Kidnapped traveler saved in Philippines

The China Post news staff
December 21, 2013, 12:07 am TWN

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- A Taiwanese tourist has reportedly been rescued from kidnappers who abducted her and killed her husband on a small Malaysian island last month, Taiwanese police said yesterday.

Chang An-wei (張安薇) was sent to a Filipino hospital to undergo a medical checkup after being rescued, said Lin Teh-hua (林德華), commissioner of Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB).

Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) cited “reliable” sources from the Filipino military who confirmed that Chang, 58, was freed from her armed kidnappers in Maimbung, a small town on the southern Filipino island of Sulu, after 35 days in captivity.

Chang received a medical checkup at a Filipino medical facility, CNA said, adding that the Southeast Asian country's police also confirmed the news.

CNA did not release further details about the rescue mission or her health before press time.
Chang was vacationing with her husband, Hsu Li-min (許立民), 57, on Pom Pom Island, located off Sabah in the Malaysian region of Borneo, in the early hours of Nov. 15 when an unknown number of gunmen raided their beach resort hotel room. They shot the husband dead and kidnapped her. It is believed that she was then transported to the Philippines.

Legislator Alex Tsai (蔡正元) of the ruling Kuomintang, who had been helping the family after the kidnapping, told reporters that he received confirmation about the rescue at about 5 p.m. yesterday.

Tsai, who posted a message on his Facebook page breaking the news, said it is hoped that Chang can return to Taiwan before Christmas.

Officials with Taiwan's representative office in Malaysia also disclosed that the Malaysian government confirmed the news.

The officials were cited as saying that Taiwan's foreign ministry will discuss with the Filipino and Malaysian governments regarding further arrangements for her.

The officials also extended their gratitude to Malaysia and the Philippines for their help in ending the hostage's ordeal.

The Filipino police also indicated that the hostage's brother Chang Ta-kong recently went to Manila for the second time to discuss the rescue mission.

The brother had previously traveled to Manila to try and negotiate a ransom with the captors.
But whether or not a negotiation took place has not yet been confirmed. It is also still unknown if the kidnappers received any ransom money.

There were also unconfirmed reports claiming that the hostage was released by the captors, rather than rescued by military troops.

Reports from Singapore said Chang is currently staying at Merin Hospital in Sulu, Philippines, and is expected to be moved to Zamboanga city within three days.

(Credit to http://www.chinapost.com.tw)

Philippine military frees tourist from gunmen

By Farik Zolkepli, The Star/Asia News Network
December 21, 2013, 12:07 am TWN

PETALING JAYA -- A Taiwanese tourist who was kidnapped from Pom Pom island off Sabah on Nov. 15 has been rescued by Philippines security forces, said IGP Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar. 

In his Tweet, Khalid congratulated the Philippines for successfully rescuing Chang An-wei.

“The victim was rescued in Sulu and transported to Merin Hospital there.

“She will be flown to Zamboanga City tomorrow,” Khalid said, adding that the Philippines authorities will divulge more details and further development in the matter.

In the incident on Nov. 15, gunmen shot dead Chang's husband and took her away in a raid on the resort of Pulau Pom Pom off Semporna in the east coast of Sabah.

They had arrived in a pump boat about 1 a.m.

Initial reports indicate that gunmen landed on the water villas of Pom Pom Island Resort and Spa and ransacked three of six villas including the one occupied by the victim Lim Min-hsu, 57, and Chang, 58.

At the time of the raid, there were 48 tourists and staff on the island, but it could not be ascertained if all of them have been accounted for.

There were no details of who the gunmen were and if they were linked to any Filipino groups from the neighboring southern Philippines.

The resort is about 1 kilometer away from the General Operation Force (GOF) and tight security has been maintained on the waters stretching from Semporna to Lahad Datu in the Celebes and Sulu seas since the Sulu armed group attack on Lahad Datu in February.

According to initial accounts of the shooting in Pulau Pom Pom, a 45-minute boat ride from Semporna, a supervisor at the resort heard gunshots at about 1am on Friday and immediately informed the GOF post.

Immediately, about a dozen GOF personnel rushed to the resort where they found the body of Lim with two gunshot wounds along the corridor.

His wife however was missing and she was believed to have been kidnapped by the gunmen who were last heard heading toward Pulau Mataking near the Philippines waters.

In late August, nine fishermen from Semporna reported being abducted by Filipino gunmen who wanted directions to the Pulau Mabul diving haven.

They were later abandoned at sea when the gunmen spotted a GOF post near the resort and fled. 

(Credit to http://www.chinapost.com.tw)

Dubai plays host to World Expo 2020

Futuristic: Dubai, the economic and transport hub of the United Arab Emirates, won an overwhelming majority of the votes to become host of World Expo 2020. – AFP

For the first time in the history of the prestigious World Expo, an Arab city will play host.
DUBAI has beat off opposition from Brazil, Russia and Turkey to win the right to host the 2020 World Expo.

The Gulf city beat Russia’s Ekaterinberg in the final round of voting to clinch a prestigious event that is credited with delivering a huge boost to tourism and business in the host city.

Dubai, the economic and transport hub of The United Arab Emirates, won 116 votes in the third round, comfortably beating Ekaterinberg with 47. There was one abstention.

The four candidate cities, which also included Brazil’s Sao Paulo and Turkey’s Izmir, had pulled out all the stops during 20-minute presentations before voting by the 168 member states of the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE), which oversees the organisation of the events.

The Emirates kicked off the presentations by pitching Dubai as a futuristic, glitzy city.

Emirates minister Reem Al Hashimi told the meeting that Dubai was a city “capable of hosting the world” and promised visitors an “unforgettable experience” if it won the bid.

The victory for Dubai – home to the world’s tallest tower, largest man-made island and one of the world’s busiest airports – means the World Expo will be hosted by an Arab country for the first time.

According to UAE officials, 40% of the estimated 227,000 new jobs expected to be created as a result of Expo will be in the tourism and travel sectors.

The site chosen for the event is spread over 438ha and located between the international airports of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the capital of the Emirates.

Brazil, which is already gearing up to welcome the World Cup next year and the Olympic Games in 2016, had roped in famed Brazilian composer and musician Gilberto Gil to garner votes for its candidate city, Sao Paulo.

Gil played his versions of Bob Marley’s reggae hit No Woman No Cry and John Lennon’s Imagine in a short performance during the presentation.

But it was in vain as Sao Paulo failed to get past the first round.

The World Expo, a modern-day successor to the Great Exhibitions of the 19th and early 20th centuries, showcases technology, architecture and culture.

Shanghai was the last host city and Milan is next in line in 2015. The Chinese city set a record by attracting a record 73 million visitors to the event.

Izmir, a city on Turkey’s western coast, was eliminated in the second round of voting. It had already bid for a chance to host the 2015 Expo, but lost out to Milan.

In Wednesday’s bid, Turkey showcased Izmir’s long association with medicine and healthcare, highlighting that it housed the first psychiatric hospital in ancient times.

Turkish Health Minister Mehmet Muezzinoglu described Izmir, known as Smyrna for much of its history, as “the cradle of modern medicine”.

Izmir emerged as a flourishing international trading post as a crossroads between Europe and Asia.
The city of about four million is a major tourist attraction with a palm-lined renovated waterfront, archaeological treasures and ancient ruins and nearby golden beaches.

Ekaterinberg’s pitch included a video appeal by Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev to “give Russia a chance”.

Russia was trying to promote the industrial city as part of a bid to develop the Ural region into a hub for technology and innovation, and attract more tourists to this lesser-visited part of the country.

With a population of 1.4 million, Ekaterinburg is Russia’s fourth largest city and had hoped to capitalise on its recent endorsement by Forbes magazine as Russia’s best place to do business. – AFP Relaxnews

Credit to The Star

Google公布2013年最佳Android应用和游戏名单

Google Play应用商店（香港）昨日公布了2013年最佳Apps名单，共有11款App入选与10款游戏入选，使用者只要进入 Google Play 的页面就可以看得到名单，不过里面并没有排名顺序，以下是名单列表。

　　2013 年 Google Play 最佳应用名单（香港）

 

      App 名称：WhosCall 来电辨识与简讯封锁

App 类别：通讯
　　App Developer: Gogolook
　　Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gogolook.callgogolook2
　　
      App 名称：ColorNote – 便签 彩色便笺 记事本 便条 笔记
　   App 类别：生产应用
　　App Developer：Social & Mobile, Inc.
　　Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.socialnmobile.dictapps.notepad.color.note
　　
      App 名称：TuneIn Radio
　　App 类别：音乐与音效
　　App Developer：TuneIn Inc.
　　Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tunein.player

　　App 名称：Magisto Video Editor & Maker
　　App 类别：摄影
　　App Developer: SightEra Technologies Ltd.
　　Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.magisto

　　App 名称：Timely – 焕彩闹钟
　　App 类别：生活品味
　　App Developer: Bitspin
　　Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ch.bitspin.timely

　　App 名称：Runtastic
　　App 类别：健康塑身
　　App Developer: runtastic GmbH
　　Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.runtastic.android

　　App 名称：Expedia 智游天下网 – 饭店及机票预订
　　App 类别：旅游与地方资讯
　　App Developer: Expedia, Inc.
　　Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.expedia.bookings

　　App 名称：Duolingo: Learn Languages Free
　　App 类别：教育
　　App Developer: Duolingo
　　Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.duolingo

　　App 名称：Allthecooks Recipes
　　App 类别：健康塑身
　　App Developer: Allthecooks, LLC.
　　Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mufumbo.android.recipe.search

　　App 名称：We Heart It
　　App 类别：社交
　　App Developer: We Heart It
　　Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.weheartit

　　App 名称：Toca Hair Salon 2
　　App 类别：教育
　　App Developer: Toca Boca
　　Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tocaboca.hairsalon2


　　2013 年 Google Play 最佳游戏名单（香港）

　　FIFA 14 by EA SPORTS（免费）：足球游戏
　　Clash of Clans（免费）：战争策略游戏
　　Candy Crush Saga（免费）：糖果粉碎传奇。
　　Despicable Me（免费）：以《神偷奶爸》电影小小兵为主角的跑酷游戏。
　　狩猎达人 2014（免费）：狩猎模拟游戏
　　Cytus（免费）：音乐节奏游戏
　　神女控（免费）：美少女卡牌游戏
　　Asphalt 8: Airborne（免费）：赛车游戏
　　Into the Dead（免费）：殭尸射击游戏
　　FINAL FANTASY V（收费）：最终幻想5。

Credit to http://www.williamlong.info/archives/3684.html

Bus crash in Manila, Philippines 'kills 21'

<The bus fell off an elevated highway onto a van below>

At least 21 people have been killed and several others injured after a bus fell off an elevated motorway onto a van in the Philippine capital, Manila, officials say. 

Police said the bus veered off the road and plunged onto a van below early on Monday in a suburb, Paranaque city.

Local media said most of those who died were on the bus.

It was not clear what caused the crash but local reports cited rain, heavy traffic and speed as possible causes.

"We saw the bus fall from there and it flew, and then it hit the van," said shop owner Edith Voluntate. "When we got close, we just saw a lot of people pinned under it."

A traffic investigator told the AFP news agency that the death toll could rise, because some of those injured were in a serious condition.

The bus company involved had been suspended for 30 days pending investigations, local reports said.

Credit to http://www.bbc.co.uk

雅虎公布2013年度搜索排行榜

雅虎公司推出了2013年年度热词排行榜，该榜单列举了过去12个月里发布、宣传、分享的故事和趋势，2013年的热门搜索排行榜，美国流行音 乐女歌手麦莉·赛勒斯（Miley Cyrus）位居第1，Kim Kardashian（金·卡戴珊）和“全美超模”的Kate Upton紧随其后，iPhone 5位居第9。

　　在科技领域，苹果再次夺冠。“iPhone”成为2013年搜索次数最多的科技产品，iPad排名第四，领先索尼PS4 和微软XBox One，iPod排名第八，超过诺基亚Lumia，落后于黑莓。

　　以下是榜单列表。

2013年雅虎热词排行榜（Top searches on Yahoo in 2013）:

　　1.Miley Cyrus（著名女歌手）
　　2.Kim Kardashian（时尚名媛）
　　3.Kate Upton（时尚名模）
　　4.Minecraft（游戏）
　　5.Selena Gomez（女歌手，贾斯汀·比伯前女友）
　　6.Obamacare (Affordable Care Act)（奥巴马医保计划）
　　7.Amanda Bynes（好莱坞女影星）
　　8.Jodi Arias（冷血女杀手）
　　9.iPhone 5
　　10.Justin Beiber（贾斯汀·比伯）

　　2013雅虎科技领域热词排行（Top tech searches on Yahoo in 2013）:

　　1.iPhone (including 4, 5, 5s, 5c, and 6)
　　2.Samsung (including Galaxy, S4, S3, Note)
　　3.Siri
　　4.iPad Cases
　　5.Snapchat
　　6.Google Glass
　　7.Apple iPad
　　8.BlackBerry Z10
　　9.Cloud Computing
　　10.iPad 5

credit to  http://www.williamlong.info/archives/3682.html

Check tyres to the right air pressure

The main function of a tyre is to carry the load of the car. Therefore, it is vital that correct air pressure is maintained. Over-inflation will cause rapid and irregular wear. Under-inflation will damage the tyre structure leading to possible accidents. Improper air pressure will not allow the tyre to function within its design. Drivers should follow the recommended air pressure from the vehicle manufacturer as listed on a sticker located on the vehicle's door jamb, glove box door or in the owner's manual.

A correctly inflated tyre An under-inflated tyre An over-inflated tyre

Ensure tyre tread depth

Most new tyres have about 8-9mm of tread pattern when manufactured but when the tread wears down to less than 1.6mm, the tyre may be unsafe to use in wet conditions and should be replaced as soon as possible. Tyres have indicators in their tread pattern which show as lines across the tread when reduced to 1.6mm.

Inspect tires monthly

Knowing what to look for is only useful if you actually take the time to look. Get in the habit of frequently inspecting tires for proper inflation, damage or wear. If something doesn't look right, take your car to a tire dealer for closer inspection.

Replace tires properly

If you only replace two tires at a time, mount them on the rear axle. Otherwise, your car could lose rear traction in the rain and spin out.

Avoid "mixing" tyres

It is advisable to avoid mixing different brand tyres on the same axle due to varying construction styles. It can also be dangerous to mix tyres of different sizes or aspect ratios. You should consult a qualified tyre technician for advice.

Avoid hard braking and sudden acceleration

Tyres may wear quickly if consistently subjected to hard braking or rapid acceleration. Proper alignment is important

Have your car's suspension re-aligned when you buy new tires, if you notice uneven wear or if it has been a while since your last alignment. A suspension that is not aligned properly can wear out new tires after only a few thousand miles and adversely affect gas mileage.

Wear reduces a tyre's drainage capacity. When the wear has reached the indicators, it is time to replace a tyre.

Tyre Safety Tips

Check The Balancing

If you experience excessive vibration transmitted from the tyres to the steering wheel, get a qualified technician to check the balancing as this can result in an uncomfortable ride and cause excessive
mechanical stress on the suspension and steering systems.

Changing Tyre Sizes If you wish to change to a different rim or tyre size, it is best to consult your tyre technician as any change can affect your speedometer readings. Reduce Speed During Rain When driving on wet roads, reduce your speed, as driving too fast can cause tyre to aquaplane (The tyre tread loses contact with the surface of the road due to a film of water). Avoid “Tyre Mixing” It is advisable to avoid mixing different tyre types due to varying construction. It is also dangerous to mix tyres of different sizes and aspect ratios. Rotate Your Tyres Regularly rotating your car’s tyre will help you achieve more uniform wear and longer overall tread life. Follow your vehicle owner’s manual recommendation or as a general guidelines, rotate your tyres every 10,000km. Maintain Correct Air Pressure An under-inflated tyre builds up excessive heat and results in unnecessary tyre stress and irregularwear. An over-inflated tyre wears excessively in the centre of the tread. Under-inflation and over-inflation can result in premature tyre failure Ensure Sufficient Tread Depth When tyre’s tread wears down to less than 1.6mm, it should be replaced as soon as possible. Tyres have tread-wear indicators which appear across the grooves of the tread pattern when the 1.6mm limit is reached. Do Not Overload Tyres are designed to carry a specific maximum load. Do not exceed this maximum load as it can lead to premature tyre failure. The maximum load capacity can be found on the tyre sidewall. Inspect Your Tyres Periodically inspect your tyres for cuts, chips, embedded objects for unusual bulges, as a preventive measure to safeguard against sudden and unexpected tyre failure. Check The alignment Hitting a pothole or kerb can affect your car’s alignment and result in uneven tyre wear. Have a qualified technician check the wheel alignment periodically to ensure that your is properly aligned. Check Tyre Inflation Pressure Tyre Inflation pressures should be checked regularly when the tyres are cold. After checking, ensure that the valve caps are replaced as they provide secondary air seal to keep dirt and moisture out of the valve cores.Most cars today carry a space-saver tyre as a spare. This tyre should be used only to get to the nearest tyre outlet and should not be used over longer distances or speeds exceeding 80km/h.

Find The Correct Tyre Size For Your Vehicle

Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your existing tyres.  See below for more information on what this refers to:

Width 215

Aspect Ratio 60

Rim Diameter  16

                

215 / 60R16 (possible for Passenger, 4WD & RV and Light Commercial)
Width = 215 mm, Aspect Ratio = 60%, Rim Diameter = 16 inches
The ‘R’ denotes a tyre with Radial construction.

P275 / 35 ZR20 (possible for Passenger and 4WD & RV)
Width = 275 mm, Aspect Ratio = 35%, Rim Diameter = 20 inches
The ‘P’ denotes a Passenger tyre.
The ‘ZR’ denotes a tyre of Radial construction rated for speeds over 240kph.

185R14 (possible for 4WD & RV and Light Commercial)
Width = 185mm, Rim Diameter = 14 inches
The ‘R’ denotes a tyre with Radial construction.

7.00-16 (possible for 4WD & RV and Light Commercial)
Width = 7.0 inches, Rim Diameter = 15 inches
Aspect Ratio is not specified.

7.00R16 (possible for 4WD & RV and Light Commercial)
Width = 7.0 inches, Rim Diameter = 15 inches
Aspect Ratio is not specified.
The ‘R’ denotes a tyre with Radial construction.

31X10.5R15 (possible for 4WD & RV)
Width = 10.5 inches, Rim Diameter = 15 inches
The 31 refers to the Outer Diameter expressed in inches.

G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation Extended Preview (2013)

My favourite movie! Cann't wait for it.

Oz The Great & Powerful Trailer

                                                                                                                                                                          

Amy hears sound for the first time @ 26 years old

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Nikon's D5200 - my next target

                


 D5200
 
(Nikon Corp)
DSLR
SENSOR: 24-megapixels (6,000 x 4,000-pixels)
VIEWFINDER: 3.0in LCD (921,000-pixels)
LENS: AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5 - f/5.6G
SHUTTER SPEED: 30sec – 1/4,000sec
ISO RANGE: 100 to 6,400 (25,600 ISO boost mode)
SHOOTING MODES: Full Auto, Program, Aperture Priority, Manual, Guide mode, Scene modes
VIDEO MODE FORMAT: H.264 up to 1080i/60fps
BATTERY: 1,030mAh lithium-ion battery
STORAGE: SDXC
INTERFACE: USB 2.0, HDMI
DIMENSIONS (W x H x D): 129 x 98 x 78mm
WEIGHT: 555g
WEBSITE: www.nikon.com.my
PRICE: RM2,998 (with 18-55mm kit lens)
RATING: 4
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The above blog post is brought to you by Chin Tet Loi, who enjoys helping people to earn extra income and to achieve financial freedom on the internet. For more information, please visit http://www.viloria.net/swa-pinoy/swa-tmv2.shtml?tetloi

"Cult" new drama

                                                                                     

Cult is a newly picked-up drama for The CW that is due to debut in early 2013 during the mid-season. It was created by Rockne S. O'Bannon, who is also set to produce the show with Josh Schwartz,Stephanie Savage and Len Goldstein. The series centres on the TV series Cult and follows Jeff Sefton (Matt Davis) a blogger and Skye Yarrow (Jessica Lucas) a production assistant on the series who following a string of disappearances investigate the fans who may be recreating the crimes seen on the series.

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PSY performs Gangnam Style in China performance on February 10, 2013

PSY Performs Gangnam Style With MC Hammer (New Year's Rockin Eve 2013)

Psy's entourage arrives in Penang

South Korean K-pop singer Psy's 20-people entourage has arrived at the Penang International Airport at 7.30pm Sunday ahead of his appearance at Penang Barisan Chinese New Year open house Monday.

                                            Credit to TheStarOnline.

Celine Dion sings within faultless Chinese

Celine Dion works in Mandarin at the China New Year's Gala in Beijing since thousands across the world welcome in Year of the Snake.

Canadian singer's first song was duet with Chinese soprano Song Zuying of traditional folk song Jasmine Flower. 

She also performed her global hit My Heart Will Go On, from the Hollywood blockbuster Titanic, which became hugely popular in China.

The Snake 2013

 

Ancient Chinese wisdom says a Snake in the house is a good omen because it means your family will not starve. This could be taken metaphorically to mean that a Snake could never have a problem with his family starving because he is such a great mediator, making him good at business. Or it could mean that a Snake would be willing to sacrifice his possessions, something the Snake has a lot of, in order to pay for his family�s food. Any way it is interpreted is representative of the Snake�s character and is a measure of the value he puts on his material wealth. The Snake is keen and cunning, quite intelligent and wise.

Years of the Snake

Snake Years are sixth in the cycle, following the Dragon Years, and recur every twelfth year. The Chinese New Year does not fall on a specific date, so it is essential to check the calendar to find the exact date on which each Snake Year actually begins.
1905*1917*1929*1941*1953*1965*1977*1989*2001

THE SIGN OF THE SNAKE

The Snake is the intuitive, introspective, refined and collected of the Animal Signs. They are attractive people who take cries with ease and do not become flustered easily. They are graceful people, exciting and dark at the same time.
Contemplative and private, the Snake is not outwardly emotional. He can appear cunning and reticent and works very modestly in the business environment. The Snake will plot and scheme to make certain things turn out exactly as they want them to. They are not great communicators and can become quite possessive when they set their minds on achieving the interest of a partner. 

SNAKE FACTS:
People born in the Year of the Snake share certain characteristics. The Snake Sign is an abbreviated way of characterizing that individual�s personality. Following are features associated with the Sign of the Snake.
Sixth in order, Chinese name�SHE, sign of the sagacity
Hour�9am-10:59am Month�May
Western Counterpart�Taurus
CHARACTERISTICS
Acute, Aware, Cunning, Proud, Vain, Vicious

IN YOUR ELEMENT

The characteristics of the Snake are tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth overlaying a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle.

THE METAL SNAKE 1941 AND 2001
Metal Snakes are extremely willful individuals who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. These people will have their guards up 24-hours a day in order to protect themselves from any failure or possibility of it. They place a great deal of importance on money, but are more concerned with the possessions their finances can bring them. They are in and out so sharply and so silently that they are often unheard and unseen. You must be careful with these Snakes because, although they can be generous, they are always out for number one. 

THE WATER SNAKE 1953 AND 2013
Water Snakes are influential and insightful. They manage others well and tend to be good for organizations to utilize as staff. They are quite motivated and intellectual, very determined and resolute about success. They will have what they desire, despite the conclusion or outcome they generate because it is worth it to them to not only be recognized for their efforts, but to be rewarded as well. They are affectionate with their families and friends but do not show this side of their personality to colleagues or business partners.

THE WOOD SNAKE 1905 AND 1965

The element of Wood, like in most Animal Signs, gives the Snake a bit of solidity and foundation. Wood Snakes are not as self-preserving as the rest of them, as vanity is not really his style. These Snakes have a stable group of friends and family to hang out with and love each of these people quite deeply. However, it is rare that the Snake utilize his group of loved ones for advice or listening, often opting to go at it alone. Kindness and genuity are two of this Snake�s greatest characteristics. 

THE FIRE SNAKE 1917 AND 1977
Fire Snakes can be a bit loud, speaking their minds and smothering you with their opinions. This does add a twist to his dynamic and vibrant character, as he is quite the extrovert. These Snakes have a great wisdom. They are intriguing communicators who leave you breathless after a conversation. Fire Snakes can change even the most obstinate mind with their powers of persuasion, convincing you their opinions or ideas are better than yours. This does make them a little self-centered, but you can�t say they aren�t driven for success. 

THE EARTH SNAKE 1929 AND 1989
Earth Snakes are the most relaxed of the breeds. They lead calm lives and offer a down-to-earth appeal to any conversation or outing. This may make them seem more friendly, as you may not feel the need to wonder what he�s got up his sleeve. They may also shun the need to lash out or take risks, but it isn�t from paranoia. They figure their good sense and work ethic will pay off and bring them much fortune and material satisfaction. 

HEALTH AND HABITAT

HEALTH
Snakes become easily stressed and have to avoid hectic schedules or noisy atmospheres. They do not get a rush from adrenaline, instead, a headache. They need calm and quiet to thrive and succeed. A Snake must have sleep and relaxation to live a long, healthy life.
 
AT HOME WITH THE SNAKE
The Snake is very sophisticated and cultured in his choices for home décor. They like muted colors and prefer to have one very expensive chair rather than three reasonable priced ones. The Snake is elegant and graceful and places emphasis on his comfort when deciding what to decorate with. As we know, the Snake must have peace, so you may find relaxation or sounds of nature tapes next to the stereo. Snakes do not deprive themselves of luxuries either, as one of everything never seems to ease his mind. He is materialistic and therefore must have as many of everything, if not more than his friends and family. 

CAREER AND FINANCE

THE SNAKE AT WORK
Snakes become bored easily and therefore change jobs quite frequently. They are very conscientious and diligent at work. Since they are such relaxed individuals, they can often seem to be slacking off at work when in reality they are at the height of their creativity. They are organized and precise. Snakes can make lightening deadlines and can problem solve quickly. Sometimes, because they like to work alone, they can seem as though they are withholding information or being secretive about company initiatives. 

MONEY AND THE SNAKE
A Snake�s worst nightmare is jumping head first into a financial deal or a shopping spree. The Snake can be successful as long as he avoids extemporaneous spending. Although he is intuitive, the Snake will often dive right into decisions without weighing the consequences, which can cause him financial ruin. 

SNAKE CAREERS
Those born in the Year of the Snake share the same kinds of goals and objectives in life. The occupations best suited for the Snake are listed below:

SNAKES MAKE EXCELLENT:
Scientists
Potters
Analysts
Jewelers
Spiritual Leaders
Sociologists
Dieticians
Astrologers
Magicians
Investigators
Painters

CONGENIAL BUSINESS PARTNERS
Whether Snakes are compatible with their business partners depends on whether their signs are harmonious or antagonistic to those of their business partner. Considering the congruity of their own characters and the characters of their business partners can also be very useful.
Snakes ruled by Benefit From Are Antagonistic to
Metal Earth Rats Fire Dogs
Water Metal Rabbits Earth Horses
Wood Water Oxen Metal Tigers
Fire Wood Roosters Water Sheep
Earth Fire Snakes Wood Monkeys
Leisurely activities and pleasures

LIKES AND DISLIKES
Since Snakes are born under the same Animal Sign, they often share likes and dislikes. Following are similar likes and dislikes of the Snake personality.
Color Preference: Red
Gems and Stones: Topaz, Jasper, Bloodstone
Suitable Gifts: binoculars, Tarot cards, oils and lotions, stamp collection
Hobbies and Pastimes: Astrology, painting, touring, photography
Snakes Dislike: Being interrupted, being mislead personally or professionally, failure

THE SNAKE ON VACATION
Snakes love to vacation. They get a great deal of pleasure out of just being lazy. And they love luxurious things, often spending their money on material desires they probably don�t need. When a Snake goes on vacation, he really goes on vacation. Fancy restaurants, expensive health clubs and spas, anything in which they can fully indulge themselves. Their getaways must be fully equipped to pamper their every want, or the Snake will become stressed.

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES
Snakes have very few friends because thy are not outwardly emotional or open creatures. The friends they do make generally last a lifetime, even though peers may find it hard to relate to the Snake because he is withdrawn and secretive. Still, Snakes like social functions, in moderation, where they can gossip about the latest scandal or the newest news. If you stab a Snake in the back it is likely you will never be forgiven. In addition, you should prepare yourself for retaliation for the Snake always gets the last word.
Compatible Friends
Best Friends: Oxen and Roosters
Mortal Enemy: Pigs

SNAKE PARENTS AND BABIES
Snakes will likely form intimate bonds throughout his lifetime with different partners. With these relationships come children, and it is likely the Snake will have many children and stepchildren throughout his lifetime. Regardless, Snakes are devoted and dedicated parents, willing and able to defend the livelihood and happiness of their children.
Snake parents often use humor to deal with their parents. Because they like peace and quiet, they generally use humor to avoid confrontational situations with their young. In addition, this joy of serenity comes at a price for their children. Snake parents are not known to be the most affectionate or playful parents. They do not like to roll around and get dirty with their children, nor do they enjoy loud situations, and these types of things send a Snake running for a locked bedroom door. Unfortunately for the Snake partner, he is responsible for calming the children back down.

SNAKE INFANT AND CHILD
Snake children are often loners, enjoying playing by themselves, quietly in their yards or bedrooms. They are often hampered with learning disabilities and thus need patience from teachers and parents. Teachers and parents may have to invest extra time and tutorials in the Snake child in order to keep him up-to-date with all of the other children in the class. When picked on or upset, Snake children tend to pout and hold grudges and when embarrassed or angry, they will lash out at the culprit as quickly as they were made fun of.

SNAKE PARENT/CHILD KINSHIPS
Some parents immediately click with their children and others find they will never have a close relationship no matter how hard they try to make it happen. Following are compatibility ratings between Snake parents and their children.
Snakes with Under the same roof Compatibility Rating
Rat let him be independent **
Ox pretty stable ***
Tiger temperamental clashes *
Rabbit very happy ***
Dragon blissful ****
Snake similar opinions and outlooks ***
Horse too different *
Sheep enjoyable ***
Monkey what you don�t know won�t hurt you ****
Rooster so-so **
Dog affectionate at times ***
Pig fairly diverse ideas *
*uphill struggle **some complications ***easy bonding ****on the same wavelength
Lovers and spouses

THE SNAKE LOVER
Snakes are beautiful people who exhibit quite a sexual appeal. They are sleek and seductive and if they want you, will out a spell on you that won�t let you stop thinking about them. However, Snakes are quite prejudiced when choosing a partner and don�t just choose based on physical qualities. The Snake needs a partner who can appreciate his quirky sense of humor and his wacky way of handling situations, so generally, although quite beautiful and tempting to approach, the Snake does all the pursuing.

MARRIAGE
Because the Snake is so choosy, he can become jealous and obsessive about his partner. They can be a bit stand-offish with their mates, choosing to push away emotions rather than confront their feelings and insecurities. Once betrayed, you can bank on not ever being trusted by the Snake again as much as you can bet he will get even. 

THE SNAKE LOVE PARTNER
Not everyone can live and be happy with a Snake. It takes a patient soul, someone ready for the long haul, who can calm his nerves and deal with his obsessions with skill. Chinese horoscopes are very specific about which partnerships have the potential to be successful in love and in business. Yet, though destiny can point us in the right direction, we must still make all efforts to maintain loving relationships. Following is a brief description of how a Snake will affect a relationship with other Animal Signs. 

PARTNERS IN LOVE
Snake*Rat
You stand to learn a lot from each other.
Snake*Ox
You have a stable, loving relationship.
Snake*Tiger
Various differences will lead you apart down the road.
Snake*Rabbit
Intense and sensual, you have a lot to look forward to.
Snake*Dragon
You fit well together�you share flirtatious natures and zesty outlooks.
Snake*Snake
You are both intelligent, but too envious for a partnership.
Snake* Horse
Outlook is doubtful�there is to much to fight about.
Snake*Sheep
You two make great friends and even better lovers.
Snake*Monkey
You can�t really trust each other, can you?
Snake*Rooster
Dynamic duo!
Snake*Dog
Love at first sight. Go for it!
Snake*Pig
Not enough in common to pursue.

Love Partners at a Glance
Snakes with Tips on Togetherness Compatibility
Rat mutually fascinated with each other ***
Ox wonderful connection ****
Tiger doubtful outlook *
Rabbit great sexual attraction ***
Dragon pretty similar paths ***
Snake must stay independent of each other **
Horse remember to communicate **
Sheep quite blissful ****
Monkey have to cooperate with each other **
Rooster stable and caring ****
Dog good combination of mental and physical ***
Pig too divided *
*dispute **keep working at it ***intense sexual attraction ****angelic

EAST MEETS WEST

ARIES SNAKE
This combination brings forth bravery and motivation. Snakes like to make money and are more apt to do so when trying to accomplish a reward. They are fairly open-minded with their money and make great stay-at-home parents.

TAUREAN SNAKE
These Snakes remember everything for they have quite a vivid memory. Don�t underestimate the capabilities of this Snake, for he will forge on until he gets what he wants.

GEMINI SNAKE
These Snakes can talk their way out of anything, so a confrontation with them is a lost cause. They are well-educated and a bit amenable, making them quite intriguing.

CANCERIAN SNAKE
These Snake love to be recognized for their efforts. For them, working hard to provide for their family is first priority. 

LEONINE SNAKE
Confident and proud, the Leonine Snake hates to come in second place. They fuel on kudos from others, but will become a bit obnoxious if it goes to their heads.

VIRGO SNAKE
These Snakes love to tell others what to do. They enjoy using their energies to run a successful organization and use their intelligence to improve their title and rank at work.

LIBRAN SNAKE
One of the most beautiful breeds of the Snake, Libran Snakes are graceful and kind. They are always being pursued by someone interested in them and fall deeply in love with the right partner.

SCORPIO SNAKE
These individuals have hidden emotions and feelings that rarely ever surface. They are quite guarded with their thoughts and opinions and do not upset easily.

SAGITTARIAN SNAKE
Born with great taste in everything, these Snakes are the classy and sophisticated of the breed. They enjoy cultural things and will find a partner who will share the same ideals.

CAPRICORN SNAKE
These Snakes build their bank accounts through organization and motivation. They can be seen as snobby, when in reality they are simply the quiet types.

AQUARIAN SNAKE
Intelligent and open-minded, Aquarian Snakes like to have a partner to depend on. However, they hate to be tied down and need to have space.

PISCEAN SNAKE
These Snakes are compassionate and sensitive to the needs of others. They take everything quite emotionally and when they fall in love, they are committed comopletely.

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