| Chinadaily.com.cn sharing the Olympic spirit
More than 200 Beijing Olympics cheer-squad volunteers listened carefully to a sports expert explaining the finer points of basketball. The associate professor from Capital Institute of Physical Education talked about its history, the rules and the etiquette of watching the game, made hugely popular in China by Yao Ming. "When the US coach asked: 'When would China's basketball players catch up with the US team?' the Chinese coach answered: 'When the US ping-pong team plays as well as our team'." Laughter erupted among the group, which included Jia Shuying, a 60-year-old woman who was part of last Friday's special cheer-squad gathering. She did not go to work that day, and instead rode her bicycle to her neighborhood residence committee to attend the meeting. Like everybody in the room, she donned a white cap and pink T-shirt, which had "Cheering from Beijing workers" written on the front.
We want to help Australians get ahead: PM
Prime Minister John Howard has told the audience at the Coalition's official election launch in Brisbane that the best years of the nation lie ahead. "This election is about the future of our great nation, not the past," he said. "I want to pursue with relentless vigour the goal of full employment. Only the Liberal and National parties talk about jobs for Australians anymore. "I want to keep inflation low. I know that Australian families want to do more than just get by on their pay packets - they want to get ahead. "The Coalition wants to keep taxes as low as possible." Mr Howard announced that a re-elected Coalition government would introduce tax-free home savings accounts and shared equity schemes for first homebuyers.
Little sizzle for shoppers this year
Rachel Lincoln usually has "lists and lists" of things she wants when the holiday season approaches. This year, the 21-year-old dental assistant is struggling to come up with much she really wants. She already has an iPod and doesn't need a new cell phone. As far as she can tell, all the clothes this season look the same. "You kind of stock up on stuff and the styles really haven't changed," said Lincoln, of Santee. That's the dilemma facing retailers and consumers alike this holiday season – there is no new, hot gift to spark interest and boost sales. Unlike years past when there were must-have items – from Ugg boots to PlayStation 2s to Tickle Me Elmos – this year is bereft of any frenzy-inducing gifts. Sure, people will buy a lot of Wii gaming consoles, anything Apple and fleece hoodies from Abercrombie & Fitch.
On top of his game
CHARLOTTE - Michael Tarwater is at the top of his game. As chief executive officer of Carolinas HealthCare System, this soft-spoken man controls a health care empire that stretches from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the low country of South Carolina. He is confident in CHS's position and dominance in the Charlotte Metro Region. Tarwater, 54, is a Texas native and came to Charlotte in 1981 as an assistant administrator and worked his way up the ranks at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority, a precursor to CHS. He served as the hospital system's chief operating officer before being named CEO in 2002 and his influence goes beyond the Charlotte region. He sits on the State Health Coordinating Council, the body that approves the state health facility plan each year. He also a member of the North Carolina Institute of Health, serves on the UNC School of Public Health Advisory Council and has been involved with the North Carolina Hospital Association, the main health care lobbying organization in the state.
How to stop climate change: the easy way
Changing your light bulbs may not be enough to save a single polar bear, but there are things we can do collectively - and easily - that will really make a measurable difference in the battle against global warming. Mark Lynas has a three-part plan. Illustration by James Fryer .
Our Belize Community, friend and healer Master Lee
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices include theories, diagnosis and treatments such as herbal medicine, acupuncture and massage. TCM theory asserts that processes of the human body are interrelated and in constant interaction with the environment. Signs of disharmony help the TCM practitioner to understand, treat and prevent illness and disease. A practice long stemmed in tradition and belief that unfortunately, does not operate within the contemporary scientific paradigm. However, many believe in its powers and swear by the �touch� that heals. It is a tradition passed down from generations, one which is still being kept alive and was brought down to Belize at a time when people were unaware of its curative powers. Master Lee continues with his practice and his customer base continues to increase.
Business calendar
- A seminar titled "Aging in Place with Peace of Mind" will take place at the Dover Public Library, Trustees' Room, 73 Locust St., at 10 a.m. Local residents are invited to attend a free educational seminar presented by a panel of experts discussing the important concerns of seniors, including legal issues and elder law concerns, in-home care options as well as financial options available through the use of home equity. In conjunction with the National Aging in Place Council, the goals are to assist senior homeowners in pursuing their long-term care needs and leave with a better understanding of the local options and services available to them. If you or a loved one is a senior wishing to remain gracefully in your home for life, this is the seminar to attend. Bring your questions. Refreshments served.
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