Feng shui (ˌfʌŋ ˈʃweɪ/ fung-shway,^[1] formerlyˌfɛŋ ˈʃuːi/ feng-shoo-ee;^[2] pinyin: fēng shǔi,pronounced [fɤ́ŋ ʂwèi] ), or Fung shui, is a Chinese system of geomancy believed to use the laws of both Heaven (Chinese astronomy) and Earth to help one improve life by receiving positive qi.^[3] The original designation for the discipline is Kan Yu (simplified Chinese: 堪舆; traditional Chinese: 堪輿; pinyin:kānyú; literally: Tao of heaven and earth).^[4]

The term feng shui literally translates as "wind-water" in English. This is a cultural shorthand taken from the passage of the now-lost Classic of Burial recorded in Guo Pu's commentary:^[5]

Qi rides the wind and scatters, but is retained when encountering water.^[5]

Historically, feng shui was widely used to orient buildings—often spiritually significant structures such as tombs, but also dwellings and other structures—in an auspicious manner. Depending on the particular style of feng shui being used, an auspicious site could be determined by reference to local features such as bodies of water, stars, or a compass. Feng shui was suppressed in China during the cultural revolutionin the 1960s, but since then has increased in popularity.

Modern reactions to feng shui are mixed. The Skeptic Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience states that some principles of feng shui are "quite rational", while noting that "folk remedies and superstitions... [have been] incorporated into feng shui's eclectic mix".^[6]

from: wikipedia

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The ampalaya -- perhaps more commonly known as the bitter melon or bitter gourd -- comes from the Momordica charantia vine found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. According to the website Philippine Herbal Medicine, ampalaya has long been used as a natural Chinese medicine. Whether consumed for health reasons or simply as a snack, ampalaya makes a substantial contribution to homemade shakes.

Instructions

1

Scrub and rinse the ampalaya under running water.

2

Cut off both ends of the ampalaya.

3

Slice the ampalaya in half lengthwise.

4

Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and discard them.

5

Add the ampalaya, lime juice, ice and sugar syrup to a blender.

6

Mix contents in covered blender until thoroughly mixed.

7

Serve the shake immediately.

Tips & Warnings

The ampalaya is covered in ridges, so scrub firmly to remove all traces of dirt.

By Kenneth Coppens, eHow Contributor

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Forex Trading is trading currencies from different countries against each other. Forex is acronym of Foreign Exchange.

For example, in Europe the currency in circulation is called the Euro (EUR) and in the United States the currency in circulation is called the US Dollar (USD). An example of a forex trade is to buy the Euro while simultaneously selling US Dollar. This is called going long on the EUR/USD.

How Does Forex Trading Work?

Forex trading is typically done through a broker or market maker. As a forex trader you can choose a currency pair that you expect to change in value and place a trade accordingly. For example, if you had purchased 1,000 Euros in January of 2005, it would have cost you around $1,200 USD. Throughout 2005 the Euro’s value vs. the U.S. Dollar’s value increased. At the end of the year 1,000 Euros was worth $1,300 U.S. Dollars. If you had chosen to end your trade at that point, you would have a $100 gain.
Forex trades can be placed through a broker or market maker. Orders can be placed with just a few clicks and the broker then passes the order along to a partner in the Interbank Market to fill your position. When you close your trade, the broker closes the position on the Interbank Market and credits your account with the loss or gain. This can all happen literally within a few seconds.

From: wikipedia

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