Sunday 25 January 2009

Gong Xi Fat Choi - Barack and the Ox- Rising food prices affect the poor

Lighting the way: Bong Hatta, a worker at Hian Thian Siang Tee Bio Temple in Palmerah, West Jakarta, decorates the temple with lanterns. A symbol of fortune, lanterns are used to deck out temples for the Lunar New Year, which falls on Monday. (Thanks to Jakarta Post for permission to use photo)



The scent of incense from lighted joss sticks, dragon dances, and fireworks will signal the arrival of the Chinese New Year of the Earth Ox at midnight here Jakarta.

Chinese lanterns hang in every lobby in our appartment building. We have one in our hallway. A Chinese lady offered me and many others chocolates as we walked outside at lunchtime. Last New Year's day was fascinating and we are looking forward to the celebrations tomorrow. Jakarta's most celebrated son, Barack Obama, who went to primary school for five years in Mentang, Jakarta was born in 1961, and must be rated as the No. 1 Ox. Also listed as prominent Ox people are former President Joseph Estrada and popular American movie stars Robert Redford and George Clooney. Clark Gable, Walt Disney, Charlie Chaplain, Johann Sebastian Bach, Vincent Van Gogh, and Adolf Hitler are among the famous and infamous Ox people who left indelible footprints on world events in their lifetime. Van Gogh and Obama come out on my Ox list for 2009.
With the patience, perseverance, and hardworking character of the Ox, this year is seen by Feng Shui masters as a time that has room for some modest reaping despite the flood of dismal forecasts of a global economic meltdown.
Joy Lim, a recognized Feng Shui consultant, said 2009 is a "resilient year" for the country’s economy. He sees an inward wave of substantial market prospects which should push productivity and add to the country’s stability.
She said that the No. 9 flying star, which in Chinese legend is claimed to be the carrier of a lucky multiplier element, has flown into the Year of the Ox, which bodes well for industries related to metal such as computers, mining, chemicals, car manufacturing, and repairs.

>

In the New Year, she said, obstacles and even failures must be embraced, because it is in facing them that business and livelihood barriers can be overcome.
Hard work and endurance in taking advantage of business prospects and opportunities will play a major role in one’s becoming a winner "in any endeavour one sets his heart in."
The Chinese New Year is all about symbols of prosperity, good fortune, and good health. Hence the scramble for lucky charms, golden Buddhas, and tiny golden bells to ring in the good luck of the new year.
According to Chinese legend, it is good to display the mark of the character "fu" on doors and walls for an extra bit of luck.


Incense is lit and prayers are said to welcome the new year and encourage longevity at Chinese temples like this one in Jakarta.

Also in the year of the Ox, anything in jade is certain to attract the good fortunes in the coming year, while keeping water flowing is said to bring in great wealth.
For this year, because of the lucky flying star No. 9, it is held that this year’s lucky number is 9, but No. 8 can never be far behind.
On the eve of the Chinese New Year tonight, cleaning up and throwing out junk, getting rid of empty boxes and broken items is a must to welcome the New Year with a clean slate. See that nothing blocks windows, main gates, and doors to allow the good fortunes of the New Year to come in.
Mounds of mandarin oranges alongside a fresh pineapple fruit will be on family tables today and tomorrow. For some, 8 or 88 pieces of "quiat-quiat" (tiny golden oranges) are rolled from the main door to inside the house, and if necessary, to roll them upward on every step of the stairs in two-story homes for prosperity.
For those who were not quite lucky last year in the Year of the Rat, taking a bath with water boiled with pomelo leaves is said to cleanse away the misfortune of the past year.
After midnight tonight, the use of knives and other sharp objects like scissors and needles is to be avoided, so as not to "cut-off the thread of good fortune," or "sever away the arrival of good fortunes" expected in the Chinese New Year of the Ox.
In tonight’s feast, the central element of family reunions, the arrival of children working abroad adds an additional layer of joy and gladness to parents and grandparents.
Being the No. 1 holiday in China, the New Year is the peak of travel time for Chinese workers going home to join parents, grandparents, and other relatives for family reunions.
By this afternoon, Chinatowns in the major capitals of the world will be alive with dragon dances and the explosion of firecrackers to ward off the evil spirits of the old Year of the Rat while hailing the good fortunes of the new Year of the Ox.
In Manila, all roads have been leading to Chinatown in Binondo for several weeks for lucky charm hunters. It has been brisk business for vendors of "tikoy" and pineapple and mandarin oranges.
Young and old alike will be wearing new red polka-dotted clothes and children await "ang pao" red envelopes from their elders. Children will be encouraged to stay awake until the early morning hours for their parents and grandparents to live long, healthy lives.
Having most family members present around dinner tables by midnight tonight is a great source of contentment to parents and grandparent, an ancient secret of prosperity among Chinese families who believe that "only he who knows the meaning of contentment is truly prosperous."
"Kung Hei Fat Choi!" or "Gong Xi Fat Choi,"
New Year traditions to attract good fortune, health, prosperity, peace
Most of us feel Barack Obama is ushering in something new and he will need to be stronger than an Ox to cope with all the expectations heaped on him. At midnigfht I will raise a glass to Barack and the Ox. But at this time of celebration let's not forget about rising food prices that is affecting the poor and seeing millions of more children malnourished daily.
Just because the issue of food prices has not been in the headlines recently it has not gone away.
The world's economic problems have exacerbated the food price crisis

Although prices have fallen from the highs recorded during the unprecedented spike at the beginning of 2008, they have not fallen back to where they had been before the crisis began.

And many of the factors that contributed to the rise then are still driving prices up.

These include competition with biofuels for scarce land, worsening agricultural productivity, the increasing proportion of people living in cities, and the effects of climate change threatening harvests.

Since an emergency summit meeting in Rome last June, the UN has set up a task force to coordinate action on food, now headed by Dr David Nabarro, who established a troubleshooting reputation when he led the UN response to the threat of bird flu.

Ahead of a two-day meeting in Madrid designed to put fresh momentum into the food price issue, Dr Nabarro said: "The worldwideCareful policies

As the ripples spread out from the banking sector in the richest countries in the world, the waves are hitting those least able to cope - in the poorest countries.

Richer countries have less money to invest in foreign investments

There is less money to invest in new businesses, and as well as a cut in foreign direct investment, the global economic slowdown means that money sent home by those working abroad has gone down.

In a country like Kenya, where locally prices have continued to rise, the effect is being felt hard.

According to the World Bank, the volume of world trade is likely to contract for the first time since 1982, further reducing the potential for growth in developing countries.

The collapse in commodity prices has taken the pressure off food price rises, but has also given new problems to some developing countries that depend on commodities, like Zambia, with its reliance on copper.

A World Bank report on economic prospects for 2009 concluded that it is not inevitable that there will be shortages of food and oil, but that careful policies need to be followed.

The author of the report, Andrew Burns, said aid needs to be better targeted.

"Action is needed at the global level to discourage export bans of food grains, strengthen agencies like the World Food Programme, and improve information about and coordination of existing domestic grain reserves," he said. The current consumer society is rapidly eroding the traditional security nets system

The World Bank has earmarked $1.2bn to help those countries worst hit by the price spike last year, part of more than $18bn committed worldwide, but anti-poverty campaigners say that not all the money promised has been delivered.

The head of the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) in Kenya, Mwangi Waituru, said that food prices continue to rise, making it harder for people to feed their families.

"The current consumer society is rapidly eroding the traditional security nets system, leaving the poor more and more vulnerable," he said

All of this means that efforts made to reach Millennium Development Goals on poverty and hunger are now being undermined, as the number of people in the world who go to bed hungry comes close to a billion, while the colossal sums needed to bail out banks make further demands on funds in the richest countries, cutting their ability to feed the hungry, or fund agricultural innovation.

in my own organisation the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, we are struggling to get adequate funding for the Horn of Africa. I quote from one of our people in the field in Ethiopia, Greg Jack from the British Red Cross.

“I am quite confident that our work in Wolaita is making a difference in the lives of 76,000 beneficiaries. But the food problem in Ethiopia is far greater. The IFRC launched an emergency appeal aiming to help some 2.3 million hungry people in Djibouti, Ehtiopia, Kenya and Somalia. More than a million of them are Ethiopians. That should give you an idea of the challenges the Red Cross Red Crescent is facing.

“For our help to be effective, we would need about 62 million pounds sterling (103.5 million Swiss francs). I know, many people would freeze with shock at the thought of such an amount. But the Red Cross Red Crescent can save a life with just 26 pounds sterling (43 Swiss francs). Think that for the price of a couple of music CDs, a child will not go to bed hungry, a mother will deliver a healthy baby and a pastoralist will get back on his feet.”

34 comments:

Ruahines said...

Kia ora Bob,
A Happy Chinese New Year to you as well, and a Healthy One to you and your family. I will say Gong Xi Fat Choi this evening to Wilson, my Chinese acupunturist who has done wonderful things for my hip since returning from Christchurch. He has peeked my interest in many things Eastern I am slowly opening myself to, so I appreciate your post and am reading it many times.
As to the hunger, another wave hits shore from the bail out of rich fat cats, and even middle classes who know little of any hardships. We here in New Zealand make noises about food prices, but I look in cupboards and they are full, my fridge well stocked, yet we still say, "There's nothing for tea". The waves have not hit here yet, but I suspect this year many will feel hunger, the poor as you write. And Key and his cronies drone on about "bailouts" here as well. Not good.
In any case Bob, hope you are progressing well, I hope work is bringing you good things, and my regards to your family.
Cheers,
Robb

Bob McKerrow - Wayfarer said...

Kia Ora Robb

we all struggle to understand the East. We know it, but understandit but little. Naila and the boys are out at a Chinese New Year party and I am grinding away on reports.

I like what you wrote about hunger. Spot on. We have to rally together and reach out to those who are starving. We have an appeal for the Horn of Africa where there is widespread hunger but the response is poor.

Have a good day Robb and aroha to tara and the boys.

Bob

Bob McKerrow - Wayfarer said...

Dear Robb and friends. I have just picked up this from one of our guys in Africa. He says: Think that for the price of a couple of music CDs, a child will not go to bed hungry, a mother will deliver a healthy baby and a pastoralist will get back on his feet.”


“I am quite confident that our work in Wolaita is making a difference in the lives of 76,000 beneficiaries. But the food problem in Ethiopia is far greater. The IFRC launched an emergency appeal aiming to help some 2.3 million hungry people in Djibouti, Ehtiopia, Kenya and Somalia. More than a million of them are Ethiopians. That should give you an idea of the challenges the Red Cross Red Crescent is facing.

“For our help to be effective, we would need about 62 million pounds sterling (103.5 million Swiss francs). I know, many people would freeze with shock at the thought of such an amount. But the Red Cross Red Crescent can save a life with just 26 pounds sterling (43 Swiss francs). Think that for the price of a couple of music CDs, a child will not go to bed hungry, a mother will deliver a healthy baby and a pastoralist will get back on his feet.”

Ruahines said...

Kia ora Bob,
Whom can I contact, or where can I donate to where this money will go to the Red Cross directly?
Robb

Bob McKerrow - Wayfarer said...

Dear Robb

So pleased to get such a lightening response. TYhe best and most effective way of donating is via the new zealand Red Cross Society.

http://www.redcross.org.nz/cms_display.php

I worked with them for many years and they will ensure the funds are sent quickly to where needed,

Thanks Robb.

Bob

Marja said...

Yes a difficult time is approaching
Tourism will also be a lot less and many poor countries rely on it.
There is so much to be done.

Good on you Robb We are going to support a child through world vision so sorry Bob Your red cross
has to wait. I helped in the past with annual appeal through scouting and the Henry Dunant boat in Holland though and will do my bits and pieces in the future

About the year of the ox You forgot
one in the list of oxes. Moi and my husband as well
So jade is going to be the lucky stone. Plenty of it in NZ I always bring back a lot of stones from holiday and I brought back a greenstone or maybe it is just a green stone

Bob McKerrow - Wayfarer said...

Marja

Great that you are sponsoring a child and it doesn't matter which organisation you do it thorugh as long it is a reputable one.

So you and your husband are OX's too. Well done !

Keep that greenstone for it has a lot of 'mana.'

Bob

Paterika Hengreaves said...

Kia ora Bob

This is quite an interesting blog on Eastern culture and traditions. So President Obama is an OX, wow. Well according to the readings you have on your blog for the Year of the OX President Obama still has some good things coming for him, in his first year but with many hurdles to overcome I see. So I wish him much success as he tackles the baggage he inherited. Thank you for this post and I hope all is well with your assignments much success in all that you do in the Year of the OX.

Paterika

Bob McKerrow - Wayfarer said...

Dear Paterika

I just got back from Geneva today and always, it was a pleasure to read your comments. My heart goes out to Barack as we all continue to heap our expectations on him. Thanks to God he is an Ox, so he will be strong enough to carry our burdens.

Heavy rains in many parts of Jakarta and floods and landslides everywhere. The Indonesian Red Cross are very busy rescueing and helping people with our support.

Warm regards

Bob

Anonymous said...

recurring education, http://portishead.forums.umusic.co.uk/members/homosexuales-y-bisexuales.aspx homosexuales y bisexuales, IQIxsU, http://portishead.forums.umusic.co.uk/members/oddity-sexual.aspx oddity sexual, UWWxrF, http://portishead.forums.umusic.co.uk/members/sexy-barber-shop.aspx sexy barber shop, XygCJY, http://portishead.forums.umusic.co.uk/members/sexual-submissives-wanted.aspx sexual submissives wanted, zSA5ht, http://portishead.forums.umusic.co.uk/members/sex-aphrodisiac.aspx sex aphrodisiac, XkATIs, http://portishead.forums.umusic.co.uk/members/teen-group-party-sex.aspx teen group party sex, NmVYMN, http://portishead.forums.umusic.co.uk/members/sussex-school-district.aspx sussex school district, V3KJXy, http://portishead.forums.umusic.co.uk/members/paris-hilton-xxx.aspx paris hilton xxx, W9BxNv,

Anonymous said...

Hello !.
You may , probably curious to know how one can collect a huge starting capital .
There is no need to invest much at first. You may begin to get income with as small sum of money as 20-100 dollars.

AimTrust is what you thought of all the time
The firm represents an offshore structure with advanced asset management technologies in production and delivery of pipes for oil and gas.

Its head office is in Panama with affiliates around the world.
Do you want to become really rich in short time?
That`s your choice That`s what you wish in the long run!

I feel good, I began to get income with the help of this company,
and I invite you to do the same. It`s all about how to select a correct partner utilizes your funds in a right way - that`s the AimTrust!.
I take now up to 2G every day, and my first deposit was 1 grand only!
It`s easy to join , just click this link http://ixawecodul.lookseekpages.com/rosiwur.html
and go! Let`s take this option together to feel the smell of real money

Anonymous said...

Hi !.
You re, I guess , probably curious to know how one can make real money .
There is no need to invest much at first. You may begin to receive yields with as small sum of money as 20-100 dollars.

AimTrust is what you haven`t ever dreamt of such a chance to become rich
The company incorporates an offshore structure with advanced asset management technologies in production and delivery of pipes for oil and gas.

It is based in Panama with offices around the world.
Do you want to become a happy investor?
That`s your chance That`s what you desire!

I feel good, I began to take up real money with the help of this company,
and I invite you to do the same. It`s all about how to select a correct partner who uses your money in a right way - that`s the AimTrust!.
I make 2G daily, and what I started with was a funny sum of 500 bucks!
It`s easy to get involved , just click this link http://suwitedu.lookseekpages.com/jodymab.html
and go! Let`s take this option together to feel the smell of real money

Lea said...

Kia Ora

My names Lea, I am looking for a Bob Mckerrow that use to work in Pamerston North (nth Island) between 1980-1985 as a social worker he too lives in the South Island, if you are not this person, My apologies.

Lea Cook

Bob McKerrow - Wayfarer said...

Kia Ora Lea

I am that person. Contact me. Bob

Anonymous said...

Good day, sun shines!
There have were times of hardship when I felt unhappy missing knowledge about opportunities of getting high yields on investments. I was a dump and downright pessimistic person.
I have never imagined that there weren't any need in large initial investment.
Nowadays, I'm happy and lucky , I begin to get real income.
It gets down to select a correct companion who uses your money in a right way - that is incorporate it in real business, parts and divides the income with me.

You may ask, if there are such firms? I'm obliged to tell the truth, YES, there are. Please be informed of one of them:
[url=http://theblogmoney.com] Online investment blog[/url]

Anonymous said...

Glad to materialize here. Good day or night everybody!

Let me introduce myself,
my name is Nikolas.
Generally I’m a venturesome gambler. for a long time I’m keen on online-casino and poker.
Not long time ago I started my own blog, where I describe my virtual adventures.
Probably, it will be interesting for you to find out how to win not loose.
Please visit my web page . http://allbestcasino.com I’ll be glad would you find time to leave your comments.

Anonymous said...

aakenzewhbpeuahbqkls, http://nailfunguscurecuretreatment.com Nail Fungus cure, uncoqmf.

Anonymous said...

Everyone loves it whenever people get together and share thoughts.
Great blog, continue the good work!

Take a look at my web-site - rgatausers.ru

Anonymous said...

I don't even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I don't know
who you are but definitely you're going to a famous blogger if you are not already ;) Cheers!

Look into my page; Mederma stretch Mark therapy

Anonymous said...

Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to
say that I have truly enjoyed browsing your weblog posts. After all I'll be subscribing in your feed and I'm hoping you write again very soon!


Also visit my homepage: nuwiki.net

Anonymous said...

This design is spectacular! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost.
..HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say,
and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

Have a look at my site - how can i make money on line

Anonymous said...

Awesome post.

My web-site: wiki.fassette.com

Anonymous said...

I got this site from my buddy who told me on the topic of this website and now this time I am browsing this site and reading very informative posts at this place.


Here is my website - bmi index chart

Anonymous said...

The Regional Animal Hospital in Yorba Linda is well equipped to
handle the emergencies. Crowe, The Tony Rice Unit, Chesapeake and Aldridge, and Bennett & Gaudreau) on mandolin and mandola, Tony Williamson (mandolin), Chris Brashear (fiddle), and
Tom Corbett (mandolin). licitations with regards to making ones cachet
that is most certainly Talbots at present. Different from
other girls, she did not wear the very sexy short dress and
very high-heeled shoes, she only wore a white skirt, which suited her slim figure
very much, and her hair was very straight, she had white and
smooth skin, a pair of big eyes which could speak for her, I saw the unique charm in
her. The doctor will ask about symptoms of metabolic disorders such
as fatigue, headaches, cramping, mood changes, shortness
of breath, and chronic diarrhea.

my webpage :: overbalanced

Anonymous said...

Wow! This blog looks just like my old one! It's on a totally different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Great choice of colors!

Look into my web-site; bmr calculator to lose weight

Anonymous said...

Hello to every body, it's my first pay a visit of this website; this web site includes remarkable and actually good data in support of visitors.

Also visit my blog post acoustic guitar a chord

Anonymous said...

Hello there, You've done an excellent job. I'll definitely digg
it and personally recommend to my friends. I am sure they will
be benefited from this web site.

Here is my web page: oph crack

Anonymous said...

Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is fantastic, as well as the content!


Feel free to visit my page; acoustic guitar a chord

Anonymous said...

When you could e-mail me with just a few strategies on
just how you made your weblog look this wonderful, I might be grateful.


Also visit my web blog; having trouble getting pregnant after A miscarriage

Anonymous said...

Hey this can be a actual cool website

Feel free to surf to my weblog having trouble getting pregnant with second baby

Anonymous said...

whoah thіs weblog is fantastіc i rеally
likе reading your posts. Keep up thе great work!
You alrеady know, mаny persons are looking around for thіs info, you could hеlр them gгеatlу.



Feel free to surf to my homepage ... make money online

Anonymous said...

Hey it is a actual cool web site

my web blog - having trouble getting pregnant

Anonymous said...

Good day! You some kind of knowledgeable? Nice message.
Are you able to inform me tips on how to subscribe your weblog?


My weblog; having trouble getting pregnant the third time

Bymie Shop said...

Comfortably, the post is really the sweetest on that laudable topic. I fit in with your conclusions and also will thirstily look forward to your future updates. Saying thanks definitely will not simply just be sufficient, for the fantastic clarity in your writing. I will promptly grab your rss feed to stay privy of any kind of updates. Pleasant work and much success in your business efforts.
Plus Size Størrelsesguide
Tøj Til Store Kvinder
Tilbud Og Udsalg På Dametøj