxtaposition of power and the feminine,” Shoji told the Associated Press backstage after his show at the Lincoln Centre tents. The finale to the collection was an evening gown in gold lace complete with floor-length cape—homage to the grandeur and opulence of Venice.
petals. It’s not likely that a Lela Rose customer would wear both pieces together, but if she did she will have to counterbalance it with considerable personality—gumption, is it? The collection also featured exquisite vibrant blue roses like those seen on the finest porcelain crockery. They were used sparsely in simply cut dresses. The same painterly roses also appeared in the brightest yellow. An A-line sleeveless evening gown with these bright yellow roses on white silk was the very embodiment of summery sophistication.
Just when you thought it was all over with the flowers, Oscar de la Renta creations came forth from between the flower laden panels of his runway entrance. Could it get any more floral than this? It’s de la Renta. So, yes it could. De la Renta took black and white, pastel blue, pink, and green checks and paired them with white blouses in cut-out floral patterns. A long sleeve white dress depicted the most stylised flower, but this time it was a geometric floral pattern in the structure of the white mesh fabric. A very modern and minimalist take on the whole theme. De la Renta’s flowers ranged from the most naturalistic embroidered depictions, to the simplest geometrical four-petal flower. It was a welcome relief from all the multicoloured blooms so abundantly paraded, and perhaps a return to innocence and simplicity. It was also a return to white— which inevitably follows the chromatic visual feasts of the warmer seasons’ fashions.
Peter Michael Dills/Getty Images
These all-natural masks are a great way to bring that spa feeling into your own home. By Jackie Damboragian
T
reating yourself to a face mask is a nice way to relax, rejuvenate and nourish your skin. Unfortunately, most of the commercial face masks are laden with not-so-great chemicals and harsh ingredients. These all-natural masks are super easy to make and a great way to bring that spa feeling into your own home!
The enzymes in raw honey eat up dead skin cells and reveal your most smooth and supple skin. It’s great for people with sensitive, normal or combination skin. Directions: • Apply honey to skin. • Leave on for 15 minutes. • Rinse off with warm water.
Pineapple
Oscar De La Renta, Sept. 9.
Diane Von Furstenberg, Sept. 7.
Shutterstock
Natural Face Masks
Raw Honey
Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images
Lela Rose
Lela Rose took the rose and did some memorable things with it. In one outfit a billowing sheer skirt with giant black polka dots is paired with a black sleeveless top in the centre of which is a giant rose with white, gray, and black
5 DIY
Diane von Furstenberg
De la Renta and Diane von Furstenberg must have been on a telepathic wavelength when they got the idea of juxtaposing floral motifs and checks. The black and white checks in the von Furstenberg collection were overlayed with bright green or white lace. The designer herself wore the green version for her end of show salute.
November 7 – 20, 2014 25
The enzymes in pineapple make it into a wonderful exfoliator, eating up all the dead skin cells. The bromelain in pineapple offers anti-inflammatory properties. Directions: • Use the inside of the rind of a freshly cut pineapple or small pieces of freshly cut fruit. • Apply to dry skin, avoiding the eyes. • Leave on for 5-7 minutes • Rinse with warm water.
*If pineapple is too acidic, strawberries are a wonderful, gentler substitute.
Avocado
The healthy oils in avocados soothe and moisturise dry or sensitive skin. Directions: • Mash up about half an avocado in a small bowl. For combination skin, add a squeeze of lemon or lime (about 1 teaspoon) and mix it together. • Slather on and let your skin soak up the moisture for about 10 minutes. • Remove with warm water and a washcloth.
Raw Egg Yolk
Egg yolks are rich in sulphur, which is great for those with acne prone skin. Please make sure your yolks come from a healthy, humanely raised chicken! Directions: • Whip yolk in a small bowl. • Apply to a clean face, avoiding the eyes, and allow to dry. • Rinse with warm water and a washcloth.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are cooling and soothing, making them the perfect remedy for reducing redness, inflammation and puffiness. This mask is also great after spending time in the sun. Directions: • Pulse cucumber in a blender and apply to face. • Leave on for 5 minutes. • Rinse with water. *To treat your eyes only, cut the cucumber into discs and place over the eyes. This article was originally published on www.drfranklipman. com.
26 November 7 – 20, 2014
Epoch Times
Home
Décor
Hometalker A Home Full of Color
Stencilled Rug on Concrete.
By Hometalk.com
U
sing stencils and some paint, you can completely change the appearance of just about anything, making it unrecognisable, extraordinary, and amazing. If you’re sceptical, just take a look at all of the unbelievable things you can do with stencils!
1. Concrete Outdoor Area
Unless it was in the title, you might have no idea that this space is outdoors, or that this intricate navy and white carpet is in fact not a carpet at all but a stencilled concrete floor. That’s the power of stencils— outdoor industrial to indoor lodge!
These 10 Stencilled Makeover Projects Hometalker You Are Talking Too Much
Will Help You Transform Your Home
Painted and Stencilled Linoleum Floor.
2. Kitchen Floor
Wouldn’t you give anything to makeover your dingy linoleum kitchen floors? Well how much would you spend to make them over like this? That’s right—this kitchen floor is linoleum! Not that anyone can tell, now that stencils have done their magic.
home & décor
Epoch Times
November 7 – 20, 2014 27
Hometalker No. 29 Design
Hometalker Blooming Ange
4. Bookshelf
No wall space to stencil? No worries! These savvy stencillers decided to add a little textured colour to their bookcase by giving it a bright herringbone pattern. Even partially obscured, a stencilled back wall creates a whole personality for this craft storage space. DIY Wall Stencil. Hometalker Lolly Jane
5. Bedroom Wall
3. Entryway Wall
The soft light pouring into this entryway highlights the intricate design of this stencilled wall perfectly. If the entryway was painted a simple white or even cream, the colour might be lovely, but there would be no textured, bright accent like there is here.
Navy Stenciled Bedroom.
Hometalker DIY on the Cheap
The dynamic use of solid colour and accent stencil for these bedroom walls creates a bold design that makes this room incredibly unique. Instead of an empty wall, or a wall filled with hanging decor, this stencil pattern is decor enough to add a bigtime “WOW” factor to this bedroom. Herringbone Stencilled Bookcase.
6. Rug
Hometalker Pressing On
This dining room rug is a perfect example of understated but bold decor. Stencils can give just enough texture with just enough pattern to make your room unique, without making it too loud. With a little stencil magic, this rug looks high-end and dinner party appropriate. Stencilled Rug. Hometalker Balancing Home
Chevron Stencilled Backsplash.
7. Kitchen Backsplash
A kitchen backsplash is a fabulous place for stencil work – it’s central and noticeable enough that it can be a great kitchen accent, but small enough that it won’t make a kitchen look too busy. This mix of showy chevron in neutral colours is the perfect pairing for home decor detail.
8. Window Shades
Window shades can be a simple necessity, or a hugely effective accent to any room, especially when they’re boldly designed. This simple living and dining room space gets a vivid modern upgrade with stencilled faux roman shades and drapes.
Hometalker Infarrantly Creative
Hometalker How to Nest for Less
9. Headboard
10. Washer and Dryer
Instead of the pattern and palette of the bedding, or colour contrasting throw pillows, the real visual impact of this bed comes from its bold geometric stencilled headboard. Talk about adding a “WOW” factor to your room! Painted Fabric Stencilled Headboard.
Stenciled Faux Roman Shades.
Stencilled Washer and Dryer .
Though you may never have thought of upgrading your washer and dryer to improve your laundry room, the outcome of these machines is astoundingly attractive. No matter how plain or unembellished an object is in your home, with stencils and paint, you can turn it into decor. Chalk it up to more stencil magic! Check out www.hometalk.com/topics/ painted-furniture for more amazing paint makeovers and masterpieces.
28 November 7 – 20, 2014
home & décor
Epoch Times
fotolia
Do-It-Yourself Garment Care If you just use common sense and are careful, you can save money by washing many things and they’ll come out fine.
cleaning service because they’re bonded in case of damage or loss and they have a minimum of three or four hours. I do it myself in 1.5 hours. I handwash a number of things rather than dry-clean them. This saves me money, and in some cases, for instance with cashmere sweaters, it is actually better for the garment. But there’s a problem with care labels. You can’t always believe them.
Recently I bought a plain white cotton shirt. The care label said dry-clean only. I asked the saleswoman why I had to dry-clean a cotton shirt, and she said to pay no attention. She explained that the manufacturer puts that in to protect themselves in case the customer does something stupid like washing it with another colour that run. After washing it the usual way, it Shutterstock
By Miriam Silverberg
I
am definitely not the happy homemaker. I don’t own a cookbook, and my culinary skills comprise boiling water for coffee and making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich—that’s it. Martha Stewart has nothing to fear from me. But I do know how to save money. I am practically the only person I know who does her own cleaning. I would only use a
You can actually save money by hand-washing many things that have a dry-cleaning label.
came out fine, but the label does give one pause to think. Everything silk has dry-cleanonly labels. Actually, you can hand-wash silk. I do it all the time. Wash it in cool water and hang to dry. I even use ordinary detergent. The special soaps for “fine washables” are hard to find and quite expensive and don’t seem to do any better than detergent. I have a knit dress that is hand-washable. But, the label states “do not dry flat—hang to dry,” which I do. Initially I had no idea why that was the case, but now I know. Knits can be hand-washed and it’s important to get all the water out of the garment before drying. You can either do this by putting the garment to spin in a washing machine (not the rinse, just spin), or gently wring out the water and then roll it in a towel, pressing it as you go to let the towel absorb the excess water. Following this step, some knits can be hung to dry and some have to be dried flat. It all depends on what kind of garment it is—here it does pay to heed the label. I remember washing a wool flannel designer skirt and it came out fine. Didn’t even need ironing. I was hand-washing the blouse I wore with it and then— stupid me—without thinking I tossed the skirt into the basin,
too. I was horrified at my stupidity, but I rinsed it, hung it to dry, and it was perfect. Admittedly, I have ruined a few (very few) things by washing them. The colours ran out of a printed cotton skirt, and then there was the incident with washable leather gloves that turned out to be anything but that—the store took them back. If you just use common sense and are careful, you can save money by washing many things and they’ll come out fine. Courtesy of the author
Miriam Silverberg.
Miriam Silverberg is a freelance journalist and owner of Miriam Silverberg Associates, a boutique publicity firm in Manhattan. She may be reached at silverbergm@ mindspring.com.
Dear Reader
Epoch Times
November 7 – 20, 2014 29
Entries for Epoch Times Snap & Review:
Singapore Yummy Food Instagram Contest
F
rom roti prata, satay, chilli crab, char kway teow, hainanese chicken rice to ice kachang, Singaporeans love their food and eating is a large part of our culture. Food is the little red dot’s pride and passion, and the island’s best tourist attraction.
Exploring good food hideouts is always a favourite pastime for many Singaporeans. Epoch Times invites readers to share with us their favourite Singapore food hunts, from hawker centres to high-end restaurants. Below are some mouthwatering submissions from our readers.
How to participate: 1) Snap a photo of a Singaporean dish of your choice, and write a short review of 20 words or more! 2)Follow #EpochTimesSingapore. Share the photo on Instagram and tag
@kelvinlau76 I simply love this. The skin is very soft and it melts in your mouth! Steamed rice roll with BBQ pork (蒸肠粉) at Imperial Treasure Noodle & Congee House @ Ion Orchard.
@kelvinlau76 This is one of the few occasions where an awesome grilled chicken with tomato sauce & butter rice is served at my work’s cafeteria.
@kelvinlau76 This is my favourite dish NasiLemak. I had been hunting locally for the best taste. This is one of the better ones I can find at Gurney Drive @ AMK Jubilee Mall.
@sgfoodiary Ritz Apple Strudel is simply the classic Austria style Apple Strudel,with sweet flaky puff pastry that just shatters when cut (just like whats in my picture). With a filling of light, sweet yellow custard, and fresh cubes of apples, it really tastes quite fantastic! Currently, the strudels come in seven flavours. Besides apple, there are mango, peach, blueberry, durian, strawberry and chocolate. Please visit www.ritzapplestrudel.com for more information!
We Wish to Hear from You We at The Epoch Times welcome your comments and feedback on the content we run, as well as news and issues you can share with us that we may follow up with in our next issue. Do send your thoughts to feedback@epochtimes.com.sg with your name, email address and phone number!
@kelvinlau76 This is a very ordinary dish, but roast meat is very well made, and it has an awesome Chinese name, 黯然销魂魂 叉叉烧饭, which means your soul will becomes very sad and you will miss this dish. At Canton Paradise 乐天小香 港.
@sgfoodiary Iced Vanilla Latte with Hello Kitty 3D Latte Art—Try guessing where this beautiful cup of latte is from! CHOCK FULL OF BEANS— A really nice and cosy cafe located at Changi Village which provides really beautiful latte art just for your drinks. Though you may have to wait for some time due to its limited seats but trust me, you got to wait for it! Was really impressed with the latte art and the drink, this was good for me even though I am not a coffee lover! ◆ Address: Blk 4 Changi Village Road #01-2090 ◆ Opening Hrs: 11am-11pm ◆ Contact: 6214 8839.
#EpochTimesSingapore with your review 3) The entry with the most “hearts” wins $150! Each reader is entitled to submit a maximum of four food snapshots. Send in your entries today! Contest ends on 31 December 2014.
10
30 November 7 – 20, 2014
Food Travel
Epoch Times
Things to Check Out in Bangkok
www.static.asiawebdirect.com
photos courtesy of tourism authority of thailand
By Claire Ong Epoch Times Staff
N
ovember in Bangkok is more than Loy Krathong. Make your trip a blast with these enthralling shops and activities to check out in the Thai capital.
Shops 1. Talad Rod Fai Srinakarin It’s tough to resist the quirky charm of this photogenic night market. Translated as ‘Train Night Market’, this retro outdoor market is one of Bangkok’s largest. This festive market derives its character from vintage
collectibles and memorabilia to modern apparel and bags. The market is divided into three main sections: ‘Market Zone’, where over 2,000 stalls sell everyday products; ‘Warehouse Zone’, selling vintage products; and ‘Rod’s Antiques’, a converted factorytype building with a treasure trove of classic cars, motorbikes and kitsch furniture. As Bangkok.com puts it, “Where else in the Thailand would you find a pristine 1950s Cadillac next to vintage leather jackets, French chandeliers and 1960s action figures from Japan? Combine all this with cool restaurants, bars and snack stalls and you (will) have a fun night out.” Talad Rod Fai Srinakarin is
located at Srinakarin Soi 51, behind Secon Square, a massive entertainment centre. The market opens from Thurs-Sun, 5 p.m. to midnight. To visit, take the BTS to On Nut and hop into a taxi.
2. Chatuchak Green
Just 100 metres away from Chatuchak market lies Chatuchak Green, a stylish lowrise lifestyle and community mall occupying over 21 acres of land. A refreshing green concept governs this ‘Shops in the Park’, which features over 24 restaurants and around 150 quaint, air-conditioned stores. With an area of over 2,000 square metres, ‘Shops in the Park’ include a gallery, art items, home furnishings,
decorative products, fashion, and accessories. Nearby, the ‘Green Food Park’ offers over 30 shops and restaurants. At night, the vicinity transforms into a night market akin to the Talad Rod Fai, replete with vintage treasures and nostalgic ambience. Also known as JJ Green, the mall is located at 110/46, Lardprao 18 Rd., Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 Thailand. Take the BTS skytrain to Mo Chit (Exit 1 or 3) or get off at Chatuchak Park Station via the MRT (Exit 1 or
2). The mall opens daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
3. Central Embassy
This 37-storey building of high-end shops and a topnotch hotel is unmissable. Its spectacular façade pays homage to traditional Thai temples, rippling into the sky. Inside, its 8-storey retail podium, sky terraces and 6-star hotel tower meet seamlessly. Opened in May, Central Embassy is Bangkok’s first ultra-luxury lifestyle mall, featuring high-end designer
Food & Travel
Epoch Times
labels, fine dining, a ritzy cinema experience, and the luxurious Park Hyatt Hotel. Expect nothing less than top brands like Chanel and Gucci, along with Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith and Michael Kors. High-street players like Zara and Fred Perry are also tenants in the 18 billion baht (S$710 million) mega mall. Fine dining options, ranging from a seafood restaurant to French and Japanese lifestyle cafés and bistros, will delight foodies. The titular Embassy Diplomat Screens, one of the mall’s anchor tenants, is located on the eighth floor, offering bespoke cinema. The mall opens daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Take the BTS to Ploen Chit. Visit www.centralembassy.com for more details.
4. Asiatique
Fancy shopping and having a romantic stroll by the Chao Phraya River at the same time? Look no further than Asiatique The Riverfront, Asia’s largest waterfront retail, food and entertainment hotspot. A sprawling open-air mall with a festival market and living museum concept, the site boasts 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants. Divided into four districts, the ‘Chareonkrung District’ has over 1,000 small boutiques selling souvenirs, jewellery, handicrafts, and fashion. Housed in a centenarian sawmill, the ‘Factory District’ boasts over 500 fashion boutiques and gadget shops, including an Apple store. The ‘Waterfront District’ features local and international restaurants and wine bars, offering pictureperfect panoramas and the longest riverfront pathway in Thailand at over 300 metres. The ‘Town Square District’ offers a beer garden and an outdoor activity square. Muay Thai Live, Bangkok’s new stage spectacular, is also staged here (see No. 10). The Asiatique opens from 5 p.m. to midnight. Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin and jump on
November 7 – 20, 2014 31
photos courtesy of tourism authority of thailand
http://www.bangkoklive.info/
photos courtesy of tourism authority of thailand
Terminal 21.
Asiatique.
Blue Elephant Cooking School.
November in Bangkok is more than Loy Krathong. Make your trip a blast with these enthralling shops and activities to check out in the Thai capital. the free shuttle at the end of the pier (the boat runs till 11 p.m.).
5. Terminal 21
Enter Terminal 21 and you literally see the world in a themed mall. With 600 shops of fashion, food, and film, each floor transports you to a different country—literally, with recognisable icons and infrastructure of each country on each floor. Foodies will love the Caribbean-themed basement, with a Gourmet Market and bookstores, and the San Francisco floors, where over 50 restaurants and cafés are housed. Pier 21 on the fifth floor houses the most interesting food court in town. Local and international fashion labels occupy Rome and Paris, while Tokyo and London embrace women’s and men’s fashion. In contrast, Istanbul is an eclectic floor with gifts, accessories, toys, home décor and more. And then there’s the 36-metrelong escalator that connects all the continents in the world—so don’t forget your camera! Terminal 21 opens from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Take the BTS to Asok (direct access via Skywalk) or the MRT to Sukhumvit.
6. Lalai Sap Market in Silom
Described as a “large and fun hidden market” by Bangkok.com, the all-purpose Lalai Sap Market
is tucked in the narrow back alleys of Silom Soi 5. With its vast and eclectic mix of shophouses and boutiques, head to this bazaar if you’d like an authentic slice of daily life in Bangkok— and cheap and good food. Located in the middle of Bangkok’s CBD, you can buy anything from tropical fruits and snacks to inexpensive fashion and housewares. Takeaway food and food courts are also found here, selling a variety. Deeper inside Lalai Sap are restaurants offering noodles, som tam, and even one of Bangkok’s best roast duck. The market opens on weekdays from 8 a.m. to around 3 p.m. To get there, take the BTS to Sala Daeng.
7. Khao Saan Road—Night Tram by Buddy Group
What better way to tour Bangkok than a tram city night tour—with the option of a sumptuous pretram dinner! Since 2007, the Bangkok Tram has been providing guided sightseeing tours aboard their replica tram. Explore some of the most important sights of the city on the tour, including the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and Wat Ratchanaddaram, before ending with a beautiful night walk around Wat Pho. The tram tour begins at Hotel De Moc at 8 p.m. The 1.5-hour tour costs 450 baht (S$18), with child concessions. An optional pre-tram dinner is available at 900 baht (S$35) with a choice of three full-course sets. Email rsvn@bangkoktram.com for reservations.
Activities 7. The Escape Hunt Experience
Ranked #1 out of Trip Advisor’s top ten things to do in Bangkok, The Escape Hunt Experience is the ultimate live escape game. The popular global chain opened its first store in Bangkok, which doubles up as its flagship store in Asia.
In this interactive adventure game, travel back in time and play the role of Sherlock Holmes solving a mystery in an old Bangkok house. Each room is for 2-5 players and is private for your travel group. With your dedicated game master, your team plays against the clock to find the suspect’s identity and escape from the room within an hour. After the game, you can chat about your experience in a luxurious lounge area over tea and dress up in period costume for photos. Open 365 days a year from 9.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m., the first game starts at 10 a.m. and the last game at 7 p.m. Take the BTS to Asok Station (Exit 6) or the MRT to Sukhumvit (Exit 2). Prices vary by group size, but book online at bangkok.escapehunt.com for discounted web prices.
8. Blue Elephant Cooking School
One of Bangkok’s top restaurants serving Royal Thai cuisine, the Blue Elephant Cooking School caters to both novices and professional chefs. It offers two lessons daily, at 8.30 a.m. or 1.30 p.m. For a wholesome culinary experience, take up a five-day private course, with a different menu each day. Vegetarian cooking classes are available. The school opens daily and is located at 233 South Sathorn Road, Kwaeng Yannawa, Khet Sathorn, Bangkok 10120, Thailand. Take the BTS to Surasak (Exit 2). Visit www.blueelephant. com/cooking-school/cookingclasses-bangkok-2/ for menus and rates.
Go trigger-happy at the museum from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (ticket booth closes 9 p.m.), located at Bangkok’s Esplanade Shopping Mall. Take the MRT to Thailand Cultural Centre. Tickets cost 300 baht (S$12) for adults and 200 baht (S$8) for children.
10. Muay Thai Live
Fancy a theatrical spectacle combining entertainment with ancient Muay Thai boxing? Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives is Bangkok’s thrilling stage spectacular featuring fights, stunts, and stories. Created by internationally acclaimed director Ekachai Uekrongtham, who is also the founding artistic director of Singapore’s ACTION Theatre, this 90-minute show spans 300 years and dramatises the origins and heroes of Muay Thai. Lauded by The Bangkok Post for its “amazing athleticism”, audiences will be awestruck by “a dazzling combination of hyper-real Muay Thai fights, breathtaking stunts and sweeping drama”. With state-of-the-art light and sound technology, get ready for an immersive experience. This show for all ages is staged daily from 8 p.m, at The Stage Theatre, Asiatique The Riverfront, Bangkok. Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin and jump on the free shuttle at the end of the pier. Tickets can be bought via www.muaythailive.net. photos courtesy of tourism authority of thailand
9. Art in Paradise
Also known as Trick Eye 3D Museum, this interactive attraction is a hit with couples, friends and families. Offering hyper-realistic trompe-l’œil artwork, the two-storey gallery invites visitors to walk the ‘stairway to hell’, ride a flying carpet and attend an emperor’s coronation, amongst others.
Muay Thai Live.
Food & Travel
32 November 7 – 20, 2014
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w o n K o t d e e N u o Y s g n i Th s e k a c p u C e v l e w T t u o ab
By Li Yen Epoch Times Staff
With a new, creative and interesting flavour added to its menu each month, it’s no wonder that Twelve Cupcakes continues to be a hit.
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Epoch Times
f you love cupcakes, you would probably have heard of Twelve Cupcakes—a well-known cupcake brand in Singapore, Twelve Cupcakes is famously celebrated for its decadent and dainty cupcakes that come in an extensive range of flavours. Their fluffy cupcakes with rich and buttery icing are what draw customers through their bakery doors. These sweet-looking cupcakes are not only lovely to behold, but taste as good as they look. With a new, creative and interesting flavour added to its menu each month, it’s no wonder that Twelve Cupcakes continues to be a hit.
I recently visited the newly opened outlet at 308 Lavender Street and sampled a box of their mini cupcakes. While a box of 12 mini cupcakes costs S$17.90 at other outlets, here it is sold for only S$12. This promotional price is only available at the Lavender branch, which is also where Twelve Cupcakes’ corporate office is situated. In addition, a regular cupcake costs only S$2 at the Lavender branch. Before making your way down to purchase these immensely satisfying treats, here’s 12 interesting facts you should know about Twelve Cupcakes!
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Twelve Cupcakes is almost 3 years old. It started operations in July 2011, and its first outlet opened in United Square with only 2 service staff. Twelve Cupcakes expanded to 4 stores in their first year of business.
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all
Established by former radio DJ Daniel Ong and Miss Universe 2001 and TV personality Jaime Teo, this attractive celebrity couple assure customers that their cupcakes are ‘handmade with love’. They produced their first 10,000 cupcakes at the United Square outlet.
C tos pho our tes yo f Tw elv e Cu pca
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Jamie loves to bake, and the cupcake ideas originate from Jamie. She is in the R & D team, and most of Twelve Cupcakes’ items are launched based on what Jamie and Daniel like to eat, and what
Jamie thinks will work. If the cupcake is not appetising, Jamie will not launch it. All the names of the cupcakes are created by Jamie, with input from the staff as well.
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Their best-selling cupcakes are Red Velvet, Chocolate Chocolate and Cookies & Cream. Salted caramel, which Jamie loves, was initially sold as a special, but it became so popular that they decided to sell it as an everyday item.
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Twelves Cupcakes has 12 Everyday Flavours. The extremely enticing flavours include Red Velvet, Chocolate Chocolate, Cookies and Cream, PB Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Strawberry Vanilla, PB Jelly, Espresso, Strawberry Chocolate, Rainbow Vanilla, Vanilla Chocolate and Chocolate Banana.
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There are over 50 Specials sold on a rotational basis, of flavours such as Green Tea Honey, Kinder Bueno, Black Sesame, Nutella, Chocolate Gingersnaps, Strawberry Champagne, Lychee Martini, Cranberries & Pistachios ... and many more! Some of their specials may contain fruits and alcohol, and may thus cost slightly more.
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A new flavour is launched every month, ensuring an endless stream of surprises at Twelve Cupcakes.
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There are currently 15 outlets in Singapore, with expansion overseas to Jakarta, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Manila. Interesting fact: the Taiwanese
actually prefer their cupcakes to have a sweeter taste, and the green tea cupcake is their favourite!
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Twelve Cupcakes uses premium ingredients like French butter cream in their baking, thus the texture of their cupcakes, butter cream, and cream cheese are smooth on the tongue. Whereas in other cupcakes shops, their cream might taste sugary as they use castor sugar. The cupcakes are freshly baked every day, and they are produced in small batches using cake making techniques instead of muffin mixes to create the soft, moist and fluffy cupcakes.
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The inspiration behind the name “Twelve Cupcakes” is because Jamie and Daniel think that 12 is a common number that pops up everywhere. Do you realise that there are actually 12 holes in a muffin pan, 12 numbers on a clock, 12 months in a year, 12 zodiac signs and 12 strikes to make a perfect bowling game?
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Daniel heads the design of all shops. And recently, they have re-branded their logo and the shops’ interior design. In their old shops, the interiors are made of wood and brick wall, but now they use glass casing to create a more sophisticated and clean look.
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Ladies love their dainty cupcakes, and most of their customers are female working adults. Many of their male customers are also thoughtful husbands or boyfriends who come to purchase these lovely treats for their significant other.
Find Out Why Turmeric Is Known as ‘Holy Powder’
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By Lina Camarena urmeric is best known as one of the main ingredients of curry. It has a peppery, warm, and bitter flavour, and a mild fragrance similar to orange and ginger. The turmeric plant has many more uses outside the culinary field. It has been used in India for thousands of years, and as a powerful
anti-inflammatory in both the Chinese and Indian systems of medicine to treat conditions such as: • Flatulence • Jaundice • Menstrual difficulties • Bloody urine • Toothache • Bruises • Chest pain • Colic Curcumin is the main
active compound in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects, and is a very strong antioxidant. It is used in the treatment of: • Inflammatory bowel disease • Rheumatoid arthritis • Symptom relief for cystic fibrosis sufferers • Cancer prevention • Improved liver function • And many more
Find out more about the benefits of turmeric here
You’ll Love This Authentic
Yangzhou Fried Rice
www.trathienson.com
By Kay Rubacek Yangzhou Fried Rice is a popular fried rice dish not only in China, but around the world. Day-old rice works best, as freshly boiled rice tends to be too sticky. Try this easy-tomake fried rice dish and amaze your family and friends. Ingredients: • Cooking oil • Boiled rice (left over from day before or
freshly cooked boiled rice) • Egg/eggs • Ham • Shrimp • Peas • Shallots • Salt • Chicken stock Method: 1. Heat cooking oil in wok on high heat 2. Turn heat to medium low 3. Crack egg/eggs in; stir fry until it breaks into
pieces 4. Add ham, shrimp, peas, and mix well 5. Add rice and chopped shallots 6. Add a pinch of salt 7. Pour in chicken stock (optional) 8. Turn heat to high 9. Start to stir fry the rice mixture 10. Continue to stir, and avoid burning rice (leftover rice takes longer time to fry), mix everything well and enjoy.
www.naturalnews.com
Food & Travel
Epoch Times
November 7 – 20, 2014 33
34 NOVEMBER 7 – 20, 2014
Epoch Times
Values
Virtues
Celebrating the Grandness of
Grandparents
By Jade Pearce Epoch Times Staff
Grandparents Day is a relatively new concept. So how did it all begin?
o you have a favourite memory of your grandparents, particularly as a child? One of the best times of my childhood was our family trips to Johor, Malaysia to visit my grandparents. Because I knew that once I got there, I would be spoiled rotten. My grandfather or ‘Ah Gong’ would make trips to the wet market in the early morning, so that we would wake up to a huge breakfast spread every day. My grandmother or ‘Ah Ma’ – a great cook, as all grandmothers seem to be - would whip up her best dishes, including her famous kampong chicken in rice wine sauce. As my siblings and I gorged ourselves, Ah Gong would regale us with fascinating stories from his 80-year lifetime – he and Ah Ma’s initial years of extreme poverty until he became a self-made businessman, playing table tennis with the Japanese soldiers during the Japanese Occupation, and chasing thieves off his palm oil plantation. It was always during these trips that I truly appreciated the warmth of being surrounded by family. My grandparents represented a constant and stabilising force of love and protection, as I navigated the uncertain, competitive world outside. Singapore’s Grandparents Day is coming up on November 23 this year. While it is not as well known as Father’s or Mother’s Day, grandparents are a vital part of families, and they deserve a special day to honour them. Grandparents have been around for centuries, but interestingly
How Grandparents Day Came to Be
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The idea of Grandparents Day started about 40 years ago in the USA. Marian Mcquade, a self-described “housewife” who devoted much of her life advocating for older adults, wanted a day to affirm the importance of grandparents. After campaigning for five years, in 1979, President Jimmy Carter finally made National Grandparents’ Day official. The world’s first Grandparents Day thus came into existence. Singapore has also celebrated Grandparents’ Day since 1999, which is designated as the fourth Sunday of November. Mr Jay Lim, the founder of Grandparents Day in Singapore, was inspired by his own grandmother, Mdm Lee Su Lan, to bring the idea of Grandparents Day to the Parliament back in 1998. In an interview with STOMP, Mr Lim fondly recalled how Mdm Lee had braved many hardships, including surviving on sweet potatoes during World War II, and bringing up five children single-handedly after being widowed early. Mdm Lee passed away just this year in May, at the ripe age of 103.
In addition to Grandparents Day, our silver generation has been honoured since 1979 with Senior Citizen’s Week. Held on the third week of November, it commemorates our senior citizens’ contributions to society.
Six Lessons Only Grandparents Can Teach
Another purpose of Grandparents’ Day is to help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer. And it is true that there are things only grandparents can teach very well.
Here are six life lessons we can learn from them: 1. Don’t sweat it: Having the experience of their full adult lives behind them, grandparents know that many things don’t matter in the course of a lifetime. Grandparents can offer a more-relaxed, easy-going love than pressurised parents or Tiger Mums. 2. Face-to-face time: Coming from a time that wasn’t permeated by iPads, mobile phones, or social media,
Epoch Times
grandparents don’t suffer the technological addiction that many of us do. And sometimes, the only way to talk with them is over the phone or face-to-face. Grandparents teach us to put aside our devices and be present in the moment. 3. Importance of family and tradition: Grandparents keep traditions alive, be they cultural or family rituals such as visiting a temple, or making traditional foods together
Values & virtues during festive seasons. These traditions serve as the glue that keeps families together, as they are passed down over the generations. Also, don’t underestimate the stories that grandparents share about their past—they help create a sense of identity and understanding of our family roots. 4. Appreciating the small things: “Be grateful for what you have” is a phrase we often hear as kids, but it is something that grandparents
appreciate most, especially if they have gone through turbulent times in history. Expressing gratitude for the small things in life—a soft bed, a good meal, a smile— can boost one’s happiness and well-being. 5. Thriftiness: Whether it’s finding the best things at bargain prices, or conserving time and resources, grandparents always have plenty of tips. 6. Getting spoiled by grandparents is a good
chinese idioms After getting lost in a valley, the Qi Army relied on the experience of their old horses to guide them out.
An Old Horse Knows the Way: 老马识途 By Epoch Times Staff
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he Chinese idiom 老 马识途 (lǎo mǎ shí tú) is used to describe an old hand who has the advantage of years of experience. This idiom originated from the Spring and Autumn Period, when the Zhou Kingdom was divided into over 100 vassal states. In 663 BC, Duke Huan, lord of the State of Qi, led his army to rescue its ally—the State of Yan—from invaders of the northern State of Shanrong. The Qi troops defeated the invaders and captured its capital. They also managed to defeat the invaders’ allied forces from the State of Guzhu, but the King of Guzhu escaped. The King of Guzhu devised a cunning plan to wipe out the Qi army. He first ordered his general to pretend to surrender to Duke Huan. Once the enemy general had won the Duke’s trust, he
This useful idiom is for praising an old veteran, who knows the ropes and can help one out of problems. convinced the Qi army that he could help them destroy the Guzhu forces once and for all. Under the pretense of chasing the King of Guzhu and his men, the general led the Qi army into a narrow valley, which was full of twisted paths surrounded by mountainous cliffs. This was in the depths of winter, and by the time the Qi troops realised they had been duped, the conditions in the valley had become perilous. A snowstorm was raging, and the men were slowly freezing. Duke Huan looked for the enemy general, but he had slipped away. Scouts were deployed to find a
way out of the valley, but they all returned unsuccessful. As the troops’ resources ran low, the Duke knew that they would all die if they did not find a way out soon. He turned to his advisor Guan Zhong for help. Guan Zhong thought for a moment and said, “Old horses remember the trails they have passed. Why not use these animals to help lead us out of this dilemma?” The Duke ordered his men to release several old horses, which they had captured from the Guzhu troops. The old horses immediately cantered off on a path they had taken into the valley. Sure enough, by following the old horses, the Qi army emerged from the valley and their dangerous situation alive. Thanks to those old horses, the Qi army survived their ordeal, and we have the useful idiom “an old horse knows the way” to praise an old veteran, who knows the ropes and can help one out of problems.
november 7 – 20, 2014 35
thing: Research by Oxford University has shown that children with involved grandparents grow up better adjusted than those who don’t. Grandparents help the family buffer difficulties, and provide stability and support for grandchildren, helping them build resilience.
Treasuring Grandparents
Our
As we grow older and get caught up in work, studies, or raising our
own families, it becomes easy to forget about our grandparents. Old folks can get lonely without company, and sometimes, spending time talking to them is all they need. This Grandparents Day, why not spend some quality time with them? A morning walk in the park, a karaoke session, or a meal with the whole family are all possible options. Show your appreciation for your older folks this Nov 23, and make them feel treasured!
chinese characters
Chinese Character for Old: 老 By Cindy Chan Epoch Times Staff
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his idiom originated from the Spring and Autumn Period, when the Zhou Kingdom was divided into over 100 vassal states. The Chinese character 老 (lǎo) means old, aged, or elderly. It also refers to being venerable, skilled, expert, or experienced. Also a radical used to form other characters, 老 (lǎo) is an ideogrammic compound composed of two parts: 耂 (lǎo) on top, which is a variant of 老, and 匕 (bǐ) on the bottom, a radical and character that means a spoon or ladle, or a knife or dagger, but depicts a cane in this case. Together the two parts depict an old man with long hair leaning on a cane. Some examples of terms that use the character 老 (lǎo) include 老子 (lǎo zi), the ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi; 老师 (lǎo shī), a teacher; 老伴 (lǎo bàn), what one may call a wife or an old chum; 老友 (lǎo yǒu), an old or intimate friend; and 老年 (lǎo nián), elderly, or literally “old years”. 老实 (lǎo shí) describes someone who is simple, honest, and good-tempered. 实 (shí) means real, factual, solid, or true. 老成 (lǎo chéng) conveys the idea of being experienced, steady, or mature. 成 (chéng) means being capable or to succeed or accomplish. The idiom 老当益壮 (lǎo dān yì zhuàng), where 益 (yì) means beneficial or useful and 壮 (zhuàng) means strong or robust, refers to being active
老 Old (lǎo)
and vigorous despite one’s years, or enjoying a hearty and healthy old age. The idiom 老马识途 (lǎo mǎ shí tú), literally “an old horse knows the way,” praises a veteran or an aged and experienced person for his or her knowledge and wisdom. 马 (mǎ) is the character for horse, 识 (shí) means to know, and 途 (tú) refers to a road or way. Knowledge and wisdom starts from being an attentive and diligent learner from a young age, as advised by a verse from the “Three Character Classic”: 子不学, 非所宜 (zǐ bù xué, fēi suǒ yí); 幼不学, 老何为 (yòu bù xué, lǎo hé wéi). The verse states that if a child does not study and learn, it is not proper; and if the young do not study and learn, then what will they do when old? The “Three Character Classic,” or “San Zi Jing (三字 经),” is a classic Chinese text consisting of inspiring short verses composed entirely of character triplets. The poetic text covers a broad range of subjects including literature, history, philosophy, astronomy, as well as ethics, morality, and proper social decorum.
values & virtues
36 November 7 – 20, 2014
过无闻闻若唯见见 彼凡事见奸 话 能心誉过衣德人人 说道非未巧 说 改非恐怒服学恶善长字宜真语 多 归名闻闻若唯即即此重勿勿秽 不 于为过 誉饮 才 内 思 说 且轻 轻污 如 无错欣乐食艺省齐短舒诺言词 少 倘 有直损不不有纵 不 勿苟 知 市 惟 掩心 谅友如如则去 关急轻未井 其 饰非士来人人改远己疾诺的气 是 增 名渐益 勿 当无以 莫 勿进勿切 勿 一为相友生 自加渐 闲模退轻戒 佞 辜恶亲却戚砺警跻管糊错传之 巧
Epoch Times
凡 出 言 信 为 先 诈 与 妄 奚 可 焉
信
弟 子 規
* Dizi Gui states that when we speak, honesty is of foremost importance. Deceitful words and wild lies must never be tolerated. lessons from dizi gui
Dishonesty Brings Negative Consequences Derick Chan By Epoch Times Staff
“
Dizi Gui” (Standards for Being a Good Student and Child) is a traditional Chinese textbook for children that teaches children morals and proper etiquette. Dizi Gui states that when we speak, honesty is of foremost importance. Deceitful words and wild lies must never be tolerated. Success may come and go, but integrity is forever. Great achievements can be destroyed overnight by a single act of dishonesty. The Chinese legend of King You of Zhou, who cried wolf too many times, illustrates how dishonesty can lead to tragic consequences.
A Kingdom Lost for a Concubine’s Smile
During China’s feudal Zhou Dynasty, the ruling king was entitled to supreme power, as well as the service of the lords of the vassal states around the capital city. But if the king abused this power and did as he liked, it would eventually lead to his destruction. King You of Zhou (周幽王, 795-771 BC) was the twelfth king of the Chinese Zhou Dynasty and the last of Western Zhou Dynasty. He came to power at the young age of 14, and in his 10-
epweike/blog
year reign neglected his duties as a ruler. Instead, he spent his time indulging in the luxuries of life and in beautiful women. King You particularly doted on a concubine called Bao Si (褒姒), who was melancholic by nature and never smiled. After countless failed attempts, the King became doggedly determined to make her smile. One day, King You brought Bao Si out on an excursion, and they passed by the beacon tower in Lishan. The King explained to Bao Si about the beacon tower’s function. Because the capital city was frequently attacked by nomadic tribes, a system of beacon towers was set up, to call for reinforcements from the vassal states during an invasion. The towers were built at fixed distances from one another, on all roads to the capital. Whenever the capital was threatened by invaders, the Lishan beacon tower would be lit, to emit thick smoke in the day and fire by night. The adjacent towers would follow suit, transmitting the call for help down to the vassal states. Bao Si expressed disbelief that a smoking tower could call in troops from thousands of miles away. So without a second thought, King You instructed his soldiers to light the tower, just to please Bao Si.
To make his concubine Bao Si smile, King You of Zhou would falsely raise the alarm of war, so that they could laugh at the troops from his vassel states rushing to their aid.
The call of war was thus ignited at each beacon tower. Upon seeing the smoke, the noble lords immediately assembled their troops and rushed to the foot of Lishan. But upon arriving, they learned it was a false alarm and that they had been fooled by the King. Nevertheless, they didn’t dare to lose their temper, and silently led their troops away. When Bao Si saw how awkward the lords looked after being fooled, she couldn’t help but smile as she thought it was very funny. King You, on the other hand, was beside himself with happiness and excitement, as he had finally
made his beloved concubine smile. Buoyed by his success, King You repeated the act again, and the noble lords again arrived with their reinforcements. When they got there, they found the King and Bao Si chuckling with delight at having fooled the lords so easily once more. Again, the lords went back seething with anger. Not long after, King You decided to make Bao Si the new queen, and her son his heir. He thus deposed the incumbent Queen Shen and the crown prince, and even considered taking the vassal state of Queen Shen’s father, Lord Shen. Enraged by the King’s
actions, Lord Shen immediately launched a pre-emptive strike against the capital city. King You again urgently called for his noble lords using the previously abused beacon towers, but none of them came, believing that the King was fooling around with them again. In the end, King You was killed at the foot of Lishan and Bao Si was captured. The Western Zhou dynasty was thus destroyed for a concubine’s smile. This story, which is very similar to Aesop’s fable “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”, has been used to teach the importance of integrity, and the result of dishonesty.
values & virtues
Epoch Times
November 7 – 20, 2014 37
Snapshots of Chinese History
Lao Zi: Saint and Founder of Daoism Zona Yeh/Epoch Times
By Candy Chan, David Wu & Caroline Yates Epoch Times Staff
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ao Zi (老子) is venerated as a saint and a great philosopher in China. He is regarded as the founder of the Dao School ( 道家, pronounced dào jiā), the philosophical tradition of Daoism. Dao (道) means the “Way”, referring the “Way of Heaven”, or the right or proper path. It is also written as Tao. It is commonly recognised among scholars that Lao Zi lived around 571–470 BC. and was a contemporary of Chinese philosopher Confucius (孔子, 551-479 BC.). Chinese culture is said to have begun over 5,000 years ago with the Yellow Emperor—Huang Di (黄帝), who was a cultivator of the Dao and had great power and wisdom. Lao Zi systemised Daoist thought about 2,500 years ago. His teachings are contained in the “Dao De Jing”, also called “Tao Te Ching” (道德经), or “The Classic of Dao and Virtue”. The classic, which consists of 81 chapters, uses concise verses and vivid expressions to discuss the meaning of Dao and its manifestation in virtue, or de ( 德, pronounced dé). Lao Zi believed that Dao is the root and creator of all things, and that virtue is the foundation of Dao; it is behaviour that adheres to the Dao—sincere morality and manifestation of good deeds. The essence of his teachings is to honour the Dao, value and aspire to virtue, and do so not due to command but spontaneously and naturally. The ultimate purpose is to attain the Dao, or rather, to re-attain it—to return to one’s original level of the Dao. Imparting the Dao Lao Zi’s family name was Li (李), while his given name was Er (耳). The name Lao Zi, literally “Old Master”, is an honorific title. “Lao” means old age and great virtue, while “zi” is a laudatory way of addressing a man or a “master” in ancient China. Lao Zi was born during the Spring and Autumn Period (770– 476 BC) of the Eastern Zhou,
The disappearance of kindness, righteousness, filial piety, and loyalty indicated the deterioration of social morality. in the later part of the Zhou Dynasty (from approximately 11th century BC to 221 BC). Some legends say he was born with white hair and this is why he came to be known as Lao Zi. Legends also say he was endowed with extraordinary natural abilities. He lived in the capital of Zhou for a long time and was the curator of the imperial library and archives. He was familiar with ceremonial systems and had extensive knowledge of nature. While the earlier Western Zhou (until 771 BC) saw great peace and unity, the Eastern Zhou (770–221 BC) was characterised by fragmentation and war. Lao Zi witnessed the decline of the Zhou. In 520 B.C., he was dismissed from his position after being implicated in a power struggle amongst Zhou officials. Deeply feeling the evilness of the human world, he obscured his identity and began a life of wandering. According to legend, when Lao Zi reached the border of the Zhou empire to cross into the northwestern regions, the border official saw a purple aura rising in the east, foretelling the arrival of a saint. He then saw Lao Zi approaching on a green water buffalo. The official requested that Lao Zi transmit his wisdom before departing. Lao Zi left behind some 5,000 Chinese characters. This is the well-known “Dao De Jing”. Following What Is Natural Lao Zi pointed out that the source of good fortune— virtue—and the source of bad fortune—a result of committing wrongdoing—are mutually transformable; good fortune can turn into bad, and vice versa,
Lao Zi, heralded by a purple aura, appeared on a water buffalo. To enable people to return to their true nature, Lao Zi disseminated the Dao during a chaotic period in the Zhou Dynasty.
under certain circumstances. To guard against losing virtue, Lao Zi taught people to follow the course of nature and have no intent, as even something that looks like a good deed may turn out to be wrongdoing. By having no intent, practising what is called wuwei (无为), or non-action, one avoids committing wrongdoing and thus will not lose virtue. Lao Zi said, “Heaven follows the Dao. The Dao follows what is natural.” Loss of Innocent Nature Lao Zi stated that societal developments led to people’s pursuit of fame and profit at the expense of virtue, and people lost their innocent nature. The disappearance of kindness, righteousness, filial piety, and loyalty indicated the deterioration of social morality. Lao Zi believed that, if everyone could be kind to each other and government officials were decent and honest, morality would be part of daily life and there would be no need to advocate it. Returning to the Origin To enable people to return to their true nature, Lao Zi disseminated the Dao
during a chaotic period. In just 5,000 words, he explained the meaning of the Dao, its relationship to the formation of the universe, and the origin of all things. Lao Zi discussed how to
behave as a human being and how to finally return to one’s original, true self. He provided many examples to explain these main issues, paving the way for people to achieve this final purpose.
38 NOVEMBER 7 – 20, 2014
ARTS & CULTURE
Epoch Times
Art Appreciation
How Does Fine Art Improve Our Creativity? By Howard Yu For The Epoch Times Over the past 24 years, as I observed my parents manage their hobby-turned-business art gallery, I have come to truly appreciate the saying, “A home or office without fine arts is like a body without a soul. Fine arts is just like music, which can evokes human emotions.” Viewing the masterly strokes and creative artwork of artists transports me into another world… Giving hope, enjoying God’s wonderful creations, comforting the soul… Do you believe that the arts can influence you positively too? I believe this is true, and it applies even more so to a person with a scientific background. In fact, if you recall the 2003 SARS epidemic, the deployment of military grade Infrared Fever Screening Systems for thermal mass body screening was initiated by an avid art collector of my parents’—Mr Tan Yang How. For his creativity in screening for high-risk travellers at critical immigration check-points, Mr Tan was awarded the National Day Public Administration Medal (Silver) in 2003. Occasionally, after stressful
Da Tang Fine Arts
Howard Yu (third from left), Director of Da Tang Fine Arts, with contributing artists at the launch of the two-month long Art Exhibition held by Da Tang Fine Arts, in Rendezvous Hotel Singapore on 31 October 2014.
meetings at work, Mr Tan would drop by my parents’ art gallery to de-stress or find further inspiration. Mr Yeo Peng Hian is another art lover who previously worked in the engineering team from the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), which built the world’s largest floating platform at the Marina Bay. Though highly trained as top engineers in defence science, Mr Tan and Mr Yeo have allowed the fine arts to influence their minds in a positive manner, which—I personally believe—has given
them an edge in integrating the sciences with the arts. Like the classic treatise, Sun Tzu’s Art of War, fine art has its untapped potential in our modern warfare too. In addition, fine art has been known to improve staff morale, because art has the special quality of creating the right ambience in the office environment. Therefore, some companies (e.g. Microsoft, MayBank, UBS) set aside a substantial budget for installing art in their work environment, and for supporting the promotion of fine art. Their
senior management sincerely believe in the ability of art to stimulate creativity. Rendezvous Hotel Singapore, which is owned by Far East Hospitality, has been earmarked as an Art-Focused Hotel. Located at the heart of Singapore’s art and cultural district, Da Tang Fine Arts is privileged to launch its inaugural two-month long Art Exhibition at this hotel. Do drop by the hotel or our galleries to have a feel of how art can have a positive influence. Why not decorate your home or office with fine art, and experience its positive effects? Indeed, the right type of art can inspire us to turn problems in POSSIBILITIES. Howard is the teacherturned gallery owner of Da Tang Fine Arts Enterprise Pte Ltd. You may contact him for fine arts appreciation talks or artworks for lease or purchase. He welcomes collaboration with hospitality and medical industries or private collection. Contact details: www.datangfinearts.com +65 82685299 info@datangfinearts.com
Courtesy of Jos Van Riswick
Painter Spotlight
Jos Van Riswick Physicist-Turned-Painter By Wim Van Aalst
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utch painter Jos Van Riswick (born 1973) graduated in physics from the University of Nijmegen, Holland, and worked as a researcher for a few years. He only got into painting after having learned about the northern realists (“Noordelijke Realisten”). This group of contemporary Dutch painters from the ’90s set out to revive the tradition of the old Dutch masters, painting closely observed realism in a time when nobody else did. Van Riswick perfected his technique by painting tiny still lifes—often one per day. His first exhibition in 2004 proved surprisingly successful, to the point that he decided to become a professional full-time artist.
“Because my work has a high degree of realism, people often tell me ‘Wow, it looks just like a photo!’ but the paintings differ from photographs by many subtle nuances, making the objects depicted appear more tangible than a camera ever could, even though the paintings contain less detail than a photo.” Indeed, Van Riswick’s brushwork displays more texture than one would suspect at first glance. From a few yards away, the paintings look very realistic. Coming closer, one can discern more texture and explore the richness and finesse in which different ways of paint handling contribute to the visual representation of light, texture, and form. “For me, standing in awe at technical achievements is an important aspect of the art experience. That is certainly part of what I strive for,”
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“Still life with cherries and tankard”, 2014, by Jos Van Riswick.
Van Riswick explains. But creating stunning visual representations is only half the job: “I want my paintings to convey something sacred—not in a religious sense; more like the kind of feeling one has when looking at a sunset. I want them to evoke an admiration for beauty, a sense of quiet, … a few moments of silence in your head. … Although, being a qualified physicist, I don’t want to get too fuzzy about it.” Nevertheless, one can’t go wrong describing Van Riswick’s still lifes as meditative visual oases—even
his earthenware paintings display his hand’s characteristic quiet and suppleness. Food for the soul and a spa for your brain? Gazing at Van Riswick’s work promptly soothes the mind after a hard day’s work. Jos Van Riswick sells worldwide, and in Holland through Morren Galleries. His hobbies are choir singing and he enjoys playing the piano. Visit josvanriswick.com for more samples of his work. Wim Van Aalst is a painter based in Belgium.
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NOVEMBER 7 – 20, 2014 39
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