I am a dumpling

I just wanted to post this video, because of how cute this baby is when speaking Chinese.  This toddler is being taught how to say "I would also like a dumpling" but unfortunately is transfixed on saying only "I" and "dumpling".  He is so cute!  If only I could be this cute when I inadvertently tell people "I am a dumpling" rather than saying "I would also like a dumpling" when ordering a meal!

Some vocabulary you should know to watch this video:

Wo = I
Wo Hai Yao Baozi = I would also like steamed-bun-dumplings
Baozi (baodza) = steamed buns with filling inside (steamed-bun-dumplings)

The name of this video in Chinese is " 超可爱外国小孩学中文 要包子，那个“我”说的特别恳切 " which directly translates to "Super cute foreign kids to learn Chinese steamed buns, and particularly earnest that 'I'!"

David Woolman: A Tragic Loss

David Woolman, 23 years old
Photo courtesy of www.rgj.com

While traveling in Asia, you meet many people that are teachers like you, who share a spirit for adventure and share the same soft spot for Asia and China.  One of these teachers was a guy named David Woolman who worked at the DD Dragon school in Hangzhou, a city known for its beauty and culture.  While I unfortunately was unable to meet David, many people that I work with here at Sias International University were able to meet him and get to know David, who they all praise as a very intelligent, nice guy who loved life and to have a good time.

On March 1, David Woolman died by reportedly falling off a roof, but the cause of his death has not yet been officially determined.  Worse, Woolman’s family was not contacted for almost a week about his death, and the DD Dragon School is not helping to ship David’s body back to the United States.  His relatives are unable to pay the $12,818 transportation fee that would allow David to be buried in the Woolman family plot in Genoa, Nevada.  Further, the family was notified that starting March 16, David’s body can be held in China for up to 2 months, but it will come at a cost of $50 per day.  At the end of the holding period, if the fees have not been paid, the Chinese government has the authority to destroy David’s body.  

This could be any one of the teachers I know here at Sias; it could be me.  I am fortunate enough to be here today, and of all of the stupid things I have done while traveling in SE Asia and China, I am still here.  Many of the teachers here have been affected.  David Bond, a teacher here who had met David Woolman while traveling said, “I just can’t believe it happened to David, I know accidents happen, but he was so smart, too smart to have his life end by falling off a roof.”

Whatever the circumstances of his death, his family deserves to recover David: a brother, a son, a nephew, to mourn his passing.  More than ever his family needs support.  If you feel called to donate to the cause, you can do so by donating money by paypal, check, or bank account transfer.  Below are instructions if you feel like donating.  

To send contributions via paypal

https://www.paypal.com/

"Send Money" in the center tab

The email that goes in the "to" line is slow50@hotmail.com - Walter Woolman (father)

Their is an account set up at WELLS FARGO BANK. It is under Deborah Payne (grandmother) for David Woolman. The account number is: 6888140321.

You can also send a check to:

Walter Woolman

4213 Crater St 

Las Vegas, NV 89122

Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/362810807086638/362867943747591/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity

Year of the Dragon: Chinese Zodiac

Zodiac animals starting with the rat
and moving clockwise.

Traditional Dragon Paper Cut

For thousands of years, China has been keeping the years with 12 different animals.  This Calendar began in 2367 B.C. when the legendary Emperor (who’s birthplace is here in Xinzheng) supposedly invented it.  This calendar is based on 12 animals, animals who by legend had earned their right to be in the zodiac by winning one very important race.  It is said long ago the emperor ordered a race, and the animals that could make it to his palace would be part of the Zodiac Calendar.  

When it is your Zodiac year, it is said that evil can easily find you.  So to ward off bad luck, if it is your year, you must wear a red cord around the ankle, wrist, neck, or waist.  Further, it is not a good omen to start a relationship or make any large decisions during your zodiac year.  However, while most people cannot be bothered with stopping their social life during their year and continue to make big decisions and enter relationships, it is not uncommon to see people wearing a red cord.  If a red cord is not your style, red underwear and socks are also acceptable.  As long as you are wearing something red, it will help ward off the evil. However, some say that good luck can find you in your year, and when it does it will find you in a big way. 

Shopping for red underwear, a common gift for those who were born during the current zodiac year.
Both for men and women to ward off bad luck.

The year of the Dragon is the mightiest of the zodiac signs.  Most people of the Dragon year are said to be born leaders, who are motivated and unafraid of challenges.  They are risk-takers, and often do things in a grand fashion, but they have mighty tempers!

Each zodiac year has an element attached to it- Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind.  This Dragon year is the Water Dragon.  One of the best years in all of the Chinese Zodiac years possible, the water cools the dragon’s fire. From ChineseZodiac.com, “Water Dragons are able to see things from other points of view. They don’t have the need to always be right. Their decisions, if well-researched, are usually better since they allow other’s to become involved.” Before this year, the last Water Dragon year was in 1952.

Crowded HK Hospital, Photo courtesy of Bloomberg.com 

Superstitions run deep in China, and the Zodiac years have even had a significant impact on the economy.  The Water Dragon year is so lucky and auspicious, that many families have planned for years to have children during this year.  In Hong Kong, during the last year of the Dragon, births increased by 5.6%.  Because of this preferred elemental dragon, Taiwanese officials expect a 20% increase in births this year.  In Singapore, they expect a 10-15% increase.  Hospitals are full, and many mothers have back-up plans in case hospitals are too full for delivery when the time comes.  

Parents see the Dragon as a life with no obstacles: the Dragon is able to fly and swim, traversing the seas as well as the heavens.  Parents hope for a child that has a better chance of becoming a leader, a modern-day emperor.  However, for the child the baby boom can mean a lot more competition in schools for children, and even when they are older there is more competition in the workplace.  

In one report from Discovery News, an expectant mother in Hong Kong says, “Some friends told me I should start registering my Dragon baby girl for kindergarten-- it’s like a fight for hospitals, a fight for schools.  I have to remind myself to take it easy.”

To find out your Chinese Zodiac year and the meanings and implications of this year, visit:  www.chinesezodiac.com/calculator.php

Khan, Natasha. "Dragon Babies Escaping China One-Child Policy Overrun Hong Kong Hospitals - Bloomberg." Bloomberg - Business & Financial News, Breaking News Headlines. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Mar. 2012. <http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-18/dragon-babies-escaping-one-child-policy-overrun-hong-kong-wards.html>.


"Dragon Year Spells Nightmare For Mothers : Discovery News." Discovery News: Earth, Space, Tech, Animals, History, Adventure, Human, Autos. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Mar. 2012. <http://news.discovery.com/human/hong-kong-dragon-mother-women-120123.html>.

Southeast Asian Adventure

For so many months I have said I would start a real Blog, and here it is: two promises.  One to have an awesome video by March 9, and the other to actually start posting about all of my crazy adventures right here in this blog.  So stay tuned!