It’s a sign of rebellion, passion, sincerity and humanitarianism. Those born in a Tiger year are thought to possess all of these traits, and as we start a new page in the Chinese Lunar Calendar—which officially begins on February 14th—it is indeed time for the Tiger.

There are several interpretations of the Legend of the 12 Animals, which gives rise to the correlation of the year with an animal. Some say that the creatures of Earth became quarrelsome many years ago, and the Chinese god Jade Emperor decided to give each creature a year of its own. A race was ordered to determine which animal had which year, and twelve animals were chosen to participate. Cunning and sly, the Rat won the race, followed by the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Goat, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog and finally the Pig.

Others say that during the celebration of the Chinese New Year many years ago, Buddha called upon all the creatures of the land to bid him farewell before he departed the earth. To his disappointment, only 12 animals came forth. The first to arrive was the charming rat, who they say nimbly bounced off the Ox to beat him by a nose. The hard working and plodding Ox was close behind, followed by the charismatic Tiger and the rest of the animals. Buddha then declared that he would reward the animals by naming a year after each of them, and those born on that year would possess the qualities of the reigning animal.

Notable “Tigers” include American actress Marilyn Monroe, German musician Ludwig Van Beethoven, Queen Elizabeth II of England, and Hollywood star Leonardo diCaprio.

What is your sign?

For those that have yet to travel to Japan for business, there are a couple of things you should know before booking your ticket and inviting clients out to eat. Japanese culture is centered on politeness, overall respect for people, age reverence, gracious apology for wrongdoing, and living in harmony.

Foreigners, when eating out in Japanese restaurants, need to understand the basics of the Japanese dining etiquette to avoid offending the Japanese by committing a dining blunder!

There are some essential basic rules to be mindful of when dining in a Japanese restaurant. First of all, when the food is served, join your hands in the “Namaste” gesture and say quietly, “Itadakimasu” the phrase translates as “I humbly receive.” The gesture is an expression of gratitude for the collective efforts made by many in growing and preparing the meal.

If you feel you need a bit of soy sauce for your meal, you should serve yourself by pouring a small amount into your soya dish. It is considered rude to directly pour the soy sauce on your meal. If you’re having sushi, dip the sushi in the soy dish and bring it to your mouth. Avoid pouring excessive amount of soy and hovering over your dish. When eating rice or soup, you are allowed to bring the entire bowl closer to your mouth so that you don’t spill any food. In addition, it is considered rude to burp at the table unlike in some other Asian cultures like Chinese or Korean, where it can be received as a sign of satisfaction.

As for the chopsticks, never put your chopsticks in a bowl of rice because it resembles the burning of incense sticks at a Japanese funeral. Instead, lay your chopsticks on the chopsticks holder or at the edge of your individual plate.

At the dining table, do not pour yourself a drink but rather serve others at the table. Another thoughtful person should pour your drink for you when you are finished serving.

At the end of the meal, thank the chef by saying “Gochisosama deshita!” Thank you for this great meal!

Get all the latest info on the newest innovations within the world of mass media. Whoever geeks out at the latest technology and innovations in the market should easily be able to spot out Kindle. Kindle is a software and hardware device that stores and downloads e-books and digital media. It is a thin, lightweight, electronic reading device that you can take anywhere to download your favorite books, newspapers or magazines. In 2007, the internet’s largest bookseller, amazon.com, introduced Kindle to the market.

The Kindle screen simulates paper, and you can read it even in bright sunlight with no glare whatsoever. One of the features of the device is its slim model. Kindle is just over 1/3 of an inch thick. Another feature is its light weight where it’s only 10.2 ounces. In addition to that, you can store over 1500 books in your Kindle, so it has plenty of space. Kindle also has a long battery life as you might be able to read for days without recharging. Moreover, with your wireless 3G mobile phone you can download new books anytime and anywhere. There’s even a “Read to Me Feature” where you can set the Kindle to read text to you whenever you want to give your eyes a break.

Definitely one of the coolest gadgets to come out in a very long time!

Got Talent is one of the most popular TV series of the last several years, broadcasted on hundreds of channels around the world. It has captured the interest of all of those who are gifted with a talent—and even many that aren’t. The concept started in the UK by host Simon Cowell, although it was America’s Got Talent that cemented the show as an international platform for singers, dancers, musicians, magicians, comedians, and other performers of all ages.

In a recent move to bring the series closer to local audiences, MBC group has partnered with the Got Talent franchise in order to give the Arab world the chance to show off their talents to a wider public. Casting calls are being made in the month of March and are open to peoples of all ages and all backgrounds (provided they can speak Arabic).

In previous seasons of the Got Talent show, we have seen acts that have both horrified and amazed audiences, with judges screaming everything from rude obscenities to YES YOU CAN! Notable acts like Susan Boyle—who was mocked the moment she was on stage—broke all conventions after just a few seconds on stage, leaving the crowd’s eyes wide open and jaws dropped from her incredible voice. Maybe one of you out there can do the same…

During the first season of Arabs Got Talent, which will be aired on MBC4, the public can register online and will be chosen accordingly by talent and availabilities. From heartfelt performances to hilarious gags, we can’t wait to see who’s got talent in the Arab world!

Get on stage at http://riyadhciti.com/2010/02/arabs-got-talent/.

If you spend most of your time at a desk or sitting in meetings, you know that it takes a lot of work to maintain a healthy physique that you can be proud of. While exercising and sleeping are extremely important, there’s no denying that you are what you eat. A lot of research has been conducted regarding the diet plan in respect to one’s body, and we recently discovered that there are also plans depending on one’s blood type. A well-known concept “Blood Type Diet” is a plan based on the research conducted by Dr. Peter D’Adamo, and some of us at O2 have decided to give it a try. Maybe it will for you!

Type A should basically stick to fruits and vegetables (high carbs / low fat). They have thicker blood than other blood types, a sensitive immune system, and should not consume dairy products, animal fats and meats. They are at a heightened risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

Type B should consume a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables, grains, fish, dairy, meat. However, they should avoid chicken as much as possible. Type B have great chances of overcoming many types of diseases that include heart disease and cancer.

Type AB individuals should consume a mostly vegetarian diet, and only on rare occasions have fish, meat, and diary. Just like type B, they should not consume chicken.

Type O, which is the most common blood type among people, should basically stick to a high protein diet that includes red meat, low carbs, and enriched with fruits and vegetables. They should limit the intake of wheat germ, whole wheat products, corn, and avoid dairy products and most nuts. Type O types are commonly affected with hypothyroidism, high stomach acid that leads to ulcers, and thinner blood with greater resistance to blood clotting.

Choosing the right snacks for your office breaks is incredibly important to maintain a good work/life balance. If you don’t know your blood type, go to your local doctor and find out today! It could be the key to a healthier you…

It’s a sign of rebellion, passion, sincerity and humanitarianism. Those born in a Tiger year are thought to possess all of these traits, and as we start a new page in the Chinese Lunar Calendar—which officially begins on February 14th—it is indeed time for the Tiger.

There are several interpretations of the Legend of the 12 Animals, which gives rise to the correlation of the year with an animal. Some say that the creatures of Earth became quarrelsome many years ago, and the Chinese god Jade Emperor decided to give each creature a year of its own. A race was ordered to determine which animal had which year, and twelve animals were chosen to participate. Cunning and sly, the Rat won the race, followed by the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Goat, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog and finally the Pig.

Others say that during the celebration of the Chinese New Year many years ago, Buddha called upon all the creatures of the land to bid him farewell before he departed the earth. To his disappointment, only 12 animals came forth. The first to arrive was the charming rat, who they say nimbly bounced off the Ox to beat him by a nose. The hard working and plodding Ox was close behind, followed by the charismatic Tiger and the rest of the animals. Buddha then declared that he would reward the animals by naming a year after each of them, and those born on that year would possess the qualities of the reigning animal.

Notable “Tigers” include American actress Marilyn Monroe, German musician Ludwig Van Beethoven, Queen Elizabeth II of England, and Hollywood star Leonardo diCaprio.

What is your sign?

As the concerns about the global warming and climate changes affect all of us around the globe, the UAE has established its own unique approach to encourage public awareness and resource conservation. On February 17, 2009, The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS) and Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) launched a campaign centered on the websitewww.heroesoftheuae.ae.

The aim of this campaign is for everyone around the UAE to take action in being energy efficient and to raise awareness of the shortages of energy resources. The campaigns website contains a forum for the public to show their support for saving energy. Despite the many serious environmental problems lingering in the world, this website points out available and successful solutions adopted by everyday people.

The website features many graphics and animated images that explain the energy and environmental situation in a very simple manner. Cool features also include a list of energy saving tips and a calculator that can tell how households can save on their consumption. Other sections of the website show “green” case studies, some facts about the main issues in UAE, and competitions and quizzes for schools children.

This campaign really is a thoughtful gesture from the UAE for the sake of saving our planet. As they say, everyone should act now because anyone can be a hero.

Many online matchmakers have made a fortune from the millions of digital users around the world. With high hopes, users tend to use such website to meet their significant other or their soul mates. Try as they might, many of these endeavors end unsuccessfully.

Online dating sites are now going to the extreme with their methodologies, using methods such as genetic testing or brain chemistry questionnaires that aim to let the users know more about their partner.

Companies such as Scientificmatch.com have a fee of $2000 for life which uses a DNA sample from a person to test for compatibility with partners. Another website following the trace is Chemistry.com. The website develops a questionnaire by a biological anthropologist to match up registered users for only $50 per month.

It may sound silly, but the industry of online dating makes $976 million a year! Either online dating is actually working for some, or bachelors just have too much extra cash that don’t know where to spend it. With the insignificant fee that some website are requesting, it would be a lot less expensive than going out for dinner. Something to think about for the future…

For those that have yet to travel to Japan for business, there are a couple of things you should know before booking your ticket and inviting clients out to eat. Japanese culture is centered on politeness, overall respect for people, age reverence, gracious apology for wrongdoing, and living in harmony.

Foreigners, when eating out in Japanese restaurants, need to understand the basics of the Japanese dining etiquette to avoid offending the Japanese by committing a dining blunder!

There are some essential basic rules to be mindful of when dining in a Japanese restaurant. First of all, when the food is served, join your hands in the “Namaste” gesture and say quietly, “Itadakimasu” the phrase translates as “I humbly receive.” The gesture is an expression of gratitude for the collective efforts made by many in growing and preparing the meal.

If you feel you need a bit of soy sauce for your meal, you should serve yourself by pouring a small amount into your soya dish. It is considered rude to directly pour the soy sauce on your meal. If you’re having sushi, dip the sushi in the soy dish and bring it to your mouth. Avoid pouring excessive amount of soy and hovering over your dish. When eating rice or soup, you are allowed to bring the entire bowl closer to your mouth so that you don’t spill any food. In addition, it is considered rude to burp at the table unlike in some other Asian cultures like Chinese or Korean, where it can be received as a sign of satisfaction.

As for the chopsticks, never put your chopsticks in a bowl of rice because it resembles the burning of incense sticks at a Japanese funeral. Instead, lay your chopsticks on the chopsticks holder or at the edge of your individual plate.

At the dining table, do not pour yourself a drink but rather serve others at the table. Another thoughtful person should pour your drink for you when you are finished serving.

At the end of the meal, thank the chef by saying “Gochisosama deshita!” Thank you for this great meal!

Many online matchmakers have made a fortune from the millions of digital users around the world. With high hopes, users tend to use such website to meet their significant other or their soul mates. Try as they might, many of these endeavors end unsuccessfully.

Online dating sites are now going to the extreme with their methodologies, using methods such as genetic testing or brain chemistry questionnaires that aim to let the users know more about their partner.

Companies such as Scientificmatch.com have a fee of $2000 for life which uses a DNA sample from a person to test for compatibility with partners. Another website following the trace is Chemistry.com. The website develops a questionnaire by a biological anthropologist to match up registered users for only $50 per month.

It may sound silly, but the industry of online dating makes $976 million a year! Either online dating is actually working for some, or bachelors just have too much extra cash that don’t know where to spend it. With the insignificant fee that some website are requesting, it would be a lot less expensive than going out for dinner. Something to think about for the future…