Category Archives: Culture

Ten Common Themes

Posted on September 8, 2015 | Leave a comment

Ten Common Themes Table

1) Adversity leads to personal growth – Adversity may lead to the loss of wealth and status but lead to inner growth that would not have happened otherwise.

2) Crime does not pay – No matter how smart a criminal is the perfect crime is impossible. This may not necessarily be due to a hero but due to accidents, lack of honor among thieves and internal flaws that are part of being a criminal.

3) Death is part of the life – Literary works with this theme show how death and life and intricately connected.

4) Family comes first – Family is more important than wealth, career advancement, personal happiness, nationalism and/or other important things.

5) Good always triumphs over evil – The good guy always wins no matter what resources the villain has at his or her disposal.

6) Love conquers all – Love conquers all despite economic circumstances, geography, family objections and other obstacles.

7) Relationships requires sacrifice – This is the idea that you can’t have friends if you don’t act like a friend.

8) Revenge is poison – Revenge ultimately destroys the person who pursues revenge.

9) Sacrifices brings reward – Sacrifices and hard work pay off in the end, despite the challenges along the way.

10) Truth and happiness are not the same thing – Sometimes you have to choose between the truth and happiness. Oedipus finds out the truth about his father and mother but at the expense of his happiness.

Handout at:

You can also download my autobiography of my struggle with a bipolar condition on  Am I Kitsune on my Google Drive.

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Google Drive Link: WereVerse Universe

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Thai Colors of the Day

Posted on April 17, 2015 | Leave a comment

Thai Colors of the Day

Thai Links

000 Spanish Syllables Thai Version

001a Spanish Basic Phrases Thai Version

001b Spanish Basic Phrases Thai Version

003 Spanish Alphabet Thai Version

008 Spanish Numbers Ordinals Thai Version

17 Types of Thai Smiles

A Great Statue to Honor a Great Man

American versus Thai Culture

Pay for the Thai Canal with an Island Next to Bangkok!

Thai Colors of the Day

Thai Nicknames and their Meanings

Thailand Do’s and Don’ts

The King of Thailand – Eight Areas of Accomplishment

Hugh Fox III - Aqua Ball

You can also download my autobiography of my struggle with a bipolar condition on  Am I Kitsune on my Google Drive.

WereVerse Universe Baby!

Google Drive Link: WereVerse Universe

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Annotated Tarot Cards: Regular Sized, Over Sized and Free Poster!

Posted on February 15, 2015 | 2 comments

You can download regular sized cards using the same format as the cards above at:

I often teach small groups around a table how to use the Tarot and needed oversized Tarot cards with the key words printed on the cards as a teaching aid.  You can buy oversized Tarot cards or you can buy Tarot cards with the keyword meanings printed on the cards.  What I couldn’t find was a Tarot deck that was both oversized and had the keywords printed on the cards so I made my on deck!  You can point to the keywords (14 point font size) and explain the keywords to a group with the oversized deck.

You can download the cards as a PDF file at:

https://www.scribd.com/doc/255843695/Tarot-Cards-Oversized-Cards-and-Meanings-on-Cards

Tarot Cards Oversized Cards and Meanings on Cards Pic Resized

Free 27 by 72 inch poster below:

Annotated Tarot Cards Poster 27x72 Inches

Enjoy!

I have a section of my blog devoted to Fortune Telling.

You can also download my autobiography of my struggle with a bipolar condition on  Am I Kitsune on my Google Drive.

WereVerse Universe Baby!

Google Drive Link: WereVerse Universe

Hugh Fox III - Angels & Demons

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Chinese Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on January 27, 2015 | Leave a comment

Chinese Do’s and Don’ts Resized

Do

1) Do address a business associate with their professional title.

2) Do bargain.

3) Do be prepared for random people approaching to you and asking to practice their English.

4) Do be punctual.

5) Do beckon someone by waving them over to you with your palm down.

6) Do carry around a business card of the hotel you are staying in.

7) Do eat all of the rice in your bowl.

8) Do eat what your host offers and orders, including alcohol; it’s rude to refuse.

9) Do fill your companion’s tea cup when it’s empty.

10) Do give your host a gift.

11) Do greet the eldest person in a Chinese family first.

12) Do keep calm when dealing with officials, especially if tense situations arise.

13) Do learn how to use chopsticks correctly.

14) Do present important things to people with both hands.

15) Do present your gift with two arms, and if you are given a gift, receive it with two arms.

16) Do refuse a gift several times before accepting it.

17) Do remove your shoes when entering a Chinese home.

18) Do say hello (ni hao) in Chinese.

19) Do think twice about sharing your opinion especially at formal meetings.

20) Do toast with the word ganbei (“empty glass”).

21) Do touch your glass below that of the eldest person in the group when toasting.

22) Do try to understand indirect communication.

Don’t

1) Don’t be offended when asked if you’re married.

2) Don’t criticize someone in public.

3) Don’t discuss the three T’s (Taiwan, Tiananmen, Tibet) in class, if you are the teacher.

4) Don’t engage in public displays of affection.

5) Don’t expect to tip everywhere you would tip in Western culture.

6) Don’t give clocks, knives, scissors, white or yellow flowers, or pears as gifts.

7) Don’t immediately put the card away in your pocket or bag.

8) Don’t leave your chopsticks upright in your bowl or tap your bowl with them.

9) Don’t open the gift upon receiving it unless it is insisted upon. Instead, open it later.

10) Don’t point or use your finger (this gesture is used for dogs).

11) Don’t point the bottom of your shoes/feet at someone.

12) Don’t point the spout of the teapot at anyone.

13) Don’t point with your index finger. Instead, use an open hand.

14) Don’t pour your own drink first.

15) Don’t put sugar or milk in your tea.

16) Don’t say “no”.  Instead say “maybe” or “you will think about it”.

17) Don’t shake your feet, lest you shake away all of your luck.

18) Don’t take the last bit of food in a serving plate.

19) Don’t touch someone’s head.

20) Don’t wear bright colors or shorts for business meetings.

21) Don’t whistle or snap your fingers to get someone’s attention.

22) Don’t wrap a gift in white wrapping paper.

23) Don’t write anything in red ink unless you’re correcting an exam.

24) Don’t write on the business card unless you are told to do so.

Handout at:

https://www.scribd.com/doc/254273071/Chinese-Do-s-and-Don-Ts

Hugh Fox III - Xian Liu

My Articles About China and/or Chinese Culture

16 Basic Desires: China versus US

35 Accomplishments of Modern China

36 Stratagems

Acronym for Eight Types of Chinese Regional Cuisine

American versus Chinese Culture

American versus Chinese Culture

Astrology Chinese

Chinese Astrological Analysis of Nations

Chinese Astrology 60 Year Cycle

Chinese Do’s and Don’ts

Chinese Dream and American Reality

Chinese vs. Western Astrology

Confucius in Thailand 2012

Extending China’s One Belt One Road Initiative to Latin America

Table of Chinese Astrology 19th – 21st Century

The 36 Stratagems as Portrayed in Comic Books

Virtual Chinese Reunification Palace

You can also download my autobiography of my struggle with a bipolar condition on  Am I Kitsune on my Google Drive.

WereVerse Universe Baby!

Google Drive Link: WereVerse Universe

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US Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on January 27, 2015 | Leave a comment

US Do s and Don’ts resized

Do’s

1) Do be direct in communication.

2) Do be on time or five minutes early.

3) Do maintain eye contact when speaking.

4) Do make an effort to understand American cultural values.

5) Do participate in class discussion.

6) Do take credit when credit is due. Also accept blame when blame is due.

7) Do take some chances. Do more than is expected of you.

8) Do understand that rules are more important than relationships.

9) Do use deodorant and brush your teeth or use mouthwash.

10) Do use first names when asked to do so.

11) Do work as quickly and efficiently as possible.

12) Do work to improve language skills, if necessary.

Don’t

1) Don’t address your professor as “teacher”.

2) Don’t ask “how much did you pay for that” or “how much money do you make”.

3) Don’t be afraid to make and admit to mistakes.

4) Don’t be late.

5) Don’t be too indirect when communicating.

6) Don’t bring a friend with you to a party or dinner without permission from the host.

7) Don’t burp, belch, or pass gas in public.

9) Don’t cheat in class.

10) Don’t confuse constructive advice with criticism.

11) Don’t feel uncomfortable being recognized for individual achievements.

12) Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you don’t understand something.

13) Don’t hit anybody.

14) Don’t pick your nose in public.

15) Don’t plagiarize.

16) Don’t smoke indoors (unless given permission).

17) Don’t spend more than 5 to 10 minutes on someone else’s phone.

18) Don’t take feedback personally.

19) Don’t talk about someone’s weight.

20) Don’t talk about the bathroom.

21) Don’t think that change is bad.

22) Don’t throw trash on the ground or out a window.

23) Don’t treat men and women differently.

24) Don’t worry much about honest disagreements. Some conflict is positive.

Handout at:

https://www.scribd.com/doc/254272537/US-Do-s-and-Don-Ts

You can also download my autobiography of my struggle with a bipolar condition on  Am I Kitsune on my Google Drive.

WereVerse Universe Baby!

Google Drive Link: WereVerse Universe

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Thailand Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on January 27, 2015 | Leave a comment

Thailand Do’s and Don’ts Resized

Do

1) Do dress properly when visiting a temple.

2) Do eat with a spoon. Use the fork to load food on to the spoon.

3) Do enjoy yourself. Thais like life to be sanuk.

4) Do lower your body slightly when passing between or in front of people.

5) Do remove your shoes before entering a temple, somebody’s house and even some shops.

6) Do respect all Buddha images.

7) Do smile a lot.

8) Do treat monks with the highest respect.

9) Do try and keep calm no matter what the problem or provocation may be.

 

Don’t

1) Don’t be offended by questions about age, marital status or what you do for a living.

2) Don’t be overly affectionate in public.

3) Don’t place your feet on the table while sitting.

4) Don’t point to anything with your feet.

5) Don’t raise your voice or lose your temper.

6) Don’t show disrespect towards the Thai Royal Family.

7) Don’t touch a Thai person’s head or ruffle their hair.

8) Don’t touch anybody with your feet.

Handout at:

https://www.scribd.com/doc/254272862/Thailand-Do-s-and-Don-Ts

Thai Links

000 Spanish Syllables Thai Version

001a Spanish Basic Phrases Thai Version

001b Spanish Basic Phrases Thai Version

003 Spanish Alphabet Thai Version

008 Spanish Numbers Ordinals Thai Version

17 Types of Thai Smiles

A Great Statue to Honor a Great Man

American versus Thai Culture

Pay for the Thai Canal with an Island Next to Bangkok!

Thai Colors of the Day

Thai Nicknames and their Meanings

Thailand Do’s and Don’ts

The King of Thailand – Eight Areas of Accomplishment

Hugh Fox III - Apple Sour

You can also download my autobiography of my struggle with a bipolar condition on  Am I Kitsune on my Google Drive.

WereVerse Universe Baby!

Google Drive Link: WereVerse Universe

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New Astrology Analysis of Nations

Posted on February 4, 2014 | Leave a comment

Western Astrological Analysis of Nations Table Resized New Astrology Analysis of Nations Table Resized

This article deals with mundane astrology which is the application of astrology geographical regions, places, countries and the whole world as opposed to individual astrology.

Analysis from:

http://suzannewhite.com/index.php?target=new_astrology

Suzanne White’s system of New Astrology combines the Chinese and Western astrological systems to produce synthesis types.  Perhaps this system can give us some insight into the national character of people in a particular nation.

Brazil, Mexico – The Prancing Producer

Virgo – Horse

 

The marriage of Virgo and Horse is one both lofty and elegant. Horses are self-motivated strivers, doers of grand deeds and sometimes – with all of their paradin – a mite foolish and overly passionate. The Virgo, as we all know by now, is reserved. He takes care never to go outside the lines in the coloring book of life. Virgo is tasteful and a bit of a nit-picker to boot. He or she is also a borderline social climber. You won’t find this subject hiding under any rocks or living among the homeless. His associations as well as his goals are high-minded and often intellectual. The Love life of the Virgo born Horse is never dull. He is both amiable and appealing. People literally fall at this alluring person’s feet. In bed, he will be efficient – not cuddly or cozy – but effective and eager to achieve satisfaction by any and all means available. If ever you find yourself in bed with this entrancing creature, you might be shocked. But you won’t be surprised at the skill with which…

Famous Virgo Horses – Sean Connery, Alan Jay Lerner, Leonard Bernstein…

Good Compatibilities – Cancer Dog…

Canada – The Diplomatic Enigma

Libra – Cat

 

Tasteful, safe and gracious living is the aim of the character born in the double sign of aesthetic appreciation. Librans born in Cat years are stay-at-home, suspicious, squeamish souls. They trust with great difficulty. Libra’s discretion about passing quick judgments becomes, in this subject, a near refusal to judge anything or anyone. Libra/Cats hesitate so long before making decisions or committing themselves that they frequently lose their prey. These subjects are, however, socially conscious. They worry endlessly about the fate of the underdog and long to improve the lot of everyone in the universe. Trouble is, they want the universe to cooperate, to see things their way and will argue vehemently if the universe doesn’t comply. The intimate life of Libra/Cats is intricate. Romantic entanglement fascinates them. Tender, generous lovemaking never fails to…

Famous Libra Cats – George C Scott, Arthur Miller, Gunther Grass…

Good Compatibilities – Aquarius Dog…

China – The Lucid Seeker

Libra – Ox

Beauty and the Beast. This subject is a veritable storm of contradiction. Every detail must be perfect, every line straight and every flaw concealed. Weakness must be routed. Sloth eradicated. Yet, under this foil of faultlessness, Libra/Ox hides a secret. On the strict surface, Libra/Ox is efficiency and power, example and security. Underneath? An anthill of conflicting emotions. Purity charms this sterling character. He claims not to want any messes about. He protests he needs calm and cannot live in turmoil, Yet, Libra/Oxen are forever getting themselves involved in emotional scrapes. Even though they seem to be above it all, they take in strays. They seek out madness. They are magnetized by complexity. The love life of Librans born in Ox year roil with complications. Nothing is simple – even in the bedroom where arcane tactics and multiple phantasies…

Famous Libra Oxen – Gore Vidal, Art Buchwald…

Good Compatibilities – Leo Snake…

France ­­ – The Snappish Mediator

Libra – Dog

 

Libra/Dogs are both dignified and brilliant. They possess innate humanitarianism and are softhearted in the best possible way. You will always be able to get sympathy from a Libra/Dog. He will help you, cheer you along and applaud your courage. He’s a great friend, a super associate and a bundle of nerves. Libra is able to sort out any of life’s conflicts through diplomacy and impartiality. In fact, one of the most annoying things about Libras is their refusal to take unpopular stands. They can always see both sides and will often agree with an adversary merely to keep the peace. This is a gentle (if sometimes controlling) soul with a brusque manner and a biting tongue who basically wouldn’t hurt a flea. Love and the Libra/Dog? Loyal. True. Faithful… and mostly very naughty in bed!

Famous Libra Dogs – Brigitte Bardot, George Gershwin…

Good Compatibilities – Gemini Tiger…

Germany – The Profligate Traditionalist

Gemini – Ox

 

Ox is a boon to the Gemini’s blithe spirit. This is an almost settling down Gemini – a family sort of Gemini with eyes for the good life. A Gemini born Ox will always go forward, albeit more deliberately and ponderously than other Geminis, toward goals big and small. This Gemini is a thinker, yes. But he’s not guilty of leaping from thought number one to idea number thirty-three and back to thought number one in two seconds flat. Concentration is more than possible and great work may even be accomplished. Under the quilt, this armchair lothario will work characteristically harder than most to do the job “right”. Not a lot of time for extensive foreplay when there’s serious business ahead so get ready for….

Famous Gemini Oxen – Yeats, Waylon Jennings, William Styron

Good Compatibilities – Aries Rats…

India, Pakistan – The Sybaritic Jester

Leo – Pig

This fiery, conscientious soul will always leave you laughing. Even in the most tragic circumstances, when the chips are down and Leo/Pigs seem to have reached an emotional nadir, from out the shivering bundle of despair will shine one little quip, one last pun or smart remark to bring a smile to your lips. Leo/Pigs cannot help it. They’re funny people. It must be the Leo sun shining on the Pig’s sincerity meter. Or else it s the Pig’s honesty infused with Leo’s philanthropic side. Whatever causes it, this person’s sense of fun will be capital. As they are packed with emotion, they can also be super sad – even depressive. But they always pull out of their doldrums because these people simply adore living Life with a capital L. Experiencing natural pleasure is their most intimate aim. Food. Love. Children. Home. Countrysides etc. As they are both Leo and Pig. Sex is high on their list of priorities, I won’t go into too much detail here because the juicy parts are a mite off color, but….

Famous Leo Pigs – Henry Ford, Alfred Hitchcock, Carl Jung…

Good Compatibilities – Aries Ox…

Iraq – The Glib Manipulator

Libra – Monkey

The Libra side of this person’s nature will want to live life as a couple and will be attracted to early marriage. Adding Monkey traits to the jabbery Libra’s chart infuses it with an increased need for communication – and even a certain desire for healthy conflict. The Libra/Monkey combo is not restful. These people are attracted to motion for its own sake. Sometimes they need to forget what they have just seen and travel on to new territories in order to soak up some joyful or at least different vibrations. Love, for the Libra/Monkey, must sizzle and snap. No lukewarm one night stands for this highly evolved gourmet of passion. Because they remain youthful well into old age, Librans born in Monkey years are not always lifelong faithful to one partner. But while they are being held in thrall by a lover, they are skilled and tender with techniques that will…

Famous Libra Monkeys – Jacques Tati, J.K.Galbraith, Timothy Leary, Buster Keaton…

Good Compatibilities – Leo Dragon…

Israel – The Protective Leader

Taurus – Rat

Taureans born in Rat years benefit from a happy accident. Rats are often hyper. The Taurus influence mitigates the Rat’s piano-wire nervousness. And… to the lumbering Taurus personality, Rats adds spice, pizzazz and a hefty pinch of calculation. The Taurus/Rat is a combination of William Shakespeare and the Alexander the Great: tough, bright, with nerves of steel and natural superiority. In most life situations, their reputation for strength of purpose precedes them so (obviously) one is not surprised to discover this person’s relentless, insistent ability to seduce and conquer. The sex may be fierce but …

Famous Taurus Rats – William Shakespeare, Ayatollah Khomeni, Charlotte Bronte…

Good Compatibilities – Pisces Ox…

Japan – The Silent Showoff

Taurus – Dragon

Might and bite come together here, giving us a powerhouse of brutal energy and excessive adroitness. Nobody will ever tell you that they “just couldn’t care less” about a Taurus/Dragon. People either adore Taurus Dragons or they detest them! On the one hand, this native exudes down-to the-ground good sense, but on the other he is tempestuously foolish and selfishly attention-getting. Taurus and Dragon form an unforgettable couple – a peripatetic love bug whose desires may suddenly shift from stuffy missionary to raunchy and rambunctious in what seems like a quest for pleasure at any cost. The sensuality quotient is exceedingly high in this fiery creature. Many sizzling sexual memories will be forged during lovemaking sessions with partners who dare to go all the way with a Taurus who…

Famous Taurus Dragons – Salvador Dali, Sigmund Freud, Shirley Temple…

Good Compatibilities – Cancer Rat…

Peru, Singapore – The Snake Charming

Leo – Snake

The Snake born in Leo is always right. Even if he’s wrong. He is nonetheless absolutely certain that he knows best. And frequently, especially for himself and in order to achieve his own ends, the Leo/Snake is not far off. Wisdom and clairvoyance are part of the Snake legacy. But the addition of Leo to the cool-headed Snake character, although it lends some sunshine and warmth, also deals this character a hand loaded with vanity. Now the already extravagant and presumptuous Snake has to carry around excess baggage in the form of a swollen skull that just doesn’t quit. Love is the outlet that this person seeks – everywhere! Multiple love affairs, serial marriages and a deep longing for true love characterize this gorgeous person’s sexual history. Intense lovemaking lends closeness and intimacy to this otherwise heady person’s existence. Let’s just say the Leo/Snake is famous for bone-chilling sexual exploits and, trust me, if you ever have the good fortune to bed one, you will remember my words…

Famous Leo Snakes – Mae West, Jackie Kennedy, Robert Mitchum…

Good Compatibilities – Gemini Ox…

Russia – The Luxuriant Philosopher

Scorpio – Snake

 

To a Scorpio/Snake, life without beauty and luxury, tenderness, compassion, admiration and extravagance is not worth living. This person is sensitive in the extreme and, for a cool-handed Snake, remarkably warm-hearted and loving. People appreciate this character for a certain innate nobility, which is both unquestionable and very comforting. Scorpios are already very sensual people with a tendency to introspect and suspect. To add the Snake characteristics of sagacity, clairvoyance and intuition certainly doesn’t diminish the philosophical side of Scorpio’s nature. This person is deep-thinking, sometimes even tormented. The love life of a Scorpio born Snake is always compelling. They take on lovers and acquire spouses, as effortlessly as they splurge on luxury items at every airport duty free shop. Scorpios born in Snake years enter love affairs with a dense silent passion. Then. sometime later, their utterly rambunctious, noisy plate-throwing breakups go clattering about the newspapers and gossip columns of the world and we wonder whatever happened to that nice dense quiet passion. Let’s just say this person is a sexual powerhouse whose grip on his or her lovers tends to be at least ruthless, if not lethal.

Famous Scorpio Snakes – Grace Kelly, Indira Ghandi, Pablo Picasso…

Good Compatibilities – Pisces Dragon…

South Korea – The Anxious Debonair

Leo – Rat

 

The cinematic image that comes to mind when I ponder the combination of Leo and Rat is of Gene Kelly, umbrella in hand, dancing through teeming rain and singin’ his heart out. Leo/Rats have it all over everybody for conjuring sunshine. They can make a party out of a thunderstorm more lavishly and efficiently than you can imagine possible. Leo/Rats’ attributes are many, their faults serious but few. Enterprise is their strong suit. In bed as well as in the world outside, this person will undertake to manage things. He or she is a take-charge lover whose technique between the sheets is notable by it sizzling passion and direct approach. There is never a dull.

Syria – The Petulant Sweetheart

Aries – Dog

 

Aries and Dog both call up a spirit of naiveté. In the case of Aries there is the ever-present quality of soldierliness. Aries is a scout, a pioneer and as credulous as they come. He is so nice. Why shouldn’t everybody else be nice too? The Dog is also quite nice. But he is also nervous and skeptical. Like Aries, the Dog wants to believe in the basic goodness of mankind. But he knows better. And that very knowledge can make him or her a shaking wreck. Kindly and giving of excellent advice, this person is also world famous for his or her ultra direct approach in the bedroom…

Famous Aries Dogs – Houdini, Paul Robeson

Good Compatibilities – Gemini Cat….

Thailand, U.S.A – The Emotional Planner

Cancer – Monkey

This person is forever awake to new concepts and possible avenues. He’s always on his toes. Even in the middle of the night, this variety of Cancer is raring to find out who makes the kinds of candles that exactly replicate church candles from Poland in the eighteenth century. Like all Monkeys, the Cancer/Monkey is a problem-solver. He can not only see a situation for what it is – as he is coldly objective when necessary – but he can see through cloudy dilemmas and for that reason come quickly to the end of them. The Cancer/Monkey lets very little grass grow under his feet. – especially when it come to love. Cancers born in Monkey years incessantly seek love wherever they can find it. They make rapacious love and don’t stop at…

Famous Cancer Monkeys – Julius Caesar, Nelson Rockefeller, Yul Brynner….

Good Compatibilities – Pisces Dragon…

Chinese Astrological Analysis of Nations

Western Astrological Analysis of Nations

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You can also download my autobiography of my struggle with a bipolar condition on  Am I Kitsune on my Google Drive.

WereVerse Universe Baby!

WereVerse Universe at Google Drive Link

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Chinese Astrological Analysis of Nations

Posted on February 4, 2014 | Leave a comment

Chinese Astrological Analysis of Nations Table

This article deals with mundane astrology which is the application of astrology geographical regions, places, countries and the whole world as opposed to individual astrology.

Brazil

Water Horse – Horse in the Army – Jen Wu

Key Words: dedicated; resourceful; financial stability; lively; independent

Canada

Fire Rabbit- Rabbit Looking at the Moon – Ting Mao

Key Words: great endurance; enthusiastic in work; over-excitable

 

China

Earth Ox

Ox Inside the Gate – Chi Ch’ou

Key Words: open, reliable, independent, filters speech

France

Earth Dog

Dog Going into the Mountain – Mou Hsu

Key Words: open, reliable, independent, filters speech

 

Germany

Earth Ox

Ox Inside the Gate – Chi Ch’ou

Key Words: open, reliable, independent, filters speech

India

Fire Boar

Boar Passing the Mountain – Ting Hai

Key Words: alert and enthusiastic; family life is priority

Iraq

Water Monkey

Elegant Monkey – Jen Shen

Key Words: bright; gregarious; moody; needs financial security

Israel

Earth Rat

Rat in the Warehouse – Chia Tzu

Key Words: pleasant and bright; adapts to the unexpected; uneasy w/domestic affairs; trusting; focus on positive

Japan

Water Dragon

Dragon in the Rain – Jen Ch’en

Key Words: industrious and intelligent; courageous

Mexico

Metal Horse

Horse in the Hall – Keng Wu

Key Words: industrious and intelligent; courageous

Pakistan

Fire Boar

Boar Passing the Mountain – Ting Hai

Key Words: alert and enthusiastic; family life is priority

Peru

Metal Snake

Snake Sleeping in the Winter – Hsin Szu

Key Words: original; intelligent; ambitious; hard to commit; good with finance

 

Russia

Fire Snake

Snake in the Fish Pond – Ting Szu

Key Words: tough and decisive; dedicated; maybe unconventional

South Korea

Earth Rat

Rat in the Warehouse – Mou Tzu

Singapore

Wood Snake

Snake Coming out of the Hole – Yi Szu

Syria

Fire Dog

Sleepy Dog – Ping Hsu

Key Words: relaxed; helpful; cannot make deadlines, lacks efficiency

Thailand

Water Monkey

Elegant Monkey – Jen Shen

Key Words: bright; gregarious; moody; needs financial security

U.S.A

Fire Monkey

Monkey Climbing the Mountain – Ping Shen

Key Words: bright; gregarious; moody; needs financial security

Also see:

New Astrology Analysis of Nations

Western Astrological Analysis of Nations

Hugh Fox III - Banner

My Articles About China and/or Chinese Culture

16 Basic Desires: China versus US

35 Accomplishments of Modern China

36 Stratagems

Acronym for Eight Types of Chinese Regional Cuisine

American versus Chinese Culture

American versus Chinese Culture

Astrology Chinese

Chinese Astrological Analysis of Nations

Chinese Astrology 60 Year Cycle

Chinese Do’s and Don’ts

Chinese Dream and American Reality

Chinese vs. Western Astrology

Confucius in Thailand 2012

Extending China’s One Belt One Road Initiative to Latin America

Table of Chinese Astrology 19th – 21st Century

The 36 Stratagems as Portrayed in Comic Books

Virtual Chinese Reunification Palace

You can also download my autobiography of my struggle with a bipolar condition on  Am I Kitsune on my Google Drive.

WereVerse Universe Baby!

WereVerse Universe at Google Drive Link

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20 Common Cocktails

Posted on January 31, 2014 | Leave a comment

1) Cocktail Recipe Poster

alexander-recipe

Alexander Ingredients

1) Gin or Brandy – 1 ½ oz – 45 ml

2) Crème de Cacao – ¾ oz. – 22.5 ml

3) Fresh Cream – 1 ½ oz – 45 ml

Alexander Preparation

1) Shake all ingredients with ice.

2) Strain contents into a cocktail glass.

3) Sprinkle nutmeg on top and serve.

bloody-mary-recipe

Bloody Mary Ingredients

1) Tomato Juice – 4 ½ Oz – 135 ml

2) Vodka – 1 ½ Oz – 45 ml

3) 2 ice cubes

4) 1 Celery stick

5) Dash of Worcestershire sauce

Bloody Mary Preparation

1) Build the liquid ingredients in a highball glass over ice cubes.

2) Stir well.

3) Add Worcestershire sauce to taste.

4) Garnish with a celery stick.

daiquiri-recipe

Daiquiri Ingredients

1) Lime Juice – ¾ oz – 22.5 ml

2) White Rum – 1 ½ oz – 45 ml

3) 1 Teaspoon of Brown Sugar

 

Daiquiri Preparation

1) Pour all ingredients into highball with ice cubes.

2) Stir gently.

gimlet-recipe

Gimlet Ingredients

1) Lime Juice – ½ ounce – 15 ml

2) Gin 1 ½ ounce – 45 ml

3) Splash of Soda

 

Gimlet Preparation

1) Mix and serve.

2) Garnish with a slice of lime

 gin-an-tonic-recipe

Gin & Tonic Ingredients

1) Tonic – 4 ½ oz – 135 ml

2) Gin – 1 ½ oz – 45 ml

2) 2 Ice Cubes

 

Gin & Tonic Preparation

1) Fill glass with ice cubes.

2) Add gin and tonic.

 harvey-wallbanger-recipe

Harvey Wallbanger Ingredients

1) Galliano Liqueur – ½ oz – 15 ml

2) Orange Juice – 6 oz – 180 ml

3) Vodka – 1 oz – 30 ml

4) Red Cherry

5) Orange Segment

6) Teaspoon Brown Sugar

7) 3 Ice Cubes

 

Harvey Wallbanger Preparation

1) Stir the vodka and orange juice with ice in the glass.

2) Float the Galliano on top.

3) Garnish and serve.

ice-pick-recipe

Ice Pick Ingredients

1) Ice Tea – 10 ½ – 315 ml

2) Vodka – 1 ½ oz. – 45 ml

3) Lemon Segment

4) 3 Ice Cubes

 

Ice Pick Preparation

1) Put vodka in glass fill with iced tea.

2) Stir in lemon to taste.

joeys-drink-recipe

Joey’s Drink Ingredients

1) Tonic 5 oz. – 150 ml

2) Stolichnaya Orange Vodka – 3 oz. – 90 ml

3) 3 Ice Cubes

4) Lime Segment

 

Joey’s Drink Preparation

Mix Tonic and Stolichnaya Orange vodka in a shot glass.

john-collins-recipe

John Collins Ingredients

1) Soda – 8 ½ oz. – 270 ml

2) Bourbon/Whiskey – 1 ½ oz. – 45 ml

3) Lemon Juice – 1 oz. – 30 ml

4) Sugar Syrup – ½ oz. – 15 ml

5) Red Cherry

6) Orange Segment

7) 3 Ice Cubes

 

John Collins Preparation

1) Pour the bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar syrup in a glass with ice cubes.

2) Stir thoroughly.

3) Top with club soda.

4) Garnish with orange slice.

 

 long-island-ice-tea-recipe

Long Island Ingredients

1) Splash of Cola

2) Sweet/Sour Mix – 1 ½ oz. – 45 ml

3) Triple Sec – 1 oz. – 30 ml

4) Gin – 1 oz. – 30 ml

5) White Rum – 1 oz. – 30 ml

6) Tequila – 1 oz. – 30 ml

7) Vodka – 1 oz. – 30 ml

 

Long Island Ice Tea Preparation

1) Mix ingredients in glass over ice.

2) Stir.

3) Garnish and serve.

maragita-recipe

Margarita Ingredients

1) Lime Juice – 2 oz. – 60 ml

2) Triple Sec – 1 oz. – 30 ml

3) Tequila – 2 oz. 60 – ml

4) Salt Glass Rim

5) 2 Crushed Ice Cubes

6) Lime Segment

Margarita Preparation

1) Rub the rim of the glass with the lime slice to make the salt stick to it.

2) Shake the other ingredients with ice

3) Carefully pour into the glass (taking care not to dislodge any salt).

4) Garnish and serve over ice.

mint-julep-recipe

Mint Julep Ingredients

1) Water – 10 oz. – 300 ml

2) Bourbon/Whiskey – 2 oz. – 60 ml

3) 4 Mint Leaf

4) Teaspoon Brown Sugar

5) 4 Crushed Ice Cubes

Mint Julep Preparation

1) Put mint, sugar, and a small amount of bourbon into the bottom of a mixing glass.

2) Gently muddle the mint and sugar, then

3) Let the drink stand for a bit to allow the leaves to release their flavor.

4) Strain and pour into a julep cup (or similar vessel), rotating to coat the sides.

5) Add the rest of the bourbon whiskey.

pina-colada-recipe

Pina Colada Ingredients

1) Pineapple Juice – 2 oz. – 60 ml

2) White Rum – 1 oz. – 30 ml

3) Coconut Crème – 2 oz. – 60 ml

4) 1 Red Cherry

5) 1 Teaspoon Brown Sugar

6) 1 Pineapple Chunk

Pina Colada Preparation

1) Mix with crushed ice until smooth.

2) Pour into chilled glass.

3) Garnish and serve.

 pousse-cafe-recipe

Pousse Café Ingredients

1) Brandy – 1/6 oz. – 5 ml

2) Green Chartreuse – 1/6 oz. – 5 ml

3) White Crème de Menthe – 1/6 oz. – 5 ml

4) Crème de Yvette – 1/6 oz. – 5 ml

5) Yellow Chartreuse – 1/6 oz. – 5 ml

6) Grenadine -1/6 oz. – 5 ml

Pousse Café Preparation

Pour the ingredients carefully into a glass in the order listed to keep the colored layers separate.

rum-and-cola-recipe

Rum & Cola Ingredients

1) Cola – 10 ½ oz. – 315 ml

2) White Rum – 1 ½ oz. – 45 ml

3) Lime Segment

4) 3 Ice Cubes

Rum & Cola Preparation

1) Pour the rum in a highball glass filled with ice.

2) Top with cola.

3) Garnish with a lime segment.

screw-driver-recipe

Screwdriver Ingredients

1) Orange Juice – 4 ½ – 135 ml

2) Vodka – 1 ½ oz. – 45 ml

3) 2 Ice Cubes

Screwdriver Preparation

Mix in a highball glass with ice.

stars-and-stripes-recipe

Stars & Stripes Ingredients

1) Fresh Cream – 1/3 oz. – 10 ml

2) Crème de Yvette – 1/3 oz. – 10 ml

3) Grenadine – 1/3 oz. – 10 ml

Stars & Stripes Preparation

1) Layer this drink in a chilled shot glass.

2) Using a cold spoon, carefully pour the ingredients over the back of the spoon into the shot glass.

tequila-sunrise-recipe

Tequila Sunrise Ingredients

1) Orange Juice – 9 oz. – 270 ml

2) Grenadine ¾ oz. – 22.5

3) Tequila – 1 ½ oz. – 45 ml

4) 1 Green olive with red center

 

Tequila Sunrise Preparation

1) Pour the tequila and orange juice into glass over ice.

2) Add the grenadine, which will sink to the bottom.

3) Do not stir.

4) Garnish and serve.

white-russian-recipe

White Russian Ingredients

1) Fresh Cream – 1 oz. – 30 ml

2) Kahlua – 1 oz. – 30 – ml

3) Vodka – 3 oz. – 90 ml

4) 2 Ice Cubes

White Russian Preparation

1) Pour coffee liqueur and vodka into a glass filled with ice.

2) Float fresh cream on top and stir slowly.

 zombie-recipe

Zombie Ingredients

1) De Merara Rum – ½ oz. – 15 ml

2) Passion Fruit Juice – 1 oz. – 30 ml

3) Pineapple Juice – 1 oz. – 30 ml

4) Vodka – 1 oz. – 30 ml

5) Orange Juice – 1 oz. – 30 ml

6) Apricot Brandy – ½ – 15 ml

7) White Rum – 2 ½ – 75 ml

6) Jamaica Rum – 1 oz. – 30 ml

Zombie Preparation

1) Blend all ingredients with ice rum.

2) Pour into glass.

3) Float rum on top.

4) Garnish with a fruit slice.

Hugh Fox III - Beauty

You can also download my autobiography of my struggle with a bipolar condition on  Am I Kitsune on my Google Drive.

WereVerse Universe Baby!

WereVerse Universe at Google Drive Link

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Taiwan Faces Dangerous Times!

Posted on January 26, 2014 | Leave a comment

Taiwan Faces Dangerous Times

The source material is from articles from the US, Taiwan and mainland China and there is a lot of repetition between these studies so I have attempted to focus on different weaknesses in the Taiwanese military position in the different studies.

A) Synopsis of points taken from Brookings Study (2011)

http://www.brookings.edu/research/papers/2011/08/chinas-military-development-yang

This study is a bit dated since the military situation is changing dramatically but still makes some points worth noting.

1) The PLA has vastly improved the military capabilities of its artillery, including missiles, air capabilities, naval capabilities, ground and amphibious capabilities, cyber and electronic capabilities, and enjoys a huge quantitative edge in all these areas and will soon have a qualitative edge as well! The Brookings Study does not mention any dates.

2) China has pursued a policy of befriending neighboring nations that narrows Taiwan’s military options.  I would have to add this policy has been much less effective since 2010 when the report came out and many Asian neighbors now do view China as a potential military threat.  However, I see no attempt by Taiwan to take advantage of this situation as is the case with Japan.

B) Synopsis of points taken from Taiwan’s Defense Ministry (2012) via Reuters. 

I would have loved to get a copy of the actual report in English but couldn’t find it anywhere on the web.  The study was widely quoted in media outlets around the world.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/10/09/uk-taiwan-china-idUKBRE99808Y20131009

3) “In the future, the Chinese military will continue focusing on further integration of its military units, with the expectation that it will be able to resist foreign forces’ intervention in any attack on Taiwan.”

4) “Over the long-term, it will be wholly sufficient to engage in a war over Taiwan by 2020.”

C) Synopsis of points taken from an article in mainland China. 

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200208/16/eng20020816_101585.shtml

The following article has to be viewed with some suspicion since the line between objective journalism and propaganda often does not exist in newspapers in China but I would say some of the points are valid and very interesting.

5) Wartime ammunition insufficient.  This point has been verified by Taiwanese military reports in the past that I read while I was in Taiwan in the Taipei Times a long time ago!  An almost incredible, surrealistic situation in which Taiwan’s military literally runs out of ammo in days and even hours!  Perhaps steps have already been taken to rectify this colossal weakness.

6) “Many men are afraid of dying” i.e. poor morale on the part of soldiers in Taiwan. I think the article exaggerates the number of desertions that would occur in combat among Taiwanese soldiers.  Taiwanese soldiers are after all trained professionals.   Chinese military thought going back to Sun Tzu puts a lot of emphasis on psychological elements and this article does not disappoint.  There are some interesting points about American psychology that I think are difficult to verify logically but the historical events used to make the points did happen.  There is a place for this sort of “Chinese” analysis and I would like to add a few psychological observations of my own.

D) Personal Observations

Personal observations are extremely subjective and this is by far the weakest evidence in this essay.  However, not everyone has had the experience of living in both China and Taiwan.  I hope my observations are at least interesting.

7) I have taught in China and Taiwan and have dealt with hundreds of Chinese students and thousands of Taiwanese students.  Taiwanese students in general tend to be better educated and more polished than their Chinese counterparts.  However, Chinese students are tougher than their Taiwanese counterparts!  Many schools in China still have a physical education requirement in college.   Chinese students can put up with physical hardship since frankly as a less developed country there is more hardship to put up with.  Chinese students are often ambitious to the point of delusional.  Taiwanese students seem to have given up on life before life has even started.  Chinese students are like Rocky in the Hollywood movie and have a fire in the belly.  Taiwanese students just don’t have that same fire in the belly.

I think calling the current generations of Taiwanese “peaches”, as is common in the Taiwanese press, is an exaggeration but the current generation is softer than their parents and far softer than their grandparents.  I like the softness of Taiwanese but not sure it’s a good quality in soldiers! I am not sure how important this point is in modern warfare but 300 hundred Spartans were able to defeat thousands of Persian but 300 peaches would not fare as well!

8) Based on countless conversations with mainland Chinese students I would have to say that the mainland Chinese are united in their belief that Taiwan is part of China and that they personally would volunteer for such an operation.  When I have talked with Taiwanese students they have consistently expressed the view that war between mainland China and Taiwan as a big joke and basically feel their only hope is US intervention and would attempt to flee the conflict rather than fight or resist China.  I am totally aware that Chinese are more likely to say what is “politically correct” than Taiwanese due to the differences between the governments of both lands.  However, in private Chinese students can be surprisingly honest about what they really think.  Even Chinese who want more democracy in China and do not support many Chinese government policies do agree with the Chinese government when it comes to Taiwan!  One has to say that students are not professional soldiers.  However I do think students are representative of civilians in general in many respects. Based on this limited sample, students, I would have to say China wins in the civilian morale department!

Conclusion

Politics is the art of the possible.  Taiwan realistically has two options in the long run:  peaceful reunification or a war with China that it will surely lose.  Economic integration could buy Taiwan time that could be used to address the issues listed in this paper but I think this is very, very unlikely.

Taiwanese simply lack the Real Politik outlook needed to make the sacrifices needed to prevent reunification.  Taiwan has a truly mountainous center and giant monetary reserves and could study how Switzerland and Finland resisted giant neighbors using mountainous geography.  Taiwan could also study how Israel used a universal military conscription system effectively versus the mockery of such a system that currently exists in Taiwan.  China has the largest army in the world and Taiwan’s current big plan is to have even less soldiers than now in an all volunteer force in the future.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2014/01/22/2003581842

To paraphrase a rather famous mainlander, “War is not a dinner party, or writing an essay, or painting a picture, or doing embroidery; it cannot be so refined, so leisurely and gentle, so temperate, kind, courteous, restrained and magnanimous. The Taiwanese are more refined, leisurely, gentle, temperate, kind, courteous, restrained and magnanimous than their mainland Chinese brothers and their strengths as humans will be their undoing in war!  This seems to be a recurring theme in Chinese history.  Taiwanese like their low taxes and creature comforts and do not have the will to do what must be done!  In short, Taiwan truly is a paper tiger and a smart paper tiger negotiates before the other side figures what’s up!

The vast majority of Taiwanese do not want to become part of mainland China!  Can mainland China become a society that Taiwanese want to join voluntarily?  Taiwan is part of China legally but can one ethically ignore the desire of the vast majority of Taiwanese to remain separate from a society that has not evolved politically to a level the Taiwanese consider acceptable?

Hugh Fox III - Berry

You can also download my autobiography of my struggle with a bipolar condition on  Am I Kitsune on my Google Drive.

WereVerse Universe Baby!

WereVerse Universe at Google Drive Link

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