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Tzu Chi Foundation

Tzu Chi Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1966 by Dharma Master Cheng Yen in the impoverished east coast of Taiwan. The Foundation has been contributing to better social and community services, medical care, education and humanism in Taiwan for nearly 40 years. Master Cheng Yen firmly believes that suffering in this world is caused by material deprivation and spiritual poverty. She felt that "lack of love for others" has been the root of many problems in this world. "To save the world, we must begin by transforming human hearts."
A volunteer-based, spiritual as well as welfare organization, Tzu Chi’s missions focus on giving material aid and inspiring love and humanity in both the givers and receivers. Since its founding, the Foundation has dedicated itself in the field of charity, medicine, education, environmental protection, as well as the promotion of humanistic values and community volunteerism. The humanitarian work is both a means to help those in need, and also a way to open the eyes of the volunteer to the harsher side of life, so that through giving, they may find spiritual happiness and life's true meaning.

Winter comes to Dallas

Dallas, TX climate is hot during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 90's and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40's. The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 96.10 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 36.40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Happy Thanksgiving

California Wildfires

Through last week, 1.24 million acres burned in California, the most since 1970, when consistent, modern records were first kept.
Wildfires hop-scotched around Southern California on Sunday although calmer winds slowed flames that have destroyed almost 1,000 houses, forced tens of thousands to evacuate and turned some neighborhoods into scenes resembling war zones.

Our new President

For a generation, black parents have told their children, "you can be anything you want in this world."

After last Tuesday night, they can say it with confidence. Barack Obama , a first-term senator from Illinois known for booming soliloquies and a cool-under-fire demeanor, was elected the nation's first black president.

Barack Obama must juggle high hopes, big challenges on quest for change.

Autumn finally hits Dallas

Today’s forecast is Hi: 62° and Lo: 32°
A freeze warning about freezing temperatures are likely to occur. These conditions will kill sensitive plants and residents are advised to protect tender vegetation. Automatic sprinkler systems should also be turned off to avoid creating ice patches on nearby roads…driveways…and sidewalks.

The Fire Ant Bite

Fire ants have strung me. They were just horrible. I didn't feel them crawling on me. I just felt the sting, which was like a bad mosquito bite. The blisters become itchy and are prone to infection if they are broken. So I tried real hard not to scratch them open. If they are not properly cleaned or treated, they may cause an infection or leave permanent scarring. The blisters become itchy, swelling and pain. I tried to use baking soda and water (thick paste) to reduce the pain and itching. Also placed a cool compress to relieve the swelling and pain. But still not really work.
Finally I used Chinese white ointment called “974” to relieve the swelling and pain.

The bites may take up to several weeks to disappear.

The hot summer is over!!

After 2 day's rain, finally the temperature of Dallas has been dropped down to low 70 degree. I think the air-conditioning, ceiling fans and table-fan may take a break now. It was a long hot summer in Dallas. I really missed Los Angeles's climate, no matter how hot during the day time, after the sun is set down, the temperature will always cool down. But not in Dallas, I tried to cover everywhere not let the sunshine slip in. However the heat came from the roof.

YouTube

I want to thank "YouTube" for posting all greatest hits and those old songs bring back plenty of beautiful memories.

Kong Ling is known as “Singing sweetheart of Hong Kong”. - I've told every little star, More Than I Can Say "夢裡喜相逢"
江玲唱片的特色是偶然在英文歌中﹐加插國語歌詞﹐形成很重的中西匯聚的風格。 溫婉的歌聲令人每次聽的時候﹐都仿似上癮般﹐重覆播唱。

The FABULOUS ECHOES, a pop group based in Hong Kong in the early 60's
They made several records that were very popular in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia in the early and mid 60's, such as "A Little Bit Of Soap," "Sunshine," "Dancing On The Moon," and "The Wedding."

The Chinese Brush Paintings

Chinese Brush Painting is an ancient art form that developed in China hundreds of years ago and has recently gained new popularity among artists all over the world.

Today I got a book "Chinese Brush Painting Handbook" from the library. This book is an ideal subject to study. It gives the complete beginner a sense of achievement and the more experienced and serious student endless creative possibilities to explore.

Heroes

China astronauts return as heroes after historic spacewalk.

"Walking in the space" - Chinese Space Progrom

這是中國在5年內第3次發射載人太空船，並將首次派遣太空人出艙，實現「太空漫步」。如果成功，中國將成為繼俄羅斯和美國後，第3個實現「太空漫步」的國家。

The Chinese Moon Festival

The Chinese Moon Festival is on the 15th of the 8th lunar month. It's also known as the Mid-autumn Festival. Chinese culture is deeply imbedded in traditional festivals. Just like Christmas and Thanksgiving in the West, the Moon Festival is one of the most important traditional events for the Chinese. The Moon Festival is also an occasion for family reunions.

Hurricane Ike

The largest search and rescue operation in Texas history kicked into gear hours after Ike slammed into the US Gulf Coast as a category two hurricane, packing a devastating ocean surge, knocking out power to millions and flooding coastal areas.
Ike had weakened to a tropical storm by midday, but continued to ravage eastern Texas with heavy rains and winds of 95 km/h and was forecast to churn northward into Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri.

The Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節)

09/14/08 will be the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節, zhōng qiū jié), also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the two most important holidays in the Chinese calendar (the other being the Chinese Lunar New Year).

Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games

Paralympic Games opened in Beijing with a burst of fireworks on 09/06/08.

A beautiful girl speaking with hands

Hearing-and speech-impaired stage presenter Jiang Xintian lights the Paralympic flame during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games flame lighting and torch relay launching ceremony at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing August 28, 2008. 天哪，圣火使者姜馨田太漂亮了！！

Closing Ceremony

Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Game was held at the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest. It was directed by Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou. The Ceremony included the handover of the games from Beijing to London.

Beijing 2008

Michael Phelps has become the most decorated gold medallist in history, winning eight gold medals in a single Game.