80-year-old Model

"Fate loves the fearless." I love people who subvert stereotypes. Aging is something I want to embrace with grace and poise. But I also enjoyed reading about Wang Deshun, the 80-year-old Chinese model. He's unwilling to compromise his dreams and yield to others' expectations of him. Some of his practices for aging with power? Makes sure he gets both learning time and exercise time in his daily routine Eats a variety of foods, but drinks less alcohol Dares to try new things: "People … [Read more...]

Foodie Friday: Sesame Sticks

Sesame sticks: rectangular sesame treats If you haven't already heard, Monday marked the beginning of Chinese New Year. It's the Year of the Monkey in 2016 (the fire monkey, to be exact). Overseas, people get seven days off to celebrate the holidays. When we were visiting Taiwan, people looked at us funny because kids don't get winter break there--their time off is consolidated around the lunar new year. Besides meeting up with family, New Year is a great time to eat tried-and-true treats. … [Read more...]

Chinese Calligraphy

"Someone in your life needs a letter from you." The other day my daughter told me she was impressed by cursive writing. She likes the fancy swirls and loops connecting all the letters together. In the same way, I'm in awe of the calligraphy artist. I tried several times during my childhood to imitate the flowing strokes. I had my own brushes and ink well, but I always seemed to fall short. There is so much skill involved in holding the brush at the correct angle and applying the right … [Read more...]

Tiananmen Square–25th Anniversary

"Distance tests the endurance of a horse; time reveals a man's character." --Chinese proverb Does time also reveal a nation's character? I remember watching the news coverage of the massacre with my dad. The images of rumbling tanks filling up the square scared me. Nevertheless, I think it is now, decades later, that I've begun to understand the horror of that time. My friend recently asked me: "Do you ever imagine what your life would have been like if your parents hadn't immigrated … [Read more...]

Reading at a Senior Home: One Elder’s Reaction

"A single spark can set a prairie on fire." -Chinese proverb This saying, although centuries old, is closely associated with an essay entitled, "A Single Spark Can Start a Prairie Fire," by Mao Zedong. In his document dated January 5, 1930, he talks about his idea to win over the masses and ensure a successful revolution. He urged the conquest of rural areas and having "an armed independent regime of workers and peasants" before surrounding the cities and taking over the government. His tactics … [Read more...]

The Importance of Moon Cakes

"It is easy to dodge a spear you can see, difficult to guard against an arrow shot from hiding." -Chinese proverb Moon cakes were the arrows in hiding, the secret weapons behind a historical Chinese revolution. These dense cake-like treats are filled with red bean or lotus seed paste. People enjoy moon cakes during the mid-Autumn festival. The moon is supposed to be the largest and brightest during this time of year, and it's an occasion for families to gather together.  This year, August 15th … [Read more...]

Upcoming Changes to my Website

Lihngse Mtuhng: to be unique or look differentLihngse comes from a term which means arranging to stay in better lodging.Prince Maahng Seuhng, a nobleman during the Warring States Period, liked to invite talented people to his house and provide them with food and lodging. A poor man named Fuhng Hyun also went to seek refuge with him. Since he looked like an ordinary man, he was put in the lower lodging. There the food was poor, and after a few days, Fuhng Hyun hit his sword and said, "Let me go! … [Read more...]

The Book Trailer: A Visual Sneak Peek

Haapchou: to be jealous (lit. take a sip of vinegar)In ancient China, there was an emperor who wanted to give one of his female attendants as a concubine to a loyal minister. The minister did not dare accept because his wife was a jealous woman. The emperor called the woman to court and asked her, "I'm going to give your husband a concubine. Will you say yes or no?" "No, Your Majesty," she said. "I would rather die." The emperor said, "Well then, I'll give you a cup of poison." He told his … [Read more...]

Foodie Friday: Hainanese Chicken Rice

Hainanese chicken rice: chicken simmered in broth and served with flavorful riceHainanese chicken rice originates from Hainan, a province in China. However, it's very popular in Malaysia and Singapore. The dish boasts chicken with silky skin, accomplished by steeping a whole chicken in bone-based broth at sub-boiling temperatures and dowsing it in ice water at the end. The chicken meat inside remains soft and smooth. (Sometimes younger birds are selected for the dish for an even tenderer … [Read more...]

On Choosing E-books

Sihk Mouhchihnggai: to be fired (lit. eat feelingless chicken)During the 1950s and 1960s, several hundred thousand refugees fled to Hong Kong from mainland China. Those who found jobs would rely on their employers to provide food and lodging to them. Every year on the second day of the Chinese New Year (this year, it starts on February 10, 2013), shopkeepers would invite employees to have a Hoi Nihn ("beginning of the year") meal. If an employee was given a chicken's head by his boss, it meant … [Read more...]