Tight and Organized Chinese Policy On Internet Censorship

This age of Internet technology only displays how much freedom of media and expression we are now indulging. Now that the Internet can be accessed by almost anyone in almost every segment of the globe, there is much availability of valued information, may it be news, studies, references, or opinion. However, such level of Internet redemption lasts as a dream for the people in China.

The Chinese government implements the most tight and most organized Internet censorship system across the globe. In spite of the free market of ideas and information online which is very accessible in almost every country, there are just some, or probably several, things that the Chinese government considers illegal, even online. Online users in China are strictly restricted from accessing information or participating in discussions that pertain to pornography, religion, anti-Communism, Taiwanese redemption, and the massacre on Tiananmen Square. The Chinese government is able to penetrate web sites, web logs, message boards, school bulletin boards, and even e-mail correspondence, and shut any 'restricted' information or discussion. Even search engine services shut certain keywords and search results that pertain to topics that the government restricts. Internet cafes are obliged by government to oversee the web pages that their customers surf and gather these details on a file to be submitted every 60 days.

Determining The Traditions Of The Lunar New Year

Every year, persons from all over the world look forward to the revelry of the Chinese New Year, which is also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year. China is recognized for its colorful fireworks and loud firecrackers during grand commemoration such as the New Year blast. However, what other people do not know is that Chinese New Year bash is composed of fifteen days of practicing major ceremonies.

When I went to Shanghai, I learned that the first day of new year includes giving gratitude to and revering their goddesses for all the blessings that the Chinese received for the previous year. A lot of people do not feast meat during this day, because they believe that this practice ensures long, happy lives for them. The most vital thing about the first day of new year is that it's the period for the family members to visit their eldest relatives. Other families invite a troupe to present a Lion dance to drive away bad spirits and negative auras from the spot.

The rest of the fifteen-day new year rite includes daughter-in-laws visiting their own parents, chomping dumplings, yusheng, and fish salad, offering prayers, and old women greeting the teens with a basket of celery. China is among the countries that give much importance to their practices, and I believe that China's observance of the first day of new year illustrates the respect that they give to their culture.

Exceptional Chinese Recipes

The rest of the world has its own share of unique traditions and if you're not familiar with this, chances are you can only embrace the challenge or refuse it against your belief. Take for example the Chinese exotic food, which are highly-acclaimed not only for their exquisite tastes but also for their secret ingredients. In the case of the famed Bird's Nest Soup, you may only assume that it uses the nest of a swiftlet, found in Southeast Asian caves, as an extraordinary food item. Although you're probably right, for those who'll try this famed Chinese soup for the first time, it won't be advised to find out that swiftlet's nests are not made of twigs or straw but the from the bird's own saliva. It could be quite exicitng to find out what makes the soup a lot more special than the rest. However, it will take definite courage from culinary adventurers to take a blind eye on the secret ingredient that comes with every sip, considering that the bird's nest doesn't even taste any better than sea cucumber, which is rather bland. By now, you must be wondering what makes Bird's Nest Soup a well-known Chinese food despite this not so pleasant discovery. Well, for one, this well-known Chinese soup is said to help revive health, while it also serves as aphrodisiac for those who dare takes this exotic challenge as a scrumptious treat.

The Unquestionable Splendor of Guangdong Victory

I never expected such a magnificent stay at a hotel in China from a place very far from its key city. Initially, I had second thoughts about the guesthouse primarily because its whereabouts was not actually suited for a four star hotel. There was a construction area near the hotel with all the mire and dust, which made it difficult to walk. No restaurants and convenience stores were available within the perimeter so we even had to ride a taxi to discover the nearest brasserie.

Nevertheless, despite the inauspicious place, the hotel itself was something to be proud of. Guangdong Victory Hotel in Guangzhou was a four star guesthouse with the touchstones of a five star hotel. Our room was expansive and had a very stylish trimmings. In fact, the bed made it hard for us to wake up each morning because it was so appealing with its vibrant white mattress and blanket. What's even more incredible was the fact that Victory hotel television has international channels, which are not always offered in most locally-owned four star accomodations. As a matter of fact, the magnificent inside of Guangdong Victory made me forgot its obnoxious outside - indeed, what matters more is what is inside.

Vera Wang is the Exemplar of Elegance and Modish Fashion

When people start chatting about brides, gowns, engagements, bridal showers, and weddings, bringing up famed fashion designer Vera Wang can't be helped -- just like deciding on what theme or cake to have at the reception. Wang has certainly made herself significant enough to be a part of the international pop living. Every female wants to be in a dress she made, every fashion expert absolutely adores her clothes, and every woman certainly wants to be like her.

With a charecterful Chinese-American upbringing and a famed Art History degree under her belt, she made her way into the fashion industry armed with so much passion and know-how without any trouble at all. She put her fondness for figure skating on the sidelines and pursued her passion for dressmaking instead. For almost two decades, she was employed as Vogue's fashion editor and later on signed on with the Ralph Lauren design team. After making such an impact in the world of fashion, she started designing brilliant bridal gowns in her very first Carlyle Hotel salon in NYC, and the rest, they say, is history. These days, ordering a Vera Wang dress (or two) is more than just a very expensive pastime -- it's a fashion statement that will certainly last for years.