The Jade Times

By Alexandria “Wisteria” Prejido, Staff Writer

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2011 is the year of the rabbit. The rabbit is the fourth sign of the Chinese zodiac and can also be referred to as the hare. This sign is associated with longevity and the moon, and some astrologers identify this sign as the cat instead of the rabbit. People born under this sign are more introverted and would rather work behind the scenes instead of being the center of attention. However, it does not mean the rabbit is reclusive; this sign is a friendly individual and enjoys the company of friends no matter the occasion.

Some of the rabbits’ positive traits are they are diplomatic, intuitive, expressive, peaceful and refined. Some of the negative traits are they are indecisive, egotistical, conservative, gossipy, superficial and pedantic. The behavior of the rabbit can be often predictable, for it varies according to the situation. During tranquil times, rabbit people are at ease and calm. However, during times of sudden change and unforeseen events, rabbits become irritable, confused and sometimes aggressive. Rabbit people will not be pleasant until they are back in control of the situation.

Some of the rabbits’ likes are privacy, mysteries, going out, routines and conversation. Some of their dislikes are arguments, complicated plans, being forced to making a decision, drastic changes and saying anything unpleasant. Signs that would make good friends with rabbit individuals are the ox, snake, the ram/sheep, rat, dog and pig.

In love, rabbits are often wary of commitment, for it requires changes and decision. This does not mean they are fickle; but rather they are picky about choosing a partner. Rabbits would rather be single than be in an unsatisfactory relationship because they value peace. Though, once committed, this sign places a lot of effort into their relationship. They are always willing to listen and dislike arguing with their partner. Rabbits make attentive, tender and loving partners. However, sometimes it is difficult to know what rabbit partners are feeling or thinking because they prize their privacy. Rabbit partners listen more than they confide, which may prove to be a struggle to some unless they learn how to read the subtle signs. The signs most compatible with the rabbit are the pig, sheep and dog.

Sources:

http://www.chinesezodiac.com/rabbit.php

http://www.usbridalguide.com/special/chinesehoroscopes/Rabbit.htm

Photo credit:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_aPAvQg0QdlA/TUlvt62FabI/AAAAAAAAJWs/TmK90lwBrFM/s400/chinese%252520new%252520year%2525202011%252520rabbit.gif

By May “Mosaic” Advincula, Editor-in-chief

Chocolate is a common staple during the month of February, and store shelves are often stocked with an assortment of these sweet indulgences. It is estimated that US chocolate and cocoa companies ship approximately $14 billion worth of products a year for Valentine’s Day.
One of the most common myths about chocolate is that it lacks any nutritional value. However, when consumed in small quantities, there are a few proven health benefits. For example, dark chocolate contains flavanoids that come from cocoa bean extracts. Flavanoids have been known to have antioxidant effects that can reduce cell damage. In addition, they have also been linked to heart, brain, skin and teeth benefits while also reducing stress and improving your mood.

Dark chocolate that contains about 65% or higher cocoa content have the most beneficial compounds, but these benefits decrease when pure chocolate is mixed with sugar, milk, butter and other ingredients that are often found in most Valentine treats. This is why the term “milk chocolate” might be a bit misleading, as it does not make a huge calcium contribution for your bones.

For a healthier alternative to milk chocolate that can quell your cravings and is good for your bones, try this following recipe from Best Bones Forever:

Chocolate Pudding Pie with Strawberry Cream
Ingredients:

Crust
2 cups or 1 (6.5-ounce) package crushed chocolate sugarfree sandwich cookies
1 tablespoon light margarine, melted
1 egg white

Filling
1 (1.4ounce) package sugarfree, fat-free pudding mix (chocolate or white chocolate mousse flavor)
1¾ cups fat-free milk

Topping
1¾ cups fatfree whipped topping
¾ cup frozen no-sugar-added strawberries, thawed and mashed
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Combine all ingredients for the crust in a medium bowl and stir well using a fork to combine. Press crust mixture in an 8inch pie plate coated with cooking spray. (It may help to press crust with the back of a spoon coated with cooking spray.)
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Once the crust is cool, prepare pudding with milk according to package directions for making pie filling. Pour pudding into crust and cover with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic wrap onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. In a medium bowl, fold mashed strawberries into the whipped topping. Remove plastic wrap from surface of the pudding and spread strawberry topping on top of the pie. Chill for at least 1 hour. Garnish with slices of thawed strawberries before serving.
*Note: You can also use 1 cup of frozen, mashed raspberries in place of the strawberries.

Sources:
http://crofton.patch.com/articles/love-and-chocolate
http://www.modbee.com/2011/02/13/1552941/casting-lighton-benefits-of-dark.html
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1019

Photo Credit:

http://www.sxc.hu/

By Christine “ECKO” Ho, Contributing Writer

Exploring Korean nightlife. Photo credit: Christine "ECKO" Ho

Delta Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. is a sorority that is about sisterhood and bringing young women of different backgrounds and nationalities together. I recently went on a vacation (and am still on it at the time of writing) to both South Korea and Thailand. I have not been to South Korea since I was about five years old, so it was a bit of a culture shock when I arrived.

I am Korean, and yet I felt as if I could not function nor survive without Stella “Naru” Kim there. A fellow chapter sister, she hosted Manida “Sobe” Chinratana, Julia “AiKo” Hong and me at her apartment. Every day, we did something new in the city – shopping, karaoke, eating at different restaurants, eating street food, meeting new people, etc. In some ways, Korea is very similar to America. The part of Korea where we stayed was connected by the subway system that ran across the entire city, connecting different districts. The subway system is something I still do not understand. If you are thinking of traveling there, do your research first! But it does get easier with experience.

We saw the Korean nightlife, the shopping districts, the fish market, an old palace and many other things in Korea. I found out so much more about my own culture by being there, rather than by reading about it in books. It was fast-paced and we never ran out of things to do during my entire stay in Korea.

Thailand travels. Photo credit: Christine "ECKO" Ho

However, I think the main component to my realizations about Korea was my trip to Thailand. It is not as if I went backpacking, and I stayed at very nice resorts, but the differences between the cultures in Thailand and Korea were highlighted during my stay. Even just driving around, I have seen many different kinds of people. I have used restrooms with no toilet paper (but we carried some around, thank goodness), and drank the natural water with dire consequences (to which I am still feeling the effects). Things are less readily available in Thailand, and travel is done by cars and scooters. 7-Elevens are abundant, as is the street food.

I love where I come from and what I am. I am Korean-American, and I have experienced parts of the world that other people are not so fortunate to have experienced. Although far from the worn-traveler, I keep my experiences close to me, and hope that sharing them might make other people want to find out about other cultures, as well as embracing their own. I am lucky with my life, and wish for sisters to expand their horizons. By learning about other cultures, you will come to love your own, no matter what you are.

By Stephenie “Remedi” Lai, Staff Writer

It’s February, the shortest month of the year. But even with less time, there is much to be celebrated during these 28 days. No, I’m not talking about Valentine’s Day. I’m talking about Black History Month. It’s a month to remember where you came from and a time to embrace your heritage. This February, in conjunction with Black History Month, our own sisters take the time to reminisce on their background.

Being a part of an Asian-interest sorority, of course you would expect everyone to be Asian. However, our sisters come from all parts of the world. Even more so, there are many sisters who have mixed backgrounds, giving them even more to embrace.

UGA sisters Holly “Forté” Kamau and Jessica “Inertia” Wu described their experiences being of mixed backgrounds. Kamau is Kenyan and Vietnamese, while Wu is Taiwanese and Caucasian. When asked about what it was like to grow up with two cultures, Kamau said, “I was raised in a way that embraced all parts of me. This includes African, African-American – which is different from African – Asian and American.” At dinner, you could find food from three different cultures: Vietnamese, Kenyan and American. She believes that her upbringing was a genuine mix of cultures.

Wu’s experience growing up was quite different. She said, “I was raised more towards the American/Caucasian culture. My mother emigrated here from Taiwan, but my exposure to Asian culture was extremely limited.” When Wu entered high school, she started becoming more aware of her Asian background.

They both agreed that being apart of Delta Phi Lambda has helped them become more in touch with their Asian heritage. Not only that, but there are many cultures under the umbrella term of “Asian,” giving more opportunities to share traditions and customs with one another.

Being a sister of Delta Phi Lambda has given Kamau a “better understanding of the richness of the Asian culture as it stands on its own.” For Wu, the sorority was the gateway to understanding her heritage in the search for her cultural identity. Wu added, “The different backgrounds that exist within one sorority shows me that multiple facets of a single identity can co-exist and thrive.”

Although this month is Black History Month, it doesn’t hurt to reflect on your own identity. Like the old saying goes, you can’t know where you are going unless you know where you’ve been. Knowing your background, remembering your ancestors and loving your heritage is a big step in creating a successful and happy future for yourself.

Photo credit:

http://www.sxc.hu/

By Emilia “Lavender” Liem, Copy Editor

February marks American Heart Month. According to the American Heart Association, the number one killer for women is heart disease. This month, show love not only to that special person in your life, but to your heart, too. We tend to neglect our hearts because we think only older or unhealthy people would suffer from heart problems. While there are some genetic factors that cannot prevent you from developing heart disease, it is more important than ever to start healthy heart habits and prevent any of these issues from coming up in the future.

Here are some simple changes to your lifestyle that you can make:

Quit smoking. Smoking can harm all organs in the body, but in regards to the heart, smoking tobacco products constricts your blood vessels, increasing your risk for blockage in the arteries.

Cut down on alcohol. That means no more than one drink a day, ladies. According to www.womensheart.org, a moderate amount of alcohol per day can actually help protect against heart disease. But anything more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men can hurt more than help. Heavy drinking over a period of time will lead to high blood pressure, heart damage, stroke and other heart problems.

Be on the move. Just 30 minutes of activity every day can make a huge difference in your heart’s health. Take a brisk walk, jog, jump rope, dance, swim or do a combination of activities.

Calm down. Reduce stress by doing activities that you truly enjoy. Avoid stressful situations that can raise your blood pressure.

Change your diet. That means sticking to lean meats such as pork, turkey and chicken. Fish is also a good option. Cutting down on salt, whether picking out foods with little or no salt, or not adding salt, also helps.  Same goes for food and drinks with lots of added sugar. Pick out low-fat dairy products, including skim or 1% fat milk. Choose whole grain foods like brown rice, multi-grain breads and whole wheat pasta.

Sources:
http://www.suite101.com/content/national-american-heart-month-women-and-heart-disease-a325489
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HeartMonth/

Photo credit:

http://lancastria.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/heart_health_lancastria.jpg