Discontent of the centralized regime had emerged during the era. Several members of Czech writers’ union including Milan Kundera argued literature should be independent of Party Doctrine in June 1967. Their call was suppressed and Literarni noviny the nation’s gazatte they resorted to was put under control of ministry of culture.

Meanwhile the CSSR underwent an aconomic downturn in early 1960s because of poor application of Soviet model of industrilization. Novotny’s attempt of reviving the economy also spurred the call for political reform.

The real action was took by Alexander Dubček, First Secretary of the regional Communist Party of Slovakia in 1968 after Novotny stepped down. The reform began on January 5 and continued until August 21 of the year. Dubcek carried out policies to ensure partial decentralization of economy and democratization and meanwhile a series of additional rights were granted to citizens. Restrictions on the media, speech and travel were loosened, and the country was split into two seperate republics.

The Soviets failed to take the reform well and trooped with its members of Warsaw Pact allies into Czech to suppress it. Non-violent protests instead of military resistance were the stand of the country; along with it, large amount of immigration flew in.

The rather famous reform was well known as the Prague Spring, being depicted in music, movies and literature such as Milan Kundera’s The Unbearable Lightness of Being.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague_Spring

Hong Kong – Feb 11, 2009 – IJS – Global – The case of Mainland Chinese giving birth in Hong Kong is quite controversial that local people once went out on streets protesting against it.
According to Article 24 of Hong Kong Basic Law, any child born in Hong Kong has permanent residency rights even if neither of their parents enjoys the right.
Welfare policies and the attractive Article 24 have drew many Mainland Chinese expectant mothers who can only have one child in China and mostly a comparative low level of welfare. Although Hong Kong Immigration Department put up policies to limit the amount of incoming Mainland pregnant women and hospitals raised delivery fees to over HKD 50,000, the situation hasn’t changed much.
One elevator operator from Hong Kong Baptism Hospital, a 49- aged lady said, “It’s a good thing. Mainland people pay to give birth here and that assures our job security. We on the other hand provide excellent services.”
Ivy, a 28-year-old nurse from the hospital, said she thought it’s good to have Mainland Chinese giving birth here because local people mostly prefer no children.

Cordlife where Povy works. Photo by Joyce Shi

Similar supportive views were expressed from Ben a 35-aged construction worker and Povy the assistant manager of Cordlife Kowloon Branch, which is an umbilical cord blood bank. They both thought it’s good in the sense of promoting economic prosperity of Hong Kong.
Queena, a university student of music held an opposite stand and said, “Those who come here to give birth will enjoy all the welfares and that’s not fair! Hong Kong people pay taxes to enjoy the welfare policies but they didn’t. One more thing, many Mainland women marry Hong Kong men and lead to a rising amount of single Hong Kong women; imbalance ratio is bad and worrying.”
One old lady shopping at convenience store 7&11 saw the case as a two-edged sword. “It sure promotes economic prosperity. Hong Kong people who prefer no children because they can’t afford to. Mainlanders who come to give birth will not only boost population here and also pressure.”

Hong Kong – Feb 9 – IJS – Global – Ringing still was the New Year’s bell, but also, discounted Czech crystal.

Many souvenir shops in Prague put up discount information. Photo by Yating Zhou.

In early January 2009, tourists picking crystal souvenirs in shops near Prague’s Old Town area would find many with discounts.

Crystal is one feature of tourist destination Czech Republic. Being a main producer and exporter, Czech’s crystal industry could date back to the 14^th century, with U.S., U.K., Spanish, Italy and Japan being the main markets.

Struck by the global financial tsunami, Czech’s biggest crystal manufacturer Bohemian Crystalex Trading (BCT), 10^th biggest of the world, stopped two factories last October, leaving 1,800 jobless. One out of five of 6,000 local people served in one of the bankrupted factories Sklo Bohemia in Svetla.

Insecure Retailers

Retailers also sensed the crisis of crystal industry.

One Bulgarian shop assistant who preferred anonymity said their customers were 50 percent less than before the 2008 crisis.

“We clutch people’s necks to make them buy,” by mimicking the action she joked in her shop near Charles bridge. Her shop made discount for small souvenirs to boost sales. She said policies like government incentives would help but hadn’t heard any.

Another migrant worker who declined to give his name said people wouldn’t give away money in financial crisis, feeling he might lose his job.

A souvenir shop in Prague. Photo by Yating Zhou.

“Who’s printing money? Federal Reserve, global institutions and banks, IMF, the big guys, they’re hiding the money after printing,” he continued with his view on financial crisis, “There’ll be war after.”

Dramatic or not, they were just as insecure as the crystal industry.

Mending on the way with challenges ahead

Prague Monitor reported last December a private company intended to renew glass production in bankrupted Sklo Bohemia, one branch of Bohemian Crystalex Trading (BCT), and had proposed to the municipal council. By second quarter of 2009, 300 people could land their jobs at the company, said the report.

BCT once proposed for a bailout after closing two factories and was turned down by state government, regarding no intervention under market economy.

While Prague Post said recently Czech government is adjusting its public financing plans, shifting financial support from manufacturing to “Research and Development Centers.”

Tomáš Bartovský, a spokesman for the Industry and Trade Ministry said in the report, “Incentives for manufacturing were no longer viable in the long run, and, what is more, the regions that needed them the most never got them.”

Meanwhile, retail sales decreased by 6.3 percent year-on-year last November, the lowest since December 1998, according to Prague Monitor, the Czech Statistical Office (CSU) said this January.

Possible deprivation of incentives and a dim retailing market seemingly make another tough year for Czech crystal.

Tottering amid the dense mist, how long before it rings again in crystal-clear spring?

All materials are available at: 

http://www.timwerx.net/culture/eto/index.htm

http://www.horoscopezodiacsigns.com/chinese-horoscope/index.html

P.S.: This article is compiled by Sun Mimi of Group Three. Thank you, Mimi, for all the efforts.

                                                           — Sidebar Editor Amanda Wong

People born in “The Year of the Rat” are honest, frugal, and good at saving money; but easily fall into bad relationships. While appearing to be soft on the outside, they can be angered easily, and will sometimes act in ways which are the opposite of normal human behavior. In time they completely forget past grudges, and will form positive associations with those with whom they once had disagreements. Though “Rats” are susceptible to folly during their middle-age years, if they overcome their weaknesses they can ultimately live a life which brings peace and stability to their grandchildren.

2009 – Many people may have the misconception that when the year 2009 has the same animal sign as Rat are, most likely their luck is going to be worse than usual. This is not the case for Rat this year. This year is going to be filled with good news and opportunities. This is a great time for Rat to transform their dreams into reality – to pursue the dream job, the dream position, the dream salary, the dream business etc. Do not feel that their dreams are out of reach as Rat will get the support, meet the right people and find the appropriate resources that can bring Rat to their goal. Keep their heart and mind open. Remember that no matter how good the stars align for Rat, Rat still have to do their part in order to reap the best out of it. On the other hand, there will be more disputes, arguments, betrayals and misunderstandings than usual in this year. Try to be humble, keep theirself calm and objective at all times. Things will turn out well. Avoid being too stressed out. Watch out for being hospitalized and having surgery and being involved in accidents.

“Year of the Ox” people are impatient and often get angry over even trivial things, hampering relationships with others. They never really form strong bonds with family members, and experience various trials during their childhood years. Though they may not appear to progress very well in their work, “Ox Year” people have great endurance and stick with a task once their mind is made up to do so. However mundane their vocation may appear, working at it faithfully affords a life of ease and comfort in later years.

2009 – Chinese horoscope 2009 for Ox Ox will have happy and stable interpersonal relationships. Business partnerships are likely to enhance their career. People belonging to the Ox sign are advised to co-operate with their partners and try minimizing the arguments to welcome good luck throughout the year.

Lunar March, June, September and December oxen need to be careful about their diet in these particular months. This year oxen need not hesitate in grabbing the opportunities coming their way. As these opportunities will increase the chances for promotion and improvement. Oxen born in autumn and winter need to be cautious while taking a new step in career and relationships.

Sui He, Tai Yang and Yu Tang will be the lucky stars for the people belonging to this zodiac according to the Chinese horoscope for ox. These stars will bring the oxen in contact with the powerful people. However, the presence of Hui Qi, the unlucky star in this Chinese zodiac sign might bring in bad mood sometimes. So, all Ox can do is adjusting and coping with the change in plans and not sticking to them with a stubborn attitude.

Chinese horoscope 2009 for Ox says that Ox should take out some time for recreational and social activities. Friends are going to play vital role in this year for the oxen by providing support and fun times. The period between March and August will be bit terrific in relation to work. Overall 2009 will be a lucky year for oxen bringing in possible monetary gains and unexpected gifts.

“Tigers” possess a good sense of judgment, are strong during times of trouble, and have an enterprising nature which brings success in many endeavors. Their stubbornness often brings them into arguments, even with superiors, which neutralizes their good luck; but a strong moral sense wins them the praise of their peers. Though failures are experienced in money matters, good judgment and a competitive spirit are eventually rewarded with security later on.

2009-Chinese horoscope 2009 for Tiger people will be involved in lot of mobility this year 2009. Tiger you will experience moving in to a new home or office. Chances are that Tiger you will also go abroad for business or pleasure purpose.

Tigers born in spring or summer will have good luck this year 2009. While those born in autumn and winters might get surrounded with some bad luck. In short those born in spring and summer will be at a gain as compared to those born in winters and autumn.

According to the Chinese astrology for Tigers, these people need to think wisely when taking decisions regarding career. Tigers are advised to stick to the job and not quit it seeing some petty issues. 2009 won’t prove an ideal time to have a job change, as that will situation from bad to worse.

On the other hand tigers who are self-employed will get well paid off for their services. However, they need to work hard constantly to achieve great rewards. Insurance salesperson, consultants and estate agents need to think about ways to expand their clientele. People belonging to this zodiac sign will be guarded by the lucky star Yi Ma that brings in lot of traveling and changes.

Other two stars, Si Sang and Sang Men point that health needs to be taken care of. Loneliness may arise in their rise due to the presence of Gu Chen, the star of loneliness for the tigers in 2009. Romantic will flourish between July and October for the tigers. Overall 2009 will be a year mix of good and somewhat bad luck for tigers.

People born in “The Year of the Rabbit” are peaceful, caring, and good with relationships, but have a tendency to talk too much, which often gets them into trouble. Likes and dislikes are many, and a fickle nature sometimes gets in the way of success. Concentrating on one thing is also difficult. After overcoming their weaknesses, “Rabbits” often settle down into comfortable lifestyles which are envied by others.

2009-Chinese horoscope for Rabbit these people will have a good year in romantic affairs. Blessed with the presence of Hong Luan, considered as the most powerful star for relationships, rabbits you will flourish in the matters of heart. Chances are that many of the rabbits might get married his year.

This year 2009 rabbits you will receive love from all near and dear ones. However, they need to be careful while selecting business partners. They are advised to figure out who are their real well wishers and who hate them. Rabbits working on their own or freelancing will see major gains in 2009. Be it a lawyer, consultant, doctor or an insurance agent, these people having their own work won’t see any downfall This year 2009.

On the other hand, rabbits who are working somewhere might feel an increased work pressure with no increment in the salary. These people should still do hard work, as hard work never goes waste. You never know, how an unexpected promotion comes your way. Rabbits born in autumn and winter might face bad luck, so they are advised to continue doing the same job.

The lucky star Tai Yin will help rabbits in seeking help especially from females. Rabbits are advised to be careful in matters of finance at the end of 2009. Rabbits also need to be aware of the gossips and rumors about them especially during the middle of the year. They are advised not to take any risky decision throughout the year. Overall, This year 2009 will prove to be very fun filled and socially active year for the people belonging to this zodiac sign.

“Dragon Year” people are born with a winning spirit that helps them get through times of tribulation, but this same spirit sometimes causes them to attack others before considering the complete situation. Their fate is very changeable, bringing them unbelievable good fortune one day, then loss on the next. By using their inherent charitable qualities and controlling the negative ones, “Dragons” can be a great strength to others and ultimately lead very fulfilling lives.

2009-Chinese horoscope for Dragon these people will enjoy a stable and fruitful love relationship in 2009. However, they need to be extremely careful during the months of March and September that can bring invisible torture in their lives. They need to be careful in their relationships during these lunar months of March and September.

As far as professional life of the dragons is considered, they are chances for promotions and a good social status for many. Wage-earning dragons need to continue doing hard work This year 2009 to enjoy the best results. On the other hand, the dragons who are freelancing or running their own business will make good money in This year 2009.

Dragons born in spring and summer will gain more financially as compared to those born in autumn and winter. Interpersonal relationships of Dragons you will be at its best during the first half of the year. So, the dragons are advised to take crucial decision in the first six months of 2009 to get the best results.

Dragons you will receive favor from their lucky star Jin Gui This year 2009. Owing to this star’s presence, they will earn a lot and spend little. Their social status will improve because of another lucky star by the name San Tai in 2009. However, there are also some unlucky stars working against dragons in 2009 like Niam Fu, Guan Fu and Fei Fu. These stars can bring unexpected court cases against the dragons.

Dragons can boldly follow what they dream of This year 2009. They can expect a good hike in career between March and May. This year 2009 Dragons you will get plenty of time to spend with family. Travel is also on card for many people belonging to this zodiac sign. Overall This year 2009 will be a mix of good and bad luck for the dragons.

Though they may appear to be soft and yielding, people born in “The Year of the Snake” have a strong element in their character which enables them to see big projects through to a successful conclusion. A methodical approach to things allows them rapid progression, but relationships often sour because they are slow to trust others. “Snakes” tend to have weak family ties and marriage problems. Thinking over matters too deeply often clouds judgment and causes hesitation, resulting in missed opportunities. Learning from experience helps to balance out their personality, which leads to good fortune in later years.

2009-Chinese horoscope for Snake these people will get help from others this year 2009 without any unexpected complication and because of this, they will get fruitful results even with less hard work. this year 2009 is not so good for those in relationship or thinking to start one.

These people can expect few changes in the first half of 2009, this is because they will still be influenced with the stars of last year. You are advised not to pay heed to gossips this year 2009, as they will vanish on their own. Period between July and November will prove good for socializing.

As far as career is considered for the snakes, those born in spring and summer will have a real good luck. snakes working on their own or as freelancers will get an increased clientele this year 2009. Those snakes who are looking for a job change are advised to be flexible to gain more out of the new job opportunities.

Snakes born in winter and spring need to be more cautious in 2009; else chances are that they will soon lose their jobs. The lucky star reigning in this zodiac sign is none other than Yue De that will help the snakes move ahead without any major hurdles. Owing to its presence, the snakes you will come out unharmed even in accidents.

Travel is not on cards this year 2009 for snakes, but for unexpected reasons they might need to travel abroad. Snakes you are advised to be careful in the financial matters this year 2009. Family and friends will give full support and prove lucky to the snakes. Overall 2009 will be rewarding for the snakes.

“Horse Year” people enjoy helping others, and are admired for doing so; but their tendency to say what they feel often creates enemies, even among those who have received their help. Finding it difficult to concentrate on any single task, “Horses” have few successes to show for all the work they do. In spite of this, a cheerful nature keeps them from brooding over misfortune, and eventually brings them unexpected success. Good fortune comes to these people during the opening years of old age.

2009-Chinese horoscope for Horse these people will face a lot of changes in almost all spheres of life. Chances are high for the horses to travel abroad or move in to new home. Chinese horoscope for horses also predicts that those who are single will get involved in to strong relationships in 2009.

2009 appears as a promising year for most of the horses. Horses are most likely to have a change in their environment, be it at home or at work. Make sure that the changes that come in your life this year have a good impact and not a bad effect. Be careful in career changes. Horses born in summer will get profitable opportunities in professional life.

According to the Chinese astrology, horses born in autumn and winter are not going to have good luck in experimenting changes, so they are advised not to initiate any changes. As far as love is concerned for the horses, Horses you will see fresh beginnings in 2009. Horses you will meet their lucky someone in this year and go on for a steady relationship.

The period between March and August will be good for traveling and indulging in adventure. Horses are also advised to have a friendly relation with the colleagues to harbor fruitful results in career. Horses you will see benefits if they plan and think properly for the future with a sense of control. Overall, 2009 will prove out to be a good year with lots of experiments for most of the horses.

Those born in “The Year of the Sheep” are kind, honest, and have a charitable nature. Though religious, they seem to have more than their fair share of hardships. Being timid makes them wary of others, and sometimes the cares of the world seem overwhelming to them. If they work at overcoming their weaknesses, they will receive help from their elders which brings success. Trials up to the age of 50 will be many, but after that “Sheep” can look forward to a long, pleasant life of peace and happiness.

2009-Chinese horoscope for Goat these people will have an unstable love relationship in 2009. According to Chinese astrology, the Goats will face trouble in This year 2009 owing to their involvement in arguments and gossips. These people are therefore advised to stay away from any kind of gossip and dispute.

This year 2009, this zodiac will be ruled by the Chinese star Xian Chi and its presence will result in to instability in love life for Goats. Much of your luck will depend on the season in which you were born. Owing to the good luck of last year, chances are bright that you will get help easily till the first half of 2009. Meaning spring season is the time when you will get abundance f help from friends and family.

Special care need to be taken by the Goats who are often suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, especially in winter and autumn. Make sure to check what you eat before you actually eat in the lunar months of September and December. In short, be careful about your diet to stay healthy in 2009.

Avoid getting in arguments and gossips especially during the Lunar June and November. These people are advised to maintain their calm throughout the year else any mishappening can take place. The period between July and December will be good for making new friends.

In 2009, Chinese horoscope for Goat says that two lucky stars, namely, Long De and Zi Wei, will rule these people. Their presence will have a strong and powerful impact on the lives of the Goats. Apart from these, the presence of Di Jie, another lucky star will decrease the negative influence on the Goats in 2009. Overall, This year 2009 will be an average year for the Goats.

People born in “The Year of the Monkey” are inquisitive, clever, and quick-witted. Their enterprising nature brings them remarkable success early in life. The fact that they enjoy helping others wins them friends, but the bad habit of talking too much often makes enemies. Trusting others too quickly occasionally brings disappointment. If sufficient effort is made to correct the tendency to act blindly, “Monkeys” will be able to preserve what good fortune brings them during their middle-age years, affording them peace of mind in old age.

2009-Chinese horoscope for Monkey Monkeys will enjoy a good goodwill and rapport with everyone around. Apart from this, the monkeys will have a stable love relationship in 2009. This year the monkeys will have lots of wealth owing to the presence of the second luckiest star in their zodiac.

Monkeys are born in spring and summer will have new opportunities in every sphere of life. As far as love is concerned for the monkeys, 2009 will not be too good with relationships getting complex. Male monkeys are likely to get involve in flirting and two-timing and will therefore face hardships. Female monkeys need to show their skills in keeping their love interest with themselves by fighting against other temptresses.

The monkeys, who want a steady relationship, should take care of their partners with undemanding love and care. If love relationship is not handled with care, chances are high for them to even have a bad effect on career of many monkeys.

Monkeys need to be extremely careful according to the Chinese astrology in the first half of the year. They should avoid any kind of gossip. Monkeys born in winter and autumn will have some bad luck this year. As far as career is concerned, monkeys will see a growth on the basis of their hard work and not luck.

August, November and December will prove special for many monkeys in 2009. This year sincere efforts of the monkeys will be rewarded at work bringing in financial benefits. If Monkeys concern hard on fulfilling their dreams, no one would be able to stop them from achieving that in 2009. Overall, 2009 will be a year of mixes for the monkey in all aspects.

Thinking things through carefully helps those born in “The Year of the Chicken” quickly learn the ways of society, bringing success at a relatively early age. This, however, leads to pride and the desire for luxuries, which, combined with a fickle nature, often leads to repeated failures later on. Never really forming close bonds with parents, “Chickens” are apt to leave home early. Good luck will come their way 2 or 3 times during their middle-age years, but it will be more important for them to secure the good fortune which will come at the onset of old age.

2009-Chinese horoscope for Rooster these people will get a suitor for themselves in 2009. This is because of the presence of two lucky stars, namely, Xian Chi and Tian Xi. In fact choice will so vast that these people will find it difficult which one to choose and which one not to choose! In short 2009 comes as a year of love for all the single roosters.

Owing to Tian Xi’s presence, many roosters might end up getting married in 2009. On the other hand Xian Chi might have an effect on short-term relationships in the lives of many roosters, and will bring them close to someone else for a stronger bond. However, that relationship will also not last for long.

 As far as wealth is considered for the roosters in 2009, this will undoubtedly be a good year. Your goodwill increase and so will the sources of your income. Roosters you will gain immense popularity in this year and that will be a reason for rejoice for many. Of all the zodiac signs, rooster has the highest financial gain stars to boost their wealth in 2009.

Roosters you can think about great investments this year, as they won’t have any difficulty in arranging money. So, Roosters you can go ahead with their investment ideas without a second thought. Chances are that roosters might spoil their image by arguing face-to-face with others in public. This will result in nothing but gossip, so these people are advised to avoid getting involved in disputes.

Period between April and August will be a period of good luck for many roosters. A careful planning this year will help those seeking a job change. Overall this year will turn out to be good for all the roosters.

Being honest and possessing a strong sense of duty, people born in “The Year of the Dog” have a high level of self-esteem and are quite opinionated and uncompromising, making them appear to be obstinate. Though stiff in manner, they often amaze the world by producing a masterpiece. Those born in this year have the good fortune of receiving help and advice from their elders and superiors. If they follow their advice they will reap much success during their middle-age years, but if they ignore them they will have many regrets in their old age.

2009-Chinese horoscope for Dog says that these people will enjoy higher authority in 2009. you can look forward to this year 2009 for getting promotions and increments. Apart from it, the dogs will also face stability in their professional life in this year 2009. Good luck will also follow those working on their own or as freelancers.

According to Chinese astrology, dogs born in autumn and winter will not harbor any great gains this year 2009. However, the dogs born in summer and spring are most likely to gain prosperity and nice opportunities in 2009. Chances are less for the dogs to be faced by hurdles in this year 2009.

Dogs you are advised to be careful about their digestive system especially during the Lunar months of September and December. Dogs born in Lunar March, June, September and December need to pay more attention than other dogs for their digestive ailments to stay healthy in 2009.

Romance will flourish during the months of June and October. If you plan carefully, dogs will have brilliant financial opportunities in 2009. Dogs can make new friends this year 2009 by joining in some association or club. Dogs you are advised to stay alert throughout the year to avoid any mishappening.

Most of the Dogs you are going to get married this year 2009 or become parents. Dogs need to be clever too grab the opportunities before you pass away this year 2009. Dogs will also get plenty of quality time for family and friends in this year 2009. Overall, 2009 will be a year of good luck bringing in promotion for the dogs.

People born in “The Year of the Boar” are patient and very ambitious, characteristics which bring many of them early successes; but stubbornness and inflexibility cause problems that make it difficult to hold on to successes won. A lack of generosity often becomes a lifelong stumbling block. “Boars” face many trials in regards to work and residence during their middle-age years, and usually end up living far from their hometowns. These people are advised to correct their faults and listen to the wisdom of others. If they do so they will be able to make the most of the good fortune that comes into their lives during old age.

2009-Chinese horoscope for Pig these people will harbor the result of changes that Pigs faced in last year. These people are advised to continue working hard so as to get rewarded in the best possible way. 2009 brings with it travel both in business or leisure way for the pigs.

Pigs who have faced a break up in the year of pig will need to show some effort and courage to start afresh in 2009. Marriage is on card for many pigs this year 2009. Pigs will surely end up getting involved in a steady love relationship provided Pigs show extreme care and love for the partner.

On the financial front, pigs will get good news from everywhere. Pigs can try out different investment opportunities that come their way in 2009. Pigs born in summer and spring are advised to look for a career change. Pigs might find it hard to take decision in the first half of the year. On the other hand, the lunar month of May will be ideal for taking decisions for the pigs.

Be careful, as this year 2009 you are likely to lose some of your loving belongings like cell phone or wallet. This will be the influence of some unlucky star, so be cautious and try to keep your important belongings at a safe place. Also, try to carry minimum amount of money while going for an outing.

The period between May and August will be too good for professional life. Pigs are advised to be extremely careful in legal matters and paperwork. Apart from it, pigs need to know whom to trust and whom not to in this year 2009. Overall, 2009 will be a year of happiness and good luck for the pigs.

Taixing, Jiangsu – February 1, 2009 – IJS – Global - It was the eve of Chinese Spring Festival January 25, by when most people were relieved from work and got a chance for final purchase of New Year goods. But even at this time, there hadn’t built quite a buzz of the traditional festival in street markets of Coral town, southeast of Taixing, Jiangsu.

Tan who declined to give his full name is a farmer in Coral town. Every year during Spring Festival he would join the street stands selling couplets and paper-cut traceries. Tan observed depression of suburban street market business in comparison with the past.

“There used to be a long line of stands and a lot more customers. People enjoyed the atmosphere of crowding and exchanging news here,” he said.

Clearing up his couplets, Tan said, “It’s not difficult to sell couplets as those are necessary for festival decorations. But people generally tend to save money to make through the financial crisis; they cut their spending maybe on clothing and others.”

Last year the financial tsunami had swept the world. Now in Coral town, even an illiterate farmer has known the phrase “financial crisis” and been affected to some extent.

Xu Jianya, a small shopkeeper in Coral town, had also noticed the change in spending of ordinary townspeople. His family also cut expenditure after the family business was affected.

Xu owns a grocery store in Coral town, meanwhile retailing chemical fertilizers. Last August he set the price at RMB 130  (US$ 19.03) per bag according to market price. The figure had slump to 100 till October and Xu had to sell below cost for clearance.

One of the city’s migrant workers Zhao Jun works in a cargo container factory in Lian Yungang and had been awaiting job assignments from last October.

Being mainstay of the family, Zhao got a base pay of RMB 500 per month awaiting at home and his family had to cut expenditure in the aftermath of financial crisis.

“But Spring Festival is different, especially for migrant workers. This is once-in-a-year chance to reunite with family members,” said Zhao.

Despite recession of his factory, Zhao’s family celebrated the traditional festival like always, using savings instead of controlling expenditure in this period.

RT-MART, the biggest supermarket in Taixing city, met their recession last September.

“Before our customers’ per captica consumption was about RMB 300, but after the financial crisis the figure slump to 170,” said Zhou Tao, customer service deputy manager of RT-MART.

In order to “stimulate consumption and fight recession,” RT-MART launched preferential policies before Spring Festival, according to Zhou.

RT-MART regularly prints out brochures to inform discount information. All goods in the latest brochure were at least half-off 15 days before Spring Festival; before, RT-MART also offered New Year festivities with low prices to help boost consumption, according to Zhou.

Their newest data shows a little bounce of customers’ per captica consumption, up from RMB 170 to RMB 230 after new policies.

Meanwhile, a local government officer Wu Guocai said they have set up policies to help with purchasing ability like giving out subsidies to households enjoy the five guarantees, subsiding the road system construction in countryside area and farmers who lend their lands for modest scale and high efficient type of farming.

Other group members:

Yating Zhou: http://yatingzhou.wordpress.com

Joyce Shi: http://joyceshijing.wordpress.com

Topic: Effect of the financial crisis on Czech’s crystal industry and their solutions

Main Content:

Part 1: What we observed in crystal shops in Prague and a brief description of the scenes.

             Insert necessary background information on crystal industry in Czech.

Part 2: Information we got from shop interviews—see notes from Joyce or Yating’s blog.

             Introduce the overall situation: Most of the shops were affected by the financial crisis but the  situation was not that bad due to the “Gift Season.”

             Insert some interesting opinions we got from the shop owners.

Part 3: Information we got from previous reports on Czech’s crystal industry; the government’ promise of putting up policies to help the laid-off workers and the whole industry; whether the policies have come out or not

à Group task 1: check the official website of the government for certain information.

Part 4: One employee said their company Caesar Crystal Bohemia was not affected at all even before the Christmas season.

à Group task 2: check with the company and try to interview them on how they coped with the financial crisis and their views on failure of Czech’s largest crystal manufacturer Bohemia Crystal Trading (BCT).

Tony T.N. Hung defines “plagiarism” as “taking someone else’s words or ideas and passing them off as your own” in his book of Avoiding Plagiarism. ①

Another version of guidelines on plagiarism I found on Plagiarism.org uses definition of Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary: ②

1.           to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own

2.           to use (another’s production) without crediting the source

3.           to commit literary theft

4.           to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

However, simply by looking at its definitions wouldn’t effectively help one to identify what exactly plagiarism is like. For example, it never crossed my mind that using previous work of one’s own could count as plagiarism also. ③ Plagiarism.org call it “self-stealer” kind of plagiarism in the section of “types of plagiarism” under “sources cited” as it violated “policies concerning the expectation of originality adopted by most academic institutions.”

There’re some grey areas too. Hung gave an example of using ideas from group discussion in his book④ and suggested ways of avoiding plagiarism accordingly in varied situations. In such situations, there’re no fixed rules but it’s more subject to your own conscious and willingness to protect “academic integrity.”

For a case like posting pictures that one downloaded on his or her own blog with sources credited, to me it kind of belongs to the grey areas too. You may take different approaches when the situation varies.

Say for example, many put up their photos online and may say something like “sharing photos is welcome but big NO to stealers.” In this case, taking their photos with proper citations is legal and reasonable because they gave the permissions in advance. And they probably hope you would do so to increase their exposure and influence on the net.

But online sellers like those on taobao.com who took pictures for each and every piece of item they sell would definitely say NO to other sellers who want to use those pictures, even if they would adhere to proper citations. According to my observation, many sellers even use strong language like “photo stealers go to hell!” when they try to avoid such situations.⑤ Then in this case, the answer is no; it’s not legal, neither respectful.

There’re no fixed rules in many cases, so it’s more like subject to your will of respect the originators and your will to pursue originality.

①     Tony T.N. Hung, “Avoiding Plagiarism,” “what is plagiarism?” P4(of PDF version), available at:

http://buar.hkbu.edu.hk/uploads/files/avoiding_plagiarism/Avoiding_Plagiarism_2008_Full_version.pdf

②     available at: http://www.plagiarism.org/learning_center/what_is_plagiarism.html

③     available at: http://www.plagiarism.org/learning_center/types_of_plagiarism.html

④     Tony T.N. Hung, “Avoiding Plagiarism,” “grey areas,” P9 (of PDF version), available at:

http://buar.hkbu.edu.hk/uploads/files/avoiding_plagiarism/Avoiding_Plagiarism_2008_Full_version.pdf

⑤ In this case, if I want to get a picture from taobao.com to support my example, I need to get the sellers’ permissions first. In order to meet the deadline, I didn’t do it ‘cause it’ll take too much time to explain plagiarism and the need of their photos. And I don’t think any store on taobao.com would like to be picked out and let their URL appear in my article as an example of those who say “photo stealers go to hell,” so neither did I put up any URL of any online store from taobao.com here.

The idea of environmental protection was born with the  first Pacific Cafe in Hong Kong in 1992, and yet two customers said this Friday their idea was not well known.

Pacific Cafe will return one HKD to anyone who uses their own coffee cup  to reduce the use of disposable cups and pollution, according to Nigel who works in the Hong Kong Baptist University branch of the company.

But two students said they didn’t know much about their environmental projects.

 ”Pacific Coffee Company may be an ardent environmentalist but still they’ve got a long way to go,” said one student, “even if they return us money I probably still won’t bring my own cup.”

The other student asked about the exact amount of money the company will return and said she might be interested.

However Nigel said the company’s Public and Sales Department were in charge of the propagation of the project, each branch of cafe didn’t broadcast the idea to customers.

Being an on-campus cafe in Hong Kong Baptist University, Nigel said their customers are mostly school staff and students who like their coffee. Some customers say they can enjoy a lovely set usually at 50 HKD, and the location is quite convenient.

 Nigel said, “I’m also the merit that attracts customers.”

“No, just kidding. We serve with our hearts and make very good coffee, and that’s the merit,” said Nigel, ” we’ll offer special sets in different holidays as well.”

This is my “official” site set up for one course in school.  I’m still trying to figure out how to manage it.

Hope you enjoy your time here!