Gu’s win inspires Chinese descents in US to break racial dichotomy

Gu Ailing Eileen wins gold

Eighteen-year-old Gu is a cross-cultural legend for both China and the US

 

 Uncloaking The Invisible: Anti-Asian Racism Throughout History and Now

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Gu Ailing Eileen competes in the women's freeski big air event at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games on February 7, 2022, with a golden Chinese dragon on her back. Photo: VCGbr
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It's not just Chinese people who are immersed in the victory of Chinese skier Gu Ailing, who won the gold medal of the women's freeski big air final at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games on Tuesday. Her dazzling performance also traveled across the Pacific and inspired those with Chinese descent living in the US, to not be afraid of showing their cultural identity, and break the false dichotomy where one has to be "Chinese or American." One can be both and let the dual cultural background be a bonus, not a burden, they said.br
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As the US faces more and more prominent racial problems, outstanding athletes with a dual cultural background at the Beijing Winter Olympics will be an awakening for the country to reflect on its deep rooted racism against Asian people. Yet the effect will be limited, observers said. They are also certain that a more open and prosperous China will be able to draw more and more talents with Chinese descent to contribute to it. b
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After making worldwide headlines, Gu, who has lived and trained most of her life in the US, also became a hot topic on US social media. b
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"She popped up on my radar very recently since the Winter Olympics started, and I did not know her or ski," said a Chinese American surnamed Zhang, who has been living in Chicago for more than 20 years, told the Global Times. "I dug some of her history and noticed she spoke out for Asian groups in the US. I really appreciate such efforts. There are so few willing to speak out."
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"She really proved how much Chinese can do, how far we can push our limits," said Zhang.br
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Raised by two native Chinese women, her mother and grandmother, Gu travels to China frequently, and never hesitates to demonstrate her Chinese cultural identity, by saying that her favorite food is dumpling and putting on a "Chinese dragon" outfit during the competition on Tuesday.
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Gu announced on Weibo on June 6, 2019 that she would represent Team China in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. In the same month, Gu changed her registered nationality from the US to China on the official website of the International Snow Federation (FIS).
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During the post-match conference, Gu said that "I definitely feel as though I'm just as American as I am Chinese. I'm American when I'm in the US and Chinese when I'm in China and I've been outspoken about my gratitude to both the US and China for making me the person that I am."
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"I think it is amazing that when the relationship is so strained between the two countries, she can stand up and say she is both Chinese and American. Because many of us [Chinese Americans or Chinese living in the US] are stuck in the dichotomy where we have to be one or the other," said a Chinese surnamed Huang who lives in New York, noting that Gu's example enlightened her that you can be both and such a dual cultural background is a bonus, not a burden.
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The day before Gu won, Cathaleen Chen, a China-born American writer, published an article in Cosmopolitan, an American monthly fashion and entertainment magazine, saying that she used to feel guilty rooting for China. Gu "vindicated" her.br
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"Her decision to ski for China is a validation that I didn't know I had been yearning for. Finally, I've learned how to be proud again. And as an Asian American, pride is all we've got for now," wrote Chen.b
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Gu is not the only case, as there are also several promising athletes with Chinese descent in Team US at the Winter Olympics. For example, four of the six single figure skaters in the singles events are Asian American, like Vincent Zhou.
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Zhou once wrote on Instagram and Sina Weibo account in English and Chinese that "As a Chinese American, and the son of Chinese immigrants, the skating program says very clearly what I firmly believe: I am proud of my heritage, I am proud of my culture, and I am proud to be Asian American.
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China's sheen to talentsbr /> `
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As the US is engulfed by racial problems and rising cases of violent assault against Asian Americans are reported, outstanding athletes with Chinese heritage during the Winter Olympics may send a ripple effect to US society to put more emphasis on this group, said Zhang Tengjun, deputy director of the Department for Asia-Pacific Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, but said that such an effect may be limited.
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The US faces racism poisoned by extreme nationalism, and some white people feel insecure when they see a sluggish economy and a divided society, Zhang noted, saying such a phenomena will only fuel the country's racial issues.
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The most recent case of violence against Asian Americans was Michelle Go, who was shoved in front of a New York subway train in January. It happened less than a year after a gunman killed eight people, six of whom were of Asian descent, in Cherokee County and Atlanta in March 2021.
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The Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism revealed that anti-Asian hate crimes increased by 339 percent last year compared to the year before, with New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and other cities surpassing their record numbers in 2020, US media reported this month.
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During a previous interview with the Global Times, Committee of 100 President Huang Zhengyu told the Global Times that despite Asian Americans contributing to all aspects of life in the US throughout two centuries, "we're still seen as perpetual foreigners."
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Zhang believes that since more and more people with Chinese heritage are struggling with racial problems in the US, it is possible that certain talents will veer to China, a place that is not only their original home, but also more and more open and attractive to talents.
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The Winter Olympics is a good window for those talents to show China's rising influence, and a country that makes them proud and willing to contribute to, according to Zhang.
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The University of Arizona and the Committee of 100 conducted a survey of scientists of both Chinese and non-Chinese descent working at academic institutions in the US on issues of race and ethnicity in science and research. Around half of the Chinese scientists surveyed — including some American citizens — said they felt they were being watched by the US government.
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Dr. Jenny Lee, professor of educational policy studies and practice at the University of Arizona and one of the study's authors, said she saw "comments from American scientists of Chinese descent who felt that they would thrive more in other parts of the world. And that includes China."

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Tips from a tiger

.Learn Common prosperity plan to build a fairer society in China

 

AH, it’s my turn in the Chinese zodiac to make my presence felt in the world of humankind.
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Some of you have treated me in a negative light – fierce and dangerous, a beast that stalks in the night, a fearsome icon.
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I am so glad I do have fans who see me as a symbol of strength, with sturdy leadership, as the king of the jungle. You can learn a lot from me if you can spare the time ... yes, time for the tiger to teach you a thing or two!
`
Let’s start with times when you feel a bit down, when you lack confidence: Now picture yourself as a cat looking into a mirror and seeing the image of a tiger there. That’s it, straighten your posture, give a stern look from the eyes, radiate power from the body. Then get up, stride steadily out, and face the world!
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There may come a time this year when someone tries to bully you with a word or act. Well, just picture the tiger’s majestic look in your head and stay nonchalant, show you have no time for such company and walk away with your head held high.
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I heard someone say “A tiger doesn’t lose sleep over the opinion of sheep” – so discerning! My leadership qualities are validated! Yes, do not be misled by those not qualified to participate in your projects or aspirations.
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Mark your territory and guard it well – keep pretenders and parasites away! You don’t want delaying distractions (though you should not leap into action too hastily either).
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When things are not going well, someone may say or imply you are a loser. Remind them it’s the year of the tiger – let my fiery energy rub off on you and persevere. With new challenges there may be pain and hardship – just accept it, learn from it, lick your wounds and keep moving. We tigers are known for our survival skills.
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Unlike lions and some others in the wild, we tigers are known to share our kills with other tigers. Likewise, when you do well, be quick to share with and care for those less privileged. You will be enriched by a grateful heart that exudes a generous spirit.
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Last but not least, tigers do know how to enjoy life too – we love to swim and play in the water. So you too should occasionally take time off from work. Relax in a peaceful setting, have more time for a good sleep, leisurely meals, with good company or none at all, as your mood moves you.
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Even if you were not born in the year of the tiger, be inspired by my courage and strength. With the strong attitude of a tiger (tigritude?!), you should have a roaring tiger year! I’m with you, tiger!
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(Perhaps this is a good time to make a plea for a greater effort in saving the Malayan tiger, our national animal, which is on the verge of extinction. Tigers appear on the country’s coat of arms, on emblems of private companies and logos of clubs and societies, in folktales and proverbs, and even the national football team is named Harimau Malaysia. We should actively campaign for more publicity and support for protecting the tiger.)
`
TAN LING SUAN, `Kuala Lumpur

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What is the best hedge against inflation?

`   

Then there are newer and more interesting physical and luxury items that isn’t part of the financial markets which appeared to hold the value very well. Minted limited edition Lego sets, select Hermes and Chanel handbags as well as tier-one luxury watch brands such as Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Rolex are such examples.

The challenge is finding a suitable asset class that is palatable to one’s risk tolerance, investment horizon and financial capability. This is why there are many varieties of asset classes in the financial markets that serve different purposes.
`
` IF you have savings of RM100,000 or Rm1mil, how would you utilise this amount of money to preserve your wealth?
`
` It is a legitimate question but increasingly pressing as globally, countries around the world are facing inflationary pressure due to the effects of loose monetary policies for the past two years.
`
` While not everyone is passionate about the financial markets or macroeconomics, most would be concern if they were to know the value of their money or hard-earned savings are increasingly eroded daily through no fault of theirs.
`
` The common method adopted by most would be to assess how much ringgit is worth against foreign currencies like US dollar, Singapore dollar, British pound and the likes. Another would be the actual purchasing power of your money. Combining both, it becomes the formula of purchasing power parity.
`
` I have written an article in this column last year using the Big Mac Index to illustrate inflationary effects. Today, as inflation is already here, I prefer to dwell into how individuals can protect their savings from inflation itself.
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` Some would argue, they live in solitary and would hardly be impacted even if the ringgit weakened substantially. However, even one who does not travel abroad and lives entirely within the domestic ecosystem cannot run away from the impact of inflation.
`
` As the world economy is a huge interlinked web, connected via global trades, inflationary pressure can be imported through the transaction of goods or the fact that our country has foreign debts. There is no absolute way of shielding in entirety.
`
` Ceiling price for necessities and list of controlled items are what government of the day do to ensure some level of protection for the citizens but if market forces react otherwise, government intervention in itself is not sufficient to push back. This is proven even in the strictest communist or socialist regime around the world, such as North Korea.
`
` The only way to hedge against inflation is to engage in some form of investment. In the past, real estate has always been recognised as one of the best asset classes to preserve wealth and hedge against inflation. This ageold wisdom has survived through thousands of years and civilisations.
`
` New asset class

` As the society evolves and modern economy takes shape, there is now the creation of new asset class which in the past either simply do not exist or wouldn’t make sense to invest substantially. The more common form of investments are the likes of bonds, gold, fixed deposits and equities.

` Then came mutual funds and index-linked funds. Exchange-traded funds in recent years became wildly popular, especially when active investment returns did not provide the same kind of returns it once did.

` This gained traction for those who are mostly passive investors or do not have the time to do individual stock picking. Yet, despite all the asset classes mentioned above, these are all considered relatively acceptable to most people.

` With the millennials and Gen-z being in the workforce, technology have taken centrestage in every part of our lives even when it comes to asset classes. Cryptocurrency, non-fungible tokens (NFTS) and digital assets have made its way into mainstream financial markets where investment banks, which traditionally scoffs at such assets, have now become a part of the frenzy.
`
` Advocates of cryptocurrency, for instance, goes as far as calling it a hedge against inflation or hedge against “fiat currency” or the “new gold”.
`
` Traditional asset classes highlighted above are seen as out-of-date by the new crop of investors, whoever they are and wherever they may come from. I do not wish to debate the utility and viability of cryptocurrency, NFTS or digital assets. However, the big question to me though is, what truly constitutes a hedge against inflation?
`
` For an asset class to constitute a hedge against inflation, the more fundamental aspect is for the asset class to consistently outperform annual inflationary pressure. For example, if the inflation rate is 4% per annum over 10 years, the asset class that one invest in must outperform 4% per annum consistently across the same period.
`
` This asset class will then effectively hedge and protect the value of your money over a substantial duration of time.
`
` The challenge is finding a suitable asset class that is palatable to one’s risk tolerance, investment horizon and financial capability. This is why there are many varieties of asset classes in the financial markets that serve different purposes.
`
` Bonds and gold are good for those with low-risk appetite but do not expect spectacular returns from these asset class. In fact, many have questioned whether bonds and gold can still preserve value although this has been proven in the past during wars and turbulent times.

 ` Luxury items
`
` Then there are newer and more interesting physical and luxury items that isn’t part of the financial markets which appeared to hold the value very well. Minted limited edition Lego sets, select Hermes and Chanel handbags as well as tier-one luxury watch brands such as Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Rolex are such examples.
`
` An unopened Lego set delivers an average annual return of 11%. A Hermes Birkin has seen an average annual increase in price of 14% from 1980 to 2015. This is in comparison to the returns of gold at -2.1% and S&P 500 at 11.7% over the same period.
`
` For the Chanel Classic Medium Flap bag, the price has increased over the past 31 years, from US$1,150 (RM4,817) in 1990 to US$8,800 (RM36,858) in 2021. This gives an average annual return of 21.4% and a compound annual growth rate of 6.8% throughout the period.
`
` If we look at watches, the retail price of stainless steel sports watches have gone crazy in recent years. A Phillipe Patek Nautilus, which retailed at US$3,100 (RM12,985) in 1976 when it was first introduced, is retailing at today US$35,000 (RM146,485)
`
` What is more frightening is the secondary market or grey market pricing for these luxury goods due to the sheer difficulty of getting one at retail price.
`
` A standard Hermes Birkin sized 25 retails at around US$10,000 (RM41,885) but in the secondary market, it can fetch as high as US$25,000 (RM104,713). The Patek Nautilus in a grey market commands close to US$175,000 (RM733,000). The classic Rolex Submariner date steel, which retails at US$10,800 (RM45,236), commands a huge premium in the grey market at around US$20,000 (RM83,770).
`>
` Some may argue that these are the tactical strategy by the ultra-luxury brands to restrict supply and cause a demand shortage in order to drive up the price, making it a highly desirable product.

` However, the counter argument is the fact that these top range luxury brands are handcrafted and requires the hours to produce the finish product. The limited resources coupled with the need to ensure quality also limits supply.

` In the face of a rising affluent class and burgeoning upper-middle class globally, naturally these luxury brands become highly sought after. Once the second-hand market is able to preserve the value, it becomes a hedge against inflation.

` My biggest takeaway though is not which asset class would be the best hedge against inflation. Rather, even within each asset class, it requires homework, due diligence and careful selection in terms of investment to preserve wealth. Making the right decision to purchase or invest needs time and effort
`
` Not all that glitters are gold and in this case, selected steel watches may be worth more than a pure gold watch. So, choose the asset class that you can best understand and would be happy to hold over time in the face of inflation.

NG ZHU HANN Ng Zhu Hann is the author of “Once Upon A Time In Bursa”. He is a lawyer and former chief strategist of a Fortune 500 Corp. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.

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Malaysian teens are shorter than the rest

 

 

 

Undernutrition among our adolescents is causing them to be stunted, making them shorter on average than some of our regional neighbours.

` MALAYSIAN teenagers are a short lot – and not because of genetical predisposition.

` One in six local teens are considered stunted at 6-7cm shorter than the World Health Organization’s (WHO’S) standard height reference for adolescents between 10 and 17 years old.

` This is as they are not consuming adequate amounts of the nutrients needed for growth.

` Given that the window for the adolescent growth spurt is very short, yet provides the biggest growth opportunity during our lifetime, this problem of undernutrition needs to be addressed so that our teens can attain their maximum potential height.

` Stunted growth and development caused by undernutrition is common in many regions, especially poorer ones.

` Data from our 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) showed that one in five Malaysian children aged five and under are stunted.

` This reflects an increasing trend, with 21.8% in 2019 from 17.7% in 2015 and 16.6% in 2011.

` Meanwhile, data from the 2017 NHMS revealed that the adolescent stunting rate was at 8.5%, or one in 12, in the 10- to 17-years-old age group.

` Increased risk of disease

` “This is a high percentage for an upper middle income country like ours.

` “For developed countries, we want to keep this figure below 5%,” comments Universiti Malaya Faculty of Medicine Department of Paediatrics head Professor Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin.

` The average final adult height of Malaysians is 164.7cm for men and 153.3cm for women.

` “If we plot this on the growth chart, we are in the bottom 10th percentile, which means our average height is at the lowest out of 100 countries for both men and women, i.e. we are 8-9cm shorter than the rest.

` “The fact that we are not achieving as much height as other Asian men and women is worrying.

` “We have fallen behind Singapore, Japan and South Korea, although in the 1940s and 1950s, we were around the same height,” he says.

` The average male height is 170.6cm in Singapore, 171.2cm in Japan and 175.3cm in South Korea. For females, it is 160cm in Singapore, 158.8cm in Japan and 162.6cm in South Korea.

` Interestingly, females in South Korea have recorded one of the biggest height increases among the world’s female population over the last century.

` Prof Yazid adds: “Of course, we also have to look at the parents’ height – teens should be plus or minus 8cm from their dad’s or mum’s height.”

` Studies have shown that countries that consume more dairy products and animal proteins have a taller population, compared to countries that rely on rice and wheat, like most Asian countries.

` Some consequences of stunting include poor cognition, poor educational performance at school, lower income and lower economic opportunity.

` And when stunting is accompanied by excessive weight gain later in childhood, the person will develop an increased risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases in adulthood, including obesity, diabetes and heart diseases.

` “A number of them become obese, as when they start to grow older, they get better nutrition and cannot satisfy their hunger, so they eat a lot,” he says.

` However, stunting recovery intervention may enable undernourished children to catch up on height and other developmental markers.

` The crucial years

` Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature.

` This is also when the growth spurt occurs.

` This short period of rapid growth development in children typically lasts around two to three years.

` Prof Yazid explains: “Boys and girls start at different ages.

` “In girls, puberty is when the breasts develop, which can be as early as eight years old, until menarche, i.e. their first period, which is around two or three years after breast development.”

` He adds that the growth spurt usually occurs at the early stage of puberty, so for girls, it occurs around the time of breast development.

` “Once they get their menses, they don’t grow much until the end of the total pubertal period – the gain is only around 2-5cm.

` “During the first two to three years of puberty, most will gain between 17-22cm in height,” he says.

` For boys, puberty begins later, with testicular enlargement that can begin as early as nine to 10 years of age, although it typically occurs around 12 years of age.

` It then takes another two to three years before puberty ends.

` “Only after puberty will boys have a growth spurt and can achieve a 20-25cm height gain.

` “This is when they start having acne, pubic hair, etc

` `

Start them young

 “They can grow really fast, but to help them grow, we need to intervene immediately and cannot wait until their voice changes,” Prof Yazid points out.

He also notes that nobody usually knows when a boy starts puberty as no one checks for testicular enlargement under normal circumstances.

Only a visit to a paediatric endocrinologist is likely to see their testes size being examined.

Where growth happens

All children have growth plates – areas of smooth, elastic cartilage found at the end of each long bone in the body.

This is where growth takes place. When the bones finish growing, the growth plates close.

Girls generally stop growing and reach their maximum height around the age of 14, and boys, around 16.

Doctors can estimate when growth will be completed by determining a child’s bone age.

They do this by taking an X-ray of the left hand and wrist to see if the growth plates are still open.

The bone age may be different from the child’s actual age.

Prof Yazid says: “Bone age is not the same as chronological age.

“For those that go into early puberty, their bone age may be more advanced than chronological age.

“Height gain should really begin before puberty.

“If the girls are short at the start of puberty, we like to delay puberty, because if they were to start their menses with the height of 130cm, then we cannot do much.

“That’s why it’s important to start nutrition, adequate caloric intake and caloric expenditure from a young age for bone lengthening and thickening, so that the child can gain enough height.”

The adolescent phase contributes to 15-20% of adult height, 45% of adult bone mass increase, and 40-50% of adult weight gain.

Nutritional needs

During early adolescence, children require up to twice or more key nutrients to support accelerated growth and development, compared to a younger child.

These include:

> Calcium – up to 85% increase > Protein – up to 154% increase > Magnesium – up to 200% increase

> Phosphorus – up to 170% increase)

> Zinc – up to 75% increase, and > Vitamin K – up to 133% increase.

Results from the 2017 NHMS showed that:

> 89.4% of adolescents did not meet the required nutritional intake (RNI) for calcium

> 98.8% did not meet the RNI for vitamin D, and

> Over 60% did not meet the RNI for vitamin E.

In addition, the survey found that seven out of 10 adolescents habitually skipped breakfast, while another one in two skipped lunch and dinner.

“I’ve encountered a number of adolescents (13-18 years) who have growth issues; they are underweight so they don’t gain much height.

“At this age, physical activity is important for boys, and if they don’t eat much, they lack energy.

“Three out of four kids also don’t take adequate dairy products,” laments Prof Yazid.

A lack of sleep also affects height.

This is as growth hormones are secreted the most between 10pm to midnight before dropping, then rising a bit between 2am to 4am.

He says: “Most of our adolescents sleep late and have poor quality of sleep, so they don’t get the spurt of growth hormones.

“Another factor is physical activity, which enables the secretion of endorphin and serotonin hormones to make you feel good about yourself. “When you feel good and sleep better, it increases the growth hormone secretions.

“Our adolescents love to sleep late, don’t do regular physical activity and skip meals, so how can they grow well?

“With Covid-19, all kids are equally affected as they don’t do much physical activity and spend more time on gadgets.”

Adolescents should aim to incorporate 30-60 minutes of moderate physical activity daily.

“Walking lazily doesn’t count.

“It’s best to exercise in the evening so they can sleep better at night,” he says.

Parents as role models

Prof Yazid says about half of adolescents perceive that their parents don’t know what they do in their free time.

“What and how you eat matters. “Parents need to try to understand their adolescents’ perspective and look into the kinds of food, timing of their food intake/sleep and exercise patterns.

“It’s better to show than to say, because bugging them doesn’t help when parents themselves don’t lead by example.

“So, when food is put on the table, show them how you would eat it.

“Similarly, exercise with them and sleep early.

“Parents are really the best supporters to encourage their children to do all these,” he says.

In terms of dairy products – which are important for development and bone strength – a number of parents think their children don’t need milk beyond the ages of five or seven, and thus, stop serving it to them.

This is incorrect.

Prof Yazid says: “From dairy products, they can get good nutrients.

“They need at least 600ml of milk a day – 400ml can come from milk and the other 200ml can be obtained from other sources such as cheese or yoghurt.”

When regular meals alone do not meet the increased nutrient requirements for their child’s growth, parents can seek advice from their child’s physician and consider nutritional supplements to help improve nutritional intake during this important growth period.

“The height at the start of puberty is so important to determine the final height.

“If we can reduce stunting rates before the age of five, we can definitely reduce its prevalence among adolescents,” concludes Prof Yazid.

The Star Malaysia 

When parents make mistakes 

 One common parenting mistake is jumping to conclusions about your child’s guilt without even giving them a chance to explain first. — Positive Parenting

 

It may be hard to put aside your pride and apologise to your kids, but it will make you a better parent and show your children good values.

IF you have ever mistakenly raised your voice towards your child or blamed him for something he did not do, you must know how awful that feels like.

Parents commit mistakes too, but as authority figures and role models in the family, they may find it hard to right their wrongs.

Mistakes are bound to happen, whether due to stress, overwork, lack of sleep, poor judgement or carelessness.

However, this is not an excuse to be ignorant or dismissive of one’s missteps.

What we can do is to learn from our mistakes today so that we can be better parents tomorrow.

It may not be easy to overcome our ego and admit our mistake to the kids.

But by role-modelling such behaviour, we can teach our kids (and ourselves) to be better human beings.

Common parenting mistakes

To learn from your mistakes, you will first need to accept that a mistake has been made.

It may occur unintentionally or due to past ignorance.

Here are some common mistakes:

> Breaking promises

You promised to take your daughter to her favourite restaurant after she did well in her test, but you were too busy and ended up not going.

Parents promise all kinds of things to their kids, but it can be hard to fulfil all of the promises made.

> Telling lies

White lies are common for various reasons – as an excuse, to avoid difficult topics, and often, to calm children.

Parents may also tell a lie to another person in front of their kids.

Even if the lie seems harmless, it teaches the kids that it is okay to lie – and this is not okay.

> Jumping to conclusions

Some parents tend to blame or scold their kids without giving them a chance to explain things first.

By assuming that our kids’ past behaviours and choices dictate present and future ones, it limits how we view our kids and can cause us to judge them unfairly.

> Using bad words

Rising anger tends to blind us. You may not realise the bad words being uttered and there is no way to retract them once they are said.

It is bad enough when said to another person, but worse when said to your own kids.

> Comparing and criticising

Constructive comments are okay, but belittling your child, comparing him with others, and criticising his weak spots, all with the intention of “building up his character” are not.

> Too much teasing

Joking, teasing and kidding with your kids are some of the ways to have a laugh and fun with them.

However, you may be taking things too far if they are not laughing.

Even worse is if you press them for not being able to take the joke. > Forgetting things

Having a busy schedule may lead to occasional slip-ups, causing you to forget simple errands (e.g. to pick up your child from tuition), or even important events and dates (e.g. your child’s birthday or school sports day).

> Being hypocritical

Parents are the main role model for their kids.

When parents do not practise what they preach, they risk confusing the kids with conflicting messages.

> Hurting them physically

Parents may accidentally inflict physical harm onto their children, e.g. injuring your daughter’s finger while closing the car door.

Some parents also tend to take out their anger or frustrations on their kids (including yelling, cursing and hitting).

Righting the wrong

After realising that you have made a mistake, what can you do?

> Don’t be too hard on yourself

No parent is perfect, so do not beat yourself up too long for being a “horrible parent”.

Instead, focus on correcting your mistake and finding a solution. >

Admit mistakes and apologise

Once you and your child have calmed down somewhat, gently talk about what you regret and apologise for your mistake.

Ask for a “do over” and try to make things right.



This can be a great opportunity to demonstrate forgiveness and humility to your child. > Reconnect with your child

Let your child express how he feels.

Be open, present and willing to listen and engage with him.

Try to put yourself in his shoes and see (and feel) from his point of view.

This will build empathy and a deeper understanding to reconnect with one another.

> Aim to be better

Focus on self-improvement as a person and parent.

Learn to regulate your own emotions by practising self-compassion and learning to stay centred whenever there is a crisis in your household.

Loving your child starts with loving yourself.

It is part of human nature to make mistakes.

In our lifetime, we will (or should) exchange apologies and forgiveness countless times, including as a parent.

The important thing is to acknowledge that a mistake has been made and to learn from it, make amends, reconcile and gradually develop to be a better parent and individual.

- Alexius Cheang is a behavioural psychologist. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email starhealth@ thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information. 

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The problem is NOT China, but the US: Mr Blinken really had ' blinkers on ' by Vijay Prashad

Vijay Prashad Warns Biden Is “Doubling Down” on Trump's ...

 Beijing has accused the U.S. of perpetuating a Cold War mentality as President Joe Biden and senior administration officials shore up alliances in the Pacific region to counter China’s growing influence and increasingly describe the country as a geopolitical threat. Vijay Prashad, director of Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research, says the “bellicose” tone out of Washington is not because the U.S. sees China as a military threat, but because China threatens U.S. dominance in the scientific, technological and diplomatic spheres. “It’s very chilling what the U.S. government is doing in ramping up this cold war,” says Prashad. #DemocracyNow

Writer: Vijay Prashad, the Indian Historian, Journalist.... ` Title: Mr Blinken really had ' blinkers on ' .

The problem is NOT China, but the US

` The US has conned the world for far too long, with its smooth and sweet rhetorics through the control of the media, with grandiose moral high grounds of human rights, freedom of speech, democracy etc., when itself is among the chief violators, not only in the US itself but throughout the world.

` The US on false pretexts bombed up Libya, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Yemen ( through its proxies) among others, created the human refugees catastrophe for which Europe had to bear the brunt of handling it.

` The US for decades had been an Evil Empire ,its actually the bull in the China shop.

` It has also destabilized many Latin American countries, and now karma has shown up at its own southern borders with refugees.

` I agree that Mr Blinken is a better looking version ( Version 2) of Mike Pompeo , but they are the same, carrying out the wishes of the American Military Complex.

` The Americans don't follow any international law or order, though they keep pontifying about it.

` They are above the laws and do what they like.

` In short, they are the big bully and now the rogue on the International Stage.

` At the recent meeting in Alaska, the US delegation was told to f...off, China gave the US a longer lecture in rebuttal.

` The US asked China not to bully America's lap dog Australia by imposing tariffs on Australian goods, but it’s ok for the US to impose tariffs on Chinese goods.

` The Australians are now feeling the pinch and the US is now trying to get Australia out of the ditch... more crudely out of the shit that the Americans pushed the Australians into.

` The world now needs China more than China needs the world ... that's a debate by itself, for another day.

` The US has resorted back to gunboat diplomacy.

` Apart from forming Quad, the US had asked and Britain and France had both just obliged by each sending a warship into the Pacific Ocean, from its very depleted fleet.

` This time round, China will not be intimidated. The Americans are sadly mistaken, that just because the West won the Cold War against the Soviet Union, they can win the Cold War, the Trade War against China.

` China is the giant that Napolean forsawed will awake one day and it has now woken up.

` China has delivered 700 to 900 million people out of poverty whereas more and more Americans have fallen below the poverty line. Is food and shelter, not a basic human right ?

` CHINA's progress did not come from the exploitation of other countries, like colonisation, rape and plunder and destruction of other countries, but through the hard work and the sweats toils and tears of the Chinese peasants and people.

` Don't forget the suffering of the 60 million 'Lost/ Damaged generation of China. These were the children who grew up , who were ' abandoned' by their fathers and mothers who left their countryside to work in the factories in the cities and the economic zones. The children don't get to see their parents for at least a year or even longer... a tremendous social price that was being paid, so that American consumers can enjoy cheap goods.

` At rallies after rallies, Trump retched up anti China and anti Chinese sentiments by accusing China of raping, plundering and robbing Americans because of repeated annual trade deficits for years of about US 550 Billion.

` The question the world can ask is,did China point a gun at the US to force it to buy Chinese products, unlike the time the West forced China to buy its opium.

` The US bought Chinese goods because it benefitted the American Consumers.... it helped to keep inflation down in America. What Trump did not tell the American public is that each year US Companies in China reek in revenues to the tune of US 750 Billion.

` Who forced the American companies to go and operate in China?

` The West, America and Europe have developed at the expense of the AAA (African, Asian, Aboriginals) countries and peoples.. through colonization , exploitation, killings, slavery etc.

` Enough is Enough, the 500 years curse is over.

` The 21st century is the Asian century and Women will dominate.

` Biden had called Putin a Killer and President Xi a thug.

` The truth and the irrefutable fact is the Americans and the British have killed the most number of innocent people in all of human history.

` How can America, a nation of about 240 years lecture a 5000 years old, Chinese civilisation?

` The Wild Wild West foreign policy of the US will this time not work against China's Sun Tzu ‘Art of War'.

` Sadly, the US today is the world's biggest terrorist and gangster and a threat to international peace and human civilisation.

` Time for America to Repent.

` Do not be surprised if one day, Russian and Chinese missiles rained down on the US... if the US persists with its wet dreams that God created America and Mickey Mouse created the rest of the world.

` Ps . The Americans have been able to convinced the Eskimos to buy refrigerators 🤔

` I still believe the Americans planted the Covid 19 virus in Wuhan.

` Trump and Pompeo had been saying that the virus escaped from the Wuhan lab and they have the evidence. The whole world is still waiting to see the evidence.

 Source link

`

 

Title: Mr Blinken really had ' blinkers on '. Writer: Vijay Prashad Vijay Prashad, born in Calcutta, graduated from Chicago University is a renowned historian and journalist. He was the George and Martha Kellner Chair in South Asian History and a professor of International Studies at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, United States from 1996 to 2017. In 2013–2014, he was the Edward Said Chair at the American University of Beirut and has been a Senior Fellow of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs in Beirut.

` The problem is NOT China, but the US. The US has conned the world for far too long, with its smooth and sweet rhetorics through the control of the media, with grandiose moral high grounds of human rights, freedom of speech,  democracy etc., when itself is among the chief violators, not only in the US itself but throughout the world.

` The US on false pretexts bombed  Libya, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Yemen (through its proxies) among others, created the human refugees' catastrophe for which Europe had to bear the brunt of handling it.

`The US for decades had been an Evil Empire, it's actually the bull in the China shop. It has also destabilized many Latin American countries,  and now karma has shown up at its own southern borders with refugees.

` I agree that Mr Blinken is a better-looking version ( Version 2) of Mike Pompeo, but they are the same, carrying out the  American Military Industrial Complex (MIC).

` The Americans don't follow any international law or order, though they keep pontifying about it. They are above the laws and do what they like. In short, they are the big bully and now the rogue on the International Stage.  At the recent meeting in Alaska,  the US delegation was told to f...off, China gave the US a longer lecture in rebuttal.

` The US asked China not to bully America's lapdog Australia by imposing tariffs on Australian goods, but it’s ok for the US to impose tariffs on Chinese goods.  The Australians are now feeling the pinch and the US is now trying to get Australia out of the ditch... more crudely out of the shit that the Americans pushed the Australians into. 

` The world now needs China more than China needs the world ... that's a debate by itself, for another day.

` The US has resorted back to gunboat diplomacy. Apart from forming Quad, the US had asked and Britain and France had both  obliged by each sending a warship into the South China Sea, from its very depleted fleet.

` This time around, China will not be intimidated. The Americans are mistaken, that just because the West won the Cold War against the Soviet Union, they can win the Cold War, the Trade War against China.

`China is the giant that Napolean foresaw will awake one day and it has now woken up.

` China has delivered 700 to 900 million people out of poverty whereas more and more Americans have fallen below the poverty line. Is food and shelter, not a basic human right?

` CHINA's progress did not come from the exploitation of other countries, like colonisation, rape and plunder and destruction of other countries,  but through the hard work and the sweats toils and tears of the Chinese peasants and people.

` Don't forget the suffering of the 60 million 'Lost/ Damaged generation of China. These were the children who grew up, who were ' abandoned' by their fathers and mothers who left their countryside to work in the factories in the cities and the economic zones. The children don't get to see their parents for at least a year or even longer... a tremendous social price paid, so American consumers can enjoy cheap goods.

` At rallies after rallies, Trump retched up anti-China and anti-Chinese sentiments by accusing China of raping, plundering and robbing Americans because of repeated annual trade deficits for years of about US 550 Billion.

` The question the world can ask is, did China point a gun at the US to force it to buy Chinese products,  unlike the time the West forced China to buy its opium ? The US bought Chinese goods because it benefitted the American consumers and it helped  keep inflation down in America. What Trump did not tell the American public is that each year US Companies in China rake in revenues to the tune of US 750 Billion.

` Who forced the American companies to go and operate in China? The West, America and Europe have developed at the expense of the AAA (African, Asian, Aboriginals) countries and peoples.. through colonization, exploitation, killings, slavery etc. Enough is Enough, the 500 years curse is over.

` The 21st century is the Asian century and Women will dominate. Biden had called Putin a Killer and President Xi a thug. The truth and the irrefutable fact is the Americans and the British have killed the most number of innocent people in all of human history.

` How can America,  a nation of about 240 years lecture a 5000 years old, Chinese civilisation?

` The Wild Wild West foreign policy of the US will this time not work against China's Sun Tzu ‘Art of War'. Sadly,  the US today is the world's biggest terrorist and gangster and a threat to international peace and human civilisation. Time for America to Repent. 

` Do not be surprised if one day, Russian and Chinese missiles rain down on the US... if the US persists with its wet dreams that God created America and Mickey Mouse created the rest of the world.

` Ps. The Americans have been able to convince the Eskimos to buy refrigerators.

`I still believe the Americans planted the Covid 19 virus in Wuhan. Trump and Pompeo had been saying that the virus escaped from the Wuhan lab and they have the evidence. The whole world is still waiting to see the evidence.

` Meanwhile America has demolished a great part of Fort Detrick, on the pretex of renovation, to destroy evidence. Snaky bastxxd 

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U.S. reported 1.35 million COVID-19 cases in a day, shattering global record

` Source: Worldometer - www.worldometers.info   Weekly Trends - Graphs - Countries - News   Get the latest information from the WHO a...

America’s 5 Stages of Grief Over China’s Rise; Trump and wife test positive for Covid-19

  

 Time to stop bullying....China has no reason to fear US suppression & threats, with the spirit of Resisting US Aggression and Aid Korea War 1950~53

 

 

U.S. reported 1.35 million COVID-19 cases in a day, shattering global record

`

Source: Worldometer - www.worldometers.info  Weekly Trends - Graphs - Countries - News

The United States reported 1.35 million new coronavirus infections on Monday, according to a Reuters tally, the highest daily total for any country in the world as the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant showed no signs of slowing.

` The previous record was 1.03 million cases on Jan. 3. A large number of cases are reported each Monday due to many states not reporting over the weekend. The seven-day average for new cases has tripled in two weeks to over 700,000 new infections a day.

` The record in new cases came the same day as the nation saw the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients also hit an all-time high, having doubled in three weeks, according to a Reuters tally.

` There were more than 136,604 people hospitalized with COVID-19, surpassing the record of 132,051 set in January last year. While the Omicron variant is potentially less severe, health officials have warned that the sheer number of infections could strain hospital systems, some of which have already suspended elective procedures as they struggle to handle the increase in patients and staff shortages.

` The surge in cases has disrupted schools, which are struggling with absences of staff, teachers and bus drivers.

` Chicago canceled classes for a fourth day as the district and teachers failed to agree on how to deal with increased infections.

` New York City suspended service on three subway lines as a large number of workers were out sick, according to its Twitter account. Companies' plans for workers to return to office have also been derailed.

` Deaths are averaging 1,700 per day, up from about 1,400 in recent days but within levels seen earlier this winter.

` A redesigned COVID-19 vaccine that specifically targets the Omicron variant is likely needed, Pfizer Inc's (PFE.N) CEO said on Monday, adding his company could have one ready to launch by March.

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Covid-19: Sinovac recipients, those above 60 must get booster shots by February or have their status changed to 'incomplete', says KJ

 

 

KUALA LUMPUR: If you don't get your Covid-19 booster shot by February next year, your vaccination status may be deemed "incomplete", says Khairy Jamaluddin.

The Health Minister said the groups affected by this are those who received the Sinovac vaccine, as well as anyone who is above 60 years old.

"If these groups of individuals still have not gotten their booster shots after February 2022, their vaccination status will be changed to 'incomplete'," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Dec 16).

He said those whose status has been changed to "incomplete" would not be able to enjoy the benefits of those who have been deemed to have completed their vaccinations.

He said individuals who must get their booster shots before the end of February next year are those who had taken the Sinovac vaccine.

He added that those above 60 years old, who had taken a vaccine irrespective of the type of vaccines, will also be required to take their booster shot.

Khairy said this was in line with a recommendation by the World Health Organisation's Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) advice.

He noted that the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force — Booster (CITF-B) had approved and adopted the recommendation on Dec 8.

At present, Khairy said that Comirnaty by Pfizer-BioNTech, CoronaVac by Sinovac and AstraZeneca have been approved for use for booster shots.

The Working Technical Committee, he added, had recommended that those above 18 should get their booster shots.

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No benefits without booster

 

Get your booster: Khairy speaking at a press conference in Parliament. With him is Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: The vaccination status of those required to get their Covid-19 booster shot will be deemed “incomplete” if they fail to get their shots by February next year, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

“If these group of individuals still have not got their booster shots after February 2022, their vaccination status will be changed to ‘incomplete’,” the Health Minister told a press conference in Parliament yesterday.

He said those whose status has been changed to “incomplete” would not be able to enjoy the benefits of those who are deemed to have completed their vaccination.

Sinovac vaccine recipients are among those who must get booster shots by the February deadline.

Meanwhile, those above 60 years old, irrespective of vaccines type, will also be required to get their booster shot.

Khairy said this was in line with recommendation by the World Health Organisation’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE).

He added that the Covid-19 Immunisation Booster Task Force had approved and adopted the recommendation on Dec 8.

At present, Khairy said that the vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinovac and AstraZeneca have been approved for use as booster shots.

He added those above 18 should also get their booster shots.

Booster dosing started nationwide on Oct 13 for fully vaccinated individuals to ensure the immunity received after completing their doses can be maintained for an optimal period, especially against the Delta variant.

Last month, Khairy stressed that Malaysia could face a new wave of Covid-19 infections if the administration of booster doses was not accelerated.

In a tweet later yesterday, he said in line with the government’s effort to ramp up the booster shots vaccination drive, mega PPV (vaccination centres) will be reopened starting with the Klang Valley.

“All 60 and above or Sinovac recipients must get a booster latest by February 2022 to keep (their) fully vaccinated status.

“You will get your booster appointment on MySejahtera 180 days after the second dose (Pfizer or AstraZeneca) or 90 days after the second dose (Sinovac).

“You can also contact GPs near you at https://vaksincovid.protecthealth.com.my/find to register on the waiting list,” he said.

 

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