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CyberSafety_thumb.jpgMOBILE technology development is at a stage to pose significant threats to our kids especially those just encountering cyberspace now typically the tweens (primary school ages). While we cannot discount the benefits or benign uses of mobile devices like 3G/3.5G mobile phones and internet-capable music and gaming devices, it is critical for parents to note the signficant potential dangers that children face, often in an innocent manner. In this context, an online cyber park to help inform in an accessible way about dangers in cyberspace will be available to Singaporeans by mid-2011. The Virtual Cyber Security Park is a collaboration between the Cyber Security Awareness Alliance and the National Crime Prevention Council.

Valentine_thumb.jpgWESTERN tradition traces the origin of the first "Valentine" to the 3rd century AD. But much earlier, 15 February was celebrated as a Roman fertility festival, Lupercalia marking the start of spring and dedicated to Faunus, Roman god of agriculture (equivalent to the Greek god Pan). Later in the Middle Ages, the Valentine celebration was linked to 14 February, the day "birds began to pair" after winter breaks for spring. With spring comes the thawing of spirits after the long and cold winter, and thoughts lift to a new cycle of life and growth, that we fondly call romance. This year 2010 is special, as the start of the Chinese Spring festival (Lunar New Year) coincides with Valentine's Day. The business significance of Valentine's Day is underscored by a Greeting Card Association statistic, that an estimated billion cards are sent during this period, making it the second-largest card-sending holiday of the year after Christmas (2.6 billions cards exchanged).

tiger(1).gifACCORDING to a Chinese legend, the Tiger is associated with the role of taking on the strong to protect the weak. Famous "Tigers" include key Chinese historical leader Sun Yat-sen (a basis for the December 2009 movie release, "Bodyguards and Assassins"), legendary world traveller Marco Polo, famous wartime American president Dwight D Eisenhower and celebrated actress Marilyn Monroe.

Other "Tigers" that you may recognise: Queen Elizabeth II; composer Beethoven; musicians Enya, Stevie Wonder, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Paul Abdul; actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Michelle Yeoh, Jodie Foster, Sir Alec Guiness; major American poet Emily Dickinson; writers Judy Blume, Emily Bronte, Beatrix Potter.

But we are puzzled: Isn't the Lion a more appropriate occupant of the Chinese Zodiac? So, how indeed did the Tiger get on the Zodiac?

YeCC_thumb1.jpgGET a copy of the inspirational Yong-en 2010 table calendar today! The proceeds of the calendar sale will go to support the community services of Yong-en Care Centre in Chinatown and beyond. This is an excellent opportunity to engage our social conscience and promote a worthwhile cause to our children. For just S$10, share a kindness and make a difference to the life of someone less fortunate. For every order of 10 copies, get one free! Print out the attached order form and fax the completed order to Yong-en Care Centre or email to the given address.

"Yes, we can" - the unyielding spirit that sets the President-elect apart from others.   Aside the message of hope, what can we as parents take away from this watershed election? 


TWEEN SPENDING worldwide could exceed S$250 billion annually. A Euromonitor International market research report two years ago (2006) on their consumption habits attributed this to greater access of tweens to money through allowances and gifts, coupled to their greater influence on family purchasing decisions.